Guidance and Social Workers' Professional Activities  

To help keep the school community updated on the Guidance Department and Social Work Department’s professional activities, this quarterly report is being posted.  Our competent and dedicated staff continues to establish networking opportunities to enhance our programs and activities. Attending workshops on various topics is customary.  The counselors frequently meet with College Admission Representatives at Hinsdale Central High School as well as attend meetings both locally and on college campuses.  Traveling to visit colleges is routine within the department including summer visits.  As always information gathered from any event is shared amongst the counselors and social workers at monthly department meetings.

Patricia Huebner
Interim Director of Guidance

April-May – Fourth Quarter

Carol Bobo, Counselor, traveled to Nashville Tennessee and attended Vanderbilt University Counselor Trip, participated in an overall review of undergraduate programs and the admissions process.  We have ten students that have been accepted there for the 08-09 school year.

Lisa Hikes, Counselor, attended the Associated Colleges of the Midwest meeting in Tinley Park. Lisa learned more about Coe, Lake Forest, Grinnell, St. Olaf, Knox, Beloit, Carleton, Cornell College, Colorado, Macalester, Lawrence, and Ripon. Lisa also went on the CRUSSH Tour and visited Colgate, Rensselaer, Skidmore, Syracuse, Hamilton, Cornell University, Ithaca, Hobart William and Smith.

Patricia Huebner, Interim Director of Guidance, attended several breakfast meetings hosted by the following list of colleges.  The focus of these meetings is to continue to build relationships with Admissions Directors, familiarizing with programs and specific admissions process/criteria.  Schools: Brown University, MIT, Yale, U of Penn, Harvard, Georgetown, Stanford and Duke.  Additionally, Patricia met with Admission Representatives from Michigan State and U of Michigan discussing college articulation, updates and learning about new programs. 

In March, the Guidance Department had the opportunity to have Alisa Fisher, Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at University of Notre Dame, come to Hinsdale Central and presented a workshop on recommendation letter writing for the faculty.

Eileen Orgo, Counselor, attended Illinois State University’s luncheon, learning about admission guidelines and programs. In May, Eileen visited the National Restaurant Association Convention in Chicago and learned about programs and careers in the hospitality and food service industry.  Eileen, who serves as the President of the DuPage Area Counselor’s Association, attended a spring meeting and planned workshops and seminar for next year.

Cindy Rodkin, Counselor, flew to Ontario, Canada attending the Toronto Area Universities Tour, her visit included University of Guelph, Ryerson University, University of Toronto, York University and University of Western Ontario.  On her visit, Cindy learned about the unique and dynamic higher education choices in Canada.  In April, Cindy attended the IACAC Annual Conference in Itasca went to professional development sessions and networked with colleagues. Cindy also attended a Breakfast meeting for Texas A & M; she learned more about the Aggie traditions and academic opportunities for our students, she also met with the Dean of Admissions. 

February-March – Third Quarter

Aquila Beach, Social Worker, visited Resurrection Behavioral Health Hospital to become familiar with services that are available. In addition, Aquila facilitated a conference for middle school girls surrounding topics of relational aggression and bullying. 

Carol Bobo, Counselor, traveled to Athens, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia High School Advisory Board meeting to continue to support the school’s admissions process. Over spring break, Carol was invited to attend and participate in a counselor trip to St. Louis University; it was an overall review of all undergraduate programs and the admission process. During her trip, Carol met with a former graduate of Hinsdale Central.

Ed Formanski, Counselor, attended St. Norbert College luncheon discussing college articulation, updates and learning about new programs at the college.

Lisa Hikes, Counselor, visited North Carolina, Virginia and surrounding areas during spring break including: University of North Carolina, Ashville, Appalachian State University, Wake Forest, North Carolina School of Fine Arts, Duke, North Carolina State and Virginia Tech.

Eileen Orgo, Counselor, toured the American Academy of Art in Chicago, IL and learned about programs offered.  Eileen serves as the President of the Dupage Area Counselor’s Association and attended a meeting on learning about student use of face book, MySpace and identity theft.  In March, Eileen also attended the Illinois Association of College Admission Counseling Regional Seminar attending sessions on careers, athletic recruitment, college admissions and networking.

Barb Plantz, Social Worker, facilitated a conference for middle school girls surrounding topics of relational aggression and bullying. 

Joe Prieto, Counselor, attended the 2008 Midwestern Regional Forum of the College Board that was held in Chicago, February 10-12.  As Chair of the Regional Council, which is comprised of representatives from thirteen member states, he welcomed the 600 guidance, admissions, financial aid, and other education professionals in attendance at the opening session, presided over the annual business meeting, conducted an orientation for newly elected Council members, and presented a session entitled, “Life Management Skills for Educators”.

Cindy Rodkin, Counselor, flew to Alexandria Virginia to attend the National Association of College Admission Counseling Technology Committee Meeting.  This is the annual meeting that helps the association and members assess and use emerging technology as it relates to high school counseling, college admission and our profession.  In February, Cindy visited Columbia College in Chicago; she toured many of the buildings, met with the entire admission staff and learned information about their selection process for admission.  Cindy also attended a Luncheon for Hope College; she made contact with their admissions office including the Vice President.  In addition, she met faculty, students and learned about their programs and facilities.

Kevin Koehler and Cindy Rodkin presented a Naviance presentation for parents during Parent Teacher Conferences. The entire Guidance Department helped train approximately 180 parents who attended.

The entire Guidance and Social Work Department attended an all day institute on Response to Intervention, learning strategies for upcoming programs, procedures and processes.

Hinsdale Central was very fortunate to have three experienced Admission professionals from Beloit College, DePaul University and Purdue University share their knowledge and expertise about the College Selection Process with our families in mid-March.

November/December/January – Second Quarter

Aquila Beach, Social Worker, attended the Mean Girls Conference in Chicago, IL.  Aquila learned useful strategies and plans for implementation of effective research based anti-bullying programs.

Carol Bobo, Counselor, met with Illinois Wesleyan admissions representatives at an informational dinner reception.

Rob Engleman, Counselor, attended an information luncheon session with Ripon College.

Ed Formanski, Counselor, participated in the ACT workshop, held at College of Dupage.  Ed gained valuable information and updates regarding ACT, Explore and Plan tests.   

Additionally Ed, attended St. Mary’s University luncheon discussing college articulation, updates and learning about new programs at the university.

Kari Hein, Counselor, participated in George Washington University’s Counselor Connection.  Forty counselors from across the country were invited to participate in exploring George Washington to learn more about their programs, activities, faculty and extensive internship opportunities.  Kari updated them on Hinsdale’s profile and solidified established relationships.

Lisa Hikes, Counselor, attended the Chicago Area College Counselor Association meeting at Downers Grove South.  Lisa discussed college related issues with college counselors from all of the Chicago area high schools.

Jim Kupres, Social Worker, attended Attachment Disorder workshop at the Center for Family Change in Oakbrook.  Jim gained further understanding of Attachment Theory and Challenging Behaviors as it impacts relationship between parent/child.

Angeline Matos, Counselor, attended the Illinois Wesleyan Counselor Reception learning about updated admissions and new programs.

Eileen Orgo, Counselor, toured Clemson University’s campus, learned about programs, admissions, and networked with the Clemson staff.  Eileen attended The Dupage Area Counselor Network at College of Dupage updating on career counseling, networking and career path knowledge. In January, Eileen also attended the Chicago Area College Counselor’s Association held at Downers Grove, networking and working on college consulting.

Donna Orloff, Counselor, participated in a seminar, Succeeding with Difficult Students, learning strategies and intervention ideas for supporting students.  Donna also attended an intervention meeting learning models that meet federal mandates for supporting student success.

Barb Plantz, Social Worker, attended Attachment Disorder workshop at the Center for Family Change in Oakbrook.  Barb gained further understanding of Attachment Theory and Challenging Behaviors as it impacts relationship between parent/child.

Joe Prieto, Counselor, visited Bowling Green State University in December.  In January, he attended a meeting of the Admissions Practices Committee of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling.

Cindy Rodkin, Counselor, attended the Chicago Area Naviance Network Meeting and Chicago Area College Counseling Association.  It was a great opportunity to meet executives from Naviance and network with colleges who are using the program.  CACCA allows counselors to keep up to date on current trends in admission that impact our jobs!  As an elected member of Illinois Association of College Admission Counseling executive board, Cindy attends business meetings to assist with the organizations projects and initiatives.  Cindy is co-chairing the on site committee for IACAC spring conference and has attended meetings to discuss plans for the conference.

The entire Social Work Department worked very hard coordinating efforts for families during the Christmas Season.  Clubs that Care, worked closely with their department to buy gifts for the families of Hinsdale Central Students.  The department wanted to make the Christmas season bright for families in need.  The response from the families was extremely positive.

As part of the Guidance Department self-survey of best practices for delivery of services, all of the counselors along with some parents/ who served on the study groups had the opportunity to visit other guidance programs at several local high schools including Glenbrook North, Glenbrook South, Highland Park, Maine South, New Trier, and Stevenson.

Summer Months through October 26, 2007 – First Quarter

Aquila Beach, Social Worker, participated in a Dual Diagnosis workshop at Resurrection Behavioral Health in Downers Grove and attended Hinsdale Central’s Social Work Open House in October. 

Carol Bobo, Counselor, visited Denver, Colorado and surrounding areas this summer including the University of Denver, the University of Colorado-Boulder, Colorado College, Colorado State, and the University of Northern Colorado. Carol is a member of the High School Advisory Board and participated in a meeting for the University of Georgia.  In October, Carol had the opportunity to meet with representatives from Ohio State University, Miami University, University of Maryland-College Park, Binghamton University, and the University of Colorado-Boulder discussing 2007 profiles for 2008 student admissions. At the end of the month, Carol toured Emory University and Agnes Scott College, staying connected with the schools where Hinsdale Central students are attending.

Mark DeDonato, Social Work Intern, went to a workshop on Practicing the Art of Helping Angry Youth: Assessment and Treatment, gaining a better understanding and interventions to serve this specific population.  Mike attended the Illinois Association of School Social Workers 39^th Annual Conference where he participated in a variety of sessions to help build his social work knowledge and skills.

Rob Engleman, Counselor, had the opportunity to visit the University of Nebraska.  During his visit, he toured the campus, talked with a group of Nebraska students and toured the College of Journalism and the College of Agricultural Science and Natural Resources, where he was presented with valuable information on a growing major, forensic science.  Rob spent time with professors from the College of Architecture and lastly he attended the University of Nebraska football game vs. Oklahoma State University.

Ed Formanski, Counselor, participated in the National College Board Forum and gained information and changes on the College Board exams. Ed toured the east coast and visited the following colleges: Columbia University in the City of New York, New York University, Hofstra University, Adelphi, State University of New York -  Stony Brook, Princeton University, Yale University, Brown University, Rhode Island School of Design, Stonehill College, Bentley College, Brandeis, Harvard, MIT, Suffolk, Northeastern, Boston College, Boston University, Tufts, and Daniel Webster.

Kari Hein, Counselor, attended the University of Illinois Mock Admissions Workshop at Urbana-Champaign and discussed the admissions and application review process with the admissions director.

Lisa Hikes, Counselor, visited several colleges this summer including Santa Cruz, St. Mary’s, Stanford, Berkeley, Santa Clara, the University of Nebraska, the University of Iowa, Butler University, the University of Cincinnati, Drake University and University of Tennessee.

Pat Huebner, Interim Director of Guidance, attended the National Association for College Admission Counselors in Austin, Texas. During her stay, Pat visited the University of Texas at Austin and St. Edward’s University.

Kevin Koehler, Counselor, toured colleges this fall throughout Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas including: the University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Rice University, the University of St. Thomas, Texas Lutheran University, Trinity University, St. Mary’s of San Antonio, Southwestern University, Baylor University, Texas A&M University, St. Edward’s University of Austin, the University of Texas at Austin, Southern Methodist University, the University of Dallas, Texas Christian University, the University of North Texas, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa, Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma State University, Wichita State University, Kansas State University and the University of Kansas.  During the fall, Kevin participated in the ACT Regional Workshop, the SAT Regional Forum and the NACAC National Conference and gained information and changes on the College Board exams.    

Angeline Matos, Counselor, attended University Articulation meetings for Northern Illinois University and the University of Wisconsin, familiarizing herself with the campus, programs and specific admissions process/criteria.

Mike McMahon, Social Worker, attended the Illinois Association of School Social Workers 39^th Annual Conference, where he participated in multiple workshops addressing pro-active programs for social workers.

Eileen Orgo, Counselor, serves as the President of the DuPage School Counselor Association and attended a lecture on “Gestalt Therapy” enhancing personal counseling held at Hinsdale South High School.  Eileen also attended a counselor luncheon at Grand Valley State University this fall.

Donna Orloff, Counselor, attended the University of Illinois Mock Admissions Workshop at Urbana-Champaign and discussed the admissions and application review process with the admissions director.  During the summer, Donna also traveled to Iowa and toured Coe College, Cornell College, the University of Iowa, Grinnell College and Drake University.

Barb Plantz, Social Worker, participated in two workshops, one on Grief and Loss, a “Grief Journey Activity” and Dual Diagnosis Continuum of Care in September. During the rest of September, Barb visited Elmhurst’s Psychiatric Hospital Adolescent Services Department and the DuPage County Regional Office of Education.  Barb, along with the help of the entire Social Work Department organized a Department Open House in October that involved networking opportunities with community providers.

Joe Prieto, Counselor, recently attended the bi-annual meetings of the College Board’s Midwest Regional Council, of which he is the current Chair, the meeting of the College Board Midwest Regional Forum Planning Committee, the bi-annual meeting of the College Board National Committee on Membership, and meetings of the Admissions Practices Committee for the National Association for College Admissions Counseling.

Joe also attended the annual National Forum of the College Board, held in New York City. He presided over a breakfast meeting of all members (guidance, financial aid, and college admissions officers) from the thirteen-state Midwest Region who were in attendance at the Forum. As Chair of the Midwest Regional Council of the College Board, he participated in a joint meeting of Chairs and Chairs-elect from the other six Regional Councils. He also visited New York University, Columbia University and Fordham University.

Cindy Rodkin, Counselor, is an elected delegate on the National Assembly and a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling Technology Committee.  In September, Cindy was present at the NACAC conference and had an opportunity to meet representatives from Colorado schools.