School Counseling

Our counseling program begins in ninth grade with an introduction to preparing for life during and beyond high school. Each student will meet with his/her counselor to discuss goals, a four year plan and the transition to high school. Throughout the year, the counseling department leads groups of students through the Passages curriculum. This curriculum, delivered during study hall, addresses topics unique to freshman year. Topics covered include study skills, high school success, goal setting, stress management, communication skills, and an introduction to career and college planning through completion of an interest inventory. 

Our web site is also a great place to find additional internet resources, department information and upcoming events. Please do not hesitate to contact your son/daughter’s counselor with any questions or concerns. We look forward to traveling with each student as they navigate through high school into their future.

In October of sophomore year, students will have the opportunity to take the PreACT test to help prepare them for the ACT exam taken in junior year. The PreACT is also a great way for students to begin thinking about college entrance tests and gain experience taking a standardized test. The test includes all four sections included on the ACT exam: English, Math, Reading, and Science.

Counselors will meet with students to help interpret scores and brainstorm ways to improve their scores for the ACT exam taken in junior year during an individual meeting in winter of sophomore year. Sophomores will also continue exploring career options through the use of a career assessment on Scoir. This is the school year when students will delve more deeply into Scoir, taking time to investigate a variety of college options. Counselors will present college planning information to sophomores in the spring in preparation for students to engage with college admissions representatives at the Totino-Grace College Fair in April.  

Important Events: 

• PreACT exam administered for all sophomores 
• Totino-Grace College Fair
• Sophomore & Sophomore Parent Meeting (immediately preceding the College Fair)

During junior year we offer many opportunities and events for our students all geared toward finding the right path after high school for each student. We begin with a classroom presentation when counselors share information about the PSAT test (pre-SAT), planning for standardized college admission tests (ACT and/or SAT), finding a good fit for college, individual college research and preparing for the National College Fair.  

As the year progresses counselors continue to emphasize investigation and preparation for post-high school plans. Juniors and their parents are invited to a post-high planning program designed specifically for them. The emphasis of this day is on providing many options and helping the students determine what they are looking for and what is the best individual fit. From there we meet individually with all junior students to discuss their specific post-high school plans. In order to assist students even further in the college exploration process, we offer our own college fair in  April.  

Important Events:

• National College Fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center
• PSAT Test administered to all Juniors
• Post-High Planning Kick Off Day (for Juniors AND parents)
• Individual College Planning Meetings with Juniors and their Parents
• Totino-Grace College Fair
• ACT Testing:  Juniors are encouraged to consider taking the ACT Exam 

Senior year is focused on student applications and finalizing plans. Students may work with their counselor in selecting schools to which they will apply, getting letters of recommendation, completing applications for schools and scholarships, and sending official transcripts. Our counselors are available to assist students and parents in any stage of this process. Throughout the year we ask students to let our office know of schools to which they've been accepted and scholarships they've been offered.

Important Events:

• College Application Boot Camp (optional)
• National College Fair at the Minneapolis Convention Center
• Seniors may want to take the ACT in fall of senior year. Students who wish to meet a November 1 college application deadline may still take the ACT test in September. This is the only fall test date that can guarantee scores will be ready to meet early college application deadlines. If students choose to take the ACT in October, they should be aware that test scores may not be ready in time to meet a November 1 college application deadline.

763-571-9116 ext. 223
sarah.dunfee@totinograce.org  

Last names A-K for all counseling needs.

Ms. Dunfee received her bachelors degree in sociology with a minor in mathematics from Minnesota State University - Mankato. Additionally, Ms. Dunfee holds a masters degree in school counseling from MSU-Mankato. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing board games, reading, playing soccer, and watching TV shows. 

763-571-9116 ext. 245
kesney.mccarthy@totinograce.org  

Last names L-Z for all counseling needs.

Ms. McCarthy is licensed for K-12. True to our Lasallian roots, Ms. McCarthy completed her bachelors and masters degrees at St. Mary’s University, as well as her school counseling license at the U of M.

Ms. McCarthy has three children; sons Cormac and Rowan, and a daughter Fallon. She loves spending time on the water, whether it be a lake, pool or ocean, trying to improve her running skills and seeing plays and concerts in the theater.

763-571-9116 ext. 224
mike.vecellio@totinograce.org

College Counseling for all students, focusing on juniors and seniors.

Mr. Vecellio has 30 years of school counseling experience! He attended Catholic schools all the way through college at St. John's University. He received his masters degree and school counseling licensure from the University of Minnesota.

Mr. Vecellio has three children, with his youngest at TG. He stays busy following his kids' activities while also making time for playing tennis, biking and following most sports.