Counseling and Student Services

The Counseling and Student Services program (C&SS) provides comprehensive academic, career, and personal/social support for all students to maximize student potential and academic achievement. In partnership with educators and families, the C&SS Program is committed to the learning needs of all students so that they may complete the rigorous, college preparatory curriculum that Bishop High offers. Each year, students are provided personal attention and guidance in working toward university admission.

Counseling and Student Services Program

Mrs. Rya Carpenter, M.S., P.P.S - Dean of Counseling and Student Services
Student Last Names H-Z
• Contact Mrs. Rya Carpenter 805 967-1266 ext. 121

Ms. Stacey Carr - Dean of Woman
• Contact Ms. Stacey Carr 805 967-1266 ext. 105

Mr. Jason Donnelly – Dean of Men
• Contact Mr. Jason Donnelly 805 967-1266 ext. 107

Mrs. Kara Hornbuckle, M.S., P.P.S - Academic and College Counselor
Student Last Names A-G
• Contact Mrs. Kara Hornbuckle 805.967.1266 x 120

Dr. June Szabo-Kiefer, Ph.D – Resource Specialist
• Contact Dr. June Szabo-Kifer 805-967-1266 x 221

Sr. Helen Wolkerstofer, BVM – Personal Counseling
• Contact Sr. Helen Wolkerstorfer, BVM 805-967-1266 x 111

Counseling and Student Services Program News

We are excited to announce that Mrs. Rya Carpenter has joined Bishop’s College Counseling department and will serve as the Dean of Counseling and Student Services.  Mrs. Carpenter is native to Santa Barbara.  Upon graduation from Santa Ynez High School, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University and her Master of Science degree from California Lutheran University.  Mrs. Carpenter joins Bishop in her 11th year serving as a school counselor.

In an effort to better support Bishop families, we have changed the structure of counselor caseloads. Mrs. Hornbuckle will counsel students whose last name begins with A-G and Mrs. Carpenter will counsel students whose last names begin with H-Z.  This will give parents and students the opportunity to have the same counselor all four years at Bishop.

To further support student achievement, Ms. Carr and Mr. Donnelly join us to address student behavior. Discipline at BGDHS is designed to provide moral guidance within the framework of the teachings of the Catholic Church, and to encourage self-growth as we support consistent personal development. We will work together to ensure classroom environments are conducive to the learning process as we promote a safe and secure campus environment.

Another exciting addition to the counseling department is Naviance Succeed which promotes
college and career readiness through increased collaboration, rigor and transparency. It is a comprehensive online system designed to support students in making decisions about colleges and careers. All Bishop students have access to Naviance. To learn more about this program contact your counselor.

Over 30 universities will be at Bishop this fall to meet with students. For more information contact your counselor or stop by the College Counseling office.

All Bishop students planning on taking the October SAT are invited to participate in an SAT Bootcamp program that will take place on September 24th and 25th. For more information contact your counselor or stop by the College Counseling office.

College Counseling Overview
Bishop students are assisted in the college planning and admissions process in the following ways throughout high school:

• 9th-11th grade students are provided with practice for the SATs in October, during the school day.
• SAT preparation courses are available on campus to help support students in gearing up for the SAT exam.
• College campus visits are organized and chaperoned each year for 9th, 10th, and 11th grade students.
• All students are personally invited and encouraged to meet with college admission representatives that visit Bishop throughout the school year.
• Parents and students are invited to attend several college planning workshops including presentations on the University of California, the California State University system, utilizing the Common Application, funding higher education, and preparing for college.
• Parents and students meet individually with their counselor to discuss college planning.
• Students enroll in courses that exceed the University of California’s A-G requirements.
• Junior students are invited to participate in College Seminar which is an extensive week long program preparing students for all aspects of college admissions.

Academic Counseling Overview  

Bishop’s Counseling and Students Services program works closely with all students in the following ways to ensure students are reaching their highest academic potential:

• Regular student meetings ensuring students are reaching their highest potential.
• Parents and students meet with counselors to discuss class scheduling, academic progress and other questions pertaining to academic planning.
• All transfer students’ grades are tracked to ensure a smooth transition to Bishop. 
• When students experience challenges or wish to expand their studies counselors facilitate meetings with teachers and provide information or referrals as appropriate.
• Students participate in the College Board’s PSAT standardized testing program annually. The results of which are used to continue guiding students in their academic planning and college choices.

Resource Program
Bishop is committed to meeting the individual academic needs of all students. Students with documented learning disabilities are eligible to receive services under the direction of the Resource Specialist. The resource program is designed to accommodate students with minimal, diagnosed language, learning, or attention difficulties. Through this program, students are offered the tools and adjustments necessary for academic achievement. Faculty members are aware of those students eligible for resource services and work collaboratively with the resource specialist to meet their specific needs.
Personal Counseling  
The personal counselor is available to meet with students and parents to help with those difficult situations in life such as relationship issues, family challenges, and bereavement. Where problems or emotions interfere with learning, our goal is to help students overcome obstacles. If situations require services beyond the scope of the school, the counselor can assist with referrals to other appropriate agencies.
Fun Fact
We are proud that since 2002, 100% of our graduates have attended college upon graduation from Bishop Garcia Diego High School!