Counseling Department Newsletter
Canon-McMillan High School/December 2021
School Supports
CMHS Offering a Grief/Loss Group
School Counseling Resources Group
Every high school student is encouraged to join the School Counseling Resources group in Schoology! Resources including academic development, career development, employment, community service opportunities, scholarships and more can be found there! Students can join the group by using the following access code: DB7QW-K4WWP
Student Assistance Program
Volunteer Opportunity
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum Seeking Elf Volunteers
We are looking for enthusiastic people for the position of Elf Performer(s). These Elf Performers will take families on a jolly trolley ride, and help with children’s activities along the way.
• Maintain the Santa's Elf image in every way, which includes costume, physical appearance, conduct and personality
• Provide a welcoming and enthusiastic visit for each child and parent.
• Love working with families & children of all ages
• Maintain a positive attitude while being able to handle any and all situations that may arise
• Be dependable, punctual & responsible for being on time for every shift
• Demonstrated knowledge of leading a tour group
• Ability to sing Christmas carols at any time throughout your shift
• Excellent listening skills along with being a fast thinker
• Ability to sit, stand and have stage presence for long periods of time
• Photography skills are a plus
Click on the flyer below to sign up.
Postsecondary Planning
Requesting Recommendations in Xello
Syncing the Common Application with Xello
Common App Resource Round-up
The CSS Profile
ACT/SAT Test Preparation
The Princeton Review
From December 6th to December 12th, The Princeton Review will present “Cracking the Test,” a student’s guide to the SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP tests.Students are invited to join this weeklong series of events covering the differences between the tests, test-taking strategies, and the role of standardized tests in college admission.
Monday, December 6, 2021
7:00 PM ET
Monday, December 6, 2021
9:00 PM ET
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
7:00 PM ET
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
7:00 PM ET
Thursday, December 9, 2021
7:00 PM ET
Thursday, December 9, 2021
9:00 PM ET
Friday, December 10, 2021
7:00 PM ET
Sunday, December 12, 2021
7:00 PM ET
Revolution Prep
A friendly reminder about your gift card from our friends at Revolution Prep…
December 31st is the last day to get yours if you haven’t already!
Follow the link at www.revolutionprep.com/partners/84060
You can apply this gift card to online live tutoring, test prep, or group courses that work best to support your child through the busy holiday season.
If you have questions or want to learn more about Revolution Prep, you can reach out to a dedicated Revolution Prep team member, at (800) 993-7780. You can also email them at midwest@revolutionprep.com.
Transcript Process
Transcript Release Form
Students who are 18 may sign for themselves; students under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian sign this form giving consent. Remember, students will still have to communicate where transcripts should be sent. This will occur in Xello.
Resumes
Transcript Requests in Xello
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Night Recording
FAFSA Changes
FSA Financial Aid Toolkit
Find out what’s new on the 2022-23 FAFSA® Form and check out 2022-23 FAFSA resources in the FSA Financial aid toolkit. Changes on the 2022-23 FAFSA form include:
· Drug convictions no longer affect federal student aid eligibility. As students complete the FAFSA form, they will be asked whether they had a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while they were receiving federal student aid. If the answer is yes, students will be provided a worksheet to help students determine whether their conviction affects their eligibility for federal student aid. Students should answer the questions correctly; however, the questions won’t impact students’ eligibility.
· Registration status with Selective Service no longer affects students’ eligibility to receive federal student aid. However, students can still register through the FAFSA form.
PA State Grant Process Simplified
PA Forward Student Loans
From our friends at PHEAA: If your PA students and families need additional financial assistance after exhausting state and federal aid, our experienced loan counselors are here to help! PHEAA devotes energy and resources to developing innovative ways to ease the financial burden of higher education. Contact us at PHEAA.org/PAF or 1-844-PAForward (1-844-723-6793).
Work Permits
Are you Moving? How To Ensure PowerSchool Is Up To Date
The College Transition: Tips for Students with Disabilities
Preparation is key for all college-bound students, but thinking through what you’ll need to be successful is especially important for students with disabilities.
Here are some ideas and insights to help you settle into college. source.admitted.nacacnet.org
More than 75% of Colleges don't require SAT or ACT
How Important are Class Grades in College Admissions? Experts Weigh In
9 Personality and Character Traits Colleges Look For in Applicants
The Common Application Releases the 21/22 Essay Prompts
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Click here to learn more. source:commonapp.org
Scholarships
Dollars for Scholars opens December 1!
- Completing parent information-this is optional, but it is strongly recommended that they complete this. This allows the Foundation to follow up with parents/guardians should a student be nearing the deadline to accept and receive the scholarship later.
- Be sure to check spelling and grammar.
- Complete all sections in their entirety.
- Some scholarships require additional information, like essays. Be sure to adhere to the listed guidelines for length as well as ensure you are answering the prompt.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships
Class of 2022: Complete these 6 college planning steps for 6 separate chances at $500. When you finish all 6, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $40,000 scholarship, but you can still earn money even if you don’t complete them all. Click here to learn more.
BuildYour College List $500
Practice for the SAT $500
Explore Scholarships $500
Strengthen Your College List $500
Complete the FAFSA® $500
Apply to Colleges $500
Complete Your Journey; Complete all six $40,000
Sage Scholars Tuition Rewards program
Tuition Reward Points accrue like frequent flyer miles and are typically earned through an affiliated financial institution, health insurance, or employer. These include 529 plans, banks, brokerage firms, companies, credit unions, mutual funds, non-profits and diverse financial service companies involved in life insurance, health insurance or retirement plans. Your Tuition Rewards Points represent guaranteed minimum discounts off the "list price" of tuition at many of America's best private colleges. Click here to learn more. source:tuitionrewards.com
RaiseMe
General Information
The key to a happy teen? Listen and support
Six Steps for Keeping Back-to-School Schedules the Right Amount of Busy
The new school year has many families grappling with how busy they want their calendars to be.
As classes, sports and activities resume, the prospect of returning to a jammed schedule makes many parents and children crave the slower pace they kept when so many extracurriculars were canceled. Click here to read more. source:WSJ.com
Ten Questions Students Should Ask When Getting Interviewed For a Job
My Mental Health: Do I Need Help
Registering with the Selective Service
Selective Service registration is required by law as the first part of a fair and equitable system that, if authorized by the President and Congress, would rapidly provide personnel to the Department of Defense while at the same time providing for an Alternative Service Program for conscientious objectors. By registering, a young man remains eligible for jobs, Federal student aid, State-based student aid in 31 states, Federally-funded job training, and U.S. citizenship for immigrant men. Registration begins at age 18. Click here to learn more and register.
Parenting Resources
Are you a parent trying to navigate the stress and anxiety brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic? We can help.
Our 40+ years addressing school crisis response, trauma intervention, and violence prevention has taught us what youth, parents, and their communities need in order to lower anxieties and build resilience. Click here to learn more and to access resources. source: cmionline.com
Learn More About Eating Disorders
8 Socially Distant Community Service Projects
We know it’s been a weird year for students. Between juggling virtual learning, keeping contact with friends and family through FaceTime and social media and everything in between. We truly hope that The Challenge Program, Inc. has been a source of support, motivation and inspiration for you to become your best self.
Did you know what you can earn $200 in cash for your hard work? Every year, TCP rewards 10th, 11th and 12th grade students from each of our participating schools in five award categories: attendance, STEM, community service, academic improvement and academic excellence. Community service is often among students’ favorite award categories to work towards. You’re probably wondering how can you possibly clock community service hours while being responsible and keeping a distance, and we are here to tell you it’s possible! Click here to learn more!
Jobs In Demand
The U.S. economy took a major hit during the coronavirus pandemic, with tens of millions of people filing for unemployment over the course of just several months.
Beginning in May and as states reopened economies, jobs in sectors like hospitality began to open back up. In June alone, as many as 4.8 million jobs were added to the labor market.
For people in search of a job or new career path altogether, career site Indeed made a list of 15 in-demand jobs that it says have “the most anticipated growth rates for the next five years.” Click here to read more.
Signs of Depression During the Pandemic
As the pandemic continues to limit our lives, one thing we need to be alert for is depression, in our children as well as ourselves.
Feeling down in this time of cancelled activities and social distancing is unavoidable, and most of us are struggling to stay positive. But depression is more than just feeling sad or having bad days. A child who seems to be stuck in a negative mood — feeling hopeless and not able to enjoy anything — may have depression and may need help to bounce back. Click here to read more. Source:childmind.org
A Mental Health Check-In: 14 Questions to Ask Your Child
Resources
Bullying Awareness and Prevention
Grief Awareness Resources
College Rankings
College Raptor’s 2021 Best Colleges Rankings
We shine the spotlight on the best colleges and universities that the US has to offer. We’ve divided these rankings into multiple handy categories, allowing students and families to find schools that fit with what they’re looking for.
Niche 2021 Best Colleges
Explore college rankings based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of student and alumni reviews, and see how we calculate these rankings.
Princeton Review: The Best 386 Colleges 2021
For our 29th edition, we surveyed 143,000 students from across the country so we can tell you which college has the best food, best career services, happiest students, and more. Find out if your dream school made one of our 62 lists.
U.S. News Best Colleges
Expert advice, rankings, and data to help you navigate your education journey and find the best college for you.
Washington Monthly 2020 College Rankings
The Washington Monthly magazine released its 2020 College Guide and Rankings ranking colleges on how well they serve the country as a whole.
World University Rankings 2021
The World University Rankings 2021 include more than 1,500 universities across 93 countries and regions, making them the largest and most diverse university rankings to date.
The Impact of Coronavirus
Secondary school updates - NACAC
PA State System of Higher Education - PASSHE
Message Regarding the Coronavirus - The Common App
College and university updates - admissions & coronavirus - NACAC
Counseling Department
Counselors
A-C Karen Rubican rubicank@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5022
D-Hn Susan Humbertson humbertsons@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5020
Ho-Me Nadia Abbondanza abbondanzan@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5027
Mi-Sc Kathleen Sharkady sharkadyk@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5023
Se-Z Molly Nuri nurim@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5021