Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Counseling Department assists with course selection for the 2023-24 school year

The Willowbrook Counseling Department has started the course selection process for the 2023-24 school year. To assist students and parents/guardians with this process, the following events have taken/will take place.

• During January and February, freshmen, sophomores and juniors will be shown videos from the art, Career and Technical Education (CTE) and music departments. These videos showcase the course offerings available in those respective areas. 
  
  
• On Jan. 13 and 27 and Feb 3, School Counselors assisted students with the pre-course-selection process. Students were provided with an unofficial transcript, a course selection sheet and a four-year plan worksheet. Students watched a video that detailed how to select courses in PowerSchool to prepare for their course selection meeting with their School Counselor. All course selection materials were e-mailed to students and parents/guardians and also were posted in their class Google Classroom.
  
  
• Juniors met individually with their School Counselor from Jan. 17 to 27 for a junior interview and course selection meeting. Sophomores will meet individually with their School Counselor from Jan. 30 to Feb. 3 to select courses for next year. Freshmen will meet individually with their School Counselor from Feb. 6 to 17 for a freshman interview and course selection meeting. During these meetings, counselors will review teacher recommendations, the student’s college/career plans and the student’s interests/motivations when selecting courses.
  
  
• The Counseling Department welcomed members of the class of 2027 during their first course selection appointments on Jan. 21, 26 and 28.

Course selection is a vital part of a student’s high school career, and parental involvement is essential to assist students in making successful academic choices. To view the Course Listing Guide, go to https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/19.

Below are important reminders regarding the course selection process:

• Students should consider their college/career goals when selecting courses.
  
  
• Students need to be enrolled in at least six periods, plus a lunch.
  
  
• Schedules are computer generated, so counselors are unable to confirm a specific schedule.
  
  
• A parent/guardian must review course selections in PowerSchool.
  
  
• Support classes are beneficial for students who need additional academic support during the day, or for students involved in extracurricular activities who need additional study or academic-support time during the day. 
  
  
• Students are encouraged to speak with teachers of subjects in which they’re interested about future courses.
  
  
• SchooLinks is a great tool to assist with the college and career process and to examine course sequence.
  
  
• Course selections will be considered final after Feb. 24.
  
  
• District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente also shares important information, updates and reminders at dupage88.net/site/page/15309 to help students and parents/guardians plan for the upcoming year.

For questions or more information about the course selection process, contact the Counseling Department at https://dupage88.libguides.com/GuidanceandCounseling.