Counselors’ Corner
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Students are assigned to school counselors by last names.
A-K Mrs. Hardy, bethhard@hpsvikings.org
L-Z Mr. Crook, toddcroo@hpsvikings.org
Valuable information for each grade level can also be found at the Virtual HS Counseling Office.
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Information for All:
Counseling Small Group Opportunities will be offered beginning in late January. An Anxiety Group and Gilda’s Club Grief Group will be offered to those students who are interested in learning how to better understand and cope with anxiety, depression, and grief. Each small group follows an evidence-based curriculum, and confidentiality is required by all who participate. The small groups will meet once a week during the school day for about 4 to 9 weeks. Students are expected to complete class work missed while attending groups. As much as possible, small groups are scheduled so that students do not miss the same class repeatedly. If you are or your student is interested in participating in either the Anxiety Group or Gilda’s Club Grief Group, please complete the information on this form.
XELLO for Career Planning: In the Fall, students were introduced to Xello, a program we use for students to update their Educational Development Plans (EDPs). Ask your student to show you Xello on their chromebook; it is one of the applications located at the bottom of “the waffle.” Students have access to Xello at any time. They can view and change their plan, research career options, research colleges, vocational trade schools, and military branches, as well as take interest surveys, etc. There is so much helpful information! Check it out soon with your student, and explore all that XELLO has to offer.
Schedule Changes for Trimester 3 is February 28, 2025 at 2:45 p.m. (Students are encouraged to discuss schedule changes for the entire school year with their counselor at Orientation in August.) Please note: 3rd trimester schedules may be adjusted for balancing purposes despite student requests.
Requesting classes for next school year: In January, students will begin thinking about which classes they would like to take for the 25-26 school year. Students and families will receive an email later this month with the Course Catalog indicating class options for next year. Please review it. Any questions can be directed to your school counselor. Within the school day, school counselors will visit classrooms 2 times in January/February. The first time to meet individually with students to make a plan for required classes and to talk about elective options; then, during the second classroom visit students will submit their class requests into PowerSchool.
College, Military, & Trade School Representatives Visits to Hopkins HS
College and Military Representatives will be coming to Hopkins throughout the year. All students are welcome to talk with them. Please sign up by adding your name to this document. Rep Visits: 2024-2025 Check this document often as Colleges and Military reps add dates frequently.
Tech Center Open House is scheduled for February 11th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. If your student is interested in any of the program offerings at the Tech Center in the future, consider attending the Open House. Click this link for more information: Allegan Tech Center. Please note: Student applications to attend the Tech Center for the 25-26 school year have already been collected; they were due December 11, 2024.
FREE Virtual Financial Aid & Scholarship Presentations for Students & Families!
If you are interested in learning more about finding help to pay for college, it is encouraged that you register for a Virtual Financial Aid Presentation provided by the MI Student Aid team. Participants will learn more about the FAFSA application, federal & state financial aid programs, and scholarship searching resources. The next presentation is January 15th at 6:30 p.m. (Click the link for more presentation dates and times.)
Michigan Achievement Scholarship: If interested in learning more about this scholarship, register here for an informational webinar provided by the MI Student Aid team. Topics covered include eligibility requirements, award dollar amounts, important action items for students and families, and additional resources and program information. The next presentation is scheduled for January 22nd at 6:30 p.m. (Click the link for more presentation dates and times.)
AP Exam Dates
For those students taking an AP class this year, note the following dates for AP Exams. Please plan doctor appointments and other school absences around these dates, so that students will be in attendance for the exams. These dates are determined by the College Board; they cannot be altered.
Monday, May 5 8am - Biology
Tuesday, May 6 8am - Chemistry
12pm - United States Government & Politics
Wednesday, May 7 8am - English Literature and Composition
Friday, May 9 8am - US History
Monday, May 12 8am - Calculus AB
Tuesday, May 13 8am - PreCalculus
Wednesday, May 14 8am - English Language and Composition
12pm - Physics C: Mechanics
Friday, May 16 8am - Physics 1: Algebra-Based
12pm - Psychology
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Information Specific to Grade
Seniors
Complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA! Students applying to 2-year and/or 4-year colleges and trade schools are encouraged to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and federal aid. Many schools use the FAFSA information to determine eligibility for their own in-house scholarships and grants. Students and Families can obtain FAFSA ID now. Once a FSA ID# is received (via email), the FAFSA form can be completed by visiting studentaid.gov. Students are eligible for more opportunities if the FAFSA is completed sooner rather than later in the year. See your school counselor with questions.
Financial Aid Letters (from colleges & trade schools): Have you already been accepted to colleges &/or trade schools? If so, you may be receiving Financial Aid letters from them indicating your financial options. Please be aware that not all letters are the same; different colleges have specific forms/options, and each one can be a little confusing if you are not familiar with the format of these letters. If you have questions, consider contacting the admissions office or the person of contact mentioned in the letter. Once you have tried to reach the school and if you still have questions, make an appointment to see your school counselor for some assistance.
Scholarships - Periodically look at the Scholarships link on the Virtual HS Counseling Office. Scholarship deadlines vary. Some deadlines are approaching, while other scholarship applications are not due until early spring. Once you are accepted to a college/university or trade school, there are scholarship opportunities for admitted students. Ask your college or trade school about scholarships specific to its institution and to the field of study you are planning to pursue.
College & Trade School Applications & Deadlines: Colleges are still accepting applications! Several Michigan colleges and universities have waived application fees. Make a list of application due dates so you can plan ahead and submit them on time. If a college/trade school requires recommendation letters, give time (at least a week or two) to the professionals from whom you request a recommendation letter. Also, give yourself ample time to write application essays.
Apply on college websites or through the Common App? If you are applying to numerous colleges/universities, consider creating an account on the Common App. There are 1086 colleges and universities affiliated with this site, and it is a “one-stop shop” application. Complete it once, and apply to several institutions. Hint: Search the schools you are interested in first to make sure they are a part of the Common App. Check your college or trade school website to find out how each wants you to apply.
APPLIED! Over 40 seniors have applied to colleges/universities this fall and winter! Nice work seniors!
ACCEPTED! When a senior is informed of being accepted into a college, university, trade school, or the military, please complete this ACCEPTED form so we can celebrate this accomplishment!
Senior Packet: Please read and refer to this document throughout the school year. The Senior Packet can be found here: Senior Packet
Juniors
Refer to the Junior Packet for information pertaining to “all things 11th grade” throughout this year. Junior Packet
Sophomores
The 10th grade packet is a great resource of information. Find it here:10th grade Packet
Freshmen
A great resource for information is the 9th Grade Packet, which can be found here: 9th grade Packet
