Shorewood Counseling Department
Semester 4 Newsletter
Cheers to Semester 4!
We are in the final stretch!
And hats off to parents and family members for navigating and absorbing so many aspects of remote learning. Virtual high fives for you all, Shorewood community!
Can you believe this school year is over next month? Are you ready for it to end? Keep reading for important updates in this final stretch.
How do I meet with my school counselor now?
We have many ways to connect with you!
For quick questions:
- Email: this is still the easiest way to get a fast response
- Canvas: send us a message and check out the Counselor course recently added
- Our Help Table in the Commons: one or more of us is usually out there before and after school every day, both cohorts.
- Drop in during SAS/advisory: we try to be extra available during SAS for drop-ins, both in person and remote.
For "live" and/or longer conversations:
- Book an appointment with your counselor (for current students only). This is working great so far! Most appointments have been around ten minutes to talk something through.
- Email us if the times don't work for you!
ACADEMICS
Update Your Transcript Before School is Out
Student and parent fill out the form and give it (paper or electronic) to the school counselor.
Here is a link to the form. Do it soon so we can get your transcript updated before the school year ends.
ESPECIALLY if you are a current junior, now is the time to update grades and credits, such as middle school grades (which will impact your GPA) and PE sport waivers. Get your paperwork in ASAP. These forms are on our counseling webpage.
Questions about Semester Grades?
Keep in mind that any post-high school institution/opportunity will know that this was the pandemic year, and will likely be very forgiving if your transcript looks a bit odd.
Running Start - It's time to Enroll for Fall Quarter
Are you a current sophomore or junior? If yes, you have the option of Running Start next year. Plenty of information is on the colleges' and SW Counseling webpages.
Fall quarter classes are now posted online at our local colleges, so it's time to get going on the registration steps.
Being a Running Start student requires independence. Running Start is a state and college program, not a SW program. Taking the time to read through the information and steps to enroll will be a first step in demonstrating your ability to take on this challenge!
https://www.shoreline.edu/high-school-programs/running-start/admissions.aspx
Three Required Forms:
- Running Start Agreement
- Course Planning Form
- Enrollment Verification Form
Can be found here and emailed to your counselor: https://www.shorelineschools.org/Page/8072
Summer School - Great Opportunity to Make Up Credits and Get Back on Track
The school district is updating their summer school information now! And this year, the district's summer school is at SHOREWOOD, making it extra convenient for our students and families. We expect there to be some in-person and also online credit recovery opportunities for classes that were not passed.
Summer is a great time to catch up with credits. We have scholarship money to help with any fees, so let your counselor know if you need any help. If you know you'll need to take a class this summer to get back on track for graduation, be sure to check the website regularly for updates.
Shoreline Virtual Learning's (SVL) summer session registration is now open! If you are planning to take a class online this summer, please register now. These classes are for initial credit and do cost money. Some scholarships are available! Details can be found on their website.
Senior Updates
Hi Seniors!
By now, you should have all received a printout of your remaining graduation requirements in the mail. If you have any questions about your graduation standing, please contact your counselor.
The High School and Beyond Plan is due now! This is required to graduate, so make sure to complete it. We are happy to help you create or edit your resume.
Important note: check your Canvas inbox for any messages about this, because some HSBP assignments have been submitted incomplete, and need some adjustments before being approved by Ms. Stephens.
Finally, scholarships are available for caps and gowns and class fees - reach out soon so we can help set this up.
Does your next destination need a Final Transcript?
We know that many of you will be needing a final transcript for a future destination. Remember that school will be closed over the summer, so you must plan ahead.
This step is very important.
Mrs. Roma sends final transcripts in late June after grades are posted. She only knows you need it if you indicate it in Naviance.
Here’s how to request your Final Transcript:
- go to your Colleges I’m Applying To list
- click Manage Transcripts at the top
- request a Final Transcript
Make sure that this request matches the college you selected as the College I’m Attending at the bottom of your list.
We are rooting for you!
Needed: Graduation Gowns
Also, current seniors in this in-demand height range, feel free to drop your gown off after this year's graduation so we can add it to our stash.
Thank you!
College & Career
High School and Beyond Plan
Sophomores and Juniors!
This is a reminder about your Counselor Check-In. This is the annual check-in we do with every grade to see how the year is going and learn about your latest thoughts about possible career and future interests, and how we can best support you. Almost all of the ninth graders and seniors have completed their check-ins, so now we're rounding up yours. :)
For juniors, this is a required task for the High School and Beyond Plan (a state graduation requirement).
This year the counselor check-in is in Canvas and takes about 5 minutes to complete.
In Canvas:
1. Go to your Class of 2022 or 2023 Course. If it isn’t on your dashboard, click Courses on the left and then Show All Courses.
2. Under Assignments, find HSBP — Counselor Check-In
3. Submit Quiz at the end
This check-in is important, so get it done soon. Not only is it part of the HSBP for some of you, it also it helps us plan for your upcoming year at Shorewood.
Summer Camps
If you need any assistance applying for a scholarship, please contact our Shorewood family advocates, Kristin Harrington (kristin.harrington@shorelineschools.org) or Jill Steinberg (jill.steinberg@shorelineschools.org).
Minds Matter Program
Are you a 9th grader aiming for a four-year college? If you are interested in getting extra guidance during high school and meet the following criteria, then read the details below:
Criteria for the program
- in 9th grade
- maintaining strong GPA (at least 3.0+)
- committed to pursuing a college education
- qualify for free/ reduced lunch (see district site for criteria)
- not in the AVID program
- willing to fill out an application and follow up with detailed steps
- willing to participate in summer and Saturday programs
Minds Matter, a local community-based college access organization is in its application period for this year. The application closes May 31, but since the program should be considered carefully and the application process will take a while, please act soon if you are interested.
This program does require going to Seattle University every Saturday throughout the year.
If you are interested, look over the information on the Minds Matter Seattle website. The page Three Year Program describes what is involved each year of high school and How to Apply gives you details about the process.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
We All Know Someone
About one in five teenagers deals with a mental health issue. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know these important things!
1. Asking for help is the bravest thing you can do. Being honest and open about where you are at is a sign of strength, not weakness. Vulnerability is one of the hardest and more rewarding things in life!
2. Listen to and look for the positives about yourself. If you are having a hard time finding them, ask a friend or family member. Everyone has strengths, sometimes we just need a little help realizing what they are.
3. The number of coping strategies out there are endless! Different things work for different people, so if mindful breathing works for your friend but not for you that is okay. Keep trying out healthy ways to destress until you find a good fit.
4. Surrounding yourself with healthy people and relationships is key to feeling better. When we have other people we feel seen and known by, we are much more likely to get the help we need. Look for friends, classmates, family members, teachers, coaches, counselors or anyone else you can connect with that lift you up and help you see those positives.
5. We all play a part in reducing the stigma around mental health. We can do this by being curious about others' stories, assuming good intent in others, and being honest about where we are at. Reducing stigma leads to increased help and support for those we love.
Mental Health First Aid
Especially nowadays, we could all use some extra ways to help us deal with the challenging parts of life that we can't control. These strategies are often cited as ways to strengthen mental health on a daily basis and build up resilience.
- Move! Get some exercise.
- Notice things you are grateful for -- the smaller the better since your list will be longer. ;)
- Help someone.
- Eat vegetables (this has been tied to less depression in some studies)!
- Sleep, nap, rest.
- Practice taking deep and slower breaths.
- Get outside for a double hit: get vitamin D from the sun and notice nature.
- Remind yourself that challenging emotions are like waves - they will come and go.
- Try to give other people some slack and grace. Nobody is their "best self" most days, and everyone is going through something.
- Do what works for you! Try to notice what nourishes and bolsters YOUR mental well-being.
Sleep - helpful or counterproductive?
But what happens when you get too much sleep? Many students talk about sleep as one of their coping strategies when feeling stressed out. Taking a quick nap or going to bed early can be a great way to give your brain a break when feeling overwhelmed. But when this strategy is used all the time or is done to avoid things that make us anxious, it can become a problem. Sleeping to avoid certain tasks or situations typically ends up making us feel more anxious when we wake up! You feel better during that nap, but wake up with that same dread knowing your situation hasn't changed.
Next time you're opting to take a nap, ask yourself if its to reenergize before tackling a to do item or if it is to avoid having to think about it. If you are using sleep to avoid, try using one of the other strategies listed in the section above or talk to your counselor about ways to change things up! Here are some more ways to make sure you're getting healthy sleep.
We All Need Good News
This high schooler invented sutures that detect infection using beet juice. Its amazing what young people are capable of, including you!
We Still Have Plenty of School Supplies!
Worried about a friend?
This link has helpful tips for supporting a friend or family member who is having a tough time.
For emergencies, text or call 206-461-3222. This 24-Hour Crisis Line provides immediate help to individuals, families and friends of people in emotional crisis.
Thanks for supporting each other, Shorewood community.
Help is Available!
Counseling Department caseloads and contact information
School Counselors are assigned to students primarily by last names.
One full time counselor is assigned to approximately 350 students.
Think of school counselors as the "big picture people" who support students' high school experience, including academics, college/career interests, and personal/social issues.
If we can't help, we usually know who can, so please reach out when questions arise.
School Counselors:
Shannon Greenway // shannon.greenway@shorelineschools.org // Last names A-Ber
Julia Shin // julia.shin@shorelineschools.org // Last names Bes-Dun + 12th AVID
Bradley Nyhof // bradley.nyhof@shorelineschools.org // Last names Duo-Lor + 11th AVID
Elizabeth Farley & Sam Wren // wren.farley@shorelineschools.org // Last names Los-Ram + MLL + 10th AVID
Pam Richards // pam.richards@shorelineschools.org // Last names Ran-Z + 9th AVID
Gina Engle // gina.engle@shorelineschools.org // Running Start
Amber Langon // amber.langon@shorelineschools.org // Drug & Alcohol Prevention Specialist
Counseling Secretary: sharon.roma@shorelineschools.org
Family Advocates: kristin.harrington@shorelineschools.org and jill.steinberg@shorelineschools.org
College & Career Specialist: marianne.stephens@shorelineschools.org
The newsletter contains information about numerous subject matters.
The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such.