INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Welcome to the BG Counseling Program's Parent Information Page.
On this page you will find information that we feel is helpful for parents to make informed decisions about their child's education, emotional well-being, and future.
On this page you will find information that we feel is helpful for parents to make informed decisions about their child's education, emotional well-being, and future.
Graduation Requirements – 28 Credits, as follows:
- 4 Units of Credit each in Religion, English, Mathematics - 3 Units of Credit each in Social Studies and Science - 2 Additional Credits in either Social Studies, Science or combination - 2 Units of Credit in Arts/Humanities - 1.5 Credit in Health and Physical Education - 5 Credits in Career Focus/Elective Courses - Christian Service (25 hours per year) - Attend yearly retreat Students are responsible for making sure they have the credits necessary to graduate. *VoTech students need to meet with their counselor to discuss what classes they need to take each year in order to be on track for graduation. Click here for GACTC student requirements. ** Transfer students need a religion credit for each year they attend BG. |
Scheduling Information
What Do Colleges Want to See?
In relation to recommended courses students should take in high school, colleges vary on their admissions criteria. However, here are some basic guidelines to follow:
- 4 years of English
- 4+ years of Science
-Two years of science with a lab
-Chemistry and biology are recommended
- 4+ years of Social Studies
- 4 years of Math
- 2+ years of the same foreign language
-Many schools are now recommending three to four years.
- 5+ elective courses.
Choosing Electives:
It is recommended that you pick electives that align with the career/major you wish to pursue after high school.
-Business: Wall Street 101, Accounting, Multimedia, Public Speaking/Journalism, Probability and Statistics, Psychology, Sociology, Foreign Language
-Science/Medicine/Nursing: AP Biology,AP Chemistry, Environmental Sustainability, Ecology, AP Environmental, Anatomy and Physiology, Forensics, AP Physics, Physics, Probability and Statistics, Microbiology, Foreign Language,
-Engineering/Architecture: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, AP Physics, Physics, Probability and Statistics, Foreign Language, Art Lab, Fundamentals of Computer Science/Coding, Visual Basic, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, Introduction to Engineering and Stem
-Human Services/Education: Public Speaking/Journalism, Multimedia/Web Design, Psychology, Sociology, AP Psychology, Exploring World Cultures, Foreign Language, Intro to Exceptionalities
-Information Technology/Graphic Arts: Multimedia/Web Design, Art Lab, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Principles, Fundamentals of Computer Science and Coding, C++, Visual Basic, 2D Multi Media Design, AP Studio Art Drawing, Art Lab, Painting 101
-Visual/Performing Arts: Chorus, Band, AP Music Theory, Public Speaking/Journalism, Sociology, Psychology, Physical Education, 2D Multi Media Design, AP Studio Art Drawing, Art Lab, Painting 101, Exploring World Cultures
-Law/Criminal Justice: Probability and Statistics, Sociology, Psychology, AP World History, AP US History, AP European History, Foreign Language, Public Speaking/Journalism, Introduction to Exceptionalities, AP Psychology
-Undecided: In general if you are undecided about what you want to pursue in college, choosing a mix of academic electives is a smart choice. Many schools are interested in seeing their students take challenging high school classes, regardless of the major the student is pursuing.
What Do Colleges Want to See?
In relation to recommended courses students should take in high school, colleges vary on their admissions criteria. However, here are some basic guidelines to follow:
- 4 years of English
- 4+ years of Science
-Two years of science with a lab
-Chemistry and biology are recommended
- 4+ years of Social Studies
- 4 years of Math
- 2+ years of the same foreign language
-Many schools are now recommending three to four years.
- 5+ elective courses.
Choosing Electives:
It is recommended that you pick electives that align with the career/major you wish to pursue after high school.
-Business: Wall Street 101, Accounting, Multimedia, Public Speaking/Journalism, Probability and Statistics, Psychology, Sociology, Foreign Language
-Science/Medicine/Nursing: AP Biology,AP Chemistry, Environmental Sustainability, Ecology, AP Environmental, Anatomy and Physiology, Forensics, AP Physics, Physics, Probability and Statistics, Microbiology, Foreign Language,
-Engineering/Architecture: Calculus AB, Calculus BC, AP Physics, Physics, Probability and Statistics, Foreign Language, Art Lab, Fundamentals of Computer Science/Coding, Visual Basic, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, Introduction to Engineering and Stem
-Human Services/Education: Public Speaking/Journalism, Multimedia/Web Design, Psychology, Sociology, AP Psychology, Exploring World Cultures, Foreign Language, Intro to Exceptionalities
-Information Technology/Graphic Arts: Multimedia/Web Design, Art Lab, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Principles, Fundamentals of Computer Science and Coding, C++, Visual Basic, 2D Multi Media Design, AP Studio Art Drawing, Art Lab, Painting 101
-Visual/Performing Arts: Chorus, Band, AP Music Theory, Public Speaking/Journalism, Sociology, Psychology, Physical Education, 2D Multi Media Design, AP Studio Art Drawing, Art Lab, Painting 101, Exploring World Cultures
-Law/Criminal Justice: Probability and Statistics, Sociology, Psychology, AP World History, AP US History, AP European History, Foreign Language, Public Speaking/Journalism, Introduction to Exceptionalities, AP Psychology
-Undecided: In general if you are undecided about what you want to pursue in college, choosing a mix of academic electives is a smart choice. Many schools are interested in seeing their students take challenging high school classes, regardless of the major the student is pursuing.
College Visits at Bishop Guilfoyle
Each Fall, BG welcomes between 20 to 30 different area college representatives. All students are allowed to attend up to three of these informational meetings. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the college, ask specific questions, and to identify themselves to the college. The college visit schedule is posted in the counseling office.
Students are permitted to visit colleges/military schools/technical schools during the school year as well. Students should contact the admissions office to set up a school tour and meeting. Students should try to schedule these meetings after school or on the weekend. All students are permitted to attend three college visits during the school year, during the school day. To attend, students must complete a college visit form, which can be obtained in the counseling office. This form must be turned in to the main office prior to the absence.
Each Fall, BG welcomes between 20 to 30 different area college representatives. All students are allowed to attend up to three of these informational meetings. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about the college, ask specific questions, and to identify themselves to the college. The college visit schedule is posted in the counseling office.
Students are permitted to visit colleges/military schools/technical schools during the school year as well. Students should contact the admissions office to set up a school tour and meeting. Students should try to schedule these meetings after school or on the weekend. All students are permitted to attend three college visits during the school year, during the school day. To attend, students must complete a college visit form, which can be obtained in the counseling office. This form must be turned in to the main office prior to the absence.
Reading Specialist and Academic Support Services
Reading Specialist: For students in grade nine, Bishop Guilfoyle has secured the services of a Reading Specialist from the Intermediate Unit 8. Students will be taught by Mrs. Erin Stout, during a daily, one period reading course. Students in need of these services may be self referred, teacher referred or parent referred. Referrals for this service can be made to the counseling office or to Mrs. Stout at [email protected].
Tutoring Services: Teachers are available daily after school for tutoring from 2:30-3:05pm. Students are expected to make arrangements with the teacher prior to staying after school for tutoring. Student tutors are available as well, if a student would like a peer tutor they should see their counselor about setting up the services. If you cannot keep your commitments for an tutoring session, you should let your teacher or peer tutor know in advance; 24 hours is appreciated especially for peer tutors who will often need transportation arrangements.
Reading Specialist: For students in grade nine, Bishop Guilfoyle has secured the services of a Reading Specialist from the Intermediate Unit 8. Students will be taught by Mrs. Erin Stout, during a daily, one period reading course. Students in need of these services may be self referred, teacher referred or parent referred. Referrals for this service can be made to the counseling office or to Mrs. Stout at [email protected].
Tutoring Services: Teachers are available daily after school for tutoring from 2:30-3:05pm. Students are expected to make arrangements with the teacher prior to staying after school for tutoring. Student tutors are available as well, if a student would like a peer tutor they should see their counselor about setting up the services. If you cannot keep your commitments for an tutoring session, you should let your teacher or peer tutor know in advance; 24 hours is appreciated especially for peer tutors who will often need transportation arrangements.
Personal/Social/Emotional Counseling
Individual Meetings
Individual personal counseling is a vital function of the school counseling program aimed at helping students to explore themselves in order to foster personal growth and understanding. Students are welcome to visit the counseling office at any time during the school day. However, students are encouraged to sign up to see the counselor or to make an appointment prior to first period. Students can come to the counseling office to talk about any issue they are facing, topics could include: bullying, stress, peer drama, traumatic events, academic concerns, employment, financial aid assistance, interest inventories, career planning, college admissions guidance, etc.
In addition to any meetings set up by the student, the counselor often calls students to the office for a variety of reasons. Each student has at least one formal individual meeting per year with the counselor which consists of discussing current academic standing, social needs, and family dynamics; each grade level also receives individual counseling in the following areas:
Individual Meetings
Individual personal counseling is a vital function of the school counseling program aimed at helping students to explore themselves in order to foster personal growth and understanding. Students are welcome to visit the counseling office at any time during the school day. However, students are encouraged to sign up to see the counselor or to make an appointment prior to first period. Students can come to the counseling office to talk about any issue they are facing, topics could include: bullying, stress, peer drama, traumatic events, academic concerns, employment, financial aid assistance, interest inventories, career planning, college admissions guidance, etc.
In addition to any meetings set up by the student, the counselor often calls students to the office for a variety of reasons. Each student has at least one formal individual meeting per year with the counselor which consists of discussing current academic standing, social needs, and family dynamics; each grade level also receives individual counseling in the following areas:
- Jr. High/Freshmen: Adjustment to Bishop Guilfoyle (December-February)
- Sophomores: Matching electives to post-high school plans, PSAT Results (March-May)
- Juniors: PSAT score results, College Planning (December-February)
- Seniors: Post high school plans (September- November)
Classroom Guidance Lessons
Each month, each student receives at least one classroom guidance lesson taught by the school counselor. During these sessions students are encouraged to focus on their own personal, social, academic, and career development. Lessons are tailored to the age group being taught; below is a sample of the curriculum by grade level (subject to change):
Each month, each student receives at least one classroom guidance lesson taught by the school counselor. During these sessions students are encouraged to focus on their own personal, social, academic, and career development. Lessons are tailored to the age group being taught; below is a sample of the curriculum by grade level (subject to change):
- Freshmen: Bullying/Cyber Bullying; Transition to High School; Legacy; Study Skills
- Sophomore: Job Applications; Healthy/Unhealthy Relationships; Career Exploration
- Junior: Mock Job Interviews; SAT/ACT Planning; Pinpointing Your Passion
- Senior: Letters of Recommendation; Transition to Life After High School; Stereotypes
Small Group Counseling
During the school year, we are constantly accessing the needs of our student body. When we see that a certain challenge is facing a number of our students we offer small group counseling. Small groups can be formed for a variety of concerns, such as: grief and loss, time management, social skills, organization, anxiety, stress, anger management, and relational aggression. These groups usually run after school from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
During the school year, we are constantly accessing the needs of our student body. When we see that a certain challenge is facing a number of our students we offer small group counseling. Small groups can be formed for a variety of concerns, such as: grief and loss, time management, social skills, organization, anxiety, stress, anger management, and relational aggression. These groups usually run after school from 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Confidentiality Statement:
Information that a student shares with the school counselor in the counseling setting is considered confidential. This information is not disclosed without permission of the student, unless: (1) a student is a harm to self; (2) a student is being harmed; or (3) a student is a harm to others. These three reasons follow Bishop Guilfoyle's policies and procedures to break confidentiality, as well as meet the requirements for mandated reporting by the state of Pennsylvania.
Information that a student shares with the school counselor in the counseling setting is considered confidential. This information is not disclosed without permission of the student, unless: (1) a student is a harm to self; (2) a student is being harmed; or (3) a student is a harm to others. These three reasons follow Bishop Guilfoyle's policies and procedures to break confidentiality, as well as meet the requirements for mandated reporting by the state of Pennsylvania.