PTHS Counseling Office Newsletter
June 2024
Inside this Issue:
1. Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
2. Junior Junction
3. PostSecondary Planning Resources
4. PTHS Underclassmen
5. PTHS Summer Assignments
6. Mental Health & Summer Break
7. PTHS Counseling Office
Congratulations to the Class of 2024!
As you stand on the threshold of a new chapter in your lives, the Counseling Office would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations on your remarkable achievement. Graduating high school is a significant milestone, and we are incredibly proud of each one of you for reaching this pivotal moment.
Over the past four years, we have had the privilege of witnessing your growth, resilience, and dedication. You have faced challenges with courage, embraced opportunities with enthusiasm, and shown a steadfast commitment to your education and personal development. Your hard work and determination have paid off, and you are now ready to embark on exciting new journeys.
As you move forward, remember that this is just the beginning. The world is full of endless possibilities, and your unique talents and perspectives will undoubtedly make a positive impact. Whether you are continuing your education, entering the workforce, or exploring other paths, embrace each experience with an open mind and a compassionate heart.
Here are just a few pieces of advice as you step into the future:
- Stay True to Yourself: Always follow your passions and values. They are your compass in this ever-changing world.
- Embrace Lifelong Learning: The quest for knowledge doesn’t end with graduation. Be curious, seek new experiences, and never stop learning.
- Build Strong Relationships: Surround yourself with supportive and positive people who inspire you to be your best self.
- Be Resilient: Life will have its ups and downs. Learn from every experience, stay adaptable, and never give up on your dreams.
Please remember that the Counseling Office is always here for you. Whether you need advice, support, or just someone to talk to, our doors are open. You are forever a part of the Peters Township High School family, and we are committed to supporting you as you navigate your future endeavors.
Congratulations once again on your graduation! We wish you all the best as you step into this new chapter. May your journey be filled with success, happiness, and fulfillment.
Best Wishes!
Ms. Patton, Mrs. Wolf, Ms. Simmons, Mrs. Prinsen, Mr. Sudol, Mrs. Clifford, and Mrs. Fecher
Congratulations from the PTHS Teachers & Staff
Congratulations, senior class of 2024!
You've reached a significant milestone in your journey. Embrace the unknown with courage and optimism. Believe in your abilities and cherish the memories and friendships you've made. Dream big, work hard, and never settle. Take care of yourselves and others. You have the power to make a difference. Best of luck in all your future endeavors!
- Mrs. Conroy
Make yourself happy. Gravitate to the times, places, and people that give you the most joy. Do what you wish with honesty, candor, excitement, and dedication. People who love who you are will gravitate to you.
Be honest and kind. Remember that everyone is fighting some battle. Life is far too short and fantastic to hold grudges or withhold apologies.
Forgive AND forget. Don’t let your mistakes or anyone else’s burden you.
Remember that YOU ARE AN AWESOME HUMAN. The only one like you. Love yourself, take care of yourself and enjoy the ride of life to the fullest.
- Mr. Bastos
I would give the following advice, from an author Louise Penny...her main character says that these statements lead to wisdom: “I was wrong.” “I'm sorry.” “I don't know.” and “I need help.”
- Mrs. Boni
"Behind you, all your memories. Ahead of you, all your dreams. Within you, all you need." Class of 2024, I can't wait to celebrate with you on graduation day!
- Mrs. Pinto
Every day is a gift – be present. You don’t have to be perfect. Do your best, be kind, be generous and always do what’s right – especially when it’s not easy. No matter what comes your way, stay true to yourself and believe in yourself and your abilities.
- Mrs. Hlebinsky
Dear Graduating class of 2024-
Wow, 4 years have gone by fast! Wishing you happy, healthy, successful endeavors in whatever you have chosen to do after PTHS! I believe in you! Staying well is the key! My best advice is remember Hygiene 101: Wash those hands, cough in your elbow, stay home when sick, do not share food/drinks/personal items, & stay current with your vaccines. Always remember, "Don't be gross, Peters." Best Wishes: you are amazing,
- Mrs. "K"owalczyk - school nurse
Congratulations, Class of 2024! Best wishes to you as you find your purpose and pursue your dreams. Take risks! Enjoy each and every moment of the journey.
- Mrs. Sitler
Good Luck Class of 2024! You are an amazing class and I wish you all the best in the future! Set your goals high...you can reach them!
- Mrs. Wentzel
Junior Junction
As summer break approaches, it's the perfect time to start planning for your future beyond high school. Whether you're considering a four-year college, a two-year program, a trade school, or jumping straight into the workforce, there are important steps you can take this summer to prepare. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Four-Year College/University:
- Research Schools: Use the summer to research colleges that interest you. Look into their programs, campus culture, and admission requirements.
- Visit Campuses: If possible, visit campuses to get a feel for the environment. Many schools offer virtual tours if you can't visit in person.
- Start Your Application: Begin working on your college application essays and gathering letters of recommendation. This will give you a head start once senior year begins.
Two-Year College:
- Explore Options: Research local community colleges and their programs. Many offer specialized tracks that can lead directly to employment or transfer to a four-year institution.
- Understand Requirements: Look into the admission requirements and deadlines for the colleges you're interested in.
- Visit and Connect: Visit campuses and connect with admissions counselors to understand what each school offers and how it aligns with your goals.
Trade or Technical School
- Identify Interests: Consider what trades or technical skills interest you. Research schools that specialize in these areas.
- Learn About Programs: Look into the programs' lengths, costs, and the certifications or degrees they offer.
- Talk to Professionals: Reach out to professionals in the field to learn about their experiences and what you can expect from a career in that trade.
Employment:
- Build Your Resume: Use the summer to build a strong resume. Include any part-time jobs, volunteer work, or internships.
- Network: Connect with professionals in the fields you're interested in. Attend job fairs or reach out to local businesses to inquire about job shadowing or internships.
- Learn Job Skills: Consider taking courses or workshops that can help you develop job-ready skills, such as computer proficiency, customer service, or other relevant areas.
General Tips for All Paths:
- Stay Organized: Keep track of important dates and deadlines for applications, tests, and visits.
- Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselor for advice and support. They can provide valuable insights and resources.
- Set Goals: Set specific, achievable goals for what you want to accomplish over the summer. This will help keep you focused and motivated.
For more detailed information, please visit the PTHS Counseling Canvas page!
Enjoy your summer break, but remember that it's also a great time to make progress towards your future goals. Taking these steps now will make your senior year less stressful and ensure you're prepared for the next exciting chapter of your life.
PostSecondary Planning Resources
US Marine Corps
Sergeant Jacob D. Aleman
US Army
Staff Sergeant Felicia Mancias
US Air Force
Staff Sergeant Bryce C. Green
US Navy
CM2(SCW/EXW) John Borra
US Air National Guard
Staff Sergeant Alexandra Paes
US Army National Guard
Staff Sergeant Chris Chadwick
PTHS Underclassmen
How to Plan a Meaningful Summer!
With the summer fast approaching, trying to figure out how to spend the next few months can be daunting. To help make this summer a more fulfilling and productive time, while still being fun, try utilizing Martin Seligman’s work on positive psychology to help find a healthy balance to enjoying your summer. Seligman proposed that there are five key elements that contribute to overall happiness and well being which include:
1. Positive emotion- feelings of good cheer, love, joy, compassion, laughter
2. Engagement- being immersed in whatever you choose to do
3. Relationships-being with friends, family, and community
4. Meaning- working towards something that is bigger than yourself.
5. Accomplishment- working toward achievement, competence, and mastery.
There are all different ways in which students can spend their summers not only enjoying themselves, but to feel engaged, accomplished, and to create positive relationships and meaning in their lives.
For a summer that is all about feeling positive:
- Travel somewhere new
- Get out of the house and into the world
- Continue to do the things you love, and do them more
For a summer that is all about becoming engaged:
- Read and research articles in a field that interests you
- Explore different TED Talks
- Try out Duolingo
For a summer that is all about developing strong positive relationships:
- Try out a new class or lesson
- Find a group of people with similar shared interests
- Reconnect with old friend and classmates
For a summer that is all about making meaning in your life:
- Do one good deed a day for 30 days
- Join an organization or campaign
- Raise money for a cause
For a summer that is focused on accomplishing a specific goal:
- Take a class at a local community college
- Take an online course in something that interests you
- Apply for an internship
(Adapted from: How to Spend Your High School Summer (collegeessayguy.com))
PTHS Summer Assignments
Some courses at PTHS require students complete assignments over the summer. If you are registered for the following courses, please check out the link below to learn about your summer assignment for the corresponding course.
- English Honors 9, 10, 11, and 12
- AP English Language and AP English Literature
- AP Chemistry
- German IV Honors
- French IV Honors
- AP Spanish & Spanish IV Honors
- Geometry Honors
Mental Health & Summer Break
How to Relax & Recharge over Summer Break
The school year is over. The homework is complete, the grades are final, and you are ready for a break. For most teens, the school year is a very busy time. They are balancing school, homework, sports, part-time jobs, community service, extracurricular activities, family, and friend obligations, etc. There really is not a lot of time for students to relax and recharge.
Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, “Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” As you jump into summer break, utilize the time to channel your energies through activities that you enjoy. Taking time for activities you enjoy that you might not have the time for during the school year is an excellent source of selfcare. It is not selfish to take time for yourself this summer. Here are a few tips to help you relax, repair, and recharge for the next school year.
Unplug: It is very easy to get sucked into the hole of social media – watching reels, Tik Tok videos, scrolling through profiles, binging Netflix shows, video games, the list is endless – the next thing you know, hours have disappeared, and you have not moved from your couch or your bed. Schedule a few hours each day to unplug from social media. Get outside to enjoy the sunshine. Whether it is hanging by the pool with your family or friends, taking a walk on the trail, hiking around the nearest park, going to amusement parks, or just sitting outside on the porch – unplug!
Exercise: Exercise increases your overall health and wellbeing. It can help to improve your mood, improve your connection between mind, body, and soul, relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve your sleeping habits, and decrease stress. Try a new yoga class, take a walk, try a new gym, train for a 5k, or meditate.
Sleep: Get some sleep! During the school year, teens are often staying up late to study and get homework done after a late-night practice or school event. They then are waking up early to head to school the next day. Sleep is very important to help replenish energy and recharge. Establish a healthy sleep routine to maintain 8-9 hours of sleep/night.
Try Something New: It is very easy to get caught up in the same, boring routine each day. Take the time to learn something new or try something new. You might discover a new hobby or interest that helps you to relax and unwind for the future. Try a new food, recipe, restaurant, activity, sport, or reading a new book genre.
For more information, check out 10 Ways to Recharge During Summer Break.
Benefits of Summer Downtime
For most teens, the school year is very busy. Balancing school, homework, sports, extracurricular clubs, religious events, etc., can leave very little downtime. Summer seems like it would be a great opportunity for teens to slow down and relax.
But many teens (and their parents) feel pressured to make sure their summer is productive. They may worry that they will be in trouble come college application time if they do not participate in activities that are “resume worthy.” Robin Mamlet, co-author of the book, College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, says, “There is nothing wrong with downtime. After the rigor of the school year, kids are entitled to some time that is simply whiled away.”
With more than half the summer ahead of us, what is the best way for teens to re-charge before the next school year?
1. Decompressing is Good
- In small doses, doing nothing is great for teens. Give them the ability to relax and recharge for summer.
- After the stress of the end of year testing, AP exams, and finals, sitting around in their pajamas for a few days scrolling through social media and watching reruns is perfectly fine.
- Downtime is for dreaming – What do you want to do with your life? How do you feel about issues and people and the behavior of friends? Teens need to take time to just think and reflect.
2. Teens Need Sleep
- High school students are in their growing years and spend the school year staying up late and waking up early. The summer is a chance to sleep late and follow their natural sleep rhythm.
- Sleep, rest, and relaxation are important for replenishing energy, physically and mentally.
3. Family Time is Important
- Whether it is a big family trip, a “staycation”, or just coming home early for dinner together, use summer downtime to reconnect as a family.
4. Balance is Good
- While some teens might be unable to embrace downtime, others may balk about having any responsibilities in the summer, arguing that they need a complete break. The key is to find a healthy balance.
- Give teens some freedom to choose. Too much of the school year is structured by adults, and teens need to learn the life skill of organizing their own schedule. A summer that includes working for pay or volunteering, training for a sport, getting assigned summer work done, etc., in conjunction with some truly ‘free’ time is ideal.
- Many teens have interests that they have little time to pursue during the school year. From reading novels to making a music video to writing a screenplay – encourage teens to be creative during the summer.
5. What Will Colleges Think?
- Placing emphasis on resume building is not all bad. It becomes a problem when activities – like community work or sports – are done only for the wrong reasons.
- Volunteering at an animal shelter because you like dogs and need to build up your resume is being proactive. Volunteering at an organization with little effort, hours, or commitment but emphasizing the experience on your resume is not the most beneficial.
- The challenge is for teens to find meaning in whatever they do. It is about being authentic.
- There is not one specific thing colleges are looking for in an applicant. A public service trip to Africa is great, but it is no greater than helping an elderly neighbor with chores or babysitting for a local family that cannot afford a sitter.
- Colleges aren't looking for the ‘busiest’ students - they're looking for passion and commitment to a larger world. That can come in lots of forms and is not demonstrated, necessarily, by having a plan for every week of the summer.
For more information, check out Why Teens Benefit from Summer Downtime
PTHS Counseling Office
The school counselors will be in the counseling office through the end of the business day on Wednesday, June 19th.
Ms. Alyssa Patton: pattona@pt-sd.org
Students with Last Names: A-C
Mrs. Courtney Wolf; wolfc@pt-sd.org
Students with Last Names: D-Hh
Ms. Alyssa Simmons; simmonsa@pt-sd.org
Students with Last Names: Hi-Mh
Mrs. Heather Prinsen; prinsenh@pt-sd.org
Students with Last Names: Mi-Se
Mr. Jeff Sudol; sudolj@pt-sd.org
Students with Last Names: Sf-Z