Welcome!
In keeping with Albertus Magnus High School's mission to educate the whole person, our guidance department is not separate from the ongoing academic program that encourages development of individual strengths in each of our students. The college and personal counseling that our department provides help to foster confidence and competence in each of our students, especially as they begin their college search and admission process.
Our staff includes three guidance counselors, an ADAPP counselor and an administrative assistant.
Casey Ehrie, Director of Counseling - Students grades 10-12 last names A-K
Tel#: 845-623-8842 ext.233 Email: cehrie@albertusmagnus.net
Missi Holland, Counselor - Students grades 10-12 last names L-Z
Tel#: 845-623-8842 ext.232 Email: mholland@albertusmagnus.net
Noreen Power, Counselor - all Students grade 9
Tel#: 845-623-8842 ext.206 Email: npower@albertusmagnus.net
Stephanie Katsifas, ADAPP Counselor
Tel#: 845-623-8842 ext.231 Email: skatsifas@albertusmagnus.net
Valerie McGhee, Administrative Assistant
Tel#: 845-623-8842 ext.202 Email: vmcghee@albertusmagnus.net
Freshman Year
Beginning at freshman orientation we encourage students to work toward achieving the best academic record possible as well as becoming part of the rich non-academic life at Albertus. Our freshman counselor, Noreen Power, helps students to establish both their academic programs and their personal goals. Some freshman may take the Subject Area Test (SATII) in Biology in June.
Sophomore Year
During the sophomore year students are asked not to focus on specific colleges, but to continue to build academic and personal profiles that may be assessed and matched with appropriate schools in the junior year. At course planning meetings with sophomores in the spring, guidance counselors will also answer any questions about the college admissions process. Several Subject Area Tests (SAT II) are available in June for sophomores: World History, Biology, Chemistry, and Math I (for advanced math students).
Junior Year
In the fall, all of our juniors will take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) for the first time in preparation for the SAT I. In late winter, counselors will meet with individual students to begin the preliminary college search work. All juniors are given a folder of helpful information to assist with the application process. Topics include: sources of information about colleges and admissions; the value of interviews and college visits; tips on self assessment and getting started with the college search. These meetings are designed to empower students with information so that they can take ownership of the process. Students do self audits, compile lists of activities, and get more specific information on what has to be done. Families are encouraged to visit as many colleges as possible in the summer.
Additionally, in the fall,approximately 70 colleges visit Albertus to meet with students and Rockland Community College hosts a college fair. Students and parents are encouraged to attend as they provides an excellent opportunity to speak with college representatives, place their names on mailing lists and pick up literature.
Senior Year
By September of senior year students should have visited campuses, and have narrowed, their list of colleges. During the fall seniors will be meeting with their counselors. Individual meetings with guidance counselors help the student prepare a final list and address other concerns about college. Parents are welcome to schedule an appointment at any time by calling their child's counselor at the numbers listed above. Students receive a high degree of personal attention as the application and admissions process unfolds. Each student is encouraged to seek help from their faculty or advisor when developing and refining their college application essay. In the spring, the staff will help students review their college acceptance list in order to make a final decision.