Counseling and College Center
Counseling & College Center
The Counseling and College Center of St. Francis High School shares in the general philosophy of the school in its respect for the uniqueness of each student and her right and responsibility to achieve her potential. Our commitment is to educate the whole student by providing an environment where students achieve their highest potential through intellectual, social, and spiritual development.
We strive to encourage individuals to grow in awareness of their potential and to become lifelong learners with the capacity to be successful in a rapidly changing world. A distinguishing strength of the St. Francis Counseling and College Center is our model of assigning students a consistent counselor to work with throughout the entire high school experience. This connection nurtures our students as they transition through the academic and social expectations of high school. Additionally, this four-year perspective makes the college counseling process more personal, enabling our students to find the best individual college fit.
Learn More About Our Programs Below
Counseling & College Newsletter – 12/4/2024
As we approach the end of the first semester and get ready for final exams, it’s important for Troubies to remember the value of balance. This time of year can feel overwhelming, with projects, assignments, test preparations and college applications all coming at once. However, it’s crucial to maintain a healthy balance between studies and well-being. Remember, finals are important, but mental and physical health are just as vital. Troubies should find time to relax and enjoy small moments of joy. They have made it this far, and with balance and focus, will finish strong. See below for some tips on managing the rest of the semester, and remember that the Counseling and College Center staff are here for support.
Tips to Help Troubies Manage the Coming Weeks:
- Stay Organized: Create a study schedule to break down your tasks. Prioritize based on deadlines and exam dates, and set realistic goals for each day.
- Take Breaks: While it might seem like you need to study non-stop, remember that your brain needs rest. Take short breaks every hour to recharge and stay focused.
- Stay Active: Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress. Whether it’s a walk, some stretching, or a quick workout, moving your body can help clear your mind and boost your energy.
- Sleep Well: Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours to allow your brain to rest and retain information.
- Reach Out for Support: If you’re feeling stressed, don’t hesitate to talk to your Counselor.
Counseling & College Newsletter – 11/5/2024
Happy Fall! Our Troubies have successfully navigated Quarter 1 of the 2024-2025 school year. Congratulations! Quarter Report Cards can be found in PowerSchool, and these can be downloaded and used as necessary for car insurance purposes or other needs. Please remember that, for the most part, quarter grades are just a snapshot of how Troubies are doing, academically, mid-way through the semester.
Counseling & College Newsletter – 10/1/2024
Fall is in the air and the first quarter of the 2024-2025 school year is almost over. We are thankful that we were able to meet so many parents at our Parent Night Presentations in August and we also met with every student during our grade-level advisories. Counselors are currently meeting with freshmen in small groups, and meeting with sophomores, juniors, and seniors individually. And even though Troubie College Week is behind us, college representatives continue to visit SFHS during the month of October.
Counseling & College Newsletter – 9/3/2024
The school year is off to a great start! We have met with numerous parents at our parent presentations as well as Back-to-School night, and by the end of the month we will have presented important information to all grade levels through our grade-level advisory sessions.
Counseling & College Newsletter – 8/15/2024
Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year!
The Counseling and College Center consists of three Counselors, two College Advisors, an Administrative Assistant and the school’s Registrar. We are happy to announce and welcome our newest Counselor, Ms. Wendy Mok. All of us work closely with the Wellness Counselor and the Learning Support Specialist to provide a holistic approach to advising and caring for students and supporting parents.
Counselors:
Ms. Nora Anderson ‘83
Ms. Wendy Mok
Mr. Joe Poggi P’15
College Advisors:
Ms. Debbie Austin
Ms. Naomi Lee P’11
Administrative Assistant:
Ms. Sunny Rivera P’23
Registrar:
Ms. Sarah Cornell P’24
Counseling & College Newsletter – 5/14/2024
As the school year comes to a close, saying goodbye to the Class of 2024 is bittersweet; we will miss the Tinkerbells! While they are preparing for their future endeavors, we hope all other students are preparing for a fun and engaging summer. Check out the ideas below on making the most of your time off. We can’t wait to see you again in August! It’s great to be an SF Troubadour!
Counseling & College Newsletter – 4/9/2024
We hope everyone had a restful Easter break. These next seven weeks will go by quickly and it will be summer before we know it! A lot is happening in the last few months of school, so check the SFHS calendar often (and read your Counseling and College newsletters) so you don’t miss anything.
Counseling & College Newsletter – 3/12/2024
Are you already thinking about summer? Do you want to get ahead in the college process? Summer at St. Francis has you covered! SFHS college advisors Ms. Austin and Ms. Lee are offering two week-long summer courses. College Roadmap for the McQueens is for rising sophomores and a College Application Workshop rising seniors. St. Francis is also offering a College Essay Writing Workshop for rising seniors, led by English Department Chair and teacher, Mrs.
Counseling & College Newsletter – 2/13/2024
Spring semester is here, so quickly! Seniors are lining up their college decisions and enjoying their last days of high school. Here at the Counseling & College Center, our counselors are following up with our continuing students, and our college advisors have launched the college meetings with the Venelopes! For any student needing academic support – check out the CSF Peer Tutor List that was just shared, and as always, stop in and see your Counselor!
Counseling & College Newsletter – 1/9/2024
Welcome to 2024! Everyone in the Counseling and College Center hopes you and your family enjoyed a relaxing break. All grade levels, except our Seniors, have at least one mandatory advisory session this month. Please read through the newsletter and mark your calendar for these and other important dates. Let’s make this next semester the best one yet!
Counseling & College Newsletter – 8/8/2023
Welcome to the 2023-24 school year! The start of something new can be overwhelming, but rest assured every member of the St. Francis Counseling and College Center is here for you. One way we’ll be accomplishing this is through our new late-start advisory sessions.
Counseling & College Newsletter – 7/11/2023
Welcome to our first monthly Counseling & College Newsletter. Look for it on the second Tuesday of each month.
The Counseling and College Center consists of three class counselors, two college advisors, an administrative assistant, and the school’s registrar. We work closely with the wellness counselor and the learning support specialist to provide a holistic approach to advising and caring for students and supporting parents.