Here We Go Mules 2021-2022
High School Counseling Newsletter (quarter 1)
Welcome Back
The beginning of each school year is full of possibility, and helping you get off to a good start is important for success. My role as your School Counselor is to be an advocate for you and work collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators, and with our community. I can also assist with your academics, career development, and personal/social areas.
I want you to know that I have been, and will continue, doing the absolute best I can to provide you with information you’ll need to get through this year successfully. If you haven't already, please pop down to the Counseling Department to say hi and introduce yourself.
Quarter 1 ends 11/5/21
AP EXAMS 2022
TAKING AN AP EXAM IN SPRING 2022?
-REGISTRATION-
WHEN: Ongoing
WHERE: This is an online event (see link below)
DEADLINE: 9/29/21
You will need to log into your College Board account to register for each exam. Please make an appointment with me before the deadline if you need help with this.
Registration: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/register-for-ap-exams
Dates and fees: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/exam-dates-and-fees
Payment: Ms. Dedopoulos will be collecting exam fees up until November 1st (deadline).
Additionally, you'll need to fill out the "AP Exam Confirmation" form:
Top 15 High School Study Tips
SENIORS
NHHEAF: Financial Aid Night- 9/13/21
When: 5:30-7:00
In the past, it has been in the HS library, but due to COVID-19, NNHEAF and NJSHS will be taking CDC safety precautions and this event will most likely be virtual.
I am College Bound- 11/1/21
When: 8:00-3:00. More information to follow.
How: Sign-up for your one hour appointment (link will be sent out closer to the date to chose your appt. time).
This is the 2nd year NJSHS will be participating in I am College Bound. The IACB campaign is designed to encourage and support seniors hit submit to those college applications! It does not matter if you are looking at 2 year, 4 year or Certificate programs - all seniors are welcome! There will still be a $500 Scholarship and NH Colleges/Universities will be waiving their applications fees again for another year! Last year, Admission Reps from UNH, SNHU and CCSNH worked with the seniors by answering questions, encouraged FAFSA completion and reviewed applicants college essays. Be on the lookout for Ms. B's presentation date and sign up!
UNH Career & Internship Fairs:
Both fairs are OPEN TO ALL MAJORS and all class years. These events are NOT limited by a particular major or program but grouped by the industry areas of the organizations attending and interest areas of students and alumni.
- Business, Communication & Social Services Career and Internship Fair- 9/24/21
- Biotech, Healthcare & STEM Career and Internship Fair-10/6/21
Other Important Things to Think About:
College Applications- DUE DATES!
Are you applying for Early Decision (ED)?: Typically Nov. 1st
Early Action (EA)?: Typically mid- December
College Essay- https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/college-essay
Scholarships
Fastweb-- https://www.fastweb.com
NHHEAF--https://www.nhheaf.org/scholarships.asp
College Board--https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/?SFMC_cid=EM566211-&rid=47039075
Senior Presentations- I'll be in all senior English classes the week of Sept. 13th to review what lies ahead for senior year and post-grad plans.
JUNIORS
PSAT- 10/13/21
As of this moment, SATs will be taken in school. As we get closer to the test date, information about the test day will be communicated with all students and families.
PSAT prep: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice
PSAT Student Guide-https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/psat-nmsqt-student-guide.pdf
**SST students- you will not be attending SST this day. SST is aware.**
SAT- Spring 2022
SAT checklist (disregard pg. 1)
SAT Student Guide to Practice and Scores
Virtual National SAT Practice Day
Saturday September 18, 2021
12:00-3:30
https://signup.collegeboard.org/summer-practice/?SFMC_cid=EM565548-&rid=160815315
What About Campus Visits this year? And Why?
- Many colleges are doing virtual tours this year due to the pandemic. (Take a peek at UNH's https://www.unh.edu/virtualtour/). Go to the school's website you're interested in to view their virtual tour. Need help with this? Please email me to set up an appointment.
- Get a 1st hand view: 'walk' around the quad, 'sit' in on a class, 'visit' the dorms.
- Questions answered: what are the class sizes?, what activities, clubs, sports are there?, & how about the caf?.
- Valuable info: student newspaper, what's the admissions process like, what's the day-to-day like, etc.
- Listen to your gut.
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/campus-visit-guide/why-visit-colleges
Technical Schools do Campus Tours as well!
https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/vocational-trade-school/new-hampshire/
Why Community Service?
- Learn new skills
- Build your resume/profile
- Giving your time & making a difference
- Showing responsibility
- Possibility to earn credits
And where can you do this?
SOPHOMORES
College Board Account
I will be in all sophomore English classes the week of the 6th to make sure all sophomores have a College Board account and are able to sign in. This is how you'll receive your test scores.
https://account.collegeboard.org/login/login
PSAT- 10/13/21
As of this moment, SATs will be taken in school. As we get closer to the test date, information about the test day will be communicated with all students and families.
PSAT prep: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/practice
If you’re still navigating your way through the high school experience as many sophomores are, now is a great time to seek out new opportunities. You’re still busy, but you’ve got a little bit more time then you’ll have later when you’re more focused on the ACT/SAT, college applications, or graduation.
Due to COVID-19, your opportunities might be a little limited, but they do exist. Try out extracurricular activities you’ve always been curious about or take a new leadership position in a club or playing a sport, or working part-time or volunteering.
Volunteering
https://www.volunteermatch.org/
Helpful To-Dos:
- Meet with me, your counselor to see what electives may match with your interests, skills and learning style.
- Talk to your teachers immediately when you begin to notice you're struggling; don't wait!
- Talk to upperclassmen about their process and the decisions they made that were successful or things they would have done differently.
FRESHMAN
https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/advice-for-high-school-freshmen-from-departing-seniors1808.html
Having a tough time seeing your schedule? Wondering you to review your grades and/or assignments?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ixNY4T-k5o8x2ZoxP6CvHO-5xyI1JzkDfZilDYVvt2c/edit?usp=sharing
Not sure you're in the correct level course? Getting lost in the school? Having a tough time connecting and making friends? I'm available virtually (Google Hangout, Google Chat, email, phone call) and in person. I'm here!
High School Freshmen Timeline and Checklist
Freshmen in high school can begin planning for college with this step-by-step guide.
Add/Drop
On the first two days of school (Tuesday, August 31st & Wednesday, September 1st), students will go to their assigned classes. The only students that can come down for issues with their schedule on the first two days are those with empty blocks in their schedule during that specific block.
Schedule changes will only happen on days three (Thursday, September 2nd- Black Day) and five (Wednesday, September 8th- Red Day) during the block you wish to change.
Add/Drop Calendar
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wW_wy7NNIfIT6T7kWfAmxn50jYYdH7llecf-uiQyruc/edit
Starting September 9th, students will need to fill out an Add/Drop form located in Student Services and will result in a "W" on their transcript.
New Hampshire Scholars
NH Scholars Requirements
English: 4 credits
Math: 4 credits
Lab Science: 3 credits
Social Science: 3.5 credits
Foreign Language: 2 credits
Lab Science: Additional 1 credit
STEM related course: 1 credit (Science, Math, Technology, Engineering, Computers, some SST programs, etc.)
ARTS Pathway
Art: 2 credits (Visual Art, Fine Art, Performing Arts, Music, Graphic Design, etc.)
Career Pathway
Successfully complete one of the following:
ELO, Work Based Learning Experience, college credits, etc.
NOTE: You do not need to 'sign up' for NH Scholars or the pathways, but you are responsible for enrolling in the classes that are required. If you have any questions, please reach out to set up an appt. Additionally, I'll share a link with you that directs you to a form you'll need to complete to get the NH Scholar denotation and/or pathway(s) on your diploma.
Paying for College (Seniors)
FAFSA- apply for financial aid. You will be able to apply beginning on October 1, 2021.
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Scholarships and grants. https://www.payingforcollegeresource.com/scholarships-grants/
Financial Aid Offers. https://www.payingforcollegeresource.com/financial-aid-offers/
Understanding Student Loans. https://www.payingforcollegeresource.com/student-loans/
NJSHS High School Counselor
Ms. B (grades 9-12)
Ph: 603-292-7968
Fax: 603-659-1287
Need to book an appointment? Mrs. Dedopoulos is here to help you with that (dedopoulosl@newmarket.k12.nh.us). She's our new Admin. Assistant in the Counseling Dept.; come down to hi and introduce yourself.
Email: bissonc@newmarket.k12.nh.us
Website: https://www.newmarket.k12.nh.us/schools/newmarket-jr-sr-high-school/njshs-administration/school-counseling/index
Location: 213 South Main Street, Newmarket, NH, USA
Phone: (603) 292-7968