Salt Lake Center for Science Education

Welcome to the counseling center! Our mission as school counselors is to help students navigate high school, providing academic, career, and social/emotional support in a variety of capacities. Direct student services include classroom lessons, small group, and individual counseling, and helping students explore interests to help them make decisions about their future. Indirect student services include collaboration with teachers, parents, and the community to support student achievement, and to provide referrals to community resources for students and families needing extra assistance.

• What do school counselors do? Find out here!
• Did your incoming 9th grader miss elective fair? Have them fill out their electives here!

April Counseling Newsletter

• Making a meeting with Ashley Paulsen 
• Make a meeting with Sammi Borders  

Please note that we offer some electives every other year.

Language Arts Electives 

• Creative Writing
• Survey of Law
• Podcasting (every other year)

Math Electives 

• Math lab (homework support class)
• Math 1030 (Senior year only)
• Math Decision Making for life (Senior year only)
• AP Statistics (available for any student)
• Computer Programming

Science Electives  

• AP environmental science (every other year) 11th/12th graders
• Medical anatomy/ research (every other year) 10th, 11th and 12th graders
• Forensics (11th/12th graders)
• Bio Agriculture (every other year)
• Food Science
• Geology/Astronomy (every other year)
• Science Buddies (every other year)
• Advanced science research (every other year)

Fine Arts

• 3D design 
• Art  
• Drawing 
• Jewelry (10th-12th graders)
• Ceramics 
• Commercial art electronic media  
• Printmaking 
• Intro to design 
• Theatre
• Music

World Language 

• Spanish I
• Spanish II/III
• Spanish for Native Speakers
• P.E. Courses

Health

• Bike Shop
• Outdoor Explorations
• Independent Sports
• Lifetime Activities

CTE 

• Computer programming 
• Medical forensics 
• Jewelry 
• Digital media  
• Bike Shop

Other electives

• Service Leadership
• Survey of Law
• Office Aide (11th/12th graders)
• Teacher Aide (11th/12th graders)
• Senior Seminar (seniors only)
• Financial Literacy (11th/12th grade)
• Reading
• ELD (English Language Development)

AP classes 

• AP Psychology 
• AP Stats 
• AP Calculus (Seniors only)
• AP Human Geography (every other year)
• AP Comparative Government (every other year)
• AP Spanish

Concurrent Enrollment

Students in 11th or 12th grade can enroll in Salt Lake Community College to complete college level classes to earn college credit and high school credit.

Please feel free to contact us at any time to schedule a meeting. 

• Making an 11th or 12th grade meeting with Ashley Paulsen 
• Make a 9th or 10th grade meeting with Sammi Borders

College & Career Readiness Meetings (SEOP's)

The SLCSE Approach
All SLCSE students are taught about post-secondary education options from 9th grade onwards.  The focus is on college, but we realize that some students will opt for other life adventures.  Whatever path they choose, our goal is that all students have the support needed for entry into and success at college and leave SLCSE with a plan for what path they will pursue.  

All students take Senior Seminar their senior year, which is our approach to supporting students step by step as they enter life after high school. Students participate in a capstone project that they work on all year, as well as applying to colleges, scholarships, and FAFSA. This class is partnered with the school counselors to provide the most support.

Grade 9: Off and Running
The focus of our 9th-grade college preparation curriculum is on the realities of high school: transcripts, credits, GPAs, and graduation requirements.  Students learn the difference between graduating from high school and being prepared for college.  Students map out their four years at SLCSE and visit a college to remind themselves of what they are preparing for. 

Grade 10: Dream Big
SLCSE sophomores continue to prepare for college by investigating the variety of options after high school.  We push students to find extracurricular activities that will give them new experiences.  We do a lot of self-analysis and focus our advisory time on exploring career possibilities. All students meet with Sammi for 1:1 CCR to explore post-secondary options and their track for graduation.

Grade 11: Eyes on the Prize
SLCSE juniors begin the "official" phase of the college process.  Juniors take an ACT Preparation Course and begin to formally research colleges.  At this stage, we encourage all students to research as many options as possible, even if they are sure that they want to attend a certain school.  Our philosophy is that all choices should be informed choices and we want students to see what is out there! Our goal is for students to visit at least one college campus, whether that's Salt Lake Community College, Davis Tech, Westminster, University of Utah or Utah State University!

Grade 12:  Finish Strong
Our seniors begin the year by working on their college essay, requesting recommendations and narrowing down their college list to the 3-10 schools to which they will apply.  Throughout the fall they are sending out applications, working on essays, and retaking the ACT if they choose.  All seniors are supported in this process in senior seminar.

After winter break we focus on financial aid and scholarship applications.  The year ends by addressing the social and emotional issues related to life after high school.  We review topics learned in Financial Literacy and prepare for issues that typically arise during the freshman year, including roommate conflicts, advocating for oneself and finding support services, and communicating with professors.

We work with SEATS, The Statewide Online Education Program (SOEP) for students to take some electives online if they choose to. 
Below are the directions to sign up for an online class.

Step 1: Register on the SEATS Website
Go to: Register

Step 2: Create a Username & Password

• Pick something easy to remember.
• Write it down somewhere safe.
  • Important: If you’re using a Mac, do NOT use Safari. Use Chrome or Firefox.
• Video help: How to Register for a SEATS ACCOUNT - YouTube

Step 3: Confirm & Log In

• Check your email to confirm your account.
• Then log in with the username and password you created.

Step 4: Complete Your Profile

• Fill in your info.
• For District and School, enter: SLCSE
• Add your parent or guardian’s information.

Step 5: Register for Classes

• Follow the prompts to start registering.
• Video help: How to Register for Classes on SEATS - YouTube

Step 6: Click "Register for Online Courses"
Step 7: Select Your Info

• Choose your grade level
• Select your counselor: Samantha Borders
• Choose High School Courses
• Then choose Regular Courses

 Step 8: Choose a Provider & Course

• You can choose any provider, but Utah Online School has more options.
• Pick the course you need and the start date
• Submit your request!

Step 9: Wait for Approval

• Sammi will approve your course request.
• This can take up to a week
• Watch your email for a message from the online provider—this is required to finish your registration!

Step 10: Start Your Course

• Once your provider’s term begins, you can start your course.
• Stay on top of deadlines and check your email regularly.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING 
Odyssey House has partnered with SLCSE and the school district to provide mental health services to students. Weekly individual therapy sessions are provided at the school for students. Odyssey House accepts all types of insurance, including Medicaid. There is no out-of-pocket cost to the student's family, even if their insurance usually requires a copay, or if the student doesn’t have health insurance. This service is for students that are interested in therapy to assist in managing mental health or substance use concerns. To refer a student to this service, please fill out this referral form. 

Well-Being Team through the University of Utah

We have two amazing therapists that are at our school for a total of 30 hours a week to provide free therapy to our students.

Hi! I’m Kaitlyn, a Certified Social Worker (CSW) who recently earned my master’s degree in social work from the U. When I’m not working, you’ll often find me traveling, spending time with my family or immersed in some kind of creative project or hobby. I’ve worked with students of all ages. I’m deeply committed to being a caring and attentive listener, striving to offer meaningful support to everyone I work with. We are both committed to using strengths-based approaches and evidencebased practices to empower the students we serve and create a safe space where everyone feels heard, understood, and validated. 

Hi everyone! I'm April, a recent MSW graduate (Go Utes) and CSW. I'm passionate about anything related to mysteries—whether it's books, movies, or solving puzzles—and I’m also a big fan of Broadway shows. When I’m not immersed in those interests, I love spending quality time with my family. I’m excited to be here and look forward to getting to know all of you!

WHAT WE CAN DO

• Strategize or teach ways for Coregulation in classrooms
• Collaborative Solving Problem
• Stress Management Support
• Lead connection activities with students in your class
• Teach about Trauma-Informed Care or Mental Health Awareness
• Provide emotional support to teachers
• Provide individual/group therapy to students.

Feel free to stop by the WBT room for a treat, tea, say hi, or just relax

At Salt Lake Center for Science Education we are committed to providing positive experiences for all of our students and families. We value all students and will do our very best to provide the specific support that each individual student needs to reach their full potential. Our goal is to create a safe academic environment where students thrive, enjoy coming to school each day, take care of each other, and are working hard to become fully prepared for their high school years and beyond.
 
In order to promote student well-being our University of Utah Wellness Team will offer the following support services to students and staff:

• Individual therapy and counseling
• Group therapy and counseling
• School-wide mental health intervention with Second Step, a social-emotional learning curriculum
• Teacher consultation

Why promote student well-being and positive mental health in schools?

• Higher educational attainment- Healthy students are more alert, engaged, and better able to concentrate and learn.
• Better relationships- Developing strong, supportive relationships at school helps students feel safer, helps to increase inclusivity and prevent bullying behavior
• Healthier Lifestyles- Positive mental health and well-being is associated with better physical health, improved sleep, and increased quality of life
• Positive School Environment- Valuing student well-being helps promote a more inclusive environment, making it easier for students to engage in studies and learn
• Decision-Making and Problem-Solving- Learning to make healthy decisions and handle interpersonal problems appropriately helps students carry those healthy skills into adulthood
• Increased Access to Mental Health Services- Nearly 80% of students with mental health disorders do not receive any treatment; most who do receive services receive some or all of their services when they’re at school. 

SLCSE is committed to providing positive experiences for all of our students and families.
Social Emotional Learning Materials

• Self-Compassion, English
• Self-Compassion, Spanish
• Making Transition, English
• Making Transition, Spanish
• Mindfulness, English
• Mindfulness, Spanish
• Social Emotional Learning Video
• Goals

Responsive Services & Resources
In case of Emergency, please dial 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

SafeUT CrisisLine

Helpful Links

• Salt Lake County Youth Services
• United Way 211
• LGBTQ Utah Pride
• Indian Training Education Center
• CHIP - Children's Health Insurance Program
• NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness
• NAMI Utah School Newsletter
• Salt Lake City School District Responsive Services Model

SafeUT Crisis Text & Tipline
What is it?
The SafeUT Crisis Text and Tip Line is a statewide service that provides real-time crisis intervention to youth through texting and a confidential tip program – right from your smartphone. 

Licensed clinicians in our 24/7 CrisisLine call center respond to all incoming chats, texts, and calls by providing:

• supportive or crisis counseling,
• suicide prevention,
• and referral services. 

We can help anyone with emotional crises, bullying, relationship problems, mental health, or suicide related issues.   

Free, Anonymous, & Confidential Crisis Services
SafeUT is free, anonymous, and confidential.
If an “active rescue” is necessary – meaning our crisis counselor believes the user is in immediate danger – the counselor will alert emergency services for a face-to-face safety evaluation.

How do I download the app?
SafeUT App is available for both Apple and Android devices. 
Simply search “SafeUT” in your smartphone’s app store and download the app. You will be required to accept terms and permissions – something all apps ask you to do. You will also create a passcode once the app is downloaded.

• Utah Department of Human Services Hotlines
  Child Abuse/Neglect Intake 1-855-323-DCFS (3237)
  Utah Domestic Violence Link 1-800-897-LINK (5465)
  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  Recovery Services  801-536-8500
  Child and Family Services  801-538-4100