Strafford High Counselor Connection

The high school counseling office is a dedicated and supportive resource, readily available to assist students in navigating the various challenges and decisions that arise during their academic journey. Whether you're facing academic hurdles, personal concerns, mental health struggles, college and career choices, or simply seeking a listening ear, the counseling office is here to help. Our professional and caring counselors are committed to providing guidance, encouragement, and a safe space for students to explore their goals and aspirations. Don't hesitate to reach out, as we are here to support you in your pursuit of success and personal growth throughout your high school experience.

September 3rd: Freshmen Mentoring Assembly 2nd Hour

September 4th: High School Student Life Expo

September 4th: New Student Breakfast (Activities Room)

September 7th: Labor Day/No School

September 10th: Sophomore Class Ring Order Deadline

September 11th: Picture Day

September 15th: Awaken 360 Mental Health Luncheon

September 15th: Truman State University College Rep (Activities Room-6th Hour)

September 22nd: Awaken 360 Mental Health Luncheon

September 25th: Homecoming

September 29th: Drury University College Rep (Activities Room-6th Hour)

Last week we registered students for their dual credit courses. Our school partners with Drury University, Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC), and Missouri State University (MSU). Please note that each institution has a different registration process, so it is important to carefully follow the steps and instructions provided regarding parent consent forms and payment procedures.

Students Who Do Not Qualify For Free & Reduced Lunch

Parents must pay when providing consent unless the institution provides an option to pay later. If the “pay later” option is selected, you (parent/guardian/student) are responsible for tracking the final payment deadline for each institution through which a course is being taken (for example, the OTC “pay later” option will open between November 5th and December 6th to pay for a dual credit class). Strafford does not have access to this information. The student will need to create and manage their student account through the institution (MSU, OTC, or Drury). If you are having issues paying at a later date, please contact the institution for assistance with your payment.

Financial Assistance for FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH Eligible Students

Students who qualify for free and reduced lunch may be eligible to have their dual credit tuition covered through the Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development’s (MDHEWD) Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship.

The counseling office will call down the students who are eligible for this scholarship to make sure their application is completed correctly.

• Families must complete the Missouri Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Scholarship application online through the state portal (https://web.dhewd.mo.gov/studentportal/)

• Schools are not permitted to complete this application on behalf of students, but our counseling team will assist students and families with questions and provide guidance as needed.

• The scholarship allows students to list multiple institutions on the same application. For example, if your student is taking courses through both Drury and MSU, only one application is needed.

Institution-Specific Requirements:

• Drury University:

• Students should review the attached information about Drury’s Panther Scholarship Fund.

• Both the state application and Drury’s Panther Fund form must be submitted for eligible students.

• OTC (Ozarks Technical Community College):

• The state scholarship application must also be completed.

• Parents will need to select the pay later option when giving parental consent if applying for the state scholarship!!!

• OTC also has its scholarship option (best to apply for both). That application opens September 1st and is due October 1st. More information about scholarships, including the OTC scholarship, can be found on our website, here: About Dual Credit - OTC Dual Credit.
  

• Missouri State University (MSU):

• MSU no longer offers a separate scholarship program.

• Students must complete the state application for tuition coverage.

• Ensure you select the Paylater/Reduced option when providing consent.

Returning Students

Students who have previously applied for the state scholarship through Drury or another institution do not need to create a new account. Instead, they will simply need to update their information for the new semester.

We understand this process can feel confusing, but we are here to help walk students and families through the steps as best we can. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the counseling office. Additionally, please contact the state directly through their website if you are experiencing difficulties with the application or encountered an error. Our office cannot view your application and therefore cannot address those issues.

Beginning this school year, all transcript requests must be submitted through the link below.

If you email requesting a copy of your transcript or asking for your transcript to be sent to a college, employer, or other organization, you will be directed to complete the online request form.

Using this process helps ensure that all transcript requests are processed accurately, completed in a timely manner, and properly tracked by the district.

Transcript Request Link:

Welcome Back, Families!

We’re officially getting into the swing of things! The first few weeks of high school can bring a lot of excitement, new routines, new faces, and sometimes a little bit of stress. September is a great time for students to settle into their routines, build positive habits, and start the year on a strong note.

As your 9th & 10th grade school counselor, I’m here to support students throughout the school year—academically, socially, emotionally, and as they begin thinking about their future.

September Focus: Getting Into a Routine

Encourage your student to:

• Check grades and assignments regularly

• Get into a consistent homework/study routine

• Ask teachers for help early when they’re struggling

• Keep track of deadlines, activities, and commitments

• Find healthy ways to manage stress

• Get involved and find something at school they enjoy

A Quick Reminder for Families

The transition to high school doesn’t happen overnight. Students are still learning how to manage increased responsibilities, friendships, academics, and independence.

A simple “How are you doing?” can go a long way. Instead of only asking about grades, try asking:

“What’s been going well?”
“What’s been challenging?”
“Is there anything you need help with?”

When Should Your Student See the Counselor?

Students are always welcome to stop by or reach out when they need support. Some common reasons students meet with me include:

Academic concerns • Stress & anxiety • Friendships & conflict • Organization • Motivation • Self-confidence • Goal-setting • Schedule questions • Future planning

They don’t have to wait until something feels “big enough” to ask for help!

Looking Ahead

September is all about building a strong foundation. As the year gets moving, we’ll continue working with students on academic success, social-emotional skills, career and college exploration, and preparing for life after high school.

Thank you for partnering with us! Your encouragement and communication make a difference. I’m looking forward to a great school year with our 9th and 10th grade students!

Have a great September!

Bri Eisenbarth
9th & 10th Grade School Counselor

Additional Resources:

• [National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org]
• [The Trevor Project: thetrevorproject.org]
• [Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741]

• Courage2Report Webtip form.

Let's work together to make this school year a mentally healthy one!

Request Form

Mrs. Grass is our School Based Clinician. She focuses on helping students to be healthy emotionally while integrating proven counseling techniques and approaches in clinical mental health therapy.

If you would like more information about the school based counseling services please reach out to the counseling office or contact Mrs. Grass.

📧 Email brendag@straffordschools.net

📞 417-736-7000 X1466

Scholarships:

Scholarship Platforms:

1) https://studentscholarships.org/scholarships

2) https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx

3) https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships

4) https://app.scholarships.com/registration/account

5) https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships/

6) https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college

7) https://www.commonapp.org/about

8) https://www.asvabprogram.com/media-center-article/100

Coca-Cola Scholarship:

Open now until September 30, 2026 at 5 PM Eastern Time

https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/

Dr. Pepper Scholarship:

Opens September 1, 2026 - September 30, 2026

https://www.drpepper.com/tuition-finalists

Make sure to check your registration after registering to make sure all parts are complete for your test date.

The ACT will be offered at Strafford on September 19th and December 12th.

ACT Registration Information 26/27

Learning Express Library- Parent & Student Guide

College and Career Resources are now available for students and parents/guardians. The College and Career Ready Toolkit provides information regarding individual post-secondary college and/or career paths as well as success tips for students in all grade levels. The College and Career Readiness Website is full of information for students and parents/guardians. Information includes interview and resume tips, college admissions information, video links for completing the FASFA, upcoming career trips/presentations, college visits, and more. Reach out to Mrs. Poynor, our Career Navigator, if you or your student have questions regarding post-secondary paths.

Here is a helpful guide, full of information, to help you start planning for college!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IKNVwkD656ttAEK0lCmILf7x_r2FSLpL/view?usp=sharing

Below are helpful links if your student is interested in playing NCAA/NAIA.

NCAA eligibility rules and academic requirements Information links:

https://www.ncaa.org/eligibility-center/

Student Registration/Login

Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete

Recruiting Information

Additional Student Information and Resources

NCAA Initial Eligibility Flyer link:

NAIA:

Here are a few great resources to share with NAIA-bound student-athletes:

• Early Decision and Freshman Requirements
• Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
• NAIA Fee Waiver Guide
• Find Your Pat

Students should also utilize the “Resources” tab found on their PlayNAIA account for all information regarding NAIA eligibility.

NAIA Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S9fAqHCOcGpzLItd7P37dSJ3yxHrp_Gq/view?usp=sharing

Morning Study Hall

Beginning this school year, Dr. Lyons and Mrs. Poynor will offer Morning Study Hall before school starts on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7:15am-7:45am.

This is an extra time for students who need a quiet place to:

• Study for classes

• Complete makeup tests or quizzes

• Finish assignments

• Receive extra academic support before school

Morning Study Hall is an excellent option for students who participate in athletics, extracurricular activities, or work after school and may not be able to attend after-school tutoring.

Email: noahl@straffordschools.net or brie@straffordschools.net
Website: www.straffordschools.net
Location: 211 West McCabe Street, Strafford, MO, USA
Phone: 417-736-7000