Counseling and Career Connection
School Counseling/Career Center News January 2024
New Year - New Semester
With mid-term exams on the horizon, we look ahead to the second half of the school year. It is a great time to reflect on many of the topics in this edition of our newsletter, including:
- FAFSA (Financial Aid) for Grade 12 Students & Families
- Scholarship Updates
- Course Selection for next school year
- Dropping/Adding classes
- Celebrating good news for the Class of 2024
- Volunteer/Job Shadow opportunities
We hope you will find helpful information on these topics and more, and we wish you a good start to both the new year and new semester for our SWHS community!
FAFSA For Grade 12 Students & Families
South Windsor Dollars for Scholars Application Portal Opens
SWDFS is a local scholarship organization that offers numerous scholarship opportunities for our students through one application (similar to the way CommonApp works for college admissions). Students are strongly encouraged to apply to this program, as these are local scholarships limited to students who reside in or attend school in South Windsor. Scholarships are available based on a wide variety of criteria and not solely based on GPA or test scores. The application can be found at SW Dollars For Scholars.
Help with the application process is provided through the Career Center or individual School Counselors.
To access all: NAVIANCE->COLLEGES ->SCHOLARSHIPS AND MONEY ->SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH!
Course Selection to Begin for 2024-2025 School Year
The PowerSchool registration portal closes on February 26th.
Drop/Add Window for 2nd Semester
Course changes (ex: dropping a class, and/or adding another - not necessarily in the same subject) can fluidly occur within the first 10 class periods of the course. Students and families should communicate and work closely with their school counselor to discuss the situation. School counselors will work to identify solutions and/or changes to best support the student and family. It should be noted that one schedule change can often necessitate another schedule change.
After the 10th school day of the course, all changes must be approved through an administrative process/review. The window to complete Semester 2 adds/drops will close on February 9th (the 10th day of Semester 2).
Students and families that are interested in learning more about this policy or investigating their options should contact their school counselor directly. School counselor contact information can be found here.
Gap Year Fair
Interested in taking a Gap Year? Conard High School is holding an informational fair on January 16th from 6-8:30 PM. Connect with gap year program providers, counselors, alumni, and college admissions representatives. This gives you the opportunity to learn everything you need to know about taking a gap year, including the best gap year scholarships to apply for this year!
Click here for more information.
click here to register.
Tuesday, Jan 16, 2024, 06:00 PM
Conard High School, Beechwood Road, West Hartford, CT, USA
Congratulations Class of 2024!
This month's highlights:
Mitch Chaves - Western New England University, American International College, Castleton University, New England College
JP Dargati - Fordham University
Jonathan Gelineau - The University of Arizona, The University of Rhode Island, Quinnipiac University, Springfield College, Eastern Connecticut State University, Central Connecticut State University, Merrimack College
Olivia Kvadus - Colorado College, Virginia Military Institute, University of Vermont
Aryan Prem - Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, CT State Community College - Manchester
Queenly Quansah - Quinnipiac University, Hofstra University
Joshua Vadavalli - University of Pittsburgh; Pennsylvania State University; Indiana University; Arizona State University
Caiden Warren - University of Hartford, Eastern University, Central Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University
Quinn Yanaway - Connecticut College
See below for directions on how to be featured in an upcoming newsletter and have post-graduation opportunities displayed on the big screen outside of the School Counseling and Career Center offices.
Accepted to one or more colleges? Enlisting with a branch of the military? Job offer for next year? We want to know!
CT Judicial Branch Offers Virtual Job Shadow Program
The Connecticut Judicial Branch Experiential Learning Program will offer a virtual job shadow presentation via Zoom on Friday, February 2nd from 12:30-2:00 PM. This opportunity, for students in grades 10-12, provides an overview of careers in the Judicial Branch and offers three breakout sessions to choose from: Court Clerk's Office, Office of Adult Probation, and Juvenile Justice System.
Interested students can attend this program using their Chromebook in the SWHS Career Center. Registration is required, so students who wish to attend MUST speak to Mrs. Carty by Friday, January 19th and have a breakout session selected.
Hartford Hospital's VolunTeen Program Application Opening
Hartford Hospital offers a summer volunteer opportunity for students who are considering a career in healthcare and would like to experience how a hospital functions. The program, which runs from June 24 - August 16, is open to those between the ages of 14 and 18 (or will turn 14 by June 24th). Other criteria include a minimum GPA of 3.0, availability for for a minimum of 8 hours a week during at least 6 of the 8 weeks . Volunteers are also required to attend at least one educational session.
Additional information about the program and application procedures will be shared at a MANDATORY meeting on Monday, February 16th from 6:00-7:30 PM, which is considered part of the application process. Registration for this information session will open on January 19th and close on February 5th or when the session is full. This is a competitive program and early registration is encouraged. Students should e-mail Penelope.Ross@hhchealth.org to request a registration link.
"Try a Trade" During Spring Break
The Connecticut Pre-Apprenticeship High School Training Program and the Metropolitan District Commission in Hartford will host Try a Trade, a one week hands on program where students can earn certificates, knowledge and an understanding of several trades through hands on learning. Participants will receive safety equipment and will explore the Metropolitan District Commission, Electricians Union, Operating Engineers Union, Iron Workers Union, Carpenters Union, and Laborers Union.
Program Details:
April 8-12, 2024
8:00 AM - 2:30 PM
MDC Training Center
125 Maxim Road
Hartford, CT
Space is limited, so apply early if interested. All student accepted into the program will receive a full scholarship to attend.
Now Hiring!
The Freshman Focus
9th grade families are encouraged to review the course catalog referenced above and discuss academic options for the 2024-2025 school year. Ms. Keleher and Mr. Martin will meet with students and help them register for classes during an early February lesson.
In the meantime, you can always reach out to Ms. Keleher at dkeleher@swindsor.k12.ct.us or Mr. Martin (while Ms. Nordmark is on maternity leave) at smartin@swindsor.k12.ct.us should you need individual support during freshman year.
The Sophomore Scene
With a new semester starting, now is a great time for 10th grade students to think about joining any extracurricular activities that might interest them. Spring sports will start holding meetings and tryouts in the coming weeks, and many SWHS clubs and activities welcome new members all year long. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is an excellent way to feel more connected to the school community, develop leadership skills, explore interests, and build a resume.
School Counseling & Career Center
The Career Center offers a variety of assistance to students and parents preparing for post-secondary opportunities. It is located in the School Counseling office and can also be accessed from the hallway outside School Counseling.
Website: https://highschool.southwindsorschools.org/departments/school_counseling
Phone: 860-648-5003