The advising process that invites families of current 8th and 9th graders to meet for individual 10‑minute appointments has continued this year at Jefferson County High School, reinforcing the school’s commitment to student success both in high school and beyond.

As part of an ongoing effort to strengthen academic planning, JCHS continues to use an individualized registration process that includes parents alongside students. This advising format provides more personalized guidance as students map out their coursework, while also helping parents better understand graduation requirements, six‑year plans, programs of study, and other factors critical to long‑term success.

Assistant Principal Emily Shoultz, who supervises schedules and the counseling program, again collaborated with counselors and staff to implement this tailored approach to registration. JCHS hosted a community night in February in preparation for registration. Grade specific meetings were held in the Performing Arts Center for students and their families, tours of the CTE classrooms were given, and an electives fair was held in the gymnasium. Over 275 rising freshmen and their families attended the community night.

A key component of the process continues to be one‑on‑one, 10‑minute advising appointments for current 8th and 9th graders and their families to review course requests and registration details. Rising juniors have the option of meeting individually with their counselor or in a small group setting. Almost all students elected to have an individual meeting with their school counselor. Rising seniors are required to meet one‑on‑one with a counselor. By extending individual advising to incoming freshmen and sophomores, students and parents have additional opportunities to ask questions, build positive relationships with high school staff, and gain a clearer understanding of high school programming as a whole.

To support the increased level of individualized guidance for rising freshmen and sophomores, Shoultz and her team trained approximately 20 staff members on the registration process, graduation requirements, six‑year planning, and CCR/TISA criteria.

“We believe this format continues to lead to stronger student outcomes and positive relationships between students, families, and staff,” said Shoultz. “By taking the time to understand each student’s aspirations, strengths, and challenges, we’re able to provide more meaningful course recommendations and better support students as they plan for their futures.”

Primary Source: JCS Central Office Update: April Edition. Read the full COU to catch up on news highlights from across the district!