School Counselor - September 2026
What’s Happening?
September 7 No School – Labor Day
September 11 Grandparent’s Breakfast
September 11 Midterm
September 11 School Improvement Day – 12:30 Dismissal
Handle with Care
Parents, I am looking for your help. If your family is experiencing difficulties at home, I would like to provide additional support at school. I understand that you are not always able to share details and that is okay. If your child is coming to school after a difficult night, morning, or weekend, please give me a call or send me an email that just says “Handle with Care.” Nothing else will be said or asked. This will let me know that your child may need extra help, an encouraging word, or just a friendly smile. Our students and families are going through a lot and we have a group of caring staff members who want to help!
College Reps Scheduled to Come to Patoka School
At various times during this semester some colleges/universities will send a representative to answer questions about their respective colleges. I highly encourage any senior who does not know where they want to go to college to attend and ask questions. Parents are welcome too! Listen to the announcements for reminders of upcoming visits.
Note to Seniors and Senior’s Parents
I share a lot of college, trade school, scholarships, and anything interesting with the senior students through their school email. If any senior parent would like to be included in these emails, please reach out. This is the best way for me to share information with a vast group of students. Please also check out the newsletter, or my page on the school website, for other valuable information. For now, I encourage college-bound seniors to start making tough decisions about colleges and start applying for scholarships. If you are not satisfied with your ACT score, I would encourage you re-take it soon. Many schools are not requiring SAT/ACT scores for admittance, but they are tied to scholarships.
Looking Ahead
Typically each year, Kaskaskia College releases applications for their special admission programs around October 1. I am always happy to contact KC to help you and your student gain more information that I do not know. There are certain things you will need to have in place to apply early. Some programs require observation hours and some require a test be taken. Special admission programs are: Nursing, Licensed Practical Nursing, Radiology, Dental Assisting, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Massage Therapy, Paramedicine, Respiratory Therapy, Cosmetology, Nail Technology, Physical Therapy Assistant, Health Information Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Occupational Therapy, Surgical Technology and Vet Tech. Applying early is important since these programs often have more people apply than available spots.
I am definitely looking forward to the year ahead. I look forward to working with all students and would love to hear from the parents. Feel free to contact to me.
Ashly Venable
[email protected]
(618) 432-5440 ext 305