WHS Counseling Office News
April 2022
April is Stress Awareness Month
2022-2023 Course Selections
Student's course selections for 2022-2023 are available to view in Xello. Please note that these are course selections, actual classes offered will depend on course enrollments
- May 13 is the deadline for students to contact their counselor about course selection changes.
- May 16 through August the master schedule is created and students schedules are worked on.
- In August, schedules are mailed home. Students will have the opportunity to make schedule changes in August depending on seat availability. In the fall, students will have 10 days from the start of the semester to add/drop a full year course and 5 days to add/drop a half year course.
Please contact Sally Schillaci (Last names A-J) Sschillaci@williamsoncentral.org or Steven Parshall sparshall@williamsoncentral.org (Last names K-Z) if you have any additional questions.
Scholarships for Williamson Seniors
Dear Seniors,
Several of the scholarships given at the our Awards Ceremony require an application.
Check out our scholarship Bulletin periodically for these upcoming local scholarships:
"Where do we find our scholarship bulletin?...On our website on the counseling page!! Also there are some scholarships listed in Xello!
Randy Aceto - civic and community service and personal qualities. Students who have earned the Eagle Scout or Gold Award are strongly encouraged to apply.
Isaac Lagoner Memorial - participation in one Varsity sport and one high school music program, demonstrated Christian values, active in Church and a B average.
Williamson Rotary Service above Self - civic and community service and personal qualities.
CSEA - any senior attending college or a vocational/trade school in the fall.
Gail Vanderbilt - Nursing degree bound.
Allman Endowment- Open to any senior.
These scholarships will be given to Williamson High School students. A link to the applications is here. Paper applications are available in the Counseling Office. Or, contact Mrs.Prater (aprater@williamsoncental.org)to receive a copy of the applications via email. The dollar amount on these particular scholarships last year ranged from $250 - $1,000.00. Don’t miss out on these opportunities.
Applications are due in early May
On another note, seniors if you have ANY questions or concerns about your post-high school plans, please reach out to Ms. Schillaci or Mr. Parshall
College Board Resources for Students of Color.
10 QUICK WAYS TO DE-STRESS
1. Practice breathing exercises
Focus on your breath, pushing all other thoughts aside. Be conscious of the breath coming in and going out, and focus on the sensation of inhaling and exhaling.
Or, try the square breathing technique:
- Inhale your breath as you count to 4.
- Hold your breath for 4 counts.
- Exhale your breath slowly as you count to 4.
- Hold your breath for 4 counts.
- Repeat for a few minutes until you feel calm.
2. Meditate
Meditation helps quiet your mind. During meditation, you don't react to your thoughts—you just notice them. To start, settle yourself into a comfortable, seated position and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, and then return to a steady, even breathing pattern. Focus on your breath going in and out, and return to that focus if your mind starts to wander. Even meditating for a minute can make a difference. If you want to try other forms of mediation like guided meditation, several free apps let you sample different meditation techniques.
3. Mindfulness
Mindfulness helps you check in with yourself—practicing awareness of your thoughts, feelings, and senses in the moment without judging them. To start, do one thing mindfully each day. Pick a mundane activity like eating breakfast or brushing your teeth, and practice being present in those moments for two minutes.
4. Practice gratitude
We can't have joy in our lives without practicing gratitude. When practiced daily, gratitude helps to rewire your brain to think about the positives. Each day, write down three different things you're grateful for.
5. Call a support person
We are hardwired for connection—especially in times of stress. Call a friend or family member for a distraction or to unwind after a stressful day.
6. Do relaxation exercises
Sometimes known as progressive muscle relaxation, practice tensing and then releasing each of your muscle groups. If your body is physiologically relaxed, then you can't be stressed.
7. Exercise
Exercise can be a great stress reliever that releases endorphins (feel-good chemicals in the brain) and helps you blow off steam. In particular, walking or running provide rhythmic movement that can help you readjust your focus and relieve stress. When you head out for a walk or run at a stressful time, it can provide a perspective that allows you to return to your situation in a new frame of mind.
8. Immerse yourself in a creative outlet
Doing something creative that you enjoy, like cooking, baking, coloring with colored pencils or doodling, or taking pictures, can give you a break in a stressful situation. For example, cooking or baking requires focus, concentration, and physical activity—especially if you're making bread or rolling out dough.
9. Express your feelings
Write about your stress in a journal. You also can journal about a positive experience that happened that day. This daily practice can help increase positive thinking and help to rewire your brain to think more positively.
10. Be in the moment with one of your senses
Sight, smell, sound, and taste—you'll be amazed how quickly the stress melts away when you focus on just one of them. Eat something that you crave and savor each bite. Light a scented candle and breathe in your favorite scent. Listen to a beautiful piece of music and let it take you away. Look at something beautiful in your surrounding that makes you stop and stare.
You also can practice the 5,4,3,2,1 technique. Name 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things to touch, 2 things you smell, and one thing you taste. Engaging your 5 senses is a great way to ground yourself in the present moment and take your focus off your stress.
If one method doesn't work for you, try another. Learning to cool down takes practice. Be patient with yourself, and you will reap the benefits.
SUNY Spring College Fairs
In-Person:
Dates: 3/29/2022- 5/1/2022
Name: SUNY College Fairs
Location: Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, Long Island
Join SUNY campus representatives and explore all that The State University of New York has to offer!
There are multiple Virtual Events offered as well. Please click on this link & explore all the information that SUNY has for you.
SUNY Viewbook 2022
Virtual Family University-- April's topic: Access VR
Sophomores and Juniors - College Tips
The two slideshows below contain lots of valuable tips and tricks to planning and paying for college. Topics include: definitions of college, finding the right fit for you, what do you need to get into college, types of financial aid, scholarships, timelines and much more! Take a look!
Williamson High School Counseling Office
Email: aprater@williamsoncentral.org
Website: williamsoncentral.org
Phone: 315.589.9624
WCSD
Williamson Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education
program or activities, including employment, as is required by Title IX. Furthermore, Williamson Central School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, marital status, age, sexual orientation, or disability in admissions, participation or employment. Inquiries regarding the application of Title IX may be directed to the Assistant Secretary of Civil Rights of the Department of Education or to the District’s Title IX Coordinator, Kathryn Avery, who can be reached at Williamson Central School District, 5891 Route 21, P.O. Box 900, Williamson, NY 14589, via email at kavery@williamsoncentral.org, or via telephone at (315) 589-9661.