Counseling Corner: Willowbrook Guidance Department provides resources to help students succeed inside the classroom and beyond

As the school year is off to a great start, the Willowbrook Guidance Department would like to remind students and parents/guardians the department offers a variety of resources as part of its focus to support students and help them succeed inside the classroom and beyond.

Success, Organization, Academic Skills, Remediation (SOAR): This is a tutoring program that offers academic assistance in core subject areas, provides supports for student executive functioning needs and develops student skills needed to effectively engage in a high school setting. Contact tutoring coordinator MacKensye Guza at mguza@dupage88.net for specifics on starting dates and times.

Academic Resource Center (ARC): Students can receive academic assistance from tutors from 7:10 to 7:40 a.m. and from 3 to 4:15 p.m. in the ARC (in room LS12). Students can attend during their lunch period as well. Otherwise, it is programmed in their schedule.

College and Career Center: Every Wednesday through Nov. 14 (during Warrior Time), counselors will be available to provide college application assistance to seniors. Students also can meet with college representatives, who will visit Willowbrook during lunch periods throughout the school year. Students can use Naviance and the School Bulletin to view which colleges/universities are visiting and the schedule. They can sign up to attend a visit through Naviance or the Student Services Office.

Student support groups: A number of groups are facilitated by our Student Services Team throughout the school year. Groups provide various levels of support, including academic and social-emotional. Participants meet during Warrior Time, and students can self-select to be in a group, or they may be referred by a staff member. For more information, contact Willowbrook social workers Erik Engel (eengel@dupage88.net) or Irene Mason (imason@dupage88.net).

Warrior Time Resource Centers: Students can receive academic assistance during Warrior Time. Each academic department has a resource center to help students in specific content areas. Students can get a pass from their classroom teacher to attend a resource center the next day.

Teachers: Students are encouraged to follow up with teachers to seek extra help or further explanation.

Writing Center: Any student who needs help with a writing assignment – such as proofreading, editing or just another opinion – can use this resource in the English Department. Students are encouraged to attend during Warrior Time, or their study hall or lunch period.

Math Resource Center (MRC): The MRC is a scheduled class period available to students who are enrolled in algebra and geometry to receive focused math help.

New Beginnings Leaders: Freshmen have access to New Beginnings Leaders (a group of upperclassmen), who are assigned to their Warrior Time and are there to provide academic and resource support.

Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Team: Students who are struggling with personal concerns are encouraged to access the following PPS supports.

• Counselor
• Social Worker
• Psychologist
• Dean
• School Resource Officer
• Nurse
• Assistant Principal of PPS

For more information about the above programs, contact the Guidance Department at 630-530-3427.