PHS Counselor Connection
September 2022: Senior Edition
In this Newsletter:
- Important Dates
- Future Ready: Senior Specific Info, Tutoring resource, ACT Prep & College Considerations (research, financing, athletes etc.)
- Helpful Resources for Families and Students (Including our student job "Board")

Important Dates

Mount Mary School Day WEF Fair Sign Up Link
Wisconsin Education Fair Info Link
Christian College Fair Link (October 10th New Berllin)
Considering WCTC? Join them for an in-person Open House on October 27th!

Full List of College Rep. Visits at PHS

Service Academy Day
High school and middle school students interested in attending any of the military service academies are encouraged to attend this event to learn about the process of receiving the required congressional nomination. Congressional staff will be present to explain the nomination process. Family members are welcome ot attend. The details are as follows:
9:00 AM – 12:30 PM on Saturday September 17, 2022
EAA Aviation Center
3000 Poberezny Road, Oshkosh, WI 54902
flyer with details
Learn about ROTC
West Point / ROTC Outreach Briefings are a great way to find out more about the Academy and ROTC - both Cadet Life and the Admissions Process as well as what it means to be an Army Officer.
Information for the Milwaukee Area Event:
- Who - West Point and local ROTC representatives and you!
- What - Informational presentation about West Point / ROTC / Army opportunities for high school students and guidance/career counselors.
- When - Monday, 19 September 2022, 6PM – 8PM.
- Where – Emory Clark Hall (Building 31), Room 111, Marquette University Campus.
- Why - Promote interest in and awareness of college/career opportunities available through West Point, ROTC, and the U.S. Army.
For applying candidates, these briefings are also a great time to have your questions answered and meet the Field Force liaisons who will help you through the process as well.
West Point and Army ROTC are an individual choice - we are all here to help you make the right choice for your college and career. Please RSVP Here: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/nRDbZxksPZ (corrected link)
Senior Credit Checks
Financial Aid and budgeting seminars from UW HELP
Financial Aid Basics - Wednesday, September 29th at 4:00 PM: Join the UW HELP team as they introduce the basics of financial aid, what financial aid is, and the different types of financial aid available: Register Here
https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3KWSBPXHR9G4MtF5GS_SAA
Budgeting and Financial Aid - Thursday, October 13th at 4:00 PM: UW HELP, along with panelists from UW-Eau Claire, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Whitewater, will discuss budgeting, the financial aid process, how to compare financial aid offers, and more: Register Here
https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_98CR2Rw_QlSQWqCrhJc9iA
Registration is required for both presentations.
The Humane Animal Welfare Society (HAWS) club for high school students
ACE – Animal Career Exploration
Ages: 9th-12th Grade
HAWS Animal Career Exploration (HAWS ACE) is a program for teens to learn about the variety of careers available in animal care. Members will get a chance to hear from speakers working in different animal-related jobs and learn what skills and training are needed to do those jobs. Veterinarian is usually the first career that comes to mind when thinking about jobs with animals. But how much do you really know about becoming a vet and did you know there are TONS of other animal related careers? Are you creative? Maybe you’d enjoy a job as a groomer. Good problem solver? Perhaps you could become a great dog trainer. Interested in law enforcement? What about a job as a Humane Officer? Participants will also learn more about HAWS and our mission, and get some hands on experience working with animals. Join HAWS ACE today! Meetings are held on one Wednesday a month per semester. To register go to https://hawspets.givecloud.co/product/HAWSACEFALL22/haws-animal-career-exploration-ace
UW Campus Panels
Attend these webinars to hear from UW campus representatives about admission, campus updates, upcoming special campus events and more. Campus representatives will be available to answer any questions students may have regarding admission to these campuses. Students and families are encouraged to attend.
UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, UW-Madison, and UW-Superior Panel:
- Tuesday, October 11th at 4:00 PM - Register Here
https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-ZgcSoOfTymtDaN9U2HVkQ
UW-Green Bay, UW Oshkosh, UW-Stevens Point, and UW-Stout Panel:
- Tuesday, October 25th at 4:00 PM - Register Here
https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qV5OD0FJS8anDxNne-clKw
UW Application One-on-One Sessions
UW HELP is offering one-on-one sessions for students wanting assistance completing the online application for admissions. Students can go online and schedule a 15-minute session with one of UW HELP’s Outreach Specialists.
To schedule a one-on-one session, please use the link below:
https://calendly.com/uwhelp/session
Accessibility/Disability Services
UW HELP is offering an online presentation featuring a panel of representatives from UW-Green Bay and UW-La Crosse to discuss accessibility/disability services as students transition from high school to college. This is a great opportunity to learn about available services, understand the similarities and differences of services in a college setting, policies and procedures, and more. Students, families, school counselors, and other academic professionals are encouraged to attend.
- Thursday, October 6th at 4:00 PM - Register Here
https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MJBpIIpMTymo7JJP2QRLdQ
PHS Fall Future Ready Days!
Morning of the 12th:
- Freshmen will take the Pre-ACT
- Sophomores will take the Pre-ACT
- Juniors have the option to take a full-length practice ACT, the PSAT or the ASVAB
- Seniors will choose from a menu of options from college application work time to paying for college, to information from WCTC along with many others.
All students will participate in our 11th annual Career Speaker Day
More details to come!


We get it! Planning for your life after high school can be STRESSFULL- We're here for you every step of the way. Just stop by or reach out via email or g-chat for a meeting if you need help with anything along the way! We also offer a college application help session during resource. Mrs. Sorkness/Mrs. Williams will email with future dates.
UW System application presentation
Scholarships & Resources
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!
What? Apply to College for Free?!?
**If you qualify for free and reduced lunch, you should still indicate such on the application and complete the fee waiver paperwork even though applying is free. Completing that paperwork will then also waive the enrollment deposit. If you do not do the application fee waiver, you will have to pay the enrollment deposit.

College Application Deadlines
Want some help completing the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA)?
College Goal Wisconsin provides free information and assistance to families completing the FAFSA. This year, College Goal Wisconsin is offering both in-person and virtual FAFSA Completion Events.
To register for a FAFSA Completion Event or to request additional information, please refer to collegegoalwi.org.
If you need help completing the FAFSA- check out the great opportunities through College Goal WI. There are in person and virtual events where you can receive 1:1 assistance completing your application for federal college aid. College Goal Wisconsin provides free information and assistance to all families completing the FAFSA.
To register for a FAFSA Completion Event or to request additional information, please refer to collegegoalwi.org.Finding Your Fit with UW Journey
UW JOURNEY DEMO
UW Journey is designed to easily help all students find their fit within the UW System. Join UW HELP as they walk through the UW Journey app.
- Tuesday, October 4th at 3:30 PM - Register Here
https://wisconsin-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3PbKec9DSS-9c7J-OVY_Qg
Still doing your research? The College and Military Reps are coming!
It's never too early to start researching colleges! All grade levels are welcome to participate in these visits.
Link to List of Current College and Military Scheduled Visits. Register at this link then get a pass from the guidance office on the day of the meeting.
College Representatives are calling regularly to schedule times so make sure to check this list regularly!
You do NOT need to register to speak with the lunchtime military reps.
Other Opportunities to Learn about Colleges
Wisconsin Education Fair Info Link
Taking the ACT again? Here are some options for prep!
Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC) is offering the ACT Exam Preparation course in October/November through a hybrid format. The course is designed for high school students preparing to take the ACT. Students will learn strategies and aspects of the ACT in the areas of Math, Reading, Writing, Science Reasoning, and English Grammar to prepare them for success on their exam.
ACT Prep: Don’t forget- all juniors have access to the online ACT prep course through Method Test Prep. This is true wether they are enrolled in the ACT prep class through PHS or not. Students can find the program in their Xello accounts on the menu on the right. This can be used at any time.
Most students take their first ACT with the high school in February/March and then take the April, June or July tests if they wish to retest. Some juniors will take the December test. Some seniors will take the September or October tests if they are still trying for a certain score. Scores are reported in time for admissions deadlines at most schools.
Looking for a JOB?
Applying to WCTC?
Financial AidThe FAFSA opens on October 1st. Each college can set their own priority deadline- be sure to complete the FAFSA prior to the first priority deadline. If you need help completing the FAFSA- check out the opportunities for College Goal WI Or the presentations shared above with virtual live sessions or on demand YouTube videos. | Ordering Transcripts All colleges will require that students submit transcripts- if not in the application process, they will be required prior to enrollment. PHS students must use www.parchment.com to send transcripts. First, an account must be set up. Please see your counselor for a regitration code and use your personal email address, NOT your school email. All seniors were sent directions on setting up an account and sending a transcript. See the slideshow HERE. | Everything UW System! There are so many updates and changes at each of the UW Campuses. Use this great resource for any questions that you may have about the UW system colleges. Additionally, this information booklet is very helpful on a number of topics including important dates to know about throughout the process. |
Financial Aid
The FAFSA opens on October 1st. Each college can set their own priority deadline- be sure to complete the FAFSA prior to the first priority deadline. If you need help completing the FAFSA- check out the opportunities for College Goal WI Or the presentations shared above with virtual live sessions or on demand YouTube videos.
Ordering Transcripts
Everything UW System!
Additionally, this information booklet is very helpful on a number of topics including important dates to know about throughout the process.
Paying for College Resource
And don't forget to join us for the in-person Financial Aid seminar on September 20th where a representative from a college will be here to give you information on completing the FAFSA and to answer your questions about the process or unique situations. See information in the Important Dates table above.
Test Optional/Test Flexible
Get Schooled Test Optional Page

Considering a Gap Year?
Gap year guide (and they offer programs)
US News article- Tips and resources
Global Citizen Website with lots of articles and information
Gap Year Association- Gap year definition, advice, list of options etc.
goabroad.com article on what they consider the 11 best gap year volunteer programs
Volunteerhq list of best volunteer gap experiences for 20-21
Considering College Athletics?
NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete
Looking for volunteer opportunities?

District Community Resources List
(use the links on the left to navigate resources for various topics)
Children's Hospital Craig Yabuki Mental Health Walk-In Clinic- Open 3:00-9:30pm 7 days a week
In School Community Based Therapy Options
Pewaukee School District works with three local agencies to provide in bulding Mental Health services. Various insurance companies are accepted. Families should reach out to the contacts indicated on the form to connect your student with a therpist.
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- For over a decade Healing Hearts has delivered compassion, care, and connection for children and families grieving a loss from death, divorce, abandonment, overdose, incarceration, military deployment, and deportation.
Healing Hearts expanded its Children’s Grief Group programs to provide greater access for families in Southeast Wisconsin.
- Waukesha (12-week program): Mondays, Sept 26-Dec 19
- Menomonee Falls (6-week program): Thursdays, Sept 22-Oct 27
- Oconomowoc (6-week program): Thursdays, Nov 10 – Dec 22
Visit www.healingheartswisconsin.org to select a group and submit an inquiry to participate.
Resources from the Pewaukee Library- Help Now (Live online tutoring)
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!

