Counseling Department Newsletter

March 2023

In This Issue...

  • Upcoming Events
  • Scheduling Process
  • Scholarships
  • MCAS Prep Strategies
  • Career Exploration
  • Mental Health

Upcoming Events

Seniors

Tuesday, March 21st: 9:11am-9:36am (Activity Period)- Scholarship and Financial Aid (optional presentation). Location: Auditorium (Reilly, Freeman, Dubzinski, & Baker), Blackbox Theater (Connors & Lee), Media Center (Hanna & Knorring)

Scheduling Process

Course selection and scheduling are underway! Students and parents are invited to play an active role in the scheduling process. Students and parents can review graduation requirements and course offerings through our WRHS Educational Guide. Be sure to review teacher recommendations and select your courses prior to meeting with your counselor.


The scheduling process involves three parts:


  1. Recommendations for course levels will be inputted into PowerSchool for students by teachers.
  2. Students will review those recommendations in PowerSchool, select their core classes, and choose electives based on their interests.
  3. Students will then meet individually with their counselors to review their choices and finalize their course requests for the next year.


Scheduling Timeline


February 27th-March 7th: Current Juniors will meet with their counselors during their science classes to review and finalize course requests.


March 8th-March 14th: Current Sophomores will meet with their counselors during their health classes to review and finalize course requests.


March 15th-March 22nd: Current Freshmen will meet with their counselors during their freshmen seminar classes to review and finalize course requests.


Reconsideration Forms


If you are looking to move up or down in a class for next fall, please make an appointment with your school counselor. This year, Reconsideration Forms are electronic and your counselor will send you a form once notified of your request. Requests for a Reconsideration Form can be made in person or via email. Reconsideration Forms are due April 14th!


Please review the Scheduling Process Overview for further details and resources to help you navigate this important process. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your school counselor for assistance!

Scholarships

Seniors! The next important step in the college process is applying for scholarships. We have many scholarship opportunities listed on the school counseling website. Click here to view the available scholarships and applications!


Why Is It Important To Apply For Scholarships?

Scholarships are a source of financial assistance for college students. Unlike loans, you do not have to pay them back (that means free money for college!). Scholarships can help minimize your student. Scholarships are also available to help you afford the extra materials required for college courses (books, laptops, etc). For more reasons why scholarships are important, click here.

MCAS Prep Strategies

MCAS is right around the corner. Sophomores, the ELA MCAS will occur on Tuesday, March 28th and Wednesday, March 29th. Here are a few strategies to help you prepare.


  • Set aside some time in your schedule to study for the MCAS
  • Ask teachers for extra help. This could include extra study material to prepare for the MCAS
  • Try taking an MCAS practice test, linked here
  • Get plenty of sleep, take breaks, and practice self-care
  • Practice saying positive affirmations to help minimize doubting yourself and boost your confidence
  • Practice breathing techniques that can help you through the stress of taking a test

Career Exploration

Due to the snow day on February 28th, the Career Exploration Exhibition was canceled. If you were interested in attending and want to connect with a panelist to get more information about the various careers and certificate programs, please see Ms. Baker in the school counseling office. If you have any other career-related questions, make an appointment to talk with your counselor!


Career Exploration-Related Websites to Browse

O*NET OnLine

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Mental Health

Spring Into Self-Care

Spring is right around the corner! Soon, the weather will be getting warmer, and flowers will be blooming. Some say that Spring is the season for a fresh start! As the season changes, it is important to keep up with practicing self-care. Here are a few ways you can practice self-care during the Spring!



  • Spend some time outside: Whether it's going outside for a walk or working on your garden, getting some fresh air is helpful in boosting mental health.
  • Spring cleaning: Springtime is the perfect time to organize and declutter. It is the perfect time to transition your spaces from winter to spring.
  • Plan out something to look forward to for April Vacation: Whether you want to plan a fun day out somewhere with friends or plan a self-care day, try to think of something that you can try to do that you will look forward to. Having something to look forward to can boost optimism, which can help uplift your mood.
  • Set boundaries with social media: Scrolling through social media can take up a lot of time and can sometimes negatively affect mental health. Try limiting your screen time this spring and try out a new activity.
  • Practice mindfulness: Spring is a great time to start or continue your practice with mindfulness. Some mindful spring activities include baking, painting, and spending time in nature.

Book an Appointment with Your Counselor!

Book an appointment with your counselor here!


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