November 2024

Important Dates

End of Q1: 11/8/24

End of Q2 Progress Report: 12/13/24

January Regents Exams: 1/21/25 - 1/24/25

End of Q2: 1/24/25

End of Q3 Progress Report: 3/7/25

End of Q3: 4/4/25

End of Q4 Progress Report: 5/16/25

End of Q4: 6/16/25

A/B Day Rotation

Volunteer at The Way!

Raise money for your class by volunteering at The Way (a gently used clothing store located at 17 Ferry St. in Schuylerville). More information can be found below:

• Students may work Friday 3 pm - 5 pm, Saturday 9 am - 11 am, or Saturday 11 am - 1 pm
• Two to four students at a time can sign up for a 2-hr shift using Signup Genius
• Volunteer hours will be tracked at the store
• For every student who works 2 hours, The Way will donate $5 to the class they are representing
• The Way will tally up the amount, and donate the money to the school once per quarter

Do you ski or snowboard? Double H Ranch is looking for volunteer instructors!!

Please see the flyer below for more information:

With the college application season well underway, here are a few reminders:

1. Students may submit their application when ready. There is NO need to wait for recommendation letters or transcripts. These supporting documents can be submitted after your application is submitted (they don't need to go together).
2. If you would like your school counselor to look over your application, please be sure to ask them (either in person or via email) well in advance of the deadline.
3. If you apply to a college using an application other than Common App or the SUNY Common App, please let your counselor know. We are not able to submit supporting documents unless we know you've submitted an application through another platform.
4. Communication is crucial - we are currently working through numerous applications. If you have questions or need help, please let us know!

REMINDER ... Apply to SUNY for FREE

The window to apply to SUNY schools for FREE will close on Sunday, November 3rd! Students may apply to up to five SUNY campuses, no matter which application vehicle the student uses. Details are available here.

Additionally, over the coming weeks, The State University of New York will be holding a variety of virtual events to help students and families prepare for the college application process. Some topics include:

• Which SUNY Are You?
• How to Apply to SUNY
• Educational Opportunity Program

FAFSA Updates

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available to the public on or before December 1, 2024. In the meantime, the following steps can be taken to prepare for filling out the FAFSA form:

• Create a StudentAid.gov account (if you don't already have one).
• Have your documents ready (ie: 2023 tax returns; records of child support received; current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts; and net worth of investments, businesses, and farms).
• Use the Who's My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on your FAFSA form.
• Have contributor information ready (e.g., first and last name, Social Security number [if they have one], date of birth, email address, and mailing address [if they don't have a Social Security number]).

• Create an FSA ID (a username and password that all students and any contributor(s) use to sign the FAFSA). You'll need your Social Security number (SSN). Other information required is full name and date of birth. You'll also need to create a memorable username and password and complete challenge questions and answers to retrieve your account information if you forget it. Students and contributors will use their FSA ID account username and password to log into their accounts. See the flyer below for more information on how to get your FSA ID

Does your college also require the CSS PROFILE for financial aid?

Click here for a link to participating schools. If you have a college(s) listed on the Participating Institutions and Programs page, please review your school's financial aid page or contact the school directly to make sure you know the deadline of when the CSS PROFILE needs to be received.

Thinking about attending an Open House? Here's why it's a good idea ...

Navigating the college process can be overwhelming, but attending an open house - even at a school you’ve already visited or are uncertain about - offers valuable insights. Below are 5 reasons why it's a smart move:

1. Get a Feel for the Campus Vibe
Open houses let you experience the energy of the campus firsthand. You’ll see students and faculty in action, and notice details about the community that virtual tours can’t capture.
2. Explore Academic Programs
If you’re undecided about a school, an open house allows you to dive deeper into academic offerings and speak directly with faculty. Even if you’ve visited before, it’s a chance to explore new programs or clubs you might have missed.
3. Experience Student Life
Open houses often showcase day-to-day life on campus, from dorm tours to student panels. These events provide a fuller picture of how you’d fit into the community.
4. Make Connections
Engage with the admissions team and current students to get honest feedback about life at the school. These conversations can help you build a clearer sense of whether it’s the right fit.
5. Reevaluate Your Choices
A second or third visit allows you to reassess your preferences, taking into account any changes on campus or new information you’ve learned about the school. An open house offers fresh perspectives and deeper insights, helping you make an informed decision about your future!

As a bonus, here are 5 questions you can ask at your next open house visit:

1. What academic support services are available for students?
2. How does the school help students find internships or job opportunities?
3. What are the most popular student organizations or clubs on campus?
4. What is campus life like on weekends and during breaks?
5. How accessible are professors outside of class for extra help or guidance?

Source: Siena College

Scholarships

Signature Scholarship

Eligible applicants must submit a 2-3 minute video essay sharing how he/she uncovers the untold stores in their community. More information can be found here. Deadline: December 6, 2024

Dollars for Scholars

It is never too early to start your Dollars for Scholars online application! Our local chapter gives out thousands of dollars in scholarships at our graduation ceremony for eligible students. The Schuylerville online application can be found here.

• Once you are on the home page, click on the 'Students and Parents' tab at the top of the page.
• On this next page, under Student and Parent Login, click on the red Login. This will open the Scholarship America Dollars for Scholars Student Center. You should see 'Don't have an account yet? Create one here.'
• After clicking on that link in Schuylerville Junior-Senior High School, under 'High School Name,' click on the blue link that reads 'Choose this school.'
• You will then be directed to several pages of info that students need to fill in...only those with asterisks are required.

For questions about the Dollars for Scholars Program, please connect with your school counselor.

Boston University - Trustee & Presidential Scholarship

Students with outstanding academic records and strong leadership skills can apply to Boston University and be considered for one of the merit-based scholarships below.

• Trustee Scholarship: Boston University's most prestigious full-tuition scholarship recognizes extraordinary academic performance and leadership ability. Students must submit one additional essay with their application for admission.
• Presidential Scholarship: This four-year, $25,000 scholarship is awarded to students with exceptional academic achievements. No additional application materials are required—all students need to do to be considered is apply for admission by the scholarship deadline.

The application deadline for these scholarships is December 1, 2024.

To learn more about the requirements of these scholarships and other merit awards offered by BU, please visit their website.

Saratoga Credit Union College Scholarship Program

College bound high school seniors may apply to three different scholarships with one application; eligible applicants must attend either a two or four-year accredited institution for the first time in the fall of 2025. Applications can be found here. Deadline: January 17, 2025

Upcoming SAT/ACT Testing Information

The SAT and the ACT will be offered on the following (Saturday) National testing dates during the 2024-2025 school year. The cost of the SAT is $68. The ACT has a basic fee of $55.50, with an optional writing test (cost with writing is $70.25). If the cost of these tests presents a hardship, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Please check with Mrs. Rust or Mrs. O'Brien.

SAT Test Dates (Registration Information)

December 7, 2024 (November 22, 2024)

March 8, 2025 (February 21, 2025)

May 3, 2025 (April 18, 2025)

June 7, 2025 (May 22, 2025)

**Be sure to take advantage of free Official SAT Practice at Khan Academy®. Become more confident on test day by taking practice test!

ACT Test Dates (Registration Information)

December 14, 2024 (November 8, 2024)

February 8, 2025 (January 3, 2025)

April 5, 2025 (February 28, 2025)

June 14, 2025 (May 9, 2025)

July 12, 2025 (June 6, 2025)*

*No test centers are scheduled in New York for the July test date.

SUNY Upstate Radiation Therapy Career Awareness Event

If you are curious about a career as a Radiation Therapist, juniors and seniors are invited to attend an informational program hosted by SUNY Upstate and Albany Medical Center on Wednesday, November 6th. Check-in begins at 5:30 pm, with the event starting at 6:00 pm at the Albany Medical Center. More information can be found here.

REMINDER ... Registration is now open for the 2025 HOBY State Leadership Seminar!

This multi-day program is proven to provide students with an experience that cultivates personal growth and leadership development while building new connections and friendships throughout the state. Students return from HOBY with a deeper sense of self-awareness, elevated confidence, and the inspiration and tools to give back to their communities through leadership and service.

What is HOBY?

HOBY’s (Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership) mission is to inspire and develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation.

HOBY programs provide students selected by their schools to participate in unique leadership training, service learning and motivation building experiences.

Who is this for?

High School sophomores from across the country.

When and where is the leadership program?

Date: May 30, 2025 - June 1, 2025

Location: SUNY Albany

Why attend?

HOBY allows students to recognize their leadership talents and apply them in becoming effective, ethical leaders in their home, school, workplace and community. Students attend seminars and participate in hands on leadership activities, meet leaders in their state and explore their own personal leadership skills while learning how to make a positive impact in their community.

How do I apply for consideration?

Students must submit a typed, 200-300 word essay on the following topic:

Please describe both the most rewarding and the most challenging aspect of being a leader in your school and/or community.

Students interested in applying also need to submit a typed resume highlighting their involvement in community service.

Once these items have been received by your school counselor, an interview may take place as the final component of the application process. Deadline has been extended: November 15, 2024

More information about HOBY, can be found here.

The end of the 1st Quarter is almost here!

It's hard to believe that the first 10 weeks of your high school career are almost behind you! We want you to continue keeping track of your grades and classes while being mindful of classroom learning expectations. Remember, the first year of high school sets the foundation for your permanent transcript.

You may also have some questions now that you have been in the high school for a couple of months. Please reach out to your counselor so we can answer any questions you may have! Have a great second quarter!

Transition Night

Saratoga Springs High School is holding a Transition Night informational program on November 12th from 4 pm - 6 pm in the High School Cafeteria. This program, which is open to the public, is designed to inform parents, students, and caregivers about the support and services available to students as they prepare to exit high school. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to learn about various agencies and eligibility requirements. Participating agencies include, but are not limited to:

• ACCESS-VR/Adult Career and Continuing Education
• AIM Services, Inc.
• CWI - Community Work and Independence
• Liberty ARC
• Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
• Saratoga Bridges
• Southern Adirondack Living Center

Dollars for Scholars Pasta Fundraiser

Wondering how you can support Schuylerville Dollars for Scholars, a nonprofit foundation that supports academic success in our district? Participate in the PASTA Fundraiser! All orders are placed online and delivered directly to your home. More information on ordering can be found here.

Contact Information

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES

Mrs. Tracy Lyon, Administrative Assistant

(518) 695-2256. ext 2239

School Counselor Contact Information

Ms. Bean (Grade 9, Career Education & AP Coordinator)

Mrs. O’Brien (Grades 10-12, A-K)

Mrs. Rust (Grades 10-12, L-Z)