AMDG This is the abbreviation for the motto of the Society of Jesus - Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which translates to For the greater glory of God.
Updated: 8/31/2006
Guidance - Formation Program
Introduction
Loyola's formation program consists of dedicated dates for spiritual and emotional development. In addition to presentations by the counselor, the program consists of Mass, Chapel exercises,
Health and Wellness presentations, and individual conversations regarding academic progress.
The focus of the freshman formation program is ensuring a successful transition to high school, both academically and socially. Students gain an
understanding of their values, learning styles, communication preferences, and team/leadership skills. Students are asked to continually reflect
on their performance and develop improvement plans and set new goals. Self-advocacy is emphasized through role playing scenarios. The development
of an assertive communication style is stressed. Students are encouraged to become involved in co-curriculars, ministry activities and/or sports
to ensure that they have a balanced high school experience.
Sophomore Year Formation
Sophomore year is a transitional year for students. After becoming acclimated to high school, many students spend this year exploring new activities
and opportunities available. The formation program encourages students to seek out new avenues for individual development. The capstone of sophomore
year is the sophomore Grad at Grad reflection. As a Jesuit institution, reflection is at the forefront of what we value. Topics covered during
sophomore year include the following:
Goal setting
Study skills
Learning styles
Bullying
Preparation for, and review of, the PLAN test
Alcohol and drug awareness and prevention
Curriculum planning
Career development
Leadership skills
Appreciating Diversity
Mental Health Awareness
Sophomore Reflection
Junior Year Formation
The focus of the junior formation program is preparation for college through self-awareness and understanding of the college search and application
processes. Students develop a deeper understanding of self through values clarification and personality type assessments. They learn to use the
college resource system, Naviance, to aid in finding the best fit college. Their Preliminary SAT (PSAT) results are reviewed and an improvement
plan is developed. They are introduced to the ACT and SAT exams and a study preparation plan is completed. Through role play the students become
prepared for interactions with college admissions representatives at the Loyola Academy College Night in the fall and college visits at Loyola
throughout the year. The student and his/her family meet with their college counselor to explore college options.
Senior Year Formation
Senior year is the culmination of high school students’ careers, launching them towards their future. Reflection and spirituality remain
key components of the formation program. While many students are concerned with college applications and their college search, we give students
structured support in these areas during formation in their senior year. The first semester is geared towards application completion, financial
aid planning, and career development. The second semester offers more in terms of preparing students for everything that accompanies going off
to college – transitions to living with roommates, working with professors, and making healthy choices. The specific topics covered during
senior year include:
1100 Laramie, Wilmette, Illinois 60091 | Phone: 847-256-1100 | Fax: 847-853-4512