January Update

1. Free Money for Education
   Scholarships can cover tuition, books, housing, or other expenses, reducing or eliminating the need for loans.

2. Reduces Financial Stress
   With scholarships, you can focus more on your studies and less on working long hours or worrying about debt.

3. Accessible to a Wide Range of Applicants
   Scholarships are available for various criteria, including academic performance, extracurricular involvement, financial need, specific career goals, and even unique talents or personal traits.

4. Enhances Your Résumé
   Being awarded a scholarship is an achievement that reflects dedication, talent, or leadership skills, which can impress future employers or graduate programs.

5. Opportunities for Networking
   Some scholarships connect recipients with mentors, alumni, or events, opening doors to internships or career opportunities.

Tips to Maximize Your Efforts

• Focus on Local and Niche Scholarships
  Smaller scholarships often have fewer applicants, increasing your chances of winning.

• Tailor Your Applications
  Customize essays and responses to fit the specific scholarship’s mission and values.

• Apply to Multiple Opportunities
  Treat scholarships as a numbers game—the more you apply to, the better your odds.

• Start Early and Stay Organized
  Keep a spreadsheet of deadlines, requirements, and submission statuses to stay on track.

In summary, while the process takes effort, scholarships are a valuable resource to make education more affordable. Even smaller awards can add up to make a big difference!

The start of a new year is the perfect time to prioritize your well-being! Self-care isn't just about bubble baths or spa days—it's about creating habits that support your mental, emotional, and physical health. Here are some tips to help you thrive this semester:

1. Set Realistic Goals:
Start small! Write down a few goals for school, hobbies, or personal growth. Break them into manageable steps to avoid overwhelm.

2. Prioritize Sleep:
Your brain needs rest to function at its best. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep each night to improve focus, mood, and energy levels.

3. Stay Active:
Exercise helps reduce stress and boost your mood. Even a 15-minute walk or a quick yoga session can make a big difference.

4. Practice Mindfulness:
Take a few minutes each day to breathe deeply, meditate, or journal. These practices can help reduce stress and improve clarity.

5. Balance Screen Time:
Limit distractions by setting boundaries with phones and social media. Use apps that promote focus if needed.

6. Nourish Your Body:
Fuel up with healthy snacks and stay hydrated. Skipping meals or relying on junk food can leave you feeling sluggish.

7. Connect with Others:
Talk to friends, family, or teachers about your feelings and experiences. Building a support system is key to emotional well-being.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a counselor or trusted adult. You’re not alone, and support is always available. Remember, self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for success. Start small and stay consistent to make 2025 your best year yet! 💪✨

• January we will be starting to schedule Freshman students. So feel free to take a peek at the COURSE GUIDE in advance.

• January 15 - New Visions Academy presentation for interested 10th and 11th graders in Room 108, 8th period.
• January 20 - No school - Martin Luther King Day
• January 21-24 - Mid-terms, ELA 11 Regents and Retakes NYS REGENTS EXAM
• January 24 - End of 2nd Quarter
• January 29 - No school - Asian Lunar New Year
• February 19 - Parent Information Night at Broome Tioga BOCES for those interested in learning more about New Visions Academy
• February 22 - SATURDAY Binghamton University Engineering Day open to the community, Register Here by 2/17/25
• February 25 - Interested 10th graders will have an opportunity to visit the trades at Broome Tioga BOCES (Permission form will be mailed home)

Mrs. Konicki (Last Names A-K) ekonicki@wpcsd.org

Mrs. Westcott (Last Names L-Z) jwestcott@wpcsd.org
Phone: 607-692-8209

Fax: 607-692-8286

Whitney Point High School Counseling & Career Center

The shared content and information in this newsletter is from a third party and is provided for general informational purposes only. All dates and information is subject to change. Please check back often for the most up to date information. The Whitney Point Central School District and School Counseling and Career Center do not specifically endorse the material and make no representations, express, or implied.

The mission of the Whitney Point Central School District Comprehensive School Counseling Program is to advocate and provide support for maximum student achievement in the areas of academic, career, and social/emotional growth. School counselors work with parents, educators, and the community to provide developmentally appropriate and comprehensive services that meet the needs of all students in order for them to become productive members of an ever-changing global society.