COUNSELING
Mrs. Eugenia Yrene School Counselor
Mr. Jeff Tintle
Ms. Mary McCullough
School/Athletic Counselor
School Counselor/Testing Coordinator
Mrs. Teresa George
School/Career Counselor
Bishop Amat recognizes the many needs that young people have today. Growing up can be a challenging experience, and we are committed to helping students reach their academic potential and be prepared for life beyond high school. School counselors are available on campus throughout the day and after school. The counseling program fosters the values that enable our youth to understand themselves and others. We encourage our students to assume personal responsibility for their behavior as well as for their intellectual growth and development in keeping with their talents and abilities. School counselors make an effort to meet with all students at various times during the school year. Additional efforts are made if students are doing poorly at a grading period, to explain the registration process, to go over course selections, to find out what students’ future plans are and to help with college applications. A student may request an appointment with his/her counselor by using the appointment request lists that are located outside the counseling offices. The offices are located in the 400 wing.
College catalogues, brochures, computer programs, and information about businesses, careers in the military, and various professions are available to help students make informed choices as they plan for the future.
Counseling Services The mission of Bishop Amat High School is education. We do not assume the responsibilities belonging to the family and to society. The role of the school is distinct from the role of other agencies, both the Church-sponsored and community-sponsored, which provide for mental and physical health and welfare.
Inclusion Program The mission of the Bishop Amat Inclusion Program is to support the learning of all students as well as appropriately address the needs of students with specific learning needs. Students with learning difficulties can have a disability identified through comprehensive testing conducted by the public school district, with support from the Learning Specialist or private testing providers.
In addition to the regular counseling program included within the curriculum, freshmen receive an orientation to the College/Career Center to make them aware of what the facility has to offer. Juniors participate in Career Week, during which time they have many opportunities to speak to, and ask questions of, people in a large variety of careers and professions.
Teachers are not certified as counselors and refer concerns brought to their attention to the appropriate school counselor on campus. Our school counselors are experienced teachers with expertise in various specialized areas. The department offers guidance primarily in academics. In addition, school counselors can help students gain information about careers and colleges, scholarships, and financial aid for higher education.
Mr. Michael Scott College Counselor
As a Catholic school, our motive is to provide a more inclusive opportunity for a wider range of students to access a Catholic School education. Although a full range of services may not be available to every student, the school will strive to include students with varied learning needs. All educators in Catholic schools follow “Directions for the Inclusion Process in Catholic Schools: Support Team Education Plan Process (STEP).
Guidance for College Bishop Amat High School provides a comprehensive guidance program for college. It begins as the students meet with their respective school counselors each year for course selection. College information sessions for students and their parents are provided during the students’ junior year. The College Counselor is also available to meet with students individually. Each year approximately forty colleges send representatives to the Bishop Amat campus during the school day to meet with prospective applicants. All students and their parents are invited annually to attend our College Night. On this occasion, representatives from over 50 college campuses all over the United States convene to advise students and their parents about specific programs and admissions requirements. It is wise to begin college planning early; we welcome students from all grade levels and their parents to attend this helpful and informative evening. Comprehensive college information is available on the school’s website under Academics.
Parents or guardians who feel that their student may need a minor adjustment to enable him/her to participate in the general education curriculum of the school Mrs. Andrea Sanchez should reach out to the student’s teacher Inclusion Program and Learning Specialist to implement the Learning Specialist STEP process. Parents or guardians who would like information regarding steps for resolution of complaints arising out of a student’s disability may request the “Disability Discrimination Complaint Review Process” from the Principal.
College/Career Center The College/Career Center offers many programs in college and career guidance for students. Up-to-date materials acquaint the student with requirements and opportunities available in many different occupations.
The Inclusion Program seeks to work with parents, students, and teachers to create an educational plan that is appropriate for a student who has been identified with a need for academic supports. The program puts in place appropriate minor adjustments to facilitate learning in the school’s college 16
