1. Mental Health

2. Senior Spotlight

• FAFSA Completion Tips
• Understanding a Financial Aid Award Letter
• Upcoming Scholarships

3. Junior Junction

• PIP Meetings
• SAT vs. ACT

4. Sophomore Square

• Balancing it all
• Practicing Mindfulness

5. Freshman Focus

• Naviance

6. PTHS Counseling Office

As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect, reset, and refocus on what matters most. Setting goals can help create a sense of purpose and direction, whether it’s excelling academically, improving relationships, or prioritizing your well-being. Small, achievable goals can lead to big changes over time, so consider what you want to accomplish this year and how you can take steps toward those goals each day.

Mental health and self-care are essential to staying balanced and thriving throughout the year. Incorporating habits like regular exercise, mindfulness, and taking time to unplug can make a significant difference in how you feel and perform. Remember, self-care isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about creating a foundation that allows you to be your best self.

To support you in prioritizing your mental health and well-being, here are a few self-care apps and websites to explore. These tools can help you track your mood, practice mindfulness, and stay connected to your goals. Let’s make this year a time of growth, balance, and success together!

Woebot is a free App shared by our friends at Cranberry Psychological Services. It coaches users in recognizing how thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected to improve mood. Check out the informational video below.

If your college/university is requiring that your mid-year (semester) grades be sent, please fill out the following form: Mid-year Request Form. (Mid-year grades will not be ready until shortly after the end of the 1st semester in mid-January).

Unsure whether your college/university requires Mid-year grades? Check your college's website, your application or make an appointment to see your school counselor and they can help! Students using the Common App to apply to their schools can see which colleges require a mid-year report by looking in the "School Forms Required" section.

The FAFSA is officially opened. It is important to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. Some colleges and universities are requiring the FAFSA to be completed by February 15, to be considered for scholarships. Some postsecondary institutions may have varying dates and it is important to be aware of these dates.

Following the FAFSA Completion Night on January 11, we learned some valuable information from PHEAA partner, Jonathan Warner, to pass on to our senior families.

Helpful Tips for FAFSA Completion

• Have the student complete form first.
• Once student completes the form, logout and then the parent can login.
• Parent can accept the invitation from the student within the activity link after logging into the site.
• If parents file taxes jointly, only one parent needs to apply for the FSA ID and provide information.
• Investments are anything not covered under retirement including 529 plans.
• 529 Plans – If parent has 529 plan and the student is the beneficiary then the 529 plan would be part of the parent investments. If the 529 plan is in the student’s name then this would be part of the student’s investments. Parents should only include 529 plans for the student applying for financial aid and not their siblings.
• An email from PHEAA will be sent to the student mid-February inviting them to apply for the state grant. Students should create an account and apply to determine if eligible.

Understanding what is in a financial aid offer is critical for students and families to make an informed decision about paying for college. Once students are admitted, they will begin receiving financial aid letters that outline how much the student will be eligible to receive in the upcoming academic year.

Financial Aid letters are sent out to current and prospective students who have completed their FAFSA. The timeframe of sent letters depends on when the FAFSA was completed and the school's individual timelines. The letters may vary from school to school, appear in different formats, and utilize terminology that can leave students and families questioning which offer is the best.

Utilize these tips to help you understand which offer is the best for you and your student:

Create a Spreadsheet and Get Organized: Create a spreadsheet or document that will help you keep track and compare each school’s Cost of Attendance (COA), the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and the details of the financial aid offer, including any scholarships, grants, work-study, or federal student loans.

Understand the Terminology: Recent research shows that financial aid letters lack transparency, making it difficult to compare. Take the time to understand exactly what is being offered, and if you have questions, do not hesitate to contact the school’s financial aid office. For example, you might see federal loans listed as ‘federal direct unsubsidized loan,’ ‘federal loan,’ ‘direct loan,’ ‘direct unsub,’ or even just ‘L.’

Bigger isn’t Always Better: The biggest financial aid offer might not be the best one. Dive deeper and look beyond the total dollar amount. Establish how much of what’s listed is ‘free money,’ like scholarships and grants, and how much money will need to be paid back, such as federal student loans. In some cases, it makes more sense to accept the smaller financial award that has more scholarships and grants, over a larger award containing more loans.

You Don’t Need to Accept the Entire Offer: You are not required to accept everything that is included within the offer. After you have established your plan to pay for college, only accept the types and amounts of aid that you will need and make sure to respond to your school BEFORE the deadline.

It’s Okay to Negotiate: if your financial aid situation has changed, pick up the phone and call the financial aid office! They may be able to consider a reevaluation of your financial aid offer!

Read the Fine Print: Even after you have accepted your offer, pay close attention to the fine print. Note which parts of the offer are renewable and which parts are only for the year. Be mindful of grade point average requirements. Make sure you are completing and submitting the required documents promptly. Missing a deadline can negatively impact your eligibility!

(Adapted from: https://www.collegefairguide.com/single-post/2020/02/26/is-bigger-better-sallie-mae-helps-families-evaluate-financial-aid-offers)

January

1/10: Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship – $7,500

1/10: Scholarship for Diversity in Media – $7,500

1/10: Business, Marketing, and Technology Scholarship – $7,500

1/25: Olympus Energy STEM Scholarship – $2,500

February

2/1: William and Debrah Pettigrew Scholarship – $1,000

2/7: South Hills College Club – $2,000

2/15: Robert "Tick" Cloherty - Western PA Chapter Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship – $2,000

2/24: Good Orthodontics Smile Scholarship – $1,000

March

3/1: Ross F. DiMarco Scholarship – $1,000

3/1: Lions Young Ambassador of the 21st Century Award Program – $500

3/1: National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame – $1,000

3/1: The Foundation 649 Scholarship – $4,000 (renewable)

3/3: Dream…Innovate…Grow Trade School + College Scholarship – $1,000 (renewable)

3/14: Clearview Federal Credit Union Ralph B. Canterbury Scholarship – $1,500

3/27: Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees Washington Co. Scholarship – $1,000

April

4/1: Men’s College Scholarship – $500 - $1,000

4/7: Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA Scholarship Program – $1,500

4/25: McMurray Rotary Club Scholarships – $3,000 - $1,000

4/30: Keynotes Music Scholarship Competition – $7,500 - $1,110

Links to National Scholarships

Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholars

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarship Opportunities

EnergyRates.Ca College Scholarship 2025

Future Farmers of America Scholarship

Career One Stop Scholarship Finder

Frank M. Snowden Jr. Undergraduate Scholarships

Top Scholarships for High School Seniors: Class of 2025

John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest (open to grades 9-12!)

Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship (open to grades 9-12!)

Association for Women in Mathematics Student Essay Contest (open to grades 9-12!)

National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship

BigFuture Scholarships (open to grade 10-12!)

American Indian Services Scholarship

he Post-Secondary Individual Planning (PIP) meeting occurs in the junior year. Students and parents will meet with their counselor to discuss post-secondary pathways, goals after high school, and how to achieve those goals. Topics discussed will include:

• Transcript Review
• Senior Course Selection
• Post High School Plans - College, Career, Military, Tech/Trade School
• Standardized Testing
• Naviance

Planning Meetings will take place during the regular school day beginning January 6th through March 31st. Meetings will be conducted virtually through TEAMs or in-person. Please sign up through the link sent out from your students' counselor, which will prompt you to select an appointment date and time. Appointments will be on a first come, first serve basis. Please consult with your child to determine a time and day of the week that best accommodates their schedule.

The Horatio Alger Association seeks to assist students who have demonstrated integrity, perseverance in overcoming adversity, strength of character, financial need, a good academic record, commitment to pursue a college education, and a desire to contribute to society. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be considered. The awarded scholarships range from $10,000 to $25,000 with more than 600 scholarships available. Applications can be found online at horatioalger.org/scholarships and must be completed by March 1, 2025.

Colleges and universities do not have a preference between the two tests and either are accepted by schools. Which often leads to one question – which one should I take? The answer to that question lies in understanding the differences between the two tests.

The idea behind both exams is similar: to demonstrate college readiness. The tests vary in structure and timing as well as content and scoring. Both tests serve as an indicator of a student’s critical thinking and analytical skills.

Length: 2 hours and 14 minutes

Platform: Digital

Number of Questions: 98 questions

Reading & Writing Section - 64 minutes

Math Section - 70 minutes

Length: 3 hours

Platform: Paper/Pencil

Number of questions: 215 questions

Reading Section - 35 minute

English Section - 45 minute

Math Section - 60 minute

Science Section - 35 minute

The most recognized difference between the SAT and ACT is the platform in which students take the test. The SAT is now digital. The ACT continues to be a paper and pencil exam. Students should be aware that there are differences in pacing. Since the ACT includes more questions, the students have less time to spend on each one. Typically, a student spends over a minute on questions on the SAT and under a minute per question on the ACT.

Some students prefer the predictability of the ACT as there are four clearly defined sections. Others might prefer the SAT because each section is a little bit shorter. The SAT is adaptive and has two modules with each section. The first module consists of easy, medium, and hard questions. Based on responses, the second module will either consist of easier or more difficult questions.

However, it is very important to understand any possible misconceptions. For example, the ACT includes a science section, that typically leads students who excel in science and math to favor the ACT over the SAT. Both contain science content. The ACT has a clearly defined science section and the SAT embeds science content throughout the exam.

To help students make their decision, students are encouraged them to take a full-length practice test for each exam. Free online test preparation is available for both exams. Each exam requires different strategies and it’s best to become well-versed to determine which exam is best for you and your learning style.

Sophomore year is an exciting yet busy time as students juggle academics, extracurricular activities, social lives, and personal responsibilities. Learning to balance all these demands is a crucial skill that will not only help you succeed in high school but also prepare you for life beyond. A great starting point is to focus on effective time management. Creating a weekly schedule that outlines your classes, assignments, and activities can help you stay organized and ensure you dedicate enough time to each priority. Include time for breaks and relaxation to avoid burnout.

Set Realistic Goals:

Whether you aim to improve your grades, master a new skill, or excel in a sport, breaking these goals into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel more achievable. Using tools like planners, apps, or even sticky notes for daily to-do lists can keep you focused and motivated. Remember, it’s okay to adjust your goals as needed—progress, not perfection, is what matters.

Setting SMART goals is a powerful way to stay focused and achieve your objectives. Here’s a quick guide to creating goals that work:

1. Specific

   • Be clear and detailed about what you want to achieve.
   • Ask yourself: Who is involved? What exactly do I want to accomplish?
   • Example: “Improve my math grade from a B to an A.”

2. Measurable

   • Include criteria to track your progress and determine success.
   • Ask yourself: How will I know when I’ve achieved this goal?
   • Example: “I will complete all homework assignments and score at least 90% on three upcoming tests.”

3. Achievable

   • Ensure your goal is realistic and attainable with the time, resources, and effort you can provide.
   • Ask yourself: Is this goal within my capabilities?
   • Example: “I will study math for 30 minutes each day, focusing on areas where I struggle.”

4. Relevant

   • Align your goal with your broader aspirations or values.
   • Ask yourself: Why is this goal important to me?
   • Example: “Improving my math grade will help me qualify for an honors class next year.”

5. Time-Bound

   • Set a deadline to create urgency and maintain focus.
   • Ask yourself: When do I want to achieve this goal?
   • Example: “I will raise my grade by the end of the semester.”
     
     

Don't Overcommit:

Maintaining a balance also involves knowing when to say no. Overcommitting can lead to stress and exhaustion, so it’s important to prioritize activities that align with your values and interests. If you find yourself overwhelmed, reach out to a teacher, counselor, or trusted adult for guidance. They can help you manage your workload and provide strategies for staying on top of things.

Ask for Help:

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s academic assistance, emotional support, or advice on managing your schedule, your school counselors, teachers, and family are here to help. Remember, seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. By building healthy habits and prioritizing balance, you can set yourself up for a successful and fulfilling sophomore year.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment, fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgement. For high school students, practicing mindfulness during the school day can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being. With the pressures of academic, extracurricular activities, and the social demands, mindfulness offers a way to reset and approach challenges with a clearer mind. Even a few minutes of mindful breathing or quiet reflection can boost concentration and make it easier to shift your focus away from things that may be worrying you and redirect you to the present moment. It’s a skill that not only helps in the classroom but also strengthens resilience and promotes healthier relationships. By incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, you can cultivate a sense of balance and calm that supports your overall success. Here are a few helpful techniques for staying mindful throughout the day:

Grounding: How Stay Present and Centered

Ground helps you to connect to the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety by focusing on what is happening around you. It is especially helpful in the classroom when you feel overwhelmed, distracted, or anxious. Next time you are feeling a little unfocused in class, try these quick and easy steps:

• Take a few deep breaths in and out.
• Look around and find:
• 5 things you can see
• 4 things you can touch
• 3 things you can hear
• 2 things you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste
• Take a moment to reflect after and think about:
• Was one sense easier to use than others?
• Did you notice anything surprising?
• Which sensory experiences did you like or dislike?

Body Scan: A Simple Way to Relax and Refocus

A body scan involves paying attention to different parts of your body, helps you to release tension, calm your mind, and stay grounded in the present moment. It is an excellent tool for students to use in the classroom when they are feeling stressed, distracted, or overwhelmed. By checkin in with your body, you can identify areas of tension and consciously relax them. Here a few tips on how to do a body scan:

• Get comfortable: sit back in your chair with both feet flat on the floor and your hands resting in your lap. You can close your eyes if you feel comfortable, or keep them softly focused on a spot in front of you.
• Take a few deep breaths: Begin by taking slow, deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a moment, and exhale through your mouth.
• Start at the Top: Focus on the top of your head. Notice if you feel any tension or discomfort, imagine the tension melting away as you exhale.
• Move down gradually checking in:
• Face and jaw: are you clenching your jaw or furrowing your brow? Relax those areas.
• Neck and Shoulders: Notice if they are tense and let them drop slightly.
• Arms and Hands: Are your hands tapping or fidgeting? Let your arms feel heavy and relax your fingers.
• Chest and Stomach: Pay attention to your breathing and release any tightness.
• Legs and Feet: Feel the weight of your legs and notice how your feet press into the ground.

Relaxation Techniques

• Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing helps calm your mind and body by reducing stress and lowering your heart rate.
• Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor.
• Inhale deeply through your nose for a count of four, filling your lungs completely.
• Hold your breath for a count of four.
• Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six.
• Repeat for 2-3 times.
• Meditation: Mediation involves focusing your attention to achieve a sense of calm and clarity.
• Find a quiet spot and sit comfortably.
• Close your eyes or softly focus on a point.
• Take a few deep breaths and then breathe naturally.
• Focus on a single point, such as your breath, a word, or a sound.
• If your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing and relaxing muscle groups to release tension:
• Sit or lie comfortably.
• Starting with your feet, tense the muscles as tightly as possibly for 5 seconds.
• Release and notice the relaxation.
• Move up through your body (legs, stomach, arms, shoulders, face), repeating the process.
• Imagery and Visualization: Visualization helps reduce stress by imagining peaceful, calming scenes or achieving a personal goal.
• Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
• Picture a peaceful place, like a beach or a forest, in your mind.
• Focus on the details - sounds, colors, and sensations.
• Stay in your visualization for a few minutes before gently opening your eyes.

It is never too early to start thinking about your postsecondary plans and where you might be headed after PT. To assist our students and families in their research, we utilize Naviance - a comprehensive college and career readiness platform designed to help students align their strengths and interests with their future goals. Naviance empowers students to take charge of their academic and career planning by providing personalized insights and tools to make informed decisions about their education and career paths.

Why Use Naviance?
Naviance offers a wealth of resources tailored to help students explore their unique strengths and interests. It serves as a one-stop shop for college and career planning, providing tools to research potential careers, explore colleges, and set achievable goals. By engaging with Naviance early, students can gain clarity about their interests and start building a roadmap toward their aspirations. Whether it’s discovering career options, identifying areas for academic improvement, or setting long-term goals, Naviance is designed to grow with students throughout their high school journey.

Using the Career Cluster Finder
One of the first tools 9th graders are introduced to is the Career Cluster Finder. This engaging assessment helps students identify their interests, skills, and values, then matches them with career clusters—groups of careers that share common characteristics. By understanding their preferred career clusters, students can begin exploring potential professions and pathways that resonate with their passions and strengths. For example, a student who shows interest in the "Health Science" cluster might explore courses like biology or health science electives, while a student interested in the "Information Technology" cluster might consider computer science classes.

Planning Courses with Career Interests in Mind
The insights gained from the Career Cluster Finder aren’t just theoretical—they can be put into practice right away. As students begin planning their courses for next year, they can align their selections with their career interests. This helps them build a foundation of relevant knowledge and skills that will be valuable in their future endeavors. For instance, if a student is interested in engineering, they might opt for additional math or physics courses. Aligning academic choices with career aspirations ensures students make the most of their high school experience and stay motivated by pursuing subjects they genuinely care about.

Beyond Career Exploration
Naviance isn’t just about careers; it also helps students explore post-secondary options, including colleges, technical schools, and other pathways. Students can research schools that offer programs aligned with their interests, discover scholarship opportunities, and set goals for standardized tests or GPA targets. The platform provides a centralized hub for all college and career planning, making it easier for students to stay organized and focused.

Getting the Most Out of Naviance
We encourage students to revisit Naviance regularly and take advantage of its many features. From exploring additional assessments to setting goals and tracking progress, Naviance is a powerful tool that grows with students. Parents and guardians are also encouraged to engage with their child’s Naviance account to support academic and career planning discussions at home.

By starting with Naviance in 9th grade, students are taking their first steps toward a future full of possibilities. We’re excited to see how this platform will help each of them discover their passions, plan for their goals, and achieve success!

Students can access Naviance via Clever! If you are having trouble accessing Naviance, please reach out to your counselor.

Ms. Patton (Last Names A-C): pattona@pt-sd.org

Ms. Wolf (Last Names: D-Hh): wolfc@pt-sd.org

Ms. Simmons (Last Names: Hi-Mh): simmonsa@pt-sd.org

Mrs. Prinsen (Last Names: Mi-Se): prinsenh@pt-sd.org

Mr. Sudol (Last Names: Sf-Z): sudolj@pt-sd.org

Mrs. Gobbie & Mrs. Vamossy

Counseling Secretaries

vamossyj@pt-sd.org

gobbiel@pt-sd.org