Welcome to the Counselor Connection- your source of information from the IHS Counseling Department
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WHAT'S GOING ON IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE?
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With Thanksgiving behind us and Holiday Recess quickly approaching, Seniors are starting to finish up their college applications and fine tune their post-secondary plans. That's our cue! The counselors are eager to start working with the Juniors. Our "Junior Jump Off" town hall meeting initiates the beginning of our Post-Secondary Planning meetings, where individual preferences and plans are reviewed in a family meeting. Junior families should be on the lookout for an email in the coming weeks with information about how to schedule these important meetings.
Winter is also the time when counselors work with students on their scheduling plans for 2019-2020 school year. The process varies by grade level.
Juniors:
You will get your scheduling packet at the end of your post-secondary planning meeting to review with your family. We will meet up again later in the semester in your PE class to review your choices.
Sophomores:
This is a big year for scheduling! You're going to be an upperclass student! In March, we will sit down with you and your family for your upperclass transition meeting. Although we will discuss your schedule, this meeting is so much more. We will map out the next two years, discuss your ideas of life after high school, and create goals for how to get there. Information regarding this meeting will be mailed home in a scheduling packet about a month prior to the meetings.
Freshman:
We will meet with you in your Writing Lab Classes in early April. About a month prior to those meetings, we will send the scheduling packet home for you and your family to review and discuss.
8th Graders:
For those of you with younger siblings coming up to high school, we haven't forgotten about them! In January we start our semester-long transition program with our "Road to the Final Four" workshop where students learn about the increasing academic opportunities available in high school. Scheduling request forms are completed and returned to the middle school counselors.
But that's not all!
In December, we look forward to visiting PE classes to play Junior Jeopardy: The Post-Secondary Edition with all our 11th graders. We aim to introduce them to concepts and vocabulary needed to tackle post-secondary planning through a fun and entertaining experience.
In January we look forward to our annual visit to health classes to continue our mindfulness work with students. This is one of our favorite workshops of the year (students' too!) where we all make calming bottles and learn some useful techniques to use for the upcoming midterms.
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In this Edition...
- The Holiday Blues
- Minute of Mindfulness
- For Your Grade...
- Midterm Mania
- The College Corner
- Seniors: Road to Graduation
- Events & Workshops
- Grade Release Schedule
- Contact Information
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UPCOMING DATES
TO NOTE
(Dec - Feb)
December 20th
Junior Jeopardy:
Post-Secondary Edition -
In PE Classes
January 8 & 9th
- Mindfulness Workshops in Health Classes
January 10th
-
Curriculum Night for
8th and 10th grade families
January 11th
-
Junior Jump Off - Period 7
January 15-February 15th
-
Junior Post-Secondary
Planning Meetings
January 22-25
Midterm Exams
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Tips For Managing The Holiday Blues
Many people can experience feelings of anxiety or depression during the holiday season. People who already live with a mental health condition should take extra care to tend to their overall health and wellness during this time.
Extra stress, unrealistic expectations or even sentimental memories that accompany the season can be a catalyst for the holiday blues. Some can be at risk for feelings of loneliness, sadness, fatigue, tension and a sense of loss.
A lot of seasonal factors can trigger the holiday blues such as, less sunlight, changes in your diet or routine, alcohol at parties, over-commercialization or the inability to be with friends or family. These are all factors that can seriously affect your mood.
However, there are certain things you can do to help avoid the holiday blues. Ken Duckworth, M.D., NAMI’s medical director, shares advice for managing your health—both mental and physical—during the holiday season
in this video
.
By Laura Greenstein | Nov. 19, 2015 |
https://www.nami.org/
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Yawn It Out
Yawn and stretch for 10 seconds every hour.
Do a fake yawn if you have to. That will trigger real ones. Say “ahh” as you exhale. Notice how a yawn interrupts your thoughts and feelings. This brings you into the present.
Then stretch really, really slowly for at least 10 seconds. Notice any tightness and say “ease” or just say hello to that place (being mindful — noticing without judgment). Take another 20 seconds to notice and then get back to what you were doing.
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By now, we hope that you've comfortably transitioned into Irvington High School. With your classes underway, now's the time
to start getting
involved. As you explore activities, make sure to keep a log of any community service hours you earn, activities you participate in and awards you receive. This information will be invaluable in the future when you're preparing college applications and resumes.
Although for many students, it's too early for SAT Subject Tests, we do want you to be aware that some students in the Living Environment Honors class elect to take the SAT Subject Test in Biology. Please speak with your teacher to see if you are a good candidate for this.
Midterms are on the horizon, which we know is a new experience for freshmen. Look below for some articles to help ease your mind.
Class of 2022 Google Classroom Code:
p2r790t
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We hope that you've found some places in our community to make your mark! Remember to make sure to keep a log of any community service hours, activities, awards for college applications, resume. Additionally, if you are looking to apply to the National Honors Society, you need 60 hours completed and logged by the end of sophomore year.
Now's a good time to start getting on to college campuses to see what's out there. Keep reading for more info on visiting schools to broaden your college knowledge! See below for tips on college visits.
As the year progresses, we're going to start looking towards your future, with Curriculum Night and Upperclass Transition meetings. Information about how to register for your upperclass transition meeting will be sent home in a scheduling packet on February 22nd.
Class of 2021 Google Classroom Code:
obx66c
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We hope that your junior year is off to a great start. There's a lot to do, but we're here to help.
Your Junior Year Post-Secondary Planning meetings are just around the corner! Information regarding how to schedule your post-secondary planning meeting will be emailed home after Junior Jump-Off on January 11th.
Want to start preparing for it? A great first step is creating a list of must haves for college. If there's a school that stands out, talk about it in your meeting. These meetings are personalized. Although there is a checklist of information we need to share, each meeting will take it's own path depending on you. Come with questions, or thoughts. We look forward to chatting!
Class of 2020 Google Classroom Code:
48lr01p
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Seniors! You're getting closer. Some of you are now just waiting to hear back from colleges. Others may know their plans for next year already. If you don't, that's okay-there's still plenty of time left in the year.
If you haven't already, make sure that your family has completed the FAFSA and TAP, as well as the CSS Profile (if applicable) if you are looking for financial support for college.
You've spent the past months working tirelessly on your college and work applications, all while trying to keep on top of your school work. It's been a lot. Submitting your last application is a huge relief. But remember, you're not at the finish line quite yet...colleges are still paying attention. We've all heard of Senioritis...get ahead of it! Your acceptances are contingent on your high school work remaining the same as before you submitted your application. For more information on Senioritis,
click here
Class of 2019 Google Classroom Code:
ds6b8lk
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As January creeps up, so does the end of the second quarter, marked by midterm exams.
Here are some tips for managing midterm mania!
- Speak up! Your teachers should be your first stop in helping you prepare for midterms. After all, they know what will be on the test! For each class, you should ask:
- What material will be covered? Is it everything that's been learned so far, or will there be more of a focus on recent material?
- What is the format of the exam? Multiple choice, short answer, essay? A little bit of all?
- Will the teacher be providing ways to review? Your class may get a review packet, spend class time going over topics, or have an out of class study session. Each class is different, so ask!
- Make a schedule! You can spend less time studying if you plan it out. Make a list of topics to study, and plan a time when you will study them.
- Don't wait! Study a little bit each night, rather than cramming the night before.
- Form a study group! You're all in the same boat, so use each other as resources. Your areas of weakness might be your friend's strength--and vice versa. Team up and study smarter!
- Change it up! You wouldn't play baseball with a tennis racket, don't study for English the same way you'd study for Math. Different subjects take different techniques, so vary the way that you approach them.
- Take a break! It's easy to get overwhelmed, so make sure you include time for breaks. A quick snack break or a 10 minute walk will help you to focus when you get back to the books.
- Get some ZZZs! It's tempting to pull an all-nighter, but a good night's rest could be the key to success. If you're well rested, you'll have the energy you need to focus on your exam.
- Stay positive! Breathe, focus, and do your best. If you feel like you're overwhelmed, reach out for help.
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PSAT SCORE RELEASE: 12/10/18
Families will have access to PSAT scores online starting on December 10
th
. An email will be sent to the address reported on the PSAT answer sheet with instructions for how to access scores. The email will also include an individual access code that you need to use to gain access to your scores. Please note: you will need to create a College Board account to access the scores.
Accessing your Scores:
Directions on how to access scores can be found online here:
For more information about the PSAT score release, please see the email that was emailed on 11/27/18
here
.
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ACT
:
December 8th
(Registration Deadline 11/2)
February 9th
(Registration Deadline 1/11)
April 13th
(Registration Deadline 3/8)
June 8th
(Registration Deadline 5/3)
July 13th
(Registration Deadline 6/14)
NOTE: the July exam is not offered in New York State
SAT:
December 1st
(Registration Deadline 11/2)
March 9th
(Registration Deadline 2/8)
May 4th
(Registration Deadline 4/5)
June 1st
(Registration Deadline 5/3)
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Need to apply for standardized testing
accommodations?
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A great way to start exploring your post-secondary options is to visit schools to get a feel for what is out there. Are you going away for one of the upcoming breaks? If you are, take the opportunity to look at colleges in the area. Even if it's not a school that interests you, the more schools you see, the better idea you'll have of what options exist.
Some things to keep in mind:
- Did you know there are more than 4000 colleges and universities in the United States alone??? Do you think you could name 100? Don't limit yourself to schools you've heard of--there's a whole world of schools you'll be missing out on!
- Make the most of your visit--ask questions! Check out this site for suggestions of questions to ask, as well as some you shouldn't!
- Take notes! While an overall impression of the school might last, you'll probably forget certain details when it's time to make your college list. Take some time to write down your thoughts while they're fresh in your mind. Or, use a checklist like this one to keep track of your college visits.
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Top Tips from
Your Counselors
"Talk to kids on campus. Ask them what they like and don't like about the school"
-Mrs. Rodriguez
"Don't forget to check in with the Admissions Office. You always want them to know when you've been on campus"
-Mr. Lund
"Don't judge a campus by its tour guide!"
-Mrs. Attenello
"If you have time, eat in the cafeteria. Not only does that give you the chance to sample to food, but you get to see a social side of the school beyond the tour "
-Ms. Colman
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SENIORS: ROAD TO GRADUATION
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Sending Senior Grades
If you need to send 1st quarter grades and have not already requested it, submit
THIS
form to Ms. Herskowitz or your counselor ASAP!
Requests for 1st quarter grades CANNOT be made through Naviance!
All Midyear reports will be sent AUTOMATICALLY at the end of the second semester.
You DO NOT need to submit a request!
January Deadlines
January 1st is a popular regular decision deadline. BE PREPARED! Do NOT wait to hear back from other schools before getting your regular decision applications ready.
This includes requesting transcripts and recommendations!
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Important Note:
The Counseling Office is CLOSED over the Holiday Break, from school dismissal on December 21st until January 2nd.
Any transcript requests submitted after 12/19 as well as any requests or e-mails sent over the break will be processed after school reopens on January 2nd. Plan accordingly!
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Applications Are In...Now What?
- First, BREATHE! You did it--take a moment to relax!
- Waiting can be the hardest part, so find ways to fill your time. Catch up on school work, binge watch an old favorite show, or find a project on Pinterest. Focus your nervous energy into something positive.
- Write thank you notes! Teacher recommendations give colleges insight into your personality, so show some appreciation for the important role your teachers play.
- Update Naviance! Maybe you've changed your mind about applying to a school, or you've heard that you've been accepted! Make sure your list on Naviance is up-to-date and accurate!
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The Excelsior Scholarship Deadline is
Approaching!
The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free.
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- be a resident of NYS and have resided in NYS for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term;
- be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
- have either graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved "Ability to Benefit" test, as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;
- have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $110,000 or less;
- be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University;
- be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward his or her degree program;
- execute a Contract agreeing to reside in NYS for the length of time the award was received, and, if employed during such time, be employed in NYS.
THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS JANUARY 14TH, 2019.
NOTE: DO NOT WAIT TO HEAR BACK FROM YOUR
SUNY/CUNY SCHOOLS BEFORE APPLYING
FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP
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THE IHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT PRESENTS....
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The Counseling Department has many events planned
Join us for any and all that interest you!
College Admissions: A Panel of Admissions Representatives- All grades
Date: Date TBD
Time: 7-8:30 PM
Learn about the college process from the experts themselves! A panel of college admission representatives will give the inside scoop on the process including what you and your child should be doing now, tips to approaching the process, and will answer questions you have.
Curriculum Night- 8th and 10th grade families
Date: January 10th
Time: 7-9 PM
Join us as we take a first look the vast opportunities available to students at Irvington High School. By traveling through short presentations, you will gain an understanding of course sequencing, graduation requirements, and elective opportunities. The program will be catered towards curriculum at two integral junctions: Starting high school and becoming an upperclassman.
Irvington University- All grades
Date: May 2nd
Time: 7-9 PM
This program will consist of multiple workshops to choose from. Past Topics have included: College Admissions 101, Understanding the Financial Aid Process, An Overview of the SUNY and CUNY systems, The New SAT, SAT vs ACT, The Transition to College, and more!
Workshops will be offered to support families in all stages of the process.
Welcome to High School: A First Look at What’s Ahead- current 8th grade families
Date: June 10th
Time: 9-10 AM and 7-8 PM
Meet your child’s counselor, learn what to expect over the next four years at Irvington High School and what steps you can be taking yearly toward post-high school success!
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Mid-Marking Period Review and Report Card Schedule 2018-2019
1st Mid-Marking Period Review: 10/12/18
1st Quarter Report Card: 11/16/18
2nd Mid-Marking Period Review: 12/18/18
2nd Quarter Report Card: 2/5/19
3rd Mid-Marking Period Review: 3/11/19
3rd Quarter Report Card: 4/12/19
4th Mid-Marking Period Review: 5/17/19
4th Quarter Report Card: 7/5/19
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Emily Colman (last names A-C)
e-mail
Heather Attenello (last names D-J)
e-mail
Andrew Lund (last names K-P)
e-mail
Claudia Rodriguez (last names Q-Z)
e-mail
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