This year we have 3 counselors at CEC Middle College of Denver. 

9th and 10th graders:
Ms. Cherry: 720-423-6659  diane_cherry@dpsk12.org

11th and 12th graders:
Mary Abbott: 720-423-6622 mary_abbott2@dpsk12.org

Part-time students and CTE Programs:
Mr. DePinto: 720-423-6681  dan_depinto@dpsk12.org

Only 10% of today’s careers require a four-year college degree, 85% require education/training beyond high school.  In fact, students can often best preparef or many of today’s high growth career fields by attending a two-year college or a career/ technical school.  CEC Middle College of Denver provides the bridge which will allow your student to be successful in achieving his or her goals.

Parents: High school is not the time to back off and just allow students succeed or fail as they will.  They need their parents as much as ever.  They will be making big decisions that will affect their futures and whether they admit it or not, they will be looking to you for guidance (and please know that we stand ready to help you!).  Ask them about their classes, how they are doing, if they need help (CEC has tutoring on Wednesday, thursday and Fridays until 4 PM).  Check our website for important school information that often doesn’t get home! 

Students should take as many academic courses in high school as possible. Students will take the Accuplacer in sophomore year and, if they place in college classes, will be encouraged to take college classes beginning their junior year. 

HERE IS A GUIDE FOR YOU TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO HELP YOUR STUDENT DURING HIGH SCHOOL

9TH Grade

When a student becomes a freshman, everything starts to “count”.  Freshmen grades are used in determining GPA (grade point average) and freshmen activities, honors, and awards can all be listed on college and scholarship applications.  Freshman courses, grades and credits all become part of the student’s transcript (official education record).

1. Monitor academic progress:  Make sure that you see all interim/progress reports and report cards.  Do not assume that someone will contact you if there is a problem.  Provide encouragement and support, making certain that your son or daughter understands that freshman grades are very important.  Check our website for details on progress reports and report cards.
2. Encourage your son or daughter to become involved in a wide variety of activities.  In addition to asking students to list their high school activities, many college and scholarship applications ask for evidence of leadership.  If your son or daughter has leadership potential, encourage him/her to develop his/her leadership skills by being an officer of a club.  Depth of involvement in an activity (e.g., four years in a club, yearbook, sport, etc.) is also important because it shows focus and commitment, although freshman year can be a time of exploring.  Any type of volunteer work or community service is particularly impressive on an application.
3. In the spring, review your son or daughter’s four-year high school plan and make certain he/she has selected the most appropriate courses for his/her sophomore year.  Contact your student’s counselor if you have questions.
4. Help your son or daughter plan meaningful activities for the summer.  Many excellent summer programs are available on college campuses.  Of course, many of the “more traditional” summer activities can also be very worthwhile.  Your son or daughter could, for example, join an athletic team, take a course, mow yards, babysit, perfect a skill, take lessons, develop a hobby, read, and/or volunteer at a local hospital, nursing home, homeless shelter, blood bank, etc.

10th Grade

The sophomore year should be a year of personal growth.  In addition to working hard in school and being involved in activities, sophomores should be identifying personal abilities, aptitudes, and interest, as well as looking for ways to further develop their talents and skills.

1. Continue to monitor academic progress.  Increased privileges should be based on their academic success.
2. Continue to encourage your son or daughter to be involved in activities and to develop leadership skills.
3. Start to discuss and explore career and post secondary education options.
4. In the spring, review your son or daughter’s four-year high school plan and make certain he/she has selected the most appropriate courses for his/her junior year.
5. Help your son or daughter choose meaningful activities for the summer months.

11th Grade

The junior year is when students should seriously begin examining their post-secondary options, take college tests, make college/school visits and start searching for scholarships (although applications are done mostly during the senior year).

1. Continue to monitor academic progress.
2. Continue to encourage your son or daughter to be involved in activities and to develop leadership skills.
3. Talk about post secondary options.
4. Schedule a conference with your student’s counselor.  Come with questions! 
5. Carefully select courses for the senior year.  Senior year is not the time to slack off and take it easy!  It is the time to get the most from your educational dollar by taking challenging classes.
6.  Help your son or daughter choose meaningful activities for the summer months.

12th Grade

The senior year is when everything comes together.  It is also the year in which students see the rewards of their hard work and planning.

1. Continue to monitor your son or daughter’s academic progress.
2. Encourage your student to participate fully in weekly Senior support activities.
3. Obtain and complete 4-year college applications in the fall.
4. Complete the FASFA application in January.
5. Encourage your son or daughter to do the best they can…don’t give into senioritis!
6. Keep up to date on important school and graduation information via the CEC website.

And as always, don’t hesitate to contact teachers or other staff if you have questions or concerns.