School Counseling Newsletter
April 2020
A Note from Counseling
The goal of the CHS school counseling department remains unchanged in the face of the current school closures. We aim to support the academic, social/emotion, and college/career related needs of all CHS students.
School Counselors will be checking their emails and the sign up form between 7 am and 3 pm Monday through Friday. Please keep in mind, if you sign up to see us, we will be responding via email so please ensure you are checking your school email regularly.
Ms. Taylor, our college adviser, will be available during normal school hours. Regular updates for juniors and seniors will be sent out via Remind and email. Juniors may text “@cavs2021” to 81010 to join the group. Seniors may text “@chscavs20” to 81010 to join their group. Video calls can be set up when needed. Ms. Taylor’s email is kataylor@ccps.us.
Mrs. Hummer, our career coach, will be available during normal school hours. Regular updates for Seniors who are community college or trade/technical school bound and career information for all students will be sent out via Remind and emails. Seniors may text “@CHSGermannabound” to 81010 to join. All Caroline students for career information may text “@CHSCareerCoach” to 81010 to join. Mrs. Hummer’s email is lhummer@ccps.us.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, students are encouraged to call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Local Scholarships - Seniors ONLY
Dorothy Marvil Scholarship- LOCAL: due 4/1/2020
The Support Education Foundation is proud to preserve Dorothy Marvil’s legacy by awarding scholarships to students pursuing a higher education. Dorothy taught for 18 years, and then served as an administrator of an elementary school before retiring from the Prince George’s County Board of Education. She was a passionate credit union advocate who felt strongly that the Credit Union could make a significant impact in the financial lives of the education community. You do not have to major in education to receive this scholarship. This is a $3,000 award. Applicants must be a member of Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and have a 2.75 GPA. Application is here.
Rosemary Brinkley Business and Finance Scholarship- LOCAL- due 4/1/2020
The Support Education Foundation is proud to preserve Rosemary Brinkley’s legacy by awarding scholarships to students pursuing a career in business or finance. Rosemary was an advocate for teaching financial education throughout her 33-year career as an educator and administrator. Recipients must be a member of Educations Systems Federal Credit Union, have a 2.75 GPA, and plan to major in business/finance. Application is here.
Virginia School Counselor Association Scholarship- due 4/5/2020
This Scholarship is for Virginia graduating Seniors in the Class of 2020 who plan to attend a two or four year college or university, trade or technical program or enlist in any branch of the military. An essay about a school counselor is required. Find the application here.
The Richmond Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction Annual Scholarship- due 4/10/2020
This scholarship is for local students (male and female) who are pursuing a career in a construction related engineering/architecture or trade related field. The following is required for your application to be considered:
1. Pursuit of a construction related construct related engineering/architecture or trade related field at a two, four or accredited school
2. Financial need
3. Complete Application
Only one application from each high school should be submitted. Please check your email for the file.
Caroline County Economic Development Authority: LOCAL- due 4/10/2020
This is a local, $500 scholarship. Find the application here. PLEASE NOTE: Do not write on the Google doc. Make your own, personal copy by downloading the file. Email your completed application to Robin Burke at wifeofgunz@gmail.com
The Historic Fredericksburg Region --Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) will offer a 2020 area senior a $500 scholarship for needs in continuing education in Automotive Technologies. These studies can range from mechanical systems to auto body to vehicle restoration. Preference shall be given to an applicant who will focus on restoration and preservation automotive studies. The applicant shall submit a written resume with details of current studies and plans to continue in the automotive industry. This summary need not be greater than 2 pages. It should include institution and studies in which they plan to be enrolled, and their goals for after completion of studies. Access the application here.
Rho Zeta Sigma Scholarship: LOCAL- due 4/13/2020
Three $1,000 scholarships for graduating male students in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, and Stafford. Must have a 2.5 or above cumulative GPA, copy of an acceptance letter, two letters of recommendation, and written submission of several application questions. Applications must be received by the Rho Zeta Sigma chapter by April 13th. Application can be accessed by PDF here.
Caroline County Agriculture Fair Continued Education Scholarship: LOCAL- due 4/15/2020
$500. 00 Scholarship for a senior pursuing a career in the following areas: agriculture, automotive technology, carpentry, cosmetology, culinary arts, nursing, or sports medicine.
A copy of the application can be found online at the fair website: carolinefair.com
Fredericksburg Area Building: Steigleder Scholarship: LOCAL- due 4/15/2020
Must plan to attend the University of Richmond. Apply online at https://www.fabava.com/steigleder-family-scholarship/
Raymond D Patterson and Cheryl Oliver- due 4/15/2020
Sports Backers scholarships: two scholarships awarded in the amount of $2,500. Must be a high school scholarly and athletic senior with financial need, must have achieved a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applications may be found here: https://www.sportsbackers.org/program/scholar-athlete-awards-program/cheryl-l-oliver-raymond-d-patterson-scholarships/
*There are also an additional 20 scholarships offered through the Richmond Times-Dispatch/Sports Backers Scholar-Athlete Awards Program. These scholarships will be awarded in the amount of $2,500 each.
Madison Ruritan Scholarship: LOCAL - due 4/17/2020
This is a local scholarship valued at $600. The recipient must have:
1. Community achievement/leadership/service
2. Financial need
3. Scholastic/academic achievement and extracurricular activities
4. 3 Letters of recommendation and an official transcript
Applications can be accessed here.
Omicron Alpha Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. 2020 Scholarship: LOCAL- due 4/17/2020
This scholarship is worth $1,000. Must be a senior male with academic excellence and contributions to our school and community. Application must be completed and submitted online at www.apaoal.com/scholarship.html.
George Ruffin Scholarship: LOCAL- due 4/15/2020
This is a local scholarship for Caroline students. You must have a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate financial need. Access the application here.
Jermon Bushrod Visualize and Rize: LOCAL- due 5/1/2020
This is a $500 scholarship to two Caroline High School senior athletes who are furthering their education after graduation. To qualify for these scholarships the applicant must: Presently be a senior (in good standing) and participated in an athletic program while in high school; have been accepted at a trade school or college after graduation; and must turn in a completed scholarship application, along with a copy of a college acceptance letter to Mrs. Huntsinger no later than March 24, 2020. Applications can be found here.
* At this time, you do NOT need the Athletic Director's signature.
Delmarva Poultry Industry: LOCAL- due 5/1/2020
One or more undergraduate scholarships with a minimum value of $1,500 will be available to residents of the Delmarva Peninsula who will be undergraduate students at any accredited, degree-granting institution, with an academic major in a subject relevant to Delmarva’s chicken industry and who are pursuing a career path leading to employment in any segment of Delmarva’s chicken industry. Application can be accessed at https://www.dpichicken.org/scholarship/.
2020 Breathing Blessings Scholarship: LOCAL - due 05/01/2020
Breathing Blessings is offering you an opportunity to access funds that will assist you on your educational journey.
Scholarships are being offered to the following students:
⮚ High School Seniors who will graduate in the Spring of 2020, that will be attending a community college, technical school or a four year college/university.
⮚ Must meet income requirements. * See income requirements document (page 2 of the application)
⮚ Must reside in one of the following counties: Caroline County, City of Fredericksburg , Spotsylvania County, Stafford County, Prince William County
⮚ Complete Breathing Blessings Scholarship application. * See application (page 3)
*All documents can be scanned and emailed to admin@breathingblessings.org or mailed to the address at the bottom of the application.
Deadline: Must be received by May 1st, 2020.
Applications can be accessed here.
Seniors: Send in Updates
FAFSA Verification
It is still extremely important to check your financial aid status. If you are selected for verification, a college will either email you or post a notification in your student portal. If you are selected for verification, you must submit the necessary documents in order to receive any financial aid.
Please contact Ms. Taylor with any questions.
Award Letters
- Was your FAFSA submitted to the college?
- Did you check all ways your award letter may have been sent? This can be by mail, email, or on your student portal.
- Did the college contact you about being selected for FAFSA verification? If so, turn in any required forms.
* Please be aware that the current crisis may affect when you receive an award letter. We are unaware of any delays at this time, but keep in mind that the situation is constantly evolving.
College-Bound Seniors: Tips for Navigating Covid-19
- Financial aid awards: Please send your award letters to Ms. Taylor when you receive them. This will help us recognize the amount you've been awarded, and Ms. Taylor will talk through your award with you so that you can make the best financial decision. If you receive your award by paper only, feel free to just take a picture and email it to kataylor@ccps.us. If you do not receive your award letter in the next two weeks, contact your college's financial aid department by EMAIL. Typically, the financial aid's office email will be on their website. If you are having trouble finding it, ask Ms. Taylor.
- Scholarships: Please continue filling out scholarship applications! Some organizations have changed their due dates- we will update you as we hear more information. All scholarships have now been linked as a PDF. If you cannot print or edit the PDF at home, please contact Ms. Taylor for a mailed paper copy. If an application requires a signature and you cannot print, submit the form without the signature and note it when sending it in.
- Deposits: Keep an eye on all forms of communication from your colleges. It's also a good idea to follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Some colleges may start waiving enrollment deposits, or give an option to delay paying them. So far, Radford has waived all tuition and housing deposits for the incoming class. If your family is facing a financial emergency and you think it won't be possible to pay a deposit by May 1, get in contact with the college's admissions department. Remember, community college students do not have to pay a deposit.
Virtual Office Hours
Parents and students may also request private Zoom meetings. This can be particularly helpful when it comes to more complicated questions such as those related to financial aid packages. To request a meeting, email kataylor@ccps.us or lhummer@ccps.us. These meetings are open to both juniors and seniors!
Seniors: Please Help Ms. Taylor!
Please help Ms. Taylor out by doing this survey! It helps CHS keep funding for college advising. Please note: This survey is for senior students ONLY!
Opportunities for Juniors
The College Prep Scholars Program equips high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges. Being a College Prep Scholar is a notable distinction that shows Questbridge's 42 college partners that you are a competitive candidate for admission. As a College Prep Scholar, you will receive exclusive awards and opportunities to develop a strong college application that shares your unique story. Qualified candidates will have the following: Mostly A's in challenging courses, be in the top 5-10% of their graduating class, have an SAT score >1280 or ACT >27. In addition, most recipients come from families making less than $65,000 per year. For more information and the application, click here.
Campus Tours
Many colleges have added additional components to their online tours. Many of these campuses will not be open to in-person tours until Fall. To find virtual tours for hundreds of colleges, click here.
College Scorecard
Underclassmen: Use some of your spare time to do in-depth college research! College Scorecard is a reputable website updated by the US Department of Education. You can find meaningful statistics regarding graduation rates, retention rates, college costs by family income, and more. Click here to find out more.
Summer Opportunities
Find more information at https://agriberry.com/hiring/.