Monthly Newsletter
September 2024
School Counselors:
Phillip Cohen | Last names A-C | Phillip_Cohen@hcpss.org
Dana Meledick | Instructional Team Leader | Last names D-H | Dana_Meledick@hcpss.org
Erin O'Connor Rudman | Last names Me-Sb | Erin_Oconnor_Rudman@hcpss.org
Melissa Cheadle | Last names Ho-Md | Melissa_Cheadle@hcpss.org
Kelly Warner | Last names Sc-Z | Kelly_Warner@hcpss.org
Student Services Staff:
John Henderson | College and Career Readiness Counselor (CCR) | John_Henderson@hcpss.org
Donielle Chase-Mercer| PPW | Donielle_Chase-Mercer@hcpss.org
Amanda Ganoe I School Social Worker I Amanda_Ganoe@hcpss.org
Katrina Montgomery | Data Clerk | Katrina_Montgomery@hcpss.org
Jennifer Nelson | Registrar | Jennifer_Nelson@hcpss.org
Mike O'Shaughnessy | School Psychologist | Moshaughnessy@hcpss.org
Allison Sultan | Registrar | Allison_Sultan@hcpss.org
Anne Handy | Student Services Secretary | AHandy@hcpss.org
Mark Sturdivant I Black Student Achievement Program Liaison I Mark_Sturdivant@hcpss.org
Jessie Moore I Alternative Education I Jessie Moore@hcpss.org
Justin Riggin I Alternative Education I Justin_Riggin@hcpss.org
Important Dates:
Information by Grade Level:
🎓 Seniors
Counselors will be teaching a lesson in English 12 classes on Thursday, September 12th (and Friday, September 13th for 4A) about post-high school planning. Steps necessary to request letters of recommendations and transcripts will also be reviewed. Students taking English 12 at HCC can attend any period on Thursday the 12th.
Transcript information
Unofficial Transcripts Available for View!
Unofficial transcripts for all seniors have been posted to Synergy. All seniors should review their transcripts for accuracy and let us know of any issues as soon as possible. Feel free to print your unofficial transcript directly from Synergy if you need it for any purpose.
What About Official Transcripts?
If you need your official transcript for college applications please enter the colleges in either Common App (if you are applying using the Common App) or Naviance (for non-Common App Schools).
If you need your official transcript for any other reason (scholarship applications, personal use, internships, etc) please complete this request form.
Juniors
11th grade lessons are coming soon. They will be held on Oct. 10th and 11th and will focus on helping students identify resources to make informed career and post high school educational decisions to plan for the future. Stay tuned for more information throughout the year.
Sophomores
Freshman
SAT and ACT Test Dates and Information
College Visits
Please sign up in Naviance under College Visits.
Scheduled College Visits as of 8/30/2024
Mon September 9, 2024
9:30 AM
Mon September 9, 2024
11:30 AM
University of Maryland-College Park
Tue September 10, 2024
10:30 AM
Tue September 10, 2024
1:30 PM
Wed September 11, 2024
11:40 AM
Thu September 12, 2024
11:30 AM
Thu September 12, 2024
12:00 PM
Fri September 13, 2024
9:30 AM
Fri September 13, 2024
10:00 AM
Fri September 13, 2024
11:30 AM
Tue September 17, 2024
11:00 AM
Tue September 17, 2024
11:30 AM
Tue September 17, 2024
12:00 PM
Tue September 24, 2024
10:30 AM
Wed September 25, 2024
12:10 PM
Thu September 26, 2024
10:00 AM
Fri September 27, 2024
8:30 AM
Christopher Newport University
Mon September 30, 2024
11:00 AM
Pennsylvania Western University
Tue October 1, 2024
11:30 AM
University of the District of Columbia
Tue October 1, 2024
12:30 PM
Wed October 2, 2024
10:15 AM
Wed October 2, 2024
12:10 PM
The Catholic University of America
Fri October 4, 2024
11:00 AM
Tue October 8, 2024
9:30 AM
Johnson & Wales University-Providence
Tue October 8, 2024
10:00 AM
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Tue October 8, 2024
10:30 AM
Tue October 8, 2024
11:00 AM
University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus
Tue October 8, 2024
12:00 PM
Rochester Institute of Technology
Wed October 9, 2024
10:15 AM
Wed October 9, 2024
10:40 AM
Wed October 9, 2024
11:40 AM
St. Mary's College of Maryland
Fri October 11, 2024
1:00 PM
The George Washington University
Fri October 11, 2024
1:15 PM
Mon October 14, 2024
12:00 PM
Florida Institute of Technology
Tue October 15, 2024
8:30 AM
Tue October 15, 2024
11:30 AM
Tue October 15, 2024
12:00 PM
Thu October 17, 2024
12:30 PM
Columbia University in the City of New York
Thu October 24, 2024
8:30 AM
Thu October 24, 2024
12:30 PM
Mon October 28, 2024
10:00 AM
Wed October 30, 2024
11:40 AM
Mon November 4, 2024
1:00 PM
University of the District of Columbia
Thu November 21, 2024
12:30 PM
College and Career Readiness Information:
Student and Family CCR Weekly
-Follow us on Instagram: HCPSS_CCR
-Subscribe to our Google calendar for all postsecondary events
-Visit our scholarship document
-Visit our enrichment program document
-Attend our March2Future Sessions
Please read the CCR weekly newsletter. Our newsletter shares all upcoming postsecondary events as well as relevant information and resources on navigating postsecondary exploration.
HCPSS is hosting our first March2Future series on August 21st at 7pm. The session will provide a step-by-step overview of how to request and send letters of recommendations and transcripts to colleges. An identical session will also be held on September 4th for those that cannot attend on August 21st. Both sessions will be recorded and posted on March2Future document. Register here for the August 21 session. Register here for the September 4th session.
The session will include:
- Step by step directions on how to request transcripts and letters of recommendation from your teachers and counselor
- Directions on determining whether to send or not to send your SAT/ACT scores
- An overview of Application Types and deadlines
- Other important consideration related to the college application timeline
PCACAC College Fair
Opportunities
Are you interested in social advocacy and racial justice? Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community? Apply to the Howard County Student Committee for Equity today! More information is included within the Google form. Please email us at howardcountysce@gmail.com with any questions.
School Based Mental Health (SBMH)
School Supplies
Moving?
If your family is planning to move it is important that you update your address with the Student Services Office. Please contact Ms. Sultan, Registrar, for more information about what is needed to keep your file accurate.
Tutoring Opportunities
Atholton's Beyond School Hours (BSH) After-School Academic Support Program
More Information to come.
HCEA Tutor List
As service to the community, the Howard County Education Association maintains a list of educators willing to tutor. If you are interested in hiring an HCPSS teacher to provide tutoring, please pick up a list of these tutors from the AHS Student Services office.
Canvas Observer Directions
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: Fostering a Community of Care
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a crucial period dedicated to highlighting the importance of mental health, promoting resources, and fostering a supportive environment for all students. As your school counselors, we are committed to ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and supported.
Why Suicide Prevention Awareness Matters
Suicide is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects people of all ages, including young students. By raising awareness and educating our community, we can break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourage those in need to seek help.
How You Can Get Involved
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about the signs of suicide and the importance of mental health.
- Show Support: Be a friend and ally. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness or a listening ear can make a significant difference.
- Reach Out: If you or someone you know is struggling, don’t hesitate to seek help. Our student services staff are always available for confidential support and guidance.
Resources and Support
- Student Services Office: Open daily for students to drop in or make an appointment.
- Grassroots – 24 Hour Crisis Hotline – 410-531-6677 Individuals may call for a variety of reasons including suicide, family and relationship problems, shelter needs, violent or threatening domestic situations, loneliness or depression, and chemical dependency issues, among others.
- Mobile Crisis Team – 410-531-6677 This two-member team of master’s level mental health professionals respond with the police to psychiatric emergencies, family crises, and other traumatic events in the community. Operates from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. – Walk-in Counseling Anyone in need of immediate assistance may walk in to the agency at any time to see a counselor. An appointment is not needed to receive services. There is no fee for the service.
- Howard County Health Department Behavioral Health Navigator – 410-313-6202 Available to help families find resources in the community to support children and adults.
- CARE Line for Howard County Families – 410-313-CARE Resource and referral service provided by the Howard County Office of Children and Families.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Creating a safe and supportive school environment is a collective effort. For more information on resources, please visit the counseling office, check our school's website, or contact us directly. Your mental health matters, and help is always available.