Strafford High Counselor Connection

November News-Counseling Office Information

The Counseling Office is Here to Help

The high school counseling office is a dedicated and supportive resource, readily available to assist students in navigating the various challenges and decisions that arise during their academic journey. Whether you're facing academic hurdles, personal concerns, mental health struggles, college and career choices, or simply seeking a listening ear, the counseling office is here to help. Our professional and caring counselors are committed to providing guidance, encouragement, and a safe space for students to explore their goals and aspirations. Don't hesitate to reach out, as we are here to support you in your pursuit of success and personal growth throughout your high school experience.

November Dates

November 2nd: MSU Fall Showcase: - https://www.missouristate.edu/admissions/showcase/

November 4th-8th: Senior Strong Week:

November 11th: Veterans' Honor Program

November 12th: FFA Area 12 Barn warming

November 13th: FTA State Mtg & College Fair

November 18th: Blood Drive

November 20th: Mental Health Lunch Group

November 20th: MSU Group Tour

November 21st-24th: Addams Family Play

November 25th: OTC Career Center Visit

November 27th-29th: Thanksgiving Break-No School

2025 Senior Information

Senior Week is November 4th-8th. Check Google Classroom for information and plan to attend the daily lunch meetings in the activities room!

*If you haven't already, we encourage you to order cap & gown attire as soon as possible.

Below is the link for the senior information letter.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1w1kT-xJLjz52ldeGZvmPluaSKbyJNHnz/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116622383572468307213&rtpof=true&sd=true

Mental Health Awarness

The Importance of Mental Health in High School

Mental health is essential in high school students, as it significantly influences their overall well-being, academic performance, and prospects. Adolescence is a crucial developmental stage where young individuals undergo numerous physical, emotional, and psychological changes. The stressors of academic expectations, peer pressure, and self-identity exploration can take a toll on their mental health. It is during these formative years that students must learn to manage their mental well-being effectively, as it lays the foundation for their future success and happiness.

First and foremost, addressing mental health in high school students is essential for their academic success. A student experiencing mental health issues may struggle with concentration, motivation, and the ability to meet their educational goals. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can hinder a student's ability to engage in class, complete assignments, and excel in exams. Therefore, promoting mental health awareness and support services in high schools is critical to ensure students reach their full academic potential.

In addition to academic performance, the emotional and social well-being of high school students is closely tied to their mental health. Adolescents often face challenges such as bullying, peer pressure, and the desire to fit in, which can negatively impact their self-esteem and self-worth. Addressing mental health issues can help students develop coping mechanisms, build resilience, and strengthen their emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate these challenges more effectively.

Furthermore, mental health in high school students plays a crucial role in shaping their long-term life goals. Adolescence is when individuals make significant decisions about their future, including career paths and higher education choices. A student grappling with mental health issues may have a limited perspective and may not make informed choices, potentially limiting their future opportunities. By prioritizing mental health support, high schools can empower students to make informed decisions about their future and work towards their aspirations.

The importance of mental health in high school students is not limited to their well-being. It also has far-reaching societal implications. Healthy, mentally resilient students are more likely to grow into productive, responsible adults who contribute positively to their communities. On the contrary, untreated mental health issues can lead to a variety of adverse outcomes, including substance abuse, criminal behavior, and a higher risk of chronic mental health conditions in adulthood. So, investing in the mental health of high school students is an investment in the future of society.

Lastly, the importance of mental health in high school students cannot be overstated. It affects every aspect of their lives, from academic success to emotional well-being and prospects. High schools have a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and providing the necessary support and resources to ensure that students can thrive during this critical stage of their development. By doing so, we not only safeguard the well-being of individual students but also contribute to creating a healthier, more productive, and happier society.

Find more informative articles at https://stopmedicineabuse.org/

Additional Resources:

[National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): nami.org]
[The Trevor Project: thetrevorproject.org]
[Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741]
[Suicide Crisis Hotline: Dial 988]

Let's work together to make this school year a mentally healthy one!

Note from the Nurses

How daily issues that arise can affect your health…

Many things in your daily life can impact your physical and mental health. This can include transportation, money problems, housing and access to food. If you can’t get to doctors appointments, you may not receive the care you need. When money is tight, it may be difficult to pay for your medicine or other necessities. And living far from a grocery store, with no transportation and money issues can make it hard to buy healthy food. If you have concerns with any of these, or any other areas, talk with your counselors or healthcare team. They may know of local resources to assist you. Or they may have a staff person who can help.

http://www.nationwidechildrens.org

www.nationwidechildrens.org/family- resources-education /family-resources-library/facts-about-diabetes

Did you know that November is National Diabetes Awareness Month? But…What is Diabetes?

When you have diabetes, your body has a problem with insulin. It doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes (insulin resistance). Insulin is a hormone released by the pancreas. It helps sugar (glucose) enter your cells to be used as energy. Without insulin, too much sugar stays in your blood.

There are 2 main types of diabetes. They are called type 1, and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. This means it’s caused by the body’s immune system. It destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Then your body makes little or no insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin every day to live. About 1 in 20 people with diabetes have type 1. People are more at risk if they have a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes. Most people are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when they are a child, teen, or young adult. But you may be diagnosed at any age. Caucasian Americans are at higher risk for type 1 diabetes. There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes happens when the body can’t make enough insulin. Or the body can’t use it normally. You may be able to control type 2 with diet, exercise, and weight loss. You can control it by taking medicine by mouth. Or you may need insulin injections or other medicine. Most people with diabetes have type 2.

Things that put you at risk for type 2 diabetes include:

Prediabetes
Excess weight
Family history of type 2 diabetes
Taking certain medicines
Not being physically active
History of gestational diabetes
Being age 45 or older

You can delay or prevent type 2 diabetes with:

Physical activity
Weight loss
Healthy eating

Diabetes is a global epidemic, affecting people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. In 2021, an estimated 537 million people worldwide had diabetes, and this number is projected to rise to 642 million by 2040. Approximately 90-95% of all diabetes cases are Type 2 diabetes, making it the most prevalent form. Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 5-10% of all diabetes cases and is often diagnosed in childhood and adolescence.

The number of people with diabetes is increasing due to factors such as population growth, aging, urbanization, and lifestyle changes. Diabetes can lead to severe complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems.

College & Career Readiness

Here is the LINK for the Strafford High School College and Career Newsletter!

Preparing For The College Process

College Counseling 🎓

If you have questions about college information or requirements, please stop by the counseling office or make an appointment with Mr. Lyons.

NACAC Guide to the College Admission Process. PDF

Here is a helpful guide, full of information, to help you start planning for college!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IKNVwkD656ttAEK0lCmILf7x_r2FSLpL/view?usp=sharing

FSA ID & FAFSA Information

2025/2026 FAFSA Information

The 2025/2026 FAFSA information for the class of 2024/2025 is available. The FAFSA will not open until December 1st. During senior week, we will work with seniors, walking them through setting up their FSA ID and preparing them to complete the FAFSA application when it opens.

Below is some new information for the FAFSA & FSA ID process.

Every contributor—anyone (student, the student's spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or the parent's spouse) who must provide information on the FAFSA form—will need an FSA ID to access and complete their section of the online form.
All contributors must provide consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred directly into the student's FAFSA form via direct data exchange with the IRS. If any contributor doesn't provide consent and approval, submission of the FAFSA form will still be allowed. However, a Student Aid Index, which replaces the Expected Family Contribution, will not be calculated, and the student won't be eligible for federal student aid.
Students can list up to 20 colleges on their online FAFSA form and 10 colleges on the FAFSA PDF.
Here are the links for the FSA ID & FAFSA Presentations.
FSA ID: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1QZVgmwEQJ3UuwK-W_0ibaVmSH4lGveZ_/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116622383572468307213&rtpof=true&sd=true
FAFSA Process: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VTEUc9LP9t1T5fjfB18x5FVhZof94af8/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116622383572468307213&rtpof=true&sd=true

Senior Scholarship

Scholarships:

1) Scholarship Entry!

'Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest' - It’s the coolest scholarship contest around, that’s what! Students are challenged to their own prom outfits made entirely from Duck Tape for the chance to win scholarship cash!

Step #1- Create: Create and wear your original prom wear using Duck Brand Duct Tape and/or Duck Brand Crafting Tape. Remember to take a high resolution pick of the big moment.

Step #2 - Submit: Fill out the entry form where you'll upload at least one pic of yourself in your Duck promo wear and fill in more details. Don't forget to get your parents/guardians permission if you're under 18 years old for the photography release. After you submit, a confirmation email will be delivered right to your inbox.

Step #3 - Vote: Have a favorite you want to win? Opt-in using your email address to find out who makes the top 10 so you can vote! Who knows -- you may be in the top 10!

*The information on the website is reflecting the 2024 winners and the following contest that began March 2024 and ended in June 2024. Please keep a lookout when the 2025 contest begins. I am advertising this now to anyone who wants to begin making their Duck Tape Prom Outfit.

https://www.duckbrand.com/stuck-at-prom

2) Continue to review and apply for scholarships on: https://studentscholarships.org/

3) Continue to review and apply for scholarships on: https://www.goingmerry.com/

4) Parents and students can also inquire with their employer’s benefits administrator if they have a part-time job. Many employers offer tuition support or scholarship programs for their employees’ beneficiaries. For example, did you know that McDonald’s offers up to $2,500 per year in tuition assistance to employees who work as little as 15 hours per week? Walmart, Sam’s Club, Target, and Home Depot have similar programs.

I provided further information in the links attached:

https://corporate.mcdonalds.com/corpmcd/our-stories/article/triples_crew_tuition.html

https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertfarrington/2021/08/26/more-companies-are-offering-college-tuition-benefits-to-their-employees/?sh=7e4d88142fba

https://www.tun.com/blog/companies-that-offer-scholarships-for-employees-dependents/

5) Did you know you can get college scholarship money for being a great duck caller, loving potatoes, having a twin, or just being tall? These are all actual scholarships!

Welcome to UNUSUAL SCHOLARSHIPS!

Please click on the link provided to review this article. Some scholarships are further in the article so please review the full article.

https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/unusual-scholarships/

6) During senior week we will introduce My Scholarship Central to all seniors. This would be an amazing opportunity to set up a profile and begin applying for scholarships.

https://myscholarshipcentral.org/

As I always say "APPLY APPLY APPLY to all and any scholarship!"

ACT and SAT

Follow this Link to view all upcoming ACT testing dates.

Strafford will offer the ACT on campus two more times this school year. Check the link above for registration deadlines. Spots fill up fast, so make sure to get registered ASAP!

February 8th, 2025

April 5th, 2025

ACT Test Results and Super Score Information. LINK