While the school year is into its second half, we also look ahead to next school year as seniors prepare to wrap up their high school experience and underclassmen plan next year's schedules. This is a packed issue with something for everyone! See below for important information including:

• Eugene Policelli Community Service Award Nominations
• Course Selection for next school year
• SAT day at SWHS
• Important Grade 11 information
• Scholarship spotlight
• Celebrating good news for the Class of 2024
  
• State Board of Education leadership opportunity

We hope you will find helpful information on these topics and more, and always encourage you to reach out to our School Counseling department with your questions and needs!

Do you know someone who deserves an award for their volunteer service?

The South Windsor Board of Education invites residents, or employees of a South Windsor business, to nominate someone who has volunteered their time for the betterment of the South Windsor community. The service awards were established by the Board of Education to recognize and honor Dr. Eugene Policelli’s service to the town of South Windsor. Nominations are due by February 23.

For more details/criterion, or to make a nomination, CLICK HERE.

The PowerSchool registration portal for 2024-2025 course selection opened on February 8th. Students can view the course catalog online through the SWHS website. Level recommendations from teachers are in students' PowerSchool accounts.

Course selection ends on February 26th. Students will receive their schedules later in the year.

As we make our way through the second half of the year, it is time for the Class of 2025 to look ahead to senior year (and beyond!). If you have not done so already, schedule a Junior Planning Meeting with your counselor. These sessions with students, their parents or guardians, and the school counselor are essential for students to prepare for the months ahead. The Junior Planning Meeting will provide an opportunity to assess where students stand with completing graduation requirements and what their goals are for after graduation. Whether that is college, military or straight to a career, counselors will help map out what steps to take to get there. Students interested in a college search will discuss what schools might be a good fit and how to start exploring them.

This is also the time for grade 11 students to become familiar with the BigFuture Scholarships program. This is an easy way to be eligible for monetary awards that can be used toward college costs. Students are entered into monthly scholarship drawings simply for completing steps toward college exploration and admission that they should be doing anyway. This program was featured in our December issue of the newsletter, which you can find here.

For the remainder of the school year, we will use this section to celebrate good news about future opportunities for our graduating Class of 2024. We will feature college/university acceptances, military enlistments, and offers of employment for next year.

This month's highlights:

• Ryan Brass - Pennsylvania State University, University of Cincinnati, Sacred Heart University, University of Tampa, University of New Hampshire, University of Rhode Island, Michigan State University, University of Indiana
  
  

• Mahitha Burugupalli - Eastern Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University, University of New Haven, Seton Hall University
  Offered Position: The Hospital of Central Connecticut
  
  

• Elijah Chaimovitch - Worcester Polytechnic University
  
  

• Kevin Culligan - Worcester Polytechnic University, Sacred Heart University, Wheaton College, University of Hartford, University of Saint Joseph
  
  

• JP Dargati - Villanova University, University of Dayton, Boston College
  
  

• Jonathan Gelineau - University of New Hampshire, Sacred Heart University
  
  

• Arnav Kumar - Purdue University
  
  

• Benjamin LeBlanc - University of Tampa
  
  

• Rithanya Manjunath - University of Minnesota, Purdue University
  
  

• Kerry Stephens - Alfred University, Maine College of Art and Design, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Ohio University
  
  

• Jason Soloperto - University of Rhode Island
  

Fill out this Google form below to be included in our "good news" announcements and have post-graduation opportunities displayed on the big screen outside of the School Counseling and Career Center offices.

This form can be filled out with as many college acceptances as you receive, and can be submitted multiple times as future decisions arrive. You may also use this form to indicate that you have enlisted in the military or received an offer of employment for after you graduate.

COMPLETE THIS GOOGLE FORM

As Grade 12 families may know, there have been some delays and glitches as the FAFSA form and processes go through an overhaul for the 2024-2025 academic year. Families are still strongly encouraged to complete their form. Colleges and most scholarships programs are aware of the delay in reporting and are extending deadlines or offering other means of reporting financial need. Please contact the financial aid office of a specific college or university if you have questions about how they may be handling their financial aid process. Our Naviance scholarship database will be continually updated as any new information is given or if deadlines are extended by scholarship programs.

The following scholarships have upcoming deadlines. This is not a complete list. Please check Naviance for the entire database of scholarship opportunities - these and many more are listed there with details, including links and applications. Scholarships are updated as information becomes available.

Women's Cyber Security Scholarships - DUE 2/29 - For female students who are pursuing cyber security, information assurance or similar fields. A minimum 3.3 GPA is required.

UConn ECE Scholarship - DUE 3/8 - For students who have been enrolled in a UConn ECE course.

CCMC Isidore Wise Scholarship - DUE 3/8 - Given to past or present CCMC patients.

Horatio Alger State Scholarship (JUNIORS) - DUE 3/15 - Awarded to JUNIORS only. Must demonstrate strong financial need.

South Windsor Dollars for Scholars - DUE 3/15 - This community scholarship program was featured in our last newsletter. SWHS students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Louie Family Foundation Scholarship - DUE 3/15 - Given to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in academics, leadership, and/or community service. Special consideration for students with parents who are in the military or veterans, demonstrate financial need or are first generation college students.

The Maude and Alexander Hadden Scholarship - DUE 3/22 - Merit and need-based RENEWABLE scholarship.

100 Years of Women Scholarship (UConn) - DUE 3/22 - For students planning to attend UConn who have demonstrated commitment to women's issues through service.

Bohdan Kolinsky Memorial Sports Journalism Scholarship - DUE 3/22 - For a senior from Connecticut going into sports journalism.

SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc. Scholarship - DUE 3/31 - Awarded to students planning to attend college in Connecticut - must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Glenn Moon Scholarship for Future Teachers - DUE 3/31 - This scholarship is awarded to Connecticut residents pursuing a teaching career.

Open Choice Program Scholarships:

• Kristina Star Jordan Social Justice Scholarship - DUE 4/2 - Available to graduates of the Hartford Region Open Choice Program accepted to a two- or four-year accredited institution of higher learning.
• Mary Carroll-Kennedy Scholarship and Marjorie Little Book Award - DUE 4/5 - Awarded to students who have participated in the Open Choice program and plan to attend a two or four year college upon graduation.

The Connecticut State Board of Education invites two public school students to serve on their board each year. This opportunity is offered as a one year term for students in their senior year of high school. The search process for students to serve during the 2024-2025 school year is now underway. To qualify, students must have at least a B+ average and be available to attend monthly all-day meetings in Hartford (typically held on the first Wednesday of the month).

Applications can be picked up from Ms. Carty in the Career Center or downloaded here. Completed packets are due March 8th.

Local employers often seek SWHS students to fill part-time positions. All positions are posted on the Part-Time Jobs bulletin board in the Career Center. Students are encouraged to take a picture of the postings for information on hours, pay, and how to apply.

Newer job postings include:

• New England Air Museum - Public Program Facilitators (multiple positions) - Weekends, school vacations and summers, $16/hour - providing visitors with engaging, hands-on experiences. Accepting applications until March1. E-mail cover letter/resume to agparks@neam.org. See the flier in the Career Center for full details.
• Renbrook School - West Hartford - Childcare position in the after-school program. Running programs/lessons; 2:30-6 PM (not required to work every day). If interested, contact Ky Schroeher at kschroeher@renbrook.org Website: https://www.renbrook.org/childcare/
• Six Flags New England - Now hiring for spring/summer 2024. Flier with QR code to apply posted in the Career Center.

Ms. Keleher and Mr. Martin are going into Grade 9 classes to help students register for their Grade 10 classes. If a student is absent during the class visits, they will have the opportunity to review their course selections when they visit the School Counseling department later this month. At that time, they will be introduced to the counselor who will work with them for grades 10 through 12. Counselors are assigned to students by last name. A reminder of the counselor assignments can be found here.

As always, reach out to Ms. Keleher at dkeleher@swindsor.k12.ct.us or Mr. Martin at smartin@swindsor.k12.ct.us should you need individual support during freshman year. Of note: Ms. Nordmark will return from her maternity leave on March 1.

Students in grade 10 should be registering for next year's classes now. They will meet with their counselors in a couple of weeks to review course selection for next year. The Course Catalog, including a list of graduation requirements, can be found here. Reach out to your assigned School Counselor if you have any questions about appropriate class selections for next year.

All students in grades 6-12 have a dedicated school counselor. The role of a school counselor centers on each student's social-emotional development, academic achievement/advisement, and career/future planning. These areas are covered through classroom lessons, individual conferencing, family meetings, and in conjunction with school-based teams. School counselors are committed to meeting the needs of each individual student and family.

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