9th Grade Parent/Guardian Update

Counselor Connection Meetings

Counselor Connection Introductory Lessons

The Vandegrift Counselors and Assistant Principals had a wonderful time meeting with our 9th Grade Vipers over the last two days during English 1 classes. During this Counselor Connection Lesson, students learned about the role of the school counselor and how counselors and assistant principals work as partners to support our students. Students also learned about helpful resources such as:

To view the presentation seen by students this week, click here!

View the Counselor Connection 9th Grade Intro Lesson

COMING UP NEXT....

Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP) - Counselor Connection Lessons

The Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP) is a series of lessons created by Dr. Karen Swartz of the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine with the goal of teaching students the symptoms of depression and mood disorders in children and adolescents.

During the 2024-2025 school year, Vandegrift HS counselors will again teach the ADAP lessons to our 9th grade students as one of our Counselor Connection classroom lessons October 9 & 10.

ADAP lessons have been taught in more than 200 schools in 21 states, including Texas. The lessons provide information about depression and bipolar disorder, which are treatable medical illnesses. Students gain knowledge about symptoms of depression and the importance of seeking help from a trusted adult. ADAP lessons do not screen for depression or other mood disorders.

The national average between the onset of depression and an individual receiving treatment is eight years. Through ADAP lessons, students may be able to recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or a friend with the hope of accessing treatment earlier.

Should you choose, you may exempt your child from ADAP lessons. To do so, please complete the ADAP Lesson Opt-Out Form no later than October 1st at 4pm. Should you have any questions about ADAP or the lessons, please contact your student’s school counselor.

**The opt-out form should only be completed if your student WILL NOT be participating in the ADAP lessons.**

Vandegrift High School Open House

VHS Open House: The Vandegrift High School Open House will be Monday, August 26th, 2024 from 5:30- 7pm in a come-and-go format. We are continuing to use the new format we piloted last year based on parent feedback. Parents have shared they liked the more flexible schedule and more time to visit with certain teachers.