Mount Si HS Counseling Newsletter

The counseling office is here to support students across three important domains: academic success, college and career readiness, and social-emotional wellness. Through our services and resources, we aim to help every student thrive both in and out of the classroom.

As we approach winter break and the end of the first semester on January 24th, this newsletter highlights tools, tips, and updates to help students stay on track and finish the semester strong. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with you and support student success throughout the year.

First Semester Highlights and Updates:

This semester, counselors presented two lessons in freshman classrooms focused on building

Executive Functioning Skills, helping students develop tools for academic and personal success.

We’re excited to connect with seniors in January to help them navigate the remainder of their final year and prepare for post-graduation transitions. Sophomores and juniors can also look forward to lessons on maximizing their high school experience and planning for the future in the new year.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue supporting students across all grade levels!

New Counseling Page: Check out our updated counseling page, now featuring links to our presentations and resources for students and families!

Make sure you are signed up for ParentSquare here for all of the latest information!

2nd Semester begins on Tuesday, January 28th! There will be a Google Form linked on the Counseling Website on January 24th at 2 pm. Students may request a schedule correction through that form and they will be processed on a first come first serve basis within the schedule constraints. Please note that any request does not guarantee that your schedule will be changed. After a request is submitted your counselor will only communicate if the request CANNOT be completed and it is the students responsibility to be regularly checking Skyward.

The last day to submit a schedule change request is January 31, 2025 at 2:00 pm.

Valid reasons for schedule corrections:

- Seniors missing graduation requirements

- Students scheduled in a class they have already completed

- Students enrolled in too many classes or too few classes

- Students who have not met prerequisites for a class

- Students who have a physical/medical reason that prevents participation in class (doctors note required)

Invalid reasons for schedule corrections:

- Desire to have a common lunch or same class with a friend

- Request for a teacher change

- Preference for a different elective

**If you want to add a peer tutor, or office assistant to your schedule, don't fill out this form and schedule an appointment with your counselor.

Please note: It is not an option to drop year-long classes at semester, unless the student failed the first semester of the class in question and the master schedule allows for change.

If you are currently a Running Start student, please schedule an appointment with your counselor when we return from break to have your EVF signed in time for class registration.

Semester grades: these are the only grades that will appear on your official transcript. Your transcript serves as your official high school record and will be sent to your post-high school program or school.

Quarter grades: these are updated at the half-way point during each semester. They are a good check to see if you are on track to pass the class, or if you need to put in some extra work or seek outside support to find more success. These are not posted to your transcript.

Make sure to check Student and Family Access after each of these grading periods to see updated grades.

Math and Chemistry Tutoring Are Available at Mt Si!

• Students are all assigned to a Pride Time course in Schoology to track their High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP).

• You can track if your student is missing any of their HSBP assignments by looking at the grades for their Pride Time course. All of these are required for graduation so please remind your student(s) to stay on top of their HSBP assignments.

• Ms. Zachau from the Wildcat Career Center has met with Sophomores and Juniors so far this year to deliver their HSBP lessons and all have been assigned their current year assignments in Schoology. She will be meeting with Freshman in February.

• Class of 2025 HSBP - student's assignments for the HSBP are posted in their Pride Time course. We still have one more lesson later this year, but seniors can work now to finish all of the required assignments. There is no longer a presentation as part of the HSBP requirement.

• If students have questions or need help with their HSBP they can always make an appointment with Ms. Zachau, email, or send a Schoology message.

All seniors planning on attending an educational program after high school (4-year college, 2-year college, trade school, etc.) should plan on completing the FAFSA. Even if you don't believe your family will qualify for federal assistance, many colleges and programs have scholarships that require the FAFSA.

You will complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA application linked here.

Some schools are reinstating test score requirements for admission. Juniors, now is a great time to start planning ahead and scheduling your SAT or ACT exams.

March 8, 2025 Test

• Registration Deadline: February 21, 2025
• Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration: February 25, 2025
  
  

May 3, 2025 Test

• Registration Deadline: April 18, 2025
• Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration: April 22, 2025
  
  

June 7, 2025 Test

• Registration Deadline: May 22, 2025
• Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration: May 27, 2025

Click here to register!

ACT:

February 8, 2025 Test

• Registration Deadline: Jan. 3, 2025
• Late Registration Deadline: Jan 20, 2025

April 5, 2025 Test

• Registration Deadline: February 28, 2025
• Late Registration Deadline: March 16, 2025

June 14, 2025 Test

• Registration Deadline: May 9, 2025
• Late Registration Deadline: May 26, 2025

Click here to register!

If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance during the holiday season, local food pantries are here to help. These organizations provide free groceries and meals to support individuals and families in need. Below is a list of local food pantries in the area that you can reach out to for assistance.

Snoqualmie Valley Food Bank
Please note that the Snoqualmie Valley food bank will be closed December 23- January 1, 2025

Fall City Food Pantry

Finding the right mental health support can be challenging. The Washington Mental Health Referral Service is here to help! This free resource assists families in connecting with therapists and mental health services that meet their needs. Learn more and get started by visiting the link here.

The colder, darker months can feel isolating, but there are great opportunities to stay connected! Empower Youth Network and Trail Youth offer a variety of programs and events designed to bring people together. From community meet-ups to engaging activities, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to connect and thrive!

Empower Youth Network
Trail Youth

Rick Dempsey: A-Che

Kitterman (1st Semester)/ McKone (2nd Semester): Chi-Gl

Steve Crane: Gm-Ko

Carissa Thomas: Kp-Od

Elaine Maimon: Oe-Si

Sloan Westerman: Sj-Z

Stacey Zachau: Full Time Running Start Students

Email: busha@svsd410.org
Website: Counseling Center - Mount Si High School
Location: 8651 Meadowbrook Way Southeast, Snoqualmie, WA, USA
Phone: 425.831.8150