PTHS Counseling Office Newsletter
December 2022
Inside this Issue
Mental Health
- Assisting Teens Manage High School Stress
- Mindfulness and the Holidays
- Taking Stress out of the Holidays
Understanding PSAT Results
Senior Spotlight
- Understanding a Financial Aid Offer
- PA Financial Aid
- Scholarship Opportunities
Junior Junction
- Postsecondary Individualized Planning (PIP) Meetings
- 5 Tips for Parents on Navigating College Admissions
Sophomore Square
- Cost of Living Activity
Freshmen Focus
- Asking you Teachers for Help
Save the Date
- WACTC Information Session
- NACAC Pittsburgh National College Fair
Enrichment Opportunities
PT Counseling Office
Assisting Teens Manage High School Stress
Teens are facing challenges of social media pressures in addition to the pressures of simply growing up. Beyond the modern-day stressors, teens are hyper-aware of the world around them. There might have been a time where parents were able to shield their teens from some of those anxieties, but the internet has made that a thing of the past.
Recent surveys have found that nearly one-third of high school students report concerns about their mental health as a major source of stress. In 2021, the CDC found that 37% of high school students reported experiencing poor mental health during the pandemic, with 44% reporting they persistently felt sad or hopeless. Just because students are back in the classrooms, does not mean those challenges have disappeared. In fact, we are seeing an increase in these reports while managing the day to day of balancing peer relationships and managing a class schedule.
When to be Concerned:
Some amount of stress is normal, and even healthy, so it can be difficult for parents to identify whether the stress they are seeing in their teen is too much. As teens get older, they naturally start to push away and communicate less, so it becomes even more important for parents to be aware of the red flags, like frequent headaches or stomach aches, excessive hostility, or withdrawal from longtime friends. If you are concerned, start by reaching out to your school counselor, who can help provide support and resources for your teen!
Tips for Helping your Teens Manage Stress:
Start with the Basics: When it comes to day-to-day strategies, start by encouraging healthy eating and sleep patterns. Teach your teens about mindfulness and breathing exercises but help them learn to focus on the positives. Teaching teens to be aware of their feelings and thoughts is important, but you also need to teach them to focus attention on the positive and the good. Self-care can start with small, everyday acts, like listening to a favorite song or taking the family pet for a walk. Keep in mind that it is important still for teens to recognize and deal with the negative or the bad feelings, emotions, and thoughts. Help them understand how to recognize these feelings and eventually talk through them with a trusted adult or peer.
Make Time for Small Talks: Teens have a very short attention span. We as parents have them for about ten minutes, before they zone out! Find opportunities to have 10–15-minute conversations to find out what’s going on in their world by creating a space where they feel comfortable talking and sharing those thoughts and feelings with you. The key is to ask the right questions and not settling for one-word answers. Reflect on a time where you had a really great conversation with your teen, and they shared a lot of information with you. Where were you? Were you in the car driving to a game? In the living room watching a movie? When you have figured out that space, try to have those conversations during those times to help teach your teen it is okay to open up!
Be Prepared to be Uncomfortable: Conversations happen both ways, and experts agree that if parents expect their teens to share what is going on in their lives, parents might need to open up a small amount as well. Ultimately, if parents want teens to practice healthy behaviors, they have to be prepared to model those practices themselves. This could mean going to your teen and saying ‘Hey, I am really stressed out about work today, want to head out and take a walk?’ It doesn’t mean you have to overshare information with them but showing them that you are finding positive ways to help cope with your own stress. This can help them build their own toolbox of coping strategies.
Keep Academics in Perspective: Teens report academics is one of their biggest stressors. Here are a few ways to help them manage this stress:
- Practice and rehearse situations that are causing stress, like practicing a presentation or speech.
- Teach practical coping skills, like breaking a large project into smaller, manageable pieces or how to create to-do lists to prioritize work.
- Show your teen they should be proud of their best effort rather than expecting absolute perfection.
- And when failures do happen, it is important to remind teens that failures allow learning and create opportunities for success.
“Be where your feet are, everyday is an opportunity to start fresh.”
(Adapted from: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/articles/managing-high-school-stress)
Taking Stress out of the Holidays
Holidays are supposed to be happy and exciting events where families can reunite and celebrate the things and memories we cherish. However, sometimes the holidays and holiday gatherings can be less magical and more, well, stressful.
The holiday season means taking a vacation from work and school. While the break is much needed, we often find that our routines get thrown off, expectations are heightened, and we are moving at a fast pace to get everything on our list accomplished. Here are a few tips to help minimize stress and make the holidays more fun, fulfilling, and relaxing:
Be Open to Change: Every family has a holiday tradition. Talk with your children about the traditions, which ones they enjoy and which ones you can evolve to make them more fun or memorable for everyone involved. It is okay to change it up! As your children get older, routines and traditions might need to shift and adjust. Accept the change and talk with your children about making a shift or new tradition, if needed.
Be Realistic: Think about the conversations you have had with your children. Are they nervous about seeing the extended family they haven’t seen in a while? Are they anxious about meeting someone new or being in overstimulating environment? See where they might need support in the upcoming holidays and help them talk through different solutions and coping strategies to get through it together.
Prep for Changes in Routine: Changing routine can be difficult for everyone and for some children and adults even, can be unsettling or overwhelming. Talk to each other about the upcoming holiday plans, what the day will look like, what expectations there might be, and what they can expect at each place you may visit. If you are travelling, encourage them to bring familiar things to help them feel comfortable and try to keep some of the smaller routines such as bedtime or morning routines, the same. This will help them feel just a little more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment.
Give Yourself a Break: Don’t stretch yourself too thin. Remember that the holidays can be a magical time. Take a moment to relax and enjoy the holiday season. Watch your favorite holiday movie, enjoy a warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate while watching the snow falling. Decide what is important to you, prioritize it, and say no to the events or things that will make the season too overwhelming to enjoy.
Laugh and Enjoy the Moment: Children and teens tend to read the situations and pick up on any stress or tension. Keep in mind that what you’ll remember when it’s over are the unexpected moments when everybody is relaxed, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company and not the carefully choreographed party, dinner, or outing.
Understanding your PSAT Scores/Results
The PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT scores will be available to students beginning Monday, December 5th. Scores can be accessed by logging into student College Board accounts or through the email from College Board announcing availability of scores.
Did you know that the PSAT is on the same scale score as the SAT? It provides a predicted score of what a student would have received on the SAT if taken the same day. The score report also provides student strengths and areas for improvement. The PSAT scores can be connected to Khan Academy for free targeted practice to improve SAT scores. Practicing on Khan Academy cannot only help increase SAT scores but also help you to be eligible for scholarships through the College Board Opportunity Scholarships.
Senior Spotlight
Understanding a Financial Aid Offer:
Understanding what is in a financial aid offer is critical for students and families to make an informed decision about paying for college. Once students are admitted, they will begin receiving financial aid letters that outline how much the student will be eligible to receive in the upcoming academic year.
Financial Aid letters are sent out to current and prospective students who have completed their FAFSA. The timeframe of sent letters depends on when the FAFSA was completed and when the school's individual schedule. The letters may vary from school to school, appear in different formats, and utilize terminology that can leave students and families questioning which offer is the best.
Utilize these tips to help you understand which offer is the best for you and your student:
Create a Spreadsheet and Get Organized: Create a spreadsheet or document that will help you keep track and compare each school’s cost of attendance (COA), the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and the details of the financial aid offer, including any scholarships, grants, work-study, or federal student loans.
Understand the Terminology: Recent research shows that financial aid letters lack transparency, making it difficult to compare. Take the time to understand exactly what is being offered, and if you have questions, do not hesitate to contact the school’s financial aid office. For example, you might see federal loans listed as ‘federal direct unsubsidized loan,’ ‘federal loan,’ ‘direct loan,’ ‘direct unsub,’ or even just ‘L.’
Bigger isn’t Always Better: The biggest financial aid offer might not be the best one. Dive deeper and look beyond the total dollar amount. Establish how much of what’s listed is ‘free money,’ like scholarships and grants, and how much money will need to be paid back, such as federal student loans. In some cases, it makes more sense to accept the smaller financial award that has more scholarships and grants, over a larger award containing more loans.
You Don’t Need to Accept the Entire Offer: You are not required to accept everything that is included within the offer. After you have established your plan to pay for college, only accept the types and amounts of aid that you will need and make sure to respond to your school BEFORE the deadline.
It’s Okay to Negotiate: if your financial aid situation has changed, pick up the phone and call the financial aid office! They may be able to consider a reevaluation of your financial aid offer!
Read the Fine Print: Even after you have accepted your offer, pay close attention to the fine print. Note which parts of the offer are renewable and which parts are only for the year. Be mindful of grade point average requirements. Make sure you are completing and submitting the required documents promptly. Missing a deadline can negatively impact your eligibility!
(Adapted from: https://www.collegefairguide.com/single-post/2020/02/26/is-bigger-better-sallie-mae-helps-families-evaluate-financial-aid-offers)
Scholarships
December
12/31: The "No Sweat" Scholarship - $2.500 (National)
12/31: Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship - $7,500 (renewable)
12/31: Scholarships in Diversity in Media - $7,500 (renewable)
12/31: Business, Marketing, & Technology Scholarship = $7,500 (renewable)
February
2/1: PACAC Scholarship - $1,500
2/10: South Hills Club - $2,000
2/16: Good Orthodontics Smile Scholarship - $1,000
2/28: PSECU Scholarship - $8,000
March
3/1: Ross F. DiMarco Scholarship - $1,000
3/1: Lions Young Ambassador of the 21st Century Award - $500
3/1: The Foundation 649 Scholarship - $4,000
3/1: Dream...Innovate...Grow...Trade School + College Scholarship - $1,000 (renewable)
3/3: Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA Scholarship Program - $1,500
Ongoing
Citizens Scholarship - National Monthly Drawings - $2,500
ROTC Minuteman Scholarship - Varies
Attention Seniors
Seniors, are you thinking of applying to Presbyterian College? If so, check out this scholarship. As an incoming freshman undergraduate, you could potentially receive a scholarship for a minimum of $20,000 per year for up to four years—that’s $80,000! Read more about it here: https://www.presby.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/presbyterian-promise/
Also, don't forget to check out individual college scholarships by viewing college Financial Aid and/or Scholarship pages on the school's website. Many colleges and universities offer their own scholarship applications.
Attention Juniors
The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society.
Have a 2.0 GPA or higher? Applications are due March 15, 2023. Check out this scholarship opportunity at: https://scholars.horatioalger.org/scholarships/
Attention Pitt-Greensburg Students!
Do you plan on majoring in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Applied Mathematics? If so, check out their SLICE Scholarship Program!
Junior Junction
Post Secondary Individualized Planning (PIP) Meeting
The Post-Secondary Individual Planning (PIP) meeting occurs in the junior year. Students and parents will meet with their counselor to discuss post-secondary pathways, goals after high school, and how to achieve those goals. Topics discussed will include:
- Transcript Review
- Senior Course Selection
- Post High School Plans - College, Career, Military, Tech/Trade School
- Standardized Testing
- Naviance
- Timelines
Planning Meetings will take place during the regular school day beginning December 12th through February 16th. Meetings will be conducted virtually through Zoom. Please sign up through the link sent out from your students' counselor, which will prompt you to select an appointment date and time. Email invitations will be sent out by Friday, December 9. Appointments will be on a first come, first serve basis. Please consult with your child to determine a time and day of the week that best accommodates their schedule.
5 Tips for Parents on Navigating College Admissions
Here are a few tips to help your student navigate the world of College Admissions and College Applications!
Offer to Help: No matter how independent, confident, or smart your teens might appear right now, deep inside they are anxious and likely intimidated by the process and where to even begin. Offer to help them in a structured way – “Let’s sit down this weekend to review the application pieces!” Or “Let’s sit down this weekend to talk through the colleges you might want to visit and tour.”
Understand What your Teen is Looking For: Talk with your student about the ‘Must Haves’ on their list for the schools they are considering. Are they looking for a specific program? Proximity to home? Cost of attendance? Location (Rural/Urban)? These factors are very important to students.
College Visits: Students sometimes apply to schools they have not visited and then attend a visit once they are accepted. It is okay to apply to a school that you have not visited. It can be hard to fit in all the colleges on your student’s list while also balancing work, everyday life, and your children’s extracurriculars. If you have a connection at a campus, see if you can score an informal visit with them! You will likely get a better look at the campus gems through an informal visit rather than a formal. For example, ask a friend or relative that attends to give you a tour.
Ultimately, it Should be Your Teen's Choice: Let your teen decide where they ultimately want to attend but help guide them in the decision! If their top choice is a school that is very far away from home and you don’t feel it best suits their personality, take them for a visit. Help them better understand truly how far away it is by driving to the campus and giving them the chance to walk around. Help them research into the school spirit, extracurricular activities, the type of people they will meet on campus, and the opportunities the school can provide to them. Keep in mind that if your student does not like the school they attend in their freshman year, it is okay to transfer!
Help them Understand their Decision is not Permanent: Students often think that once they make a decision, that is the path they will be on for the remainder of their lives, and they cannot make a change. This is not the case! They can always transfer, always change their major, and can always change their mind about their plans. Help them do research about the steps to change a major and how easy or difficult it might be at one school. They are just turning 17 and 18 years old, they don’t have to have their entire future figured out! This is just a step, a milestone, a new chapter.
(Adapted from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ask-child-psychologist/202211/5-tips-navigating-college-admissions?scrlybrkr=4899d049)
Sophomore Square
Cost of Living Activity in 10th Grade Classrooms
Counselors presented a financial planning exercise with the sophomore classes during the American History Academic, American History Honors, and AP US History classes during November. Students were able to create their own budget based on a sample monthly income while living in various cities: Pittsburgh, Tucson, Chicago, and Boston.
Students had the opportunity to explore the various requirements and choices necessary to live on their own, as well as gain an understanding of what it’s like to balance a monthly budget. In addition, connections to post-secondary goals were tied into the discussion. Students reflected on their current postsecondary goals in relation to the expenses and costs they will face as they enter an entry-level position.
Postsecondary Planning
The word postsecondary is a word students and families hear of quite often as students propel forward to their high school graduation. Questions move from – what do you want to be when you grow up to what postsecondary path or option is the best for you? A postsecondary education is the level of education following successful completion of high school. It is a higher-level education that not only includes colleges and universities, but also trade, technical, professional schools and even on the job training!
A postsecondary degree shows proof to employers that you have attained competence in a specific, practical, and academic skill. Postsecondary planning is pivotal over the next few years of high school as it can help determine your interests and how they can relate to a potential postsecondary path.
2- year degree: An associate's degree is shorter than a bachelor’s or master’s degree. This degree is for those seeking to gain expertise to join an entry-level position in their profession. The associate's degree program aims to prepare students for employment opportunities and professional life in general. It can set them up to handle managerial roles or specialized occupations in less time than a bachelor’s program. Many associate's degrees cover the nursing and business professions, as well as technical and vocation programs. You can often find an associate's degree program through community college. Some four year universities such as Waynesburg University also offer associate's degrees. If you decide to seek further education in your field of study, you can then transfer your credits towards a bachelor's degree.
4 – year degree: A bachelor's degree is typically a four-year program. Colleges and Universities can offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees offering a wide range of courses and programs for students to study. They often have connections and partnerships with local, community agencies and organizations for student internships and job shadow opportunities. Most offer Study Abroad programs for their students to spend a semester or a year studying abroad.
Technical Education: Technical training provides students with professional teaching and training. It is aimed to prepare and equip students for occupations by providing technical, and conceptual training with practical, on-the-job experience in a particular field. This path offers training in a shorter period than a 4-year program and helps them learn the necessary skills to make them qualified for their chosen careers. This is often completed through technical colleges such as PTI, Triangle Tech, Rosedale Tech or offered through local apprenticeships.
Workforce: Students can head straight into the workforce upon their high school graduation. Students will receive on-the-job training at the workplace with guidance from a supervisor, manager, or other knowledgeable employee. On-the-job-training helps new employees get a firsthand look at all the work procedures they can expect and encounter each day. They learn workplace expectations, equipment operation, and any other skill needed to complete their job successfully.
Military: The military is a postsecondary training and employment option. While serving their country, military personnel develop transferable interpersonal and technical skills that can enhance their career prospects. All six of the military branches offer extensive and diverse job training (Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Space Force). If you are interested, talk to your local recruiter for more information! Military provides scholarships for college and many career options.
Graduation will be here before you know it! Start thinking about what interests you and what careers those interests align with. Utilize your Naviance account to help you explore your interests further through the various career interest surveys! If you have questions, stop in to see your counselor for help!
(Adapted from: https://admissionsly.com/post-secondary-education/ and https://www.valamis.com/hub/on-the-job-training)
Freshmen Focus
Asking Teachers for Help
If you’re not doing well in class, recognize when you are struggling and find a way to get the help that you need. Learning to go to others for help is not easy. Many of us grow up thinking that we are supposed to know everything and if we don’t, something is wrong. That is not the case! Recognizing when you need help, learning to advocate for yourself, and seeking out the support you need are important parts of becoming mature, responsible adults.
Here are a few tips to help you connect with your teachers to get the help and support you need:
Be Considerate: Teacher’s genuinely want to help you, so don’t worry about bothering them or being a nuisance by approaching them outside of class. However, keep in mind that teachers are busy, and be considerate and respectful of their time. After saying hello, ask them if they have time to talk or if there would be a better time to meet with them. If you make a date in the future, be sure to put it on your calendar or in your planner so you do NOT forget to show up for the appointment!
Ask Specific Questions: To make the most of your time, go in with specific questions you want to ask. Bring in a problem that you got wrong on a recent quiz and ask them to walk you through it or ask how you could organize your ideas better for an essay. Before meeting with your teacher, brainstorm ideas about the questions you could ask them. You can brainstorm ideas with your parents or stop in to see your counselor!
Keep your Email Communications Professional: If you would rather email your teacher, that is great! Just make sure your email is professional and appropriate. Like a formal letter, your email should start with a formal salutation (Dear Mr. or Mrs.), followed by an explanation of why you are writing to them and end with a closing and your name (Sincerely or Thank You). Want another tip? You are likely to get a quicker response if you include a subject line that indicates you need help instead of leaving it as a No Subject. Also, don’t expect an immediate answer especially if it is in the evening or late at night. Give your teachers at least 24 hours to respond.
Be Proactive: It is better to ask for help when you first realize you are struggling with something. Be proactive about seeking help from a teacher or tutor as soon as you think you’re falling behind.
Other Ways to Advocate for Yourself: Check out the NHS Tutors in the Library for help! You can also go to Khan Academy, ask your parents or siblings, or make an appointment with your counselor to brainstorm ideas to get the support you need. The sooner you get help, the sooner you’ll feel confident that you can succeed!
(Adapted from: https://educationalendeavors.org/6-tips-for-asking-your-teacher-for-help)
Save the Date!
Info Session: Western Area Career & Technology Center - 12/15 @ PTHS
Western Area is a career and technical school that provides students the opportunity to gain hands-on training focusing on education, training, and career development for high demand occupations. PTHS students who are interested in applying to WACTC will select one of the programs offered: Auto Mechanics, Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology, Carpentry, Collision Repair Technology, Cosmetology, Electrical Occupations, Culinary Arts & Baking, Health Assistant, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Machine Shop, Masonry, Networking Rehabilitation Aide & Sports Medicine, and Welding.
Interested students are welcome to join an information session on Thursday, December 15, 2022, during their lunch period (periods 5, 6, or 7) in the LGI.
Sign up in the Counseling Office or through Naviance.
(Sign in to Naviance Student > About Me > Surveys From Your School > Western Area Career Technology Center Presentation).
If you have any questions, please see Ms. Patton in the Counseling office or email PattonA@pt-sd.org
NACAC Pittsburgh College Fair: @ David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
9 am - 12 pm & 6:30 pm - 8 pm
Thursday, February 9, 2023
9 am - 1 pm
Representatives from over 225 two-year and four-year colleges, nursing schools, business schools and trade schools will participate in the Pittsburgh National College Fair which will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, February 8th & 9th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Officers and enlisted personnel from the various branches of the military services will also be on hand to discuss the military’s enlistment and education programs such as R.O.T.C., the military academies and the GI Bill.
The College Fair, sponsored by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), is a timesaving opportunity for students and parents to gather a lot of information in one day. College admissions representatives will be on hand to answer key questions ranging from acceptance policies to student–faculty ratio. In addition to asking questions, students and parents will be able to set up college interviews, pick up literature and learn about the various financial aid programs available.
Do you have an interest that you would like to further explore? Are you uncertain of what you want to pursue after high school? Take a look at the enrichment opportunities below or in past newsletters on the counseling website. We are fortunate to have so many opportunities in our city and virtually. Don't see anything of interest? Try googling a topic of interest and pre-college program or Pittsburgh and pre-college program. Stop by the counseling office or email your counselor with any questions.
Keep in mind that the purpose of these opportunities is for growth and development, not as a resume builder. Choose activities with purpose. The answers to questions such as what did you gain from the experience, how did it influence you, or what led you to selecting that experience are more important than simply the participating in opportunities.
Certified Conservation Ambassador Summer Program
The Wildlife Leadership Academy is currently seeking referrals of motivated students ages 14 to 17 to become Certified Conservation Ambassadors. Do you have a demonstrated interest in wildlife and/or fisheries conservation? Interested in an opportunity to become a certified Conservation Ambassador through attending a 5-day residential summer field schools which focuses on a particular wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, bass, brook trout, turkey and bear?
Stop by the counseling office for more information or if interested in being nominated for this summer program. You can also connect with the Academy online at www.wildlifeleadershipacademy.org
PTHS Counseling Office
Counseling Office Spotlight
Southwest Training Services:
At Southwest Training Services Inc., they recognize the importance of preparing young individuals for success in the workplace. It is their mission to help employers and job seekers make informed employment and training choices. They help job seekers become attached, or reattached, to the workplace through education, training, and job placement services.
Services for Youth:
- Career exploration and labor market orientation
- Summer and year-round work experience
- Job shadowing
- Industry tours
- Career and college fairs
- Subsidized employment
- Tutoring/mentoring
- Computer skills training
- Proctored certification exams
- High school equivalency (GED) classes- referrals
- Internships/apprenticeships
- and much more…
If you feel this might be a great fit for you, please stop by to talk with your counselor to discuss eligibility requirements and how to get started!
Ms. Patton
Mrs. Wolf
Ms. Simmons
Mrs. Prinsen
Mr. Sudol
Mrs. Steffen
Dean of Counseling Services