IMPORTANT XELLO EMAIL ON MONDAY!
ALSO - There is a new resume builder portion to Xello! We are excited to share it with you!
Seniors - Admissions Stress.... We are here for you!
In anticipation of many college admissions decisions that will come out in the next few weeks, I wanted to share a few thoughts. Some of you will get the news you were hoping to hear and others will be deferred or not accepted. As I look back at my own life in terms of 'rejection or disappointment" I am reminded in everything that:
1. "NO" means "New Opportunity."
2. Often out of rejection, comes our greatest direction.
3. Everything always works out. Breathe.
4. Every time I thought I was being turned down for something good, I was being redirected toward something that was better!
These quotes have guided me throughout my life. I have taken many risks and in return, I have learned resiliency, determination, and fortitude. It's those "rejection" moments in life that have made me stronger. These moments teach us so much!
Good luck to all of you seniors who are still waiting to hear... just remember that your "plan" may be filled with other amazing opportunities...don't forget to trust in what life has in store! If you are deferred or denied to a college, please reach out to me or your counselor. We are here to support you, so please let us know how we can help!
Thinking of all of you!
Mrs. Essig
9th-10th-11th Grade students
The Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) has created a survey that allows you to provide information that will be shared with admissions representatives at colleges and universities for the purpose of recruitment. Colleges and universities haven’t received the typical information they get from the SAT and use to recruit due to low testing turnout as a result of COVID-19, so this survey is an effort to bridge the gap between you and them. The information you provide in the survey, like contact information and academic interests, will be shared with colleges and universities, which they will then use to contact you. It should only take about five minutes to complete, and all students who submit the survey by March 1st, 2021 will be entered to win one of eight $50 Amazon gift cards from MCAN. You can complete the survey at the link here.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8PMTTTY
OSTC Applications are due NOW!
OSTC applications are due NOW and it is important that anyone applying ALSO contact their counselor.
Apply now at www.ostconline.com
University of Michigan - Feb. 1 Regular Decision deadline
We just received an email from the U of M Admissions Office asking us to remind students who are applying for Regular Decision that the deadline is Feb 1st. They shared that "students should be checking their applications to ensure that their materials are submitted on time. Students can check their status online through Enrollment Connect.
Please urge them to submit any missing documents as quickly as possible. We are eager to consider their applications.
Please note that this year, in order to accommodate students who have been unable to take the SAT or ACT exams, we are test flexible. This means that if they are able to submit other exam scores, such as the PreACT, PLAN, AP, and so on, we will accept those scores. Students can self-report their test results on their application. If they are not able to submit test scores, they should use the COVID-19 question on the application to explain."
The Perry Initiative
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Perry Initiative has paused all in-person programs for the foreseeable future. While we are disappointed we cannot meet new participants at Perry Outreach Programs, we are still committed to our mission of inspiring women to pursue careers in orthopaedic surgery and engineering. As we navigate through these extraordinary times, we will be transitioning to virtual learning.
We’re very excited to announce upcoming sessions of the Perry Virtual Experience in February 2021. The Perry Virtual Experience is a free, 2.5-hour, interactive online experience for high school and college-aged women who are interested in pursuing careers in orthopaedic surgery and engineering. Participants will hear from women leaders in these fields and dive into online orthopaedic simulations and biomechanics experiments. Additional information can be found on our website: https://perryinitiative.org/pve/
Women in high school and college who have an interest in science, medicine and/or engineering are now invited to register for a session of the Perry Virtual Experience. We would appreciate it if you could pass along this information to any educators or students you may know. Students should be directed to fill out the online registration for one session that best fits their schedule. Most sessions are available to participants in any location, but some sessions are for a focused geographic area. Dates and details for each session can be found at https://perryinitiative.org/calendar/
Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions you may have. Again, we sincerely appreciate your help in spreading the word about the Perry Virtual Experience.
Society of Women Engineers
Interested in learning more about engineering and other STEM fields? Join SWENext (https://swe.org/k-12-outreach/youth-programs/) today!
SWENext is a free program that offers awesome resources for students interested in engineering including a monthly newsletter, a high school leadership academy (https://swe.org/learning/high-school-leadership-academy/), an awards program (https://swe.org/k-12-outreach/swenext/swenext-awards/), access to over $1 million in college scholarships (https://swe.org/scholarships/), and more!
To join, just use this link (http://marketing.swe.org/l/858553/2020-07-27/2rstw) if you are over 13 or this link (http://marketing.swe.org/l/858553/2020-08-11/3z2z9) if you are under 13.
Don't forget to use the event code "SWEDET" so the Society of Women Engineers - Detroit Section is credited for your registration!
Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Scholar Program
https://www.joyceivyfoundation.org/summer-scholars.html
Click on the link above to learn more about the Joyce Ivy Foundation Summer Programs. This is a HIGHLY selective program for female students.
Please note the information sessions below. During 30-45 minute virtual information sessions, Joyce Ivy Foundation leadership will give a brief overview of the Summer Scholars program and review how to apply. Next, participants will have the opportunity to interact directly with scholarship alumnae to ask questions and hear firsthand details of the pre-college summer program experience.
- January 7, 2021 at 7 pm ET: click here to register
- January 28, 2021 at 7 pm ET: click here to register
- February 13, 2021 at 7 pm ET: click here to register
The Summer Scholars program provides scholarships for talented female high school students to participate in a summer academic program at one of our partner programs – some of the most rigorous and selective colleges and universities in the country.
Scholars receive a full or partial scholarship, based on demonstrated financial need, to cover tuition, room and board, travel expenses, and supplies. The Joyce Ivy Foundation works directly with our set of program partners to combine Joyce Ivy scholarships with additional financial aid provided by the summer program.
*Note: for summer 2021, the Joyce Ivy Foundation will provide scholarships for students to participate in summer programs, either virtually or in-person, pending institutions' individual decisions.
The benefits:
- Exposure to a diverse array of peers
- Exposure to a broader range of college options
- Development of leadership skills
- Academic and intellectual growth
- Greater self-confidence
- Scholars describe the experience as transformative.
Being a Joyce Ivy Summer Scholar is more than simply receiving a scholarship. Summer Scholars have access to high-quality college application resources, peer mentorship, and a built-in support network of successful women across a variety of industries. Scholars stay involved with the Joyce Ivy community many years after their summer program experience - once a Summer Scholar, always a Summer Scholar!
SUMMER PROGRAM PARTNERS
Summer Scholars may use their scholarship to participate in certain summer academic programs at our partner colleges and universities. Courses are two-weeks or longer in length, and in some cases students are eligible to receive college credit. In most cases, Scholars receive financial aid from the Joyce Ivy Foundation and a partner scholarship from the summer program.
View the list of Joyce Ivy summer program partners.
ELIGIBILITY
Female high school student in Michigan, Ohio, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota or South Dakota, who is also attending high school in one of these seven states.
Academically high-achieving student who will be entering 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2021. Occasionally, an exceptional rising 10th grader is selected as a Summer Scholar.
Past Summer Scholars, who used their scholarships, are not eligible to apply again for another scholarship.
DATES & DEADLINES
December 6, 2020 2021 application available online
March 1, 2021 Application deadline
By April 2, 2021 Decisions sent
April 23, 2021 Scholarship reply deadline
Summer Scholars applicants must also apply directly to our summer program partners for admission financial aid. Please check our partners' sites for deadlines.
MARY VANDEWIELE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Each year, one Summer Scholar is also selected as the recipient of the Mary Vandewiele Leadership Award. The recipient demonstrates exceptional leadership in her community and high school. The Vandewiele Award recipients seek to develop their leadership skills through summer program participation and lead lives of impact through their pursuit of higher education and their career aspirations. The award and scholarship is supported through the generosity of Mary Vandewiele, a Michigan entrepreneur and champion of opportunities for women.
FAST FACTS
100% of Summer Scholars have the academic, intellectual, and leadership potential to thrive in diverse, rigorous academic environments.
70% are lower-income
25% are middle-income
5% receive partial, merit-only based awards
Most are in the top 10% of their high school class
About 35% will be first generation to college
About 60% identify as students of color
2020 Summer Scholars
92 Scholars from 64 different secondary schools
100% rank in the top 15% of their class
85% have a 4.0 GPA or higher
33% first generation to college
63% students of color
High School Class of 2020
97% enrolled in college
91% report their Summer Scholar experience raised their college aspirations
36% admission rate to Ivy League institutions
49% matriculating outside of the Midwest
Operation Parent Series - Free Webinars!
Keeping it Positive: Body Image & Self Esteem (Rebroadcast*)
Wednesday, January 20th 8pm - 9pm ET
Participants will receive an overview of the concepts of body image, eating disorders, and self-esteem. Current trends and misconceptions in body image, eating disorders, and self-esteem among tweens and teens will be discussed. The role of media, social media, and family in the development of healthy vs. unhealthy body beliefs and behaviors will be explored. Parents will learn about their role in the prevention of problems in these areas and when to seek additional information and help.
Our presenter is Dr. Amy Greenamyer, a Licensed Psychologist and Practice Owner of Compass Counseling. Dr. Greenamyer specializes in women’s issues, pregnancy & postpartum adjustments, and psychological and educational evaluations.
*Because this is a rebroadcast, attendees will not be able to participate in the question and answer portion of the webinar.
Helping Your Teen Overcome Anxiety and Depression
Tuesday, January 26th
2pm - 3pm ET
In this interactive, engaging, and judgment-free workshop, national mental health speaker and author, Zach Westerbeck, will share his story of hitting rock bottom and how he learned to overcome symptoms of anxiety, depression, and thoughts of suicide. During the workshop, you will learn the fundamental tools you need to help support your teen through their mental health struggles. Come prepared to ask questions and openly discuss your teen’s mental health.
Zach Westerbeck is a mental health advocate, National speaker, College Success Coach, and author of You’re Not Alone. He was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder in 2016. During that period he experienced severe anxiety, deep depression, and thoughts of suicide. After hitting his rock bottom moment, he sought help and started to recover. Through his recovery process, he became Mental Health First Aid certified and now travels the country educating thousands of students on the fundamentals of mental health and recovery.
Learning objectives
- Learn to effectively communicate with your anxious and depressed teen so, you become a trusted confidant
- Recognize the various signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Understand the do’s and don’ts to successfully support your teen
- Find the right resources to help your teen find long-term recovery
MSU Summer Program - Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute
Will you help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your high school’s communities of teens at school, and with green club, NHS, and leadership council? We have sent a similar notification of this incredible summer learning summit to some of your schools’ clubs and groups but would appreciate your help in getting the information out to the rest of the student body that may be interested in email, listserv, social media, or digital notebook.
The Stewards Sustainability Leadership Institute held June 14-19, 2021 is a fun and challenging experience for 15-19-year-olds who love adventure. SSLI candidates will:
Serve advanced leadership roles at camp
Develop new skills for a lifetime
Have a mentor, be a mentor
Take an all-day excursion to MSU to explore fields of study
Embark on a multi-day wilderness team-building adventure
Complete a sustainability action project during camp
Receive a certificate of completion
Forge new strengths and develop new friendships
Teens can find more information or reserve their spot for the Steward Sustainability Leadership Institute, register at:
https://events.anr.msu.edu/2021MSUTollgateSSLI/
Our flagship Stewards and Stewards-in-Training Teen Leadership Program for 13-19 year olds is in its 8th year and has approximately 80 teens serving anywhere from 1-8 weeks a summer. Teens are provided with training, leadership skill development, team building, campus speakers, fun, experience, and much more.
For more info or to register/apply to be a steward-in-training or steward:
https://events.anr.msu.edu/tollgatestewardsteenleadershipprogram/
MSU Tollgate follows public health and university guidelines and covid-10 safety protocols regarding whether in-person programming will take place this summer. Our hope is that teens will be able to serve in these leadership roles to gain career and college readiness skills.
We hope the counseling staff will help us make sure teens know of these opportunities right in their city and share this email with other contact people at your high school who can further the message along! Will you let us know when you’ve received this and if you’re able to help get this word to students? Also, if you, the counseling staff, or the students have any questions, please let me know.
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U of M MUSIC Matters Essay - Due Feb 1st at 5 p.m.
U of M Scholarship for incoming freshmen -MUSIC Matters
MUSIC Matters (Michigan Undergrads Serving In the Community) established this scholarship in 2013 to provide need-based scholarships for undergraduate students. An undergraduate organization with philanthropic roots, they are committed to promoting positive change on campus and supporting the U of M community. This scholarship is made possible by the donated funds raised at their annual concert.
Each year, we give out two $1500 awards through the Big Thinkers’ Scholarship, one of which is solely dedicated to incoming freshmen. If there is anyone in the Class of 2021 who intends on going to the University of Michigan this fall, this opportunity is for them! It only requires one short essay and the completion of the FAFSA.
Below is the application link.
Application Deadline Monday, February 1, 2021 by 5pm EST
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfFUn2kdlzmlUzyUQ-MhS4yOqooqHwl0Fy5IAnrD5wJEizAAw/viewform
Gayle S. Joyner Scholarship
http://bethanywaterford.org/scholarships/
Eligibility Requirements & Criteria
• High school graduate, college or university undergraduate or graduate student who is a resident within the boundaries of Pontiac, Waterford or West Bloomfield school districts or any qualifying student from Oakland County, Michigan, who is recommended by a Bethany Church member
• Ambition to learn and advance as demonstrated and confirmed by academic achievement
• Character and concern for others as demonstrated by volunteer service to those outside one’s immediate family
• True financial need confirmed by an academic counselor, teacher and/or the careful interview of the applicant as conducted by the Bethany Scholarship Board
Important Contacts
WBHS Counseling Department
A-CU Kelly Casinelli
CV-HA Joanne Wegrzynowicz
HB-LO Karen Brody
LP-PO Felicia Neumann
PR-TE Lisa Thompkins
TF-Z John Hepper
College & Career Counselor Noelle Essig
Administrative Staff
Mr. Eric Pace, Principal
Ashleigh Larkin, Assistant Principal
Eric Pierce, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director
Jamie Glinz, Assistant Principal
Dr. Stephanie Griffin, Assistant Principal