Counseling Newsletter
Fall 2024 Issue XXIIV
How can I help support my student?
Step by Step Guide for Parents/Guardians
1. BIRMINGHAM CALENDAR
- Gather all the IMPORTANT Dates
2. AERIES
- Utilize to monitor your students grades and attendance in real time
3. PARENTSQUARE
- Primary way of communicating with staff directly
4. GRADE LEVEL STAFF SUPPORT
- Knowing who to communicate with and for what is key:
- Counselor (Academic & Emotional Support)
- Grade Level Clerk (Absences & Early Leaves)
- Dean (Discipline & Safety Concerns)
5. BIRMINGHAM REQUIREMENTS
- NEED TO KNOW:
- Birmingham Credit Requirements
- Birmingham Graduation Classes Requirements
- A-G College Eligibility Requirements
Grade Level Support Staff
A-G Grade Level Benchmarks
FALL 2024
These are the minimum requirements that should be completed by each grade level for both graduation and college with a minimum grade of C or higher. Grades of D's and F's will be assigned summer school automatically.
Grade Level Updates
9th Grade
Freshman counselors will be going into English classes in October for our first Freshman presentations. We look forward to seeing all of you. We will be meeting with students who received 3 or more Ds or Fs at the 6 week progress report. Remember we are here to support you.
Mrs. Martinez (A-F)
Ms. Marquez (G-N)
Mrs. Mutia (O-Z)
10th Grade
Counselors will be holding assemblies through History classes early October to set up all 10th grade students for success. Additionally, counselors are contacting all students who have 30 credits or less and are not on track to graduate. Parent meetings are being held to notify parents and students. Ms. Fitzpatrick, the GLA, is also providing support by contacting students who have faced challenges with grades and attendance..
Mrs. Gazarian (A-F)
Ms. Galvez (G-N)
Ms. Scherrer (O-Z)
11th Grade
Counselors are currently meeting with students in their English classes to go over their GPA, Getting Involved, State Testing and their Graduation & College Eligibility Status. Students, parents and guardians will receive an email with their graduation status letter in addition to a mailed letter so be sure to check all your mailboxes! The 6-week progress report will be available after September 16 and we will be meeting with parents and students who receive 2 or more Ds or Fs on this first progress report. This year is very important! Students that are not on track yet for graduation and/or college eligibility will be enrolled in credit recovery classes. It is important to work on passing ALL classes with a C or better by the final report card in December.
Mrs. Riusech (A-F)
Ms. Rocha (G-N)
Ms. Vasquez (O-Z)
12th Grade
Ms. Brown, Ms. Palacios, and Ms. Perez will meet with students through their Math classes to do Senior grad checks starting October 14. We will discuss studentsā current graduation and A-G status and the importance of daily attendance. Students and parents will also receive an email with this important information, so please ensure you check your email daily. Remember, our goal is Cs or better for all classes. This is Senior year, the culmination of all your high school classes and knowledge, so please give 100% effort and stay on top of your grades.
Mrs. Brown (A-F)
Mrs. Perez (G-N)
Mrs. Palacios (O-Z)
Attendance Counselor News
PSW NEWS
Mental Health & Family Resources
Wellness Resource Fair 2024
Enjoy this video that highlights out 3rd Annual Wellness Resource Fair in honor of #MayisMentalHealthMonth
This event is FREE and open to the public. Stay tuned for information on next year's event!
College & Career Counselors
COLLEGE CORNER
College Applications are OPEN:
UC Application opened August 1
Common App opened August 1
Apply: commonapp.org
CSU Application will open October 1
Community College application for Summer/Fall 2025 will open in late Fall
*FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND COLLEGE INFO!
Parent Seminar
Parent Seminar Series
Come learn from our very own Birmingham College Counselor EXPERTS, Ms. Erika Lopez & Ms. Wendy Quinonez in their two part ZOOM series being offered in English and Spanish. They will cover College Options in Session 1 and Financial Aid in Session 2.
Session 1 - College Options 9/12/24
Session 2 - Financial Aid 10/10/24
SCHOLARSHIPS
9th Grade Scholarships: http://bit.ly/scholar9
10th Grade Scholarships: http://bit.ly/scholar10
11th Grade Scholarships: http://bit.ly/scholar11
12th Grade Scholarships: http://bit.ly/12scholar
Need to speak with a College or Career Counselor?
Schedule an appointment using the links below.
Wendy QuiƱonez
College Counselor (Last Names A-L)
w.quinonez@birminghamcharter.com
Schedule Meeting:
Erika Lopez
College Counselor (Last Names M-Z)
er.lopez@birminghamcharter.com
Schedule Meeting:
Angela Zook
Career Counselor
Schedule Meeting:
Work Permit
HOW TO GET A WORK PERMIT
STEP 1:
Student must have and maintain a 2.0 GPA (All grades of C or higher) to qualify for work permit.
STEP 2:
Download B1-1 Work Permit Application
*Click B1-1 Application link and download a copy at home or come to the Blue & Gold Center to pick one up.
STEP 3:
Fill out the B1-1 Work Permit Application and have your parent and employer sign it.
*No digital signatures/scanning permitted*
STEP 4:
Return the B1-1 Work Permit Application filled out and signed back to school. Drop-in, no appointment necessary.
- To: Mrs. Margie Curtis
- Where: Blue & Gold Center
- When: Monday - Friday
- Time: Between 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
STEP 5:
Either Mrs. Curtis or Mrs. Zook will print your work permit.
*Student must be present to sign the work permit