Vikings Counselor Connection
Schreiber Guidance Department Newsletter November 2023
A note from the Director's Desk
Dear Vikings Community,
This month's newsletter is a bit early on purpose. In addition to our usual announcements from Guidance and Counseling, I've included articles and resources to help students and families process recent events in our community and in the world. You can find these resources at the beginning of the newsletter. Schreiber school counselors are trusted adults and are here to support all students. If any student needs or wants to talk, Guidance and Counseling is a safe space for everyone.
In October, counselors have been busy with college applications, freshman groups, and individual appointments. Please see below for more information coming up in November.
Have a peaceful month,
Lorrie Director, Pre-K-12 Director of Guidance
High School Guidance Team
Counselors and email addresses
Guidance Office phone: (516) 767-5810
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Counselors:
Ms. Cerny ncerny@portnet.org
Ms. Garcia vgarcia@portnet.org
Ms. Jacobson ljacobson@portnet.org
Ms. Hazan khazan@portnet.org
Mr. Lorge jlorge@portnet.org
Ms. Ludwig jludwig@portnet.org
Ms. Poma jpoma@portnet.org
Ms. Rafferty drafferty@portnet.org
Ms. Strell dstrell@portnet.org
Clerical staff:
Ms. Hasselberger, Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Marzec, Ms. O'Kelly
Resources for Supporting Students During Times of Crisis
Introducing the Viking COVE
Have you heard?? Schreiber's room 112 has been rebranded with a new vision..the Viking COVE. The COVE is our College and Career Office of Viking Exploration, and a place for all students to learn about post-secondary opportunities. The COVE is the home for college rep visits, workshops, and other information sessions. Students, have any ideas for the Cove? Feel free to stop by Ms. Director's office to discuss.
Schreiber Guidance and Counseling Website
In addition to reading this newsletter, please check the Schreiber Guidance and Counseling website for up to date information from our department. Previous newsletters are also on our webpage for your reference. Students, be sure to check our bulletin board regularly and listen to daily announcements, and get in the habit of checking your Portnet email regularly to stay up to date! Previous newsletters are also on our webpage for your reference.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
FREE Community Event - A Mother's Guide Through Autism at the Landmark on Main Street
Please join The Nicolas Center and Town of North Hempstead Councilwoman Mariann Dalimonte as they present "A Mother's Guide Through Autism...Autism, Neurodiversity, Services and Support" at The Landmark on Main Street on October 24th at 7:00 pm. This author presentation and panel Q&A, moderated by Stella Spankos, will feature author Brigitte Shipman and her new book. https://www.mothersguidethroughautism.com/ This event is FREE - please RSVP at the link below.
A Mother's Guide Through Autism Information:
Date - October 24, 2023
Time - 7 pm to 9pm
Location - The Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main Street, Port Washington
Everyone is welcome!
Link to RSVP online here:
College & Career Webinars with Mrs. Poma
Parents, join Mrs. Poma, our Post-secondary counselor for webinars on topics related to college and career. Webinars will be held twice per month and will focus on a new topic each time.
The next chat will be:
Wednesday, November 8th, 9:00 am: How to support your student through the Regular Decision application process. *A link will be shared prior to the webinar.
Tuesday, November 28th, 1:00 pm: Navigating the career process and how to have your student make the most of the "Choose Your Future Fair."
Click this link for recordings from previous chats.
More to come in November!
Hofstra Essay Contest - Celebration of Suburban Diversity
The National Center for Suburban Studies announces its 14th annual essay contest for students in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. Click the link below for instructions on how to apply.
School Counselor College Visits
Ms. Hazan visits the University of Delaware and the University of Maryland
In October, Ms. Hazan visited the University of Delaware and the Unversity of Maryland. Here's a recap of her trip:
"As an alumna of the University of Maryland, I can say that the campus looks almost completely different. If you are planning to visit anytime soon, be aware that construction projects are ongoing on campus. I did a self-guided tour, which gave me time to observe and interact with students. It was a beautiful day and I saw some students playing frisbee. They were happy to stop and tell me how much they love the UMD campus. University of Maryland students are friendly, and speak enthusiastically about their school."
"I attended a great information session at the University of Delaware! The admissions representative was thorough. He described the "major finder" on their comprehensive website. This tool helps students identify their majors and career interests. On our student-led tour, we learned about fantastic programs such as the Honors College and World Scholars Program for students who crave travel and adventure as early as freshman year!"
Students interested in a large campus with active student life should consider researching either of these universities.
Secondary Book Talk
Who Gets in and Why - A Year Inside College Admissions by Jeff Selingo
Thanks to everyone who participated in the first book chat for "Who Gets in and Why - A Year Inside College Admissions." We had a great time discussing the main points of the first three chapters.
Please join us for session two on:
- November 15, 2023, Weber Library 6:30 pm
Session three will be:
- December 6, 2023. 9:00 am Zoom
We look forward to seeing you then!
Class of 2024
Campus Chats with Mrs. Poma
Hey seniors! Many of you have expressed an interest in participating in discussions about current events on college campuses. Mrs. Poma will host campus chats for seniors beginning the week of 11/13. If you are interested in taking part in a thoughtful, respectful dialogue with your peers, please answer the questions in this Google Form.
Based on your responses, meetings will be scheduled when most of you are available. Students do not have to attend every meeting, but know that you can if you have questions about college life. See Mrs. Poma in Guidance if you have any questions.
FINAL WEEK! NYS Colleges Waiving Application fees Oct. 16 - Oct. 31!
Big News! 130 colleges and universities in New York State are waiving their application fees from Oct. 16th to Oct. 31st. This includes SUNY, CUNY, and some private schools! Click here for more information. Schreiber Guidance will announce a schedule of application workshops next week to assist with this initiative.
FREE Application Weeks from SUNY!
Beginning Monday, October 16th, and ending Sunday, October 29th, students can apply to up to five SUNY campuses with no application fee! This includes all campuses, no matter which application vehicle the student uses. Details are available here: www.suny.edu/apply
Please remember that students can submit their application during this time, but supplemental materials such as transcripts and letters of recommendation can be submitted after Free Application Week.
Over the next two weeks, The State University of New York will be holding a variety of virtual events to help your students and their families prepare for Free Application Week. Some topics include:
Which SUNY Are You?
How to Apply to SUNY
Educational Opportunity Program
A full list of programming can be found at www.suny.edu/studentevents.
FAFSA Changes
Thanks to our partners at the State University of New York, we can share some updated information regarding upcoming changes to FAFSA. Please see the slides below for a presentation delivered to us on Superintendent's Conference Day this week.
On-site Admissions Days Are Coming to Schreiber
Seniors! The schedule for this fall's on-site admissions days are:
Quinnipiac University - Wednesday, November 15th
Utica University - Wednesday, November 29th
LIU Post - Thursday, November 30th
St. John's University - Thursday, December 7th
NYIT - Thursday, December 14th
Students will get on-the-spot admissions decisions. Some schools will also award scholarships! For information about on-sites and how to participate, speak to your counselor.
College Processing Form
Seniors, ready to give your counselor your college list? You can come to Guidance for the College Processing Form or click here for a digital copy from our website.
Senior Transcript Review
Seniors, some of you have not yet turned in your signed copy of your unofficial high school transcript. Even if it contains no errors, we need that confirmation so we can begin to process your application documents. Your transcript includes 8th grade credit-bearing classes, final grades from ninth through eleventh grade, and the highest recorded Regents examination scores for each exam. Carefully review and verify that all information is correct, including address, date of birth, etc, and follow the steps below:
Sign your name at the bottom of the transcript.
Circle any item(s) that are incorrect and indicate what needs to be corrected.
Return the signed transcript to Ms. Jennifer Hasselberger at collegeinfo@portnet.org no later than Monday, September 18th, 2023, whether corrections are needed or not.
College Visits to Schreiber
October/November College Rep Visits
Seniors, representatives from dozens of colleges and universities are coming to Schreiber to meet YOU! Individual school rep visits will begin on Monday, September 11 and run through November 10th. In addition to finding the appointments in Naviance, you can see a schedule on the Guidance and Counseling bulletin board. College Visits - October
Seniors, you are responsible for the work you miss in class. You must speak to your teacher to inform them that you are meeting with a college rep during class period. Attendance will be taken and submitted to Mr. Miller's office.
Juniors, you may attend a rep visit during your free periods. Juniors are not allowed to miss class to meet with the college reps. You will have your chance to meet with them next year!
College Planning Guide Class of 2024
Class of 2025
Juniors, save the date for the Class of 2025 Post-secondary planning night on Wednesday, December 13th, beginning at 6:30 pm. Join your school counselors for this "kick-off" to the college process at Schreiber. More information will be shared in November.
Class of 2026
Volunteers needed for Weber WINs program!
Sophomore volunteers are needed for amazing opportunity! Weber Middle School is looking for motivated sophomores to help tutor 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in the WINs program. If you are interested in this wonderful opportunity, please fill out this form: WINS Tutor Interest form
Please provide the following information if you are interested in becoming a WINs tutor. If there is a conflict or you have additional questions, please email jamigon@portnet.org.
A tutor information meeting will take place on November 6 at 3:20pm in the Weber Auditorium.
If you are interested but unable to attend the information meeting, please email jamigon@portnet.org.
BOCES Interest Survey - week of 10/23
Hey Juniors! Are you interested in attending BOCES next year? Are you thinking about pursuing a trade after graduation? Mrs. Weinstein distributed a BOCES Interest Form to all sophomores this week. A link to the form is also listed below. Interested students must submit the form by Friday, November 10th. See the 2023-2024 BOCES Course Catalog for a list of programs offered.
Barry Tech Parent Open House
Barry Tech will be hosting a Parent Open House on Thursday November 16th at 5PM! The registration banner is now live on our website which is listed below as well as the direct link to the registration survey.
Barry Tech Website:
Barry Tech / Overview (nassauboces.org)
Registration Link:
Open House Registration - Thursday November 16th, 2023 5:00 PM (office.com)
Parents/Students can click on the Open House banner and register for the two programs they wish to come and see.
Parents must register online for this event in order to attend. This registration will be open on the website through the end of day Wednesday November 15th.
Barry Tech Website:
Barry Tech / Overview (nassauboces.org)
Registration Link:
Open House Registration - Thursday November 16th, 2023 5:00 PM (office.com)
Methodize (formerly Method Test Prep)
Are you interested in getting a quick sense of where your son or daughter stands as far as the SAT and ACT? Port Washington provides all families with access to Methodize, a learning tool that includes an SAT and ACT Evaluation Test. Students take short (15 to 25 minute) sections and get an accurate sense of where they stand.
Click on the QR code to activate your son or daughter's Methodize account. Again, there is no cost to the family; the district is already providing this program to all students.
Once you activate the account, click on the SAT or ACT course and scroll down to "Evaluation Test" to begin the diagnostic.
In addition to full SAT and ACT prep courses, Methodize also provides a Financial Literacy course, an Academic Success course, vocabulary builder module, and more!
Naviance Single Sign-On Update/Login for Students
Some of you have noticed that your Naviance username has changed. A system update has completed the Naviance/Clever integration. Students must now log in using Clever to access Naviance. Click the Portnet Bookmarks folder (found in the upper left corner of your screen) and click the Clever button. You will see an image that looks like the one below. Then click the Naviance button and voila! You are in!
Parents will still use their username and passwords - Single-sign on access is only for students with Portnet accounts.
Twilight Program at Schreiber High School
Schreiber Twilight alternative high school is our new partnership with Nassau BOCES. Twilight provides an alternative setting in the late afternoon for students who may benefit from a smaller, more structured environment. Twilight provides students the tools to either return successfully to Schreiber during the day or to complete their high school requirements through Twilight. Twilight students are prepared for post-secondary education or employment upon graduation.
Students attend this Regents-based program in the late afternoon/early evening. Students receive strong academic and social-emotional support, as classes are small and largely student-focused.
Students can enroll in Twilight at any time. of our counseling and administrative team are currently reviewing and meeting with students to discuss Twilight. If you have any questions about Twilight, or if you believe your student might be a candidate, please contact your student's counselor.
Passport for Good
Paul D. Schreiber is a Passport for Good school!
Passport For Good is a mobile-friendly web-based platform that simplifies, recognizes, and celebrates your engagement outside of the classroom. It allows you to journal and verify your community service, career development, and participation in extracurricular activities.
To make this transition a success, we need your help. You must first register for Passport For Good - Click the flyer below for the link and QR code to register. Once your account is activated, you are ready to begin using Passport For Good!
Some of Schreiber's clubs and groups have switched to using Passport For Good, logging their community service and career development hours directly within the platform.
Ask your Counselor if you have questions about Passport For Good.
Announcement from the Rotary Youth Exchange Program - Student Exchange Opportunity!
My name is Camille Bunicci, and I am the Chairperson for Rotary District 7255's Youth Exchange Program.
Rotary District 7255 offers two youth exchange (study abroad) programs that are available to your students. There is a short term (summer) program and a long term (school year) program. Both involve students living abroad with a host family and immersing themselves in the language and culture of another country. The long term students attend school in their host country. Our youth exchange students improve language skills, gain independence, improve communication and problem solving skills and become truly global citizens.
As a former Rotary exchange student myself, a 7 time host family for foreign students, and now the chairperson of the program, I can personally attest to the profound positive impact the programs have on our youth. Our great hope is to have more students participate. I am hoping your members will see the value of the programs and make their students aware of the opportunity. That is my request of you.
If you would like more information, I invite you to contact me or visit our websites at www.rotaryexchange.org or www.exchangestudent.org. I would also be glad to send you hard copy flyers or arrange for a presentation for your members. I hope to see applications from your students! Please contact me with any questions.
Warmest Regards,
Camille Bunicci
Rotary District 7255 Youth Exchange Chairperson
(631) 235-3911