YISS Seniors Kick Off their Final Year During Symposium

On Saturday, August 20, the High School Counseling Department hosted the Senior Symposium. This one-day-on-campus event was designed to get the Class of 2023 excited about their final year of high school while also recognizing the opportunities and impact they now have as seniors. As they become the oldest group of students on campus, they were charged with setting the tone of the school as younger students follow their example. The 60 seniors present began the day with team-bonding games and activities to promote class unity and relationship building. 

Seniors also continued practicing the concept of RAFT (Reconciliation, Affirmation, Farewell & Think Destination) which they will build on throughout the school year as they transition from high school students to independent college students. After practicing reconciliation during the first week of school, they had the opportunity to recognize every member of the senior class by writing notes of affirmation to one another. 

The seniors officially kicked off their college application season with a couple of activities designed to stimulate their thinking regarding the college application process. They played the "GPA Game," learning about potential factors that could increase or decrease their chances of admission, such as extracurricular activities, relationships with teachers, and essays. This game emphasizes how GPA is just one of many factors that play an important role in admissions decisions. Seniors also took on the roles of admissions representatives by reading through four fictitious applications and evaluating whether to admit, deny, or waitlist the applicants.

On Tuesday, August 23, the Counseling Team presented the Senior Parent Timeline to senior parents in the auditorium. This meeting was to primarily introduce the general process and timeline the Counseling Team will follow to support the application process of the Class of 2023. The Counseling Team is excited to work with and support seniors throughout every aspect of their senior year.