GHS Counselor Connection

National School Counseling Week (Feb. 2nd-6th, 2026) sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the essential contribution of school counselors and the tremendous impact we have in helping students achieve success. We are excited to recognize the work of 131,000 school counselors across the nation, including our dedicated team at GHS. Please consider thanking a school counselor today!

Please read below for important updates. Our team is here to support students and families in the Counseling & Wellness Center on the 2nd floor of the main office. Students may visit during break/lunch, or with a pass from their teachers. Caregivers should contact the counselor to schedule an appointment.

Our peer listeners will be hosting Kindness Week from February 9th-13th. During that week, students will have an opportunity to practice random acts of kindness and send free heart grams to their friends. All students are encouraged to participate in our activities and spread kindness during this week and every week. Thank you for helping build an inclusive and kind Foothiller community.

Our team is excited to welcome our new Wellness Counselor, Michael Bonilla! Mr. Bonilla holds a bachelor's degree in communication and a master's degree in school counseling. He comes to GHS with experience from Parkway Middle School and other roles supporting youth with a variety of needs. He is passionate about supporting student mental health and has a natural ability to connect with young people. He is available during periods 2-7 in our Wellness Center where he coordinates a variety of services including peer listening, individual and group counseling, suicide prevention, referrals to therapy and a variety of resources for families.

Counselors will visit English classrooms during the next week to review graduation/college requirements and talk with students about how to plan classes for the next school year. Students will be given course selection forms to complete with parents/guardians and return when they meet with counselors individually between Feb.17th- March 12th. Parents, please review the following slides to learn about helping your student plan for courses that will help them pursue their future goals:

Course Planning Info for Parents

Affordable sports physicals for student athletes performed by licensed medical providers. Present this flyer for a promotional price of $25.

The Summer Medical Academy is a two-week program for highly motivated 15-19 year olds who have an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare. Applications are due by Feb. 20th at 3pm. Click here for more details.

Please click here for information on how to register new Grossmont students!

Future Foothillers who do not live in our attendance boundaries may apply for School Choice:

• The School Choice Window will be open until February 20, 2026 at 4:00pm.
• Siblings of current students placed at Grossmont through school choice must also complete a School Choice application as an incoming student.
• Once the Online Registration is complete and approved you'll receive an invitation to create an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.
• Submit a School Choice application through Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

Our district is partnering with the California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI) to offer students a comprehensive college and career search tool. Counselors recently worked with our juniors to use the valuable tools on the CaliforniaColleges.edu website. Students and caregivers are encouraged to refer to the presentations and continue to explore careers and colleges:

Junior Career Interest Profiler Presentation

The CSU/UC universities are no longer using ACT/SAT test scores for admissions purposes. However, other universities may require one of these exams, or they may have a test-optional policy, which means an excellent score can add value to an application. They may be required by specific programs or scholarships. Please click here for more information and test dates.

Are standardized tests stressing you out? Wondering whether you should submit your SAT or ACT scores when applying to colleges? In this video, Niche School Counselor Lisette "Bo" Bohannon explores the differences between test-optional, test-blind, test-free, and test-flexible admissions policies. Learn how to make the right choice for your future and gain tips and reminders for a successful college application process.

Check out this Junior Year Planning Calendar from College Essay Guy.

This one-page handout from the Mindset College Collective offers some great tips for parents helping their teens navigate this process!

Will your student be taking the SAT or ACT Exams this school year? Students with disabilities may be eligible for accommodations, but they need to plan ahead. All required documentation must be submitted to our SSD Coordinator at least seven weeks before the registration deadline for the desired exam. For more information and detailed instructions, click here. If you have any questions please email, Mrs. Porfirio at jporfirio@guhsd.net.

The GHS Counselors recently met with all seniors to discuss plans for life after high school. Our goal is to ensure every senior has the information and tools they need to achieve their post-high school goals. During these meetings, counselors provided checklists and handouts with valuable information. Parents/Guardians, be sure to review these with your senior.

All seniors need to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application) by March 2nd, whether you are heading to community college, a vocational or trade school, a four-year university, or even if you are not quite sure yet. Click here for the information counselors shared with seniors in their economics classes. Please register for our CalSOAP workshop if you need assistance in completing the application.

This one-page handout from Sallie May provides tips on how to understand the financial aid offers you may have received from universities. Lots of additional helpful information to help you understand and compare offers can be found here on the Big Future website.

In just one application, the Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 100 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000. Some scholarships can be renewed for multiple years to help offset the financial burden for a student’s entire undergraduate career. Check out the website for more information and to apply! Applications are due by March 4th at 2pm. Additional scholarship opportunities are available on our counseling website here.

The unspoken rules, expectations, and knowledge about how to navigate life on a college campus. It's what students are expected to know, but are rarely taught. This video series was made for any student starting their college journey, particularly those who are the first in their families to do so.