Welcome Freshman Parents & Students!During the freshman school year, your school counselor will spend time meeting with students in the classroom setting, and one-on-one, help ensure things are falling into place for them. 

Following is a brief outline of some of guidance topics that are a part of the Freshman Experience and I-lunch guidance series throughout the school year: 

• 2024 Ranger Camp Presentation (Click Here)
• The Freshman Experience
• Successful Transition Strategies
• Organization Skills
• Learning Styles Inventory
• Communication Strategies
• Note Taking Strategies
• Stress Management Strategies

• STATE TESTING AND PSAT—success on Texas State testing (STAAR End of Course) exams in the following subjects is required for graduation: Algebra I, English I, English II, Biology and US History.  Students take the EOC for these subjects in the year in which they take the course in the spring.  The most important thing to remember about testing and dates, is to be here on the dates that they are scheduled.  While there are dates for make up testing for most state tests, the PSAT is only administered on the single October date scheduled each year.  The PSAT is offered once every year in October for students in 9 – 11^th grade. Freshmen students will take this practice test with their peers. Students will receive a detailed report in late fall/early spring, which explains test scores and gives areas of strength as well as areas to work on.  We have a partnership with Khan Academy to pair scores with test preparation tools to help strengthen their skills. Students will also take the PSAT as a sophomore and a final time as juniors.

• ACADEMIC PLANNING — we assign students to a guidance counselor based on the student’s last name. Students may request to see a counselor on an as needed basis, and counselors will monitor academic progress and check in as needed.  Students review four-year plans and update classes for sophomore year, if needed during the spring semester.  The most important thing to assist your student with as they transition to high school during this critical year, is establishing a daily routine homework schedule to review and practice and develop assignments given in classes.  Students should balance their course load based  on strengths  and interests in subjects, while managing time available to give to extracurricular activities and time with family.

• INDIVIDUAL GUIDANCE COUNSELING – High school freshmen face a variety of developmental issues. Students are deciding getting to know the campus and adjusting to seven new teachers, meeting new friends from a variety of feeder schools, other districts and even new out of state and country friends. They are sorting out who they are in this new environment, what they do well, and what they will do to have a successful four years in high school. They are searching for a place to belong and rely on peer acceptance and feedback. They face increased pressures from a variety of areas. They need guidance in making decisions. They just sometimes need to talk.  The school counselor is here to assist the student, and their families, with issues and questions they might have.

Best tip for freshmen students...GET INVOLVED!  There's just about 100 clubs available for students to get involved, learn new things and meet new friends.  Many courses also have club activities, and there's an abundance of sports and other co-curricular opportunities as well!  GET INVOLVED!  WELCOME RANGERS! 

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