Grafton High School Counseling News
Information from the GHS Counseling Dept.-September 2020
Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year
Our department has had to reassign some students to a different school counselor so check the new breakdown at the end of the newsletter. Please contact the GHS counseling staff with any questions.
FAFSA/Financial Aid Information for Seniors & Scholarships
The GHS Counseling Department typically hosts a financial aid information meeting for seniors and families in-person. This year senior families will be receiving a link to a financial aid meeting along with helpful handouts to download. A financial aid representative from an area college will be explaining the process of applying for federal financial aid. Students and parents are encouraged to take time to watch the video and learn the details of this important process. The link will be emailed to seniors and their families in the next few weeks. The FAFSA can be accessed beginning October 1.
GHS Counseling Office receives numerous scholarship opportunities which are open to seniors. We post the scholarships in Naviance under the Colleges tab then scroll down to Scholarships and Money. Check the list often!
Colleges Visiting GHS Virtually
Many colleges will be visiting GHS and/or hosting regional informational meetings virtually for interested students. Most of the visits will be held during Black Hawk Time. Students will need to register in Naviance under the Colleges tab then scroll down to College Visits. Students will be provided a link to connect to the meetings. We encourage students to check the college visits list in Naviance often and take advantage of these resources. This is a great way to get information from a variety of colleges. Below is an current list of college visits and meetings:
Yale University September 13 4:00 PM
University of Wisconsin-Green Bay September 16 7:30 AM
Yale University September 16 6:30 PM
UW Milwaukee September 24 7:30 AM
Northland College September 28, 7:30 AM
University of Nebraska-Lincoln September 29 7:30 AM
New York University October 3 11:00 AM
Cardinal Stritch University October 5, 7:30 AM
George Williams College October 6 7:30 AM
Smith College November 16 7:30 AM
Senior College Applications/Information
New this year, the UW System is allowing students to upload their high school transcript instead of entering all courses taken while in high school. Students need to add their colleges to Naviance and complete a yellow College Application Checklist/Transcript Request form available in the counseling office. Mrs. Rieck will then send students their transcript to their school email. Virtual seniors can contact Mrs. Rieck directly at krieck@grafton.k12.wi.us to request a copy of their transcript.
Students are encouraged to sign up to see their school counselor during BHT or during study hall if they have any questions. School Counselors are scheduling appointments with seniors individually to discuss post-secondary plans.
A suggested timeline for senior year can be found here.
Naviance Student
Wisconsin Education Fair
- Experience virtual campus tours and get additional information at your convenience
- Search for colleges by programs, size, location using our filter options
- Watch videos and download materials helpful in your decision process
- Schedule meetings and interviews with admissions representatives
- Chat live with admission representatives from 3 to 5 pm (9/16/20, 10/7/20, 11/8/20)
- Join us for the interactive financial aid session from 5 to 6 pm (9/16/20, 10/7/20, 11/8/20)
No matter where you are in the college search process, you can learn more about your options here!
2020 ROTC Virtual College Leadership Fair
PSAT
For details about the test and its benefits for students, please see this informational video.
There is a $17 testing fee which can be paid in Skyward. Students must complete a registration form by September 30 if interested in testing. Please contact Mrs. Isbell if you have any questions.
ACT/SAT
Academic and Career Planning (ACP)
The goal of the GHS Counseling Department is to provide academic and career information to all students in order to assist them in making informed post-secondary decisions.
Seniors will be meeting with counselors in September-October to discuss college/career plans for next year.
Juniors will meet with counselors for Individual ACP Junior Conferences. Parents are invited to attend the ACP meetings.
Freshmen will meet with counselors for Individual ACP Conferences. Parents are invited to attend the ACP meetings.
Students and parents are always welcome to meet with the school counselors beyond the scheduled meetings listed above. Please contact Mrs. Rieck to schedule an appointment.
REDgen
REDgen stands for resiliency(R), education(E), and determined(D) to make a difference in the health of a new generation (gen). This organization was founded by parents, educators and community leaders who are "dedicated to advocating for the mental health and well being of all youth." Visit REDgen's website for a calendar of events they sponsor throughout the greater Milwaukee area. A link to REDgen is also available on the Grafton School District website quick link District News.
GHS will be starting a REDgen student group this year. The group will plan activities and themes for the entire student population. If interested in a leadership position, please see Mrs. Lori (School Psychologist) or Mr. Johnson (School Counselor).
Stay Up-to Date
Since many events are virtual, we will be posting events and information on both Twitter and Facebook. Follow the GHS Counseling Department on Twitter
@BHawkCounseling
GHS Counseling Staff
Director of School Counseling
262-376-5520
Rosalyn Isbell (H-Q)
School Counselor
262-376-5522
Megan Greischar (R-U)
School Counselor
262-376-5521
Kelly Rieck
Counseling Office Registrar
262-376-5523