OPHS School Counseling Newsletter
3rd Edition
About Us
Website: https://osbournparkhs.pwcs.edu/
Location: 8909 Euclid Ave. Manassas, VA 20111
Phone: (703) 365-6500
Twitter: @OphsCounseling
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Scheduling for 2019/2020 School Year. Counselors will start meeting with students in February to discuss course selections for the next school year.
Overcoming Test Anxiety
How to overcome test anxiety
We have asked a few experts and rounded up some great resources to help you permanently say good-bye to test anxiety.
- Be prepared: Your first step to overcoming test anxiety is to be prepared! You want to make sure you spend time studying, take good notes, ask questions when you don’t understand, and get help when you need it.
- Be confident: No matter how you have done on past tests or projects, today is a new day! Believe that you are able to succeed and do well on your test. Trust that you have prepared and you know the material as well as you can.
- Be alert: When it comes time to take the test, keep your head in the game. Read the directions and test questions carefully. Be mindful of the time, but don’t stress out over it. Take deep breaths when you start to feel anxious and remind yourself that you got this!
- Be strategic: Your best defense against test anxiety is to have a good strategy to get you through the tests. This great video by the team at CrashCourse is full of great strategies you can learn today and use the next time you start to feel test anxiety getting the best of you.
Governor's School Application is Live
How Can My Counselor Help Me?
How Can My Counselor Help Me?
Academically, Socially, Personally, Career/College
Add extra support as you set and reach goals
Serve as your advocate collaborating with teachers, administration, and parents
Key people when it comes to transitioning to college and career life after OP
What Can I Do If I Am Struggling In A Class?
- Ask your teacher questions in class.
- Meet with your teacher during office hours.
- Go for tutoring after school. OPHS offers free tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Talk to your counselor
- Have a parent/teacher conference
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship
Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program
The Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program (SEAP) and the Research Engineering Apprenticeship Program (REAP) are accepting applications for summer opportunities. Since each program has unique requirements, please ensure that you read the descriptions carefully so you will apply for the one that best suits you.
SEAP: https://www.usaeop.com/program/seap/
REAP: https://www.usaeop.com/program/reap/
Please note that no housing is provided so it is important to choose a location within close to you. We encourage students to apply at multiple locations for a greater chance of participation.
If you do not find a location nearby, the High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP) opens on January 2, 2019 – new universities will be available at that time. You can visit that site on January 2, 2019
Applications close on February 28, 2019. We encourage you to apply early.
Junior College Planning Timeline
Winter (December-February)
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Junior year grades will say a lot about your academic performance. Study hard!
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Scared you'll bomb the SAT or ACT? Make a test prep plan immediately to avoid such a disaster.
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Take your extracurricular activities to the next level.
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Millions of dollars in scholarships goes unclaimed every year. Get scholarships for college by starting your search.
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Refine your choices of colleges by comparing and contrasting schools and attending college fairs.
- Add an item to your checklist:
Spring (March-May)
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Take (and dominate) the SAT or ACT.
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Beat the letter of recommendation rush by asking your teachers before everyone else does.
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Get educated about admissions requirements.
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Contact prospective colleges to schedule interviews and visits.
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Construct a strong senior schedule and a stellar student portfolio.
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It'll be a big summer for college prep. Get involved and prepare for your college essay.
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Capitalize on some last minute tips to help you ace your AP tests in May.
- Add an item to your checklist:
Summer (June-August)
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Get that pesky AP summer reading out of the way and sign up for summer classes.
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Grab a summer job to expand your experiences and to earn money for college.
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Practice makes perfect: Begin working on your college application essay.
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Standardized testing season is coming again. Are you fully prepared?
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Develop a financial aid plan before the deadline stress rears its ugly head.
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Be your own campus explorer. Schedule your first round of college visits.
Graduation and Beyond Resource Guide
About This Guide:
Prince William County Public Schools is pleased to bring you this online resource guide to assist with planning for high school graduation and beyond. This guide will be updated throughout the school year to provide students and parents with valuable information about high school graduation, applying to and paying for college, career planning opportunities, and more. Please check back often to ensure that your student is prepared for life after high school.
SOL Review
School Counseling Staff
Ms. Pamela Gardner
Director
Mrs. Maureen Andrada
(A-Ca)
Ms. Suzanne Salvo
(Cb-Ga)
Mrs. Shronda Peake
(Gb-K)
Mrs. Keisha Mercer
(L-Or)
Mrs. Courtney Jaeger
(Os-Sa)
Ms. Erin Fondren
(Sb-Z)
Mrs. Melissa Bach
(Pre-Gov & Gov School)
Ms. Jennifer Nelson, Counseling Secretary NelsonJS@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Alicia Halter, Counseling Secretary HalterA@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Toni Gibson, Registrar GibsonTL@pwcs.edu
Ms. Marie Emery, Testing Coordinator EmeryMS@pwcs.edu
Ms. Christine Cortez, School Social Worker CortezCG@pwcs.edu
Mr. Stanley Urbaniak, School Psychologist UrbanIS@pwcs.edu
Ms. Crystal Mensah, New Horizons Therapist Mensahca@pwcs.edu
Ms. Heather Lantos, Transition Specialist LontosHA@pwcs.edu
Ms. Laura Inesta, Attendance Officer InestaLI@pwcs.edu
Contact Information:
Phone: (703) 365-6500
Fax: (703) 330-2170