Shawsheen Tech Guidance Newsletter
December
Who's My Counselor?
Ms. Angela Caira (acaira@shawtech.org) 9th grade counselor: Last Name A-L
Mr. Andy Alsup (aalsup@shawtech.org) 9th grade counselor: Last Name M-Z
Mr. Greg Harrison (gharrison@shawtech.org) 10th-12th grade counselor
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Auto Collision Repair & Finishing
- Automotive Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Medical Assisting
- Metal Fabrication & Joining Technologies
Ms. Terry Henry (thenry@shawtech.org) 10th-12th grade counselor
- Business Technology/Marketing
- Drafting
- Graphic Communications
- Health Assisting
- Masonry
Ms. Kelly McFadden (kmcfadden@shawtech.org) 10th-12th grade counselor
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Plumbing
Ms. Amanda Samaha (asamaha@shawtech.org) 10th-12th grade counselor
- Cosmetology
- Culinary Arts/Hospitality Management
- DVC
- Electronics/Engineering
- Information Support Services & Networking/Programming & Web Development
John and Abigail Adams Scholarship
On Thursday, December 7th, 86 seniors were presented with the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship. These students scored an advanced level on at least one MCAS test and proficient or advanced on the remaining tests. Their combined scores also placed them in the top 25% of the MCAS scores of seniors at Shawsheen. This scholarship provides a tuition waver for up to eight semesters of undergraduate education at any of the UMass Universities, MA state universitites, and community colleges. The students were presented with the following presentation that can be found below:
Attention Juniors! Upcoming College Rep Visits
The Shawsheen Tech Guidance Department will be hosting college admissions representatives throughout the month of January and February. College representatives will be available for small group question & answer sessions. Please check Naviance regularly as colleges are scheduling visits on an ongoing basis.
To register for an upcoming college visit, please login to Naviance and follow the steps below:
**you must receive permission from your teacher before attending these sessions**
Massachuetts Girls in Trades
On Novemeber 8th, Ms. McFadden & Ms. Henry brought 15 Shawsheen Tech students to the Massachusetts Girls In Trade Conference & Career Fair at the IBEW Local 103 in Dorchester. This full-day event provided an overview of opportunities, educational workshops and encouragement for young women to continue a career pathway in the skilled trades. The students engaged with apprenticeship training programs, met tradeswomen working in the field, and learned how high school girls in trades programs can leverage the uptick in building projects and opportunities for high paying careers in the construction industry.
Freshmen Naviance Portfolios
All freshmen completed their second of three shop selection surveys. After the 3rd survey is completed, the results will be shared with all students, parents, and guardians. The data from the surveys will help the freshmen make well-informed, educated decisions regarding shop selection. While we cannot guarantee anyone a first, second, or third choice, we can help all freshmen navigate the shop selection process by equipping them with the most up-to-date survey results, as well as the capacity numbers for each CTE program. There will be an informational session for all parents/guardians before the final shop selection process occurs, prior to the end of the 14th cycle.
In addition to completing the second shop selection survey, the freshmen completed their Naviance student portfolios in early December. Each freshman was tasked with the responsibility to complete seven assessments/inventories that measure their skills, strengths, and interests. The purpose of this process is to help students more clearly identify these areas to better align their skills, strengths, and interests with their overall top three shop choices. The results are stored in Naviance and accessible for you to see if you log into your child’s account.
PSAT Results
On Thursday, November 30th, our guidance staff met with 11th grade students who took the PSAT exam to review their results.
Please follow the link beliow for understanding the PSAT/NMSQT Scores:
FAFSA Information
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education along with uAspire have partnered to provide FREE FAFSA support. uAspire is here to help you and your students navigate the FAFSA changes happening this year. uAspire is a national nonprofit whose singular focus is on college affordability and removing financial barriers so that every student has an equitable opportunity to attain a postsecondary degree.
For Students:
uAspire will present virtual webinars on the FAFSA process. FSA has not released the exact date the FAFSA will be available but has confirmed that the FAFSA will come out by December 31st. uAspire will have a FAFSA virtual webinar for students on:
January 3, 2024 at 4:00-5:00 pm -ET
We will also target more dates and topics:
- January 30, 2024 at 5:00-6:00 pm -ET
- February 27, 2024 at 5:30-6:30pm -ET
· April 2, 2024 at 4:00-5:00 pm -ET
· April 24, 2024 at 5:00-6:00 pm -ET
· May 21, 2024 at 5:00-6:00 pm -ET
Please visit uAspire.org/resources for access to our library of resources
Attention Class of 2024
The Shawsheen Tech Guidance Office created the following document: Senior College Planning Checklist as a tool to help you complete the steps required to apply to college. If you plan to apply to a 4-year college, please review the document and reach out to your counselor if you have any questions or need clarification. Counselors will be visiting students in Related to give a general overview of the college application process but a 1-1 appointment with your counselor is recommended, especially if you plan to apply to college with an “Early Action” deadline (typically on or around November 1st).
Upcoming Military Events
On January 9th at 7:30am: Liam Barry from the Unites Staes Navy will present to interested 9-12th grade students about the Us Navy's Nuclear Power Program. Registration is required through Naviance with parent approval.
The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program provides militarily effective nuclear propulsion plants and ensures their safe, reliable and long-lived operation. This mission requires the combination of fully trained U.S. Navy men and women with ships that excel in endurance, stealth, speed, and independence from supply chains.
A high-school diploma or equivalent is required to become an Enlisted Sailor and Nuclear Operator in the Navy. Those seeking a role as a Nuclear Operator must be U.S. citizens with successful completion of one year of Algebra, and who can meet eligibility requirements for a security clearance.
To access registraion through Naviance, click on the link that says "more info" in your What's New tab of Naviance, click on the blue "Register" button to sign up for the presentation. The deadline to register is January 4, 2024.
See below for how to register:
AFL-CIO
The 66th annual Massachusetts AFL-CIO Scholarship Award Program application period is now open, this program will award over a half million dollars in scholarship’s this year. All graduating seniors in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts who are seeking a college degree or job training are eligible to compete. Students must register for the program before December 22, 2023 and take an online exam consisting of 30 multiple choice questions and one written essay. The test will be administered at Shawsheen Valley Technical High School during the week of February 5, 2024. Students can register for the scholarship exam by visiting the AFL-CIO website at www.massaflcio.org/scholarships and submitting the form. For more information please see your guidance counselor.
Join us! Shawsheen Tech Open House
This 2-hour open house is intended for prospective students interested in learning about Shawsheen Valley Technical High School. Prospective students, alumni, and family & friends are all welcome. This open house is designed to showcase the academic, career, and vocational-technical programs offered at Shawsheen. Parents and students will have the opportunity to speak with teachers, coaches, and club advisors, and can participate in self-guided tours.
Looking to get involved?
Shawsheen offers over 25 clubs/activites for students to get involved in. Click on the photo below for a list of our clubs/activities and who to contact for more information :
RMV/Union paperwork: Parents/Guardians: you may email your request to guidanceoffice@shawtech.org
*Please give 48 hrs. notice for this request*
Work Permits: Please complete the following form and submit to the Guidance office: Work Permit Application
Where to find us:
Email: guidanceoffice@shawtech.org
Website: shawsheentech.org
Location: 100 Cook Street, Billerica, MA, USA
Phone: 978-667-2111
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawsheentech/
Twitter: @shawtech_hs