PTHS Counseling Office Newsletter
November 2021
November Newsletter Topics
- First Quarter Reflection
- Self-Care during the Holidays
- Tip of the Month: Exercise
- College Application Next Steps
- Scholarship Opportunities
- Free SAT & ACT Practice
- Career Exploration
- PSAT Scores Released in December
- Children’s Grief Awareness Day
- Spreading Kindness
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Enrichment Opportunities
- Upcoming Dates
The First Quarter is Complete - Now What?
Self-Care During the Holidays
Ever felt rundown or fatigued during the holiday season? As we move into November and December, we may be socializing more, eating more, doing more, spending more, and of course – sleeping less. Self-care is very important during your everyday routine but during this time of the year your self-care is crucial. If you find yourself putting others before your own needs or just looking to take extra care of yourself over the next several months, try one of these simple ways to take a break and relax!
- Breathe: be mindful of how you are feeling. It is okay to take a moment to breathe in and breathe out. Sometimes all we need is to take a step back, breathe in deeply, and then handle the situation at hand.
- Establish a Morning Routine: when you are up and moving, the day can fly by and get away from us. You may only add five minutes at the beginning of your day to start but even that will help! Use this time to sit quietly, catch your favorite tv show, walk, meditate, or something that will help you relax and destress.
- Take a Walk - grab your coat and head outside. Take a walk around the neighborhood with the intention of noticing the magic. Take in the nature around you and the decorations that are out. Don’t focus on the calories that you burn or steps that you take. Enjoy the moment.
- Be intentional – it is very easy to get swept away during this time of year without enjoying the small moments and memories. Be intentional – make plans to see someone you haven’t seen in a while or talk with a family member over the phone.
- Be grateful - focus your attention on the things that you are grateful for that help contribute to making your life more positive and wonderful.
- Say goodbye to your guilt – The end of the year often brings guilt and regret for the goals that we set at the beginning of the year and what we didn’t get accomplished. Sit down and reflect on the small victories you have achieved this year, especially considering everything that 2021 has brought to us. Revisit your goals and see if they are still a priority to you. If they are, plan how you do better next year to achieve your goals and move forward. Celebrate the good and forgive what you cannot control!
- Disconnect – If you aren’t sure how social media and connectivity is affecting your life, think about the last conversation you had that was not interrupted by a phone. The holidays are times to gather and visit with family and friends that we might not see often. Enjoy spending this time with them – put away your phone and disconnect from the social world, it will be there tomorrow for you to connect with again.
(Adapted from: https://bemorewithless.com/take-care/)
Tip of the Month - Physical Exercise
Colleges Applications - Now What?
Breathe : You got this! And remember, the PTHS Counselors are here for you!
Keep your grades up: Colleges have every right to ask for your final semester grades, and you don't want your quarterly grades to reflect signs of senioritis. Sometimes admissions will review a mid year transcript to assist with an admissions decision. Sometimes, they are monitoring your work ethic after a decision. Study with peers, talk with your teachers, and don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Other Deadlines: If you are planning to apply to other schools that accept applications in December, January, or February - make sure you are mindful of when that deadline falls. Get your application completed and submitted by that deadline along with submission of supporting materials!
College application questions: Still working on college applications? You are not alone! Email your counselor with questions.
File your FAFSA (FREE Application for Federal Student Aid): A free application to determine financial aid eligibility. Though the national deadline is June 30th, many states and schools have earlier deadlines. This helps financial aid administrators better determine your award package so make sure your FAFSA is in before all your state and potential college choices’ deadlines. Some schools will not consider a student for merit scholarships unless the FAFSA was completed, regardless of financial outcome. It is recommended that the FAFSA be completed by December 1.
Work on scholarship applications: Check our scholarship database in Naviance for a list of local and regional scholarships. To access our database:
- Log in to your Naviance account
- Click on the “Colleges” tab at the top of your Naviance homepage
- Look for “Scholarships & Money,” and click on “Scholarship List”
- Click on “Local & Regional Scholarships”
Q1/Mid-Year Reports
If your college/university is requesting your Quarter 1 report card or requiring that your mid-year (semester) grades be sent, please fill out the following google form: Q1 Report Card & Mid-year Request Form. (Mid-year grades will not be ready until shortly after the end of the 1st semester in mid-January).
Unsure whether your college/university requires a Q1 report card or Mid-year grades? Check your college's website, your application or make an appointment to see your school counselor and they can help! Students using the Common App to apply to their schools can see which colleges require a mid-year report by looking in the "School Forms Required" section.
Scholarship Updates
Below are a list of scholarship deadlines. For more information or a more complete list, login to Naviance.
Naviance/Naviance Student --> Colleges tab --> Scholarships and Money --> Scholarship
List --> Local/Regional Scholarships
November:
Nov 7: Pearl Harbor Recognition Essay Contest
Nov 15 James Alan Cox Student Photography Scholarships
Nov 15: Scott Senft Scholarship Fund
Nov 19: United Way Student Ambassadors Program Student Volunteer Award
Nov 30: Generous Heart Scholarship
Nov 30: George Benson Scholarship Fund Nov 30: Western Pennsylvania Golf Association Scholarship
Nov 30: Western Pennsylvania Golf Association Scholarship
December:
Dec 31: OppU Achievers Scholarship
Dec 31: The "No Sweat" Scholarship
January:
Jan 31: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarship
February:
Feb 11: South Hills College Club
Feb 15: Good Orthodontics Smile Scholarship
Feb 15: Pennsylvania DAR Scholarship
Feb 15: National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame
Applying to Pitt Greensburg? Check out this amazing scholarship opportunity:
Pitt-Greensburg will award 3 full-tuition scholarships to freshmen students beginning their education in Fall 2022. This award will only cover tuition of up to 18 credits per semester (in-state rate) for up to 4 years if the student meets renewal criteria of 3.5 GPA each academic year. This prestigious scholarship has a value of over $50,000!
https://www.greensburg.pitt.edu/admissions/full-tuition-scholarship
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
High school seniors nationwide who demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship are invited to apply for the 2022 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program. This program annually provides college-bound students with $10,000 renewable scholarships - up to $40,000 total per recipient - and supports them as they lead and serve in college and beyond.
Applications for the 2022 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program will be accepted online until Jan. 6, 2022. Additional information, eligibility requirements, and a link to the application are available online. You may also follow us on Facebook and learn more about the Foundation's other programs for students and educators.
Attention Juniors!! Scholarship Opportunity
The scholarship application, along with additional information, can be accessed on the Coolidge Scholarship site: www.coolidgescholars.org.
Free SAT & ACT Test Practice
Want an opportunity to take a practice SAT or ACT exam? Taking practice tests under timed conditions prepares students to be ready for the official test. A proctored practice exam can help build testing endurance and give a real-time snapshot of his or her testing performance. Revolution Prep is offering a free SAT and ACT practice exam.
SAT Practice Exam
Dates: Saturday, November 13, 2021
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30PM EST
Where: Proctored Live Online by Revolution Prep
Cost: FREE
Register here: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/84053/
ACT Practice Exam
Dates: Saturday, November 20, 2021
Time: 9:00 AM - 12:30PM EST
Where: Proctored Live Online by Revolution Prep
Cost: FREE
Register here: https://www.revolutionprep.com/partners/84053/
Materials will be emailed to students 24 hours before the exam. Every exam comes with a free 30-minute score report review with a Revolution Prep testing expert to assess specific strengths and areas of improvement. Schedule your consultation to review the score report with a dedicated Revolution Prep team member, who will help you interpret the results and develop a customized plan to prepare for the official exam. You can pre-schedule this Score Report Review here: https://my.revolutionprep.com/s/midwest
If you have additional questions or want to learn more about Revolution Prep, you can reach out to a dedicated Revolution Prep team member, at (800) 993-7780 or by email at midwest@revolutionprep.com
Career Exploration
Log in to Naviance > Self Discovery > Career Cluster Finder
Career Calculator: Interested in how much someone in a specific career earns? Interested in learning about the job prospects within a specific field? Checkout the Career Calculator tool from the PA Chamber Foundation.
In-Demand Careers in PA: Interested in learning more about the in-demand careers in Pennsylvania? According to the Start the Conversation Here campaign, sponsored by the PA Chamber Foundation, these are 33 of the most in-demand careers in PA.
Pennsylvania Western University Merge
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), which oversees these universities, shared that each school will keep its current name and identity. The merge will allow each university to expand their academic opportunities for students. For example, a student at Cal can participate in an online course that is offered at Clarion. Ultimately, the universities will act as one even though they will each still maintain their individual campus names.
PSAT 8/9 & PSAT/NMSQT Scores Releasing in December
The PSAT 8/9 and PSAT/NMSQT scores will be available to students soon! Scores can be accessed by logging into student College Board accounts or through the email from College Board announcing availability of scores in December.
Did you know that the PSAT is on the same scale score as the SAT? It provides a predicted score of what a student would have received on the SAT if taken the same day. The score report provides student strengths and areas for improvement. The PSAT scores can be connected to Khan Academy for free targeted practice to improve SAT scores. Practicing on Khan Academy cannot only help increase SAT scores but also help you to be eligible for scholarships through the College Board Opportunity Scholarships.
CREATING A COLLEGE BOARD ACCOUNT
Step 1: Navigate to collegeboard.org
Step 2: Select the Sign In button in the upper right hand corner.
Step 3: Select create an account.
Step 5: Complete the General Information indicated. ** You must complete ALL information with the red ** next to it.
Few Helpful Tips:
- Class of 2025 - 9th Grade
- Class of 2024 - 10th Grade
- We encourage you to utilize your ptsdwebapps email address for your email.
- We encourage you to utilize the beginning of your webapps email address for your username.
- We encourage you to use the first initial of your first name, first initial of your last name, your student ID Number, and a special character.
- Please see an example below: (DO NOT USE THIS FOR YOUR ACCOUNT)
Email: 24rigglec@ptsdwebapps.com
Username: 24rigglec
Password: Cr224999650!
- Your Zip Code MUST match the city that you live in. For example, do not put Pittsburgh, PA with 15317 Zip Code. You will see an error message and have to complete it again.
Congratulations! You have now created a College Board Account.
Please make sure you WRITE DOWN your username and password somewhere safe. You will use this over the next 4 years. If you have any questions, please email your counselor!!
Children's Grief Awareness Day - November 18, 2021
Children who have experienced death of someone important to them feel like their struggles are invisible to those around them. Any child that is old enough to love it old enough to mourn. It is important for adults to recognize that children need advocates, support, and care during their difficult time.
Children's Grief Awareness Day began in 2008 by the Highmark Caring Place, with the desire on the part of students to bring attention to what their grieving classmates were coping with, for the most part, in silence. The initiative grew out of an ongoing partnership with the Caring place with hundreds of schools. Since then, this day brings awareness and education to people so they can learn ways to help a grieving child they might happen to know now, or in the future.
(Adapted from: https://www.childrensgriefawarenessday.org/cgad2/about/index.shtml).
How to Participate:
We ask that our students, families, and staff please join the PT Counseling Department in wearing the color Blue on November 18, 2021 to honor a loved one they might have lost and to show their support for Grief Awareness Day!
Children's Grief Awareness Day Activities
The Highmark Caring Place invites you to help shine a light of hope in this darkness through their Virtual Illuminating HOPE Campaign. It is a one of a kind gathering of virtual butterflies, each one a message of love, honor, and support. People from across the world create and contribute virtual butterflies. Butterflies can represent:
- Memory of loved ones who have died.
- Honoring a child or adult who is grieving.
- Supporting those grieving, children, adults, and families everywhere.
The butterflies are added to a special Butterfly Garden to help show children, adults, and families they are not alone - that they are cared for and supported in their grief.
Please visit the Illuminating HOPE website for more information and to complete your butterflies. HOPE.HighmarkCaringPlace.com
Additional Activities:
Virtual Event - 11/18/2021; this event will have activities, Author Readings, Special Grief Talk Webinar, Stories of Hope, Special Guest Speakers, Time of Remembrance, Revealing of the 2021 Illuminating Hope Mosaic Mural, and more! For more information on how to join, please go to: https://www.childrensgriefawarenessday.org/cgad2/participate/index.shtml
Highmark Caring Place
The death of a loved one is devastating to all, especially children. The impact can be overwhelming and the children and families often need support. The Highmark Caring Place is located in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Erie, and Warrendale. The Caring Place provides support through peer support programs, education, consultation, and referral services at no cost. For more information and resources available, check out their website!
Grief: When to Talk to Someone
Random Acts of Kindness
Volunteering: The Gift of Time
There are many volunteering opportunities to provide help and assistance to others. As we begin a new month and head into the holiday season remember how just one small act of kindness can change a person's whole outlook! Whether you go out to a local food bank, serve meals at a shelter, or bake a pie for a neighbor, volunteering your time with a kind act can go a long way.
Opportunities in the area for volunteering: https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/orgs.jsp?r=subregion&aff=&l=Washington+County%2C+PA%2C+USA
Washington Area Humane Society
To volunteer: complete the Volunteer Interest Form on their website (washingtonpashelter.org/volunteer). After submitting the form, you will receive an email containing available orientation dates to attend.
Washington City Mission
Some opportunities include: serving meals in the dining room, sorting items at the donation center, helping at the Center Food Pantry, assisting at the thrift stores, and so much more! For more information go to: https://www.citymission.org/ways-to-help/volunteer#section-individual-group
If interested, complete the volunteer application on their website. If you have any questions during sign-up or prior to volunteering, please contact Sheila Namy, Director of Volunteer Services, at (724) 705-7137 or email snamy@citymission.org.
Toys for Tots
To get involved contact via email or phone:
Email: washington.pa@toysfortots.org
Phone: 724-225-2087
Enrichment Opportunities
Virtual Connections Agenda:
Welcome from Chrissy Kramer, Community Relations Specialist, Range Resources
Women of Influence Activity with Dr. Stephanie Adam, California University, Associate Professor, Human Resource Management & MBA Program Coordinator
Dress for Success introduction with Tanya Vokes, CEO- Dress for Success Pittsburgh
Personal Branding with Liz Mims, Director of Client Services- Dress for Success Pittsburgh
Meditation & anxiety reducing exercise with Stephanie Romero, Executive Director of Awaken Pittsburgh
Introduction to Virtual Q&A sessions with Calynn Abdullah, Communications & Events Manager- Dress for Success Pittsburgh
Panel Discussions
Panel 1- STEM, Training and Support with Chrissy Kramer, Range Resources
- Dr. Amy Wright, Washington Health System
- Callie Fry, Operations Engineer, Range Resources
- Katherine Dobson, Director of IT Applications, Range Resources
- Tammy Manko, Director, Career and Professional Development Center, Academic Affairs, IUP
- Lavel Claytor, Founder and CEO, Lavel Claytor Projects with a Purpose
- Victoria Hassett, Manager- Emerging Enterprise Program, Pitt Innovation Institute
Panel 2- Business and Marketing with Kylie Fuller, Range Resources
- Brooke Gawlas, CRA Officer, Washington Financial
- Megan Chicone, Agent & Owner, State Farm
- Mindy Zatta, Private Wealth Advisor, Astyr Wealth
- Sheana Malyzska, Astyr Wealth, Client Experience Director
- Carole DeAngelo, Director of Advertising and Events, Observer-Reporter & Herald Standard
- Dara Bush, Associate Broker, Howard Hanna Real Estate
Panel 3- Creative, Entrepreneurship & Communications with Katie Unger-Chipps, Leadership Washington County
- Jessica McKelvey, DJ, MC, Event Hostess, DJ Jess
- Kait Schoeb, Paints by Kait, Owner/Artist
- Laural Ziemba, Director of Public Affairs, Range Resources
- Sara Schumacher, Executive Director, Washington Health System Foundation
- Emily Beitler, Community Relations Associate/Intern, Range Resources
- Lavel Claytor, Founder and CEO, Lavel Claytor Projects with a Purpose- discussion of FREE Microsoft Office training opportunity for participating students
Two sessions will be offered this school year.
Tuesday, November 9, 9:30-11 a.m.: REGISTRATION NOW OPEN HERE!
Tuesday, April 26, 9:30-11 a.m.
Engineering Career Exploration with RMU
November 10, 2021 6pm- 7pm. Robert Morris University invites high school students, school counselors, and teachers from local high schools for a virtual career exploration surrounding the field of Engineering and its invaluable place in today's modern day workforce. This is a great way to learn exactly what Engineering is, where engineers work, what they do, and why it matters. For more information or to register click here.
PA Governor's School for the Sciences at CMU Summer Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Education is pleased to announce that the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University is now accepting applications from talented high school juniors for the summer 2022 program. PGSS is an intensive, five-week summer residential program that emphasizes cooperative learning and hands-on laboratory research for high school juniors pursuing careers in science and mathematics.
With the support of Governor Tom Wolf, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Carnegie Mellon University and its alumni, the program offers an enrichment experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The goal of the program is to encourage Pennsylvania’s youth to pursue careers in STEM-related fields.
Accepted applicants will receive a full scholarship to the program. Costs are underwritten through matching funds provided by PGSS Campaign, Inc., the school’s alumni, Carnegie Mellon University, parents, and corporations.
Awarded scholarships will cover the costs of housing, meals, and all instructional materials. Families are responsible for transportation to and from the university, personal items, and spending money. Students must commit to living on campus at Carnegie Mellon University throughout the duration of the program.
Details – Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences
When:
June 26, 2022 - July 30, 2022
Where:
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Who May Apply:
The program is open to high school juniors at time of application who attend a public, nonpublic, or private school or are homeschooled.
Deadline to Apply:
Completed applications must be emailed per instructions on the website http://sciences.pa-gov-schools.org no later than January 31, 2022. Applications emailed after this date and time will be disqualified.
For additional information about the program and to complete an application, visit http://sciences.pa-gov-schools.org.
United Way of Washington County Student Ambassadors
Looking for a way to get involved in the community? Consider applying as a United Way of Washington County Student Ambassador! Seniors who attend any high school in our service area are invited to participate in our Student Ambassadors Program. Create a project that exemplifies the mission of the United Way of Washington County which is to unite people, provide resources, and improve lives in Washington County. All projects must tie back into the United Way of Washington County vision of a community where everyone achieves their human potential through education, financial stability, and healthy lives.
- Applications due Friday, November 19, 2021: Interested high school seniors are required to turn in their initial applications online via the United Way of Washington County website (link below). Applications should identify their projects ideas and goals.
- Participation in the Student Ambassadors Program not only gives a high school senior the chance to express their ability of leadership, passion, and service by creating projects that will impact their community, but they will also become eligible to receive the annual M. Kathleen Ramsey Student Volunteer of the Year Award.
Applications can be found on the United Way of Washington County website at https://www.unitedwaywashco.org/student-ambassadors-program. Applications can be submitted online, emailed to office@unitedwaywashco.org, or mailed to the United Way of Washington County, 70 East Beau Street, Suite 400, Washington, PA 15301. For further information or If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact office@unitedwaywashco.org.
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week - PFEW Summer Program
Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is an intensive program that educates high school students about the American free enterprise system. Bringing motivated students together with business people from throughout the state. This unique concept in learning has enhanced the lives of nearly 50,000 young adults for more than forty years.
During PFEW, participants not only learn to appreciate our free enterprise system, but they also see from a practitioner's perspective what it takes to be successful in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Student companies simulate the actual operation of their own business for the equivalent of three years. Facing all of the decisions that real executives are confronted by, the student companies are mentored by dedicated business volunteers who serve as Company Advisors. Sharing their knowledge and expertise, Company Advisors address the most significant issues facing business today in straightforward, informal discussions with students.
Visit the PFEW website for more information or to apply!
American Math Exam
The American Math Exam will be given on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 8:00 am! Any student is eligible to take the exam, but current Algebra II students & above are targeted. The exam is free, entirely voluntary, and will last approximately 75 minutes. Students with qualifying scores are eligible to move onto the next level of the test; with the grand prize being a chance to participate as a member of the American team of the International Math Olympiad.
Participating students are responsible to make-up any missed work as a result of participation, but absence from periods missed will be excused. Anyone who would like to sign up can do so by e-mailing Mrs. Prinsen at prinsenh@pt-sd.org.
Should you sign up and decide against participating later, please simply let Mrs. Prinsen know via e-mail to remove your name from the list. Questions should also be directed to Mrs. Prinsen in the counseling office. Resources for preparation & more information necessary to set up a virtual account before competition time are linked on our webpage as is the parent letter containing additional information directly from the MAA national organization.
Upcoming Dates
November 6 @ PTHS: SAT
November 8 @ 11:59pm: AP Exam Registration ClosesNovember 10 @ PTHS: American Math Exam
November 13: World Kindness Day
November 13: Free SAT Practice (see above)
November 18: Children's Grief Awareness Day: Wear blue in memory of a loved one lost or in support of others who grieve the loss of a loved one.
November 20: Free ACT Practice (see above)
November 24-26th: Thanksgiving Break
November 26: Random Acts of Kindness Friday
December 23-31st: Winter Break
January 10-13th: Keystone Winter Wave
January 13th: End of 2nd Quarter Grading Period
PT Counseling Office Team
Ms. Alyssa Patton; pattona@pt-sd.org
Class of 2021-2023: A-Di
Class of 2024 and Beyond: A-C
Mrs. Courtney Wolf; wolfc@pt-sd.org
Class of 2021-2023: Dj-Kl
Class of 2024 and Beyond: D-Hh
Ms. Alyssa Simmons; simmonsa@pt-sd.org
Class of 2021-2023: Km-M
Class of 2024 and Beyond: Hi-Mh
Mrs. Heather Prinsen; prinsenh@pt-sd.org
Class of 2021-2023: N-Sk
Class of 2024 and Beyond: Mi-Se
Mr. Jeff Sudol; sudolj@pt-sd.org
Class of 2021-2023: Sl-Z
Class of 2024 and Beyond: Sf-Z
Mrs. Leyna Steffen; steffenl@pt-sd.org
Dean of College and Career Readiness