Counselor's Corner

Dear Families,

November is a month full of gratitude and reflection. I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ growth and well-being. I encourage families to take time together to share what they’re thankful for and practice small acts of kindness. Those moments make a big difference!

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.

• November 6th-Beginning of the 3rd Six Weeks
• November 13th-Jostens will meet with Seniors about graduation orders and Juniors about class rings.
• November 12th-Students received SAT/PSATNMQT scores.
• November 24th-28th- Holiday Break
• December 3rd- Graduation orders are due. Jostens will be at MLA's campus.

• Allen Tittle's Medical Malpractice Scholarship (Deadline: November 28, 2025

https://www.helmerlegal.com/college-scholarship/

• Rumba Meats Scholarship- $1,000 (Deadline: November 30, 2025)

https://www.ushli.org/rumba-meats-ushli-partner-to-award-25000-in-scholarships/

• Ron Brown Scholarships- $40,000 (Deadline; December 1, 2025)

https://ronbrown.org/ron-brown-scholarship/

• Common App Scholarship- $2,000 (Deadline: December 15, 2025)

https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships/38333/common-app-scholarship

• Comedy defensive Driving- $1,000 (Deadline:December 31, 2025 (Fall) & May 31, 2026 (Spring)

https://comedydefensivedriving.com/scholarships/

• 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.