
College & Career Center
January 2025 Updates

CONTEST!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Email Ms. Eryn a picture capturing a moment from your holiday break to be entered into a drawing for 1 of 3 gift cards!!! Please make sure to give a summary of what is happening in the photo!
Email the picture to eryn.barker@bonsallusd.com by January 10.
See below to see Ms. Eryn with her family at the Botanical Gardens Light show during the holidays!!
Scholarships & Financial Aid Updates! (SENIORS)
FAFSA® Guide by SallieSM and FAFSA® quick start sheet. Our FAFSA® quick start sheet provides:
- A timeline of when to file the FAFSA®
- Guidance on getting the needed FSA ID before filing the FAFSA®
- Documents needed and no longer needed (there were changes last year – this isn’t your father’s FAFSA®!)
In addition, the FAFSA® Guide by Sallie walks you through all the FAFSA
Here are some more HELPFUL LINKS:
FSA: FAFSA Simplification resources
● FSA: Launch of the 2024–25 FAFSA® form
● FSA: Youtube Channel with tutorial videos
● NCAN: Better FAFSA Tools and Resources
● SDUT Article: The New FAFSA is here: What San Diego families should know
about applying for college financial aid
Seniors: It is time to start applying for scholarships!! You can talk to Ms. Sanchez for an up-to-date list!
Here is a great resource.
https://www.sdfoundation.org/students/common-scholarship-application/
Going Merry (www.goingmerry.com) is a new scholarship website - it makes scholarship applications as easy as college applications are when you use the Common App! There is a big waiting list but all of you can skip it when you sign up here: https://www.goingmerry.com/c/erynk-rw73w
More Info
Going Merry is completely different from the older scholarship search engines:
- Matching - Once you fill out your profile, you are automatically matched with scholarships you are most eligible for.
- Direct Applications - You can apply directly to multiple scholarships, you never need to leave the site.
- Autofilled Applications - All of the information from your profile is autofilled into each application, saving you time.
- Estimated Application Times - Every scholarship has estimated application time to help you prioritize them.
- Scholarships Grouped By Essay Topics - Scholarships are grouped by common essay topics so you can minimize the number of essays you have to write.
Other Scholarship Resources:
Where else can I find scholarships?
- Local Scholarships (work, organizations, etc.)
- Search websites (Some are listed below)
- Public Library
Scholarship Search Websites:
https://wp.classroomofthefuture.org/programs/
BEWARE OF SCAMS! DO NOT pay for a scholarship, DO NOT give out your social security number and DO NOT give out your bank information.
Early College Updates!
NEW Digital Handbook Just Launched!!! Check it out!!!
I am so thrilled to announce the launch of the NEW BHS Early College Handbook. This resource includes information about the program, highlights and quotes from previous students, and all of the resources included in our amazing program! Check it out!!
Spring 2025 Palomar College classes start on January 27!!
There is still space in the COUN110 - Student Success class with Palomar College.
This class will meet the prerequisite course requirement for the Early College program AND one of the college course graduation requirements!!
COUN110: Provides students with skills, tools, and techniques to reach educational objectives including time management, test taking, note taking, reading comprehension, memory development and more. This course is also available online.
Please read below and follow the steps to get signed up! DO NOT WAIT AS ENROLLMENT IS HAPPENING NOW!!
STEPS TO SIGN UP:
1. Complete the steps to get a Palomar ID: Getting Started w/ Palomar
2. Email Ms. Eryn at eryn.barker@bonsllusd.com to get on the list!!
(The K12 form and Early College Application in Step 1 can be found in Ms. Eryn's office)
Associate Teacher Program
Great news!! We have expanded our transportation to allow MORE students to access this accelerated program. If you have 4th period available in your schedule, email Ms. Eryn right away for more information!!
SUPPORT for College Students - New Canvas course!!
All students who are taking a college course, including students admitted to the Early College program and those taking the prerequisite course and not yet in the program, will receive an invitation to the Early College Canvas course. This course will have A LOT of important Palomar resources and information for students to be successful in the program. Also, there will be occasional assignments to keep students on track with deadlines! Students who meet the assignment deadlines are entered into a drawing for prizes!!
Are you interested in Graphic Design??
I have 2 spots available in the Spring 2025 Palomar College Graphic Design course offered on the BHS campus. This class runs during 3rd period and is taught by a Palomar College professor. If this works with your current schedule, then contact Ms. Eryn RIGHT AWAY!!!
Course information: GCIP149 / PAGE LAYOUT AND DESIGN 1
Transfer acceptability: CSU - Introduction to electronic document design and page layout, electronic composition, text and graphics entry with computers. Students will create a variety of projects including but not limited to: brochures, flyers, and newsletters.
Student Highlight of the Month!
What's Happening in CTE Land!
Legion Bots - 1st competition winner!!
BHS launched the 1st Battle Bots competition in our Advanced Product Innovation & Design class. Luis Villagomez was our very first champion, but it was a tough battle for all! A big thank you to Mr. Schwartzwald for an amazing competition!
Congratulations Luis!!
Fierce competition!
Some repairs were needed along the way!
Poll of the Month!
Do you make any New Year's resolutions?
Last month's results: Beach or Snowy Mountains?
The winner is....Beach!!! 🌊😎🏄🏻♂️🌴
NEW Support Resources!
Drop in Support Hours - Early College students
Students who need support from Ms. Eryn will now be able to access drop in support hours. See the home page on your Early College canvas course for the available times. This will be updated weekly!
Important Events & Deadlines!
SOME CSU APPLICATION DEADLINES EXTENDED!!!
CSU Application
Some of the Cal State Universities have extended their Fall 2025 application deadlines! You can view the list HERE. Below are a few helpful resources.
Student Resources
BHS Launched a NEW platform to make the College Application process easier!!!!
Ms. Eryn and Ms. Laurenne worked with Seniors to launch their CaliforniaColleges.edu accounts this fall! All UC, CSU and California Community College applications and financial applications (FAFSA) will be launched through student's CaliforniaColleges.edu accounts.
Why?? This step will automatically transfer student's transcript information into the application!! This will save time and prevent any errors that could potentially keep you from getting accepted to a UC/CSU!
All Senior financial aid applications and college and career program applications will be launched from this platform!!
Click Below for Parent and StudentTutorials and Resources!!
How to Register Your Parent Account
How to View Your Child’s Activity on CaliforniaColleges.edu
How to View Your Child’s Financial Aid Lessons Progress
How to Use the Academic Planner for High School Students
How to Use the Career Search Tool
How to Use the Major Search Tool
How to Use the College Search Tool
How to Launch and Track Your CCCApply Application
How to Launch and Track Your Cal State Apply Application
How to Launch Your UC Application
The tools in your My Plan can help you organize their thoughts, track steps, and develop a clear plan for the future. These tools include:
- My College Plan, which helps you keep track of your favorite colleges and majors, document any college visits or presentations you’ve attended, as well as organizes all your college application dates and deadlines;
- My Career Plan, which helps you keep track of the careers you’ve liked and Career Assessments you’ve taken; and
- My Financial Aid Plan, which helps you keep track of all your activities related to financial aid, including your financial aid lesson progress and financial aid applications.
Meet the Team!
Ms. Eryn Barker
Early College/CTE Coordinator
I am happy to say that this is my seventh year at Bonsall High School, 2nd year in my new role as the Early College/CTE Coordinator. I am a Midwest native, where I received my Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration and later my Master's of Education in both School and Clinical Counseling. While in my new role, I support students with taking college classes and discovering opportunities and career goals through the Early College program and the CTE Pathways!
Contact Information:
Email: eryn.barker@bonsallusd.com
Instagram: @ bhs_countdowntograduation
Miss Laurenne Sanchez
BHS School Counselor
Miss Sanchez(she/her/ella) is Bonsall High School's new School Counselor. She was born in the Dominican Republic, identifies as a bilingual Afro-Latina. She is a first-generation college graduate and earned two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Communications at the University of California, Davis and her Master's of Science in School Counseling. Laurenne is passionate about education and working with students and families on their own journeys. She is excited about meeting all of you and is available for all things academic, college and career and of course, your feels. Come by her office to say hello :)
Contact information:
Counseling Corner in Canvas
Bonsall HS College & Career Center
Email: For Early College & CTE: eryn.barker@bonsallusd.com
For School Counselor: laurenne.sanchezgutierrez@bonsallusd.com
Website: https://hs.bonsallusd.com/
Location: 7350 W. Lilac Rd., Bonsall, CA 92003
Phone: (760) 305-5700
Instagram: @bhs_countdowntograduation