FPHS Counseling Newsletter
Spring 2016
Greetings from Forest Park High School Counseling
The School Counseling Department has been very busy since our last newsletter. The school counselors have been busy meeting with students for next year schedules, having parent workshops, and planning upcoming programs. Here is a snapshot of some programs that we have been working on and some others to come in the coming months.
10th grade Parent Workshop
On February 1st, the school counseling department held a 10th grade Parent Workshop. At this Parent Workshop, the counselors presented parents with useful information about Forest Park High School, graduation requirements and additional tips for High School success. It was a well attended event. However, if for some reason you were unable to attend, below is a video of that day's presentation.
Forest Park High School
Scheduling for the 2016-2017 School Year
School Counselors met with all students (rising 9th grade to rising 12th grade) from the end of February to beginning of March to discuss with them their courses for the upcoming school year. All students will receive a listing of their course requests in April. If for some reason you would like to request a schedule change to any of the courses, the last day to submit any changes is June 17th. This is very important since the requests determine our staffing for the upcoming school year.
Important SAT Information
A reminder to all students who will be taking the SAT this Spring. The New Redesigned SAT will begin to be administered effective March 2016. Please keep in mind that you cannot combine scores from the Old SAT with the New SAT for your college applications. The cost of the test will also change. It will now be $54.50 (with essay) or $43.00 (without essay). Students who are eligible for free/reduced lunch would also be eligible for a fee waiver to take the test. Interested students should see Ms. Flores, in school counseling for more information. To register for the SAT, visit: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat?navid=gh-sat
Interesting Article about the College Admission Process
We would like to share an interesting article about the College Admission Process for you to check out at: http://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2016/03/17/advice-college-admissions-officers-give-their-own-kids/?_r=2&referer=http://m.facebook.com
Scholarships !!! - Free Money to pay for College $$$
Students stop by and visit our Career Center and check out the many scholarship opportunities that we have available. Remember that this is Free money that is going to help you pay for college next school year. Our scholarship bulletin, in addition to being sent by email, is also available online at: http://career-center.forestpark.groupfusion.net/modules/groups/homepagefiles/gwp/4035/86518/File/Scholarship%20Information%203-15-16.pdf?sessionid=be344ad93cbf23edb37a43a1861aaf30
9th grade student Conferences
Counselors will be meeting with 9th graders in HPE 9 during the week of March 29th. This is our second meeting for the school year. During the meetings, students will be working with the school counselors on Academic and Career Plans and will complete an academic and career planning assessment on Family Connection.
10th grade Student Conferences
Our 10th grade conferences were held during the week of February 2nd. At the meetings, counselors provided students with an explanation of their PSAT scores. Students were also provided with an opportunity to create a collegeboard account and Khan academy account to become familiar with the many resources available on these websites.
11th grade Student Conferences
All Counselors will be meeting with our 11th grade students during the week of April 11th. During these meetings, we will be discussing with the students a Senior Handbook that will introduce and guide them through the College Process and Post-Secondary Planning.
12th grade student conferences - Senior Surveys
During the week of April 25th, we will be meeting with all Seniors to have them complete our end of year Senior Survey. It is important that each Senior completes this survey with information about their Post-Secondary plans. In addition, students will also indicate where they would like to have their Final High School transcript sent to over the summer. Students will also indicate scholarship information on this survey.
Event Information
College Information Night
All 11th grade students and parents are invited to attend our Annual College Information Night on April 19th, 2016 in the Enclosed Cafeteria at 7:00 p,m. We will have a panel of College Admission Counselors who will present useful information as you begin the College Process. Below is a flyer with more information. Mark your calendars and we look forward to seeing everyone.
When?
Tuesday, Apr 19, 2016, 07:00 PM
Where?
Forest Park High School, Forest Park Drive, Woodbridge, VA, United States
Testing Information - SOL's are coming up in May
The end-of-year SOL exams will be May 16 through May 24. As you prepare for the SOL's, speak with your teachers, use the flex period to go to SOL remediation, stay afterschool, attend remediation sessions, and visit our school's testing website for additional resources at: http://forestparkhs.schools.pwcs.edu/modules/cms/pages.phtml?sessionid=88179a3ed1856cb42a85bfeedb3626e6&t=b9eed5e292c86c158a20ea4629839962&pageid=8816&sessionid=88179a3ed1856cb42a85bfeedb3626e6&t=b9eed5e292c86c158a20ea4629839962
Reminder to all Seniors: Bring in copies of your Scholarship Award Letters
Seniors if you have been awarded a scholarship from a College or Community Organization, please bring in a copy of this award letter to the school counseling office no later than May 10th, 2016. This information will be used to prepare for the Senior Scholarship Recognition Program on June 8, 2016. Any questions, please see Ms. Flores in School Counseling.
End of Year Award Programs & Recognition
Each year, the School Counseling Department recognizes students for their outstanding academic achievement and scholarship recognition. This year our End of Year Departmental Awards will be on May 26, 2016 and our Senior Scholarship Recognition awards will be on June 8, 2016. Students who will be recognized at either program will receive an invite to attend these wonderful programs.
Event Information
Graduation - Class of 2016
When?
Friday, Jun 10, 2016, 02:00 PM
Where?
George Mason University - EagleBank Arena, Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA, United States
Summer School 2016 Information
The Six-Week Summer School Program this year will be held at Forest Park High School. Summer School will run from Monday, June 27th, 2016 to Friday, August 5th, 2016 from 7:30 am to 12:40 pm; with July 4th being a Holiday. Registration begins March 1st and ends June 17th. For more information on summer school fee and registration forms, see your school counselor or visit: http://pwcs.osmap.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=144578
Virtual High School Summer School Information 2016
The dates for Virtual High School Summer School will be from June 27th to August 5th, 2016. Registration will begin April 12th and will conclude on June 24th. For more information on courses, cost, and the registration process, visit: http://virtualhigh.schools.pwcs.edu/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=94335&sessionid=a00355dd81de7fcf790b3c7ea9df4ad7&sessionid=a00355dd81de7fcf790b3c7ea9df4ad7
Forest Park High School Counseling Department
Mr. Smith - Director - smithss@pwcs.edu
Counselors:
A-CAS ... Mr. Basta - BastaJW@pwcs.edu
CAT-FUN ... Ms. Smith - smithtb@pwcs.edu
FUO-HAI ... Ms. Flores - floresjd@pwcs.edu
HAJ - LIU ... Ms. Young - youngRA@pwcs.edu
LIV-ORZ .... Ms. Phalan - phalanAM@pwcs.edu
OSA - SMH .... Ms. Neace - neaceEJ@pwcs.edu
SMI-Z .... Ms. Juba - JubaCM@pwcs.edu
(counselor assignment is based on student's last name)
Website: http://forestparkhs.schools.pwcs.edu/
Location: 15721 Forest Park Drive, Woodbridge, VA, United States
Phone: (703)583-3200