PTHS Counseling Office Newsletter
March 2024
Inside this Issue:
1. Mental Health
2. Upperclassmen
3. Scholarship Updates
4. Underclassmen
5. Enrichment Opportunities
6. Upcoming Events
7. PTHS Counseling Office
Mental Health
Social Media & Mental Health
Today’s children and adolescents have grown up with a vast array of electronic devices at their fingertips. They can’t imagine a world without smartphones, tablets, and the internet.
While human beings are social creatures and we need the companionship of others to thrive in life, the way we might be gaining access to these social connections may be posing a serious risk to our mental health. In today’s world, many of us rely on social media platforms to find and connect with each other. While they do have their benefits, it is important to keep in mind that social media can never replace real-world human connection. In fact, spending too much time engaging with social media can make you feel lonelier and more isolated – and exacerbate mental health problems. If you are experiencing sadness, dissatisfaction, frustration, or loneliness and you are spending an excessive amount of time on social media – you might want to re-examine your online habits and find a healthier balance.
Social Media does have a lot of positive benefits like communicating with family and friends around the world, networking, raising awareness for important causes, self-expression, creativity, and discovery of valuable sources of information. Social media presents negative experiences like comparing ourselves to others, exacerbation of feelings of missing out (FOMO), distractions from school, family interactions, face-to-face interactions, sleep problems, worsening symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and isolation. Many studies have shown that cutting back can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, FOMO, depression, isolation, and help us maintain healthy sleep patterns. Check out these tips to help you be more mindful of your social media use and its effects on your life:
Reduce Time Online
- Use an app to track how much time you spend on social media each day.
- Do not bring your phone or tablet to bed.
- Limit the amount of time you check your social media sites.
- Try removing social media apps from your phone.
- Disable social media notifications to your phone.
Change your Focus
- Be an active participant instead of a passive scroller following others interactions. Engage in your own connections and communications with your family, friends, and organizations that you are connected with.
- If you find yourself using social media as a substitute for real life, turn off your phone and meet a friend for coffee, take a walk outside, or try a new hobby!
- If you find yourself feeling disappointed about your life or comparing yourself negatively to others on social media, reflect on what you have in life and what you are grateful for. Be mindful that social media is utilized to highlight the positive and ‘good’ things in other lives. We all experience heartache, self-doubt, and disappointment but they are not something we often share on social media or talk about with others.
Spend More time with Offline Friends
- Set time aside each week to interact offline with friends and family.
- Reach out to an old friend you have not seen in a while or connected with recently.
- Join a club or activity in the community to get involved or meet new people.
Tips for Parents:
- Monitor and limit your child’s social media use.
- Talk with your child about underlying issues and concerns they might be experiencing.
- Enforce social media breaks – ban phones around the dinner table to help engage conversation and connection during dinner time. Plan family activities that do not include the use of phones or other devices. A final tip is to insist phones are turned off before bed to help promote better sleep habits.
- Teach your child how social media is not an accurate reflection of people’s daily lives and feelings. People only post what they want others to see and often manipulate or carefully pose the images they select. Remind your children that filters help to hide imperfections.
- Encourage engagement in exercise and offline hobbies or interests.
(Adapted from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6214874/, https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Teens/Social-Media-and-Mental-Health, and https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm?scrlybrkr=4899d049)
Woebot
Woebot is a free App shared by our friends at Cranberry Psychological Services. It coaches users in recognizing how thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected to improve mood. Check out the informational video below.
24-25 Course Selection
Scheduling Portal Opens: February 28, 2024
Course Selection in the Portal Due: March 13, 2024
All Course Applications due by March 13, 2024
Western Area Applications due by March 13, 2024
*All course scheduling forms are available within the course description booklet and can be found in the High School Counseling Office.
Upperclassmen
Steps to Choosing a Postsecondary Pathway
Choosing your path after high school is all about the right fit. There are many choices available. Uncertain which future path to take? Ask yourself, what world's problems do you want to solve? This may help to point you in the direction of future studies, employment, or a military path. Not sure what to do? Explore resources in Naviance or schedule a time to meet with your School Counselor!
Where to find the right colleges?
There are options if college is the right path for you. Choosing a 2 year college can help you obtain your goals if you are looking for a career needing an Associate's Degree or if you are looking to save some money and transfer to a 4-year school. Utilizing SuperMatch in Naviance is a great place to help narrow down some choices. Factors to consider when deciding on the right fit is size, location, available majors, extracurricular activities, distance from home, student body makeup, housing options, and campus atmosphere. Anyone can visit campuses at anytime. Junior year is typically a good time to begin formal campus visits. Check out a school of interest's website or contact the admissions department for more information on scheduling a tour.
Check out the tools below to help you determine what school is the best fit for you!
Naviance SuperMatch Tool: Utilize the SuperMatch tool in Naviance. Enter various criteria such as location, size, and major of study to generate a list of schools to consider.
Corsava: c\Check out the free tool that you can use to sort and rate your preferences in a way that will help you figure out what you want (and don’t want) from your college experience!
Collegeexpress: Check out collegeexpress.com where you can search for specific schools related to your interests and priorities. You can type anything from “schools for the free spirit” to “great private colleges for the B student.” Whatever you are looking for, type it into the search bar and see what schools come up!
Unigo: Check out unigo.com for real students’ opinions on their schools. This will give you real, specific insight into the campus experience. Don’t just read one to two reviews, read a bunch of them! You will get the school vibe quickly through these reviews.
CampusReel: Check out campusreel.org for real virtual campus tours. Most of the virtual campus tours focus on what a campus looks like, but very few actually focus on what a campus feels like. The tours on campus reel are led by real, current students (typically in self-mode on their phone), and you get to hear them share more about what they love (and don’t love) about their college.
Skilled Trades
Not sure if a 4-year program is the right fit for you? Wondering what your options are? Have you considered a skilled trade? The US Workforce is struggling to fill a massive gap in the skilled trades industry. Here are a few tips on how to determine if a skilled trade is the right path for you:
- Research different trades – Research to gain an understanding of the different skills and tasks that are involved with various trades. This will help you determine which trades you might be interested in pursuing.
- Explore trade and technical schools - Visit trade and technical schools to learn more about the programs and opportunities available. This will give you a better understanding of what it's like to work in a specific trade and what kind of skills and experience you will need to be successful.
Talk to professionals in the field - Reach out to professionals in the trades you are interested in and ask them about their careers. This will give you an idea of what a career in a specific trade is like and whether it might be a good fit for you.
Consider your interests and skills - Consider your interests and skills and think about which trades might align with these. For example, if you enjoy working with your hands, you might be interested in a trade such as carpentry or welding.
Participate in hands-on activities - Participate in hands-on activities such as internships, job shadowing, or volunteer work, to gain experience in a specific trade. This will give you a better understanding of what it's like to work in a specific trade and help you to determine if it's the right path for you.
Consult with your counselor - Consult with your counselor! We can provide you with additional information and support as you explore your options and determine the right path for you.
Benefits to a Skilled Trade
Check out some of the benefits to pursuing a career in a skilled trade:
- Job security: many skilled trades offer great pay and benefits and many of these careers are in high demand.
- Hands-on experiences: Skilled trades offer hands-on experiences, which can be a valuable learning experience and can help you to develop practical skills.
- Opportunities for advancements: many skilled trades offer opportunities for advancement, allowing you to move up the ladder and take on more responsibility as you gain experience.
- Higher return on investment: pursuing a career in a skilled trade can be more affordable than traditional college and you can often start earning an income without incurring significant student debt.
Overall pursuing a career in a skilled trade can provide a range of benefits. It can be valuable for individuals who are looking for a challenging and fulfilling career. If you have any questions or think this could be a path for you, stop in to see your counselor!
Military
The military can be a the right choice for you if you are looking to serve our country and/or have assistance paying for college. There is active duty, reserves, and the National Guard. Those that choose active duty work full time for the military. The reserves provides training drills one weekend a month and two weeks per year. This allows for qualified personnel to be available for active duty when needed. This may be in times of war, in a national emergency, or as needed with national security. The reserves is available with all five military branches: army, navy, marines, air force, and coast guard. National Guard is a third option that consists of the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. The National Guard is controlled by the state but in times of war, the National Guard can become federalized and deployed. Like the reserves, the National Guard participates in training one weekend a month and two weeks a year. The National Guard assists in emergencies to assist communities with storms, floods, fires, and other disasters. Educational scholarships are provided with all forms of the military.
Want more information? Contact a local military recruiter listed below or contact your School Counselor.
Air Force
Staff Sergeant Bryce C. Green
Air National Guard
Staff Sergeant Alexandra Paes
Army
Staff Sergeant Felicia Mancias
felicia.e.mancias.mil@army.mil
Army National Guard
Staff Sergeant Chris Chadwick
christopher.m.chadwick10.mil@army.mil
Marines
Sergeant Jacob D. Aleman
Navy
CM2(SCW/EXW) John Borra
6 Things to Avoid when Applying for Scholarships
A student doesn’t necessarily need to meet certain income requirements, have the perfect GPA, or be an athlete to earn scholarship money. Funds can be awarded to students for a variety of reasons, including a student’s background, hobbies, state or city residency, musical talent, major, or academic interest.
With thousands of scholarships available online, the application process can be overwhelming. Students can approach the scholarship process like they do the college application process. Keep a system that outlines the requirements for each scholarship and what is required for submission. This way you do not miss a step or forget to complete an important piece of the application.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when applying for scholarships:
Missing deadlines: deadlines vary per scholarships, but most align with college admissions season. To avoid missing deadlines, students should write due dates on a calendar or in a planner. However, students do not have to stop once students step onto campus in their freshmen year. You can continue to apply for scholarships throughout college.
Be careful of scams: many scholarships are available online, but not all are legitimate. Students should look for red flags in a scholarship application, including requests for payment, personal information such as a social security number, or guaranteed money. Some websites are just data mining.
Do not ignore scholarship requirements: While it can be tempting to apply for every scholarship discovered, it’s important to pay attention to the requirements. If a student doesn’t fit within those parameters then it doesn’t make sense to apply.
Bypassing smaller scholarships: There is a tendency to focus on scholarships that provide a bigger payout. But don’t count out smaller local community scholarships. Though a student may win smaller one-time awards, that money adds up.
Leaving an application incomplete: Some scholarship applications are short while others require more time and attention. No matter how long the application is, experts advice students to leave no sections blank. Incomplete applications are not considered for award money. Another mistake is not responding to a request from a scholarships committee, which may be following up to set up an interview or clarify part of the application. Often, students do not respond back and unfortunately, may be viewed as a withdrawal of your application.
Making errors on an application: many scholarship applications require responses to short answers or essay questions. Grammar mistakes can reflect poorly on a student, so it’s important to proofread before submission.
Start by looking in Naviance through the local scholarships that are available. If you have questions or are not sure, check with your counselor!
Upcoming Scholarships
March
3/12: Beulah Frey Environmental Scholarship – $2,500
3/15: Italian-American Cultural & Heritage Society of Washington Co. – $3,000
3/18: The Black Association of South Hills (BASH) Scholarship Program – N/A
3/20: Western PA Trial Lawyers Association President's Scholarship – $2,000
3/30: James T. & Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation: College & University Scholarship – $10,000
- 15,000
3/30: James T. & Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation: 4-year Nursing Program Scholarship – $10,000 - $15,000
3/31: The Washington Financial Charitable Foundation Scholarship – $5,000
3/31: EQT Energize Your Education Scholarship Program – $10,000
April
4/1: Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA Scholarship Program – $1,500 or $1,000
4/1: Sophie M. & John F. Yoney Scholarship (The Pittsburgh Foundation) – Varies
4/1: Joseph "Murph" Irwin Memorial Scholarship Fund (The Pittsburgh Foundation) – $800
4/1: Tim McCaig Scholarship (The Pittsburgh Foundation) – $2,500
4/1: Giant Oaks Garden Club Scholarship – $1,500
4/1: Men’s College Scholarship (National) – $500 - $1,000
4/1: La Promesa Foundation Scholarship – $2,500
4/1: Carol L. Berthold Scholarship Fund For Dance (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: CAS/Dr. Kim Stacher Scholarship (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: Chapman Family Scholarship Fund (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: Curtis Wachter Scholarship (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: Dave Pew Memorial Scholarship Fund (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: Douglas T. Corwin, M.D. Memorial Scholarship Fund (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: John & Sophie Choratch Scholarship Fund (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: Joseph P. Femiani Memorial Scholarship Fund (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: McDonald Family Cookie Jar Scholarship Fund (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: Olivia Scott Scholarship (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: Ronald T. Miller, II Scholarship (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: Washington County Gay Straight Alliance Scholarship Fund (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: Washington Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Scholarship Fund (WCCF) – Varies
4/1: William & Sara Litle and Roy & Sara McCullough Scholarship Fund (WCCF) – Varies
4/4: Drs. Cartwright & Palmer Scholarship – $500
4/5: Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Washington Co. Scholarship – $1,000
4/12: Peters Township Basketball Association (PTBBA) Scholarships – $1,000
4/12: Washington Area FCU Scholarship – $1,500
4/15: Pittsburgh Italian Scholarship Fund – $4,000 (renewable)
4/23: Student-View Scholarship Program – $500 - $10,000
4/26: Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation Community Service Scholarship – $10,000
4/26: McMurray Rotary Club Scholarships – $3,000 or $2,500
4/26: Aaron C. Fayish Memorial Scholarship – $2,500
4/28: Peters Township Junior Football Association Scholarship – $1,000
4/30: Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship – $1,000
May
5/1: The Judge Ron Arnoni “Leadership-in-Action” Scholarship – $1,000
5/1: The Martha Washington Garden Club Scholarship – $1,000
5/2: James T. & Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation: Trade School Scholarship – $2,000 - $5,000
5/2: James T. & Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation: Certificate & 2-year Nursing Program Scholarship – $2,000 - $5,000
5/7: McMurray Art League College Scholarship – $500
5/15: The Patti & Walter Blenko Scholarship Fund for the Performing or Technical Arts – $4,000
June
6/30: Three Rivers Desk and Derrick Scholarship – $1,000
National Scholarship Links:
A Scholarship For Women Who Want To Be The Boss
Because College is Expensive Scholarship
Financial Need Scholarship: The Hadden Scholarship
AFA’s Teen Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship
Allegra Ford-Thomas Scholarship: For Students with Learning Disabilities
Class of 2025 Scholarship Opportunity!
The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 to be considered. The awarded scholarships range from $10,000 to $25,000 with more than 600 scholarships available. Applications can be found online at horatioalger.org/scholarships and must be completed by March 15, 2024.
Underclassmen
Academic Support & Tips
Try the SQ3R Method of Reading:
Survey: This step takes only a few minutes. Go through the chapter quickly. Glance at the chapter title, the introduction, headings, and summary paragraphs, if any. Notice any pictures, diagrams, graphs, tables, etc. Read any bold print.
Question: Before you begin reading a section, turn the heading into a question. This sparks your curiosity and increases your comprehension. It also recalls info you already know. The questions you ask help to make important points stand out as you read.
Read: Read with a purpose of getting the answer to your question. Read with concentration identifying the main ideas - highlight or underline them. Read sections at a time, stop to ask questions, jot down notes, and ask yourself what you just read. If you can answer your question, read on. If not, look it over again.
Recite: This step requires that you recite out loud the answer to the question you asked prior to reading a section of the text. Say it in your own words. If you find you cannot answer your question, go back and look for the answer, then try again.
Review: After you have read the entire chapter, look over the notes you made to familiarize yourself with the important information. Check your memory by quizzing yourself or have someone else quiz you.
SURVEY -- QUESTION -- READ -- RECITE -- REVIEW
How to Strengthen your Support Network
Individuals experience stress throughout their daily lives from various life obstacles and challenges. Support systems and social networks are important protective factors to help individuals cope with various life stressors and obstacles and are often the first line of defenses implemented. There are also times where we feel that we need to strengthen our support networks and meet new people to provide different perspectives into various scenarios. To build your support network, you first need to recognize the support that you already have in place and the strengths that you already possess in many situations. Once you have established these strengths, you can then utilize these following strategies to strengthen your support networks. Keep in mind that strengthening your support network doesn’t necessarily mean meeting new people - this can be something as simple as doing the things you enjoy or finding a new interest!
Cast a wide net: One size does not fit all and you may not have someone that you can confide in about everything - that’s okay! Maybe you have a friend at school to discuss problems at school or a neighbor to lend an ear when you are struggling with family difficulties. Look to different relationships for different kinds of support. However, remember to look for positive individuals that you can trust and count on - steer away from those that can make you feel worse or even have a negative outlook on positive situations.
Be proactive: Communication is a TWO WAY STREET. It is easy to expect for others to reach out to us when we are experiencing difficulties. However, others do not know what you are experiencing until you reach out to them. To get the most out of your social networks, you have to put in effort as well. Make time to see friends and family. Reach out to them in their times of need as well or just to simply say hello. If you are there for others, they will most likely be there for you in your times of need.
Follow your interests: Do you enjoy hiking, singing, playing a sport, or something else? Join a club, sign up for a class, volunteer somewhere, utilize new opportunities to meet new people who share the same interests that you do! Don’t get discouraged if you do not make friends overnight. Building a friendship and connections takes time and effort. Enjoy the experience as you get to know others over time.
Improve your social skills: If you feel awkward in social situations and just are not sure what to say, try asking simple questions about the other person. These can be simple questions like favorite activities, color, food, movie, song, band, etc. If they enjoy an activity that you have never heard of, talk with them more about it. How did they get into that activity? What is that activity like to participate in?
Seek out support: if you are dealing with a specific stressful situation, you may need support that goes beyond your current network. Seek out support from your school counselor, teacher, or trusted adult - they can help you find the resources you may need to get the level of support you are seeking. If you lack a strong support network, ask for help! There are many places to turn to besides a trusted adult like community centers, local libraries, your doctor, or your parents.
Adapted from: https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/manage-social-support
Enrichment Opportunities
Healthcare Careers Expo @ David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Friday, May 10th
Open to Students: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Open to Public: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Join us at the Healthcare Career Expo on Fri May 10, 2024 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center! This exciting event will give students an interactive opportunity to explore various healthcare career pathways and connect with industry professionals and training providers. Students will be able to discover the latest trends and job prospects in the healthcare field, including the many opportunities beyond the more front-facing and prominent occupations like doctors and nurses. All students grades 9-12 are welcome!
Sports Announcing & Sports Journalism Camp @ Waynesburg University
Have you thought about a career as a sports announcer or sports journalist? We can teach you the techniques to be successful!
Camp dates: June 10-14th, 2024.
Where: Waynesburg University
Hosted by Lanny Frattare, our camp offers the theories and the practical experience necessary to start a student on the road toward a career in either sports broadcasting or sports journalism.
In June, former voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates Lanny Frattare will host Waynesburg University’s Sports Announcing & Sports Journalism Camp. Its purpose is to allow students interested in those fields to learn the philosophies and techniques of the profession. Attendees receive practical experience in reporting sports, interviewing, doing play-by-play and more.
Current high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Isaiah Skeete, Associate Director of Admissions, at 724-852-3216 or isaiah.skeete@waynesburg.edu.
EQT Qrew Camp
EQT’s Qrew Camp is a two-day immersive experience for students to learn more about the natural gas industry. This camp for rising 9th, 10th & 11th grade students. EQT is offering two programs in July – one in Washington, PA and one in Williamsport, PA, which will mirror each other in their agenda in exposing students to potential career paths. More information is available at https://www.eqt.com/ as well as a QR link to the online application. Deadline for applications to this program is May 1.
Summer Leaders Experience at West Point
West Point's Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) develops Leaders of Character and are looking for high-achieving young people who are in great standing with their school and community, and who want to challenge themselves.
What is SLE?
- SLE is a one-week program for current Juniors (High School Class of 2025) to visit West Point in June.
- Students in this program get to spend the week with our cadets, live in the barracks, and eat in the mess hall.
- Learn about West Point’s world class academics by trying 5 of our 17 academic workshops.
- Learn about military training and becoming a Leader of Character at West Point by completing two military days to include rappelling, Zodiac boats, combatives (like Jiu-Jitsu) training and more!
- Challenge themselves physically by attempting the Candidate Fitness Assessment, conducting physical training, and sports.
- Complete their admissions interview with a cadet.
- Spend the week making friends with other students from all over the US who are applying to West Point.
Learn more about SLE- https://www.westpoint.edu/admissions/summer-program
Apply now- https://apply.westpoint.edu/portal/candidate
Penn DOT Internship and Summer Employment Opportunities
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting applications for its paid internship and summer employment program in PennDOT District 12.
Scientific and Technical Intern (STI) Position:
Students who are interested in areas such as information technology, geology, or any other scientific or technical related field. These students can be placed Construction, Design, or Maintenance Units.
Non-Engineering Internships – PennDOT (Government Service Intern):
For those specifically interested in being a part of the STAMPP program: your responsibilities will include conducting field surveys to assess the conditions of shoulders and guiderails. It is important to update the data accordingly. These surveys will be conducted while operating a state vehicle and driving on the shoulder of the roadway. You will be working in teams of two people. The goal is to complete surveys on approximately half of the District roadway network between May and August.
Summer Worker – PennDOT (College)
For those interested in working in a County Organization: You will assist in seasonal maintenance work performing laboring and flagging duties in maintenance organizations and at highway worksites.
For more information and to apply, please click on this link: Summer Employment Program - PennDOT (Non-Student) | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)
Upcoming Events
Additional Dates @ PTHS
March 9: SAT Exam @ PTHS
March 26th: End of 3rd grading period.
March 29th-April 8th: No School; Spring Break
April 13: ACT Exam @ PTHS
May 4: SAT Exam @ PTHS
May 6-17th: AP Exams @ PTHS
PTHS Counseling Office
Ms. Patton; pattona@pt-sd.org
Students with last names A-C
Mrs. Wolf; wolfc@pt-sd.org
Students with last names D-Hh
Ms. Simmons; simmonsa@pt-sd.org
Students with last names Hi-Mh
Mrs. Prinsen; prinsenh@pt-sd.org
Students with last names Mi-Se
Mr. Sudol; sudolj@pt-sd.org
Students with last names Sf-Z
Mrs. Steffen; steffenl@pt-sd.org
Dean of Counseling Services