OPHS School Counseling Newsletter
Spring Edition
Counseling Staff
Ms. Pamela Gardner: Director of School Counseling GardnePD@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Maureen Andrada: School Counselor A-Broa AndradMF@pwcs.edu
Ms. Suzanne Salvo: School Counselor Brob-Dro SalvoSG@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Shronda Peake: School Counselor Dru-Haw PeakeSA@pwcs.edu
Miss. Lillian Orlich: School Counselor Hay-La OrlichL@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Keisha Mercer: School Counselor Le-Mori MercerKT@pwcs.edu
Miss. Taylor Oakley: School Counselor Morj-Ram OakleyTM@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Eleanor Engler: School Counselor Ran-So EnglerE@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Melissa Bach: School Counselor Sp-Z BachML@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Margaret Stielper: Secretary StielpMM@pwcs.edu
Mrs. HIlda Layne: Secretary LayneHG@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Tammi Hayter: Test Coordinator HayterTS@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Toni Gibson: Registrar GibsonTL@pwcs.edu
Mr. Carlos Rosa: School Psychologist RosaCX@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Kathy Bowden: School Social Worker BowdenKJ@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Brenda Miller-Dorick: School Nurse MillerBS@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Tami Walrabenstein Clinic Assistant WalrabTL@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Heather Lontos: Transition Specialist LontosHA@pwcs.edu
Phone: 703-365-6500
Fax: 703-330-2170
SOL Information
SOL Dates May 17-25
Make-up dates May 27th, 31st and June 1st
Osbourn Park will be offering Saturday review sessions for SOLs on April 23, April 30, and May 14 from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. SOL Review Sessions will be offered for the following SOL tests: English 11 Reading, Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, and US/VA History. Please click here to sign up for Saturday Review Sessions. Click here to view all SOL review sessions being offered.
ACT information
When to take the ACT
Most students take the ACT spring of junior year or fall of senior year. Many take it twice-and most improve their score the second time around.
Register for the ACT
SAT information
When to Take the SAT
Most students take the SAT spring of junior year or fall of senior year. Many take it twice — and most improve their score the second time around.
Register for the SAT
Junior Planning Tips
- Take the SAT and or ACT this spring.
- Begin taking a more serious look at colleges and universities. Make a file for each college in which you are interested and gather information about academics, financial aid, and campus life. Go to college fairs and open houses and learn as much as you can about colleges online.
- Begin planning college visits. Spring break is a good time to visit. Try to visit colleges near you and include a large, medium size, and small campus
- Develop a preliminary list of colleges that interest you. Write or email to request a viewbook and additional information.
- Think about lining up a summer job, internship or co-op.
- Take a look at some college applications and consider all of the different pieces of information you will need to compile.
- Make a list of teachers, counselors, employers, and other adults whom you might ask to write letters of recommendation for your college applications.
Summer:
- Continue investigating colleges
- Begin thinking about your applications. Generally, colleges will have their applications online by the beginning of August. Work on the essay before you return to school!
Tips for Freshman and Sophomores
10 HABITS OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
- Get Organized. Making a plan for what you're going to do and when you're going to do it will make sure you're always ahead of the curve - literally.
- Don't multitask. Studies have shown that multitasking is physically impossible.
- Divide it up. Studying isn't fun to begin with, and forcing yourself through a study marathon will only make it worse. Dividing your work into manageable chunks and rewarding yourself when you finish each chunk will make studying (more) fun.
- Sleep. Don't underestimate the importance of those eight hours of zzz's every night! Getting a good night's rest will sharpen your focus and improve your working memory.
- Set a schedule. Do you work better right after school or after you've eaten dinner? Are you more productive in 90-minute blocks or half-hour spurts? Find a scheudle that works for you, and stick to it.
- Take notes. Taking notes will not only keep you more engaged during class, but will also help you narrow down what you need to study when exam time rolls around. It's much easier to reread your notes than to reread your entire textbook!
- Study. This one might be obvious, but did you know that there's a right and a wrong way to study? Review your material several days ahead of time, in small chunks, and in different manners (for example, write flashcards one day and take practice tests the next). In other words, don't cram.
- Manage your study space. Find a place that will maximize your productivity. Look for places away from the television and other distractions. Whether it's your local library or just the desk in your bedroom, set aside a study space that you'll want to spend time in.
- Find a study group. Sitting down with a group of people who are learning the same things as you is a great way to go over confusing class material or prepare for a big test. You can quiz each other, reteach material, and make sure that everyone is on the same page. After all, teaching someone else is the best way to learn.
- Ask questions. You're in school to learn, so don't be afraid to do just that! Asking for help - from a teacher, a tutor or your friends - is a surefire way to make sure you truly understand the material.
Scheduling
Upcoming Events
- Parent Coffee 04/21/2016 @ 8:00 a.m. Navigating the College Admissions Process. Please RSVP no later than 4/18 to Mrs. Bach bachml@pwcs.edu
- Senior Awards Ceremony 06/06/2016 7:00 p.m. (this ceremony will recognize seniors whose outstanding academic and non-academic achievements have led to monetary and non-monetary awards. In some instances special guests will present an award).*Seniors who want to be recognized for scholarships must bring in a copy of their award letter to the School Counseling Office.
- Morning Awards Ceremony 06/01/2016 8:00 a.m. (this ceremony recognizes seniors who have excelled in departmental activities, club activities and those who will receive the Presidential Academic Fitness awards and Citizenship awards)
- Brown Bag Lunch: April 14th 10:15 Education
Scholarships
Senior Graduation Information
Graduation is almost here! The Class of 2016 will graduate at Eagle Bank Arena on Saturday, June 11, a 9:30am. Students should plan to arrive no later than 8:30am to get in line for the ceremony. Parents will be able to enter the arena at 8:30am. The arena staff will not allow balloons to be brought into the ceremony so please leave those behind. Noise makers are also not allowed.
Graduation practices will be held Thursday, and Friday, June 9 and 10, at 8:00am in the school auditorium. These practices are mandatory and students should arrive early to find their seat as we will begin promptly. Practices generally conclude by 10:00am. Information on arrival time for students on the day of the ceremony will be discussed at practices.
Eagle Bank Arena has plenty of seating and therefore, there is no limit to the amount of people each family can bring. Additioally, there is no cost for tickets. Please visit the graduation page located under the "Community tab on the OPHS website for more information.
About Us
Website: www.osbournpark.groupfusion.net
Location: 8909 Euclid Avenue, Manassas, VA, United States
Phone: (703) 365-6500
Twitter: @OPHSCounseling