PHS Counselor Connection
November 2020
In this Newsletter:
- Important Dates & Information
- Emotional Well-Being: Social Media- Being Safe, Being Kind and Unplugging
- Career Spotlight: It's National Career Development Month!
- Future Ready: Tutoring & College Considerations (research, financing, etc.)
- Helpful Resources for Families and Students (Including our new student job "Board")
Advanced Placement Testing Info: Please see attached letter for more information about the May 2021 AP Exams. Registration for AP Exams is due November 11th to avoid a $40 late fee.
Practice ACT Registration: Juniors who wish to register for this full-length practice ACT Test must click HERE to complete the pre-registration. More information will be emailed to students as we near the testing day. This will be the only full-length practice ACT Exam offered in the 20-21 school year. All junior students should complete the survey indicating their preference of testing or not testing.
WEF Fair Pre-Registration: To register for this even click this link Virtual Pre-register
FAFSA Completion Event: Click here to register for an event
Speak Up, Speak Out
THE POWER TO SAVE LIVES? WE GOT THAT.
When you, a friend or the community needs help, you can make it happen. Speak up and speak out by reporting a tip! The Speak Up, Speak Out Resource Center will respond quickly and confidentially to make sure we can get help to you or to someone who is hurting, struggling or in danger.No one knows more about what's going on at school than students themselves. Pewaukee School district has partnered with Speak Up, Speak Out WI, a confidential reporting tip line to assist students in making anonymous reports regarding concerns about threats to their own safety, to the safety of others or to their school. Students can download the app to make reports or they can go to the Speak Up, Speak Out WI website to submit a tip. In addition, we always encourage students to tell an adult in the building if they have safety concerns for self or others. See Something, Say Something!
Waukesha County Christmas Clearing Council
Do you, or someone you know, need help providing gifts for children this year? The Waukesha County Christmas Clearing Council, in it's 70th year of working with families, is here to help.
To qualify for their program, applicants (and their children) must:
1. Live in Waukesha County, Wisconsin
2. Have placement of their child(ren)
3. Income must meet the qualifications for the federal free and reduced lunch program, Badgercare or Foodshare.
4. Children attending school must attend a school in Waukesha County.
Information and application website
The 2020 deadline for applying is November 16.
The council is always looking for people who are willing to join them in their mission of helping families enjoy the joy of Christmas. If you are interested in helping, please visit this website with information on ways that you can help.
While social media can be used for good, there is so much pressure on teenagers to use it in a way that can be harmful to their (and others) mental well-being. Here are some tips from this article to help teenagers (and families) unplug.
Barron suggests these ways to enjoy “down time” that can increase creativity and happiness. Adults can model and take part in these 5 behaviors and activities with teenagers to help them unplug.
When you physically feel too absorbed in your smartphone or other device, turn it off.
Develop empathy. Listen without judgment. Accept differences and learn to be comfortable in new situations and interactions with strangers.
Limit time on devices. Have conversations without your cell phone in your hand or in view.
Enjoy doing something with your hands and with others, whether it’s painting a room or cooking a meal.
Remember that research has shown that personal relationships are a primal need and that deep friendship is healing. Make the time to establish and deepen relationships. Take a walk with a friend or family member or take time to just sit and talk.
Here are some great resources to help you on your way:
Xello: All students can access Xello through their splash page. We will continue to use Xello in Homeroom/ACP but students are welcome do use it on their own as well. There is a lot to explore with careers and college.
O*Net: Research career clusters, specific careers and even take a skills test on this great resource for those looking to explore careers.
Minnesota clusters site: this site, hosted by the Minnesota education department, provides information for those who are just starting the process. Learning about and researching the 16 career clusters is an important first step and this website has a wealth of information for those looking for this step.
WI Tech Colleges: This site a filled with many opportunities for researching your career and programs related to technical colleges. Research clusters, take a career questionnaire...
Career Clusters Info Page: Cluster info with videos
On Demand Financial Aid/FAFSA presentation
New Tutoring Resource Through the Pewaukee Library!
The library is encouraging students to check out this new opportunity to receive live, online academic tutoring. Click HERE (or see the directions on the picture below) for more information.
Seniors: Scholarships
Now is the time to start looking for and applying to scholarships. They are starting to come out and that will continue throughout the spring. HERE is a link to the PHS list of scholarships that come through our office. HERE is a flyer with some of the popular scholarship databases. Going Merry is particularly nice as it is like a common app for scholarships; apply for multiple scholarships with only one application.
Remember to use your Future Ready planning document and Resource Guide to help with some basic information. Counselors are here to help with every step of the way!
The College Reps are coming...okay, they're virtual but they still offer awesome information about their campuses!
It's never too early to start researching colleges! All grade levels are welcome to participate in these virtual visits.
Link to List of Current College and Military Scheduled Visits (for PHS students only-check back often!) Most are virtual. For most, you must pre-register at the link or get a pass from the guidance office if you will be meeting during class time.
Link to List of Current Off Campus, Non School Day Virtual Information Opportunities (available to students from across the region or country) Check back often!
Other Opportunities to Learn about Colleges
Seniors: Financial Aid (FAFSA)
Paying for College Resource
District Community Resources List
(use the links on the left to navigate resources for various topics)
Your Choice Parent Webinars- Sessions on various topics that parents may find useful. Topics include resiliency, drugs, alcohol, vaping and screen addiction
College Goal WI- Assistance with completing the FAFSA (seniors) All virtual event this year
Healing Hearts Fall Grief Groups (youth and adults)
Mindful Moments: A 4-part Mental Health Series Part I: Practical skills and strategies for mental wellness in children. Dr. Schoof will answer questions you have regarding your child's ability to thrive in this world full of challenges. Part II: Mental wellness in adults focusing on skills and strategies you can apply in the workplace or at home Part III: Mental health wellness in teenagers, with skills and strategies to apply in school and at home Part IV: Panel Discussion Join all three experts for this follow-up discussion plus Q&A
Resources from the Pewaukee Library- Help Now (Live online tutoring), Teen Reading Challenge, Teen Book Club, Virtual Magna & Anime Club
Student Job "Board"- Often times, local employers will let us know of positions that they are hiring for. This document will be updated each time we learn of a new opportunity so check back often!