Helena High School

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Counseling and Career Guidance

The Helena School District is following the state’s recommendation for social distancing. Our school will begin with remote learning starting on Thursday, March 19th and continuing through Friday, March 27th. This closure was extended by Governor Bullock on March 24, 2020 through Friday, April 10, 2020.

What does this mean for school counseling services?

The Helena High School Counseling team will be available remotely during our school closure. We will be available through email and Microsoft Teams for students and parents beginning Thursday, March 19th (8 AM – 3:30 PM). Scroll down to access your school counselor’s email address.

Video/audio calls must be scheduled through email first. Directions of how to make a video/audio call in Microsoft Teams can be found by using this link: Teams Infographic

Counseling Announcements:

Scholarships: This is a great time to work on scholarships. Some of the dates have been extended but not all. Be checking our scholarship website (https://hhs.helenaschools.org/counseling-and-career-guidance/scholarships/ ) for up to date information and contact Mrs. Strietzel (KStrietzel@helenaschools.org) for any questions.
The Helena Summer Jobs Program is still accepting applications for students looking for summer jobs and will be completing interviews over the phone. Fill out an application online (https://www.americanjobs4youth.org/hsjp). Contact Mrs. Strietzel if you have any questions.
The AP Face to Face tests scheduled for May 4^th – May 15^th have been cancelled. For the 2019-20 exam administration only, students can take a 45-minute online exam at home. Students should visit https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update for more information.
Need an official transcript? Work back with your counselor for these requests.
Looking for a way to stay better organized? Feel free to use this attached To-Do List and Deadlines Resource to help you stay on track.
Remember to check out our website (https://hhs.helenaschools.org/counseling-and-career-guidance/) for more resources.
Take care of yourself and each other during this time away from school. You got this and you are not alone. We are all in it together. Take a deep breath and remember to reach out if you are struggling or need help. We are proud of all of you!

We have included some resources below that can help to facilitate conversations with your student regarding their concerns with COVID-19.

How to Talk to Your Kids and Teens about COVID-19
A Parent’s Guide for Talking about COVID-19
Just for Kids: A Comic Exploring the New Coronavirus
Ways to Support your Mental Health During Covid-19
Tips to Ease Anxiety: 7 Tips
Daily Schedule Suggestions: Sample Schedule
Study Tips: Basic Tips for Teens to Stay Productive with Online Classes
Helena Area Resources: Helena Area Resources
Technology Information (Clever, email, etc.) Clever Log In Help
HHS Library Resources: Library Online Resources
More Help with Clever: Clever_to_Teams_How-To
Tips for Working at Home

Take care of yourself and each other during this time away from school. Remember that if you are in crisis, call 911 or report to the Emergency Room. Other resources would be the crisis hotline: 1-800-273-8255 or the Crisis Text Line: Text MT to 741 741.

As always, Go Bengals!

HHS Counseling and Career Department provides information and assistance with academic progress, course selection, careers, college searches, scholarships, financial aid, and other post-secondary opportunities. Individual guidance and classroom group instruction are provided to assist students in making educational and vocational/career plans. Additionally, our staff offers personal and social support to individuals and families. Students are assigned to counselors by last name.

Click here to connect with the Helena High School Counseling Department Facebook page.

What you can expect from your Helena High School Counselors . . .

POST-SECONDARY PLANNING/COLLEGE, CAREER & LIFE SKILLS!
Course selections & preparing for high school.
INDIVIDUAL PERSONAL SUPPORT
FAMILY SUPPORT

We use a systematic approach to accomplish these goals with all students and families. . .

YEARLY PRESENTATIONS —
- Class registration and information night
OPEN OFFICE/WALK IN TIMES —
- Counselors keep “open office” time during both lunches for general walk-in questions. Your individual counselor may not be available, but someone in the department will be available to assist you.
INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS —
- Personal Interviews & Post Secondary Planning, general information, scheduling, career/college/scholarship opportunities, personal concerns/referrals, your counselor needs to see you for various reasons, etc. . .

All services provided by your school counselors are free, voluntary and completely confidential, except as required by law to the students, families, teachers and school staff in the Helena Public Schools.Helena School District has partnered with Intermountain to offer a free mental health screening for its students. The following letter and consent form can be returned to your student’s counselor and a screening with take place.

Letter to Parents: Mental Health Screening

2019-20 Behavioral Health and Wellnessparentletter

Parent Consent Form blank, HSD (1)

Our Staff

A-E
Mrs. Jaime Pandis
324-2227
jpandis@helenaschools.org

F– L (11th and 12th grades)
Mrs. Ashten Broadhead
324-2224
abroadhead@helenaschools.or

M- R
Mr. Jason Murgel
324-2226
jmurgel@helenaschools.org
*Mr. Murgel will be on sabbatical during 1st semester. He will work closely with Mrs. Gill throughout the summer/fall to ensure a smooth transition for students and families.