School Counseling

List of 13 frequently asked questions.

• Q: Do I need to make an appointment to see my counselor?

  The Counseling Center has an open-door policy. We invite students to come in and see their counselor any time they feel the need. However, there are times when your counselor may already be meeting with someone or be otherwise engaged. If it is not an emergency, you may need to make an appointment for a future time.  
  
  You can make an appointment with your counselor in several ways. Stop by the office and speak directly with your counselor to schedule a meeting, leave your counselor a note requesting a meeting, or email them directly. Your counselor may make an appointment for you and send a pass through your homeroom teacher.

• Q: What if I receive a pass to see my counselor when I am scheduled to take a test or quiz?

  Academics always come first! When you receive the pass, please stop by to see your counselor, and let them know you won’t be able to keep the appointment. If you can, reschedule with them at that time.

• Q: Can I see another counselor?

  As counselors, we enjoy working with our students and building a positive rapport with each of you. If your counselor is not available when issue must be resolved immediately, any available counselor will be happy to help you. If the matter is not urgent, we encourage you to email your counselor or return when appropriate to discuss the matter. 

• Q: How do I change my schedule? How late can I drop a class?

  Students may ONLY drop a class within the first six days of the new school year, or the semester if it is a half-credit class. For all schedule changes, students must first meet with their counselor. We want to be sure you have the proper credits to graduate, as well as the prerequisites for future classes at St. John’s and in college. Once you have discussed the change with your parents and counselor, you will need to see the Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs or the Dean of Academic Services to make the change in PowerSchool.

• Q: What are St. John's graduation requirements?

  To graduate, each student needs 26 credits, including four credits of English, math, and religion; three credits of science and social studies; and two credits of language. The credits are distributed as follows: seven credits freshman and sophomore years, six and one-half credits junior year. and six credits senior year. The courses required by each department are listed in our Course Catalog. For Christian Service requirements, please visit the Christian Service page. 

   

  Any class in which a student receives an F must be made up in summer school. If any student receives an “unsatisfied” F on their transcript, they will not graduate or receive an St. John’s diploma.

   

   

• Q: What happens if I fail a class?

  Any St. John’s student with an F on their transcript cannot graduate without remediating the failed class. Classes may only be made up in summer school, and not during the school year. St. John’s offers a wide variety of summer classes based on the needs of our students. Often students can repeat a class at another area school with prior approval from the Department of Academic Affairs.

• Q: What is a transcript?

  A transcript is the accurate depiction of your high school academic record. It includes every class and final grade received for each during your high school career. A St. John’s transcript does not include quarter grades or exam grades. The transcript also includes your grade point average for each year, as well as the cumulative total. If you have an F for a class, that grade will be on your transcript along with the summer school class and grade.

• Q: How do I get an official transcript?

  Students and/or parents must complete and submit an official transcript request form, available in the Counseling Center. The cost for this service is $3 per transcript. To view an unofficial copy of your transcript, please contact your counselor.

• Q: What is St. John’s CEEB/school code?

  090185

• Q: How do I get a letter of recommendation from my counselor?

  If you need a letter of recommendation, please make an appointment with your counselor, and bring a resume outlining your achievements, all extracurricular activities (both in and out of school), future goals, pertinent personal circumstances, and any other information you feel is important. 

   

  All recommendations will be completed within 10 school days, so be sure to allow enough time for your counselor to meet any deadlines. All recommendations are confidential and will be delivered in a sealed envelope or sent directly to the recipient.

• Q: My parents would like to meet with my counselor. Do they need to make an appointment?

  Yes, we are happy to meet with parents by appointment. Parents can schedule an appointment by phoning or emailing the counselor directly. Because a counselor’s day is scheduled around meeting with students and teachers and handling emergencies, advance notice for parent meetings in required.

• Q: Can I talk to my counselor about non-academic issues?

  Of course. St. John’s counselors are specifically trained to handle a variety of issues. We are happy to talk with you about family, friends, emotional concerns, and anything else that might be on your mind. As school counselors, we cannot provide psychotherapy or regular one-on-one counseling that might be needed in some situations. We can, however, offer referrals to outside professionals who can provide appropriate services. 

• Q: What is your policy on confidentiality?

  Meetings with students are confidential; however, there are legal exceptions that require us to break confidentiality. If we have reason to believe that there is a clear and imminent threat (student harming him/herself or another person), we are required by law to disclose information or take other actions to protect those in danger. If we have reason to believe that a student is being abused, we are required to report this information to the Department of Social Services immediately. Lastly, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed if a court issues a legitimate subpoena and determines that confidentiality is not privileged.