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The Counselor CARE-ier

SSAE HS: September 2026

The CounselorCARE-ier SSAE HS: September 2026
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๐Ÿ”† Welcome Back! ๐Ÿ˜Ž

Weโ€™re excited to start a new year with you. The Student Support Services team is here to help however we can, whether you need someone to talk to, academic support, help planning for the future, or just someone to point you in the right direction. We hope you have a successful, positive, and memorable school year!


This monthly newsletter is your go-to source for important high school updates and opportunities! Each issue includes information about upcoming events, senior news, ICAP, college and career planning, scholarships, special programs, student opportunities, community resources, social-emotional supports, and more. Be sure to read it each month so you donโ€™t miss anything important!

Meet your Student Support Services Staff Meet your Student Support Services Staff

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Mrs. Katy Swann

Mrs. Swann is entering her ninth year at SSAE and her 11th year with District 49. Before becoming a high school counselor, she spent eight years working at Pikes Peak State College in the Military & Veterans Programs Office. Helping students plan for and work toward their secondary goals is her passion. She serves as the Academic Counselor for all students in grades 10โ€“12 and all high school HPP students, regardless of grade level. Mrs. Swannโ€™s office is located in Room 173. She can be reached by email at katy.swann@d49.org or by text at 719-494-8946.

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Mrs. Leslie Garza

Mrs. Garza is new to SSAE this year, but has plenty of experience and loves what she does. She has worked as a school counselor for 11 years. She is the Social-Emotional Counselor for all grade levels & the Academic Counselor for 6th-9th grade students. Her office is located in Rm 181, and she can be reached via email at leslie.garza@d49.org or by text at 719-494-8945.

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Mr. Mike Masino

Mr. Masino is entering his seventh year at SSAE and serves as the Choice & Success Advisor for The Campus. He is the go-to person for anything ICAP-related (to include internship opportunities) and supports students as they explore post-secondary goals, career pathways, and next steps after high school. With a background in Human Services, Mr. Masino brings valuable experience that helps students navigate the transition from high school into college, careers, and other post-secondary opportunities. His office is located in Room 179. He can be reached by email at michael.masino@d49.org or by text at 719-494-8907.

Getting in Touch Getting in Touch

Need to see your Counselor? ๐Ÿ“ ๐Ÿ˜ค ๐Ÿ˜€ ๐Ÿฅต ๐Ÿ˜ข

Please check in using the iPad located just outside the door, select the reason for your visit, and then return to class. Your counselor will come to get you as soon as they are available. Social-emotional emergency? Come right back to see your counselor; no need to check in and wait. Email and texting is ok too. Please give counselors adequate time to respond.

I Need Help! Who Do I Contact? I Need Help! Who Do I Contact?

  • Reporting Absences- the front office (719-494-8940)
  • Technology Problems- A student support coach (Mrs. Staci, Mrs. Laurie, or Mrs. Rhiannon)
  • Course questions, resets, grades- the teacher assigned to your class(es)
  • Transcripts- Order a transcript online
  • Scheduling questions, graduation requirements, general academics - Your Academic Counselor
  • Special programs / Concurrent Enrollment- Mrs. Swann
  • Social emotional support- Mrs. Garza is your first point of contact; if unavailable, see Mrs. Swann
  • ICAP- Mr. Masino, our Choice & Success Advisor
  • IEP Questions- Mrs. Croney
  • 504 Questions- Mrs Garza (9th grade) or Mrs Aubain (10th-12th grade)

Community Resources Community Resources

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D49 Community Resource Center (CRC)

The CRC is open to anyone in our community and provides free food and clothing to help support families with additional resources. Clothing is available by appointment. If you would like to shop for clothing, please sign up for a time here: Community Resource Center Clothing Sign-Up The CRC will also be open on the following dates: September 17 | October 8 | November 19 | December 17

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Yeti Closet

Did you know? The Campus has a Yeti Closet with clothing, toiletries, and non-perishable foods. If you need any of these items, please talk to your counselor. This is free and confidential! Yetis supporting Yetis!

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Community Closet

Formal wear (dresses and suits) is available on loan to students who would otherwise struggle to purchase these items for Homecoming & Prom. BY APPT ONLY. Call 719-290-6179 or email: communitycloset.com@gmail.com

Upcoming Important Dates Upcoming Important Dates

Concurrent Enrollment

๐ŸŽ’ CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT INFORMATION SESSION

Monday, September 14th @ 6:00 pm (VIRTUAL MEETING)


Any student interested in taking a college class during the Spring 2027 semester should attend this meeting with a parent or guardian. We will review Concurrent Enrollment opportunities, eligibility requirements, and the application process so students understand the steps needed to participate.


Virtual CE Info Night: Virtual Meeting Link:

Monday, September 14 ยท 6:00 โ€“ 7:00 pm

Google Meet joining info

Video call link: https://meet.google.com/omm-fyir-zpu

Or dial: โ€ช(US) +1 419-969-2126โ€ฌ PIN: โ€ช164 772 822โ€ฌ#

SSAE Concurrent Enrollment

SSAE Concurrent Enrollment

Steps for applying to Concurrent Enrollment (CE)

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Accuplacer
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๐Ÿ“ ACCUPLACER TESTING SCHEDULE (FALL 2026)

Who Should Sign Up for Testing?
Any senior who still needs to demonstrate English and/or Math mastery should sign up as early as possible so there is plenty of time to retake the assessment if needed. Testing is also available to students interested in Concurrent Enrollment for Spring 2027, as well as to juniors who would like to complete their mastery requirement early.


Available dates:

  • Tuesday, 9/15 @ 9:00 am, Rm 167
  • Tuesday, 9/29 @ 9:00 am, Rm 167
  • Thursday, 10/8 @ 9:00 am, Rm 167
  • Monday, 11/16 @ 3:15 pm, Rm 129
  • Tuesday, 12/15 @ 9:00 am, Rm 167


Prepare for the Accuplacer
Accuplacer practice tests are available through College Board. Students will need to create a free account to access the full practice tests, and sample questions are also available to help students become familiar with the format and content of the assessment.

Accuplacer Practice Resources

ASVAB
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๐Ÿ“ ASVAB Testing: Explore Careers & Demonstrate Mastery

ASVAB Testing: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 @ 8:30 am. Students MUST sign up ahead of time. The deadline to sign up for the ASVAB is October 20th. No Exceptions!


The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a career exploration and aptitude assessment that measures strengths in areas such as math, reading, science, and technical skills. While it is commonly associated with the military, students do not have to enlist in the military to take the ASVAB.


Taking the ASVAB can help students identify career fields that may be a good fit, learn more about their strengths, and explore military and civilian career options. In Colorado, qualifying ASVAB scores may also be used as an approved Demonstration of Mastery option toward high school graduation requirements.


The ASVAB is a great option for students who want another way to demonstrate academic readiness while also gaining valuable insight into future career possibilities.

COLLEGE 101: A GUIDE TO POST SECONDARY SUCCESS

๐Ÿซ COLLEGE 101: A GUIDE TO POST SECONDARY SUCCESS

Tuesday, September 22nd @ 6:00 pm (S. Campus Commons Area)


College 101 Information Session is open to students in all grade levels and their families. Weโ€™ll cover the college planning process, including applications, FAFSA and financial aid, scholarships, and other important college-related information to help students prepare for their next steps.

Class of 2027 Class of 2027

Graduate Information

๐ŸŽ“ IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SENIORS & EARLY GRADUATES

Senior Information Meeting

Seniors and their families are highly encouraged to attend this important meeting to learn everything they need to know for the year ahead. Weโ€™ll review the graduation to-do list, important senior deadlines and dates, graduation and senior event information, graduation requirements, and more. This is a great opportunity to make sure seniors know what to expect and stay on track for graduation.


WHEN: Monday, September 28, 2026

WHERE: The Campus, 6113 Constitution Ave. on the S. Campus

TIME: 6:00 - 7:00 pm


A Jostens representative will also be here to answer all your questions about caps & gowns, announcements, class rings, and other senior gear.


๐Ÿ‘จ๐Ÿปโ€๐ŸŽ“ Graduation Requirements:


  • All students must successfully complete 24.5 credits (breakdown can be seen by reviewing the student's credit evaluation sheet, which was reshared with student's last week)
  • All students must demonstrate mastery (English and Math mastery via SAT, Accuplacer, or ASVAB, OR completion of Industry Recognized Certification). If you are missing graduation mastery, you should have already received an email from Mrs. Swann. Be sure to check your email and your credit evaluation sheet, which will indicate at the top right whether you have met this requirement.
  • All students must complete ICAP requirements (CO Career Tool, ICAP meeting w/ Mrs. Swann, & Completion of Pathway Design class). Schedule your brief ICAP Meeting HERE.


๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐ŸŽ“ Senior To-Do List:


  • Order cap & gown from Jostens (other optional items such as announcements, class ring, t-shirts, etc. are also available for purchase). Cap/gown will be delivered to the school in April and will be distributed at Senior Breakfast
  • Upload senior picture and quote for the yearbook (Deadline: April 2nd)
  • Upload 3-5 photos of the graduate from different stages in life (ie: baby, toddler, elementary, middle school, high school) for the slideshow played at the graduation ceremony, (Deadline: April 2nd)

Career Readiness Career Readiness

Upcoming Student Opportunities / Site Visits Upcoming Student Opportunities / Site Visits

CAREER CORNER-

This space is near the double doors where you transition from the north to the south campus. Here you will find flyers & permission slips for upcoming career connected events.


CAREER EXPLORATION THROUGH SITE VISITS:
Visiting local businesses and industries gives students a firsthand look at different careers, workplace environments, and the skills employers value. These experiences can help students connect classroom learning to real-world opportunities, discover careers they may not have considered, ask professionals questions, and make more informed decisions about their future education, training, and career goals. Here are some amazing upcoming opportunities:

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Social Emotional / Parenting Support Social Emotional / Parenting Support

Kids Thrive on Structure and Routines

Routines and rituals help kids feel safe and secure. From the day they're born until they leave home, children benefit from structure and stability.


For babies, routines teach them to trust that their caregivers will respond to their needs. We soothe them when they're upset and feed them when they're hungry. We ensure they're always clean and comfortable. We stick to a regular sleep schedule so they're well rested. We provide lots of affection, one-on-one play and fresh air so their brains and bodies develop properly.


For young children, structure and routines help them gain self-confidence. Plus, families run more smoothly with a morning breakfast ritual, a getting-to-school routine, age-appropriate chores, shared family dinners and regular bedtimes. Research confirms that when children have strong routines at home, they have an easier time in school with both learning and friendships. Kids who feel grounded in their home life can better regulate their emotions and cope with transitions. Growing up with structure also leads to greater resilience, which helps kids bounce back from sad or tough events and become even stronger.


For tweens and teens, solid routines make it easier for them to adjust to the major transition from childhood to adulthood. Sudden changes in hormones along with rapid growth can make things feel rocky. A stable home life can help everything feel smoother and steadier. And while limits on screen time are a must for kids of all ages, tweens and teens are extra vulnerable to the negative effects of social media. Though they may complain about screen-time limits (such as no phones during family meals and sleeping hours) they'll benefit from these and other rules. Ultimately, a stable foundation equips tweens and teens for more responsibilities and greater independence. While our job is to provide a safe 'nest' for our kids, at the same time we're preparing them to fly!

It's also important to note that while routines benefit everyone, they're especially helpful for kids with autism, ADHD and anxiety. These children often need consistent daily schedules and comforting rituals to feel their best.


Parents also benefit from solid routines. Healthy patterns reduce stress levels and ease power struggles among family members.


Of course, family routines evolve as children get older. Schedules get busier, kids develop their own social lives and life is often full of twists. But rather than giving up the structure and routines you've created, adjust them to meet your family's needs. They're too valuable to lose!


Article shared from Seattle Children's Hospital website

Resources: Help For You and Others Resources: Help For You and Others

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988

988 Colorado provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone experiencing emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or thoughts of suicide. Call or text 988, or chat online at 988Colorado.com, to connect with a trained crisis specialist.
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iMatter

iMatter Colorado offers free, confidential mental health support for Colorado youth. Eligible students can receive up to six free counseling sessions with a licensed therapist, available virtually or in person, making it easier to get support when itโ€™s needed.
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Safe 2 Tell

Safe2Tell Colorado gives students, parents, and community members a safe and anonymous way to report concerns about school safety or a studentโ€™s well-being. Reports can be made 24/7 by phone, online, or through the Safe2Tell app and are shared with the appropriate school or law enforcement professionals for follow-up.

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