Guidance Newsletter

Our counselors are diligently working to finalize student schedules for the upcoming school year. We are committed to resolving any scheduling conflicts as quickly as possible, with the goal of completing all corrections before summer break. Student schedules will be uploaded to Aspen on Friday, June 7th. Once available, students will receive an email with detailed instructions on what to do next.

Important Reminders: During summer break, our counselors will not be checking their emails. If you have a pressing concern, please contact our Director of Guidance, Lauren Gee. If you have an internship scheduled for next year, it is essential that you meet with Mr. Smith before we leave for summer break to review your internship placement. Please email Mr. Smith or visit the College and Career Center to schedule a meeting ASAP. By staying informed and planning ahead, we can ensure a smooth transition into the new school year.

To help with future family planning, click on the link below to view a PDF of the 2024-2025 school calendar with important dates. Please note, our current projected last day of school for students next year is Wednesday, June 18th. CALENDAR LINKED HERE

Plant Fitness is again offering their free Teen Summer Pass this summer. Starting June 1st, teens ages 14-19 can work out for FREE at Planet Fitness all summer long! You can sign up online or in person at their Newburyport location. Pre-Registration has already opened; For more information, head to their website LINKED HERE.

NHS offers over 50 clubs, athletics, and organizations for students to participate in. There is absolutely a club for everyone! A list of all of our offered clubs is linked below. If you are looking to join a club or obtain more information about when the club meets and what it entails, please reach out to the faculty advisor listed. If there is a club you're interested in creating, chat with your guidance counselor for next steps.

All freshmen will take the Biology MCAS test on Tuesday, June 4 and Wednesday, June 5

We are reaching out to remind you that students who are interested in taking one FREE Dual Enrollment course with Salem State University this coming fall, the deadline to apply is Monday, July 1, 2024. NHS only has 5 spots left!! Students will be responsible for textbooks, transportation and instructional materials. We want to ensure that there is enough processing time before summer break, so please take the following steps if you are interested in participating:

• Schedule an appointment with your high school Guidance Counselor or Ms. Gee to discuss this Dual Enrollment opportunity

• Review the eligible course options and identify at least three courses in which you have interest (list on the application in order of preference)

• Complete the Salem State dual enrollment application with required signatures.

• Have your high school guidance counselor email the completed and approved dual enrollment application to dualenrollment@salemstate.edu along with your official high school transcript.

• Notification of a student’s registration for classes will be sent via email to the student and the student’s guidance counselor.

• Prior to the start of the academic semester students are required to attend a Dual Enrollment Orientation

The fall dual enrollment course through Endicott will be Child and Adolescent Psychology. This course will cover a basis for understanding behavioral and psychological development of the child from conception through adolescence. It examines theory and research pertaining to personality and social and cognitive development including the impact of multiculturalism and gender. Course assignments will include textbook readings, quizzes, additional readings, discussion forums, interview activity, midterm, and a final exam.

Courses are offered to NHS students on a “first come, first serve” basis and have a 25 student maximum enrollment. Attendance is mandatory as the courses only meet once per week. Withdrawal after the course begins will result in a $350 processing fee. Students are required to purchase textbooks and classroom supplies, which can vary per course. Be on the lookout for an email from Ms. Gee in July with registration information.

From cooking your way through northern Italy to examining artwork around museums in France and Spain, there are various upcoming school-based trips that students can sign up for during the 2024-2025 school year. Spots are limited; Please take a peek at the linked information below to learn more about each trip. Email the corresponding group leader with any questions or for sign-up information.

Artists of France and Spain (10 spots left!) - Mrs. Rakoski

April 2025 | https://www.eftours.com/2639987te

Central Europe and the Holocaust - Dr. Matloff

April 2025 | https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2648125HC

Cuisine and Culture of Northern Italy (10+ spots left!) - Mrs. Cochran

June 2025 | https://www.eftours.com/tour-website/2672141YD

Are you thinking about taking AP® coursework in the fall? Are you on the fence about whether AP is right for you? Check out Mass Insight’s Summer Bridge Program. This popular week-long program helps students build a strong foundation for their AP courses before the school year begins!

Students learn skills to help them bridge any gap between their experience in fundamental high school classes and AP-level coursework. Courses are taught virtually by experienced AP® teachers from across the country in both morning and afternoon sessions to accommodate most students’ schedules.

This program is FREE and open to all Massachusetts AP students! Registration closes June 30th, so sign up now if you're interested. Click here for more info!

Join Endicott College's Beverly campus from June 26 through June 28, 9am-3pm for their Young Writers Workshop! Open to Newburyport High School students entering grades 9 through 12, this workshop offers a variety of writing focuses including poetry, fiction, young adult writing, screenwriting, and music writing. Novice and advanced writers are welcome to attend.

Participants will have the opportunity to work with Endicott faculty members to create and refine new writing, receive constructive peer feedback, and learn tips on promoting and publishing their work in a supportive environment.

The workshop costs $300 and includes a t-shirt, lunch, snacks, and activities for all three days. Register through the QR Code on the flyer linked here: Endicott College Young Writers Workshop

Interested in exploring the world? Ready to let your passion lead you to foreign lands? Ready to impact the world by serving others? Student participants in the Global Citizenship Program (G.L.O.B.A.L.) engage in interdisciplinary studies; community service; and cultural activities and experiences to increase their global awareness, expand their appreciation of diversity, and strengthen their ability to work and innovate in a globally connected world. As a member of GLOBAL, you will be embracing all facets of Newburyport Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate. Upon successful completion of this three-year program, students will receive a Global Citizenship Certification, which will become a part of their academic transcript.

If you have any questions or need more information please reach out to Aileen Maconi (amaconi@newburyport.k12.ma.us). The application is linked below and should be returned to Ms. Maconi upon completion. Current enrollment for next year ends on June 10th.

The benefits of volunteering can have a holistic effect on students’ lives—professionally, educationally, and personally. Community service can help students learn leadership, time management, and problem-solving skills while fostering a great connection with the greater Newburyport community. Although community service is not a requirement for graduation at NHS we strongly encourage all students to complete some service learning hours. If you are interested in learning more about community service and volunteer opportunities, take a peek at our Job Board (linked below), check in with Mr. Smith in the College and Career Center, and take a peek at the NHS website linked HERE.

It is extremely important to keep a log of the hours completed as this can be added to your high school transcript. For the first 75 hours completed, students will receive 2.5 credits on their transcript. An additional 2.5 credits can be earned for 75 more hours of service. Any additional hours after the 150 hours will be noted on their transcript. The Service Learning Log is where students should record their hours; This should be turned into Mrs. Vicki Dyer in the main office at the start of each semester.

Are you on the hunt for a part-time job, volunteer hours, or community service opportunities? Take a peek at our NHS Job board linked HERE. As businesses reach out with opportunities for our students we will post those here. If your business is hiring or has community service/volunteer opportunities that would be good for our students, please reach out to Mr. Smith in our College and Career Center.

We will automatically send final transcripts to the college students have chosen to attend, as indicated in Naviance under the "College I am Attending" section. Final transcripts will be submitted to colleges once students have officially graduated in June. Students should update the "College That I'm Attending" spot in Naviance if they have not done so already. If a student comes off of a college waitlist and would like their transcript sent to a different school, they should notify their school counselor.

LAST CALL for any students 18+ who are interested in Whittier Tech's Summer CTI Career Training Program. This entirely free program has slots available in the areas of Advanced Manufacturing, Marine Technology, Culinary Arts, and Construction Craft Laborer. All other programs are currently fully.

These 200 hour-long training programs are for MA residents that are 18 or older who are not currently enrolled in high school and are considered underemployed or unemployed. The program runs from June 18th through August 8th, and classes are held Monday through Thursday from 7:00am to 2:00pm. All required tools and materials are provided and are yours to keep. Individuals who are interested in one of the CTI training programs can complete an online inquiry using this link.

Juniors can begin officially asking teachers for a letter of recommendation on Monday, June 3rd. A letter of recommendation is a crucial piece in not only the college application process, but also for students who are entering the workforce, pursuing education through a trade school, applying to gap year or internship programs, and so much more. All juniors should ask two teachers from different content areas for letters of recommendation prior to leaving for summer break. If students are still unsure of who to ask, we encourage them to schedule a meeting with their guidance counselor.

Who should you ask? The ideal candidate(s) should check off most of these boxes:

• Know you well (academically and personally)

• Be someone who you have a good relationship with

• Be someone who has worked closely with you, possibly over several years (ex. coach or club advisor)

• Be a core academic teacher or a teacher who teaches a subject you wish to pursue in college/university

Over the past few months, the counseling team was busy touching base with juniors to continue to conversation surrounding the post-secondary planning process. We recognize that YOU are a big part of this process and we are hoping to gather some information from you to assist us moving forward. Linked below is our Junior Parent/Guardian Questionnaire. This questionnaire is critical in providing insight about your student when we sit down to draft a letter of recommendation this fall. Any and all feedback and insight you can provide about your amazing students is greatly appreciated. If you have not already done so, please complete this questionnaire and return it to your student's counselor before we leave for summer break. Access a digital copy of the questionnaire here

We encourage all rising seniors to attend one or more of our NHS College Application Boot-Camp days this summer. During the bootcamp you will review tools, strategies, and guidance necessary to navigate the college application process with confidence and success. Whether you're just beginning your journey or fine-tuning your college search and applications, our comprehensive program is designed to support you every step of the way. Attend one or multiple dates; it's completely up to you! If you are interested in registering, please head to THIS LINK.

Session Dates and Times:

Wednesday, July 17th

Thursday, July 25th

Wednesday, July 31st

Wednesday, August 7th

Time: 8:30am - 2:30pm

NEBHE’s Tuition Break program, the New England Regional Student Program (RSP), provides significant tuition savings to residents of the six New England states when they enroll at out-of-state public colleges and universities within New England and pursue approved programs. More than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered through Tuition Break by New England’s public colleges and universities. Programs are offered in all fields of study, and many of them high-demand and specialized. For more information about the Tuition Break program, including a frequently asked questions and how to determine if you are eligible, take a peek at their website LINKED HERE.

• Junior Class Visit Information
  This document includes an overview of what was covered over the past few months during our Counselor Class Visits with the junior class. This information was emailed home to students and parents at the end of April, and can be a great resource as you continue to navigate this process.
  
  
• Junior Quick Facts Sheet
  FAQ's and important info surrounding the planning process including senior scheduling, letters of recommendation, admissions glossary, the college essay, etc.
  
  

• Junior College Planning Timeline
  A quick breakdown on what students should work on when for the post-secondary planning process with links to more information on each step.
  
  
• NACAC Guide to the College Admissions Process
  NACAC’s favorite perennial resource, the Guide to the College Admission Process, has been updated to reflect current trends, tasks, and additions to the college search and application experience. This free guide offers sound advice on every step of the process, from getting in the right mindset, to researching universities, to completing application materials. This is a fantastic go-to source for students, families, and counselors!
  
  
• NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete (23-24)
  The Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete is designed to help you and your family understand the NCAA initial-eligibility process and prepare you for transitioning from high school to becoming an NCAA student-athlete.
  

Newburyport High School is excited to partner with the following organizations to assist students and families through the college search, application, and financial aid processes: College Guidance Network, College Affordable, and College Aid Pro. Take a peek at our Winter Newsletter which outlines what each program does for our students and how to register for their support. More information can also be found on the College and Career Website.

May was Mental Health Awareness month, a crucial period for spotlighting mental health issues and combating associated stigmas. Recognizing that mental health is as vital as physical well-being is paramount. Our Director of Guidance, Lauren Gee, put together the following newsletter to share important resources, guidance, and tools with our students and families. We encourage you to take a peek HERE.

Bring Change To Mind (BC2M) is a national organization that was formed with the mission to help end the stigma and discrimination surrounding Mental Health. Our Newburyport High School chapter has really grown over the past few years. It is a student led club and members meet during Clipper Block about once a month. The club holds events throughout the year and they engage in a variety of activities to increase awareness around Mental Health and foster a healthy, kind, inclusive culture here at our school. They usually kick off the year with their annual football fundraiser for suicide awareness. Throughout the school year, they attend local Mental Health fairs where they collaborate with our neighboring towns and share Mental Health resources. BC2M has hosted Therapy Dogs, held cookie decorating events, coloring days, made cards for staff appreciation, yoga, mindfulness activities and so much more. If you are interested in joining look for club signs during orientation or contact Jaime Calisi at Jcalisi@newburyport.k12.ma.us (club advisor) or our club president for next year Cassidy Balcome at Cbolcome26@newburyportschools.com You can also follow them on Instagram at @nhsbc2m.

The Elpis Institute is a brand new practice in Newburyport which accepts some insurances. They offer a range of services that include Neuropsychological, Educational and Career Assessment Testing, Psychotherapy & Psychopharmacological Services, and Academic & Career Coaching. Additionally, this summer they are hosting various student and family workshops including "Understanding and Managing Anxiety and Depression" for Grades 9-12. This comprehensive workshop is designed to provide young learners with the tools and strategies necessary to understand and manage anxiety and depression. Through interactive sessions, expert guidance, and peer support, students will gain a deeper understanding of these mental health concerns and develop effective coping mechanisms to thrive in their personal and academic lives. For more information or to sign up for a workshop, please contact them directly or visit their website.

The Elpis Institute

112 Parker Street

Newburyport, MA 01950

Phone #(978) 785-9977

Website: https://elpisinstitute.com/

The Pettengill House, Inc. is a nonprofit community social service agency providing comprehensive case management, basic needs support, emergency assistance, crisis intervention, and an array of essential programs and services for individuals, children, and families of all ages. They provide support in many different areas including: financial support, rent assistance, access to the food pantry, weekly meals, assistance in seeking mental health services, Operation Backpack, SNAP and Medicaid assistance, and so much more. If you are interested in connecting with The Pettengill house, please head to their website LINKED HERE.

The Pettengill House, Inc.

Main Office: Amesbury, MA

Food Pantry: Salisbury, MA

Phone: (978) 463-8801

Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY) is pleased to announce its new MPY Parenting Solutions Library. The MPY Parenting Solutions Library is offered at no charge, in partnership with Peace At Home Parenting Solutions, a non-profit located in Mansfield, Connecticut. Peace At Home Parenting Solutions is a dynamic hub of trusted knowledge and compassionate support that inspires parents to create positive change for their children, their families, and themselves. Through this new partnership, MPY is pleased to offer proven resources to help students’ families thrive.

Peace At Home Parenting Solutions specializes in empowering parents with evidence-based strategies to foster nurturing connections that safeguard their children's mental well-being. The trainings are presented by experts with advanced degrees and the trainings focus on child and adolescent development, including difficulties in school, mental health challenges, neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ identity formation, racism, and grief. These trainings present easy-to-use strategies for long-lasting change.