Counseling & Student Support

Bishop O’Dowd High School has an extensive set of programs and counselors that give students the academic and personal support they need to succeed. The underlying premise of student support programming at O’Dowd is that all students should have access to support to thrive at O’Dowd. These programs are designed to help students effectively handle academic and personal problems, assess and evaluate their interests and goals, attain maximum personal and intellectual growth, and make the best individual choice related to college and career direction. Please peruse the overview of student support programs below.

Academic and Personal Counseling

Each student is assigned a counselor for their four years at O’Dowd whom students and families are encouraged to utilize.

Academic counseling is grounded in consistent monitoring of student academic progress and includes:

Supporting course selection for graduation and college admissions

Facilitating academic issue resolution

Referral to Dragon Success, educational therapists, tutors and outside testing agencies

Monitoring academic jeopardy issues and facilitating resolution

Personal counseling services include:

Individual or group counseling

Parent conferences and referral resources

Specialized support groups (i.e., cancer, stress, eating disorders, adjustment)

Information for students on topics related to mental health

Crisis intervention counseling

Drug and alcohol education, information and counseling for students and parents

Adolescent development education

Referral to in-house MFT intern for individual therapy

Academic Support

Bishop O’Dowd High School offers a layered system of resources and support, carefully designed and personalized to address academic support needs encountered by students during their time as Dragons. We believe that students succeed when they are supported by a collaborative program that includes structured communication between the home and school and a concerted case management approach involving all stakeholders: from teachers, to coaches, to academic support staff, and counselors. For more information on Academic Support programs, please explore the drop down menu below or contact Catherine Harris, Director of Academic Support.

Drop-In Tutoring

Drop-in tutoring provides academic support for all O’Dowd students free of charge. Drop-in tutoring is based in the Academic Support Center. The Center is staffed with trained peer tutors as well as an adult tutor. Review, test preparation, and time management help are typical activities for which drop-in tutoring can provide significant support. Contact Catherine Harris for more information.

SMART Sessions

SMART Sessions provide O’Dowd students help with identifying and resolving roadblocks to academic success. These sessions are subject specific, teacher-led study groups that meet before or after school and require the student to commit to a fixed schedule for the entire semester. Contact Catherine Harris for more information.

Catch-Up Support

The CUSP program is designed to provide academic support for students who have missed, or will miss, a significant amount of school due to a planned or unplanned absence. The program is designed to provide either pro-active or reactive support depending on the circumstances of the absence. Contact Malik McCord for more information.

Support for Student Athletes

O’Dowd’s student athletes have access to drop-in tutoring year-round. While in season, student athletes receive grade monitoring, communication home, and personal check-ins as needed. This helps students adhere to demanding practice schedules while meeting the academic rigor of our college preparatory curriculum. Contact Malik McCord for more information.

Peer Tutoring

Peer Tutoring connects students struggling with homework, projects, studying for tests, and understanding class concepts, with students who have been identified by teachers as knowledgeable, personable, supportive, and enthusiastic about learning. Our Peer Tutors have at least a B or better in their subject areas, and attend bimonthly trainings to more effectively tutor their peers. For more information, contact Mr. Damian Barnes.

Dragon Success

Dragon Success is O’Dowd’s academic coaching program for 9th and 10th graders. Students work closely with an academic coach who provides help transitioning into high school. Students work on goal setting, organizational skills, planning and time management, effective communication, and self-advocacy. Contact Malik McCord for more information.

Academic Coaching

Academic coaching is a program available to 11th and 12th graders by referral. Candidates come from the bi-weekly list of students at risk of academic probation. Students have access to an academic coach to strengthen organization, time management, self-advocacy, and study skills. Contact Malik McCord for more information.

Final Exam Prep

The Finals Prep Workshop is a two-day workshop and participation is limited to 9th and 10th grade students. Each student will prepare a study plan for the two weeks leading up to finals. This is a fee-based program. Contact Catherine Harris for more information.

Concussion Management

Students under a doctor’s care for head injuries will follow the protocol for “return to learn.” The protocol parallels the “return to play” for student athletes and is governed by the recommendations from the student’s medical doctor. Contact Malik McCord for more information.

Upcoming Events

Academic Support hosts family workshops and presentations throughout the school year. Please check the school calendar or announcements section on the Student/Parent portal for upcoming events.

Drop-In Tutoring Hours

Academic Support Center (back of library)
Mon – Fri 7:00 – 8:15 am (various subjects)
Mon – Fri 3:00 – 5:00 pm (various subjects)
Tuesday/Wednesday – Flex periods
Sat & Sun – TBD

CES1 Mon – Wed 3:00-4:30pm (various subjects)

College and Career Planning

Each year, students discover a bit more about who they are and who they are becoming. Bishop O’Dowd High School’s integrated career and college curriculum which begins in the freshmen year guides students through the process of discernment that will lead to thoughtful choices regarding their future. O’Dowd uses Naviance, an online career and college program, that integrates students, parents and counselors into this process. Beginning in freshman year, students learn to access Naviance and begin the process of discerning who they are and who they want to become. Parents simultaneously receive access to the program and give their input. This process of discernment continues from freshmen through senior year.

The Career Partnerships Program (CPP) is a complementary program that students can opt-into to build professional skills and receive concrete experiences, enabling college and career exploration. The goal is to give students the information, skills, inspiration and motivation that they need to shape their own futures. In meetings, trainings and the once-each-semester mini-retreat, students learn communication and networking skills and discuss issues that relate to both their present and their future. On college trips students tour nearby universities, meet with O’Dowd alums and evaluate what they want in a college. Workplace trips and special events introduce students to a variety of professionals and careers. Deeper exploration of careers is also available through shadowing and internship possibilities. The CPP is open to all students.

Learning Disabilities and ADHD Services

At O’Dowd, we believe that intellectual and cognitive diversity enriches our campus community. We welcome students from a broad spectrum of learning profiles and provide resources that allow students to contribute fully to our school. The LD/ADHD services at O’Dowd are designed to support students with documented learning disabilities and/or attention deficit through a team-based approach coordinated by a full-time specialized counselor. Contact Juliet Arechiga for more information.