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The Counselor CARE-ier

September 2024

The Counselor CARE-ier September 2024

Welcome Back

Welcome back everyone! We hope you all had a great summer and are now settling in to your new schedules and routines. We want to make sure you all know your SSAE Counseling Team and who to contact for help. All counselors have an open door policy for students; no appointments are required.

Mrs. Katy Swann

This is Mrs. Swann's 7th year at SSAE. She is the counselor for 11th grade, 12th grade, all HPP students (regardless of grade level), and any student participating in Concurrent Enrollment, Career Start or ISSA. Her email is katy.swann@d49.org, and she can be reached via phone/text at 719-213-0336. Her office is in room #183.

Mrs. Jenny Allen

This is Mrs. Allen's 5th year at SSAE. She is the counselor for 9th and 10th grade and is the social-emotional counselor for students in all grade levels. Her email is jenny.allen@d49.org, or she can be reached via call/text at 719-761-8490. Her office is in room #182.

Mr. Mike Masino

This is Mr. Masino's 5th year here at SSAE. He is the Choice & Success Advisor for all grade levels. He is here to help all students with all aspects of student career exploration and career readiness. His email is michael.masino@d49.org, or he can be reached via call/text at 719-291-8180. His office is in room #177.

Who Do I Reach Out to For Help?

Community Resources

Free & Reduced Lunch Application

We may not have a cafeteria here on The Campus, but completing the Free & Reduced Lunch Application can still be very beneficial for qualifying families; check out other benefits you may qualify for.


Check with schools for reduced or waived fees for:

  • Transportation / Bus fees
  • School athletics
  • School classroom fees
  • Testing fees
  • Field Trips

Check with these community organizations for reduced or waived fees for:

  • Parks & Rec youth sports
  • YMCA fees
  • Cable/internet carriers
  • Phone carriers
  • Community animal hospitals, free or reduce fees on some services like neutering.
  • Cheyenne Mountain Zoo offers summer camp scholarships
  • El Paso County Nature Centers offers $4 program fees and summer camp scholarships


Find out more information and apply HERE.

Class of 2025

Event Information

Class of 2025: Senior Information Night

If you will be graduating in May 2025, please plan on attending this event! The student and the parent should attend, but please be sure at least one is in attendance. Important information about graduation requirements, mastery, and important dates will be shared.

When?

Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024, 06:00 PM

Where?

Mandatory ZOOM (Link will be emailed the week of the event)

College Readiness

Importance of College Visits

Visiting colleges in person is the best way to see the school firsthand and "feel" if it is a good fit. Websites and brochures can only show you so much. If possible, students should attend a visit day at their top 2-3 colleges to help them narrow in on their choice.

Colorado Colleges & University Visit Days

Here are just a few visit/preview days for some of the larger public Colorado Colleges and Universities:


  • Colorado State University (Ft Collins, CO)- CSU offers ongoing Academic Tours & Info Sessions, as well as self-guided tours throughout the year.
  • Western Colorado University (Gunnison, CO)- WCU offers personal campus visits throughout the year, and/or you can attend their Basecamp Western Open House on October 4th. This is an ultimate day of exploration for prospective students and their guests.
  • Adams State University (Alamosa, CO)- ASU offers personal campus visits throughout the year, and/or you can watch for their Discover Days, where you can interact with current students and participate in a more inclusive and comprehensive visit.
  • Ft Lewis College (Durango, CO)- FLC offers individual daily campus tours and limited Open Houses. During Open House, you will attend for a full day, attending various breakout sessions, eating in the dining halls, listen to a student panel, touring the campus, etc. FLC Open House Dates:


Many colleges and universities nationwide will have special visit days; check out your school of choice's website for more information.

Southern Colorado College Fair (Open to all D49 Students)

Southern Colorado College Fair is next week!
WHAT: The 2024 Southern Colorado College Fair
WHEN: Monday, September 23, 2024, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Coronado High School - 1590 West Fillmore Street, Colorado Springs, 80904
WHY:

  • This is the largest college fair in Southern Colorado. Don’t miss your chance to meet with over 100 colleges from across the country and worldwide.
  • Meet with knowledgeable college admissions representatives and learn more about what each college has to offer
  • Find out more about the admission process and how to make yourself a more qualified candidate
  • Learn more about the financial aid process, scholarships, and how to pay for college
  • Get answers to all your pressing questions!
  • The Fair is FREE and open to all students and families in southern Colorado.


WHO WILL BE THERE: Colleges and Universities from across the country and the world. For a specific list, go here: https://palmer.d11.org/counseling/college-fairs

ICAP / Career Readiness

Upcoming Events / Site Visits

CD CLUB (Career Development Club):

Next Meeting- Wednesday, October 2nd

A Community where students are supported, encouraged, and guided in career development and exploration. Pizza and drinks are provided! Permission form required! CD Club meets during lunch - 11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. in Room 167


Jaxon Engineering Site Visit:

Thursday, September 26th

Meet @ The Campus at 8:30 a.m. & return at 12:30 pm. Transportation provided

Dress Code: Business Casual

Are you interested in attending? Turn in the permission slip to The Campus front office by September 20.


El Paso County Public Works Career Day:

Friday, September 27th

Meet @ The Campus @ 8:30 a.m. and return at 1:30 p.m. Lunch & Transportation provided!

Students will learn about Sign Shop CAD design, Surveying, Backhoe & Fleet operations! Are you interested in attending? Please submit the permission slip to The Campus front office by September 20.


Questions? Contact Mike Masino, Choice & Success Advisor, at michael.masino@d49.org

Social Emotional Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline

988 is a free, confidential service available to anyone in Colorado experiencing a mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis. People can reach out for themselves or for someone they are concerned about, such as a friend, neighbor, or loved one.

Colorado Crisis Services

Colorado Crisis Services provides free, confidential, and immediate support from trained professionals and peer specialists, available 24/7/365 by calling 844-493-TALK (8255) or texting TALK to 38255. Colorado residents can also seek services in person at our walk-in centers, regardless of ability to pay. If you don’t know where to begin getting help with a mental health, substance use, or emotional concern—for you or for someone you know—start here.

IMatter

IMatter provides up to six free therapy sessions for youth in Colorado and reimburses participating licensed therapists, who are licensed clinicians from agencies and independent contractors. IMatter is open to youth 18 years of age or younger. Youths 12 and older do not need permission from their parents or guardians to sign up. Signing up takes only 10 minutes. You can learn more and sign up HERE.
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