Guidance Newsletter
November 2021
SENIORS & COLLEGE APPLICATIONS
Once report cards are distributed on 11/18/21 seniors are encouraged to apply to their colleges. Colleges with regular admission deadlines want to see 1st quarter grades, so once grades post it is a great time to apply, no need to wait until the deadline and be the last to apply!
Seniors should continue to check their Guidance Google Classroom for important updates and information. We continue to post important information and updates for seniors on their Google Classroom. Recently, this helpful Common Application Tutorial was posted.
POST-SECONDARY OPTIONS
Interested in a trade school, joining a union, or taking a gap year? Listed below are some helpful websites/resources!
- Massachusetts Building Trades Council - Learn about local unions & apprenticeships.
- FindMyTradeSchool.com - provides access to vocational education for those interested in starting new jobs, or gaining additional skills in their current ones.
- Post-Secondary Options - For a list of non-4 year college options including certificate & associate degree programs view this helpful Google Document.
- Gap Year Association - Learn what a gap year is if it is right for you, and available programs.
Virtual College Fair
This college fair will allow students and families to:
- Watch videos and download materials helpful for your decision-making process
- Ask questions!
- No matter where you are in the college search process, you can learn more about your options here!
- Students do not have to be a senior to attend!!
ALL THINGS FINANCIAL AID!
The FAFSA and CSS Profile both became available on October 1st. There are plenty of resources that provide help, and they’re all free!
- MEFA's Understanding the FAFSA webinar for families walks through the application page by page and includes general tips and helpful resources
- FAFSA Day Massachusetts is offering virtual events from November to February that allow families to meet with a financial aid expert and get FAFSA help
- MEFA's family webinar, What to Know about the About the CSS Profile, gives guidance specific to the application required by roughly 270 colleges and universities
- Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool explains what to know about this key component within the FAFSA
- Reporting Income on Financial Aid Applications and Defining Assets on Financial Aid Applications help students and families answer questions on their applications accurately
Out-of-State Tuition Discount
AP EXAM INFORMATION
All students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses will be taking the corresponding AP Exams in May 2022. Please note: according to PHS school policy, every student enrolled in an AP course MUST take the exam regardless of his/her current grade in the class or future college’s AP credit policies. The exams will be given during the first and second weeks in May at Pembroke High School. Registration forms have been mailed home, please return the form and payment no later than Friday, November 5th, 2021. The cost of each AP exam is $96.00. If you receive free or reduced lunch, or you are in need of financial assistance and need to set up a payment plan, please contact Robin Conathan in the guidance office.
Reminder: Any student who withdraws from an AP course after November 15th, will be charged a $40 exam cancellation fee per College Board. Any student who does not sit for the AP Exam in May will also be charged a $40 unused exam fee and the AP course designation on his/her transcript will be forfeited and changed to Honors.
PSAT INFORMATION
COMMUNITY SERVICE!
WORK PERMITS!
- Obtain a job offer from an employer.
- Ask the employer to complete the "Promise of Employment" section of the Employment Permit Application.
- Any student that is 14 or 15 years old must have their physician complete the "Physician's Certificate of Health" section of the Employment Application.
- The student's parent/guardian must sign/date the Employment Permit Application.
- Once steps 1-5 are completed the student should bring the Employment Permit Application to the Guidance Secretary, Janice Webb (preferably in the morning to allow time for completion.)
- Bring the signed Employment Permit Application back to the employer.
ASVAB TESTING!
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES!
- 11/1 - (First) Early action deadline
- 11/6 - SAT testing date
- 11/7 - NEACAC Virtual College Fair
- 11/10 - 1st quarter grades close
- 11/14 - FAFSA Day Session
- 11/15 - (Second) Early action deadline
- 11/18 - Report cards distributed
- 12/1 - (Third) Early action deadline
- 12/4 - SAT testing date (registration deadline 11/4)
- 12/6 - ASVAB Career Exploration Program Exam
- 12/11 - ACT testing date (registration deadline: 11/5)
PHS Guidance Staff
Kerran.goff@pembrokek12.org
781-293-4023 ext. 2121
Grade 9: P-Z / Grade 10: N-Z / Grade 11: O-Z Grade / 12: N-Z
Robin Conathan
Robin.conathan@pembrokek12.org
781-293-4023 ext. 2122
Grade 9: A-F / Grade 10: A-Gi / Grade 11: A-F / Grade 12: A-Gr
James Shannon
James.shannon@pembrokek12.org
781-293-4023 ext. 2177
Grade 9: G-O / Grade 10: GL-M / Grade 11: G-N / Grade 12: Gu-M
Janice Webb, Secretary
Janice.webb@pembrokek12.org
781-293-9281 X2115
Website: https://www.pembrokek12.org/Page/3109
Location: 80 Learning Lane, Pembroke, MA, USA
Phone: 781-293-4023