Poway High Counseling

Working Hard

Hello Titans! We hope you're staying safe, healthy and well. We see how hard teachers and students are working and we just want to say, keep up the great work! You focused on starting strong, now is the time to dig in and carry on. This is a great time to focus on organization and planning. Bring that positive attitude and use your good work ethic to attend all of your classes and complete and submit your assignments on time. This newsletter has information on college visits and application workshops, tips for distance learning and maintaining mental health, and much more.

College Application Workshops

Whichever college path may be in your future, we have a workshop to help you with the applications. Sign up for the workshops listed below here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084eafac22a3fa7-virtual2

Letter of Rec Workshop

If you need Letters of Rec, plan to attend this virtual workshop to go over the process and learn how to help your Counselors and teachers write the best letters for you.

October 8 - 2:30 pm

Letters of Recommendation

The Letters of Rec process has had some changes this year. You can find instructions on our website here: https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/HS/PHS/Counseling/Letters-of-Recommendation/Letters-of-Recommendation-Main

College Visits Are Happening Now!

Our college visits are open to all grades. You can find information on which colleges are doing Virtual College Visits on our calendar: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/r?cid=ZnFpcDdjajFuM2RqMWJxYjYxbWdpZ2tjdW9AZ3JvdXAuY2FsZW5kYXIuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbQ

To sign up to attend any of the virtual visits, visit our registration page:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084eafac22a3fa7-virtual2

Scholarship/Financial Aid Resources

Looking for scholarships? Our PHS website has lots of resources to check for scholarship opportunities. Our scholarship deadline log has new local scholarships and is updated as they become available. Generally, the local scholarship season is January – June so you won’t see as many opportunities right now. It’s still a good idea to regularly check scholarship websites for national scholarships and colleges for merit scholarships.

PHS Scholarship Deadline Log:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/17TxNnRx2Aoop3xG1GBqAN14AZVaWiijAuPxu3jEv8hA/edit

Scholarship Resources:

https://www.powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/HS/PHS/Counseling/Scholarships-Financial-Aid/Financial-Aid-Scholarship-Resources

FAFSA/DREAM ACT Resources

The FAFSA/DREAM ACT application opens on October 1st. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Federal Student Aid Assistance

StudentAid.gov/completefafsa - access to resources (FAFSA, worksheets, etc.)
StudentAidHelp.ed.gov - online assistance and contact information for the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC)
800-433-3243 (800-4FED-AID)

Social Media

What's New

You can complete the 2021-22 FAFSA form using the new mobile app - myStudentAid App. Download myStudentAid app for iOS or Android. For more info, click here.

Grade-by-Grade College Planning - Fall

Freshmen - Focus on keeping up your grades and getting involved with extracurriculars. Start thinking about which type of schools you might want to go to after high school and make sure you are taking the classes that will get you there.

Sophomores - Keep those grades up and start exploring careers that interest you. Narrow your college search focus by finding out which colleges are best to lead toward the careers that interest you. Familiarize yourself with college entrance requirements.

Juniors - First and foremost, focus on school. Junior year can be tough academically. Take the PSAT, and decide which college or career route you plan to take when you graduate. Make a list of colleges you are interested in and focus on what they require for college entrance. Start making plans to take the SAT/ACT if the schools you are looking at still want it.

Seniors - Attend application workshops and college visits to decide on the schools you will apply to. Make a list of application deadlines for the schools you're planning to apply to so that you don't miss out. When in doubt, submit early. If you need Letters of Recommendation, request them early (at least 3 weeks before they are due). Start looking at scholarship deadlines and apply as needed. Buckle down on your classes all the way to graduation.

Careers in Manufacturing & Engineering

Students and Parents, the San Diego & Imperial Counties Community Colleges invite you to a webinar highlighting the different careers in Manufacturing and Engineering. If you're interested in learning about careers in manufacturing and engineering fields. You may choose to attend ONE or MORE of the following webinars:

Wednesday, October 7th @ 2:00 PM
Wednesday, October 14th @ 2:00 PM
Wednesday, October 21st @ 2:00 PM
Wednesday, October 28th @ 2:00 PM

Pre-register here

Family Crisis Resources

If you are thinking about suicide and feeling alone or know someone in this situation, please do not feel like you are alone during these uncertain times.

-If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.

-If you are in crisis or experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is a 24/7 hotline that offers free and confidential support.

-If you are uncomfortable talking not the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.

Handling stress and anxiety

Write it down

Journaling what is going on in your head is a good way to get thoughts out and may make it easier to process how you are feeling.

Mindful minute

Although we're not in school right now, you can still practice your mindful minute at home by having a quiet space for one minute a day

Music

Music is a great way to help you calm down, amp you up, or help you study. Every song makes everyone feel something different. Listen to a playlist that makes you feel good!

Breathing

Use apps listed

Exercise

Go for walks with family to clear your head and get fresh air

Distance Learning Hacks

1. Designate a Space

To aid in focus and mindset, set aside a place at home that is specifically for your distance learning. It should be free from distractions like the television or video games. Keep the things you most need close by (pens, pencils, paper, textbooks, chargers, etc.). You don't have to spend a lot of money to come up with a great space for yourself. The dollar stores have a lot of organizational and school-related supplies. They frequently have posterboard, which you can use to make a cubby for yourself and post your schedule or a motivational quote or pictures. It's up to you!

2. Use Breaks to MOVE

Get up and stretch during breaks. Walk around your house. Use the restroom. Pretend you're rushing from the N building to the B building. Give yourself a break from the screen for as much of the 10 minutes as possible.

3. Stay Hydrated

When you're looking at a computer for large parts of the day, you tend to forget to drink water. Make sure to have a glass or bottle of water nearby. This can help prevent headaches when your screen time increases. (Just be careful not to spill on your electronic devices!)

4. Use a Calendar or Planner

Keep track of your assignments and schedule on a calendar or planner that you can see. The one on your phone is helpful, but a paper copy that you can see in your learning space can be a great visual cue, which can be very motivating.

5. Get Dressed

It's fun to wear pajamas, and some days you just need that. But, it can also help with motivation and focus if you dress as if you are actually going to the school campus. Your outfit can affect your mindset. If you're dressed to go to school, you are setting yourself up with the best chance to learn.

6. Treat Distance Learning Like it's Real School - Because it is!

Doing the things that you do to be successful on campus can help you keep a successful mindset at home. Use school supplies you would use at school, like backpacks, binders, or folders. Stay organized. Attend classes. Focus on your teachers. Do your homework. Participate in clubs or activities virtually.

7. Remember Your Community

Don't be afraid to reach out to staff or fellow students if you have questions or need to talk. Remember that you are not alone - we are all in this together!