Counselors' Corner

The AHS Counseling Department is here to support every student’s academic success, personal growth, and emotional well-being. Please consider our office a partner in your child's education. If you need advice on academic planning, help connecting with community resources, or support during a challenging moment, we are here for you. We invite you to review this newsletter to meet our team, discover the wide range of services we offer, and learn the easiest ways to get in touch with us whenever you need a helping hand.

The first marking period ends on November 4th. Teachers' grades are due on November 11th, and report cards will be published (electronically) in Genesis on November 13th. An email notifying everyone of the release of report cards will be sent as a reminder.

The following colleges/universities will be visiting AHS during November:

• Tuesday, November 10th - Moore College of Art & Design (Philadelphia, PA)
• Monday, November 16th - Ramapo College (Mahwah, NJ)
• Tuesday, November 17th - Goldey-Beacom College (Wilmington, DE)
• Thursday, November 19th - Rutgers University - Camden (Camden, NJ)

Students can sign up on Naviance. You can click HERE to access our "How To Sign Up for a College Visit" screenshot guide.

Currently, we offer dual credit for the following courses:

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• Honors Anatomy & Physiology
• Honors Forensic Science
• AP Language & Composition
• AP Literature & Composition
• AP French
• French III
• AP Spanish
• Spanish III
• Spanish IV
• World History

On Tuesday, December 1st, Don Delaney (Director of Program Outreach & Educational Services at Camden County College) will visit AHS to discuss the Dual Credit Program. He will meet with all students currently enrolled in a dual-credit option class (see list above).

For note, registration for parents/students is open from November 2nd through February 26th. For registration:

• Students must be enrolled in the course(s) during this current academic year
• Each course has a cost of $150.00
• A digital application form must be completed
• An email with a link to make payment will be sent to the email provided on the application
• Payment can be made by debit/credit card as well as electronic check
• Students can pay cash for their dual credit course, but payment must be in-person at Taft Hall on the CCC's Blackwood campus

Please note that no college, including Camden County College, can absolutely guarantee the transferability of its credits to another institution. Awarding credits is ultimately up to each institution from which the student is seeking admission, and any questions should be directed to that institution.

Once Mr. Delaney has completed his visit to the high school, our department will send a follow-up email with all of the relevant information to our eligible students and their parents/guardians.

To access complete information, click HERE to access the webpage on Camden County College's website.

Representatives from Camden County College (CCC) and Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) will visit AHS in the month of December to assist our students in completing their online college application.

Camden County College will be here on Thursday, December 3rd to assist our students, and Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ) will visit on Friday, December 10th.

Parents and students will receive an email with complete details in two weeks. If you have any questions before then, please contact Ms. Warren directly via email (ewarren@audubonschools.org) or phone at (856) 547 - 7695 x4142.

Sometimes kids and teens face challenges that can feel difficult to handle alone. Whether they are experiencing stress, anxiety, bullying, friendship concerns, family struggles, or difficulties at school, 2NDFLOOR Youth Helpline provides a safe, supportive place to turn for help. This free, confidential, and anonymous resource is available to New Jersey youth and young adults ages 10-24, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Youth can call or text to speak with trained staff and volunteers who will listen without judgment and help them explore solutions to the challenges they are facing. They can also visit the website to access additional resources and learn about the 2NDFLOOR app, which offers confidential chat support and a supportive online community.

Help is just a call or text away! Call or text: 1-888-222-2228 Website: www.2ndfloor.org

Tests can sometimes bring feelings of worry, nervousness, or stress for students of all ages. A little nervousness is normal, but when test anxiety becomes overwhelming, it can make it difficult for students to focus and show what they know. The good news is that there are strategies we can use to help students feel more confident and prepared on test days!

Tips for Parents and Caregivers:

• Encourage a positive mindset: Remind your child that a test is an opportunity to show what they have learned, not a measure of their worth or intelligence.

• Keep routines consistent: Help your child get a good night's sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and arrive at school with enough time to feel settled.

• Offer reassurance: Let your child know you are proud of their effort, regardless of the outcome. Avoid adding pressure by focusing too much on scores.

• Practice calming techniques: Practice slow breathing or mindfulness together before test day so these strategies feel familiar when your child needs them.

Tips for Students on Test Day:

• Take slow, deep breaths: Breathe in gently through your nose and slowly breathe out to help your body relax.

• Read directions carefully: Take your time, read each question, and start with the questions you feel most comfortable answering.

• Use positive self-talk: Try saying, “I am prepared” “I will do my best” or “I can take this one question at a time.”

• Take a brief pause: If you feel overwhelmed, take a pause, relax your shoulders, take a few slow breaths, and refocus.

• Remember that it's okay to feel nervous: You don't have to feel completely calm to do well. Focus on what you can control, one question at a time.

Together, we can help students build confidence, manage stress, and approach testing with a healthier mindset!