RE college counseling kicks off process with ninth-grade families

The evening for parents at the Lewis Family Auditorium included opening remarks by Interim Head of School Rachel Rodriguez and guidance on academic planning from COO and Interim Head of the Upper School David Clark '86. "Before you know it, [your children] will be ready," Rodriguez said. "The reimagination of our college counseling office has allowed us the opportunity to begin the process today."

Members of the college counseling office have offered grade-level-appropriate programming for all upper school families to ensure all are prepared for the college process. The event for ninth-grade families was followed by a program called Nuts and Bolts II for Sophomore Parents on March 2. At both events, Locke shared information about an office recently bolstered by the addition of seven new counselors and an essay-writing specialist, and discussed how the team would be working with students to identify their personal stories and "headlines."

"We want students to find a place where they can dig deep and excel," he said on Feb. 9.

Locke supplied parents with six "takeaways" and a four-year timeline to help them prepare for the road ahead. The most important thing during the ninth-grade year, he said, was to establish a strong foundation and good habits in and out of the classroom. Clark advised parents to listen to their children, allow them to direct their journeys, and be responsive when they express excitement about academic or other endeavors. He also encouraged a low-pressure approach.

"When they're excited, they will perform," Clark said. "The one thing I want you to do right away is relax. I promise you, it's going to be just fine."