Guidance Department News
- 2024 Summer Graduation will take place on Friday, June 14th at 1:00 pm at Goodyear Theatre in Akron. In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, you must meet ALL graduation requirements by Monday, June 3rd 2024. Students who meet graduation requirements after Monday, June 3rd will still receive a diploma, but will not be able to participate in the graduation ceremony.
- Spring EOC (End of Course) testing begins Tuesday, April 9, 2024 and ends Thursday, April 25, 2024. Please check your email for information on your child’s scheduled tests and assigned testing location.
- Term 6 begins Monday, April 29, 2024. Schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor to make sure you’re ready for a successful finish to this school year!
- Incoming High School Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors are invited to University of Toledo’s Pharmacy & Science Career Camp with two options: Monday, June 10, 2024-Wednesday, June 12, 2024 or Monday, July 8, 2024-Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
- Students will get hands-on experience, stay in UToledo residence halls, and participate in immersive activities. Click here for more information and registration
About Our Guidance Department
The Guidance Department at Gateway Online Academy of Ohio offers a comprehensive school counseling program designed to meet the individual needs of every student. Our counselors provide a range of services to support each student’s academic, social, and emotional growth. Each Gateway student has a dedicated guidance counselor and coach. As students approach graduation, they will also work with one of our two Graduation Counselors to ensure they are on track to meet credit and testing requirements.
Counselors are available by phone or email during regular school hours. We encourage students to reach out to our Guidance Department with questions or concerns, or just to check in throughout the year.
Contact Your Counselor
Students in Grades 9 – 11
- Jennifer Priest, Guidance Counselor (student last names A – D)
email: jpriest@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 330-754-0319 | book an appointment - Briana Rebera, Guidance Counselor (student last names E – K)
email: brebera@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 330-752-0173 | book an appointment - Abigail Walters, Guidance Counselor (student last names L – P)
email: awalters@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-270-3668 | book an appointment - Catelyn Cook, Guidance Counselor (student last names Q – Z)
email: ccook@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-293-5046 | book an appointment
Students in Grade 12
- Mary Lou Ford, Graduation Counselor (student last names A – K), Lead Counselor
email: mford@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-851-8898 | book an appointment - Trena Falencki, Graduation Counselor (student last names L – Z)
email: tfalencki@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 380-223-3139 | book an appointment
Contact Your Guidance Support Coach
- Emily Humphrey, Guidance Support & Onboarding Coach (student last names A – K)
email: ehumphrey@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-710-6224 | book an appointment - Islam Muheisen, Guidance Support & Onboarding Coach (student last names L – Z)
email: imuheisen@gatewayoh.org | call or text: 216-367-9525 | book an appointment
Each student will meet with his or her counselor at the beginning of a school year, or upon enrollment, to create a Graduation Plan. This plan will consider the student’s academic needs and postsecondary goals. Students are encouraged to revisit their Graduation Plans throughout the year and meet with their counselors as needed to update and adjust their plans.
Gateway students have opportunities to personalize their learning and prepare for success beyond graduation. Students are encouraged to talk to their guidance counselors and explore their options.
Resources: Credit Flex Info & Application, College Credit Plus Info, College Credit Plus form, STNA Program Info
The academic year at Gateway Online Academy is structured into six terms. Students will be enrolled in an average of four courses per term. Students may complete coursework at their own pace and may be enrolled in additional courses if they complete scheduled courses during a term. Counselors consider students’ needs and Graduation Plans when determining course pacing.
Students who entered 9th grade on or after July 1, 2019 must meet the following requirements to graduate:
- Course completion – Earn a minimum of 20 credits
- Competency – Demonstrate competency through test scores, CCP coursework, career-focused activities, or military enlistment
- Readiness – Demonstrate knowledge and skills by earning two diploma seals
Resources: OH Course Requirements, Competency Requirements, Grad Seals
Our objective at Gateway is not to get a student to graduation, but to prepare that student for success after graduation. Our counselors provide resources and direction as students navigate the many opportunities that their Gateway diploma will open for them.
Resources: FAFSA, OH State Grants & Scholarships, OhioMeansJobs, OH Career & College Planning
At Gateway Online Academy, we are focused on the social and emotional wellbeing of our students. Our guidance counselors are available to offer support and resources when students face social-emotional challenges.
Resources: OhioMHAS, YouthMoveOH, Mental Health First Aid, 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (or call 988 for immediate assistance)
Gateway students take the following state-mandated tests:
- End of Course (EOC) tests: These assessments are administered at the end of each semester. Students will be scheduled for EOC tests for classes they have completed or nearly completed.
- STAR: This adaptive assessment measures academic growth. It is administered at the beginning of the year or upon enrollment, and at the end of the year.
- ACT: This assessment is used by colleges and universities in admissions decisions. Gateway offers the ACT one time at no cost to students in 11th grade.
All state testing must be completed in person. Students who miss standardized tests for two consecutive years may be prohibited by the state from continuing to attend a virtual school.
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