Poway High Counseling
September 2020
Starting Out Strong
Distance Learning Hacks
To aid in focus and mindset, set aside a place at home that is specifically for your distance learning. It should be free from distractions like the television or video games. Keep the things you most need close by (pens, pencils, paper, textbooks, chargers, etc.). You don't have to spend a lot of money to come up with a great space for yourself. The dollar stores have a lot of organizational and school-related supplies. They frequently have posterboard, which you can use to make a cubby for yourself and post your schedule or a motivational quote or pictures. It's up to you!
2. Use Breaks to MOVE
Get up and stretch during breaks. Walk around your house. Use the restroom. Pretend you're rushing from the N building to the B building. Give yourself a break from the screen for as much of the 10 minutes as possible.
3. Stay Hydrated
When you're looking at a computer for large parts of the day, you tend to forget to drink water. Make sure to have a glass or bottle of water nearby. This can help prevent headaches when your screen time increases. (Just be careful not to spill on your electronic devices!)
4. Use a Calendar or Planner
Keep track of your assignments and schedule on a calendar or planner that you can see. The one on your phone is helpful, but a paper copy that you can see in your learning space can be a great visual cue, which can be very motivating.
5. Get Dressed
It's fun to wear pajamas, and some days you just need that. But, it can also help with motivation and focus if you dress as if you are actually going to the school campus. Your outfit can affect your mindset. If you're dressed to go to school, you are setting yourself up with the best chance to learn.
6. Treat Distance Learning Like it's Real School - Because it is!
Doing the things that you do to be successful on campus can help you keep a successful mindset at home. Use school supplies you would use at school, like backpacks, binders, or folders. Stay organized. Attend classes. Focus on your teachers. Do your homework. Participate in clubs or activities virtually.
7. Remember Your Community
Don't be afraid to reach out to staff or fellow students if you have questions or need to talk. Remember that you are not alone - we are all in this together!
Handling stress and anxiety
- Write it down
- Journaling what is going on in your head is a good way to get thoughts out and may make it easier to process how you are feeling.
- Mindful minute
- Although we're not in school right now, you can still practice your mindful minute at home by having a quiet space for one minute a day
- Music
- Music is a great way to help you calm down, amp you up, or help you study. Every song makes everyone feel something different. Listen to a playlist that makes you feel good!
- Breathing
- Use apps listed
- Exercise
- Go for walks with family to clear your head and get fresh air
Family Crisis Resources
If you are thinking about suicide and feeling alone or know someone in this situation, please do not feel like you are alone during these uncertain times.
-If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call 911 immediately.
-If you are in crisis or experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). It is a 24/7 hotline that offers free and confidential support.
-If you are uncomfortable talking not the phone, you can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected to a free, trained crisis counselor on the Crisis Text Line.
Events Coming Up
September 2: First Day of School
September 8: Virtual Back to School Night
September 10: Mentorship Program with Northrop Grumman Deadline - Juniors Only!
October 20: PUSD Virtual College and Career Fair
October 1: FAFSA/DREAM ACT Application Opens, Seniors!
October 1: CSU Application Opens, Seniors!
Calling All Juniors! Northrup Grumman HIP Internship is NOW Accepting Applications
Only Juniors may apply this year (Senior participants have already been selected). The program will begin in October. We have been given space for 8 PUSD students to participate this year. Click here for more details.
Fun Virtual Field Trip Opportunity for K-12 students
Join the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) for SciFest All Access, a one-of-a-kind virtual field trip opportunity brought to you by the USA Science and Engineering Festival. SciFest All Access will be available online September 16-23 and there is something for everyone – K-12 students, families, educators, and college students. There is NO COST to attend the Virtual STEM Expo!
Register today at the following URL: https://usasciencefestival.org/scifest-all-access-registration/
PARENTS– Visit the following URL: https://usasciencefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Teacher-Communication-to-Students-and-Parents_SciFest.docx
Each attendee will be required to register separately so they can create a unique username to access the virtual platform.
NAVFAC will be contributing content to the Department of Defense booth at SciFest All Access where attendees of all ages will access 100+ virtual exhibits featuring interactive STEM content, view inspiring performances on the STEM Stage, earn badges, and prizes in an online scavenger hunt, and shop in the STEM Store. This is a Department of Defense STEM initiative.
SDFD Cadet Program Orientation
The SDFD Cadet program is back up and running following all safety guidelines. Next orientation is in September. If you are interested in the cadet program and would like to join in on a zoom meeting, please email jbrown@powayusd.com. Any interested students can reach out anytime.
Virtual College Visits Calendar Coming Soon...
Virtual college visits will begin mid-September. Please check back for updates!
Scholarship/Financial Aid Resources
Looking for scholarships? Our PHS website has lots of resources to check for scholarship opportunities. Our scholarship deadline log has new local scholarships and is updated as they become available. Generally, the local scholarship season is January – June so you won’t see as many opportunities right now. It’s still a good idea to regularly check scholarship websites for national scholarships and colleges for merit scholarships.
PHS Scholarship Deadline Log:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17TxNnRx2Aoop3xG1GBqAN14AZVaWiijAuPxu3jEv8hA/edit
Scholarship Resources:
FAFSA/DREAM ACT Resources
The FAFSA/DREAM ACT application opens on October 1st. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- StudentAid.gov/completefafsa - access to resources (FAFSA, worksheets, etc.)
- StudentAidHelp.ed.gov - online assistance and contact information for the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC)
- 800-433-3243 (800-4FED-AID)
Social Media
What's New
You can complete the 2021-22 FAFSA form using the new mobile app - myStudentAid App. Download myStudentAid app for iOS or Android. For more info, click here.
POWAY HIGH COUNSELING
Counselors
A - Dom: Christy Brown
Don - Kon: Jerrah Smith
Koo - Ramj: Blanca Arreguin
Ramk - Z: Jerilyn Padua-Reyes
Intervention/CTE: Karly Wardwell
Support Staff
Counseling Assistant: Jodie Hughes
Career and Guidance Technician: Jaime Brown
Registrar: Michelle Bourget
Scheduler: Barbara Longworth
Student Services
Support groups, Individual support, Alcohol/Nicotine/Other Drug Education
Administration
Assistant Principals:
A-F: Gannon Burks
G-M: Monique Kanouse
N-Z: Aaron Little
Principal:
Email: jbrown@powayusd.com
Website: http://www.powayusd.com/phs
Location: 15500 Espola Road, Poway, CA, USA
Phone: (858)748-0245
Twitter: @counseling_phs