The guidance department is responsible for coordinating a number of special programs:

Extra Curricular Courses -  Look for new and exciting courses that are in the works for the 2004-2005 school year.

Creative Conflict Resolution - Designed by the Peacework Foundation, this program is successfully used in more than 20,000 schools throughout the world.  The curriculum provides thought-provoking activities to teach students critical thinking skills while enhancing their conflict resolution competency.  Our goal is to have all elementary and middle school students experience this program.

Substance Abuse Prevention Program - Specialists from the community are made available to educate high school students about the dangers of substance abuse.  The specialists are brought in to meet with both groups and individuals.

Leadership - In order to enhance leadership skills of our upper school students while providing role models for younger students, we match high school students with elementary children.  They lend a friendly ear and serve as mentors to their younger counterparts.  The Holland Self-Directed Search, a vocational inventory test, is available to students on request.  This tool helps students to discover interests and hidden strengths.  We refer students who desire more extensive testing to programs at Miami Dade Community College and Jewish Vocational Services.

Externship - Senior year students have the opportunity to work in the community exploring career options.  Students are matched with mentors and are provided with a first-hand look at the world of work.  Past and present placements include Dade County State Attorney’s Office, advertising agencies, medical offices, real estate companies, film production companies, accounting offices, hospitals, and research centers.

College Fair - We work as part of a consortium of independent private schools in sponsoring the Miami Invitational College Fair.  Nearly 200 national universities send representatives to this Fair each fall.  Parents and students from grades 10-12 are encouraged to attend the Fair and explore college options.

College Selection and Applications - Through group sessions and individual meetings, students are guided in selecting appropriate schools to meet their individual needs.  By providing appropriate information, we believe that anxiety is reduced and the process facilitated.  Students receive information about testing, deadlines, writing the college essay, and making appropriate choices.   All applications are read, essays discussed, and recommendations are provided.  A school profile and the student’s transcript are provided as part of the completed application.  We also coordinate visits from college representatives that are held at the school.

Financial Aid - Counselors nominate students and coordinate entry into a wide variety of merit-based scholarship programs including the National Merit Scholarship Program, Coca Cola Foundation, Ford Salute to Education, Florida Bright Futures Program, Yeshiva University Distinguished Scholars and a host of other programs.  An annual evening presentation is scheduled to aid parents in the search for need-based financial aid and to facilitate the completion of applications for this aid.

Testing - The guidance department coordinates school-based testing for the PSAT, the SAT I and II, the ACT, and the Advanced Placement Program.  Students are provided with information about these testing programs, preparation suggestions, and are given help in understanding the reports and scores generated by these tests.  Special accommodations for the testing of students with special needs is also coordinated through the guidance department.

Academic Advisement - Students are guided in choosing appropriate classes and levels to ensure that each student receives the optimum in learning experiences.  The guidance department schedules all students for classes (with input from administrators and teachers) and maintains records of student achievement.

Contacting Guidance - The school guidance department is staffed by Mrs. Sue Enis, Mrs. Dara Lieber, and Mrs. Linda Baumel, master’s level counselors certified in school guidance and counseling.

If you would like information on student counseling or colleges, please contact Sue Enis at senis@rasg.org, or you may phone her at 305.531.0422.