Guidance & Counseling Department: Ready for College, Ready for Life

Dr. Paul Harrington • Chair, Guidance & Counseling Department and Dean of Studies
• Contact Dr. Paul Harrington 805.967.1266 x 115
Mrs. Kara Hornbuckle • College Counselor and Academic Counselor (grades 11 & 12)
• Contact Kara Hornbuckle 805.967.1266 x 120
Ms. Lynette Patters • Academic Counselor (grades 9 & 10) and Career Development
• Contact Lynette Patters 805.967.1266 x 107
Dr. June Szabo-Kifer, Ph.D. • Resource Specialist
• Contact Dr. June Szabo-Kifer 805-967-1266 x 210
Sr. Helen Wolkerstorfer, BVM • Personal Counseling
• Contact Sr. Helen Wolkerstorfer, BVM 805-967-1266 x 116

College Counseling
Mrs. Kara Hornbuckle • College Counselor and Academic Counselor (grades 11 & 12)
• Contact Kara Hornbuckle 805.967.1266 x 120

Students at Bishop High are assisted in the college admissions process throughout their four years:
- All students are provided with practice for the SATs in October, during school time, and SAT prep courses are also available on campus as extra-curricular classes throughout the school year at no additional charge.
- College campus visits are organized and chaperoned each year. Seniors are invited to attend a college visit during the fall and other college campus visits are available to sophomores, juniors and seniors throughout the school year at no additional charge.
- Parent evenings for each class level focus on the different stages of planning that enable a smooth transition to a successful college experience for their student. Strategic planning highlights goal setting as counselors work with students to ensure the most appropriate courses are being taken for the colleges to which students intend to apply.
- Individual Meetings with student and parents are focused on the junior and senior years as the student family partners with the college counselor with the aim of attaining the most appropriate college match while addressing financial aid concerns.
- All students at Bishop fulfill the A-G requirements and meet the minimum requirements for the University of California and the California State college system.
- The College Counseling Center invites students to attend local college fairs. Please check the bulletin board in the College Counseling office for postings.
- Students and parents have the opportunity to meet with various colleges who visit Bishop High. Opportunities will be posted on this webpage and the College Counseling bulletin board.
- College Information/Financial Aid/Scholarships
- Bishop partners with Catalyst in supporting students with SAT preparation services. In turn, we provide two types of SAT programs. The first program is a SAT bootcamp that takes place over the course of a weekend for eight hours. The second program is a comprehensive preparation course that takes place during 13 weeks throughout the semester. For more information, please contact Mrs. Hornbuckle.

The academic counselor ensures that students and parents receive timely information about curricular options for the upcoming school year as they work with students’ course scheduling and academic concerns.
- Parents and students may schedule appointments with the academic counselor to discuss class scheduling, academic progress and other questions pertaining to the academic program.
- When making course selections or changes, all parties work together to optimize student potential within coursework such that students remain on track with their goal setting.
- When students experience challenges or wish to expand their studies the counselor can facilitate meetings with teachers and/or provide information or referrals as appropriate.
- All 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.

Career Development
Ms. Lynette Patters • Academic Counselor (grades 9 & 10) and Career Development
• Contact Lynette Patters 805.967.1266 x 107

Students will have the opportunity to explore career interests, to better understand the expectations and real life experiences of specific careers. Developing an understanding of their own interests and skills, students will be encouraged to work collaboratively with other members of the Guidance & Counseling department as they develop goals for a higher education plan.

Resource Program
Dr. June Szabo-Kifer, Ph.D. • Resource Specialist
• Contact Dr. June Szabo-Kifer 805-967-1266 x 210

Bishop Garcia Diego High School 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
Sr. Helen Wolkerstorfer, BVM • Personal Counseling
• Contact Sr. Helen Wolkerstorfer, BVM 805-967-1266 x 116

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.
- Family Relationships
- Grief and Bereavement
- Peer Relationships