Recommendations and Tips

8 Week Summer Countdown

Welcome parents and students!  This is an exciting time for YPA!  Starting something new is exciting but can be a little scary as well.  Even when we make changes for the good, there is stress involved and a little nervousness.  That is completely normal!  Please let your kids know that it is normal and okay to be nervous or uncomfortable about a new situation.  However, there are things to make the transition easier:

1) Talk to your children! Even if they act like they aren't listening, your kids are "hearing" you.  Ask them what their concerns are and acknowledge them. You don't have to dwell on them, but let them know you understand the concern and you will help them think of ways to handle it.

2) Ask "open-ended"questions.  For example:  What are you excited (or concerned) about most?  This way you won't get shut out with yes or no answers.  Open ended questions will get your kids talking and can build relationships and understanding.  If you can, try to make your questions focus on the postives and not the negatives.

3)  For the Middle Grades--if they don't want to talk--text them!  I promise you they will read it.  Speak their language and make sure they know you are not only interested but available.

4) Get involved!  This is extremely important!  Studies show that kids (and parents) who are involved in extracurriculuar activities tend to do better in school.  Place a vote for the school mascot, think about band, intramural sports, art, clubs you might be interested in etc.  When the surveys come out--do them with your kids and not for them.  Help your children take some "ownership" in their school. School pride goes a long way and everyone can be part of the YPA team in some way.

I look forward to meeting each of you throughout the summer with the various exciting events and orientations planned!  Be sure to attend and get to know the others that are building this new and exciting school!

Tara V. Huechtker Ed.S, M.Ed, NBCT

Academic Director

York Preparatory Academy Guidance Department

Mr. Benton, Counselor

The YPA Guidance Department is a welcoming, warm, and friendly place that provides individual counseling, small group lessons, and classroom lessons and presentations.  The purpose of these services is to help students find the way to excellence and success! 

Individual Counseling

The YPA Guidance Department is open to all students who may need assistance in such areas as study skills, anxiety, problems with friends, grief management, family issues, and decision making.

Small Groups

The nature of our small groups will based upon the needs of our students at YPA.  Here are a few of the possibilities for small group counseling:

• Grief management
• Friendship issues
• Bullying
• Family issues
• Personal strengths
• Anger management

Classroom Guidance Lessons and Presentations

The classroom guidance lessons and presentations will also be need-based.  Here a few of the possibilities:

• Friendships
• Respect
• Differences among peers
• Bullying
• Personal strengths
• Conflict resolution
• Safety issues
• Career exploration
• Making good decisions
• The road ahead: high school and college

The YPA Guidance Department will also serve as a resource for parents and faculty and staff.  As partners, we will work together to provide the very best learning environment for all YPA students as they journey towards excellence and success.

Timeline

August 18:  First Day of School

March 22-23:  PASS Testing

May 9, 11-13:  PASS Testing