Student Services
About Us
House Teams
West High has a 5-House design in Student Services where we combine a Dean, 2 Counselors, a Social Worker, and Psychologist in each House. Families have one place of contact for all services.
Students and parents are encouraged to use a variety of resources your house can provide to assist in your success as a Blackhawk!
- Attendance
- Career planning
- Discipline
- Social / emotional concerns
- Academic issues
- Class schedules
- Home access
- Replacement IDs
- Late arrival
- Lockers
- Early Dismissal
- Work Permits
- Student messages
- Parking stickers
- Homework arrangements
- Password reset
Meet the House Teams
Counseling resources
Resources and information to support you during this time away from home.
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WEST AURORA HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM SERVICES GUIDE
Everything you need to know!
JESUS ARCEO
Upward Bound Program
640-301-6560
Academics
Graduation Information
Graduation Requirements
A student must earn a minimum of 22 credits to graduate from West Aurora High School.
1. Under special circumstances, junior and senior students can obtain a “physical education waiver”. Students can obtain more information about the “physical educational waiver” by contacting their school counselor.
2. A student may meet the Consumer Economic requirement by participating in and passing a full year of a school-sponsored work co-op program. In these cases, students must substitute another social studies class for the Economics course since two years of social studies are required for graduation.
For students planning on attending a four year university after graduation, admissions requirements may vary. See individual university web pages for specifics. In general, students planning on attending a four year university after high school should plan on the following:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of math (Algebra, Geometry and Algebra 2)
- 3 years of science
- 3 years of social studies
- 2 years of the same foreign language
- 2 years of fine arts or 2 years of vocational course
The minimum of 22 units of credit include the following required courses:
| English 4 credits |
|---|
| 1 Grammar/Intensive Writing |
| 1 Sophomore Lit |
| 1 American Lit/Intensive Writing |
|
1 English Elective |
| Science 2 credits |
|---|
| Math 3 credits |
|---|
| 1 Algebra |
| 1 Math course with Geometrical Concepts |
| 1 additional Math course in the proper sequence |
| Health 1/2 credit |
|---|
|
Social Studies 2 credit |
|---|
| 1/2 Government |
| 1/2 Economics |
| 1 US History |
| Electives 7 credits Must include... |
|---|
| 1 art |
| 1 music |
|
Foreign language or vocational course |
Cap & Gown/Commencement FAQ's
To order or pay for a Senior's cap and gown, announcements, or any other Senior products,
please contact Herff Jones at (815)-756-4743 or visit their website below:
When is the ceremony?
Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 11:00 am
Where is the ceremony?
Northern Illinois University Convocation Center
1525 West Lincoln Highway (Route 38), DeKalb IL
How many people can we invite?
Each graduate will receive 10 tickets. They are distributed after rehearsal in May.
How and when do we order caps and gowns?
Orders will be taken at the Senior Meeting on Tuesday, October 8. If absent, please stop into the Student Activities Office. Orders can also be taken online at highschool.herffjones.com or by calling 815-756-4743.
How much is cap and gown rental?
The rental fee is $43.00 if ordered before November 15. After November 15, there is a $10 late fee, making the total rental fee $53.00. The last day to pay the rental fee is February 1.
How do we pay for cap and gown rental?
Payment can be made online at highschool.herffjones.com or by cash to Herff Jones on the days they are at West High to collect orders.
What do you mean, “rental”?
Caps and tassels are yours to keep but the gowns are returned immediately after the ceremony. **HINT – plan your photo opportunities ahead of time**
When will we get all the details about the Commencement Ceremony?
A mailing will be sent to parents in late March or early April. Seniors will be given the same information at a class meeting in early April.
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
A: For questions about the Commencement Ceremony, contact Patricia Cors in the Student Activities office at 630-301-6507 or patricia.cors@sd129.org. For questions about graduation requirements, credits and other academic issues, contact your child’s guidance counselor.
Transcript Request
Current Students:
Please contact the Registrar at your school to request your transcripts. Transcripts will be delivered to the colleges you chose in the desired format.
Alumni:
Please follow the link below to request your transcript online.
College & Career Readiness
WHAT IS GOING ON IN COLLEGE & CAREER readiness center AT WEST?
This year the College and Career Readiness Center (CCRC) will be introducing a proactive, monthly program that features one of the 16 career clusters, pathways, and post-secondary options for you to explore in order to better prepare you for postsecondary education and training for a future career. Each week we will be sending out an important message and activity for you to investigate and further your knowledge about the different career clusters.
MARCH Career Cluster is:
HEALTH SCIENCE
Week One
What is the cluster of HEALTH SCIENCE?
STEM careers heavily draw from math and science. STEM workers are driving advancements in our ever-changing technology to help shape our future, solve our problems, and innovate new products or systems.
Retrieved from https://student.naviance.com/waurora https:/ /online.fliphtml5 .com/ pnp/xnsp/#p=22
Go to student.naviance.com or (bit.ly/wanaviance.com) to read more about the Career Cluster of Health Science?
- Click on Careers tab.
- Click on Explore Career & Clusters
- Scroll down to find Clusters & Pathways
- Click on Health Science
This will provide you with an overview of the STEM cluster.
Week Two
What are the different pathways and career options within this cluster?
Go to student.naviance.com or (bit.ly/wanaviance.com)
- Click on Careers tab.
- Click on Explore Career & Clusters.
- Scroll down to find Clusters & Pathways.
- Click on Health Science.
- Read the pathways this cluster contains. (right hand side)
Is there a pathway that interests you? - Read the related occupations associated with this cluster including the Overview I Knowledge & Skills I Tasks & Activities I Wages.
- Identify at least one pathway and three careers that are of interest to you. Mark as favorite in Naviance (click on the heart).
Refer to links for additional resources to explore pathways and careers relating to the featured cluster.
IllinoisWorkNet.com / naviance.com / onetonline.org / bis.gov
Week Three
How do I get there? Training, education, etc ...
- Log in to Naviance account and click on Information Technology (from Career Tab/Explore Careers and Clusters).
- Read "Plan of Study" and Related Majors sections. Note that the Related Majors section will take you to a list of post-secondary institutions (colleges) that offer the related major.
- In Naviance (under career tab) view a short video in RoadTrip nation. See attached.
Refer to links for additional resources.
IllinoisWorkNet.com / naviance.com / onetonline.org / bis.gov
Week Four
FIND OUT THE IN DEMAND OCCUPATIONS IN ILLINOIS
College Planning Checklist
Freshman Year
Freshman Year
Freshman year is important. A successful transition to high school life can be an important indicator of future success. The theme for freshmen year is Who Am I? Academic planning, career exploration, adjustment to the role of a young high school adult, and involvement in school events are the areas of concentration for the incoming high school student.
The profile of a successful freshman student includes the following:
- Understanding of graduation requirements, the importance of a high school transcript, GPA, rank-in-class and grading periods (semesters)
- Understanding of support systems and/or resources offered
- Understanding of athletics/activities offered
- Understanding of the importance of participating in community service
- Participation in grade level tasks as part of college and career readiness curriculum
- Ability to set realistic, future goals for post-secondary success
A student who strives to meet these requirements will find high school to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
FRESHMAN CHECKLIST
FALL OF 8TH GRADE YEAR
- Take placement assessment (PSAT 8/9)
- Complete Matchmaker assessment in Career Cruising
WINTER OF 8TH GRADE YEAR
- Attend Freshman Orientation
- Begin pre-registration with high school counselors
SUMMER BEFORE 9TH GRADE YEAR
- Participate in Enter with Pride
FALL
- Join athletic/club activities
- Attend Freshman Essentials presentations
- Participate in SOS activity as part of Health class
- Learn how to log on to Naviance
- Complete Cluster Finder assessment in Naviance
- Parents: Attend Open House – 9th Grade Level presentation
WINTER
- Complete Course Selection with counselor (Post-secondary education/career plans, 4 year plan)
- Attend Freshman Essentials presentation
SPRING
- Visit the College and Career Center.
- Consider summer school enrollment
- Review course selections for 10th grade
- Athletes considering playing sports at the college level should inform their counselor and coach.
- Take PSAT 8/9 exam
- Complete 9th grade exit survey
- Attend Freshman Essentials presentation
Sophomore Year
SOPHOMORE YEAR
Sophomores move from the adjustment phase of freshman year to a deeper understanding of the high school system and their role in post-secondary planning. The theme for sophomore year is Career Exploration with the focus on personal strengths, skills and interests. Sophomores will explore post-secondary options as it relates to personal career pathways. Continuing to build a strong GPA/class rank and taking rigorous courses is stressed.
The profile of a successful sophomore includes the following:
- Understanding of Dual Credit and AP courses
- Identifying electives offered as it relates to personal career pathways
- Understanding and utilization of support systems and resources offered
- Participation in athletics and/or activities offered
- Understanding of the importance of participating in community service
- Participation in grade level tasks as part of college and career readiness curriculum
- Ability to set realistic, future goals for post-secondary success
SOPHOMORE CHECKLIST
SUMMER BEFORE 10TH GRADE YEAR
- Check on summer school grades (See if they were received and recorded)
FALL
- Continue participation in athletic and/or activities
- Visit and utilize services provided in the College and Career Center (CCRC)
- Complete Do What You Are assessment in Naviance
- Analyze Do What You Are assessment (along with Cluster Finder results) in connection to possible career interests
- Learn how to search careers in Naviance
- Explore career options
- Attend Financial Aid Presentation
- Parents: attend Open House – 10th Grade Level presentation
WINTER
- Complete Course Selection with counselor (Post-secondary education/career plan and update original 4 year plan)
- Fill out the NCAA Clearinghouse form if considering a Division I or Division II school
SPRING
- Consider summer school enrollment
- Review course selections for 11th grade year
- Attend Sophomore Essentials presentation
- Register for College Board account and create a Khan Academy account to prepare for PSAT 10 exam
- Identify minimum of three career interests
- Take PSAT 10 exam
- Complete 10th grade exit survey
Junior Year
JUNIOR YEAR
Junior year is a significant year. For many students, the balance of managing courses, preparing for college exams, and college planning activities can be a challenge. This year, there continues to be an emphasis on the importance of GPA/class rank and taking rigorous courses while heightening opportunities to facilitate post-secondary decision-making and planning. The theme for junior year is Action Plan Development. This process includes guiding students to seek relative and current information pertaining to their post-secondary options (2 year college, 4 year college, military, technical/trade school or work).
The profile of a successful junior student includes:
- Enrollment in dual credit/AP courses
- Identifying electives offered as it relates to personal career pathways
- Understanding and utilization of support systems/resources offered
- Continued participation in athletics/activities offered
- Participation in community service
- Participation in grade level tasks, as part of college and career readiness curriculum
- Ability to set realistic, future goals for post-secondary success
JUNIOR CHECKLIST
SUMMER BEFORE 11TH GRADE YEAR
- Check on summer school grades (See if they were received and recorded)
FALL
- Continue participation in athletic and/or activities
- Attend College Night at WCC or other college fair
- Utilize resources provided in the College and Career Center (CCRC)
- Visit the library to meet with college reps
- Consider and plan college campus visits
- Participate in PSAT if 4 year college bound immediately after high school
- Participate in ASVAB if interested in the military after high school
- Attend Financial Aid presentation
- Learn how to navigate features of Naviance, and research colleges/list colleges of interest for post-secondary planning
- Parents: attend Open House – 11th Grade Level presentation
WINTER
- Begin brainstorming possible target colleges, universities or other post-secondary options
- Explore college entrance requirements
- Sign-up for the SAT Boot Camp
- Consider taking an official SAT or ACT exam (prior to State testing day in spring))
- Consider and plan college campus visits
- Make sure you can access your College Board account
- Use Khan Academy to prepare for SAT
- Interpret/Analyze results of ASVAB or PSAT exams from fall (if applicable)
- Be sure to fill out the NCAA Clearinghouse form if you are considering a Division I or Division II school
- Continue to visit the CCRC
- Continue to visit the library to meet with college reps
- Create a personal statement
- Attend SAT Boot Camp
SPRING
- Consider and plan any spring break campus visits
- Begin listing target colleges on a comparison worksheet
- Request publication materials from target colleges
- Pre-register with counselor
- (Post-secondary education/career plan, update your original 4-year plan)
- Take official SAT exam on school day as part of state testing/graduation requirement
- Consider summer school enrollment
- Take AP exams, if appropriate
- Attend Junior Essentials presentation
- Complete 11th grade exit survey which includes the creation of a resume
Senior Year
SENIOR YEAR
Senior year is an exciting year, as students prepare to transition for life after high school. The theme for senior year is Execution of Action Plan. It is important for students to continue strong study habits in order to maintain a solid GPA and class rank and continue to take challenging courses in order to best prepare for post-secondary options. Seniors should review progress towards graduation, address any concerns, follow through with procedures needed for implementation of post-secondary plan; this includes understanding of application process, meeting deadlines for college admissions, NCAA, scholarships, testing and financial aid. This is a reflective time as students can now look back on how they have matured, but there is still work to be done as students prepare for the next phase of their life.
The profile of a successful senior includes:
- Enrollment in Dual Credit and AP courses
- Discussion and evaluation of post-secondary plans
- Understanding and utilization of support systems and resources offered
- Continued participation in athletics and activities offered
- Continued participation in community service
- Participation in grade level tasks as part of college and career readiness curriculum
- Ability to set realistic, future goals for post-secondary success
SENIOR CHECKLIST
SUMMER BEFORE 12TH GRADE YEAR
- Check on summer school grades (See if they were received and recorded)
- Attend Senior Workshop in August
FALL
- Continue participation in athletic and/or activities
- Consider ACT/SAT re-takes and/or SAT subject tests
- Consider and plan college campus visits
- Participate in senior interview with counselor
- Visit the College and Career Center (CCRC)
- Visit the library to meet with college reps
- Attend College Night at WCC
- Attend Senior Meeting in October
- Determine target colleges to apply and deadlines
- Request and gather teacher recommendations
- Submit college applications, transcripts and college entrance exams (ACT and/or SAT) to be eligible for early admission
- Update post-secondary plans in Naviance
- Check for scholarships in Naviance
- Order cap and gown for graduation
- Attend Financial Aid Presentation and FAFSA workshop
- Complete FAFSA on-line, which opens on October 1st
- Parents: Attend Open House – 12th Grade Level presentation
WINTER
- Make sure all college applications and supplemental material are submitted
- Be sure to fill out the NCAA Clearinghouse form if you are considering a Division I or Division II school
SPRING
- Plan campus visits to help with final decisions
- Compare award letters and financial aid options
- Send the required deposit to the school of your final choice and also notify the schools you won’t be attending
- Take AP exams, if appropriate
- Stay up-to-date on housing choices. Other important questions to answer: When is freshman orientation? When are placement tests? When is course registration?
- Attend Graduation/Senior Meeting
- Participate in Senior Activity Day
- Attend Senior Honors Night
- Request a final transcript be sent to your final college choice and log final college in Naviance
- Complete 12th grade senior exit survey in Naviance
SAT Test Prep
Naviance
WHAT IS NAVIANCE?
Naviance is a web-based resource for students that encourages and supports post high school career and college planning. This comprehensive tool helps districts and schools align student strengths and interests to postsecondary goals, improving student outcomes and connecting learning to life.
Key Features:
Career Planning
Learning Style Inventory, Interest Inventory, Personality Inventory, Resume Building
How can I use Naviance for career planning?
Naviance has a variety of assessments that help students determine their interests, passions, skills and strengths to explore career clusters and pathways. Under the career tab, students can explore and research information regarding specific careers and clusters. In addition, RoadTrip Nation provides over 3,500 videos about leaders who have built their lives around their interests and passions. RoadTrip Nation showcases stories about triumph, struggle and self-discovery.
College Planning
College Search, Application Process, College Major Exploration, Scholarship/Financial Aid Resources
How can I use Naviance for college planning?
Under the college tab, this research tool provides information on thousands of colleges. In addition to general and admissions information, further data is presented on academics, cost and financial aid, student body characteristics, extracurricular and athletic programs. A link to each college is provided as well.
How to check for Scholarships?
Login Family Connection / Naviance – http://connection.naviance.com/waurora
- Enter your West Aurora Email address as your username (YourStudentID#@sd129.org Example: 1234567@sd129.org)
- Enter your student ID# as your password (Example: 1234567)
- Click on the “Colleges” Tab
- Scroll down and find Scholarships and Money and Click on the "scholarship list" (you will find a list of active scholarship organizations who give us notification of their opportunities)
Success Planning
Personalized Goals and Tasks, Journal Entries, Student Planner
How can I use Naviance for success planning?
Naviance can help students set personal goals and create to-dos for themselves. Additionally, tasks can be assigned to help students reach goals to become college and career ready.
Social Emotional
At West Aurora High School we are committed to educating the whole child, social emotional learning as a part of our curriculum. As doing so, we are preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of today and tomorrow.
- WEST AURORA LEARNING MINDSET
- SOCIAL WORKERS
- SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS
- CASEL COMPETENCIES
- MENTAL HEALTH
- COMMUNITY AND COUNSELING REFERRALS
- RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
WEST AURORA LEARNING MINDSET
The West High mindset is not only a belief but an expectation that all students are active in the West High community; resilient in their efforts to overcome challenges, and motivated to maximize their personal potential.
West is Community, we support each other’s growth academically and socially, encouraging new experiences to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
West is Resilient, we bounce back and learn from the challenges and adversity we face.
West is Motivated, we are driven in our desire and efforts to reach our individual potential and accomplish the goals that we set for ourselves.
SOCIAL WORKERS
School Social Workers identify factors that can make school a more successful experience for students.
School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with graduate level training in social work, who provide services related to a person’s social, emotional and life adjustment to school and/or society. School Social Workers are a vital part of the student services and special education teams. Their unique training enables them to understand and interpret the influences of home, school, and environmental circumstances on a student’s academic and social success.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS
Group counseling services can provide an opportunity for students to connect with others to gain new perspectives and relate to peers that are going through similar experiences. Group counseling services assist students in considering new strategies to cope and while improving their connectedness within school.
Below you will find the current groups that are offered at West Aurora High School. Please send a Schoology message directly to Mrs. Jacobson to learn more about participating in the group of interest, or touch base with anyone in your house.
CASEL COMPETENCIES
The process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.
Over the course of your life, if you experience mental health problems, your thinking, mood, and behavior could be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including:
- Biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry
- Life experiences, such as trauma or abuse
- Family history of mental health problems
Mental health problems are common but help is available. People with mental health problems can get better and many recover completely.
Coping Strategies
STRESS AND COPING CENTER:
Visit Nemours Kids stress and coping center for advice on how to handle stress, including different stressful situations.
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/center/stress-center.html#cat20860
Coping skills are essential for good mental health and wellness. Coping skills are strategies that one utilizes to decrease the negative effects of stressful experiences.
Types of Coping Strategies include:
Mindful Breathing
Slow and steady breathing will increase oxygen to your brain and body, bringing both to a calmer state. Examples: deep breathing, breath focus
Calming self-talk
What we say to ourselves can cause us to feel more or less anxious/stressed. Stay calm and remind yourself that you CAN slow down, you CAN relax, you CAN handle it. Examples: “I can do this”, “One step at a time”.
Distractions
If you shift your focus onto something else, your mind will not be able to maintain that stressful/anxious state for long. Examples: writing, drawing, painting, listening to music, watching an engaging video/movie, employing a hobby – like photography, etc.
Social/Interpersonal
Having strong social ties helps us to navigate those stressful times. Spend time with people you enjoy. Surround yourself with positive people. Consider talking to someone you trust about what you’re experiencing.
Tension Releasing
Physical release when stress is heightened reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Examples: laughing, punching bag, progressive muscle relaxation
STRATEGIES FOR GENERAL WELLNESS:
Sleep
As important as a balanced diet and regular exercise, our bodies and minds need a full 8 hours of sleep for optimal performance. Commit to a regular sleep schedule.
Exercise
Exercising for at least 45 minutes 3 days per week reduces the level of cortisol in our bodies, increases the feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, and promotes better quality sleep.
Nutrition
You are what you eat, so be sure to indulge in plenty of fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates every day. Employ the 8x8 rule for water intake - eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
Meditation
Mindful meditation reduces stress and improves memory, cardiovascular health, and overall wellness.
Getting Immediate Help
People often don’t get the mental health services they need because they don’t know where to start.
Talk to your primary care doctor, team of support staff in your student’s house at school or another health professional about mental health problems. Ask them to connect you with the right mental health services.
If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help for yourself, your friends, your family, or your students.
Emergency Medical Services—911
If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,
1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your confidential and toll-free call goes to the nearest crisis center in the Lifeline national network. These centers provide crisis counseling and mental health referrals.
NATIONAL CRISIS NUMBER
Crisis Text Line is the free, 24/7, confidential text message service for people in crisis. Text HOME to 741741
Apps for Self Care
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BALANCED Track the things you wish you did more often. Be motivated to do them again and again. |
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MyFitnessPal is a smartphone app and website that tracks diet and exercise to determine optimal caloric intake and nutrients for the users' goals. |
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SANVELLO Symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression often arise when least expected. With Sanvello, you'll always have the right tools a tap away to relieve symptoms and feel better. |
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HEADSPACE Learn to meditate in just 10 minutes a day with the Headspace app. Daily meditation has been shown to help people stress less, exercise more and even sleep better. |
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HAPPIFY Happify can help reduce stress, overcome negative thoughts, and build greater resilience by providing effective tools and programs to improve emotional well-being. |
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CALM |
COMMUNITY AND COUNSELING REFERRALS
While West Aurora High School does not endorse specific community agencies or therapists, we do work closely with local professionals. Feel free to use the suggestions below to help you find the right support or ask your student's counselor or social worker to help find an appropriate match.
Community
Aurora Township Library - Santori Branch
101 S River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 264-4100
www.aurorapubliclibrary.org
101 S River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 264-4100
www.aurorapubliclibrary.org
Services: Homework help, technology resources, book and media borrowing.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Must fill out an application and submit one letter of reference. Contact person is Sarah Garcia and she can be reached at (630) 264-4275.
Financial: No cost.
Aurora Township Youth & Community Center
313 Gale Street , Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 859-7501
www.auroratownship.org/youth-services
Services: The community center offers programming for all ages including sports, tutoring, art, community service, summer camp, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for high school age students. Contact Scott Thurman at scot.t@auroratownship.org.
Financial: Some minimal fees for programs. No sliding scale or insurance accepted.
Dominican Literacy Center
260 Vermont Street, Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 898-4636
www.domincalliteracycenter.org
Services: Teaching women to read, write and speak English.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for 18+
Financial: Some minimal fees for programs. No sliding scale or insurance accepted.
Two Rivers Head Start Agency
1661 Landmark Road, Aurora, IL 60596
(630) 264-1444
www.trhsa.org
Services: Children school readiness, emergency services, food pantry, employment services, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Go online to fill out an application or call for specific opportunities.
Financial: N/A
Health
VNA Dental Center
400 N. Highland Ave. 2nd floor, Aurora, IL
(630)892-4355
www.vnahealth.com
Services: Exams & X-rays;Cavity filling & extractions;Pulpotomies; Oral health education and Referrals to specialists
Financial: Medicaid accepted. (sliding scale)
VNA Health Center
400 N. Highland Avenue Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 892-4355
www.vnahealth.com
Services: School & Sports Physicals (no charge for VNA Medicaid Insurance patients); Lead screening; Acute illness treatment; Chronic Illness management; Behavioral health services; STD; Pregnancy Services
Financial: Medicare and Medicaid. Most insurance.
LGBTQ
Youth Outlook
Geneva, Naperville, and Dekalb drop in centers.
http://youth-outlook.org/services/youth/
Services: Weekly drop-in centers in social setting for youth to meet other LGBTQ+ young people and talk about topics that matter to them. Safe and supported groups.
Financial: N/A
Mental Health
AID (Association for Individual Development) Counseling
1230 N Highland Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 859-1291
www.the-association.org
Services: Mental health and Developmental services at multiple locations across Aurora.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for 16+. Contact Maureen Spradlin at mspradlin@the-association.org.
Financial: N/A
Communities in Schools
1433 Prairie Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 256-4500
www.cisaurora.org
Services: In-school counseling and resource connection.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Contact Paul Klinger at (331) 301-5182 or pklinger@cisaurora.org.
Financial: No cost.
Depression Hotline
(630) 482-9696
(800) 273-8255
Family Counseling Services & 1-2-1 Mentoring
70 S. River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 844-2662
www.aurorafcs.org
Services: Behavioral health, mentoring, continuing education. “Garage” for life skill learning.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for 18+ in the 1-2-1 Mentoring program. Contact Marcus Abate. mabate@aurorafcs.org.
Financial: Most insurances, including Medicaid are accepted. Sliding scale utilized.
Family Focus
550 Second Street, Aurora, IL 60505
(630) 844-2550
www.family-focus.org
Services: Parenting, after school, and immigration services.
Volunteer Opportunities: Not available.
Financial: N/A
Gateway Foundation
400 Mercy Lane, Aurora, IL 60506
(630)966-7466
Hotline: 877-505-4673
www.recovergateway.org
Services: Outpatient, Residential/inpatient, Bridge Program, and Aftercare. Drug Rehab Program; education groups; individual counseling; family and education counseling;Recreational and team building activities;12-step education, recovery planning.
Financial: Most insurance, including Medicaid.
Linden Oaks
801 S. Washington
Naperville, IL 60540
(630)305-5027
www.eehealth.org
Services: Inpatient and outpatient treatment and detoxification. Anxiety;Depression;Substance abuse;Prevention services;Self-Injury; School refusal/avoidance;Student intervention program; Eating Disorders
Volunteer Opportunities: Available at Edwards Hospital.
Contact Netta Ward at (630)305-5005.
Financial: Most Insurance, including Medicaid under age 20.
Mutual Ground
P.O. Box 1911
Aurora, IL 60506
www.mutualground.org
Services: 24-hour crisis line, counseling and shelter for victims of sexual and domestic violence.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Yard work, painting, etc. Contact Julie Judd for more information.
Financial: No cost.
National Youth Crisis Hotline
(800) 442-4673
AMITA Behavioral Health
1325 N Highland Avenue, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 801-2556
https://www.amitahealth.org
Services: Inpatient and outpatient facility and ADHD/Learning Disabilities program.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Contact Laurel Serrurier at Laurel.Serrurier@presencehealth.org. Application found online.
PDF of volunteer opportunities: volunteer.pdf
Financial: Most insurances, including Medicaid are accepted. Offers financial assistance.
Rosecrance
2135 City Gate lane, Suite 300, Naperville, IL 50563
(815) 391-1000
www.rosecrance.org
Services: Substance Abuse and Mental Health; education, individual and family support. Naperville Office- Prevention and Early Intervention Program: Assessment, three class sessions and urine screen. Other locations- Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Outpatient and Recovery Homes. Financial: Most Insurance, including medicaid.Possible financial assistance.
Suicide Hotline
(800) suicide or 784-2433
Suicide Prevention Services
528 S. Batavia Avenue, Batavia, IL 60510
General Agency: (630) 482-9699
Hotline: (630) 482-9696
www.spsamerica.org
Services: Prevention, intervention, and postvention suicide services. Services offered in-school or at agency location. Individual counseling, groups, and hotline available.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Contact Bryan McCullin by calling the agency and asking to speak with him. Students 18+ can volunteer at the hotline and other projects are available throughout the year for younger students.
Financial: Insurances accepted decided on case-by-case basis. Medicaid is not accepted. Sliding scale utilized.
Taking Control
106 S. Lincolnway, North Aurora, IL 60542
(630) 801-1669
www.takingcontrolcounseling.com
Services: Individual and family counseling. Accepts all clients regardless of ability to pay.
TriCity Family Services
1120 Randall Court
Geneva, IL 60134
(630) 232-1070
www.tricityfamilyservices.org
Services: Counseling, eating disorder treatment, support groups, ADHD track, and more.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available. Contact Jennifer Downing, Special Events and Volunteer Coordinator, at 630-232-1070 or jdowning@tricityfamilyservices.org.
Financial: Most insurances, including Medicaid are accepted. Sliding scale utilized.
Mentorship
Boys 2 Men
150 W Illinois Ave, Aurora, IL 60506
Clayton Muhammed
(630) 774-9306
Christian Walls (West High Representative)
Services: Peer to peer mentoring for boys grades 8-12.
Volunteer Opportunities: Not available.
Financial: No cost.
Family Counseling Services & 1-2-1 Mentoring
70 S. River Street, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 844-2662
www.aurorafcs.org
Services: Behavioral health, mentoring, continuing education. “Garage” for life skill learning.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available for 18+ in the 1-2-1 Mentoring program. Contact Marcus Abate. mabate@aurorafcs.org.
Financial: Most insurances, including Medicaid are accepted. Sliding scale utilized.
Triple Threat Mentoring
100 S River St, Aurora, IL 60506
(630) 570-9506
Services: Mentoring opportunities available for high school students through the elementary schools (SPARQ). Sports camps and other mentorship opportunities.
Volunteer Opportunities: Available.
Financial: Cost may apply depending on program.
Substance Abuse
Breaking Free, Inc
(630)897-1003
www.breakingfreeinc.org
Contact: Brian Harrison & Tiffany
Services: Assessment, Treatment, Counseling
Amita-Mercy Behavioral Health
(630)801-2657
Family Counseling Services
(630)844-2662
www.aurorafcs.org
Services: Assessment, Counseling
Linden Oaks
(630)305-5027|
https://www.eehealth.org
Services: Assessment, Treatment, Counseling
Rosecrance
(815)391-1000
https://rosecrance.org
Services: Assessment, Treatment
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES
All humans are hardwired to connect. Just as we need food, shelter and clothing, human beings also need strong and meaningful relationships to thrive.
Restorative practices is an emerging social science that studies how to strengthen relationships between individuals as well as social connections within communities.
At West Aurora High School, we value building relationships and enhancing our school community and culture.
When a relationship or the community has been harmed we respond compassionately and facilitate a Restorative Conference. Restorative Conferences are peer led and aim to address the wrongdoing experienced, include all that were involved and affected by an incident to explore what happened, discover what one was thinking at the time, understand who was affected and develop a plan to make things right.
If you have experienced or engaged in wrongdoing and would like the opportunity to make a wrong right, our Restorative Student Leaders would be happy to assist. Click on the button below to request more information about participating in a Restorative Conference.
