School Counselor Newsletter

• Warm Winter Greetings! With the start of the new year, many of us make new year resolutions. Here are some tips and ideas to help get through the second half of the school year. Plans are underway to help students prepare for the next school year and beyond. In this School Counseling Newsletter edition you will find:
• Habits of Mind
• Resources for Parents and Students
• Important Dates to Remember
• Mental Health Resources
• Senior Square
• Junior Junction
• Sophomore Square
• Freshmen Corner
• Final Thoughts

National School Counseling Week for 2022 is February 7th-11th. The 2022 theme is "Better Together", and it's focus on public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within the U.S. On behalf of the WHUFSD counselors, THANK YOU to our school community for your support, and collaboration in working towards the success of our students!

This year's theme is: "One Step at a Time". The mission of P.S. I Love You Day is to remind all of us the importance of being kind to one another. On P.S. I Love You Day wear purple in order to foster kindness and a welcoming environment. Mental health is just as important as physical health. The amazing support staff at each of our school buildings have put together special events, and activities for the students to participate in. Please click on the links below to learn more about P.S. I Love You Day:

http://psiloveyouday.net/

It's that time of the year for the middle school and high school, scheduling. This year there is a new scheduling process for our current 8th - 11th grade students. Two of our goals at the High School are to promote student ownership in all aspects of their education and continuing to foster the home-school relationship. There is a new online course request process for students. Students, with the assistance of their parents/guardians, will now complete their course request through the PowerSchool online platform. This online program will afford parents/guardians to be involved in the process and have conversations with their child(ren) relating to their future coursework. After the requests are entered into PowerSchool, the students will have an individual meeting with their School Counselor. At this meeting, the counselors will ensure that the requested courses satisfy New York State graduation requirements and match the students’ interests and passions. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the school counseling office to speak to your child (ren) counselor. Please see the links below to learn more about this process.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1786415/Online_Course_Requests_for_2022-2023_School_Year.pdf

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1786416/Teacher_Recommendation_and_Self-Reflection_Guide.pdf

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1815114/012422_8th_Grade_Student_and_Parent_Packet.pdf

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1786414/Course_Catalog_Letter_2022-2023.pdf

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1331424/21-22_CC.pdf

All of our schools have been using the Habits of Mind program to students in grades k-12. The Habits of Mind nourishes students’ social-emotional learning and aims to improve the performance of students under challenging conditions. The faculty has been integrating this program both in and out of the classroom. In the coming years, the district will continue to grow the Habits of Mind program with students and staff, building a solid foundation in social-emotional learning at all ages.

Please see the attached link that explains the Habits of Mind- https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1658111/Habits_of_Mind_Full_Chart.pdf

5 SMART Goals Every Child Should Aim To Accomplish In The New Year:

It's time to start anew with the new year. New Year's resolutions are a great opportunity for you and your child to reflect on the past year and communicate about areas where there might room for improvement. Making New Year's goals provide the opportunity for children to understand the notion of self-discipline as well as reflect on the importance of setting goals.

When setting goals, it is important to help your child understand the notion of attainable goals. An easy way to help them understand this idea is to use the concept of SMART goals. This means goals must be:

S-specific, significant

M-measurable, meaningful

A-achievable, action-oriented

R-realistic, rewarding

T-timely, and tractable

Having SMART goals increases the likelihood that children will be able to create attainable goals, have a "game plan," and be successful. It is easy for children to lose focus, or be easily discouraged if their goals are too long-term or not age appropriate, so make sure to have a discussion regarding the goal-setting process to help your children.

Make resolutions together. This is a great way to ensure your child will stay motivated. Knowing that your child has someone on their side will provide s sense of support and positive reinforcement. When parents are able to model positive behaviors, children feel comforted and are likely to continue repeating the positive behaviors.

https://northshorefamilyservices.com/5-smart-goals-every-child-should-aim-to-accomplish-in-the-new-year/

Keeping Kids Safe On-Line:

Parents should stay involved in their children's digital world, know the apps they use, use parental controls where possible, and block and report people who make them feel uncomfortable. Kids should talk with a trusted adult so they understand online risks, only chat with people they know, ensure their online accounts are private, block people they don’t know or trust, and trust their instinct—if something makes them feel uncomfortable, tell a trusted adult about it. Kids and parents should stay alert—people aren’t always who they seem in online environments where identity is easy to fake.

Please click on this link from the Department of Justice:

https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/keeping-children-safe-online#:~:text=Supervise%20young%20children's%20use%20of,downloaded%20or%20used%20by%20children.

West Hempstead School District Resources:

High School resource link:

https://www.whufsd.com/o/whhs/page/resources

Middle School resource link:

https://www.whufsd.com/o/whms/page/parent-and-student-links

GW Elementary School resource link:

https://www.whufsd.com/o/george-washington/page/parent-and-student-links

Cornwell Avenue Elementary School resource link:

https://www.whufsd.com/o/cornwell-avenue/page/parent-and-student-links

https://www.whufsd.com/o/cornwell-avenue/page/parent-resources

Chestnut Street School resource link:

https://www.whufsd.com/o/chestnut-street/page/parent-and-student-links

Universal Pre-K- at Chestnut Street School:

https://www.whufsd.com/o/chestnut-street/page/universal-pre-kindergarten

High School Students:

AP Exams: The 2022 AP Exams will be administered over two weeks in May- (May 2nd-6th and May 9th-13th). Please contact you school counselor if you have any questions. The Collegeboard link below has the information to register for the AP exams, dates, and fees.

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/exam-administration-ordering-scores/exam-dates

Long Island Spring College Expo:

Representatives from over 200 two-year and four-year colleges, nursing schools, business schools and trade schools will participate in the Long Island Spring College Expo which will be held on Thursday, April 28 at LIU Post in Brookville, NY. Officers and enlisted personnel from the various branches of the military services will also be on hand to discuss the military’s enlistment and education programs such as R.O.T.C., the military academies and the GI Bill.

The College Fair, sponsored by the Nassau Counselors' Association, is a timesaving opportunity for students and parents to gather a lot of information in one day. College admissions representatives will be on hand to answer key questions ranging from acceptance policies to student–faculty ratio. In addition to asking questions, students and parents will be able to set up college interviews, pick up literature and learn about the various financial aid programs available. Review the list of participating colleges and make a list of the booths you’d like to visit. See the attached link for details:

https://www.collegefairguide.com/long-island-spring-college-expo

SUNY EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) Spring Events and Visit Request:

This is for seniors and prepare juniors through the college application process. There is a spring EOP event calendar with their respective registration links below. Students who need additional support to complete the EOP financial form requirement or learn more about EOP should attend the public events listed in the links below.

https://engage.suny.edu/portal/suny_visits_eop

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o9LE5Mdvi7a2kKCqwbHuxK-uhP-Hp9ha/view

ACT and SAT Exams:

Students who wish to take SAT and ACT: Juniors please go to the school counseling office to see deadlines and exam dates for the upcoming spring exams. Below are the links to register for these exams.

http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register

At West Hempstead School District we understand the importance of overall wellness. Our students’ physical, mental and emotional well-being impacts their academic performance and quality of life overall. During this particularly challenging time of uncertainty it is particularly important that we work together with our community to ensure wellness for all; students and families. Our district has a partnership with Northwell Health for counseling services. Below is a list of suggestions for staying well during difficult times.

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1464688/Northwell_Clinic_Information.pdf

https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1634821/Grief_Counseling_Resources.pdf

Tips for Wellness at Home:

Articles about how to talk to kids about COVID-19

PBS: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/10-tips-for-talking-about-covid-19-with-your-kids

Kids health: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/coronavirus-how-talk-child.html

Apps

• Insight Timer
• Calm
• Smiling Mind
• Headspace for Kids
• Stop, Breathe, and Think

Websites

Mindful: https://www.mindful.org/

Hear-Mind On-line: https://heartmindonline.org/resources/mindful-activities-for-families

Class Dojo: https://www.classdojo.com/

Do Yoga with Me: https://www.doyogawithme.com/

Positive Psychology.com: https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-for-children-kids-activities/

Additional Resources

These links can help to facilitate conversations with your student regarding their concerns with COVID-19.

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/smart-parenting-smarter-kids/202003/how-talk-kids-and-teens-about-the-coronavirus
• https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/health-crisis-resources/helping-children-cope-with-changes-resulting-from-covid-19
• https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/
• https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
• https://copingskillsforkids.com/calming-anxiety
• https://copingskillsforkids.com/deep-breathing-exercises-for-kids

FAFSA INFORMATION: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications are available online. College financial aid deadlines are quickly approaching. For help visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa

Do you have symptoms of SENIORITIS?:

Don’t let this serious illness catch you off-guard! All college acceptances are contingent upon your final GPA. Colleges have the right to revoke admission if the final GPA differs from the GPA at acceptance time. Many students, who have caught senioritis, have been placed on probation prior to enrolling in courses! Start your college years with pride, which means finishing your high school courses with a vengeance!!

Scholarships For Seniors $$$- Free Money!!

The college process isn't over!!

The next step is for students to apply for scholarships. The school counselors have been working diligently with students to inform them of the multiple scholarship opportunities available to seniors. This information has been available to students in many ways: morning announcements, monthly scholarship bulletin (which is available in the school counseling office, and on our high school website), counselors work with seniors on an individual basis, and assist them with the Fastweb (https://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships ) registration application during students' lunch periods.

Monthly scholarship bulletins on our high school website. http://www.whufsd.com/schools/hs_guidance_scholarships.

Fastweb. com:

Seniors who are preparing for the next phase of their education should also apply to scholarships listed on Fastweb. https://www.fastweb.com This is an excellent scholarship resource tool for students to search scholarships for students to receive. This is a national data base with continuous up dates.

· How it Works:

Join for free, create your student profile and a list of scholarships will be generated for the student. Featured college scholarships are listed on a regular basis. Fastweb members are matched to relevant scholarship opportunity complete free of charge. With roughly 1.5 million scholarships worth more than $3.4 billion, there are scholarships for every student's education goals, activities and interests.

Junior Conferences:

The school counselors began Junior Meetings in the beginning of March. These meetings are designed to discuss pertinent information related to college and career planning with students and parents.

Student Athlete Information:

Want to play college sports? For students interested in playing Division I & II sports, it is important to select high school courses that will meet all of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) core requirements. Division III sports are available and require different eligibility standards. See your school counselor with any questions. To register for the NCAA Clearinghouse please use this link: https://web3.ncaa.org/ecwr3/

Preparing for College: Spring:

● Attend the Spring College Fairs:

http://www.nassaucounselors.org/cal_events/spring-college-expo/

https://www.collegefairguide.com/long-island-spring-college-expo

● Visit colleges during spring vacations and weekends – be sure to make an appointment with the admissions office for an Information Session and Campus Tour

● Take the SAT/ACT/SAT Subject Exam(s)

● Plan to participate in enriching summer activities, such as volunteer work, acquiring a meaningful job or internship, enrolling in summer courses at a college, etc.

● Speak with teachers and ask them if they would be willing to write you a college letter of recommendation

● Student athletes should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at www.eligibilitycenter.org

● Finish the academic year strong! Study, Study, Study!

Preparing for College- Summer:

Re-read all literature received at the Junior Conference

● Continue to research and visit college campuses

● Register with the Common Application at https://www.commonapp.org/ (August)

● Review college essay topics and begin to brainstorm and draft

● Link Naviance Family Connection account to student’s Common Application by signing the FERPA Agreement

PSAT? When to take it?

Some sophomores do attempt taking the PSAT in their sophomore yea, but many students wait until their Junior year. this is because they have completed the necessary Math and English to be successful. If you think you may want to try the PSAT, you need to discuss this with your counselor before signing up. It is important you have a good testing experience when taking the PSAT. Not having all the preparation in place before attempting these tests could result in a negative attitude toward this type of test. It is not necessary to take this test as a sophomore to have success in your SAT testing as a junior. Take a look at this preliminary SAT at the www.collegeboard.com website.

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt-psat-10/k12-educators/psat-10-dates

When should I start planning for my child's higher education? NOW!!! It is never too early to start considering your child's plans and goals for after high school. Here are some key areas you can start considering now.

The Career & College Search: In the spring, the Freshmen class will have an opportunity learn more in depth how to utilize the career and college component of Naviance. This interactive and informative service provides our students with many opportunities for academic, college, and career exploration. This is a great starting point for students as they plan their future endeavors beyond high school.

College Fairs: Students should begin to attend virtual college fairs to begin to revive information and such as learning about programs and admissions requirements. As well as becoming more comfortable speaking face to face with college admissions representatives.

Stay Focused and Involved in Extra- Curricular Activities: Students need to stay focused, and remember that Freshman year counts. Each year is a building block to the next. It's never to late to join a club or a sport. Being part of the school community outside of the classroom is a great way for students to enhance their social skills.

Scheduling: The school counselors will be meeting with students after the winter break to review their course selections for their up coming school year. We are happy that many of our 8th graders will begin their high school education with high school credits already completed, in Foreign Language, Living Environment, Algebra, and Studio In Art. This gives our students the opportunity to take more courses that are available in our high school. The incoming Freshman will receive their schedule in the mail in the month August.

In the 8th grade is when our students will have the opportunity to Challenge Up in Science. The Challenge Up letter already went out to the families. If you have any questions regarding your child taking Living Environment in 8th grade please speak to your child's current 7th grade Science teacher first. The 2022-23 8th grade class will be the first class that is taking Algebra (Algebra for all). We are excited for this wonderful opportunity for them as it will be another high school credit they can complete prior to starting 9th grade.

Incoming 7th Graders: It's time to pick a foreign language, either Italian or Spanish for middle school. The forms for this were already mailed home. Please return the form to the Mr. Matthew Caruthers at GW as indicated on the form.

High School 101: Our annual High School 101 program will be after the February break. A panel of high school students will be speaking to the 7th, and 8th graders. They will discuss a variety of topics about high school, and the importance of middle school. The middle school students will also have an opportunity to ask questions regarding high school.

With the new year of 2022 upon us, and half of a school year behind us, here are some words of encouragement. "Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction. Every moment is a fresh beginning. Life's not about expecting, hoping, and wishing, it's about doing, being and becoming. The dreams of the future are better than the history of the past".

Please contact Mrs. Sigmon- (School Counselor- newsletter editor), if there are topics, or resources you would like to see in the upcoming newsletter.

Angela Sigmon-School Counselor Grades 7-9

asigmon@whufsd.com

(516) 390-3230