Post Secondary Plan
Legislation requires all students, starting in grade nine, to have a "plan" around seven key elements. This plan includes academic scheduling, career exploration, 21st century -skills, community partnerships, college access, all forms of post-secondary training, and experiential learning opportunities.
- Provide a comprehensive academic plan for completing a college and career ready curriculum premised on meeting state and local academic standards
- Developing 21st century skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and good work habits
- Emphasize academic rigor and high expectations
- Help students identify personal learning styles that may affect their post-secondary education and employment choices
- Help students succeed at gaining/gain access to post-secondary education and career options.
- Integrate strong academic content into career focused courses and integrate relevant career focused courses into strong academic content
- Help students and families identify and gain access to appropriate counseling and other supports and assistance that enable students to complete required coursework, prepare for post-secondary education and careers, and obtain information about post-secondary education costs and eligibility for financial aid and scholarship
At New Prague Middle School
At New Prague High School
During students' freshmen year: Counselors meet with the students in small groups and introduce them to Naviance. Naviance is a comprehensive college and career readiness solution for middle and high school that helps connect academic achievement to post-secondary goals. Counselors have student complete a career interest profile in Naviance and create an academic goal for their futures. This basic introduction to career clusters and work preferences complements the career exploration activities conducted during 8th grade.
Additionally, at the midpoint of the first grading period, counselors meet in small groups with them to talk about school success, study skills, credit and graduation requirements. Counselors talk about upcoming academic rigor and the high expectations they face as they move through high school. In the Winter/Spring the counselors meet in small groups to discuss future classes, plan their high school curriculum, look ahead to what colleges will require, etc.
During students' sophomore year: Counselors coordinate the administration of the PLAN in October. Also in the fall, a sophomore parent information night is held to share information about career planning and various types of college programs. In the winter/spring counselors meet in small groups to share students’ individual PLAN score reports. In addition, they discuss future classes and opportunities for the next school year, talk about college readiness, discuss career interests, and revisit their four year plan.
During students' junior year: Over the summer the counselors complete credit inventories to ensure students are on track to graduate. Discrepancies are corrected in the fall with students. 11th graders will have a two week career exploration unit in Media Studies class. They complete an extensive career interest inventory, learn about various college programs and admissions, identify potential career clusters and occupations, and research these possibilities. Counselors hold a junior parent information night in the fall to share various materials and information about Minnesota public and private colleges, financial aid, and a timeline for navigating post-secondary education and/or careers. When available, counselors accompany juniors to a local college fair in the spring to learn about various college programs and admissions requirements.
During students' senior year: Over the summer the counselors complete credit inventories to ensure students are on track to graduate. Discrepancies are corrected in the fall with students. The counselors meet with their students in a group setting. This meeting covers post-secondary planning timelines, college applications process details, financial aid, college selection tips, and more. They hand out materials on Minnesota colleges and universities and financial aid.
Each student meets with their counselor individually, usually multiple times, to discuss post-secondary education or career opportunities. It also gives the student time to ask any questions they might have and opens the door for further discourse or exploration. The counselors also provide an opportunity for interested seniors to attend the National College Fair in the fall.
For additional information: Click here to visit NPHS's Guidance Office Web Page
Guidance Counselors:
Mr. Michael Bartusek, School Counselor
Students with last names A-Fe
Phone: 952-758-1213
Email: mbartuse@isd721.org
Mr. Dustin Johnson, School Counselor
Students with last names Fi - La
Phone: 952-758-1210
Email: dujohnson@isd721.org
Mr. Kyle Krzenski, School Counselor
Students with last names Le - Schae
Phone: 952-758-1221
Email: kkrzenski@isd721.org
Ms. Angie Erickson, School Counselor
Students with last names Schal - Z
Phone: 952-758-1214
Email: aerickson@isd721.org