Counseling Department
The counseling staff at First Baptist School work to help students develop an educational program that matches their self-characteristics, to gain competencies needed to plan for post-high school decisions, and to develop effective human relationship skills that enhance participation in their roles as student, worker, family member, and community member.
HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING
2051 GEORGE L. GRIFFITH BLVD.
Counseling Overview
The goal of the School Counseling Team is to assist our students in making academic, personal, and career decisions that will allow them to reach their full potential. Every student is unique and as counselors it is our job to:
-
Help our students recognize their individual strengths and talents.
-
Work with students, teachers and families to plan an appropriate program of study that will allow the student to challenge his or herself to the best of their ability and explore their individual interests.
-
Assist our students in finding post-secondary opportunities that will help them reach their goals and become productive members of our society.
We also seek to assist our students with the daily challenges they face as adolescents. Students are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss any concerns they may have, whether they are of an academic or personal nature.
The School Counseling Team is a resource for parents as well. Our goal as counselors is to work with you as you navigate your child's educational journey throughout the high school years. It is our hope that you find our office “user-friendly” and a pleasant place to visit.
Counseling Department
As a college preparatory school, First Baptist School is strongly committed to helping each student with college planning. Our dedicated 9-12 College Counselor, Mrs. Shannon Roy, provides years of guidance and knowledge on the college admissions process and helping our students plan their futures beyond First Baptist School. Mrs. Roy works closely with each student throughout their high school career, not only ensuring that students are on track to graduate but that they are prepared to enter into life after First Baptist School.
Mr. Jon Durham is our K-12 School Counselor/Campus Minister. School Counselors assist students with mental health issues, behavioral issues, positive behavioral supports, academic and classroom support. School Counselors collaborate and consult with teachers, parents, child protective services and other community agencies. School Counselors also provide individual and group counseling. Mr. Durham provides counseling to our high school students as needed. Please feel free to contact him to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your student at durhamj@fbschool.org or you can reach him at Ext. 1102.
Students are encouraged to seek assistance when needed. The administrative assistants, staff, teachers and administration are all resources for students with questions and concerns. They respond carefully and willingly to student inquiries and needs. Throughout the curriculum, opportunities for the development of educational, career, and personal/social competencies are provided.
Latest Counseling News
Counseling Timelines
Freshman Year
-
Challenge yourself academically. Colleges make admissions decisions based on grades beginning in the freshman year.
-
Get involved in extracurricular activities through school, church and/or the community. Find something that interests you. Depth of involvement is more important than being involved in many activities.
-
Take the PSAT when it is offered on campus in October. This is an important test, so take it seriously.
-
Make a list of all activities, awards, honors, volunteer hours and work experiences. This list will be a “living document” that will be added to annually. It will be invaluable when you complete applications in your senior year.
-
Visit colleges with your family during summer vacation to start thinking about post secondary opportunities.
Sophomore Year
-
Continue to challenge yourself academically.
-
Continue involvement in extracurricular activities.
-
Update your activities document from freshman year.
-
Take the PSAT when it is offered on campus in October. It’s an important practice test for the SAT. Attend local college fairs.
-
Meet with admissions representatives when they visit campus. This is a great way to learn a lot about a college in a short period of time.
-
Visit colleges with your family during summer vacation.
Junior Year
-
Take grades seriously, they represent your work ethic. Most college decisions will be based on grades earned through the junior year.
-
Challenge yourself with higher level courses.
-
Seek leadership positions in extracurricular activities.
-
Update your activities document from sophomore year.
-
Attend local college fairs. They will be announced in the school newsletter.
-
Take the PSAT seriously. Scores are used to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students can only qualify for National Merit with scores from the Junior year. Sit for the ACT and/or SAT at least twice. Full details, including test prep and registration, can be found at www.collegeboard.org or www.act.org. Be sure to provide the FBS school code 410388. Providing the code enables the school to access your official scores.
-
Meet with Mrs. Roy, our school counselor to begin the college search process.
-
Meet with admissions representatives when they visit campus. This is a great way to learn a lot about a college in a short period of time.
-
Make a list of possible majors and career interests. Mrs. Roy can help identify possible areas of interest.
-
Tour college campuses with your family over school breaks and the summer.
-
Make a list of 5-7 colleges that you would like to consider applying to next year. Colleges should be well researched and chosen based on your interests and abilities.
-
Gain experience through a summer job, internship or volunteer opportunity Prospective student athletes need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at www.ncaa.org.
Senior Year
-
Return to school with a preliminary application list of colleges.
-
Establish your application timeline. Be aware of deadlines. College application deadlines vary, so be aware of the specifics of your choice. Plan your work and work your plan!
-
Meet regularly with Mrs. Roy to discuss the application process and financial aid/scholarship processes.
-
Attend local college fairs.
-
Visit college campuses. Take full advantage of all opportunities offered during the visit.
-
(Optional) Sit for the ACT and/or SAT at least once in the fall. Full details, including test prep and registration, can be found at www.collegeboard.org or www.act.org. Be sure to provide the FBS school code 410388. Providing the code enables the school to access your official scores.
-
Meet with admissions representatives when they visit campus. If you plan to apply to a particular college, you need to make every effort to attend when they send a representative to FBS.
-
Apply to colleges (this is the fun part!)
-
File the FAFSA as soon as possible when the application opens October 1. The website will be announced in the Counseling Update when it is available.
-
Compare and contrast all college offers.
-
Make a deposit as soon as a college decision is made.