Wellness Wednesday
Resources and Information from WHS Counselors
Hi there!
First. How are you? What have you done today to take care of yourself? Are you following WHS Guidance on Instagram (@whsguidance50)? ;-)
The counselors at WHS - guidance counselors, school adjustment counselors, social workers, and school psychologist - are hoping to share some weekly resources with you. They'll be quick (we know you are getting TONS of emails) - with a couple of resources and a couple of answers to questions that you have asked. There will always be an optional feedback form included that you can use to ask questions that we'll try to answer the following week, to provide suggestions for resources, or to ask for one of us to give you a call if you want to chat.
We miss seeing you in our offices and look forward to hearing from you!
Really.
We're all in this together.
Remember to check your email...
Take Care of YOU.
-Get outside. It's important to practice social distancing, but fresh air and some exercise are a good way to take care of yourself.
-Try an online workout like Yoga.
-Ask yourself these 5 questions every day: What am I grateful for today? Who am I checking in on or connecting with today? How am I getting outside today? How am I moving my body today? What beauty am I creating, cultivating, or inviting today?
-Try to develop some routine in your day. Get up, shower, change your clothes, eat a good meal, exercise, do your homework, connect with a friend or family member virtually...Check out these sample schedules. This site has lots of other helpful tools, too, and is a collaboration from lots of districts in Massachusetts, including Watertown!
-Try apps that help with mindfulness, meditation, and stress reduction like Calm, Happify, LiquidMind, Headspace, and Stop, Breathe, and Think.
-Reach out to WHS counselors. We're here to chat with you. Email us or complete the Google check-in form and we'll reach out.
-Listen to music...like this cool video recording of the song Lean On Me, played by people around the world!
Your Questions Answered. As Best We Can.
Will classes be online?
Your teachers will be providing you more details about the structure of classes for the coming weeks. Check your email!
I haven't had my junior meeting yet. How can I do that?
Your guidance counselors are working to set up virtual office hours and virtual meetings. Email your counselor to get things rolling.
What's happening with AP exams?
AP exams will be done online this year. Each exam will be 45 minutes. We will learn more details about this on Friday, April 3 and AP teachers will be sharing information with students. There will be no unused exam fee this year, so students are able to cancel without a financial penalty. Students who still need to pay the remaining balance will be contacted by Mrs. Tracy.
What's the deal with SAT tests in May?
The SAT test in May has been canceled. If you are thinking about taking the SATs/ACTs, it is recommended that you sign up for a future test date - the sooner the better as those slots may fill up faster. Many colleges are still considering how they will address the SAT/ACT next year. Some have clear policies and some are still working them out. For example, Boston University will go test-optional for students applying for the Fall of 2021.
When will course selection start?
Your teachers have been entering course recommendations, so you should ask them now if you have questions about core courses. We are working on a way for you to select your electives and "meet" with your guidance counselor. More details soon. In the meantime, revisit the electives descriptions for next year and check out your grade's course selection worksheet (current 9th grade; current 10th grade; current 11th grade). Be thinking about what you'd like to take.
How will grading work?
We will have more information on this soon. Be sure you are doing your work, though!
Future Planning Resources
Seniors: Be sure to check your email for updates about the scholarship booklet from Mrs. Tracy. She'll be offering some online help sessions soon if you have questions. Don't forget there are other scholarships, too. Check the Scholarship and Special Opportunities Hub for others.
Mr. Vitti has been organizing a bunch of great virtual chats. Check your email frequently for these - last week he hosted 4 Admissions Officers who provided great tips and information for students.
Collegewise is offering some free webinars about college admissions. They are also curating information from a variety of sources and posting it on their website.
10th, 11th, and 12th graders...Remember Naviance? Try the career interest profiler or the career cluster tool to explore different types of careers and learn what skills you might need in order to be successful. It will also give you a list of recommended high school courses related to the career/college major.
9th graders...we haven't introduced you to Naviance yet, but you can have some fun exploring careers on the MA-CIS website. You don’t need an account for this - just click on “Massachusetts Resident”, enter your zip code, and you’re off! You can work on creating a resume, explore careers, or try the Reality Check activity to learn more about how much money you will need to attain the lifestyle you desire. View occupations that pay enough to support your ideal lifestyle (this can be found under “Learn About Myself”).