By this time most students have probably become accustomed having their counselor determined by the alphabetical placement of their surnames. Starting next year, however, counselors will be determined academies, Mrs. Shaw being the counselor for all IBIS students.

Generally, this change will not affect sophomores and freshmen, as they will have an additional year or two to get to know Mrs. Shaw. The IBIS class of 2004, however, might be in some trouble. Almost all college and scholarship applications require a statement of some sort from a counselor. Thus, next year's seniors will have only the end of this year and the early days of fall to get to know Mrs. Shaw.

For those of you interested in who, what, why and how this concerns you, read the following interview of Mrs. Shaw.

Q:Who decided to make this change and why?

A:Mrs. Leal, our new principal, believed it would create a more intimate environment between the students and the staff and would give us an opportunity to learn more about a particular magnet.

Q:What was wrong with the old format?

A:Nothing, really; it just meant that we had to interrupt classes to meet with students, pull every one into the auditorium, and it meant going to more people just to learn about one student. This way, students only have to deal with the counselor and their lead teacher. It saves time and allows us to work as [a] more effective team.

Q:Do you personally opine that this system will work out better? Why?

A:Well, this will give us an opportunity to find out if it really is better. I hope it will work out fine and give me the chance to become an expert in one academy instead of being a semi-expert in six academies. Also, it will be more like a family environment, giving more personal attention.

Q:Who decided that you be the IBIS counselor?

A:I'm not sure who, but it was because I had previous experience in a similar position at Coral Gables High School.

Q:Don't we already have an academy lead teacher? How is your role different from hers?

A:The lead teacher makes decisions about the status and future of the magnet and decides who stays. I give the information that helps the lead teacher decide this. Counselors do more individual, intense, academic counseling than the lead teacher, but for example, I would check with your lead teacher, Mrs. Patterson, before changing your schedule. We would work as a team.

Q:Does this change in policy affect our academy lead teacher in some way?

A:No. If anything it would enhance your lead teacher by putting someone at her fingertips who fully understands what she is talking about instead of having to explain the situation to six different counselors. By cutting it down to two, we are actually improving the IBIS academy and making it better for everyone.

Q:What will your responsibilities be as our counselor? What are ours?

A:My responsibilities are to make your life as easy as possible throughout your high school career, and help as much as I can for you to accomplish your goals, in your case, the IB diploma. I am responsible for supporting you, defending you (I don't let anybody beat up my children), developing your conscience, and being your best friend away from home.
Your responsibilities are to accomplish what is expected of you - your best, always� Let me know when you are having trouble and I will help you take care of it. You don't have to suffer in silence. Express yourself. Say when you need help and when you are not getting it.

Q:How will you go about preparing for next year?

A:I am reading more about IB, talking to Mrs. Patterson, talking to students, improving my computer skills in anticipation of all the letters I will be writing next year, and I will be attending a workshop this summer for IB training.

Q:What is your background and experience?

A:I have an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Computer Science (I am a former math teacher and also a former systems analyst), and a Masters in Guidance Counseling. I have been counseling students for 20 years, and it is my favorite. I love students, not grown people. I feel this is where I make the most difference.

Q:What do you do currently to get to know your students?

A:I have an open door policy. I am also usually here by 7am. I try to make myself as available as possible. You can also see me during lunch and I like greeting my students in the halls.

Q:How are you possibly going to get to know all the 100-plus IBIS 2004 seniors in the short months of fall in enough time to write recommendations about us? What can we do to get to know you better?

A:I already know some of you. You are also welcome to come into my office at any time and make me aware of who you are. You are welcome to approach me. I understand that it will be hard to get to know all of you well, which is why you will all hear from me before the end f the year through your academy class. Also, most of you probably received a long list of Qs from your counselor intended to let us get to know you better. Fill that out and get it in to me. I will also be making one for you all shortly. Also, you all can help by adhering to deadlines for applications so that I have enough time to write you a valuable recommendation.

Q:Can we have your contact information, please?

A:I would prefer that you email me at [email protected], and you are always welcome to stop by my office in room 48 in the Student Services Hallway.

Q:Anything else you would like to add?

A:I think the key is working as a team and that if we all work together we can make this change a very positive experience.

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