Counseling Department Newsletter
March 2023
In This Issue...
- Upcoming Events
- Scheduling Process
- Scholarships
- MCAS Prep Strategies
- Career Exploration
- Mental Health
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:
- Recommendations for course levels will be inputted into PowerSchool for students by teachers.
- Students will review those recommendations in PowerSchool, select their core classes, and choose electives based on their interests.
- Students will then meet individually with their counselors to review their choices and finalize their course requests for the next year.
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
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
- 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
Career Exploration-Related Websites to Browse
Mental Health
Spring Into Self-Care
- 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.