POWAY HIGH COUNSELING
Winter 2022-23
EVENTS COMING UP
December 20 - December 31: Winter Break: No School
January 16: End of 6-Week Grading Period
January 20: Thursday Trade Day
January 31: Non-Student Day
February 6: Community College Night
Counselor Contact Information
The counselors have open office hours for students at Break, Lunch, and After School. Parents can schedule appointments with their student's counselor by emailing them.
Counselors
A - Em: Christy Brown
En - Lea: Jerrah Smith
Leb - Ra: Blanca Arreguin
Rb - Z: Jerilyn Padua-Reyes
Intervention/CTE: Karly Wardwell
Juniors - Career and College Planning Resources
When you think about your plans after high school, there are many different options:
- Immediately start in the workforce
- Decide the Military is your path
- Enjoy a gap year
- Begin a trade school program
- Attend a two-year community college
- Choose a four-year college/university
As we head into the spring months, you may continue exploring these options, or you may say to yourself, how do I get started? Your journey can start by researching different career options, gathering online information, creating a college list, getting a job or internship, and/or asking questions to those around you about their career paths. We've listed a few resources below to help you with this process. Finally, remember to enjoy the journey. Take a deep breath, know that you don't need to have it all figured out right now, and believe that you've got this!
How do I get started?
- Xello - explore careers and colleges. Every student has a username and password. Email ITHELP@powayusd.com for technical assistance.
- College Board - create your college roadmap
- Niche.com - create your college list
- The ASVAB Program can help with career exploration. Taking the ASVAB does NOT commit a student to enlist in the military.
- Building Your College List worksheet
- Watching informational interviews with industry professionals in various career sectors
- Attend College Visits in Fall 2022
- Watch the PUSD College & Career Fair Fall 2021
- In-person or virtual college campus tours
Tips for Interviewing for a Scholarship or a New Job
Dress the part:
Your appearance is important. Every job has different attire requirements, depending on the line of work, so it's important to do your research and ask questions ahead of time to ensure you are dressed appropriately. In some cases, the culture of the organization may allow for a more casual look. For an office/business type setting, you might wear a nice dress shirt or blouse and nice pants, not jeans. Your clothes and your hair are an important part of your appearance, but it shouldn't be the focal point. The most important thing is to look presentable.
Arrive on time:
Get to your interview 10 to 15 minutes before you are scheduled. This is an easy way to make a good impression. It also gives you time to take some deep breaths and relax before you start the interview.
Eliminate distractions:
Avoid chewing gum and leave your cell phone in the car or turn it off.
Body Language:
It's normal to be nervous, but try to relax. Sit with both legs on the ground and hands placed in front of you or next to you. Try not to sit with your arms tightly crossed or leaning back too much. Make eye contact when the interviewer is asking a question or you're answering a question. If you have a difficult time with looking people in the eye, focus on an eyebrow or on the space between the person's eyes. This makes it appear as if you are looking at them.
Asking questions:
The interview is about you, but you should come with a few questions to show interest in the organization. It helps to learn about the place you are working before hand, so a quick google search can be helpful to come up with questions to ask. There is no such thing as a wrong question, but try to avoid talking about pay or award amount. One of the best questions to ask is "What are you looking for?" and then follow up with an answer on how you fit their needs.
Talking about yourself:
This can be both difficult and easy. Try talking about your education, your interests, your accomplishments, sports, class projects, clubs, volunteer work, etc. Have a few topics in mind before your interview and be ready to talk about them, giving specific examples. Stay positive and humble.
After the interview:
Write a thank you note! Either email, or snail mail. Your email or written note should be short and sweet. Double check your note for typos and make sure you spelled the person's name correctly. See resources in Titan Center or Google thank you notes!
This list is a nice start with a few basic rules for an interview. The Titan Center has reading materials with more in depth information to help with your first job and job interviews. Students can browse through them during off-roll, lunch, and after school. Good luck with your interview!
Goodwill Online Soft Skill Workshops
We are merging our Instagram accounts, so now you will find all the PHS Counseling news and updates at @counseling_phs. Follow us to keep up with our events, weekly Wednesday Wisdom posts, tips and tricks on getting the most of of your education, and staying healthy.
Tutoring Options
Free tutoring is available after school in the library on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm. The tutors are PHS students in Peer Counseling and NHS. For more information, see their flyer here.
Paid Student Tutors
We also maintain a list of students who are approved by PHS Teachers to tutor students. Please contact Jaime Brown in the Titan Center for the list.
SAT/ACT Testing Dates 2021-22
Juniors! If you plan to take the ACT or SAT this school year, please pay close attention to the dates to avoid late fees or missing the test entirely. You can register for the SAT at the College Board website here. You can register for the ACT at the ACT website here.
Need Cash for College?
All students, families, and guardians are welcome! Bring your questions!
Available Webinars: (Click on a Date Below to Register)
January 26, 2022 – 5:30pm – 7:30pm
February 9, 2022 – 5:30pm – 7:30pm
February 24, 2022 – 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Scholarship Workshop Presentation
Seniors, there are lots of local scholarships available to you in our Scholarship Deadline Log. Local scholarships are scholarships available to students living in the San Diego area with plans to attend a community college, four year university or vocational/career school. Local scholarships are added weekly. Feel free to review our Scholarship Workshop Presentation from our Scholarship Workshop. Students and families will learn about additional resources to help with searching for scholarships.
San Diego Foundation Community Scholarship Program
The San Diego Foundation Community Scholarship program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams. The application was originally scheduled to open on December 1, but unfortunately it is delayed due to unplanned updates. New deadline is March 10th and more detailed information coming soon.
IMPORTANT DATES
- Application available online: Feb. 1, 2022
- Deadline to finish application: Mar. 10, 2022
- Applicants notified: By June 1, 2022
Work-Based Learning Resources
Our partners at the community colleges recorded several virtual presentations last year that they would like to share with our students. These work-based learning activities featured employers across all sectors — from health sciences and engineering to blue tech and media. Enjoy!
· Logically and TechiT Services
· Lean Six Sigma Institute and Solar Turbines
· Scripps
College and Career Showcase Recordings
Feel free to watch any presentations you wanted to attend but missed. All of the sessions from the College and Career Showcase are uploaded to the PowayCTE YouTube Channel. The YouTube videos are also linked on the district's college and career showcase webpage: https://bit.ly/PUSDCollegeandCareer.
A Message from Mrs. Struck
Mrs. Struck, our Student Services Specialist is here to listen to students and answer questions in a safe atmosphere of acceptance, non-judgment, and confidentiality concerning the challenges students are facing. Come on into the Counseling Building, K, contact Mrs. Struck at sstruck@powayusd.com, or leave a message at 858-748-0245 x5394.
Adopt-a-Family Giving
Every year Poway High has staff, classes, even whole departments, who generously donate to the program. Please, do not feel obligated, but if you do want to participate your help is greatly appreciated. Here is the link to the Adopt-a-Family website so you learn how to adopt those in need.
Personality Types That Makes Kids More Susceptible to Drug Use
Learn more about these personality types at:
Natural High for Parents
https://www.naturalhigh.org/for-parents/
Natural High has made talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol easier. Watch a short video by a storyteller they're interested in, and have a conversation…
Drug Free Partnership
https://drugfree.org/prevention-and-taking-action-early/
The teen and young adult years are confusing, complicated and formative. Understanding what's happening socially and developmentally — and how it can intersect with substance use — is fundamental to setting the stage for healthier outcomes.
National Suicide Prevention Resource
Call 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)
Available 24 hours everyday
OR
Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor
Free 24/7 support at your fingertips