Guidance Department News

 Guidance Department News

Schedule Changes – Due to the work we are engaged in behind the scenes to create balanced cohorts in preparation for a hybrid return on Oct. 5^th, students and families should be aware that schedule changes will be very, very difficult this year. There are many reasons for this but they ultimately have to do with the fact that our classrooms only hold 12-15 students at 6 feet of social distancing, so we need to keep our hybrid cohorts as balanced as possible.

SAT Cancellations – We are very sorry to report that the SAT administration for September and October 2020 have been cancelled at PHS.  They are still scheduled for November and December but we will ultimately need to wait and hear from their Superintendent if they can remain open.  

We also learned that Mount Anthony, in Vermont, has also cancelled for September and October. 

The good news is, MOST colleges have gone test optional this year. Be sure to check each of your schools for the details of their current policies. 

 

Here are the specific COVID related details from the College Board, including how to reschedule for a later test date. https://pages.collegeboard.org/sat-covid-19-updates

 

As always, if you are eligible for free or reduced lunch, please contact your School Guidance Counselor for a fee waiver number BEFORE you register.

 

College Planning Workshops - Siena College is launching a series of workshops called “Talk Tuesdays”.  These are not just for students considering Siena, so please take advantage of the ones you need. Registration is required (see link below). Here are the dates and themes:

• September 1: College Application Workshop
• September 8: College Essay Workshop
• September 15: Choosing a Major
• September 22: First Generation
• September 29: Affordability
• October 6: Ask Admissions Anything

They will take place from 7-8 p.m. Students and parents can sign up for the ones they're interested in here: videochat.siena.edu.   

 

Important College Application Tips for Seniors - We want to share this helpful information as you continue the application process. The article on acing your applications is particularly helpful! You can access the article here: https://www.salliemae.com/blog/college-application-and-essay-tips/?dtd_cell=SMSCGESCSOSOOTOTOTHOTHRN010082

We have also attached the Brag and Activity sheets that you will need to complete and return to your counselor so that we can write great, personalized letters of recommendation this fall. 

Senior Brag and Activity Sheets.pdf 

While we will be unable to visit classrooms for the usual college and career preparation presentations, we are excited to begin planning video presentations and meetings to help you out. More on that when we "return" on September 15! 

Newsletter update

AP Testing - Students in AP classes will no doubt hear more from their AP teachers about AP exams. The College Board is currently in the process of amending their tests as we speak. Generally speaking there are several key developments with AP classes:

• They will only be tested on material learned through early March.
• They will be tested online in 45 minute sessions per subject (no multiple choice).
• They will have the opportunity to take the test online at home. We will provide more information about that once it becomes available. 
• Each subject area will have two test dates for students to choose from. Again, we will provide more information about that once it becomes available.

As we wait to hear more specifics from the College Board about all of this, we highly encourage AP students to check out the link below:

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update  

ASVAB testing - This opportunity for Juniors has been rescheduled for this fall. Please contact ksalavantis@cbrsd.org for more details. 

MCAS - The state has postponed 10th grade MCAS and will be communicating with schools in the coming days about further plans for the MCAS. 

SAT Testing - The May SAT test has been cancelled and students will receive a refund. For more information from the College Board about SAT cancellation check out this link:  https://www.collegeboard.org/releases/2020/college-board-cancels-may-sat-response-coronavirus?excmpid=SM48-ED-CB-tw  

• NEW -  SAT Prep Tool - For those of you still waiting to take the SAT you should check this link out https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice

Spring Sports - The MIAA has pushed back the start of spring sports to May 4th. Please contact jshannon@cbrsd.org with any questions or concerns. 

Transcripts – Any Senior in need of transcripts please contact your respective Guidance Counselor directly. 

• A-E cgrady@cbrsd.org
• F-M pandersen@cbrsd.org
• N-Z ksalavantis@cbrsd.org

VHS - **NOTE: This pertains to only those students currently enrolled in Virtual High School**

We recently received word that VHS still expects students who are not sick and who do have internet access to complete their assignments. Here are some highlights from the latest updates we've received from VHS:

• students are exempted from discussion assignments
• all students get a 2 week grace period to pass in assignments
• group work will be modified by your VHS teacher
• so far VHS term grade deadlines have not changed

**If you have any questions or concerns please contact Mrs. Markland at kmarkland@cbrsd.org  directly as she is ready and willing to help you if needed. 

Virtual College Tours for Juniors - While college campuses are by and large not providing tours this spring, your Guidance Counselors found some websites with some great virtual / video tours. Check them out, and continue to work on narrowing down your choices. Also, keep in touch with your counselors!

https://www.youniversitytv.com/category/college/us-states/massachusetts/

https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/

https://www.campusreel.org/

Work/Study & Internship - All work/study and internship students have received an important email from Mrs. Shafiroff. Please be sure to read it and respond to her at sshafiroff@cbrsd.org  

ACT Calculator policy

ACT Calculator policy for those taking the ACT Test this weekend http://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/ACT-calculator-policy.pdf

8th Grade Orientation at Wahconah is postponed until Feb. 8th due to the inclement weather.

Connect College Board and Khan Academy® accounts and take advantage of free Official SAT Practice online resources

Women’s $600 Scholarship Now Available Through Zonta Club of Berkshire County

For Immediate Release

Women’s $600 Scholarship Now Available Through Zonta Club of Berkshire County

The Zonta Club of Berkshire County is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for its 2017 scholarship. Applicants must meet the following qualifications: be a graduate of a Berkshire County High School, and be presently enrolled full-time as a freshman, sophomore, or junior in a four-year college or university. Applications must include all of the following: a cover letter including your name and contact information, high school name and year of graduation, and a list of college extracurricular activities including any community service or volunteer work; a 250-word essay stating current or intended college major and goals upon graduation; and official college transcript.

Zonta is a nonprofit organization committed to a world in which women’s rights are recognized as human rights and every woman is able to reach her full potential. In such a world, every woman is literate and has access to education, health care, legal and economic resources on an equal basis with men. In such a world, no woman lives in fear of violence.

Completed applications must be postmarked no later than April 10, 2017 and mailed to Zonta Club of Berkshire County, c/o Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 2184, Lenox, MA 01240. The scholarship winner will be notified by May 1.

PARENT/FRESHMAN ORIENTATION WAHCONAH REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2021

On Tuesday, January 31^st at 6:30 p.m. in the WAHCONAH REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, a special orientation program will be held for the parents and students for the Class of 2021.  This will be an important, informative meeting and will help parents to better guide their children through the scheduling process.  Wahconah Regional High School administration and staff will be on hand to present the grade nine class offerings and to answer questions.

The Wahconah National Honor Society will be offering building tours to parents from 5:45 to 6:20 p.m. prior to the start of the orientation program.   

**SNOW DATE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8^TH**