The Wahconah Guidance department is hosting a FAFSA Completion Day on Wednesday 12/11 in collaboration with financial aid representatives from BCC and MCLA. This is an opportunity for you and your student to complete the FAFSA with assistance from local financial aid experts from BCC and MCLA. Please be sure to read all of the information below so you know how to sign up and what you need to bring with you in order to submit the FAFSA at the event:
How to register for FAFSA Completion Day:
Parents/guardians can sign up for one of the following time slots by RSVP
only. No walk-ins will be allowed.
You must RSVP for a time slot in advance, no later than 11/20, by emailing Katie Salavantis at ksalavantis@cbrsd.org with your first and second choice time slot and she will get back to you with confirmation. Registrations will be available on a limited basis and are first come, first served. Please be sure to register ASAP to help ensure you get an appointment.
- 8:30- 9:15 (BCC only- 3 reps = up to 6 families)
- 9:30- 10:15 (BCC and MCLA- 5 reps total = up to 10 families)
- 10:30- 11:15 (BCC and MCLA- 5 reps total = up to 10 families)
- 12:30- 1:15 (BCC and MCLA- 5 reps total = up to 10 families)
BEFORE FAFSA Completion Day please review the following checklist:
This checklist tells you what you need to bring with you in order to complete the FAFSA on December 11. Please be sure to come prepared so that you can maximize your time and benefit the most from working with the financial aid experts from MCLA and BCC.
Please make special note about the FSA ID: Students and parents must each sign up for an FSA ID at least one week in advance, so that you both have your FSA IDs ready to go on FAFSA Completion Day: If you don't already have an FSA ID, you must create an FSA ID
here. *Please note that students should use their personal email address when creating their FSA ID account.
Berkshire Community College - Dual Enrollment Spring 2025
The folks at Berkshire Community College would like students and families to know that the deadline for Dual Enrollment registration for Spring 2025 is Friday, January 10th. Dual Enrollment occurs when Juniors and Seniors take college courses while still in high school. If you want to learn more about Dual Enrollment Courses at BCC, please visit their webpage at Bridge to College | Berkshire Community College (berkshirecc.edu)
In addition, a representative from the BCC Dual Enrollment program will be visiting Wahconah on Monday, November 25th at 10:00am. If you would like to meet with the BCC Dual Enrollment representative to learn more, please email me and I will set up a pass for you.
Mr. Andersen
College/University/Trade Open Houses announced
Now is the time that many Colleges/Universities & Trade schools are announcing open houses. These events are an excellent opportunity to visit a campus, meet faculty, and coaches. You can find information about specific open houses with a simple google search by typing "open house" & the College/University name.
Below are some direct links to open houses you may be interested in:
Trade Schools:
Attend Community College in Massachusetts for free!
A new program titled MassEducate has been initiated by Governer Maura Healey and the Massachusetts Association for Community Colleges that allow Massachusetts residents who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree to attend any of the state's 15 community colleges and pay no tuition or fees. Both programs include an allowance for books and supplies for certain students.
To be eligible, students must:
1. Complete the Free Applicatoin for Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. Apply to your local community college and enroll in an approved program of study. Applications are open all year long and there is never an application fee.
3. Have physically resided in Massachusetts for at least one year, as of the start of your first enrolled term.
4. Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.
5. Are enrolled in at least six credits (usually two classes) per semester in an approved program of study leading to an associate degree or certificate.
6. Maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with the college's requirements.
Senior College Application Planning Presentations
When the Add/Drop period is complete, School Guidance Counselors will be going into Senior English Classes to review the College Application process. Counselors will review the various steps needed to submit a good quality application along with supporting documents. During this presentation we will review the WRHS Postsecondary Guide with you.
Back-to-School Tips for Families
Here is a good article to review with good Back-to-School Tips for Families
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/back-to-school-tips.aspx
College Admission Counselor visits
College representatives will visit our Seniors in the Guidance Department starting September 17th.
Students can find our full College Admission visit calendar and register on their Wahconah
Naviance.com account. If you need help with logging in to Naviance, please reach out to
your School Counselor.
The following colleges are scheduled to visit in November & December:
Tuesday, 11/19 - Southern Connecticut State University
Friday, 11/22 - Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
Monday, 11/25 - Berkshire Community College
Monday, 12/2 - SUNY College of Technology at Delhi
SAT Registration is open for the 2024-2025 testing year
SAT registration is open for the 2024-25 testing year. Many colleges consider SAT scores as part of their holistic admission and placement decisions, and your score is a valid way to show what you've learned. Most juniors take their first SAT in the spring, and many take it again in the fall of their senior year to improve their score. It can help you keep your college options open, demonstrate your unique strengths, and even qualify for scholarships.
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Upcoming 2024-25 SAT Dates |
| Test Dates | Registration Deadlines | Late Registration Deadlines |
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| August 24,2024 | August 9, 2024 | August 13, 2024 | | October 5, 2024 | September 20, 2024 | September 24, 2024 | | November 2, 2024 | October 18, 2024 | October 22, 2024 | | December 7, 2024 | November 22, 2024 | November 26, 2024 | | March 8, 2025 | February 21, 2025 | February 25, 2025 | | May 3, 2025 | April 18, 2025 | April 22, 2025 | | June 7, 2025 | May 22, 2025 | May 27, 2025 |
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FAFSA 2025-2026 update
August 7, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Education (Department) today announced that the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA® form) will be launched through a new process. Starting on October 1, the Department will release the 2025-26 FAFSA form for testing with a limited set of students and institutions. The Department will make the application available to all students on or before December 1. This process is informed by conversations and feedback from thousands of students, institutions, and other stakeholders. It is recommended by Colleges and Universities that Seniors and their families intending to attend College in the Fall complete it as soon as possible at fafsa.gov
Understanding Financial Aid Offers
Get the answers to common questions about financial aid offers, such as if loans are part of financial aid, if your financial aid will stay the same every year, and how to compare costs from different schools.
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Recommended Financial Aid Video
Below is a good video link explaining the changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA in simple terms
https://youtu.be/D0bK4iKkEUM?si=OY5hDr7hZGWQ2Yk5
MEFA Presents Webinars- Financial Aid 101
This webinar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You'll learn about financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid offers. Live transcription will be available.
The same content is covered in each of the webinars below. Watch a recorded webinar in Spanish.
Multiple dates can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.mefa.org/events/financial-aid-101
Financial Aid - Create an FSA ID
If you plan to submit the FAFSA to apply for college financial aid, you’ll need to create an FSA ID first, which allows you to begin the FAFSA process. And you need to create your FSA ID at least a few days before you start the FAFSA, so now’s a great time to check that step off your list. Join us for this webinar where we walk through the process of creating an FSA ID, explain who needs to create one, and discuss other things to know before completing the FAFSA.
https://youtu.be/ziaXYHe5864?si=w2ZU1sR_G9ehHEnz
Financial Aid Process
You can find excellent Financial Aid resource videos from the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority regarding the financial aid process and details regarding financial aid forms that you will be asked to complete via the link below.
Below is a link to an update regarding the FAFSA
https://www.mefa.org/fafsa-simplification-updates-resources
https://www.mefa.org/videos
Raise Me Scholarships
RaiseMe partners with universities to offer students scholarships for their
achievements during high school and college. WRHS students grades 9-12 can
access this website to participate via this link. https://www.raise.me/how-it-works
Scholarships
Seniors can access many regional and national scholarships through Naviance. Once logged in click Colleges>Scholarships & Money>Scholarship Search to access.
New England Board of Higher Education Tuition Break
2025-2026 program offerings
Over 2,500 programs are now offered through Tuition Break (RSP) 73% of undergraduate degree programs are now Flexible*, available to all residents of New England!
You can find additional information with this link below:
Tuition Break Program for Massachusetts residents |
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College search resource: College Scorecard
Search and compare colleges: their fields of study, costs, admissions, results, and more.
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
SAT Update
Seniors:
Registration is now open for the spring 2024 SAT® administrations. An announcement will also be sent to Seniors with existing College Board accounts.
Wahconah Seniors interested in taking the SAT can sign up via this link: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration
SAT's go digital with shorter test-taking time for 2024 - article below
https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/sats-go-digital-with-shorter-test-taking-time-for-2024/
SAT Practice
The SAT will transition to a digital test starting in March 2024. Digital SAT practice is now available to all students. When students take a full-length digital practice test in Bluebook™, they’ll get the full adaptive digital testing experience, as well as receive their scores, tailored information about the questions they got right and wrong, and thorough answer explanations.
SAT practice resourses can be found here to ensure they feel confident and prepared to do their very best on test day: practice information
CGN College/Career Library The College Guidance Network provides an excellent library of resources through a video library to help students and families obtain information about their College & Career search. You can find it here via this link: https://www.library.collegeguidancenetwork.com/library/home/c0e831da-6867-4eda-a580-7f87e50a4f3e?ref=c0e831da-6867-4eda-a580-7f87e50a4f3e
Junior College Planning Night Follow Up
Junior College Planning Night at Wahconah took place on Wednesday evening, March 20. If you were not able to be in attendance, you can find the presentation slides link below and a link to the video from the presentation for your reference.
Also, below are links to articles and information that I referred to during the presentation and a couple of extra helpful future planning and career exploration links.
University of Massachusetts - Amherst Net Price Calculator. Note: Every College and University has a custom Net Price Calculator you can use to estimate cost of attendance for their College/University. You can use this estimator prior to applying.
The College Tour - Amazon Prime Video Series
Hosted by Alex Boylan, each episode of The College Tour tells the story of what life is truly like on college campuses across the country and around the world. From academics, housing, sports, career preparation, campus life/location and much much more. In this innovative and informative series, each story is told by real students attending the featured college or university right now!
The much-anticipated Season 9 of The College Tour is now available on Amazon Prime Video. This season celebrates diversity and inclusivity, showcasing students with unique backgrounds and goals. The viewers will explore majors like Business Administration, Life Science, Civil Engineering, Literature, and more, all while taking campus tours of outstanding colleges and universities across America and hearing students share their authentic stories and the impact that higher education had on them. Join our host, Alex Boylan, on this exciting journey through the vibrant world of modern college life.
College Admission - No cost virtual workshops
Siena College is pleased to offer a series of virtual workshops regarding the college admission process. From the application to financial aid and everything in between, tune into listen to experts chat with you about the college admissions process. Additional information and registration can be found by clicking this link: Siena College Admission 1011
Mental Health School Supplies
It's that time of year again - If your overwhelmed by the thought of going back to school and the pressure that comes along with it, you are not alone. Mental Health School Supplies is a company that provides support and resources. You can learn more here via this link: https://www.crisistextline.org/school/
Today show feature - treating Mental Health virtually
Strategies to help with homework completion
Routines and incentive systems to help kids succeed
Time ManagementImproving time management habits now can reduce end-of-semester anxiety and stress. Here are some sharable tips: - Set daily goals each morning.
- Establish a routine and stick to it.
- Schedule study breaks – allowing down time for exercise and fun improves work focus.
- Use a calendar or time management app to track classes, assignments, study times, activities, jobs, etc.
- Create a to-do list and cross off items as you go.
The Wahconah Regional High School Guidance Department is very excited to introduce the Naviance College and Career planning system to our school community.
Naviance is a college and career readiness platform that helps connect academic achievement to post-secondary goals. Its comprehensive college and career planning solutions optimize student success, enhance school counselor productivity, and track results for school and district administrators.
The Naviance program was reviewed with students during course registration and all students applying to college will need to use the Naviance program in order to obtain teacher recommendations and request transcripts. Students were provided with an access code & parents can receive an access code by contacting your child's School Counselor. You can access Naviance via the following webpage https://connection.naviance.com/fclookup.php
Career Village CareerVillage is a community where students can get free personalized career advice from real-life professionals. Check it out by clicking the link below.
Career Village Website
Career Week video library In the Spring of 2021, MassHire Berkshire Career Center recorded a series of Career videos for students to view as they are planning for graduation from high school. You can access this excellent resource here and click on the career video that interests you. Career week videos
Employment Opportunity Left Field Farm is looking for people to work during our 2024 greenhouse and market garden season. We are particularly looking for those who are interested in pursuing agricultural or horticulture as a career. We feel we can offer not just a summer job, but an introduction to successful small-scale growing. We offer a quiet, friendly and inclusive place to work. About us: We are a small-scale commercial farm providing plants and produce to businesses in central and southern Berkshire County. We only use hand tools, which makes the farm a safe place to work. Left Field Farm has been certified organic by Baystate Organic Certifiers since 1998. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 413-623-5137 or email us at info@leftfieldfarm.net Volunteer opportunities Berkshire HorseWorks in Richmond, provides recreational and therapeutic horse-centered programs. They are always looking for volunteers for horse-care and support staff. For more details on this opportunity, stop in to the College and Career Center or email Mrs. Grady at cgrady@cbrsd.org
It Takes a Village It Takes a Village has a mission to, "provide FREE postpartum and early parenting support to families with babies and young children living in Western Massachusetts, and to inspire the community to welcome the newest members of their village." Fulfilling this mission, ITAV offers a multitude of services to families in the area including: The Village Closet - a place for families to give and receive new and gently-used baby gear, clothing, diapers, feeding supplies and more. Home Visits for postpartum support of families with infants for up to 12 weeks. Children's Play groups Caregiver Support groups, workshops and more!
Wahconah Regional High School Guidance Department Contacts
The Wahconah Regional High School Guidance Department would like to welcome all of our students and families back to school for a new school year! We look forward to working with you and helping you have a successful and rewarding year. If you need to contact us in the Guidance Department, our Staff and School Counselor assignments are below.
Phone: (413) 684-1330 Fax: (413) 684-2329
Lisa Farley Guidance Administrative Assistant LFarley@cbrsd.org Ext. 7109
Megan Sookey - School Counselor Student Last Names: A-G msookey@cbrsd.org Ext. 7101
Peter Andersen - School Counselor & Counseling Coordinator Student Last Names: H-M pandersen@cbrsd.org Ext. 7118
Katie Salavantis - School Counselor Student Last Names: N-Z ksalavantis@cbrsd.org Ext. 7110
Cathy Grady - Career and Internship Coordinator cgrady@cbrsd.org Ext. 7125 |
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