Counseling

RISE offers weekly guidance lessons to students, with each class receiving one lesson per week. During these lessons, students receive guidance from a team of professionals, including their class teacher, school nurse, psychological counselor, and college counselor. The class teacher is responsible for teaching universal values to their class, while the other professionals provide guidance in their respective areas of expertise. These lessons are designed to help students develop social and emotional skills, as well as prepare them for future academic and career opportunities. 

The psychological counselor (PC) at RISE has expertise in supporting students' emotional and behavioral well-being. PC is trained to provide guidance and support for students who may be experiencing challenges related to mental health, such as anxiety, depression, or stress. The counselor offers individual counseling sessions, as well as lead small-group discussions or classroom presentations on topics related to social and emotional development. Additionally, the counselor  collaborates with teachers and other professionals to develop strategies for supporting students' emotional needs and improving their overall well-being.

RISE offers college counseling services to help students navigate the college admissions process and plan for their future academic and career goals. The college counselor works with students to identify their strengths, interests, and goals, and helps them explore potential college and university options that align with their aspirations.

The college counselor provides support and guidance to students throughout the college application process, including advice on essay writing, interview preparation, and standardized test-taking. They also assist with the submission of college applications and financial aid forms.

In addition to individual counseling sessions, the college counselor may lead group workshops on college readiness topics, such as researching colleges, selecting a major, and developing a college application timeline. The college counseling services at RISE are designed to help students achieve their post-secondary aspirations and succeed in their future academic and career pursuits.

Class teachers are responsible for the overall well-being and academic progress of the students in their class. They serve as the primary point of contact between the school and the students' families. Class teachers typically teach different grade level and will have their respective group of students for the entire academic year.

Some of the key responsibilities of class teachers include:

• Creating and implementing lesson plans that align with the curriculum standards and goals for their grade level.
• Monitoring and tracking the academic progress of each student in their class, and communicating with parents and guardians about their child's performance.
• Providing extra help and support to struggling students, as well as challenging and engaging activities for advanced students.
• Developing positive relationships with students and fostering a classroom environment that is safe, respectful, and conducive to learning.
• Collaborating with other teachers and staff members to ensure a cohesive and effective educational experience for all students.
• Enforcing school policies and rules, and addressing any disciplinary issues that may arise.
• Organizing and supervising class activities, such as field trips and classroom celebrations.

Class teachers are an important part of a student's academic journey, as they often serve as a mentor, advisor, and advocate for their students. They play a critical role in ensuring that each student receives the education and support they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom.

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a youth development program that empowers young people to develop new skills, push personal boundaries, and challenge themselves. It is available to young people aged 14 to 24 in over 130 countries around the world. The program is non-competitive and allows participants to set their own goals and work at their own pace, with the support of adult mentors.

The award consists of four sections:

1. Physical Recreation: Participants choose a physical activity and set goals to improve their fitness and ability in that activity over a period of time.
2. Skills: Participants choose a skill they want to develop and set goals to improve their ability in that area over a period of time.
3. Service: Participants choose a community service project and set goals to make a positive difference in their community over a period of time.
4. Adventurous Journey: Participants plan, prepare for, and undertake an adventurous journey as part of a small team. The journey could be a hike, canoe trip, or other outdoor adventure, and aims to develop teamwork, leadership, and resilience.

Participants who complete all four sections of the award at the Bronze, Silver, or Gold level earn a certificate and a medal, and gain valuable experience and skills that can be used throughout their lives. The award is highly regarded by universities and employers, and can be a valuable addition to a young person's resume or college application.

RISE offers a wide range of extracurricular activities for students to explore and pursue their interests outside of the classroom. These activities are designed to enrich students' experiences and enhance their learning through hands-on, collaborative, and creative opportunities.

Some of the extracurricular activities offered at RISE may include:

1. Sports teams: RISE offers a variety of sports teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field. These teams provide opportunities for students to develop teamwork, leadership, and physical fitness.
2. Arts and music programs: RISE has a strong arts and music program, with opportunities for students to participate in choir, band, theater productions, and visual arts. These programs encourage creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for the arts.
3. Debate and speech clubs: RISE offers debate and speech clubs where students can develop their public speaking and critical thinking skills, as well as engage in lively discussions on a variety of topics.
4. Volunteer and community service: RISE encourages students to give back to their community through volunteer and community service opportunities. These activities provide students with a sense of civic responsibility and allow them to make a positive impact on their community.
5. STEM programs: RISE offers programs in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop their skills in these areas. These programs may include science olympiads and fairs.
6. Cultural clubs: RISE has a diverse student body, and cultural clubs provide students with the opportunity to celebrate and learn about different cultures and traditions.

Overall, these extracurricular activities at RISE provide students with a well-rounded education and help prepare them for success both inside and outside the classroom.