The counseling office supports students in a variety of ways.
“It could be something as simple as helping new students find their classes,” says Mrs. Chanda Dabbs, the school’s full time counselor. “Or it could be weightier things, such as helping students navigate academic, social, or emotional issues.”
Her counseling role doesn’t end there.
College counseling is a big part of Mrs. Dabb’s work, and her motivation stems from her own experience as a teenager. “When I was in their shoes, I was pretty good in school, but had no one to tell me how to prepare for standardized tests like the ACT. I didn’t know about scholarships, nor the college application process.”
Mrs. Dabbs wants a better experience for St. Bernard students. “I want to help young people see their potential and the opportunities that exist for them. My role is to help kids make good decisions.” She believes students are capable of much more than they realize.
The most fulfilling part of my work is helping students see their potential.
- Chanda Dabbs, School Counselor
College counseling begins early. “I meet with all freshmen prior to their first year. I show them possible academic paths, and explain the benefits of Honors Classes and Advanced Placement.”
Parents appreciate this early direction, as Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment classes ultimately help families save money on college tuition.
Advanced placement helps students save money on college.
To that end, St. Bernard also helps juniors prepare for the ACT, a standardized entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admission decisions. It provides colleges and universities a common data point to measure a student’s readiness for college. A high score translates into improved scholarship opportunities.
“Our curriculum and faculty do a good job of preparing students for standardized testing,” explains Mrs. Dabbs. “We supplement that preparation by offering students resources they can use to prepare for the test.”
Her work goes beyond academic preparation. Relationships are central to students’ happiness and development, and the school looks for ways to foster that most basic human need. The school schedule dedicates a one-hour period each week for students to participate in clubs or other life-giving activities.
“I host a young ladies discussion group. It expands their social circle, since some are freshmen and others seniors,” explains Mrs. Dabbs. Topics vary wildly, depending on the interest of the participants. “Today we made tea. That led to a student from England who shared her experience of tea in British culture.”
Mrs. Dabbs believes activities like this, coupled with a policy that excludes cell phones during the school day, lead to happier students. “At lunch our students talk with each other, rather than scroll through their phones and social media. Students are free to sit outside and chat with teachers or each other.”
For both boarding and day students, this is the heart of the St. Bernard Prep experience: friendships, relationships, belonging.
