Counselor Corner

As we approach the end of 2024, we want to take a moment to extend our warmest holiday greetings to each and every one of our incredible families. The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness. It's a time to cherish moments spent with loved ones, celebrate achievements, and look forward to new opportunities the new year will bring. We are here because of YOU and for that we are grateful. This month's newsletter highlights some of the things we are celebrating in our department. We're also encouraging and providing tips for students to finish this semester strong.

Semester Exams 12/16-12/20

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is live! Students and Families will begin that process by clicking HERE. Please refer to this presentation should you have questions about FAFSA completion. Plan on completing the FAFSA as soon as possible as most institutions are more generous with aid earlier in the process.

• Winter break is a great time to research and apply for scholarships. A few helpful links are listed below.

• www.goingmerry.com
• https://studentscholarships.org/scholarships
• www.fastweb.com
• https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx

It's not too late for juniors to sign up for Torch Prep's ACT boot camp. This six week course is designed to prepare students for the ACT on February 25th. The deadline to sign up is January 12th.

On November 14th, our Great Oaks campus affiliate, Scarlet Oaks, spoke to our 10th grade students about the exciting training programs offered at Scarlet Oaks! Students had the opportunity to hear from current students attending Scarlet Oaks from Wyoming High School and got to see how they put learning into action!

Scarlet Oaks Information Packet

We are taking a fieldtrip to Scarlet Oaks for interested sophomores on 1/19/24. Please sign up below, if you'd like to attend.

The Scarlet Oaks Field Trip for Interested Sophomores

When: Friday, January 17th. Bells 5-7

Where: Scarlet Oaks Campus

Students must sign up using the QR code in FLEX or this link, before winter break!

Take a virtual Tour of the Lab you are interested in!

February 6th - Scarlet Oaks Applications due

We strongly encourage students to wait until after the Jan 17 field trip, and then complete their application. All applications submitted are given equal opportunity - there is no advantage/disadvantage based on when the application is completed.

**Scarlet Oaks is experiencing a few issues with their application right now. If you do not receive an email confirming your application, please email FlahertyA@greatoaks.com

Ten suggestions to help students study effectively for exams and finish the semester strong!

1. Create a study schedule: Organize your time by creating a study schedule that allocates specific time slots for each subject or topic. This helps in managing time efficiently and ensures that all subjects are covered adequately.

2. Break down the material: Divide the study material into smaller, manageable sections. Focus on understanding one section at a time before moving on to the next. This method makes studying less overwhelming and enhances comprehension.

3. Utilize active learning techniques: Engage in active learning methods such as summarizing, teaching the material to someone else, creating flashcards, or solving practice problems. Active learning reinforces understanding and retention of information.

4. Take regular breaks: Don't forget to take short breaks during study sessions. Breaks help in maintaining focus and preventing burnout. The Pomodoro technique, for instance, suggests studying for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break.

5. Practice past exams or sample questions: Familiarize yourself with the exam format and type of questions by practicing past exams or sample questions. This gives you a sense of what to expect and helps in refining exam-taking strategies.

6. Seek clarification: If you encounter difficulties or have questions, don't hesitate to seek clarification from teachers, classmates, or online resources. Understanding concepts thoroughly is crucial for performing well in exams.

7. Stay organized: Keep your study materials organized. Organized notes, textbooks, and resources will save time and reduce stress when reviewing materials before exams.

8. Stay healthy: Prioritize your physical and mental health. Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and ensure you get enough sleep. A healthy body and mind are crucial for optimal cognitive function and performance.

9. Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques: Consider practicing mindfulness, meditation, or relaxation techniques to manage stress and improve focus. Activities like deep breathing exercises can help in calming nerves before exam.

10. Review and revise regularly: Consistent revision is key to retention. Review your notes regularly to reinforce learning and identify areas that need further clarification or practice.

Remember, everyone has different study methods that work best for them! Experiment with these suggestions and tailor them to fit your personal learning style for the best results. Your school counselor is happy to meet with you to help you practice these tips!