• Naviance/Family Connection

Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Alexandra Furgiuele. I am the new Barbara Snider College Pathways Counselor for the 2010-2011 school year. I worked at San Mateo High School for the past two years as an academic counselor, and with this new role, I am excited to be working with students, parents, teachers, and staff members in guiding them through the college process.

As you may not know, the Barbara Snider College Pathways program is funded through the SMHS Foundation. San Mateo High School is very fortunate to have a Foundation, always funding new projects, to keep the students best interest at heart. San Mateo High School prepares students for the success they deserve by providing a more enriched college program. I am ready to take on this role.

I have many plans for the College Pathways Program, including more college talk series. Some will include guest speakers, up to date information, Naviance training sessions, and informative presentations. Also, the program will include various college visits in the Fall, one on one college counseling sessions, grade specific parent and student information nights, and much more. The program goals are to expand college planning services that lead to improved college acceptances and placements for all SMHS students.

With Naviance, my main objective is to have every student registered and to feel comfortable using the site. Naviance can be used by our own faculty, students, and parents. I will be working with all parties to get them familiar with the site so that you may see what a useful tool it is and why the counselors and administration have invested so much time in building Naviance and implementing it to the school.

My new role will not only include counseling students on college research, narrowing college choices, providing one on one college counseling, but also presenting information and managing information. I will be working with parents, faculty, staff, and students in order to guide them through the college process and training them on how to use Naviance. There will be lots of events, including the yearly grade level parent information nights, but also four college talk series this year. So much information will be presented; I recommend you attend these events.

Not only will I be presenting to many groups; I will also be managing the program. I will be managing all types of communication, distributing newsletters or announcements, managing publicity, arranging for outside guest speakers, and supporting the entire Naviance program.

In addition, I will be the liaison to various personnel, teachers, staff, administration, and technology support. I, too, will be learning a lot this year, and so I will be attending various conferences in order to increase my knowledge about college admission requirements.

I look forward to working with you and do not hesitate to contact me throughout the school year. Regards,

Alexandra Furgiuele
Barbara Snider College Pathways College Counselor
San Mateo High School
afurgiuele@smuhsd.org
650-558-2314
http://connection.naviance.com/smhsca