Counselor Connection

• 📔 Grades/Progress Check
• ❓ Scholarship Questions/Assistance
• 🎓 Career/College Counseling
• 📅 Class Schedule/Changes
• 🏫 General Counseling Session

• 2nd - 5th period: MON, THURS
• 3rd - 7th period: TUES, WEDS
• All day: FRI

Please use Mrs. Kulka's Calendly to schedule an appointment.

https://calendly.com/maria-kulka-marcelluscs

Dear Seniors,

As we dive into November, I want to remind you that this month is designated as Scholarship Month in Michigan! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to explore a variety of scholarship options that can help alleviate the financial burden of college tuition.

During this month, many organizations and institutions are highlighting available scholarships, and some even host special events or workshops to assist you in your application process. I encourage each of you to take advantage of these resources. Here are a few steps to get started:

1. Research Opportunities: Look for local scholarships offered by community organizations, businesses, and foundations. Don’t forget to check the scholarships available through your prospective colleges and universities.

2. Attend Workshops: Many schools and organizations will host workshops this month focusing on how to apply for scholarships. These can provide valuable tips and insights.

3. Prepare Your Materials: Gather your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Having these ready will make the application process smoother.

4. Stay Organized: Create a spreadsheet or a document to track the scholarships you want to apply for, their deadlines, and requirements.

5. Ask for Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselors or teachers for guidance. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

Remember, every little bit helps, and securing a scholarship can make a significant difference in your educational journey. Take this opportunity seriously, and good luck with your applications!

AND - Please utilize this new scholarship search tool the State of Michigan has released to help seniors find scholarships. Click the link and select which Michigan county you live in to view the available scholarships for that location. Use the 'Generate PDF' button to export a list of your results that you can save to your device.

Best regards,

Mrs. Kulka

https://calendly.com/maria-kulka-marcelluscs

Start planning NOW for after high school. DON'T PROCRASTINATE!

Ask yourself the question: What's my plan after I graduate from high school? Do you plan on attending college? Do you plan on going into the military? Trades? Or, do you plan on going directly into the workforce? These are things you need to start thinking about right NOW.

Reach out to Mrs. Kulka to talk about your next steps!

For seniors who do plan on attending college, please start working on these things:

• Complete your college applications - Remember, October is College Application Month and many college will be waiving their application fees!
• Request your HS transcript to be sent to schools you apply to via Parchment
• Complete your FAFSA beginning in December
• Start looking for scholarships
• Make contact with a college admissions counselor to get the most pertinent information

Nov. 7 - Half Day

Nov. 8 - No School

Nov. 11- Van Buren Tech Center - 10th Grade Classroom Presentations (Mrs. Schuur's English)

Nov. 12- Half Day

Nov. 27-29- No School (Thanksgiving Break)

Dee. 11 - FAFSA Completion Night (6pm-7:30pm): In the library at the high school - Open to ALL CURRENT Seniors

Dec. 13 - 10th Graders visit Van Buren Tech (12pm-1:25pm)

Attention Parents and Students!

Get ready for college by ensuring you have the financial support you need!

__________________________________________________________________

Join us for an informative FAFSA Completion Night!

Date: Wednesday, December 11
Time: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Marcellus High School Library

BE FAFSA READY! Please create your StudentAid.gov account NOW before attending the FAFSA Completion Night.

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Who Should Attend?

• All high school seniors planning to enroll in college or vocational school
• Parents and guardians

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Why Attend?

• Get hands-on assistance with filling out the FAFSA form
• Ask questions and receive guidance from experts
• Ensure your student gets the financial aid they deserve!

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Refreshments will be provided!

For more information, contact:
Mrs. Kulka
269-646-5081
maria.kulka@marcelluscs.org

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Don’t miss out on this important opportunity! Let’s make sure you’re ready for the next step in your education!

AFTER SCHOOL

MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY UNTIL 4:00PM.

STUDENTS CAN USE THIS TIME TO GET EXTRA HELP ON ASSIGNMENTS AND FINISH CLASSWORK.

THERE IS NO HOMEWORK HOUR ON HALF DAYS.
Students may drop in, but are required to stay the entire hour.

Dual Enrollment

Early Middle College

ISD Career Academies

Van Buren Tech Center

Attend a Parent Information Night. More details to come in the coming months!

Click HERE for more information about Dual-Enrollment, Early Middle College, and ISD Career Academies.

Click HERE for more information about the Van Buren Tech Center.

Students are encouraged to search for other scholarships. www.fastweb.com is a great resource.

Also check out:

https://www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid/students-fams/mi-scholarship-search

https://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/training/find-scholarships.aspx?lang=en&

https://www.mometrix.com/blog/scholarships-for-college/

• Scholarship updates will be made periodically as scholarships are given to the school/school counselor. Refer to this document for the latest updates.

• Be sure to check the financial aid webpages of the colleges and universities that you have applied to.

• Many scholarships require you to have a FAFSA completed. Complete your FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.

• Please utilize this new scholarship search tool the State of Michigan has released to help seniors find scholarships. Click the link and select which Michigan county you live in to view the available scholarships for that location. Use the 'Generate PDF' button to export a list of your results that you can save to your device.

2025 Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship - See Mrs. Kulka for more details!

2024-2025 Trade School Scholarship Application - Available to HS Seniors in Cass County

Pick up the paper application in Mrs. Kulka's office

About KCAD

KCAD's Vision

As an innovator in art and design education, KCAD will cultivate a student-centered learning community that fuels the regional economy with creative leaders and critical thinkers with global perspectives.

Programs of Study - KCAD's specialized degree programs give you the expert instruction and personalized support you need to transform your creativity into a marketable skill set—and from there, a dynamic career.

Financial Aid & Scholarships - How much does KCAD cost?

Every new freshman at our Big Rapids campus and Kendall College of Art and Design receives a Woodbridge N. Ferris Scholarship if they meet the criteria. You don't even have to apply for the scholarship - if you qualify, you will automatically receive your scholarship.

Interested in a graphic design degree?

In the Graphic Design degree program, you’ll be immersed in an integrative learning environment where traditional design fundamentals evolve into powerful tools for communication, problem-solving, and creative strategizing.

You’ll begin by exploring foundational design elements such imagery and visualization; typography and voice; the power of color, composition, and grid; and concept and content development; creating meaningful messages and bringing stories to life that challenge, educate, inspire, and entertain. With this solid foundation, you will be constantly learning and evolving as you keep pace with the ever-changing world of technology, culture, and media and immerse yourself in the people and problems associated with each project you take on. You’ll develop your own voice by learning how to make design decisions informed and supported by intensive design research and strategic thinking, thorough and iterative concepting and ideation, meaningful collaboration and critique, and the prototyping and testing of ideas before production.

Mrs. Kulka's Dog/Her Companion - Lester

Millions of people around the world love their pets. They’re part of the family! We enjoy their companionship and going for walks, playing with them and even talking and singing to them.

Evidence suggests that attachment to pets is good for human health and even helps build a better community.

It’s no secret that pets can contribute to your happiness. Studies show that dogs reduce stress, anxiety and depression. They ease loneliness, encourage exercise and improve your overall health. For example, people with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease. Just playing with a dog has been shown to raise levels of the feel-good brain chemicals oxytocin and dopamine. This creates positive feelings and bonding for both the person and their pet.

5 ways pets help your mental health:

1. Pets can reduce work-related stress. Two out of three employees say work stresses them out, and 40% say their job gets in the way of their health. Studies show that pets in the workplace help reduce stress and improve employee satisfaction.
   
   
2. Pets can help increase productivity, wherever you work. When a dog joins a virtual meeting, group members rank their teammates higher on trust, team cohesion and camaraderie.
   
   
3. Pets help manage anxiety. Now more than ever, many people are feeling anxious or struggling with mental health. Pets provide companionship and support.
   
   
4. Pets can help you be more active. They give you a reason to get outside, get some fresh air and get active, which is proven to improve your mood, sleep and mental health.
   
   
5. Pets provide a sense of togetherness. The bond with a pet helps you not to feel alone. When owners see, touch, hear or talk to their companion animals, it brings a sense of goodwill, joy, nurturing and happiness.

Source: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pets-as-coworkers/pets-and-mental-health

Mayo Clinic - The Health Benefits of Pets

Email: maria.kulka@marcelluscs.org
Location: Mrs. Kulka's Office is located in the Main Office of the high school
Phone: (269) 646 - 5081

Calendly: https://calendly.com/maria-kulka-marcelluscs