FCAHS Counseling Department News
September/October
Welcome to another school year
Whether your child is transitioning to the high school or preparing to apply to his or her first college, we are here to assist you every step of the way!
It is our goal to help every student find success in the journey through high school & in preparing for the world beyond our doors. Every student participates in our school counseling program on a regular basis, but do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor via email or phone should you have questions or concerns.
All students are provided with a comprehensive program that meets their academic, career, and personal/social needs.
Below are just a few of the ways we work with our students and you:
• Providing individual & small group counseling
• Teaching classroom guidance units focusing on exploring careers & postsecondary opportunities.
• Helping students develop four year plans
• Assisting students with course selection
• Providing information & interpretation of testing (SAT, ACT, ASVAB, Keystone)
Ways to Connect With Us and Access Our Resources:
School Counseling Website: https://www.fcasd.edu/domain/79
Schoology: Access code RQ2TV-R5ZDH
Twitter: @FCAHScounselors
Our counselors are assigned by student last name. For last names starting in:
- A-C: Mr. Tim McLister
Extension 2439 - D-G: Mr. John Baxter
Extension 2441 - H-K: Mrs. Dana Papalia
Extension 2444 - L-O: Mrs. Rachel Machen
Extension 2445 - P-S: Mr. Ben O’Connor
Extension 2442 - T-Z: Ms. Tara DeComo
Extension 2440
Getting Involved:
High school is a great time for students to explore their interests & abilities. Colleges look for students that demonstrate long-term involvement & commitment to a few activities. Colleges don’t care ‘what’ students choose; rather, they are more interested in students that are passionate and demonstrate commitment to an activity.
CLUB WEEK during ALL Lunches in the Commons from September 23-27, 2019.
This is an excellent way for students to get involved in the many academic, social, and service clubs available to all students.
Senior Post-Secondary Unit: September 4-5, 2019
The School Counselors will be meeting with all 12th graders during their English or Social Studies classes to deliver curriculum related to post-secondary planning. Whether a student is planning for a 4 or 2 year college/university, technical school, the military, or employment, we discuss planning and preparing for life after high school. We first meet with students as a large group and then break into small group advisement by counselors. Following this unit, all seniors are encouraged to schedule an individual meeting with their counselor.
Open House Pre-Sessions
Come visit us during Open House on September 12th!
We will be offering Pre-Sessions for 12th grade parents focusing on financial aid. We will also offer two sessions(6:00pm & 6:30pm) regarding the new college & career software tool, Naviance, that all students will be using. Our department will also host a table in the Commons with information regarding changes to AP Exams and supports offered during the evening.
COLLEGE
College & University Visits at FCAHS
FCAHS hosts many college and university visits for interested 11thand 12thgraders. Check out and register to attend visits by logging into Naviance, clicking on the “Colleges” tab, and selecting “College Visits.”
You MUST register in Naviance before the college/university visit in order to attend.
To Register for a visit:
Click on the college/university visit you wish to attend.
Click on the “Register” button in the upper right corner.
To attend the visit:
Print out the registration page or take a picture of it with your phone. This will serve as your pass for the college visit. You must show this to your teacher.
If you cannot print out the registration or if you do not have a phone, please see Mrs. Gurtner in the School Counseling Office for a pass.
PSAT/NMSQT
Wednesday October 16th, 2019
All 9th-11th graders will take the PSAT during the half day. The PSAT won’t count towards college admissions, but it is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship for juniors. The PSAT is a great primer for the SAT and even the ACT. The test is 2 hours and 45 minutes in length and is divided into math and evidence-based reading & writing sections.
All 11th graders are automatically entered into the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the PSAT and meeting other entry requirements (outlined in Student Guides).
All students will receive a PSAT/NMSQT Guide in QRT. It provides detailed instructions about test day and includes a number of practice tests.
HOW TO LINK PSAT SCORES TO FREE ONLINE TUTORING THROUGH KHAN ACADEMY
Visit the College Boardto create a College Board account and get access to your PSAT score report.
Create a Khan Academyaccount and link it to your College Board account to get FREE, personalized practice for the SAT. This is an excellent resource to help prep for the SAT.
North Pittsburgh College Fair
Monday October 7th, 2019 at La Roche University 6-8 PM
This is a great opportunity for students to meet with representatives from 140 colleges and universities! Check out northpittsburghcollegefair@laroche.edufor more information!
A lucky senior from FC will also win a scholarship for college textbooks just by attending!
STUDENT WELLNESS ASSEMBLIES
Last year the high school began an assembly series for each grade level focusing on important topics that impact teens today. This year our assembly series begins September 24th during Super QRT and will focus on Social Media with our 9thgraders.
We are excited to host Listen, Lucy http://listenlucy.org/ for all students on October 28th and 29th. In conjunction with National Bullying Prevention Month, this assembly will touch on mental health, resources to support students, and learning to accept oneself and others.
Resources for Parents
Check out these articles that provide advice and tips for parents.
7 Ways to Help Your Anxious Child Ease Back Into School
Social media use may harm teens' mental health by disrupting positive activities, study says
https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/13/health/social-media-mental-health-trnd/index.html
Social media is harmful to teen girls’ mental health: What you should know
Why Colleges Look at Students' Social Media
Understanding Teen Nicotine Addiction
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/understanding-teen-nicotine-addiction
Vaping is hurting teenage athletes, dashing their future in sports