School Counseling Newsletter
Caroline High School • September 2016 • school code: 471200
Meet Your School Counseling Staff!
Mrs. Jenna Drumheller [email protected] • Counseling Director Last names: SnZ
Mrs. Drumheller is originally from Botetourt County, VA. She was a middle school counselor
for three years prior to moving to Richmond, VA in 2011, and beginning her career at Caroline High School. Some of her responsibilities include 9 th grade classroom guidance, antibullying awareness program, and SOL Testing assistant. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, scrapbooking, and hanging out with her cat, Linus.
Mrs. Melicer Jones [email protected] • School Counselor Last names: MSm
Mrs. Jones is originally from St. Croix, USVI. Before becoming a school counselor at CHS she was an Elementary Education Teacher for 13 years. Some of her responsibilities
include Academic Awards Coordinator, Chesapeake Bay Governor’s School Liaison, and SAT/ACT Testing Assistant. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband
and two young daughters. She’s also a very active member of her church.
Mrs. Laura Beasley [email protected] • Counseling Secretary
Mrs. Beasley worked in the banking industry for 25 years prior to joining CHS as the
Counseling Secretary. Some of her duties include verifying previous student's graduation, maintaining student records, processing student withdrawals & assist the registrar in
registering new students. Mrs. Beasley lives in Caroline with her husband & two children. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading and watching Chicago Fire. She is an
active member of her church and volunteers as Treasurer of Sparta Vol. Fire Dept.
Ms. Mallory McMullin [email protected] • School Counselor Last names: FoL
Ms. McMullin is originally from Richmond, Virginia. She is a graduate of Virginia
Commonwealth University, where she completed field work at both the elementary and high school levels. Some of her responsibilities include 12th grade classroom guidance,
publication of scholarship information, senior awards night, and SOL testing coordination. Ms. McMullin lives in Hanover County, Virginia with her playful beagle, Avery.
Mrs. Omega Moore [email protected] • Registrar
Mrs. Moore was raised in Caroline County, Virginia and has been working as the School Counseling Registrar for 8 years. Some of her duties include registering new students and collecting data for state reports. Mrs. Moore still lives in Caroline County with her husband
and six kids. She enjoys spending time couponing, going to church, shopping, and spending time with her wonderful kids!
Mrs. Lorrie Hummer [email protected] • Career Coach
Mrs. Hummer hails from New York, but has lived in many places in the United States. She is a graduate from both Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Mrs.
Hummer has worked in many settings as a counselor from hospitals to schools. She currently works at Germanna Community College as a college adviser and is the Career Coach for Caroline High School. She is a runner and works with scout groups to complete merit badges. She currently lives in Stafford County with her husband and extended family.
Mr. Ryan Schuyler [email protected] • School Counselor Last names: AFm
Mr. Schuyler is originally from Arlington, VA, and worked as a middle school counselor
before joining the team at Caroline High School. In addition to his usual counseling duties, Mr. Schuyler is the AP and Dual Enrollment coordinator for CHS and helps manage the school counseling department webpage. In his free time he enjoys reading, running, and
supporting the Washington Nationals .
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@chsschoolcounseling
Scholarship Information
Most scholarship information will be coming in from November to April. Take time now to research your own scholarships and to register with scholarship website. Don’t wait until March to start looking for scholarship!
Scholarship Scams Scam Warning Signs
● You have to pay a fee ● Moneyback offers or guarantees ● Credit card or bank account information required ● Provides “exclusive” information
Common Scams “Phishing”
● Unsolicited emails that bear the logo of your bank or credit card ● Appear legitimate but are traps to lure you into giving out your personal
or account information ● Never give out your Social Security, credit card, or bank account
numbers to unsolicited emails or calls “Pharming”
● Unsolicited emails that encourage you to visit a website or click on suspicious links
● Make sure your inbox spam filters are up to date ● Be careful about giving out your contact information or email address
Top 5 Scholarship Application Mistakes
1. Only applying for private scholarships ○ Most people think of scholarships as something offered by a private organization, but did you know there
are federal and school scholarships as well? Don’t count those out! 2. Applying for too few scholarships
○ Getting lots of small scholarships adds up. Smaller scholarships are often less competitive, so you have better chances of winning an award
3. Not following instructions and other application mistakes ○ Always doublecheck your work, or even better, get someone else to look over your work. A second pair of
eyes can help catch careless mistakes. 4. Not paying attention to deadlines
○ Missing a deadline is the biggest mistake you can make. Apply before the deadline hits. It really doesn’t pay to procrastinate.
5. Looking for scholarships for only a few weeks ○ Start your scholarship search as early as you can, as that means more time to complete applications and
earn scholarship awards.
Trusted Scholarship Sites Below is a list of trusted scholarship websites. Please use caution and discretion when navigating scholarship websites.
1. Fastweb.com 2. ScholarshipPoints.com
3. Cappex.com 4. Scholarships.com
5. Bigfuture.collegeboard.org 6. StudentScholarships.org 7. ScholarshipExperts.com
8. SuperCollege.com
School Counseling Newsletter • Caroline High School • September 2016 • School Code: 471200
Should I take the SAT or the ACT?
Which test is right for you? If you’re trying to figure out which standardized test to take, keep reading for their differences and similarities below.
The SAT is scored on a scale of 4001600 Scores The ACT is scored on a scale of 136
SAT questions require more time to answer and understand Questions ACT questions tend to be more straightforward
The SAT has 5 reading passages Reading The ACT has 4 reading passages
If you’re a true sciencephobe, the SAT might be a better fit. Science The ACT has a science section that tests your critical thinking skills
Arithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Trigonometry Math Arithmetic, Algebra I & II, Geometry, and Trigonometry
You do not get a calculator on all the math questions on the SAT Tools You get a calculator for ALL math questions on the ACT
The SAT essay section is more comprehension focused
50 minutes Essay
The ACT wants to see how well you can evaluate and analyze complex issues. 40 minutes
SAT Test Dates ACT Test Dates SAT Date Deadline Late Deadline ACT Date Deadline Late Deadline
10/01/2016 09/01/2016 09/20/2016 09/10/2016 08/07/2016 08/19/2016
11/05/2016 10/07/2016 10/25/2016 10/22/2016 09/16/2016 09/30/2016
12/09/2016 11/03/2016 11/22/2016 12/10/2016 11/4/2016 11/18/2016
01/21/2017 12/21/2016 01/10/2017 02/11/2017 01/13/2017 01/20/2017
03/11/2017 02/10/2017 02/28/2017 04/08/2017 03/03/2017 03/17/2017
05/06/2017 04/07/2017 04/25/2017 06/10/2017 05/05/2017 05/19/2017
06/03/2017 05/09/2017 05/24/2017
Register for the SAT online at www.collegeboard.org Register for the ACT online at www.actstudent.org
Cost: $45.00 (no writing) late fee: $73.00 $57.00 (with writing) late fee: $85.00
Cost: $42.50 (no writing) late fee: $73.00 $58.50 (with writing) late fee: $86.00
** If you receive free or reduced lunch you can receive a SAT or ACT fee waiver. See Mrs. Moore for details! ** School Counseling Newsletter • Caroline High School • September 2016 • School Code: 471200
Important Upcoming Dates
August 2016 September 2016
15: First Day of School 19: Last day for schedule changes 5: Labor Day Holiday (no school!) 13: interims go home
October 2016 November 2016
13: End of 1st grading period 14: Teacher Workday (no school!) 19: Report Cards go home 19: College & Career Readiness Day & PSAT Day
20: Parent Teacher Conference (3:007:30 pm) & Financial Aid Workshop at 6:00 in the CHS library
8: Teacher Workday (no school!) 2325: Thanksgiving Break (no school!)
December 2016 January 2017
21: Early Dismissal/Teacher WorkDay
21: End of 2nd grading period 2230: Winter Break (no school!)
2: Winter Break (no school!) 3: Teacher Workday (no school!) 4: School Reopens
10: Report Cards go home 16: Holiday (no school!)
February 2017 March 2017
2: Interims 9: Parent Teacher Conferences (3:007:30 pm)
17: Teacher Workday (make up day) 20: Holiday (no school!)
9: End of 3rd grading period 10: Teacher Workday (make up day)
13: Teacher Workday (make up day) 16: Report Cards go home
April 2017 May 2017
1017: Spring Break 20: Interims 19: Graduation! 24: Last Day of School
Who Are School Counselors and How Can They Help You?
● School Counselors help students improve academic achievement, personal and social development and career planning.
● They are certified or licensed professionals who possess a master’s degree or higher in school counseling, meet the state certification/licensure standards and abide by the laws of the states in which they are employed.
● School Counselors address the academic and developmental needs of all students, by collaborating with students, parents, school staff and the community.
● They design, implement, and maintain guidance programs that align with the educational mission and philosophies of their schools and school districts.
● Schools Counselors work with students in individual, small group and classroom settings. ● They manage their counseling program just as teachers manage their curriculum. ● School Counselors hold their programs accountable for student achievement by making databased and
datadriven decisions about the school counseling program.
School Counseling Newsletter • Caroline High School • September 2016 • School Code: 471200
Checklist for Seniors Four Year College Admissions
_____ SignUp for the appropriate testing: SAT, SAT II, ACT
· CHS School Code: 471200 · SAT: www.collegeboard.org · ACT: www.actstudent.org
_____ Application
· Once you have selected your colleges/universities, begin to search and write down the due dates of the application. · Start your application process early! Most online applications will allow you to save your info and return later to finish it. · Be prepared to submit your college essay with your application. · Be prepared to pay the application fee before you submit your application (you will need a credit card to do this).
Note: Colleges have different dates for applications and for consideration of scholarships.
College Due Date
Reach: __________________________________________ ______________________
Good fit: ________________________________________ ______________________
Safety: __________________________________________ ______________________ _____ College Essay
· College essay topics vary from school to school. Be sure to check the online application to review the essay topic. · Always edit your application before submitting! · Consider letting someone (a teacher, a parent, etc.) edit your essay.
_____ Senior Profile Completed and Returned to Your School Counselor _____ Letters of Recommendation
· Ask your 23 recommenders (teachers/school counselors/coaches/club sponsors/etc) to write letters of recommendation for you. Give them at least two weeks to write your letter. · Give that person a copy of your senior profile so they may be able to write a comprehensive recommendation.
School Counseling Newsletter • Caroline High School • September 2016 • School Code: 471200
_____ Transcript Request · Complete a transcript request form available in the School Counseling Office and return the form to your School Counselor. · Complete a Germanna Community College or Rappahannock Community College Transcript Request form if you have taken dual enrollment classes. The GCC and RCC forms can be found in the counseling office. · Attach all papers to the transcript request form and turn them into your counselor.
*** Counselors need up to 2 weeks to process paperwork. Pace yourself and turn in paperwork in a timely manner to ensure transcripts are submitted before they are due. ***
_____ College Visits
· If possible, visit the schools you have applied to or plan to apply to. The college or university you choose will be your home for several years!
_____ NCAA Application
· If you are planning to play a sport in college, you must complete and submit the NCAA application found at www.eligibilitycenter.org.
_____ Financial Aid
· FAFSA.gov – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Begin working on the application on October 1 st . · Attend the Financial Aid Workshop at CHS on October 20, 2016 at 6:00 pm in the CHS library.
_____ Scholarships
· Check the scholarship newsletter monthly (October – April) to see which scholarships you qualify for. http://chscounseling.blogs.ccps.us/schoolcounselingnewsletter/ · Most scholarships will require you to submit an essay along with the application. · Apply for any scholarships available through the scholarship newsletter and outside sources.
_____ College Acceptances and Scholarship Award Letters
· Bring a copy of all acceptance letters you receive to the School Counseling Office and notify your counselor of the college you are going to attend. A final transcript will be forwarded to that school after graduation. · Your acceptance letters from a school will ask for you to confirm your intention to attend and will request a room deposit (if you plan to live on campus). Once you have chosen your school, return your confirmation form and room deposit before the schools deadline.
School Counseling Newsletter • Caroline High School • September 2016 • School Code: 471200
Senior Profile Fill this sheet out and return to your School Counselor
The information you provide will assist the teacher/counselor in writing your letter of recommendation. Do not repeat items in more than
one category. Please do not use acronyms; spell out the names of all clubs, etc. Please update your counselor as changes occur!
Full Name: _____________________________________________________
Postsecondary Plans (4 year college, 2 year college, technical school, work, military, other): _______________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ List the schools to which you plan to apply: ______________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________List College Major(s)/Career(s) of Interest/Goals for the Future: _____________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ List Strengths and Weaknesses (Subjects/Skills/Etc): _________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Elaborate on any special Honors/Awards/Leadership/Activities/Etc: ___________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Describe your greatest accomplishment: _______________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ Disclose any special circumstances (that you do not mind us sharing with colleges): ___________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ List 3 adjectives that best describe you: ________________________________________ Will you be the first person in your family to attend college? ___________ List two teachers that would be able to share your positives: ______________________________
School Counseling Newsletter • Caroline High School • September 2016 • School Code: 471200
Activity Resume: Grades 912
Please list your extracurricular activities for grades 912, indicating years of participation and offices held. This information will assist the teacher/counselor in writing your letter of recommendation. Do not repeat items in more than one category. Do not use acronyms; spell
out the name of all clubs, etc.
Extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, etc): Grades Activity Responsibilities or Leadership Positions Achievements
Community Service/Volunteer Involvement:
Grades Activity Responsibilities or Leadership Positions Achievements
Work Experience:
Grades Activity Responsibilities or Leadership Positions Achievements
Hobbies/Interests:
Grades Activity Responsibilities or Leadership Positions Achievements
School Counseling Newsletter • Caroline High School • September 2016 • School Code: 471200