PT Counseling Office Newsletter
November 2022
Inside this Issue
Self Care During the Holiday Season
Class of 2023: I've Submitted my College Apps - Now What?
- Q1/Mid-Year Reports
Scholarships
- What is the FAFSA & Where to Start
- After your FAFSA - What Happens Next?
Class of 2024 - Junior Junction
Class of 2025 - Sophomore Square
Class of 2026 - Freshmen Focus
AP Exam Registration
Enrichment Opportunities
Upcoming Events
Counseling Office Spotlight
PT Counseling Department
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, and face-to-face interactions, sleep problems, worsening symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and often, 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)
Self Care During the Holiday Season
Ever felt rundown or fatigued during the holiday season? As we move into November and December, we may be socializing more, eating more, doing more, spending more, and of course – sleeping less. Self-care is very important during your everyday routine but during this time of the year your self-care is crucial. If you find yourself putting others before your own needs or just looking to take extra care of yourself over the next several months, try one of these simple ways to take a break and relax!
- Breathe: - be mindful of how you are feeling. It is okay to take a moment to breathe in and breathe out. Sometimes all we need is to take a step back, breathe in deeply, and then handle the situation at hand.
- Establish a Morning Routine - when you are up and moving, the day can fly by and get away from us. You may only add five minutes at the beginning of your day to start but even that will help! Use this time to sit quietly, catch your favorite tv show, walk, meditate, or something that will help you relax and destress.
- Take a Walk - grab your coat and head outside. Take a walk around the neighborhood with the intention of noticing the magic. Take in the nature around you and the decorations that are out. Don’t focus on the calories that you burn or steps that you take. Enjoy the moment.
- Be intentional – it is very easy to get swept away during this time of year without enjoying the small moments and memories. Be intentional – make plans to see someone you haven’t seen in a while or talk with a family member over the phone.
- Be grateful - focus your attention on the things that you are grateful for that help contribute to making your life more positive and wonderful.
- Say goodbye to your guilt – The end of the year often brings guilt and regret for the goals that we set at the beginning of the year and what we didn’t get accomplished. Sit down and reflect on the small victories you have achieved this year, especially considering everything that 2022 has brought to us. Revisit your goals and see if they are still a priority to you. If they are, plan how you do better next year to achieve your goals and move forward. Celebrate the good and forgive what you cannot control!
- Disconnect – If you aren’t sure how social media and connectivity is affecting your life, think about the last conversation you had that was not interrupted by a phone. The holidays are times to gather and visit with family and friends that we might not see often. Enjoy spending this time with them – put away your phone and disconnect from the social world, it will be there tomorrow for you to connect with again.
(Adapted from: https://bemorewithless.com/take-care/)
Class of 2023: I've Submitted my Application - Now What?
The past few months have been a whirlwind of writing, editing, and putting the final touches on your college applications for the Early Action, November 1st deadline. While this can feel like a satisfying achievement, you are probably wondering what comes next while you wait to hear from the admissions office about their decision. Here are a few tips on what to do next and make the most of your senior year!
Breathe: Take a moment to breathe! The big part is done and now the waiting game begins. We know this time can be stressful and anxiety provoking but do your best to rest, relax, and breathe. Be confident in the time and energy you have put into the application process, your grades, your essays and trust the process. Focus on making the most of the rest of your senior year - go to events, hang out with your friends and family. The decision will come!
Keep a look out for mail: keep a close eye on your inbox and mailbox for any correspondence from schools. Believe it or not, some schools still utilize the snail mail to communicate through postcards, letters, etc. if they need any additional pieces, they might need from you for your application. However, some of them will utilize email or their online platform and application portals to get in touch with their future students. Keep an eye out so that you do not miss any important information!
Stay in the loop: The research piece does not end once you hit submit on your applications! Continue to learn more information about each of the schools that you have applied to, so that you can make an informed decision on which school will be the best fit for you to attend. If you feel another visit would be beneficial for you, schedule another tour! Follow the schools on social media so that you can see any upcoming events and day-to-day news surrounding the campuses and what they have to offer.
Follow up on Financial Aid: Complete and/or review your FAFSA application so that you can review your Student Aid Report (SAR). Make sure all of the information is accurate and that all of the schools you applied to are listed. Start looking at the local scholarship applications and what is necessary to complete those applications. Familiarize yourself with the scholarship deadlines!
Stay on top of Deadlines: If you are planning to apply to other schools that accept applications in December, January, or February – make sure are mindful of when the deadline falls. Get your application and supporting materials submitted in time!
Avoid Senioritis: as you receive acceptance letters, you might feel tempted to take a back seat on academics and your extracurricular activities. Keeping your grades up is essential! Each school can request a Q1 or Mid-Year report from students to see that they are maintaining their academic standing throughout their senior year.
Keep Tabs on your Social Media Accounts: Admissions officers can view a student’s profile or feed while reviewing their application and after they have extended an acceptance letter. Colleges and universities can take back their acceptance if they see a student posting or acting inappropriately through their social media posts. It is important for students to maintain best practices on ALL social media accounts – you never know when or how a questionable or inappropriate picture, comment, etc. will come back to haunt you in the future!
(Adapted From: https://www.ivywise.com/blog/what-to-do-after-submitting-your-college-applications/ and https://oflschools.org/blog/5-things-to-do-after-applying-to-college/)
Q1 & Mid-Year Grades Request Form
If your college/university is requesting your Quarter 1 report card or requiring that your mid-year (semester) grades be sent, please fill out the following google form: Q1 Report Card & Mid-year Request Form. (Mid-year grades will not be ready until shortly after the end of the 1st semester in mid-January).
Unsure whether your college/university requires a Q1 report card or Mid-year grades? Check your college's website, your application or make an appointment to see your school counselor and they can help! Students using the Common App to apply to their schools can see which colleges require a mid-year report by looking in the "School Forms Required" section.
Scholarships
Remember, you can find these scholarships in our Naviance database!
November
11/18: M. Kathleen Ramsey Student Volunteer of the Year Award - $500
11/21: DAR Good Citizens Program Scholarship Contest - Varies
11/30: George Benson Scholarship Fund - $8,000 (2,000 per year)
December
12/31: The "No Sweat" Scholarship - $2,500
February
2/1: PACAC Scholarship *application opens Nov. 15 - $1,500
2/10: South Hills College Club - $2,000
2/16: Good Orthodontics Smile Scholarship - $1,000
2/28: PSECU Scholarship - $8,000
March
3/1: Ross F. DiMarco Scholarship - $1,000
3/1: Lions Young Ambassador of the 21st Century Award - $500
3/1: The Foundation 649 Scholarship - $4,000
3/3: Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA Scholarship Program - $1,500
Ongoing
Citizens Scholarship (National, monthly drawings) - $2,500
PA American Legion Scholarship Program (Multiple Scholarships) - Varies
ROTC Minuteman Scholarship - Varies
The Win Mortimer Trust (National)
Want more?
Check out some of these national scholarships with upcoming deadlines:
https://studentscholarships.org/scholarships.php.
Also, don't forget to checkout the scholarship page typically found on the financial aid page of the schools you are applying to. Some may have additional scholarship opportunities for you to apply to.
What is the FAFSA & Where to Start
After the FAFSA - What Happens Next?
Financial Aid 101
Virtual Financial Aid Presentation Video: Financial Aid 101 Kiski Area High School
Above is a youtube video of the same presentation provided by Jonathan Warner, PHEAA Higher Education Access Partner sponsored by the Peters Township Public Library. He will be at our school on December 13, for a FAFSA Completion Night rescheduled from October. Please contact Courtney Murphy at murphyc@pt-sd.org to register or for more information.
Junior Junction
Junior year is an especially important and busy year. You will have the opportunity to meet with your counselor during the second quarter to explore your future in more detail through your PIP (Post-Secondary Individualized Planning) meeting. Look out for the invitation in your emails this December! During this meeting, we will look at your student’s specific pathway of choice and discuss the upcoming timeline and steps needed to achieve that goal. If you are still unsure of what pathway will be the best for you, do not worry! We will look at different career inventories to help you determine where your interests might be and what pathways will be the best for you. Consider signing up for the ASVAB Test to explore your skills, strengths and aptitude relating to careers
In the meantime, stay focused on your academics and putting your best foot forward, adding to your resume, and participating in different job shadowing and volunteer activities offered around the area.
Naviance Interest Inventories:
- Log in to Naviance with Clever.
- Navigate to the Self-Discovery tab on the dashboard.
- Review your results from the Career Cluster Finder, Career Interest Profile, & Strengths Explore.
- If you want, retake the Career Cluster Finder and Career Interest Profile.
- If you have not taken these, we highly recommend taking the inventories to help you further explore different careers that align with your interests and skills!
Steps To Create a Resume in Naviance Student:
- Login to your Naviance account & click on the "About Me" Tab.
- Click on "My Stuff" from the dropdown menu, then click on "resume".
- To add a new resume, click on the plus sign.
- If you've already started a resume and want to update it, click "Add/Update Sections". The resume builder contains a list of helpful category titles to aid you in organizing your accomplishments, but you do not have to have something filled in for every category.
Sophomore Square
Sophomore year is an important year to explore opportunities and learn about your interests! Whether it is through a school club, volunteering in the community or job shadowing. Getting involved can be beneficial in many ways. Volunteering or shadowing a specific person can provide a ‘day in the life’ of working in that specific field. During these experiences, you will be able to get a sneak peek into the daily tasks/activities they accomplish each day.
Here are a few reasons why getting involved will be beneficial:
It enables you to discover your interests and dislikes: shadowing one job, or multiple jobs, enables you to discover careers or potential areas of interest that you would consider pursuing after high school. It offers practice experience and insight about the typical daily tasks, challenges, activities, and responsibilities that are required for different positions and help you reflect on how these responsibilities will work with your own abilities and skills. These opportunities can also help you discover different career fields you might not have considered before.
It provides you with an honest glimpse into the future: you can watch all episodes of different TV shows that you want, but the reality is, TV shows and movies are not going to give you an accurate depiction of what specific careers involve and look like in a typical day. Volunteering or shadowing can provide you with a glimpse into the typical work environment and the different day-to-day interactions between your mentor and other professional in the field.
Help you network with professionals in the field: these opportunities allow you to introduce yourself to professionals in different careers areas. This can help you begin to build your professional relationships and networks, which can be a source of support as you enter the postsecondary area after high school. Networking now can also help increase the ability of obtaining professional references, internships, future job opportunities, etc. It is never too early to start networking!
How to find opportunities:
- Talk with your counselor!
- Look at local job boards
- Contact Companies specifically
- Ask family or friends for connections
(Adapted from: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/job-shadowing-for-high-school-students)
Freshmen Focus
Students in 9th grade will have the opportunity to meet with their counselor through classroom presentations and Transitional Academic Meetings (TAMs). During these presentations students will activate their Naviance account, complete in-class career, and goal setting activities, and explore the Career Cluster Finder survey and explore their results.
High school will be what you make it! Take advantage of the opportunities, experiences, and resources that are available to you that can help build your story. Your story begins now! Start building your resume, use Naviance Student to explore different career and postsecondary options through RoadTrip Nation, and reach out for assistance from your teachers and counselor!
In the Winter, 9th grade students will have the ability to learn more about our Western Area Career and Technology Center and the different programs available at the school. Students will then be given the opportunity to tour the facility and determine if they would like to participate in their 10th grade year.
AP Exam Registration
The 2023 AP Exam Registration dates are here!
Registration opened Monday, September 26th at 12:01am.
Registration closes Tuesday, November 8th at 11:59pm.
November 11th by 11:59pm Exams must be paid for by this date. Any exam with a remaining balance after this date will be canceled.
November 15th: Last day for a full refund.
Registration can be completed through Total Registration:
https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/390535
General AP Testing Dates are listed on the Advanced Placement page located on the High School Website:
http://www.ptsd.k12.pa.us/AdvancedPlacement.aspx
If you have general questions of concerns, please contact Courtney Wolf in the high school counseling office: (724)941-6250 x8910 or wolfc@pt-sd.org
Build On Careers in Construction - November 5
American Math Exam: November 10th @ PTHS
The American Math Exam will be given on Wednesday, November 10, 2022 at 8:00 am! Any student is eligible to take the exam, but current Algebra II students & above are targeted. The exam is free, entirely voluntary, and will last approximately 75 mins. Students who score highly enough become eligible to move onto the next level of the test; with the grand prize being a chance to participate as a member of the American team of the International Math Olympiad. Students are responsible to make-up any missed work as a result of participation, but absence from periods missed will be pre-excused.
Anyone who would like to sign up can do so by e-mailing Mrs. Prinsen at prinsenh@pt-sd.org.
Should you sign up and decide against participating later, please simply let Mrs. Prinsen know via e-mail to remove your name from the list. Questions should also be directed to Mrs. Prinsen in the counseling office. Resources for preparation & more information necessary to set up a virtual account before competition time are linked on our webpage as is the parent letter containing additional information directly from the MAA national organization.
ASVAB: November 11th @ PTHS
PTHS will be offering the ASVAB on November 11. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. As an aptitude test, the ASVAB measures your strengths, weaknesses, and potential for future success. The ASVAB also provides you with career information for various civilian and military occupations and is an indicator for success in future endeavors whether you choose to go to college, vocational school, or a military career. This is a free opportunity for you to explore your potential success. Additionally, earning a successful score on the ASVAB can satisfy the Keystone Exam Graduation Requirement (See your counselor with questions).
If you have any questions about the exam, please stop by the Counseling Office
CCAC's Fall Education and Enrollment Fair: November 12
CCAC’s Fall Education and Enrollment Fair is open to prospective and current CCAC students and families who want to learn more about our academic programs engage in immersive learning experiences, and complete steps toward enrollment!
Plus enjoy music, fall activities, campus tours, and MORE!
Saturday, November 12th | 10AM – 1:00PM
Opening remarks begin promptly at 10 am!
South Campus, B-Building
1750 Clairton Road (Route 885)
West Mifflin, PA 15122
Click the link below to register to attend TODAY!
Pittsburgh Job Corps Career Fair: November 18th
Stop in at the Career and Enrollment Fair to explore their trade and academic programming!
November 18th 10 AM - 3PM
7175 Highland Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Admission is free but you still need to pre-register through the QR code on the flyer below.
FAFSA Completion Night: December 13th @ PTHS
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1st. Join us at our annual FAFSA Completion Night! Rescheduled for December 13th, a representative from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will provide assistance with the FAFSA completion in room 100 on the first floor at PTHS. This workshop is for current seniors and their families to assist in the FAFSA form completion. This is a great opportunity to check off another task from the college application process!
For this workshop, you will need to bring 2021 tax returns and W-2 forms. Computers will be available to complete your application. Prior to the event, both the student and parent (only one parent) need to create an FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing.
Please register for a time as seating for this workshop is limited. Times available for this workshop are 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., or 6:30 p.m. To register, please email Mrs. Murphy at murphyc@Pt-sd.org.
WACTC Information Session: December 15th @ PTHS
Are you interested in learning more about Western Area Career and Technology Center?
Western Area is a technical/vocational school that provides students the opportunity to gain hands-on training focusing on education, training, and career development for tomorrow's workforce needs. PTHS students who are interested in applying to WACTC will select one of the 14 programs offered: Auto Mechanics, Automation & Robotics Engineering Technology, Carpentry, Collision Repair Technology, Cosmetology, Electrical Occupations, Emergency & Protective Services, Culinary Arts & Baking, Health Assistant, Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC), Machine Shop, Masonry, Networking Rehabilitation Aide & Sports Medicine, and Welding.
Interested students are welcome to join an information session on Thursday, December 15, 2022, during their lunch period (periods 5, 6, or 7) in the LGI.
Sign up in the Counseling Office or through Naviance.
(Sign in to Naviance Student > About Me > Surveys From Your School > Western Area Career Technology Center Presentation).
If you have any questions, please see Ms. Patton in the Counseling office or email PattonA@pt-sd.org
Penn College Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Become a PIAA Official
PIAA is now looking for 16 and 17 year old students to officiate 7th through 9th grade (junior high and middle school) contests. Interested in learning more about becoming a registered PIAA official? Visit the Become a PIAA Official for more information.
Summer PFEW Applications Now Available
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to run a business? Are you a Pennsylvania high school sophomore or junior who dreams of being your own boss someday? Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) is a week-long, summer opportunity for you to find the answers to these questions and so much more! Your generation faces a fast-paced, business-oriented world that is constantly changing to meet the demands of the future. Change can be very intimidating, but with practical tools and appropriate knowledge, what seems intimidating can become exciting. PFEW will help you pave your road to success! Visit the PFEW website for more information.
AHN Jefferson Offers Medical Training Opportunities
November 4th: Report Cards Available
November 8th: AP Exam Registration Closes
November 10th: American Math Exam
November 11th: ASVAB
November 23rd - 28th: Thanksgiving Break
December 13th: FAFSA Completion Night
December 23rd - January 2nd: Winter Break
January 4th - 6th: Winter Wave Keystone Exams
January 17th: End of 2nd Quarter
March 11th: SAT at PTHS
Counseling Office Spotlight
Situations such as grief or loss, divorce, addiction, and chronic stress/anxiety can negatively impact a student's academic, emotional and social well-being. A drop in grades, irregular attendance, difficulty in interpersonal relationships, chronic disciplinary problems, etc., may indicate a need for the type of help that the PTHS SAP team can provide.
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a service designed to help students who are having difficulty succeeding in or out of school. Referrals to the SAP team can be made by parents, teachers, administrators, or other students. The PTHS SAP team is composed of trained professionals that include a variety of staff members. The team meets regularly to identify students, gather information, develop interventions to assist the student, and partner with community agencies. All discussions and names are strictly confidential. Once a student is identified, a member of the SAP team contacts the family directly and the process moves forward with parental participation.
Ms. Alyssa Patton
Class of 2024 & Beyond: A-C
Mrs. Courtney Wolf
Class of 2024 & Beyond: D-Hh
Ms. Alyssa Simmons
Class of 2024 & Beyond: Hi-Mh
Mrs. Heather Prinsen
Class of 2024 & Beyond: Mi-Se
Mr. Jeff Sudol
Class of 2024 & Beyond: Sf-Z