Counselor's Corner

Happy New Year,

We hope you and your families had a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break. As we begin the new year, we are excited to welcome our students back to school and look forward to another semester of learning, growth, and success.

We encourage students to return ready to learn, reconnect with friends, and re-establish school routines. This semester will bring many exciting learning opportunities, activities, and events, and we appreciate your continued support in helping your child arrive on time each day, prepared and ready to engage.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership with our school community. We wish all our families a happy and successful year ahead and look forward to working together throughout the term.

The Mission of Manara Academy Counseling Program is to provide a safe, inclusive, and positive learning environment that focuses on supporting the holistic needs of students and their families.

The vision of Manara Academy Counseling Program is to transform school culture and climate, promote high scholastic and moral gauges, impact student achievement and unlock the full potential of students and staff. We want to create a healthy learning environment that is safe, conducive to the learning needs of all, and advances mental health awareness is our change.

• January 12th- Second Semester Begins
• January 20th-Dual credit classes begin for enrolled student
• February 2nd-The College of Health Careers Presentation to Juniors & Seniors
  
• March 11th- Campus College/Career Fair

Adopt-A-Pilot

Manara was chosen by Southwest Airlines for the Adopt-A-Pilot program. A pilot will visit the 5th grade classroom at the MLA campus and facilitate a character education program. Please see more information about the program below.

Since 1997, the Adopt-A-Pilot Program by Southwest Airlines® has inspired thousands of fifth-grade students to explore the world around them through fun, STEM-centered activities and experiments. This program connects Southwest Pilots with classrooms across the country to provide mentorship and engage students in aviation-related lessons to further develop leadership skills and spark an interest in aviation careers.

Manara Leadership Academy is making changes in our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Students who take select a program of study and take eligible courses, may qualify to test for certifications in the following areas:

Cybersecurity Fundamentals
General Management

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant

Adobe

Hospitality Management

Special CONGRATULATIONS to the first students ever at Manara Leadership Academy to receive an Industry Based Certification: Yousef Masalha and Abdul-Barr Kameny. Yousef received his Certification in Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Abdul-Barr received his certification in General Management. Studies completed courses within their specific program of study and then passed a certification test.

As part of our school’s commitment to supporting every student’s academic and career success, school counselors are required to develop a Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) for all 8th-grade students.

A PGP is a personalized planning document that helps students begin thinking about their future goals and the steps needed to achieve them. It is designed to guide students as they prepare for high school and beyond, including course selection, career interests, and postsecondary plans.

During 8th grade, school counselors work with students to:

• Review academic progress and strengths

• Explore career interests and postsecondary options

• Develop an initial high school course plan aligned with graduation requirements

• Identify goals and any needed academic or personal supports

The PGP is a state-required process and will be reviewed and updated as students move through high school to reflect changing goals and interests.

Family involvement is an important part of this process. Parents and guardians may be asked to review the plan, provide input, and support discussions at home about academic and career goals.

• Believe:Fosters self-belief and the belief in others.
• Lead:Encourages students and teachers to be positive role models and take initiative.
• Unite:Creates a diverse and inclusive community where students, parents, and staff work together.
• Excel:Focuses on achieving academic excellence and continuous growth

Manara Academy requires the 6th-12th grade students to complete service hours to foster the development of character and leadership to build a strong school community. Each student in grades 6-12 will be required to document a minimum of 15 service hours for the year. Students should complete 3 service hours per six weeks to remain on track to complete 15 hours for the entire year. There has been a change in the way the service hours will be evaluated to assist with streamlining the process. Service hours will be reviewed each six weeks and documented on the student's report card by indicating in the following way:

No service hours = 0

Less than the required 3 service hours= 70

3 or more service hours = 100

Elementary-Career Exploration

Middle School & High School- Career Exploration & Transition Planning

We are excited to share that students will be using Xello, an online college and career-readiness program designed to help them explore their interests, learn about careers, and plan for their future. Xello is a safe, engaging platform that guides students through activities that build self-awareness, goal-setting skills, and knowledge about post-secondary options.

Xello allows students to:

• Discover their strengths, interests, and learning styles

• Explore a wide variety of careers and pathways

• Learn about the education or training required for different fields

• Build long-term academic and career plans

• Set personal goals and track their progress

8th Grade – Transition to High School

Eighth graders will use Xello to begin planning their move into high school. Students will:

• Reflect on their interests and strengths

• Explore high-school courses and programs

• Learn about goal setting and decision-making

• Begin thinking about career pathways that connect to high school options

This work helps students feel more confident and informed as they enter high school.

12th Grade – Transition Beyond High School

Seniors will use Xello to plan their next steps after graduation. Students will:

• Explore career options, colleges, and training programs

• Research admission requirements, financial aid, and scholarships

• Build or update a resume

• Create a personalized post-secondary plan

This process supports students as they prepare for life after high school whether that includes college, trade school, military service, or entering the workforce.

The counselor will be meeting with all 8th graders (AE and MLA) and 12th graders for individual planning.

School can be both exciting and challenging for students. It may take some time for your child to adjust back to the school routines. Here are a few tips to support your child's emotional well-being as we transition into the school year.

Supporting Your Child's Emotional Well-Being

• Establish a Routine: Help your child get back into a consistent sleep schedule, and encourage regular study times and relaxation. A predictable routine creates a sense of security.
• Set Realistic Goals: Encourage your child to set small, achievable goals for the school year. These could be related to school, personal growth, or hobbies.
• Support Social Connections: Students thrive when they have positive relationships with peers. Help your child navigate friendships and encourage open communication with you about social dynamics.
• Practice Gratitude: Encourage your child to express gratitude regularly. This simple practice can improve their mood and increase their resilience to stress.

Building Resilience in Children

As we continue to support your child's growth, it's important to remember that resilience, the ability to cope with challenges and bounce back from setbacks, is a critical skill. Here are some ways you can help foster resilience in your child:

• Model Positive Coping Skills: Show your child how to manage stress by using strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and problem solving.
• Encourage Independence: Allow your child to make decisions and solve problems on their own with some guidance. This builds confidence and strengthens their ability to handle future challenges.
• Praise Effort, Not Just Results: Emphasize the value of hard work and perseverance rather than focusing solely on achievements.

• Check Powerschool with your student regularly.
• Turn on notifications for assignments, attendance, grades, ect.
• Contact the receptionist if you are not able to log in.
• Contact the teacher directly for questions about grades.