9th Grade
August
Before the school year begins, School Counselors will host a Freshman Parent/Guardian Orientation to help families feel informed, connected, and confident as they enter high school. The presentation will cover essential topics such as key staff contacts, parent-volunteer opportunities, campus policies (cell phones and food), ways to support your student during this transition, mental health resources, schedules and credits, graduation and college requirements (A-G), future planning beyond high school, communication tools, and how to access ParentSquare, Canvas, and Aeries.
Students will participate in a Freshman Orientation Day designed to be both informative and fun. The day will include activities that help students build connections, explore campus, and create positive first memories. Lunch will be provided for all students. Freshmen will also complete important back-to-school steps, including picking up their school-issued Chromebook, purchasing ASB packages, completing data confirmation, and receiving their class schedules.
Fall
During the Fall semester, School Counselors visit Freshman classrooms to provide presentations focused on helping students feel supported and engaged on campus. Topics will include getting to know campus staff, clubs and athletics, course credits, academic support options, A-G eligibility requirements, mental health resources, and college and career planning tools (Intelligence Assessment) such as Naviance and CCGI.
Spring
In the Spring semester, School Counselors meet with Freshmen to prepare for the transition into Sophomore year. Students will review course options, update their four-year academic plans, review A-G eligibility using their transcript and CCGI, and meet 1-1 regarding graduation status and future goals.
Encourage your student to take advantage of Study Hall for any class where they may need extra support. Using Flexisched, students can plan ahead by scheduling their Study Hall sessions for the entire week (Wednesday–Tuesday), helping them stay organized and set up for success.
Flexisched is open daily from 8:00–10:15 a.m. During this time, students can add or change their Study Hall selection by logging in at westmont.flexisched.net. At 10:15 a.m., all Study Hall selections are locked for the day.
To increase their chances of being placed in their preferred Study Hall, students are strongly encouraged to make their initial selections on Wednesdays between 8:00–10:15 a.m. After this window closes, any students without a selection will be assigned to their Advisory teacher.
Parents/Guardians: Encourage your student to take advantage of our Homework Center, where they can receive extra academic support and connect directly with a Westmont teacher. The Homework Center is held Monday through Thursday in the library from 2:50–3:50 p.m. No registration or sign-ups are required—students can simply show up and get the help they need. The list of available teachers varies each semester.