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Shawsheen Tech Guidance Newsletter
January
Who's My Counselor?
Ms. Angela Caira (acaira@shawtech.org) 9th grade counselor: Last Name A-L
Mr. Andy Alsup (aalsup@shawtech.org) 9th grade counselor: Last Name M-Z
Mr. Greg Harrison (gharrison@shawtech.org) 10th-12th grade counselor
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Auto Collision Repair & Finishing
- Automotive Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Metal Fabrication & Joining Technologies
Ms. Terry Henry (thenry@shawtech.org) 10th-12th grade counselor
- Business Technology/Marketing
- Drafting
- Graphic Communications
- Health Assisting
- Masonry
Ms. Kelly McFadden (kmcfadden@shawtech.org) 10th-12th grade counselor
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
Ms. Amanda Samaha (asamaha@shawtech.org) 10th-12th grade counselor
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management
- DVC
- Electronics/Engineering
- Information Support Services & Networking/Programming & Web Development
Attention Seniors: Free Application Day
In partnership with Reach Higher Massachusetts, and for the first time, the nine MA state universities and colleges are waiving their application fees for one day only - Friday, January 12, 2024.
This initiative continues the equity and access to higher education effort by encouraging students to apply to the state universities at no cost. Students can apply using the colleges' application on their website or via the students' Common Application account. The waiver code is REACHFREE .
College & Career Information Night
Parents/Guardians are invited to a presentation on Wednesday, January 17 from 5:30-6:30pm in the Shawsheen auditorium on post-secondary options for your student. The presentation will include post-secondary options such as licensure programs, military, 2-year & 4-year colleges/universities and employment. We will also discuss the junior year college timeline, main types of admission applications, the common app., SAT test dates, Naviance, Financial Aid overview, and upcoming events.
Registration is not required; however, if you would please complete the form below it will help us plan accordingly:
Attention Juniors! Upcoming College Rep Visits
The Shawsheen Tech Guidance Department will be hosting college admissions representatives throughout the month of January and February. College representatives will be available for small group question & answer sessions. Please check Naviance regularly as colleges are scheduling visits on an ongoing basis.
To register for an upcoming college visit, please login to Naviance and follow the steps below:
**you must receive permission from your teacher before attending these sessions**
FAFSA Information
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education along with uAspire have partnered to provide FREE FAFSA support. uAspire is here to help you and your students navigate the FAFSA changes happening this year. uAspire is a national nonprofit whose singular focus is on college affordability and removing financial barriers so that every student has an equitable opportunity to attain a postsecondary degree.
For Students:
uAspire will present virtual webinars on the FAFSA process. FSA has not released the exact date the FAFSA will be available but has confirmed that the FAFSA will come out by December 31st. uAspire will have a FAFSA virtual webinar for students on:
January 3, 2024 at 4:00-5:00 pm -ET
We will also target more dates and topics:
- January 30, 2024 at 5:00-6:00 pm -ET
- February 27, 2024 at 5:30-6:30pm -ET
· April 2, 2024 at 4:00-5:00 pm -ET
· April 24, 2024 at 5:00-6:00 pm -ET
· May 21, 2024 at 5:00-6:00 pm -ET
Please visit uAspire.org/resources for access to our library of resources
Attention Class of 2024
The Shawsheen Tech Guidance Office created the following document: Senior College Planning Checklist as a tool to help you complete the steps required to apply to college. If you plan to apply to a 4-year college, please review the document and reach out to your counselor if you have any questions or need clarification. Counselors will be visiting students in Related to give a general overview of the college application process but a 1-1 appointment with your counselor is recommended, especially if you plan to apply to college with an “Early Action” deadline (typically on or around November 1st).
Upcoming Military Events
On January 16th at 7:30am: Liam Barry from the Unites States Navy will present to interested 9-12th grade students about the Us Navy's Nuclear Power Program. Registration is required through Naviance with parent approval.
The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program provides militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensures their safe, reliable and long-lived operation. This mission requires the combination of fully trained U.S. Navy men and women with ships that excel in endurance, stealth, speed, and independence from supply chains.
A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor and Nuclear Operator in the Navy. Those seeking a role as a Nuclear Operator must be U.S. citizens with successful completion of one year of Algebra, and who can meet eligibility requirements for a security clearance.
To access registraion through Naviance, click on the link that says "more info" in your What's New tab of Naviance, click on the blue "Register" button to sign up for the presentation. The deadline to register is January 10, 2024.
See below for how to register:
PSAT-10
For any sophomore interested in registering for the PSAT-10 on Tuesday, March 5, there will be in-person registrations available the week of Jan. 22- Jan. 26th during homeroom outside of the Guidance Office. The will be a class meeting with more information during 1st periond on Friday, January 19th. *There is no fee to register for the exam.*
Join us! Shawsheen Tech Open House
This 2-hour open house is intended for prospective students interested in learning about Shawsheen Valley Technical High School. Prospective students, alumni, and family & friends are all welcome. This open house is designed to showcase the academic, career, and vocational-technical programs offered at Shawsheen. Parents and students will have the opportunity to speak with teachers, coaches, and club advisors, and can participate in self-guided tours.
Looking to get involved?
Shawsheen offers over 25 clubs/activites for students to get involved in. Click on the photo below for a list of our clubs/activities and who to contact for more information :
Application Deadline!
If you know anyone interested in applying to Shawsheen Tech, please help spread the word that our application deadline for 8th grade students is February 1, 2024.
RMV/Union paperwork: Parents/Guardians: you may email your request to guidanceoffice@shawtech.org
*Please give 48 hrs. notice for this request*
Work Permits: Please complete the following form and submit to the Guidance office: Work Permit Application
Where to find us:
Email: guidanceoffice@shawtech.org
Website: shawsheentech.org
Location: 100 Cook Street, Billerica, MA, USA
Phone: 978-667-2111
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawsheentech/
Twitter: @shawtech_hs