SENIOR NEWSLETTER
Week of February 14th
MIDYEAR TRANSCRIPTS SENT!
College Application Support in Flex - Wednesday, Feb 16th!
Colleges with Late Deadlines!
If you are interested in attending college next year, it is not too late to apply! Colleges are still accepting applications for fall enrollment, including many of the following MA state universities:
Additionally, the following private colleges have March 1st, April 1st, May 1st, or Rolling Deadlines:
NHS Counselors will be available in flex on Wednesday, Feb 16th to assist students with their 2-year or 4-year college applications. Sign up in Enriching Students under “counseling” then “college application support”. If you miss the sign up in Mentor Monday, reach out to your counselor to be added to the roster. Bring your chromebook!
CLEAN UP YOUR NAVIANCE!
College Site of the Week
Ursinus College
While you're most likely excited about starting the next chapter of your academic life this fall, it may also be a time when questions and doubts creep in. Sometimes it helps to hear directly from students who have been in your shoes, so Ursinus College has created a series of short videos that will let you hear directly from current Ursinus students on a variety of topics including:
- What if I am unsure whether I can afford an Ursinus education?
- What if I get homesick at school or feel like I don’t belong?
- What if the classes are too hard?
- What if I don’t meet new people?
- What are the unwritten rules I am unfamiliar with?
The videos are broken up into bite size pieces so you can quickly and easily check out a topic and ease your mind a little about making the transition to college.
Scholarships! Dollars For Scholars! Community Foundation of Western MA!
Community College Application Support in Flex Thursday, Feb 3rd - sign up!
Would you like to attend one of the community colleges in the area after you graduate? Do you need help starting an application? NHS Counselors will be assisting students with the applications for GCC, HCC, and STCC in flex on Thursday, Feb 3rd. Sign up in Enriching Students under “counseling” then “community college application support”. If you miss the sign up in mentor Monday, reach out to your counselor to be added to the roster. Bring your Chromebook!
How to Choose A College When You Can't Visit
For many of you, the time has come, or is around the corner, to choose a college to attend. Some of you may have been able to visit. Many of you may have not, due to the cost of visiting, limited time off from work, and/or travel or campus visit restrictions due to coronavirus. Some students are wondering how to choose a college if they have not been able to visit… that is a great question! First of all, we want you all to know that there isn’t one “right” college for you, or one “right” decision you need to make - there are a lot of colleges that would be a good match for each of you, and a lot of paths forward. Also know, while this is an important decision, there are ways to change your course if you aren’t happy once you enroll and begin classes. we do recommend giving things a try for a full semester, or a full year in most cases, to give yourself time to adjust to a new environment and new circumstances. Many students are excited to arrive on a new campus, and most students will also experience nervousness and/or homesickness at times.
Some things we recommend considering when choosing a college
Strength of the program or programs that you are most interested in
Diversity of the student body
Financial aid and scholarships
Other factors that are important to you - i.e. location, size, etc.
Here are some articles you may want to look over as you are thinking about this decision:
How to Pick a College Without Visiting (LinkedIn)
How To Choose a College Without Visiting It (College Covered)
Midyear Reports / Transcripts
HCC SCHOLARSHIP
Application opens February 9th / Deadline March 23rd
This year the HCC Foundation is awarding over $300,000 in scholarship support to students from more than 150 scholarship funds. These scholarships are donor funded and fall into the category of “gift aid” that does not need to be paid back. Please note that these scholarships are only applicable to students who have applied to HCC and have been accepted.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to HCC via email at stoledo@hcc.edu.
Applications are due March 23rd
Doing a Gap Year?
Updating & Adding Schools to Your FAFSA
Click HERE for information on how to delete and add schools.
MEFA: After the College Acceptance
Friday, March 11th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
This webinar provides valuable guidance for high school seniors who have received their college acceptance letters and financial aid offers and are trying to make the college decision. Topics include an overview of different types of financial aid, an explanation of how to calculate the balance due at each college, and methods for paying the college bill. Live Transcription will be available.
For more information please click on the link below:
https://www.mefa.org/events/after-the-college-acceptance-march-11
Scholarship Help Session - Wednesday Jan 19th during Flex
Sign Up During Mentor Monday/Tuesday
Checking For Scholarships From Your Prospective College
Naviance Naviance Naviance
Clean It Up!
Adding New Colleges? Add New Teacher Requests!!
Coming Up This Spring!
Planning a Gap Year? Going Right Into the Workforce? Interested in the US Military?
Westfield State University - Banacos Academic Center Info Session
Disability Services Presentation - Preparing Students for College
The Banacos Academic Center* staff at Westfield State University is inviting caregivers and students to join one of their virtual discussions on preparing students with disabilities for college. They are also interested in sharing with you what is expected of college students and the differences between high school and college for students with disabilities. They hope to have disability/accessibility services staff from other Massachusetts State Universities and Westfield State University admissions staff present for these sessions, too. Bring your questions with you!
*The Banacos Academic Center houses two support programs for students with disabilities. Disability Services provides reasonable accommodations and referral support for any student at any point in their academic career. The Learning Disabilities Program is an admissions based program for students with a learning disorder or ADHD.
You are invited to attend an hour session to discuss your questions. Sessions will close after 50 people sign up. All sessions will be held remotely through Zoom on the following days:
- Monday, January 10, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday, January 13, 2022 at 12:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 3:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
A Zoom link will be sent to your email within minutes after you sign up. There is no need to submit your form twice. If you do not receive an email from banacos@westfield.ma.edu, then please write to that email address and notify them.
Entering In Decisions - Cleaning Up Naviance
Entering In Decisions
Cleaning Up Naviance
Info Session - Jan 5th / Help Session - Jan 19th
The School Counseling Department will be hosting a Scholarship Information Session on Wednesday, January 5th, during Flex. The counselors will review where to find available scholarships and the process for requesting school documents, along with answering any questions students may have about the scholarship process. Be sure to sign up during Mentor Monday!
During the Help Session on January 19th, the counselors and Ms. Sullivan will be available for assistance on completing scholarship applications, as well as providing support in filling out the Dollars for Scholars application that will open in early January.
Scholarship Information Session and Help Session!
DUAL ENROLLMENT OPPORTUNITY AT NHS!
Westfield State University is offering Intro to Comparative Ethnic Studies during 3rd Period!
EGST 0101 - Introduction to Comparative Ethnic Studies
Credits: 3This course focuses on the meaning and significance of race, ethnicity and culture in the United States. Students will be exposed to basic concepts in ethnic studies such as ethnicity, culture, race, socialization, cultural assimilation, acculturation, migration, immigration, social protest, and resistance. This course will be taught from an interdisciplinary perspective, thereby allowing students to build a base from various viewpoints and methodologies including but not limited to historical, cultural, political, economic, and sociological.
GCC Dual Enrollment Deadline Reminder!
All MA Community Colleges have a Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement!
SENIOR INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
High School Seniors Internship in Education Program
Looking for a PAID Spring internship? Seeking a meaningful experience to serve our education community?
Seniors who want to jump start their careers in Education and the Teaching Profession are encouraged to apply. Serve as Teacher Assistants, Program Staff and support Equity-based Special Projects for the district.
Gain access to professional development training, career exploration in Education, building your professional tools and learning the steps to becoming an educator in Massachusetts. Internship is in collaboration with DESE and the MassHire Workforce Board of Franklin/Hampshire County.
Apply for the High School Senior Education Internship Program HERE.
Cooley Dickinson Hospital Pilot Internship Program
Looking for a Spring internship in the Healthcare Industry? Seeking a meaningful experience to serve our community and engage in public health topics?
Seniors who want to jump start their careers in Healthcare, Public Health and the Medical field are encouraged to apply. You'll be invited to experience new opportunities for career exploration at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. As part of this special cohort, you'll be invited to provide feedback about your experience and help to shape future internships at Cooley Dickinson.
You'll be required to follow the volunteer protocols of CDH and to complete a series of internship assignments and submit timesheets of your hours. Internship schedules will be dependent on hospital demands and your availability.
Apply for the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Pilot Internship Program HERE. Spots are limited.
APPLY BY JANUARY 7th
Have a Restful Break!!
NHS is closed between 12/23 and 1/2!
Lots of "Save The Dates" !
College Application Support On Fridays!
If you need some help with your college applications or any other post-high school planning, the School Counseling Department has support sessions every Friday during Flex in the Guidance Conference Room. There are only 8 spaces available each week, so please be sure to sign up if you need help!
But Wait! There's More!!
College Application Support - Community College Edition - February 3rd!
Scholarship Information and Help Sessions!
Info Session - Jan 5th / Help Session - Jan 19th
During the Help Session on January 19th, the counselors and Ms. Sullivan will be available for assistance on completing scholarship applications, as well as providing support in filling out the Dollars for Scholars application that will open in early January.
See You in 2022!!
Entering Application Decisions Into Naviance
Keeping Naviance Clean
Scholarship Information Session - Coming in January
Info Session: 1/5 -- Help Session: 1/19
During the Help Session on January 19th, the counselors and Ms. Sullivan will be available for assistance on completing scholarship applications, as well as providing support in filling out the Dollars for Scholars application that will open in early January.
Smith College Request Form Priority Deadline Is Next Wednesday (12/15)
For students planning on taking a Smith College course in Spring 2022:
Just a reminder to everyone that the priority deadline to submit your Smith College/NHS Request Form is Wednesday, December 15th.
Here are a few hints and suggestions as you work on finding a course:
- Use the Smith College course catalog and our Previously Approved List in conjunction with each other.
- If you know what course you want to take - look it up on the Smith College course catalog and see if it fits within your NHS schedule. Then, see if it’s on the Previously Approved List, keep in mind that if it’s not on that list it doesn’t mean you can't take it. It just means the course will need to get approval from guidance, the academic department chair, and administration.
- If you’re unsure of what you want to take - look over the Previously Approved List to see if something jumps out at you as interesting and then go over to the Smith College course catalog to see if it’s running during Spring semester and that it fits within your NHS schedule.
- Be sure you fill out the form completely - INCLUDING THE BACK! Your signature, and your caregiver’s signature, is required!!
- When you’re ready to turn in your form - there is a bin on Ms. Sullivan’s desk that has a sign that says “Completed Smith Forms” - that would be the spot to put it.
- If you need a new, blank form - those are also available in Guidance, right inside the door on the table to the left.
Please stop by if you have any questions - we’re here to help.
Thursday, December 9th, 2021 at 6:30pm
Click HERE to register for this virtual (online) event.
In collaboration with MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority), Greenfield Community College and the Office of Financial Aid is hosting a virtual financial aid presentation for high school students and families, adult learners and everyone in between.
This online webinar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process.
You’ll learn about...
- financial aid applications
- types of financial aid
- factors that determine your aid eligibility
- how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer & the details of financial aid offers
This is a community event, open to anyone interested in learning about college financial aid. So, whether you are planning to attend GCC in an upcoming semester, or enroll in a four-year college, or you are returning to college after some time away, this presentation is sure to provide relevant information to help you as you navigate the financial aid process.
FINAL CALL FOR SENIOR MEETINGS!!
Reminder: January Deadlines!
- Completed your Student Info Form in Naviance
- Made an appointment with your counselor for your Senior Meeting
- Added your colleges into Naviance and confirmed the deadline dates
- Requested your Teacher Recommendations in Naviance
If you have any questions about how to complete these steps, you can look at the SENIOR MEETING slides or reach out to your counselor.
If you have already submitted some applications and are adding a college with a January 1st deadline - you must let Ms. Sullivan know by December 20th at the latest. (Winter break starts on December 23rd.)
UPDATING NAVIANCE AND ENTERING DECISIONS
Application Decisions
Save the Date: Scholarship Information and Help Sessions!
Info Session: 1/5 -- Help Session: 1/19
During the Help Session on January 19th, the counselors and Ms. Sullivan will be available for assistance on completing scholarship applications, as well as providing support in filling out the Dollars for Scholars application that will open in early January.
Spring 2022 Opportunities from GCC
CDEP UPDATE:
CDEP Grant Program Update:
We are following up on the email we sent a few weeks ago regarding the upcoming Spring 2022 CDEP grant funding opportunity. The CDEP program provides two options: full time (3-4 free classes) or 1 free course for eligible students. There are still seats available, and we have added additional virtual CDEP information sessions for interested students. Attending one of the CDEP information sessions is required for students to apply to the program.
Upcoming information session dates for interested students:
- Monday, 12/6 at 7pm
- Wednesday, 12/15 at 6pm
Registration to attend one of these CDEP Information Sessions can be found on this webpage, under "upcoming events" : https://www.gcc.mass.edu/admissions/dual-enrollment/
FREE Course Opportunity!
Free Course Offering:
Through the generous support provided by a Career Technical Education grant, we will provide a section of the following medical office management course to eligible students for free!
Medical Terminology (MOM 110)- Provides students with an understanding of medical language and a foundation to recognize medical terms in context. The course emphasizes improving written and oral communication skills pertaining to medical terminology and using electronic research to build health informatics skills. Topics include basic anatomical and physiological terms, including those used in disease and surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Interested students should contact Tiffany Hardy, Admissions Coordinator, to learn about the application process at HardyT@gcc.mass.edu.
LAST CALL FOR SENIOR MEETINGS!
GCC Accuplacer at NHS
The Accuplacer is a test that ensures you are placed in the appropriate college level course to match your skill level.
REMINDER: Smith College Meeting 12/2 during Flex
Sign Up During Mentor Monday
Students will be able to sign up in Enriching Students during their Mentor Monday this week.
Students must have at least a 3.4 cumulative GPA to be eligible to take Smith College courses.
Adding Additional Colleges
Also - and this is really important as well - when you add additional colleges, you MUST make sure you are also adding requests for your letters of recommendation for those schools. Once a teacher has written your letter, it is uploaded into your Naviance account and sits on a virtual shelf - waiting to be used. Since each of your letters of recommendation are assigned to a specific college, it can only be used for that colleges that you have originally listed. It will be blocked by Naviance for any other colleges, and we won't be able to send it along with your application materials until you go back into your Letters of Recommendation Request page and add it. Your teachers will not need to do any additional work - this is simply you adding the school in Naviance.
LOOKING AHEAD: Scholarship Information Sessions in 2022!
Starting in January, the School Counseling Department will have Scholarship Information Sessions during Flex that students will be able to sign up to attend. There will be a short presentation on how to find available scholarships and apply for them, and also some working sessions where students will be able to get assistance with their Dollars for Scholars application. More specific dates and times will be available as we get closer to Winter Break.
Remember: Students should be checking the NHS Scholarship Spreadsheet regularly to see what scholarships they are eligible for. All students who live in Northampton, Florence, or Leeds should plan on applying to Dollars For Scholars. (Students who live in towns other than these should check to see if they have local chapters.) HOWEVER - please do not start filling out your application until after January 1st. Their system resets and erases all old data when the new year changes, so if you've started - you'll need to re-enter your information.
Q1 GRADES HAVE BEEN SENT!
Timeline Reminders for January 1st Deadlines
- Completed your Student Info Form in Naviance
- Made an appointment with your counselor for your Senior Meeting
- Added your colleges into Naviance and confirmed the deadline dates
- Requested your Teacher Recommendations in Naviance
If you have any questions about how to complete these steps, you can look at the SENIOR MEETING slides or reach out to your counselor.
If you have already submitted some applications and are adding a college with a January 1st deadline - you must let Ms. Sullivan know by December 20th at the latest. (Winter break starts on December 23rd.)
SMITH COLLEGE MANDATORY MEETING - DEC. 2nd DURING FLEX
Students will be able to sign up in Enriching Students during their Mentor Monday next week.
Students must have at least a 3.4 cumulative GPA to be eligible to take Smith College courses.
Dollars for Scholars and Other Scholarships!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING !
Take time to relax & recharge!
Not Sure Where To Start?
Just Beginning the Process..?
Here are a few helpful tips:
- Review the slides from the Senior Meeting - you can find them in Naviance under Document Resources, 12th Grade Info - Class of '22.
- Schedule your Senior Meeting with your School Counselor if you haven't yet.
- Make sure you've completed both the Student Info Form in Naviance AND the Senior Meeting Google Form.
- Check all of your deadlines - including financial aid and scholarship deadlines.
A Little Review
SCHOLARSHIPS!
Remember - if you need a transcript for a scholarship application you MUST complete the Document Request Form. There is also a link to the form at the top of the NHS Scholarship spreadsheet.
Keep Your Naviance Up-to-Date!
MORE FINANCIAL AID HELP
MassEdCo is a non-profit Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) that offers one-on-one assistance to anyone who needs help completing the FAFSA. They have six locations across the Commonwealth, in Boston, New Bedford, Lynn, Southbridge, Worcester, Springfield, and Pittsfield. All appointments are currently virtual but will transition back to in person in the future. To make an appointment, use the contact information for the site closet to you. You can find that here.
College Website of the Week: Georgia Tech
Final College Visits of the Fall:
9:30am - School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Thursday:
11:30am - Johnson & Wales - Providence
Adding More Colleges?
Make Sure You Request Your Teachers!
Quarter 1 Grades to Colleges
Review of Timeline and Process
Financial Aid - After You Apply
Free Dual Enrollment Opportunity During NHS Hours
There are still spaces available in this spring Westfield State University course which will run on the NHS campus during period 3. All tuition and material costs are covered by NPS.
Introduction to Comparative Ethnic Studies (EGST 0101)
This course focuses on the meaning and significance of race, ethnicity, and culture in the United States. Students will be exposed to basic concepts in ethnic studies such as ethnicity, culture, race, socialization, cultural assimilation, acculturation, migration, immigration, social protest, and resistance. This course will be taught from an interdisciplinary perspective, thereby allowing students to build a base from various viewpoints and methodologies including but not limited to historical, cultural, political, economical, and sociological.
3.000 Credit hours
Please fill out this form if you are interested in registering for the class and reach out to Associate Principal Harrison with any questions @ mharrison@northampton-k12.us.
Website Of the Week: Clark University
College Visits This Week
The finish line is in sight..
9:30am - Rhode Island School of Design
Tuesday:
9:30am - Ursinus College
College Application Checklists
Lag Time
Still Need to Schedule Your Senior Meeting?
Understanding Financial Aid and Where to Find Help
- MEFA.org: MEFA is the Massachusetts authority on planning, saving, and paying for college. They are offering free college financing webinars with administrators from various Massachusetts colleges throughout the next two weeks. Please register online for one of these live events! Presenters will go through a short presentation followed by a live Q & A session. This is a great way to get FREE help applying for financial aid for college.
- Grown & Flown: This website covers issues relating to raising kids ages 15-25 and has lots of good articles from experts on college admissions and how to finance it.
- Federal Student Aid: Gives definitions and explains the differences between scholarships, grants, loans, etc. You can also access the FAFSA application from this website.
FAFSA DAY!
FAFSA Day is a non-profit, volunteer driven program providing free assistance to students and families seeking to complete the FAFSA. Register for One-on-one support from financial aid professionals for filling out the FAFSA Application.
FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES
SEE ALSO: College Website of the Week
Home Page Search
Financial Aid Page - CSS Profile Info
Financial Aid Page - FAFSA Info
SCHOLARSHIPS
Beyond financial aid, there are many local and national scholarships that students can apply for to help with the cost of college. You can find the NHS Scholarship Spreadsheet on Aspen and in your Naviance, and you can also click below. If a transcript is required - official or unofficial - students MUST complete the Document Request Form that is linked at the top of the Scholarship Spreadsheet. This form must be submitted at least two weeks before the deadline. If a letter of recommendation is required, there is a place in the form to request those and information about submitting the letters. We cannot give recommendation letters directly to students. At this point the majority of the scholarships that are available are from either state or national organizations, but when we begin the new year we will have more and more local scholarships to offer. This link will continue to be updated, so please check back often.
Click below to view the NHS Scholarship Spreadsheet.
Want to Play Sports in College?
CLICK BELOW!!
College Application Support On Fridays!
Sign Up During Mentor Monday!
College Visits This Week
9:30am - The University of the Arts
10:30am - Elms College
12:30pm - Bryant University
1:30pm - Lasell University
Tuesday: No Visits - Election Day
Wednesday:
9:30am - Marist College
Thursday:
1:30pm - Massachusetts Maritime Academy
Friday:
9:30am - Connecticut College
12:30pm - Anna Maria College
Naviance Wonkiness of the Week
Teacher Recommendation Letters Showing as "In Progress"
Naviance will send along your school documents (letters of recommendation, transcript, etc) ONLY if you've submitted your application. If you have NOT submitted your application, some materials may show up as "In Progress" when you check your Naviance. Once your application is submitted, everything that isn't already listed as "Submitted" will switch over to that and eventually change to "Delivered". If you have any questions about this, please check in with Ms. Sullivan.
Who Sends What?
That's Great. But How Can I Check??
Early Deadlines
College Website of the Week: Test Optional or Not??
College Visits This Week
- 12:30pm - Rivier University
Tuesday:
- 9:30am - University of Chicago
- 11:30am - Lesley University
- 12:30pm - University of MA - Amherst
- 1:30pm - Suffolk University
Wednesday:
- 9:30am - Johnson & Wales University - Providence
- 11:30am - Husson University
- 12:30pm - Maryland Institute College Of Art
- 1:30pm - The Landing School
Thursday:
- 9:30am - Manhattanville College
- 10:30am - Bard College
- 11:30am - Castleton University
- 12:30pm - Seton Hall University
Friday:
- 10:30am - Dickinson College
- 11:30am - Allegheny College
- 12:30pm - Nichols College
College Application Support On Fridays!
Every Friday! Sign up in Enriching Students during Mentor Monday!
Naviance Wonkiness
Another case of you not being alone...
Removing Colleges from Your Colleges I'm Applying To List:
- If you've moved your colleges from Colleges I'm Thinking About to Colleges I'm Applying To and decide to NOT to apply to one of those colleges - you'll need to ask Ms. Sullivan or your counselor to remove them (Naviance won't let you do it yourself).
Initial Materials Showing Up as Already Sent:
- For schools who either allow students to self-report their grades or don't require an Initial Transcript, once you add them to your Colleges I'm Applying To list they show up as having your Initial Materials Sent. This does not mean you're obligated to apply if you change your mind, or that anything's already been sent on our end. It's just an automatic thing that happens for those schools.
FERPA Agreement Not Showing As Complete:
- For some students that have matched their Common App and Naviance accounts, the FERPA agreement is showing up as not complete even when it is. If you notice this, just let Ms. Sullivan or your counselor know and we can refresh something on our end so it'll show up as complete.
What Is Sent To Colleges From NHS And When
Initial Documents
- Initial Transcript that includes a list of Senior classes
- School Profile
- Counselor Recommendation
If you're applying to a Common App school, these additional documents will also be sent:
- Common App School Report
- Common App Counselor Report
All of the above are sent along regardless of deadline.
Documents for Early Deadlines
Midyear and Beyond
MORE FAFSA HELP (click below)
College Website Of the Week
University of Virginia - Virtual Events
College Visits This Week
- 9:30am - University of Connecticut
- 10:30am - Framingham State University
- 12:30pm - Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
- 1:30pm - Bryn Mawr College
Tuesday:
- 9:30am - Colgate University
- 11:30am - Plymouth State University
- 12:30pm - Marymount Manhattan College
- 1:30pm - Hampshire College
Wednesday:
- 9:30am - University of Maine at Farmington
- 11:30am - Reed College
- 12:30pm - Sarah Lawrence College
- 1:30pm - Amherst College
Thursday:
- 9:30am - Savannah College of Art and Design
- 11:30am - Brandeis University
- 12:30pm - Lehigh University
- 1:30pm - Colorado College
Friday:
- 9:30am - University of New Haven
- 12:30pm - New York University
- 1:30pm - St. Lawrence University
Overwhelmed? Stressed Out?
You are not alone.
DROP IN SESSIONS WITH COUNSELORS START NEXT WEEK
Do you need a little help with your post-secondary planning and college applications?
Letters of Recommendation Request Update
What Documents Does NHS Send to Colleges?
FEATURED COLLEGE WEBSITE OF THE WEEK
UMass - Dartmouth: College Now Program
Many four-year MA public universities offer programs for students who do not meet eligibility requirements to enroll directly in the college. These programs can provide a pathway to these colleges through either summer programs or alternative admissions programs that provide students with additional support. One example of this (and also our featured college of the week) is UMass Dartmouth's College Now Program:
"College Now at UMass Dartmouth supports academically disadvantaged students. As a College Now student, you’ll be a full-time student with the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of all UMass Dartmouth students. Our Fall Academic Program will prepare you to perform to your fullest at the university. Counselors will aid you in goal setting, course selection, academic achievement, and short- and long-term program planning. After successfully completing the Fall Academic Program, you will become a degree candidate and can major in UMass Dartmouth’s full range of academic programs."
Eligibility for College Now
The College Now program is for any major, but you must meet certain eligibility criteria. Every applicant must be either a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. resident, and have a minimum high school GPA of 2.0. Once accepted, students will participate in virtual conversations focused on preparation for the fall semester.
Applicants must also satisfy one of the following criteria:
low-income status (as defined by federal guidelines)
first generation to complete a 4-year degree
College Visits This Week
Tuesday:
- 9:30am - Bates College
- 10:30am - Providence College
- 12:30pm - Champlain College
- 1:30pm - Greenfield Community College
Wednesday: Late Start/PSAT day/No Visits
Thursday:
- 9:30pm - Bryant University
- 10:30am - St. Olaf College
- 12:30pm - Pomona College
- 1:30pm - St. Joseph's College of Maine
Friday:
- 9:30am - Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- 10:30am - Boston University (will be in Library)
- 11:30am - Castleton University
- 1:30pm - Drexel University
College Deadlines. How Do I Choose?
So many deadlines.. So many college entry dates..
- For students who are graduating in June of 2022, the entry term that you are aiming for 99% of the time will be FALL 2022.
- If you see a REGULAR deadline with a date of October or November (or anything before January, really) you are most likely looking at a TRANFER STUDENT deadline, not a first-year applicant deadline.
- Regular Decision (Spring) - Oct. 15
- Regular Decision (Fall) - Jan. 15
- Early Action - Nov. 5
- Other (Transfer Spring) - Oct. 15
- Other (Transfer Fall Priority) - Mar. 1
- Other (Transfer Fall Final) - Apr. 15
Adding in Teacher Recommendation Requests to Naviance
If you add in a new school - make sure you add in a new teacher request!
Are you ready for your senior meeting?
- Completed your Student Info Form in Naviance?
- Completed your Senior Meeting Google Form (and the things it's asking you to do within it?)
If you've answered NO to either of these questions, you are NOT ready for your senior meeting.
If you've answered YES - be sure to use the calendar link that pops up when you submit your Google Form and sign up for your meeting!
FAFSA SUPPORT
Featured College Website of the Week
Finding Financial Aid Information on a College Website
New England College Fair Information
College Visits This Week
- 9:30am - Oberlin College
- 10:30am - Saint Michael's College
- 12:30pm - University of Southern Maine
Tuesday:
- 9:30am - University of Vermont (will be in Little Theater)
- 10:30am - Springfield Technical Community College
- 1:30pm - Lafayette College
Wednesday:
- 11:30am - Brown University
- 12:30pm - Muhlenberg College
- 1:30pm - Ohio Wesleyan University
Thursday:
- 9:30am - Fisher College
- 10:30am - Vassar College
- 12:30pm - Moore College of Art and Design
- 1:30pm - University of Miami
Friday:
1/2 day no visits scheduled
You asked.. we're answering.
Thank you to all the caregivers that attended our Senior Caregivers' Night last week. If you were unable to attend, you can find the slides in your Naviance account if you scroll to the bottom and click on Document Resources and then 12th Grade Info - Class of 2022. Below are some questions that some caregivers asked during the presentation.
A: US News & World Report has a great answer for this one. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2016-10-24/what-happens-to-students-who-back-out-of-early-decision-offers
Q: Some of the mailings from colleges have an option for a "candidates choice application" directly to them. Is there an advantage or disadvantage to this?
A: Advantages should be outlined in the mailing - such as whether the applicaiton fee is waived, or the process is streamlined. A disadvantage is that the college may not be the best fit for the student... students should be looking at colleges based on the criteria that are important to them, rather than based on a marketing technique that may be designed to improve the college's applicants pool.
Q: How are grades in OTUS being translated to GPA?
A: At the end of each semester, Otus will provide a final grade based on the standards met and that final grade will go into Aspen. Once in Aspen, this grade will be calculated the same way as it has in past years and will be included into a student's GPA.
SENIOR CAREGIVERS' NIGHT !
WEDNESDAY - SEPT. 29th @ 6:30pm
The NHS School Counseling Department is inviting caregivers of the class of 2022 to a virtual presentation on the 4-year college application process. The school counselors met with seniors last week to review application procedures. If you would like to view the student presentation from 9/15/21, you can view the PDF in Naviance. Click on "Document Resources" then click on the "12th Grade Info-Class of '22".
The meeting details are below. We look forward to seeing you then!
Topic: Senior Caregiver Meeting (College application process for the class of 2022)
Time: Sep 29, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 857 6879 5404
Passcode: bluedevils
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Meeting ID: 857 6879 5404
Passcode: 8602711417
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kkW9jbIGE
Last spring, all Class of 2022 caregivers were sent an email that included a code and username to create your own Naviance account. (For reference, the email was sent on 2/4/21 and was titled Post-High School Planning for Parents/Guardians of the Class of 2022.)
By creating a parent/guardian account, you will be able to view your student’s account, including: colleges they are considering, results of career inventories they completed, and a copy of the presentations, lessons, and activities, that have been shared.
If you are unable to access your account, please reach out to Ms. Sullivan (asullivan@northampotn-k12.us).
College Application Review! Scenes from the Student Slide Show
Featured College Website of the Week
Our first college website of the year is Siena College - https://live.siena.edu/. Siena has a whole page on their website called "College Talk Tuesdays", where they open up their chat room to anyone interested and cover topics such as college essay workshops and how Covid has changed the college admissions process. Tomorrow's topic is Financial Aid and Affordability. You do need to register on their site to join the chat live, however they also offer archived chats from previous weeks that you can simply click and view.
To find this section on the Siena College website, I went to the home page (siena.edu) and clicked on the Menu button, down to Visit, and then when I scrolled down there was a link to "College Talk Tuesday's Video Chat Series". See images below.
New to NHS This Year: Seal of Biliteracy
Reminder From Ms. Harrison:
College Visits This Week
September 27th - October 1st
- 9:30am - Springfield College
- 10:30am - Niagara University
- 12:30pm - Northeastern University (will be held in Library)
- 1:30pm - Scripps College
Tuesday:
- 9:30am - University of New Hampshire - Main Campus
- 10:30am - Beloit College
- 12:30pm - Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- 1:30pm - Westfield State University
Wednesday:
- 9:30am - University of Essex
- 11:30am - UMass - Lowell
- 1:30pm - Emerson College
Thursday:
- 9:30am - University of New England
- 10:30am - Wheaton College
Friday:
- 9:30am - Salem State University
- 10:30am - Worcester State University
- 11:30am - UMass - Dartmouth
- 12:30pm - Pace University, Westchester Campus
Important Information: Reduced School Meals Application
Hopefully you have already heard that the USDA is continuing the Free Meal Program for the entire 2021-2022 school year for all children regardless of Free or Reduced Lunch Status. All children will be offered free breakfast and lunch through June 30, 2022. However, there are some benefits that your student may qualify for if you and your family has Free or Reduced Lunch status, such as College Board or ACT fee waivers and Common App fee waivers. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has decided that a student’s free and reduced status from school year 2019-2020 and school year 2020-2021 will carry over until the fall of 2022. Families who were qualified in 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 DO NOT have to fill out a new application for 2021-2022. Your status will remain the same. If your family did not qualify in 2019-2020 or 2020-2021, but you feel you may qualify this year, please fill out a 2021-2022 application. The applications are found on the district website.
The Food Services Department will need the hard copy sent to their office. They cannot accept digital copies that are emailed or faxed copies.
Their office address is:
Northampton Public Schools Food Services Department
JFK Middle School
100 Bridge Road
Florence, MA 01062
MEFA / COLLEGE FINANCING WEBINARS
MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) will begin their College Financing webinar series at the end of September, and will continue on a weekly basis into November. Their webinar dates and times will be posted on their events page at mefa.org/events, and are also listed below. Each webinar will be presented by a college planning expert and include a time for live Q&A. Both daytime and evening hours will be available, and a recorded webinar will be posted online for anyone unable to attend a live event.
College Financing: September 21, 2021
Tuesday, September 21, 2021 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Understanding the FAFSA: September 23, 2021
Thursday, September 23, 2021 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
What to Know About the CSS Profile: September 28, 2021
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
College Financing: September 29, 2021
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
College Financing: October 5, 2021
Tuesday, October 05, 2021 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
College Financing: October 6, 2021
Wednesday, October 06, 2021 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
College Financing: October 7, 2021
Thursday, October 07, 2021 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
College Financing: October 20, 2021
Wednesday, October 20, 2021 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
College Financing: October 21, 2021
Thursday, October 21, 2021 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
College Financing: October 28, 2021
Thursday, October 28, 2021 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
College Financing: November 3, 2021
Wednesday, November 03, 2021 | 12:00pm - 1:00pm
College Financing: November 10, 2021
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 | 6:30pm - 7:30pm
College Financing: November 18, 2021
All visits are virtual this fall..
You can also see the calendar for the College Rep visits in Aspen in the Group Resources section by clicking on COLLEGE VISITS CALENDAR 2021-22 or by going to NHS Guidance page on the Northampton Public Schools website.
Awesome. How do I register?
If you have any questions - please reach out to Ms. Sullivan
Where do I go for the visits?
VISITS THIS WEEK:
10:30am: Trinity College
11:30am: UMass - Boston
12:30pm: Bard College at Simon's Rock
1:30pm: St. Anselm College
Wednesday:
10:30am: Boston College (WILL BE HELD IN LIBRARY)
11:30am: Eastern Nazarene College
12:30pm: Syracuse University (WILL BE HELD IN LIBRARY)
Thursday:
10:30am: Grinnell College
11:30am: University of Chicago (WILL BE HELD IN LIBRARY)
12:30pm: Macalester College
1:30pm: Emmanuel College
Friday:
10:30am: Stony Brook University
11:30am: Salve Regina University
12:30pm: Wentworth Institute of Technology
SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Last Names A - D
rfydenkevez@northampton-k12.us
587-1349
Last Names E - K
Ms. Hidalgo
587-1352
Last Names L - R
Ms. Deam
587-1350
Last Names S - Z, ELL
Dr. Castro
587-1351
Guidance Admin. Assistant/Registrar
Ms. Sullivan
587-1353
LOOKING BACK
SENIOR CLASS MEETING - September 15th - Auditorium - 9:15a
Welcome back SENIORS!
There is a required Class of 2022 meeting with the NHS School Counseling Department on Wednesday, September 15th during first period in the NHS Auditorium. The Counselors will cover what to expect around the college application process (meeting with your counselor, letters of recommendation, and more) - attendance is mandatory.
The presentation will be shared ahead of time so we can provide more time for answers & questions instead of going through the presentation slide-by-slide. You will receive the link to the presentation by Tuesday evening. Within the presentation there will be a link for you to ask any questions that you would like answered during the assembly. Your name will be kept anonymous, so please do not hesitate to ask questions. If you are wondering about something, someone else might be as well!
We are looking forward to seeing you all on Wednesday, September 15th at 9:15!
What's Coming Up..
Sept. 21st: NHS Open House
Sept. 27th: Individual Senior Meetings Begin and continue through Sept - Oct
Sept. 29th: Senior Caregivers' Night (virtual)
Oct. 1st: FAFSA/CSS Profile/Applications Open to Families Online
College Reps and Military Visits: Ongoing - see below.
College Visits Next Week..
9:30 - Western New England
10:30 - Kenyon College
12:30 - Stonehill College
September 14th:
9:30 - Washington University of St. Louis
10:30 - Bentley University
11:30 - Merrimack University
12:30 - Skidmore College
September 15th:
9:30 - Elms College
10:30 - Simmons University
11:30 - AIC (American International College)
12:30 - Hamilton College
September 17th:
9:30 - Princeton University
11:30 - Union College
12:30 - Tulane University of Louisiana
1:30 - University of Rhode Island