Counseling Today: One stop shop for counseling news - May 2026

Welcome to May. Please read further for more information about what’s coming up this month. We also encourage you to follow us on Instagram for more regular reminders and updates.

We are proud to say that our counseling department is a Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP), with CDH having earned RAMP status during the summer, 2023. We are the only private high school in Minnesota to have this designation. Feel free to read more about this great honor, what it took to earn, and what it means for our students! 

If you need to contact us, take a look at our contact page on the school website to determine the best person to help address your needs.

College Counseling

Juniors

If you haven’t done so, please remember to request your teacher letter(s) of recommendation before the end of the school year. Forms are available in the counseling office. 

Seniors

Here are some end of the year reminders and details:

Final Transcripts 

A reminder that ALL colleges require a final official transcript of your high school grades as proof of graduation and as a condition of enrollment. In mid-June, once all third trimester grades have been submitted and recorded, CDH will send your final official transcript to the college/university you indicated you will attend on your senior survey and no other request is necessary. If you change your mind about where you will attend, you must let us know.   

If there is a "hold" on your CDH account (unpaid tuition, missing books, damaged iPad, etc.), we are not able to send your transcript until the hold is satisfied. The CDH business office will notify you of any holds that need to be settled. If you have a college advising/registration appointment prior to mid-June and need a transcript, you can use an unofficial copy on your Infinite Campus account.

It is against the “Code of Ethics and Professional Practices” of the National Association for College Admissions Counseling for students to make multiple college enrollment deposits. CDH will send only one final transcript in June. Consult with your counselor if you need help making your decision.

PACC (Program for Advanced College Credit) 

Graduates in the Class of 2026 who have paid for PACC credits from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and who want to get college credits for these courses must have a transcript sent from St. Mary’s to the college or university where you will attend this fall. Your college can then determine whether they will award college credit for this work in high school. Wait until mid-June to request a college transcript, as CDH has to get the final grades to the college.
 
To request an official St. Mary’s transcript, go to Saint Mary's University of MN Transcript Requests  Click on "National Student Clearinghouse", type in Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (it will start auto filling but you must spell out Saint). You will then be able to order your transcript. If you do not know your ID number, you can use your social security number. Questions? Call St. Mary’s at 507-457-1501. 

CIS (College in the Schools) Classes 

If you took CIS at CDH through the University of Minnesota and want these classes to be considered for college credit at the school you will attend next fall you will need to request an official University of MN transcript. Go to UMN Twin Cities Transcript Request to request your transcript. Instructions will also be given to you by your CDH teacher. 
 
AP Scores 

To send your official AP scores to your college, go to Requesting Official AP Scores and follow instructions. Scores for tests taken in May of 2026 will be available in July. 

Tuition Reciprocity 

Graduating seniors who are planning to attend state colleges and universities in Wisconsin or North Dakota must file a “Tuition Reciprocity Application” with the Minnesota Higher Education Services Office in order to receive tuition reciprocity. Applications for the 2026-2027 academic year are available online at Reciprocity Link 26-27. This application must be filed and approved before a student can register for classes at the reduced tuition rate.

Thank Your Teachers! 

Please remember that CDH teachers write hundreds of letters of recommendation for students as they apply to colleges and universities. This is over and above all the other responsibilities they have as classroom teachers and coaches. Be sure to let your recommenders know where you have decided to attend college in the fall and please take a minute to thank them for this very important work that they do on your behalf. 
 

Chemical Health Counseling

Chemical Health Corner

April Prevention Solutions Residency at CDH 

Three prevention specialists from Prevention Solutions within the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation came to work with our Freshman during their Values class in April. They also conducted a parents workshop. The response was overwhelmingly positive from students as they reported a higher level of knowledge regarding substance use, how to help a friend who uses and being more likely to make healthy choices for themselves.

Here are some major takeaways they shared from the two day residency:

• Addiction is a disease and can happen to anyone.
• The perception of how many students drink, vape or use THC is higher than what it actually is.
• Risk factors for addiction include family history, age of first use, having cravings to use, having a high tolerance, and if people around you use.
• The brain is done developing at age 25-26.
• You can help a friend by expressing concern, letting them know you care and offering assistance in getting help.
• Dopamine makes us feel good and trains our brains to seek more.  We can get it naturally or through substances. Addiction can steal our joy and for activities we used to like.
• What drug is most dangerous?  The one you think is the least dangerous because you think its no big deal.
• Nicotine is stimulant and goes directly into the bloodstream.
• Nicotine pouches negatively affect the cardiovascular system and gums.
• Alcohol is the most misused substance in the world and affects memory, abstract thinking, balance and coordination and is linked to many cancers. 
• Things to do instead of substances include exercise, staying hydrated and pursuing passions.
• Recovery is connection and is an ongoing process…it’s freedom!

Happy Spring!

Laura Esping LADC
Chemical Health Counselor