Wheaton Warrenville South Counseling Center

During this time of school closure over the next couple of weeks, we want you to know that we are available to you for school-related issues or questions. It is important that we stay connected with each other during these times of social isolation. Some tips:

-Stay engaged with your schoolwork but give yourself some time for self-care as well. 

-Feel free to reach out to us through email to address any school challenges you may be having. We are here to support you and look forward to helping you.

See below for staff contact information, additional resources, and FAQs.

School Counselors

School Psychologists

School Social Workers

Resources and FAQ's During E-Learning

Virtual College Fair

Managing Stress and Anxiety

Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

Helpful strategies and resoures for families

Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)-A Parent Resource

Information from CNN about homeschooling for parents who are not accustomed to homeschooling their student: https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/health/homeschooling-during-coronavirus-wellness/index.html

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/13/the-family-lockdown-guide-how-to-emotionally-prepare-for-coronavirus-quarantine

(The following is a summary of the helpful strategies and quotes from the article link above)

Be on the same page- “Have a discussion: what do you think will be the biggest challenges? What are the strengths that we each have as an individual family member that can help out?”

Be truthful-  “It is important for parents to listen to and empathise with their children’s fears, and speak truthfully about the situation in an age-appropriate manner. For adults too, keeping a sense of perspective and sourcing information and advice from credible sources will help stave off anxiety.”

Set up structure- “Maintaining a routine will be important but it need not be strict.”

Keep moving- “Keeping physically active is critical to boosting mood.”

Get things done- “Feeling as though something has been accomplished during an isolation period will be important for both children and their parents. It could include working from home, school assignments or setting sights on long-avoided chores, repairs or tasks.”

Give each other space- “While respecting time alone is important, it could also be a time for creating or reconnecting with family rituals. This might be as simple as a proper sit-down family meal, perhaps with a new recipe the kids have been involved in preparing.”

Stay in touch- “Another critical component of good mental state is feeling connected to others. Connecting and making time for friends on social media or over the phone will be critical for adults.”

Learn from the experience

If you need to contact your counselor

Counselors are available during e-learning through email and Google Meet. 

Junior conferences: for students still needing to complete a junior conference, please email your counselor with a date and 3 times you are available to meet during regular school hours by phone or Google Meet. Your counselor will email you to confirm your time slot. They will then contact you via an anonymous phone number or will send you an invite to meet through Google Meet during your scheduled time. Please include your phone number in the email when requesting a phone appointment.

Scholarships: contact your counselor directly by email.

Transcripts: contact your counselor directly by email.

Seniors: visit this link to check which colleges may be extending admission decisions!

https://www.nacacnet.org/college-admission-status-coronavirus

What will happen with AP exams?

College Board is in contact with us daily. It is a fluid situation and we will post updates as we learn more information. Here is a link to the College Board website: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/

April and May SAT dates

Directly from the College Board website, "In response to the rapidly evolving situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19), College Board is canceling the May 2, 2020 SAT administration. Makeup exams for the March 14 administration (scheduled for March 28) are also canceled. Students who already registered for May, whose March test centers were closed, or who do not receive March scores because of any irregularities will receive refunds. In the coming days, College Board will share additional information and details directly with registered students and test centers."

It is your responsibility to visit College Board’s website for more information: https://pages.collegeboard.org/natural-disasters

April ACT

Directly from the ACT website:“The safety of students and test center staff is ACT’s top priority. ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the U.S. in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date.”

It is your responsibility to visit ACT’s website for more information https://www.act.org/ 

Will we still take the PSAT/SAT at school on April 14th?

All state testing for this year is cancelled. The state is working on a plan for juniors to take the SAT potentially next school year.

Should I be visiting colleges during spring break?

Most colleges and universities have shut down campuses and cancelled all tours. It is your responsibility to contact the college directly to find out whether or not they are permitting campus visits or tours. Some campuses may offer virtual visits!  You may be allowed to drive around campus even if it's closed - but contact colleges and see if that is possible.

Seniors: I’ve completed my college applications and filled out the FAFSA. What else can I do for college prep?

Spend time researching and applying for scholarships here https://clark.com/education/best-websites-resources-to-find-college/

Text financial aid questions to (630) 216-4910. Questions will be answered on an individual basis by an Illinois Student Assistance Commission representative. 

Information from CNN about homeschooling for parents who are not accustomed to homeschooling their student

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/16/health/homeschooling-during-coronavirus-wellness/index.html

1. Level Changes
2. Course Changes: Students can change a class that they are scheduled for but took and passed over the summer, the options are limited to any course where space is available.
   • Students can also opt to drop an elective course to a study hall within first 15 days. Student will not be able to drop if they already have a study hall or release period because they must maintain 6 courses. After 15 days they will be dropped with a grade of Withdraw/Fail.
3. 2nd Semester Changes: Elective Sequential Changes ONLY
   • Must be changed no later than December 1
   • New elective selected, as space is available