Student Services

At Father McGivney Catholic High School, we are dedicated to nurturing the academic, social, and emotional well-being of every student. Our support services empower students to thrive in a challenging and dynamic learning environment. The Student Support Services website is a great resources for students and families to gain information on learning resources, college planning, standardized testing, mental health resources, college board and scholarship information, and much more. Check it out.

COUNSELING SUPPORT

Our state licensed school counselors strive to create a comfortable, safe, and supportive space so that students can feel more at ease sharing their thoughts and feelings. Navigating friendships, life transitions, and everyday challenges can be difficult. Our counselors offer compassionate guidance to help students build resilience and confidence. They help to guide our students in selecting their courses and ensuring they are meeting their requirements for graduation, helping students determine which courses will correspond with their goals for college and beyond. Our counselors take a whole person approach, promoting intellectual, emotional, educational, and spiritual well-being.

Services Offered

Meets individually with students to work through personal, social, or academic challenges
Meets with small groups of grade level students to provide structured wellness lessons and discussions
Responds to school concerns and crisis situations involving the social and emotional wellbeing of students
Works with students experiencing crises or challenges outside of school
Develops a partnership with parents to meet the needs of students
Works collaboratively with St. Monica’s Ministry to identify and address any student concerns that arise
Works collaboratively with outside mental health professionals involved with the student (with parent consent)

Saint Monica’s Ministry: Walking with Students in Faith and Support

Inspired by St. Monica’s unwavering faith and dedication to her son’s conversion, our Saint Monica’s Ministry is committed to supporting students in their academic, social, and emotional well-being. Just as St. Monica tirelessly prayed and advocated for St. Augustine, we walk alongside our students with compassion, guidance, and a steadfast commitment to their success.

The Saint Monica’s Ministry mentors meet regularly to discuss students who may be at risk academically, socially, or emotionally. Taking a collaborative approach, we use best practices and research-based strategies to ensure that students receive the support they need to thrive.
With the St. Monica’s Ministry, we believe that every student is uniquely gifted, and we are dedicated to helping them overcome challenges, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential—academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

No student walks alone. We are here to listen, support, and uplift.

LEARNING SUPPORT

We provide tailored academic assistance to meet a variety of educational needs and learning differences, ensuring every student has the tools to succeed. Our school counselors collaborate with teachers, families, and outside professionals to implement research based, best practice strategies and accommodations to support and empower students. Official Accommodation Plans are put in place for students with diagnosed learning disorders or mental health disorders in order to minimize barriers to learning. We strive to empower students to learn strategies and coping mechanisms that they can use for academic and social success throughout their lives.

Learning Accommodations

Common diagnoses and learning accommodations offered at Father McGivney Catholic High School:

ADHD

Extended time 50% (time and a half) on exams and standardized tests
Alternate placement/Reduced distraction environment for exams and possibly for standardized tests*.
Specific Learning Disorder in Reading
Extended time 50% (time and a half) on exams and standardized tests
Alternate placement/Reduced distraction environment for exams and possibly for standardized tests*.
If the diagnosis is severe the student can be afforded a human reader for in-class tests and standardized tests.
The use of Audiobooks purchased by parents in place of reading novels.

Specific Learning Disorder in Writing

Extended time 50% (time and a half) on exams and standardized tests
Alternate placement/Reduced distraction environment for exams and possibly for standardized tests*.
If the diagnosis is severe the student is afforded the use of the text to speech tool in Google to complete extended responses and essays.

Dyslexia

Extended time 50% (time and a half) on exams and standardized tests
Alternate placement/Reduced distraction environment for exams and possibly for standardized tests*.
Human reader for exams and standardized tests

Specific Learning Disorder in Math

Extended time 50% (time and a half) on exams and standardized tests
Alternate placement/Reduced distraction environment for exams and possibly for standardized tests*.
Calculator on math tests (unless the test is assessing simple calculation)
If the diagnosis is severe the student can be afforded the use of a formula card to use on math tests.

Anxiety

Extended time 50% (time and a half) on exams and standardized tests
Alternate placement/Reduced distraction environment for exams and possibly for standardized tests*.
Access to the school counselor as needed

Depression

Extended time 50% (time and a half) on exams and standardized tests
Alternate placement/Reduced distraction environment for exams and possibly for standardized tests*.
Access to the school counselor as needed

* Accommodations for Standardized Tests are determined by that organization and Father McGivney has no control over if our accommodations will be accepted. Paperwork is submitted to College Board, ACT, and any other Standardized Test Agency for their review and determination if accommodations will be granted.

Students with extended time will take standardized tests in a small group setting with other students with the same accommodations.

Tutoring Services

At Father McGivney Catholic High School, we believe that academic success is best achieved through support, collaboration, and leadership. Our National Honor Society (NHS) Chapter proudly offers peer tutoring twice a week during advisory periods, providing students with valuable opportunities to strengthen their understanding, boost their confidence, and achieve their full potential.

For students who need extra help, high-achieving peers offer guidance to navigate challenging concepts. For those looking to excel, personalized support helps fine-tune skills and improve grades. No matter the goal, our tutoring program fosters a welcoming, encouraging environment where every student can grow.

Tutoring is monitored by a dedicated staff member and is open to any student looking to improve. Whether striving for mastery in a subject or simply aiming to raise a grade, this program provides a valuable, no-cost opportunity for students to succeed.

ACADEMIC ADVISING, COLLEGE & CAREER COUNSELING

As students progress through high school, we offer personalized academic advising and college counseling to help them plan for a successful future. Through academic and social reinforcement, students develop self-advocacy, a love of learning, and confidence in their abilities. Our school counselors collaborate closely with teachers to provide individualized support within the expectations of a college-preparatory curriculum, emphasizing skill development and diverse learning approaches. We honor each student’s unique gifts, talents, and learning style, ensuring they receive the guidance they need to grow into capable and self-assured learners.

College Counseling

The goal of college counseling is to support each student's transition to a college that offers the best fit for her talents, needs, and abilities. This journey begins with activities that promote student strengths and foster intellectual interests, and culminates with college entry. The counselors will walk with each student on this journey and provide support every step of the way. Graduates of Father McGivney are exceptionally well-prepared for college level coursework at some of the most selective post-secondary institutions across the country.

Students can count on individual attention and assistance with every aspect of the college admission process, including college selection, essay development, interviewing skills, scholarship and financial aid applications, admission testing, and campus visit preparation. Grade-level seminars meet throughout the school year to offer structured guidance through the college search process by addressing topics such as career research, resume development, application completion, financial planning, and college student life.

The following resources are available to students and families to assist with the college planning process:

College Planning Process

College planning begins the second students walk through the door their freshman year. The freshman year is one filled with new discoveries. It is important that students keep an open mind and seek out opportunities to discover the many different options available for them in their college choices. Most importantly, it is a critical year to discover the importance of a solid high school experience as it relates to opportunities and options for college and beyond.

The sophomore year is an important one for the students to really push themselves to develop their full God-given potential. Also, it is an important year to develop a comprehensive understanding of your post-secondary options. This is the year to really begin developing and broadening your understanding of college options and choices.

During the junior year, it is important for the student to be deeply involved in the discernment process for what they will do with their future. Students should be discerning which colleges will be a “good fit” for them by actively seeking out information on schools and developing a list of schools for which they plan to apply. They also should know their academic standing and how that relates to their college admission chances.

The senior year is where the student gets to deliver all that they have discovered, developed and discerned over the past three years. It is important to have a good sense of what your options are and where you can best achieve your goals. The time, effort and quality of your delivery will have a significant impact on your successes. Enjoy and trust in God to guide you to your next step in your journey.

College visits are encouraged. Pre-arranged absences may be granted for college visits for juniors and seniors. Notice should be made in writing two school days in advance of the absence and the College Day Request Form must be completed BEFORE the absence.

College-Day-Request

College Counseling & Scholarship Guides

Career Counseling

At Father McGivney Catholic High School, our School Counselors are dedicated to preparing students for successful careers by providing personalized guidance and resources that help them explore their passions, set goals, and develop essential skills for the future.

Our counselors work closely with students to identify their strengths, interests, and career aspirations. Through one-on-one advising, career assessments, the Junior Job Shadow, and goal-setting discussions, we help students navigate their academic journey with a clear focus on their future professions. We also provide information on college and technical school opportunities, internships, and workforce pathways to ensure students are well-prepared for their next steps after graduation. We are committed to supporting every student as they discern their calling and prepare for a future of success and service.

Junior Job Shadow

The Junior Job Shadow provides students with an opportunity to explore future vocations and potential career paths. Beginning with the Class of 2025, students must complete a Job Shadow during their Junior school year in a career which they might be interested in pursuing. The Job Shadow can occur at any time from the summer prior to Junior year through the entire Junior school year, but must be completed by the 1st day of the student's Senior year. Information on the Job Shadow will be sent by Mr. Wilder in June as he oversees the job shadowing requirement and can answer questions for students and parents.

Parents and students are encouraged to visit the Student Services website below for more information. If you have questions regarding your student’s needs and the services that our Student Services Department may be able to provide, please reach out to the Director of Student Services, Mrs. Bobbie Madura or School Counselor, Mr. Merle Wilder.

Mrs. Bobbie Madura Admin - Student Services Director

Email Bobbie Madura 618-855-9010

Mr. Merle Wilder School Counselor

Email Merle Wilder