School Counseling Corner
February 2016
NEWS
Scheduling for Next Year has Begun!
Attention Juniors
Applications for this competitive program are available in School Counseling Services. The application deadline is March 4, 2016.
Boys and Girls State
Any Junior boys or girls that are interested in attending BOYS and GIRLS STATE, which is sponsored by the American Legion, please see Mrs. Boszko by February 19, 2016. Students must be in good academic standing and able to work in a large group setting. Availability is limited and interviews are usually required. The free event will take place June 19 thru June 24, 2016. Boys State is held at Rider University and Girls State is held at Georgian Court University. For more information please visit the following websites:
Girls State www.jerseygirlsstate.freehosting.net/
Boys State www.aljbs.org/info/
Opportunities at Rutgers University
New Pre-Engineering Summer Academy for High Schoolers
Rutgers University–New Brunswick will host a summer academy from July 31 to August 6 for students 16 to 18 who are interested in exploring engineering as a career. Living on campus, students will be introduced to aerospace, biomedical, civil, computer, electrical, forensic, and mechanical engineering through discussions with professors, case studies, campus tours, lectures, and demonstrations. An online information session will be held on January 29 from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Learn more and register for the information session here.
Pre-College Students Can Apply to Take College Courses as Summer Scholars
Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Summer Scholars Program, an opportunity for motivated students to prepare for college and earn credits that may be applied toward their undergraduate degree. Students 16 or older with a minimum cumulative 3.0 grade-point average may apply to take up to two college courses. Younger students will be considered on a case-by-case basis and will also require standardized test scores and an interview. An information session for the program will be held February 16 at the College Avenue Student Center, Rutgers University–New Brunswick. Learn more and apply here.
NCAA Eligibility Information
UPCOMING EVENTS
Spotswood High School College & Career Fair
Where: Spotswood High School Gymnasium
Visit with representatives from colleges, universities, and technical schools from across the country. Open to the public and admission is free.
Spring College Open Houses
Spring College Open House Lists for NJ, PA, DC, DE, MD, NY & VA have been updated:
New Jersey College Open Houses link: http://njsca.org/college-open-houses
Pennsylvania College Open Houses link: http://njsca.org/pa-open-houses
Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New York and Virginia College Open Houses link:
DID YOU KNOW?
Free and personalized prep for the SAT is available through Khan Academy. Visit khanacademy.org for more information.
TESTING
PSAT
SAT
ACT
CLUB HIGHLIGHT
Lead For Diversity
LFD meets Mondays at 2:30. For more information or to join, please see Mrs. Van Doren.
ALUMNI UPDATE
Jack Kraszewski
High School Year of Graduation: 2015
University Attended: Stevens Institute of Technology
Academic Major: Computer Science
Jack is currently a freshman as Stevens Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. He credits the classes he took in high school as preparing him for college. His advice for current SHS students is to study, learn how to get organized, and plan ahead.
SCHOLARSHIP HIGHLIGHT
Varsity Brands is in search of America’s Most Spirited High School
School Spirit award opportunities are now open by Varsity Brands. Schools, school groups, and individuals who demonstrate school spirit are encouraged to apply. Application details are available on the Varsity Brands School Spirit Awards website: varsitybrands.com
Submissions are open February 8 – March 1, 2016
Create-A-Greeting-Card Scholarship Contest
For official rules and to enter the contest, please follow this link.
Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leadership Scholarship
The Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leadership Scholarship opportunity is available for Juniors and Seniors that reside in Helmetta.
Please follow this link for an application form. The submission deadline to the Mayor of Helmetta is March 10, 2016.
COUNSELING TIPS FOR MANAGING THE CHANGING SCHOOL YEAR
February's Tips
For even more information on how to help your teen with stress, please follow this link.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TIPS
Centenary College: Jennilee Joost
What tips would would you have for current juniors to get a jump on the college application process?
While your grades in high school are important, colleges also look at what you do outside the classroom. They like to see that you are involved in sports, student government, and community activities, and that you take on leadership roles when available.
Parents should encourage their children to build their resume by taking college prep classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and volunteering at programs outside of school.