Office of Guidance Counsler
Sr. Nada Samo
Assalamu Alaikum Dear Students & Respected Families,
As we prepare to embark on a new chapter of learning and growth, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt prayers for your well-being and success. It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to another promising academic year at Al-Ghazaly Jr/Sr High School.
Our school is founded upon the principles of faith, knowledge, and compassion. It is a privilege to serve as the Dean of Guidance, and I am honored to stand alongside you in your journey towards personal growth and academic excellence. Al-Ghazaly’s primary goal is to provide not only a quality education but to also foster a holistic growth that encompasses not just academic excellence but also the development of character, compassion, and community engagement.
To our new students, I extend a special welcome. You are joining a nurturing environment rooted in Islamic values. Al-Ghazaly values diversity, encourages curiosity, and embraces the teachings of Islam as a guiding light. To our returning students, your dedication and commitment speak volumes, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing your continued growth and achievements. I encourage you to strive for excellence in your studies, driven by the understanding that seeking knowledge is an act of worship. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad pbuh said, "Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him the path to Paradise."
My goal is to provide you with unwavering support, whether it's related to academic challenges, personal matters, or guidance in the planning of future educational and career goals.
Respected parents, your role in shaping your child's educational journey is immeasurable. Your involvement and partnership contribute to a holistic educational experience. I invite you to engage in open communication, attend school events, and collaborate with us to create an environment that nurtures the hearts and minds of our students.
In conclusion, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will overcome challenges, celebrate successes, and continue to build a community that exemplifies the best of Islamic values and academic excellence.
May Allah bless our efforts and guide us on the righteous path. I look forward to a fruitful and enriching year ahead.
Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu,
Your Sister,
Nada Samo
Dean of Guidance,
Academic & Social Counseling
Guidance Counseling Curriculum
Al-Ghazaly’s comprehensive school counseling curriculum is designed to provide students with a range of skills, knowledge, and support to succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and personally. It encompasses various developmental areas and aims to empower students to make informed decisions, set goals, and navigate challenges effectively. Here's an overview of the curriculum:
Academic Achievement:
Study skills development.
Goal setting and planning for academic success.
Time management and organization.
Test-taking strategies.
Academic motivation and growth mindset.
Exploring course options Honors & AP courses.
Enrolling in FDU Middle College Program to earn college credits.
Personal and Social Development:
Self-awareness and self-esteem building.
Providing guidance on maintaining healthy friendships and relationships based on Islamic values.
Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills.
Communication skills and active listening.
Emotional intelligence and regulation.
Stress management and coping strategies.
Career Exploration and Planning:
Identifying interests, strengths, and values.
Exploring various career paths and industries using O*NET interest profiler.
Goal setting and creating a personalized career plan.
Resume writing, interview skills, and job search strategies.
Transitioning from school to higher education or the workforce.
Character Education and Values:
Ethical decision-making and responsible behavior.
Promoting Islamic manners and etiquettes in daily interactions.
Cultivating empathy, kindness, and respect.
Understanding and promoting diversity and inclusion.
Encouraging students to develop a strong moral compass based on Quranic teachings and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad pbuh.
Developing a strong sense of moral and ethical values.
Health and Wellness:
Promoting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Providing guidance on building a strong connection with Allah through prayer, supplication, and mindfulness.
Offering techniques for managing stress and anxiety through Islamic practices.
Promoting self-care and seeking solace in Islamic teachings.
Nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Substance abuse education.
Addressing bullying and cyberbullying.
College and Post-Secondary Planning:
Exploring higher education options (colleges, universities, trade schools, etc.).
Students and parents receive a guideline each year of things that they can do throughout the year to prepare for college.
Understanding and assistance in the college application process.
Scholarships, financial aid, and budgeting for college.
Writing personal statements, resumes and application essays.
Community Engagement and Citizenship:
Volunteering and community service opportunities.
Environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Promoting social justice and advocacy.
Highlighting the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need.
Technology and Digital Citizenship:
Educating students about responsible use of technology, social media, and the internet according to Islamic guidelines.
Discussing the impact of online behavior on one's character and faith.
Online safety and cyberbullying prevention.
Digital literacy and critical thinking.
Balancing screen time with studies.
Parent and Family Outreach:
Workshops and seminars for parents on various topics.
Building a strong home-school partnership.
Providing resources and support for families.
College & Financial aid workshops.
Individual and Group Counseling:
Providing one-on-one counseling for students facing personal challenges.
Facilitating counseling groups to address various topics for students by grade.
Teaching students the importance of self-reflection, gratitude, and seeking forgiveness through Islamic practices.
ABOUT Sr. Nada Samo
Sr. Nada Samo is an experienced Mental Health Counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care industry. She is Northern NJ native and an alumnus of Al-Ghazaly Jr High School & Madrasatu Ahlis Sunnah She is skilled in Research, Leadership & healthcare services. She graduated from Montclair State University with a Bachelors in Psychologic and went on to receive her Master’s Degree in “Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Clinical Mental Health Counseling” from Rutgers University.
She has been with Islamic Education Foundation for over 10 years. previously working at Al-Ghazaly Elementary in Jersey City. We are glad that she joined Al-Ghazaly High school after completing her Master’s degree first serving as Guidance counselor and now as Dean of Guidance. She is passionate about the global Muslim community and developing our young teenagers as they prepare to face the challenges of this world.
As a guidance counselor, what is your idea on supporting and guiding students through their academic and personal challenges?
Supporting and guiding students through their academic and personal challenges requires a thoughtful and holistic approach that takes into account their individual needs, strengths, and circumstances. I keep in mind that each student is unique, and a personalized approach is key to providing effective support. I make sure to adapt my strategies based on the student’s age, grade level, personality, and specific challenges they are facing. I believe that building a strong partnership between students, parents, and teachers contributes to a holistic and successful support system.
What resources and tools do you utilize to help students with college planning: explore potential career paths and post-secondary education options?
Some resources and tools that I use to help students with college planning are
Career Exploration Platforms:
Naviance: Offers career assessments, college search tools, and resources for students to explore potential careers and educational paths.
CareerOneStop: Provides tools for career exploration, job searching, and information on industries and salaries.
MyNextMove: Offers an interactive tool to help students explore careers based on their interests and strengths.
Interest and Aptitude Assessments:
Strong Interest Inventory: A widely-used assessment that helps students discover their interests and potential career paths.
Holland Code Assessment: Helps students identify their interests and match them with potential careers based on John Holland's RIASEC theory.
O*NET Interest Profiler: Provides students with a list of potential career paths based on their interests and skills.
College and University Search Tools:
BigFuture by College Board: Allows students to search for colleges, explore majors, and learn about admission requirements.
College Scorecard: Provides data on colleges' graduation rates, costs, and potential earnings after graduation.
College Tours, College Fairs and Events:
Many colleges offer virtual tours, webinars, and online events that allows the students to explore campuses and learn about academic programs.
Al-Ghazaly hosts 1 college fair and attends a college fair yearly.
Career Fairs and Expos:
Local career fairs and expos provide our students with opportunities to interact with professionals from various industries and learn about potential career paths.
Job Shadowing, Mentoring and Internships:
Connecting our students with mentors and professionals for job shadowing or internship opportunities allows them to gain real-world insights into potential careers.
Educational Workshops and Seminars:
Al-Ghazaly hosts many workshops and seminars that focus on career exploration, college application processes, financial aid, and more.
Resume, Personal Essays and Portfolio Development:
Assisting our students in creating resumes, college personal essays and portfolios can help them showcase their skills and experiences to potential employers or colleges.
Local Community Resources:
Collaborating with local businesses, organizations, and community centers provides our students with exposure to various career options.
How do you promote a positive and inclusive school culture, ensuring that students feel supported and respected regardless of their backgrounds?
Promoting a positive and inclusive school culture is essential for creating an environment where all students feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their backgrounds. Al-Ghazaly Jr/Sr High School has a policy that explicitly addresses discrimination & harassment. Islam teaches us to value all cultures and ethnicities and we have a zero-tolerance policy for cultural discrimination and colorism of any kind.
The entire Al-Ghazaly community, including parents and staff, are informed of the values we uphold and everyone is required to adhere to them. Our Anti-Bullying policy is posted prominently in the handbook and students are reminded of it regularly in group settings and one-on-one sessions. Our Anti-Bullying program fosters a safe environment in which students know they can speak out if they’re being bullied or discriminated against. .
There is an annual workshop provided by the community policing committee in Wayne, NJ that provides students with workshops on the types of bullying and the repercussions of such behavior. Implementing the Anti-Bullying program that addresses bullying, discrimination, and bias, fostered a safe environment for all students, students where they were more willing to speak out about experiences.
Other offerings to promote positive inclusion are annual surveys and one on one mental health check-in’s. We sit with students to clearly share Al-Ghazaly’s values and mission and designating safe spaces with teachers and the counseling office where students can express themselves, seek support, and engage in discussions.
The formation of student clubs that celebrate different cultures, and interests has also exposed students to different backgrounds. Al- Ghazaly has an annual culture day where students are encouraged to share cultural foods, and display clothing or other items that represent their culture. Lastly, regardless of background, all Al-Ghazaly students have access to resources, including laptops, assessments and opportunities.
Can you describe any special programs or initiatives you've implemented to enhance the overall counseling experience for students at our school?
There are two programs that I’ve initiated.
Shadowing Program which is an initiative that allows prospective students, usually from 10th-12th grades to spend 3 days "shadowing" or following a professional (of their career interest). This experience provides insight into the daily life, professional environment, responsibilities, activities, and overall culture of the job they are considering.
Lunch with the counselor which is a group counseling approach to providing support and guidance to multiple students in the same grade who share common concerns or goals. It involves facilitating group sessions during lunch breaks to address a variety of academic, social, emotional, and personal topics. Benefits of group counseling include, peer support, skill development, normalization (students feeling they are not alone in their issue), positive feedback, diverse perspectives and confidence building.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy hiking, fishing, baking, gardening, sewing, decorating, reading and spending time with my family.
Helpful Resources
Resources that can be helpful for parents:
American School Counselor Association (ASCA) - Parent Resources: ASCA offers resources for parents on topics such as college planning, social-emotional development, bullying prevention, and more.
National PTA - Parent Guides: The National Parent Teacher Association provides guides for parents on topics like helping children with homework, understanding standardized testing, and supporting children's mental health.
Common Sense Media: Offers guidance for parents on navigating the digital world with their children, including tips for managing screen time and ensuring safe online experiences.
Understood: Provides resources for parents of children with learning and attention issues, including practical tips, expert advice, and a supportive community.
FamilyEducation: Offers articles and resources on a wide range of parenting topics, from child development to education and health.
Child Mind Institute: Provides information and resources for parents on child and adolescent mental health, including articles on various topics and strategies for supporting children's well-being.