FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What do counselors do?

How are counselors assigned?

How do I sign up to see my counselor?

How do I get a copy of my transcript?

How do I go about making a homework request?

When is the next ACT/SAT and how do I register?

Where do I get a work permit?

How do I sign up for driver's training?

What should I do if I don't receive my child's progress report or report card?

ANSWERS

What do counselors do?
Counselors help students with a variety of concerns.  We help primarily with:
        - Academic and Scheduling Concerns
        - Personal and Social Concerns
        - College and Career Concerns
If you have a question or concern, and don't know who to contact at school, feel free to start with your counselor.  We will either help or point you in the right direction.

How are counselors assigned?
Students are assigned to counselors alphabetically, according to the first letter of the last name.  Each counselor assists a caseload of approximately 450 students in grades 9-12.  We make every effort to keep students with the same counselor during all four years of high school.

How do I sign up to see my counselor?
It's easy!  Just stop by the Counseling Center front desk and locate, according to your last name, the clipboard with your counselor's sign up sheet.  Counselors get sign up sheets at the end of each day and will make every effort to call you down the following day, or sooner if time permits.  Students with an emergency or pressing concern should notify the Counseling Center secretaries that they need to see a counselor immediately. 

How do I get a copy of my transcript?
Mrs. Hadfield, our Counseling Center secretary, handles the distribution of transcripts.  If you need a copy of your transcript, feel free to stop by and request one.  For most college applications (both paper and online) there is a portion that must be brought to your counselor for completion. After the counselor section is completed, applications will automatically be forwarded to Mrs. Hadfield for official transcripts and mailing.  If you complete an application that does not require a counselor signature, please be sure to see Mrs. Hadfield or your counselor to request that an official transcript be sent

How do I go about making a homework request?
Mrs. Turner, our Counseling Center secretary, handles homework requests for students absent from school for three days or more.  Homework can usually be picked up 24 hours after the request is made. It is a good idea to call Mrs. Turner at (586) 797-1690 to make sure homework is ready for pick up before coming to school.  The best time to pick up homework is between 2:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m.  For pre-excused absences, such as vacations, students are responsible for requesting homework from teachers directly, and well in advance of the absence.  Students wishing to arrange a pre-excused absence should pick up a form in the Attendance Office.  The form must be signed by a parent and all teachers.

When is the next ACT/SAT and how do I register?
Registration packets for the ACT and SAT are available in the Counseling Center.  While online registration is encouraged, credit card payment is required for online registration.  Students who prefer the standard paper-and-pencil registration packet can request one from the Counseling Center secretaries.  The schedule of upcoming tests and registration deadlines can be found on the registration packets as well as on the ACT and SAT websites: www.actstudent.org (for the ACT) and www.collegeboard.com (for the SAT).

Where do I get a work permit?
Ms. Steinwascher, the secretary at the first desk in the front office, can help you with a work permit.

How do I sign up for driver's training?
Unfortunately, Utica Community Schools no longer offers or sponsors any type of driver’s training program.  Brochures from various private companies are available in the front office.  Just ask Mrs. Lewerenz, the secretary at the first desk in the front office, for help.

What should I do if I do not receive my child's progress report or report card?
Report cards are mailed home shortly after the end of each 10 week marking period.  Progress reports are mailed home just after the halfway point of each marking period.  If you have not received a progress report or report card, please call the school to be sure that we have the correct address on file.  Report cards may be held due to book fines or other financial obligations.  Feel free to check with Mrs. Pettineo in the school accounting office to determine if a fine may be the reason a report card was held.  The monthly school newsletter is available on the school website and lets parents know exactly when to begin watching the mail for these reports.  Copies of report cards can be sent to parents who request them.

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