Counselors’ Corner
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Students are assigned to school counselors by last names.
A-K Mrs. Hardy, bethhard@hpsvikings.org
L-Z Mr. Crook, toddcroo@hpsvikings.org
Valuable information for each grade level can also be found at the Virtual HS Counseling Office.
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Information for All:
Trimester 2 Grades: Did you not pass a class that is required for graduation? If so, please see or email your counselor to schedule a meeting to make sure you can graduate on-time. You will need to retake the class in Credit Recovery, Summer School, or take it NEXT school year.
College, Military, & Trade School Representative Visits to HHS
College and Military Representatives will be coming to Hopkins throughout the year. All students are welcome to talk with them. Please sign up by adding your name to this document. Rep Visits: 2024-2025 Check this document often as Colleges and Military reps add dates frequently.
XELLO for Career Planning: In the Fall, students were introduced to Xello, a program used for students to update their Educational Development Plans (EDPs). Ask your student to show you Xello on their chromebook; it is one of the applications located at the bottom of “the waffle.” Students have access to Xello at any time. They can view and change their plan, research career options, research colleges, vocational trade schools, and military branches, as well as take interest surveys, etc. There is so much helpful information! Check it out soon with your student, and explore all that XELLO has to offer.
FREE Virtual Financial Aid & Scholarship Presentations for Students & Families!
If you are interested in learning more about finding help to pay for college, it is encouraged that you register for a Virtual Financial Aid Presentation provided by the MI Student Aid team. Participants will learn more about the FAFSA application, federal & state financial aid programs, and scholarship searching resources. The next presentation is April 16th at 6:30 p.m. (Click the link for more presentation dates and times.)
Michigan Achievement Scholarship: If interested in learning more about this scholarship, register here for an informational webinar provided by the MI Student Aid team. Topics covered include eligibility requirements, award dollar amounts, important action items for students and families, and additional resources and program information. The next evening presentation is scheduled for April 15th at 6:30 p.m. (Click the link for more presentation dates and times.)
AP Exam Dates
For those students taking an AP class this year, note the following dates for AP Exams. Please plan doctor appointments and other school absences around these dates, so that students will be in attendance for the exams. These dates are determined by the College Board; they cannot be altered. Students will need the following on test day: a fully charged chrome book, #2 pencils and dark blue or black pens. Depending on which test a student is taking, other materials may be needed. Please follow your instructor’s directions given in class.
Monday, May 5 8am - Biology
Tuesday, May 6 8am - Chemistry
12pm - United States Government & Politics
Wednesday, May 7 8am - English Literature and Composition
Friday, May 9 8am - US History
Monday, May 12 8am - Calculus AB
Tuesday, May 13 8am - PreCalculus
Wednesday, May 14 8am - English Language and Composition
12pm - Physics C: Mechanics
Friday, May 16 8am - Physics 1: Algebra-Based
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Information Specific to Grade
Seniors
Trimester 3 Grades Matter! Stay focused and work hard in your classes during your final trimester of high school. Your 3rd trimester grades do matter! Colleges and trade schools will request these grades. You will need to send them your final transcript showing all of your classes and grades throughout your entire high school career, including trimester 3. So, finish high school strong and do well this last trimester. You got this!
Decision Day Celebration! The School Counselors will be celebrating Seniors’ post-graduation decisions during both lunches on May 2nd. Thanks to a grant, there will be gifts and cake for Seniors. Seniors, please wear a t-shirt/sweatshirt from the college, trade school, apprenticeship, job, or branch of military to display your decision (or, wear the school’s/trade school’s colors if you don’t have a t-shirt). You may also wear something that represents what you will be doing (normal school clothing guidelines/rules apply). Still deciding between some options, then pick one to wear. Still working on your next step after graduation? Schedule time to meet with your school counselor for some guidance.
SEND FINAL TRANSCRIPT. Colleges and trade schools need your Final Transcript sent to them. Make your request in Parchment as soon as you have made your decision where you plan to attend next year. Directions were given at the Senior Meeting on April 1st. An email was also sent from Mr. Crook. Make sure you request “Hold For Grades.” After Tri 3, your transcript will be automatically sent. This is free while you are still a HHS student.
Scholarships - Periodically look at the Scholarships link on the Virtual HS Counseling Office. Scholarship deadlines vary. Some deadlines are approaching, while other scholarship applications are not due until early spring. Once you are accepted to a college/university or trade school, there are scholarship opportunities for admitted students. Ask your college or trade school about scholarships specific to its institution and to the field of study you are planning to pursue.
Making Financial Aid Reward Decisions! Have you already been accepted to colleges &/or trade schools? If so, you may be receiving Financial Aid letters from them indicating your financial options. Please be aware that not all letters are the same; different colleges have specific forms/options, and each one can be a little confusing if you are not familiar with the format of these letters. This MichiganLEAP video “How to Compare Financial Aid Offers” is informative and helpful. If you have questions, consider contacting the admissions office or the person of contact mentioned in the letter. Once you have tried to reach the school and if you still have questions, make an appointment to see your school counselor for some assistance.
Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA! Students applying to 2-year and/or 4-year colleges and trade schools are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and federal aid. Many schools use the FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their own in-house scholarships and grants. Students and Families can obtain FAFSA ID now. Once a FSA ID# is received (via email), the FAFSA form can be completed by visiting studentaid.gov. Students are eligible for more opportunities if the FAFSA is completed sooner rather than later in the year. See your school counselor with questions.
College & Trade School Applications & Deadlines: Colleges are still accepting applications! Several Michigan colleges and universities have waived application fees. If a college/trade school requires recommendation letters, give time (at least a week or two) to the professionals from whom you request a recommendation letter. Also, give yourself ample time to write application essays.
Apply on college websites or through the Common App? If you are applying to numerous colleges/universities, consider creating an account on the Common App. There are 1086 colleges and universities affiliated with this site, and it is a “one-stop shop” application. Complete it once, and apply to several institutions. Hint: Search the schools you are interested in first to make sure they are a part of the Common App. Check your college or trade school website to find out how each wants you to apply.
ACCEPTED! When a senior is informed of being accepted into a college, university, trade school, or the military, please complete this ACCEPTED form so we can celebrate this accomplishment!
Senior Packet: Please read and refer to this document throughout the school year. The Senior Packet can be found here: Senior Packet
Juniors
SAT Practice is free online at Khan Academy. Click the link to check it out and prepare for test day on April 15th.
Post-Secondary Planning! It’s time to begin making your list of colleges &/or trade schools that you want to apply to next year. Which colleges, trade schools, military, careers, apprenticeships, etc.)? Where are you interested in applying? Brainstorm a long list (you will shorten it later after you research, visit colleges, meet with representatives who visit Hopkins during lunch, job shadow, etc.). You can use XELLO to research careers, colleges, scholarships, and to create and store your list.
College & Trade School Visits/Tours: Spring Break is a great time to visit colleges and trade schools (since college and vocational trade students have already had their break in early March). Visiting and touring campuses while students are in class and on campus and in facilities is important. Contact the Admissions Office of a campus you’d like to visit soon and schedule a tour during our spring break.
Refer to the Junior Packet for information pertaining to “all things 11th grade” throughout this year. Junior Packet
Sophomores
The 10th grade packet is a great resource of information. Find it here:10th grade Packet
Freshmen
A great resource for information is the 9th Grade Packet, which can be found here: 9th grade Packet
