WBHS Counselor Connection

Information for WBHS students & parents - Dec. 2, 2024

WBHS CounselorConnectionInformation for WBHS students & parents - Dec. 2, 2024

In this issue:

  • Junior Parent Night: Preparing for College - In Person Event - December 3, 2024 in iCenter
  • Meet the Professional: Real Estate Agent/Broker - December 3, 2024
  • OSTC Information Night
  • OSTC Career Night December 5th
  • Seniors - FAFSA is now OPEN - Fill it out!
  • FAFSA Help Document by Mrs. Essig
  • FAFSA Help Sessions
  • Test-Optional and what it means when taking an SAT or ACT
  • Fee Waivers for College Applications and ACT/SAT
  • William Beaumont School of Medicine Saturday Programs for High School Students
  • Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee Virtual Info Session
  • Rotary Youth Exchange
  • Scholarship Club for Seniors
  • Scholarship List

Junior Parent Night: Preparing for College and the Senior Year

Junior Parent Night: Preparing for College


Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: WBHS iCenter (In-Person Event)


West Bloomfield High School invites junior parents to join us for an essential evening dedicated to college preparation. This informative session will provide insights and strategies to support students as they begin their journey toward higher education. Earlier in the day, the WBHS Counseling team will meet with juniors to provide them with college prep information. The parent night is a perfect opportunity to help you facilitate the college discussion with your junior.


What to Expect:

  • Expert Advice on the college preparation process
  • Building Your College List: Guidance on selecting colleges
  • Timeline Overview for Junior Year Tasks
  • Application Process Tips to make the experience smoother
  • Overview of Junior Year Events: Learn about upcoming college support events
  • Q&A Session: Get answers to your questions

Registration is not required, but to help us prepare, please complete this Google Form to confirm your attendance. Light refreshments will be provided. All junior parents are encouraged to attend. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to support your student’s future. We look forward to seeing you there.

Meet the Professional: Real Estate Agent/Broker

10th, 11th and 12th grade students:


Are you interested in a career in real estate? Not sure where to begin and what education is actually required? Join us for a conversation with Jillian Moutafis from Real Estate One. Jillian is a multi-million dollar real estate producer ranked in top 5% of realtors across the country. She is among top 300 agents in Oakland County and a 2024 Real Producer.


This is an excellent opportunity to learn from her expertise and seek guidance as you map out your future.


Click on the link to register: https://forms.gle/jBkAoJoFY18dKmb6A


Pre-registration is required for all events. Registration will close 24 hours prior to the event. Event dates and times are subject to change. No students will be allowed to register after registration is full or closed.

OSTC Information Night - For Enrollment in 2025-2026

OSTC Career Night - December 5th - Check out opportunities to enroll 2025-2026

Senior Parents - FAFSA is now open! Check out Mrs. Essig's helpful FAFSA Doc!

Are you taking the SAT or ACT? It is important to read this!

Are you taking the SAT or ACT? We encourage you to wait to send your scores before sending them blindly to colleges. In this test-optional world, you want to see them first!


Juniors - As you start the pre-registration process for taking an SAT or ACT exam, the instructions will prompt you to list up to four colleges to send your scores. However, since many colleges are now "test optional," we recommend waiting to send your scores. You should first review your scores to decide if they strengthen your college application. Once a score is sent, a college may not be able to "unsee" it, so we suggest keeping control over your score reporting.


If you have any questions please see your counselor or Mrs. Essig.

Scholarship Club for seniors!

Are you in need of money to assist you with paying for college? Do you need scholarships but aren't sure where to start? Every year we get seniors coming to us in tears in April because they cannot afford the college they wish to attend. Don't let this be you! Apply for scholarships all throughout the school year!


Mrs. Noelle Essig, College and Career Counselor, regularly uses her expertise to provide a personalized college search experience for WBHS students. This fall, she is also using her expertise to help interested students find ways to help pay for their education. Join Mrs. Essig as she guides you through the process and provides time each week for students to research and work on scholarship applications. Mrs. Essig will also conduct mock interviews for students who get selected for scholarship interviews.


The next meeting will be Wednesday, Dec 11th at 2:30 in the iCenter.

College Application and ACT/SAT Test Fee Waivers

College application fee waivers are available for students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Your family needs to apply each year for free and reduced lunch. Please fill out the free and reduced lunch form by clicking here: https://www.wbsd.org/departments/nutriton-services


10th and 11th grade: If you qualify for free and reduced lunch, you can receive a code to waive your fees for the ACT and/or SAT. Please apply for free and reduced lunch first and confirm that you qualify then see your counselor or Mrs. Essig.

Michigan Achievement Scholarship and Community College Guarantee

Attend a Virtual Info Session on the Michigan Achievement & Comm College Schol.


High school students and families interested in learning more about the Michigan Achievement Scholarship are encouraged to attend an informational webinar provided by MI Student Aid.

Participants will be able to gather the following information:

  • Information about the NEW Community College Guarantee
  • Michigan Achievement Scholarship eligibility requirements
  • Michigan Achievement Scholarship award amounts
  • Important action items for students and families
  • Additional resources and program information

All sessions are free of charge and open to the public. Register for one session only, as space is limited.

December 10 at 6:30 p.m.


Are you not able to attend a webinar? Take a look at the recording of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship Informational Session.


Closed captioning will be provided. If you need special accommodations to attend this meeting, contact mistudentaid@michigan.gov two business days prior to the scheduled webinar. Requests received after that date cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made to provide the accommodation requested.


The Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential is not affiliated with National Merit Scholarship Corporation or its registered trademarks National Achievement®, Achievement Scholarship®, or Achievement Scholar®.

Financial Aid Seminars Offered by MI Student Aid


Students and families looking for help paying for college can attend an upcoming Virtual Financial Aid Presentation provided by MI Student Aid.


Participants will be able to gather information on the following financial aid topics:

  • FAFSA application information
  • Federal financial aid programs
  • State financial aid programs
  • Scholarship searching resources


December 18 at 12:30 p.m.

December 18 at 6:30 p.m.


Additional Financial Aid Webinars

Michigan Achievement Scholarship Informational Sessions

SENIORS: Financial Aid Workshops for Seniors - FAFSA is open!

FAFSA Workshops

Receive professional guidance to complete and submit the FAFSA. This workshop is facilitated by Oakland University Student Financial Services and is available as a public service to all high school seniors and current college students, no matter where students choose to attend college. Each workshop session is expected to last approximately 30-60 minutes and will have options for a private breakout room to ask personal questions or share your screen privately for assistance.

Prior to your workshop:

Download the FAFSA Worksheet to access the steps to prepare for the FAFSA. All contributors (students, spouse, and parent(s)) must each create a studentaid.gov account (FSA ID) more than 24 hours before you complete the FAFSA. Record the login information in Step One of the FAFSA Worksheet. Do not create an ID for anyone else, you must use your own personal email and personal phone number. Review the items in Step Two of the FAFSA Worksheet to gather necessary information to complete the FAFSA.


Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/02/2024 12:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/02/2024 08:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/03/2024 12:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/03/2024 06:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/03/2024 08:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/04/2024 08:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/09/2024 06:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/09/2024 08:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/10/2024 06:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/11/2024 12:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
12/11/2024 08:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/06/2025 05:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/07/2025 06:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/07/2025 08:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/08/2025 06:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/08/2025 08:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/13/2025 06:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/13/2025 08:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/14/2025 06:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/15/2025 05:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/28/2025 06:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
01/29/2025 06:00 PM
Online Event

Virtual FAFSA Workshop
02/05/2025 06:00 PM
Online Event

Rotary Youth Exchange

Gamma Lambda Scholarship for African American Male Seniors with 3.0+ GPA

2025 Application Open

Link: https://www.glef1906.org/apply-for-a-scholarship



The Gamma Lambda Education Foundation currently has scholarships available for high school graduates who will graduate by June 2025. High school graduates are expected to enter an accredited college at the beginning of the 2025 - 2026 academic year. Scholarships are available in various amounts.


Requirements for consideration are:

  • Graduate from a Metropolitan Detroit Area Public High School or Public School Academy (Charter High School)

  • Grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale

  • Acceptance and attending an accredited four-year college or university

  • African-American male

  • Participation in the Gamma Lambda Education Foundation Scholarship Program and related activities sponsored and/or approved by the Gamma Lambda Education Foundation (failure to participate will impact scholarship eligibility/award)

​

Application Procedures: Please Read Carefully

  • Submit completed application (Download both PDF documents above)

  • Submit transcript indicating grades for all courses completed through January, 2025 (grades 9 - 12 inclusive)

  • Submit two letters of recommendation:

1. One letter from a school instructional employee (i.e. counselor,

teacher or administration official) and

2. One letter from a community organization:

(a) Church (b) Scout troop (c) Junior Achievement (d) Co-op work

assignment/employer (e) A similar organization not listed (will

review for consideration upon receipt)


  • Submit a maximum 350-word essay using Microsoft Word (preferred application but not required, may use alternative or submit paper copy) on the topic of: “How a Scholarship Will Enable You To Achieve Your Academic Goals/Objectives”
    (deductions for exceeding word limit and for usage of any AI based tools).

  • Submit a letter of acceptance from a four-year college or university. This letter may be submitted by the time of interview.

​

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION IS MIDNIGHT April 4, 2025

(All applications must be post marked or email timestamped by the deadline/emails accepted)4


https://www.glef1906.org/apply-for-a-scholarship

Scholarships

Please note that Ms. Essig posts all scholarship information in the College and Career Center Canvas page. Please follow the Canvas page for the most up-to-date opportunities!


How do I find scholarships?


1. Seniors - The FAFSA will open for the Class of 2025 seniors after December 1st. Apply for Financial Aid after December 1st at this link: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa


2. Check with each college in which you are applying for merit-based scholarships and deadlines.


3. Check for memorial and alumni scholarship opportunities at each college in which you may qualify.


4. Check with student’s/parent’s employer, banks/credit union, religious & civic affiliations, etc. for scholarships.


5. Check the College and Career Center Canvas pages frequently.


6. Read the Counselor Connection


7. Conduct a search by using a national search engine, such as www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com, www.myscholly.com, etc. Be sure to create an email address just for these searches as students will receive a lot of emails. There is no need to pay money for these services! Watch for scams!


8. Check Careeronestop: https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx


9. College Board Opportunity Scholarships. https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/


10. For more information: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/finding-scholarships#how-find


11. Remember it takes work to receive most scholarships! You won't know if you don't try!

Scholarship List - Check often in Canvas for updates!

☃️❄️ DECEMBER DUE DATES ❄️☃️


⛷️ ☕ JANUARY DUE DATES ☕ ⛷️


💟 💖 FEBRUARY DUE DATES 💖 💟


MARCH DUE DATES


APRIL DUE DATES

Mrs. Essig's College Prep Video Series

It is important to do your research and created a balanced list of colleges. If you are applying to several reach schools, it is critical that your list includes likely and target schools. Please also keep in mind that your safety school might be your friend's reach school. Please be cautious of your words. Stay open-minded and chase merit scholarships at schools where your GPA is above their average.
Your Balanced College List

Parchment: What you need to know before you start


Last week in advisory, we worked to help seniors create their Parchment accounts. If you were absent, please see the information and instructional video below.


  • What is Parchment? Parchment is a transcript delivery service that we (and most high schools and many colleges use). This is how WBHS sends your high school transcript to colleges, employers, the military and so on. The account you create today will be the same account you will log in to years from now if you need to request a transcript to show proof of graduation


  • Do I need a Parchment account if I’m not planning to go to college? Yes, everyone needs a Parchment account as many employers will need to see proof of graduation in order to hire you.


  • What do I need to know before I create this account?


When you create your account, remember, you will be asked to provide an email address. It's crucial that you DO NOT USE YOUR WBHS EMAIL ADDRESS! Instead, use your personal email address. This is a proactive step to ensure that once you graduate, your Parchment account remains accessible, as your WBHS Email address will be deleted.


When creating your account, be sure to use your full legal name so that your account can be properly matched to your transcript.


Before you begin, remember that at some point in Parchment, they will ask your permission to share your personal information with colleges and universities. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU SAY “NO” SO THAT YOU DO NOT GET SIGNIFICANT SPAM.


IF AT ANY POINT IN PARCHMENT it asks you to provide your GPA, and area of study, you are in the WRONG SPOT!!! Please click the Parchment icon and then the “DASHBOARD” link to return to the correct area.


THE RED LINE THAT SHOWS THE PERCENT COMPLETE RATE IS NOT IMPORTANT!


There are three steps to creating the account.

  • First, you will create your account using your personal email address and password.

  • Second, you will be sent a verification code to the email address that you used. Sometimes, this can take a few minutes.

  • Lastly, once you enter the code, you must link West Bloomfield High School to your account. Look for the + sign at the center of the screen. If you don’t see it, click on the Parchment Icon at the top left of your screen and click on Dashboard to take you to the correct screen.



Before you begin, please watch this instructional video on how to create the Parchment account. Please watch the video and then work to create your account. - https://youtu.be/une5s-PGN40

If at any point you have difficulty creating your account, please fill out this Google Form and Mrs. Essig will make arrangements to assist you within the next few weeks. Do not panic, we are here to help!

College and Career Center in Canvas for 11th and 12th Grade Students

If you are in 11th and 12th grade, be sure to "accept" the invitation to join the Virtual College and Career Center! Mrs. Essig has created a fantastic resource for you! After you have reviewed the information, you are welcome to set up an appointment with her if you have questions. Mrs. Essig kindly asks that juniors wait until after November 1st to make an appointment as seniors are her priority with November 1st college application deadlines. Check Canvas for more details and announcements.


Parents - You can view the information by being an "observer" of your student in Canvas.

Below are some helpful links for Canvas.


Interested in an HBCU but not sure where to look? Check out this search tool that allows you to search by major. http://thehundred-seven.org/matchme.php

Every college provides data via the Common Data Set about their previous year's admitted students. This is a great way to understand your chances of admission along with helping you determine whether to send your SAT/ACT scores to a college that is test optional. Simply Google the name of the college + Common Data Set to find this information. Look in Section C. This data quickly helps students understand their chances of admission.

To get an estimate of your cost of attendance at a college or university, Google the name of the college with the term "Net Price Calculator." Each college has an estimator. This doesn't guarantee your cost of attendance but can be a useful tool.

District Calendar
Scroll down to the right side to click on the district calendar.

Important Contacts

WBHS Counseling Department


Alpha Splits

Kelly Casinelli - Students with last names A-Ch
Joanne Wegrzynowicz - Students with last names Ci-Gra
Karen Brody - Students with last names Grb-Kl
Kason Dickerson - Students with last names Km-M
Kyle Landon - Students with last names N-Sh
John Hepper - Students with last names Si-Z

Noelle Essig - College & Career Counselor

Carla Jones - Mental Health Specialist


Administrative Staff


Mr. Eric Pace, Principal

Eric.Pace@wbsd.org


Susie Aisner, Assistant Principal

Susan.Aisner@wbsd.org


Jamie Glinz, Assistant Principal

Jamie.Glinz@wbsd.org


Dr. Stephanie Clark, Assistant Principal

Stephanie.Clark@wbsd.org


Eric Pierce, Assistant Principal/Athletic Director

Eric.Pierce@wbsd.org


Newsletter Contact:

Email: noelle.essig@wbsd.org
Website: https://www.wbsd.org/west-bloomfield-high-school/counseling-office
Location: 4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248)865-6768
Twitter: @WBHSCounseling

OK2SAY

1-855-565-2729

Text - 652729

https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/


Text - HELLO to 741741

Noelle Essig
Noelle is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters