Kittatinny Guidance Newsletter January & February 2015 Inside this Issue: Page 2 Upperclassmen News Welcome Back Class of 2014! KRHS Alumni Discuss How to “Survive” College Mr. Angelillo and Ms. Hegarty joined forces again to host the second annual “Surviving College 101” alumni reunion. On December 23, members of the Class of 2014 returned to Kittatinny to catch up with friends and share experiences from their first semesters of college. Focus on Financial Aid Senior Spotlight 2 Year College Meeting Info Page 3 Upperclassmen News Turn in College Apps! KRHS Offers ASVAB Testing Senior Spotlight (Cont.) Scenes from the Reunion In addition to enjoying time to visit with peers, alumni answered questions about their college life. They discussed everything from coursework to roommates and dining hall food. Many provided very honest insight about the best (and worst) parts of college. Page 4 Underclassmen News Juniors: College Planning Sophomores: Get Involved! Freshmen: Adjusting to H.S. Anti-Drug Poster Winners Page 5 Jr. High News 7th Grade News 8th Grade News Character Education Naviance Update Page 6 Mark Your Calendars! January 2015 February 2015 Closing/Delay Info KRHS AP Recognition SAT Prep Course Info Host Families Needed Project Graduation 2015 Page 7 Counselor’s Corner Mental Wellness Month Suicide Prevention Parent Training Opportunity Page 8 Practice SAT Registration Kittatinny alumni from the Class of 2014 joined the Guidance staff and the senior class for the second annual “Surviving College 101” Alumni Reunion. They answered questions and shared experiences from their first semester of college. Check out Page 3 for more pictures from the alumni reunion. The event was a great opportunity for seniors to get an exciting glimpse of what they can look forward to next fall, and think about ways they can prepare for their own transition into college life. Thank you to all of the faculty, staff, and alumni who made this event possible! Instant Decision Days Pay Off for KRHS Seniors Several KRHS seniors received very good news recently when they attended the William Paterson University, Wilkes University, and Seton Hall University on-site Instant Decision Days held at Kittatinny. Alexandra Sanford, Allison Giovanetti, Ashley Collins, and Megan Kroszer met with a representative and were accepted to William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey. Representatives from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, accepted Cowan Sikora, Cassie Yauch, and Ashley Collins. They also awarded $28,000 in merit-based scholarships. This year the Guidance Department added an Instant Decision Day with Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. Aaron Burgos, William Paterson, Wilkes, and Seton Hall held Instant Decision Days at Kittatinny this fall. Accepted students include (from top left to right): Julia Charlton, Cassie Yauch, Alex Sanford, Megan Krozser, Allison Giovanetti, Cowan Sikora, Ashley Collins, Klaudio Gobo, and Aaron Burgos. Julia Charlton, Klaudio Gobo and Sydney Pastor Poe were accepted by an admission representative from the school. They were also awarded a combined total of $68,000 in merit-based scholarships! Congratulations, seniors! Page 1 Focus on Financial Aid: How to Apply To be considered for financial aid you are required to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the only application that makes you a candidate for all federal student aid, including: Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Federal Perkins Loan Federal Family Education Loans or Federal Direct Loans Federal Work-Study Employment (FWS) College/University Scholarships (Most Schools) Many states use the FAFSA for state grant or scholarship consideration. The FAFSA may also be used for institutional aid, although colleges may require an additional institutional aid application, or the CSS Financial Aid PROFILE for their own funds. The instructions that accompany the FAFSA and all other financial applications are very explicit. Read these instructions carefully and preview the entire form before completing any parts. Follow the instructions step-by-step and begin early enough to allow for some inevitable delay as you seek answers to your questions. Be thorough and organized. Be aware of deadlines for filing financial aid forms and applications, especially because some institutions often have earlier deadlines than the deadline for the submission of the FAFSA. Do not delay sending your FAFSA form even if you have to use estimated figures. The FAFSA can be sent prior to filing your IRS 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ. Many financial aid offices require a copy of the Federal Income Tax forms filed by the family and/or student, as confirmation of FAFSA data. If there are significant differences between the tax return data and the data on the FAFSA, your original financial aid offer may be revised. The financial aid application process can seem complex and confusing, but the reward of an education is to great not to give the process a chance. Help is available through Financial Aid Administrators at school and colleges. You may also call the federal government’s help line, at (800) 4-FED-AID, with questions about what to export on the FAFSA or to check on the status of your FAFSA. Think of your college education as an investment that will repay its cost to you many times over during your lifetime. And remember, it’s worth the effort. Students should try to file their financial aid form(s) as soon as possible after January 1 in their senior year. Although the FAFSA is made available before January 1, students cannot file the application before the first of January. You can also file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Senior Spotlight Ian Anderson was accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Hartford, and Boston University. Megan Annecchiarico was accepted to Shippensburg University, Hood College, and Susquehanna University. Phil Bajkowky was accepted to Rutgers University. Derrick Banfield was accepted to Coastal Carolina University. Devin Banghart was accepted to Rutgers University. Kelsey Barker was accepted to the Culinary program at County College of Morris. Jake Brown was accepted to Paul Smith’s College and the University of Maine. Lauren Carstens was accepted to University of Georgia and Florida State University. Joe Cerbo was accepted to East Stroudsburg University and Utica College. Ashley Collins was accepted to East Stroudsburg University. Sorina Fernandez was accepted to Rutgers University. Anthony Fetherman was accepted to Florida Institute of Technology and Stockton College. Sam Fritsch was accepted to New York University. Christina George was accepted to West Chester University’s Music Education program. She was also accepted to Montclair State University and Susquehanna University. Allison Giovanetti was accepted to Lebanon Valley College and awarded the Leadership Award. Sunshine Karns was accepted to University of Colorado, Colorado State University, University of Maine, University of New Haven, Prescott College, Stevenson University, Western State Colorado University. Christopher Kaufman was accepted to George Mason University and University of Vermont. Rebecca Knoll was accepted to the Equestrian program at William Woods University. Cassidy Lavine was accepted to Wentworth Institute of Technology and Virginia Tech. (Continued on Page 3) 2 Year College Meeting & SCCC Instant Acceptance Day On Wednesday, February 4 (Snow date: February 5), Mr. Todd Poltersdorf, the Director of Admissions at Sussex County Community College will meet with prospective Sussex County Community College freshmen. He will answer questions and talk to Kittatinny students about the programs and opportunities SCCC offers. The Guidance Department suggests all students who are interested in attending SCCC attend this assembly. Students will receive a free application and are asked to complete it and submit it to their counselor by Friday, January 30. All students who have submitted an application will be accepted during the assembly. Students are encouraged to stop by to see their guidance counselor if they have any questions. For students interested in attending Sussex County Community College, please stay tuned to the monthly Scholarship Newsletters for exclusive SCCC scholarship opportunities. A representative from Sussex County Community College talked with students during the College & Career Fair this past fall. Page 2 Attention Seniors: Get Those Applications In! Senior Spotlight Katie Maio was accepted to Lock Haven University. Although we have been processing college applications for many of our seniors, there are still some seniors who are undecided and have not applied to any schools. We encourage you to discuss next year’s plans with your son or daughter. Please feel free to contact his/her guidance counselor with questions or for assistance. Jennifer Makarevich was named News 12 New Jersey’s Scholar Athlete of the Week for the week of Sunday, December 14. If you are still in the process of completing applications, please submit them to the college or university as soon as possible. Then hand in your supplemental forms request to your guidance counselor so they can send your transcript, letters of recommendation, and school profile. Please note application deadlines for each school and give your counselor 10 days to complete your supplemental forms request. Kevin McNanna was Kittatinny’s recipient of the DAR Good Citizen Award. This award recognizes individuals who possess dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism in their schools and communities. Brendan McNamee was accepted to St. Lawrence University. He will play for the Saints men’s soccer team. Kate McNicholas was accepted to Montclair State University and Duquesnes University. Sydney Pastor Poe was accepted to Hofstra University. Kittatinny Offers ASVAB Testing to Seniors During the fall, the Guidance Department sponsored the Armed Services Vocation Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test for seniors. This test is a useful career interest inventory that helps students find their vocational strengths and determine careers that may be a good fit. For students interested in military service, it is used as a qualifier for a number of careers in the armed services. Julia Pevarnik was accepted to Elizabethtown College. Jane Rothrock was accepted to Rutgers University. Rachel Schweighart was accepted to Rutgers University. Layna Sheridan was accepted to Iona College. Brandy Wright was accepted to Full Sail University. In December, an Education Liaison with the New Jersey Army National Guard met with students to review their scores and discuss their test results. She answered questions about the exam, and helped students translate their test results into a list of potential careers. For students interested in the armed services, this test was an excellent glimpse into what military careers they may excel in. Kittatinny plans to offer this test annually in the fall. Interested students should see Mr. Gill. (Left) A representative from the Army National Guard reviews ASVAB test results with students. (Right) Mr. Gill meets with Trevor Schutte to discuss his plans for military service. Page 3 Juniors: College Planning Timeline Sophomores: Get Involved! It’s Important. Before you know it, you will be applying to colleges and looking for financial aid. Now is the time to begin taking steps to make that process a little bit easier. Here are a few things you can do in the next couple of months to help you be better prepared when you begin the application process next fall: In an interview with College Board, Jeff Brenzel, the Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at Yale University, discussed the importance of getting involved during high school. 1. Attend the Junior Class Meeting on Friday, January 16, and learn how to register for college entrance exams. SAT Exam Dates Test Date Reg. Deadline Late Deadline March 14 February 13 February 27 May 2 April 6 April 17 June 6 May 8 May 22 ACT Exam Dates Test Date Reg. Deadline Late Deadline February 7 January 9 January 16 April 18 March 13 March 27 June 13 May 8 May 22 2. Plan to take the SATs and/or ACTs this spring. Above are the dates for exams in our area. 3. Start researching and visiting colleges and universities you may be interested in attending. Try to visit a few schools over spring break. You will be meeting with your guidance counselor individually for college planning over the next few months. Make sure you let your counselor know if you need any help! Consider taking the Practice SAT on February 7. It’s an excellent way to prepare for spring testing. Please see the registration form on Page 8 for more information. When asked whether college admissions officers prefer an individual who has excelled in one area or a person who has a broad range of extracurricular activities, Mr. Brenzel often replies, “Yes. Either.” He says that either can be an interesting take on the high school experience, and what really matters is that students get involved in something they enjoy. He said, “My unusual advice in this area is simple do things that you truly enjoy in high school, rather than trying to outguess an admissions committee. Why? Because what you truly enjoy, you’re probably going to be good at… Don’t obsess on whether it’s an activity that everyone else is doing, and therefore, one that’s not going to distinguish you; or an activity that no one’s doing and colleges are going to think is bizarre. Mr. Brenzel stresses that his message is just as important for parents as it is for students. He said parents often approach him with lists of activities asking which look best on college applications. Again he urges that it is most important for student to get involved in something they find enjoyable because often it will take them to places that they wouldn’t have otherwise gone, and help them learn things about themselves that will provide valuable insight into their college applications. Freshmen: Adjusting to Challenging Academics As we prepare our students for colleges and careers, the high school curriculum is deigned to be more rigorous. It is a common part of the Freshman transition for students to be surprised, and sometimes overwhelmed, by the amount of work necessary to achieve the grades they have been accustomed to getting. In order to assist your child in adjusting to these increased expectations, you might want to suggest and support them in doing some of the following: Break large assignments into manageable parts. Take complete and well-organized notes. Create flashcards for study and review. Reduce distractions when working, as much as possible. Form a student study group. Meet during lunch or after school. Consult a knowledgeable upperclassman for help with material. Ask your teacher for a content specific web site for help or try one of these: www.khanacademy.com www.hippocampus.org Kittatinny Anti-Drug Poster Competition Winners Students worked on Anti-Drug projects in their art classes to showcase why they say “No” to drugs and alcohol. Three outstanding projects were selected and the winners were awarded gift cards. Top left: First place, “Art” by Emily Jerger. Right: Second place, “Reading” by Sarah Dickinson. Bottom left: Third place, “Playing Tennis” by Rachel Schweighart. This fall, high school students participated in the “What’s Your AntiDrug” poster contest sponsored by the Center for Prevention and Counseling. Students worked on projects in their art classes to demonstrate what keeps them drug free. Elizabeth Dyminski and Rachel Van Gorden were selected by the Center to have their pieces showcased in the New Jersey Herald. Additionally, Emily Jerger, Sarah Dickinson, and Rachel Schweighart were recognized for their outstanding projects at Kittatinny and awarded gift cards (their projects are pictured on the left). Thank you to all of the students who participated in the contest! Page 4 WINTER 2014 Jr. High Sports & Activities Contact Directory Boys Basketball Kurt Heller & Chris Cummins [email protected] & [email protected] Girls Basketball Alison Gely & Melissa Fischer [email protected] & [email protected] Jr. High Mock Trial Carolle Im [email protected] Jr. High Newspaper Roy Chiariello [email protected] Jr. High Student Council Casey Heinke & Patrick Mahon [email protected] & [email protected] Jr. High Swim Team Michele Kaminskyj [email protected] Jr. High Yearbook Tara Pastor Poe & Kristiana Lightcap [email protected] & [email protected] 8th Graders Complete Naviance Learning Styles Inventory Dear 7th grade Parents and Students: We are closing in on the half way point of this school year and it has been a pleasure working with you during your transition. I have observed many achievements and ask that you keep working hard. If you have yet to involve yourself in an extra-curricular activity, please consider joining one of our teams or clubs as we move into the new year. As you move forward this year, please keep in mind that KRHS has many resources available to you (guidance counselor, nurse, teacher etc.). If you are struggling in class or outside of class with any issues, please communicate them to the above-mentioned resources. On another note, your scheduling process for the 2015-16 school year will not take place until after the 3rd marking period. At that time, I will create schedules based on the recommendations of your 7th grade teachers. After the schedules are completed you will receive information on when they will be available for viewing on the portal. Once you have viewed your schedule you will have the opportunity to discuss and go over any questions or concerns you may have. Please contact Mr. Black if you have any questions. Enjoy the snow and keep Dear 8th grade Parents and Students: As we move into the new year, I would like to give you a few updates on how the high school scheduling process will work. I will be holding an orientation meeting with the 8th grade class during the school day on Friday, January 23. During this meeting we will be discussing how the scheduling process works, I will give an overview of electives that students can choose from and review high school graduation requirements. You will be receiving a communication from the KRHS Guidance Department inviting you and your child (child’s attendance is option as they will already have had their own orientation) to attend the 8th grade orientation meeting on Wednesday, January 28 (snow date: January 29) at 6:30 p.m. in the KRHS Auditorium. In short, the meeting will share information about your son or daughter’s upcoming high school years, examine the upcoming scheduling process and discuss other important topics related to graduation requirements. Overall, we would like to advise you on some important information your son/ daughter will need as they take the next step of their academic career and transition into high school. During the month of February, I will meet with your child to go over their teacher recommendations and to schedule his/her courses for next year. Every effort will be made to honor your child’s request; however, please be advised that he/she may have to select an alternate elective course due to possible course cancellations, conflicts in the master schedule, limited or insufficient enrollment. If you have any questions regarding honors recommendations, please contact your child’s current academic teacher. In the event that this is necessary, guidance counselors will contact affected students to review options and make changes accordingly. Parents may opt to meet with me after students have scheduled their courses and have reviewed the student recommendations. An informational letter will be sent home with Students Participate in Character Education In November, 8th grade students completed their second milestone in Character Education is a prevention program offered the Naviance curriculum. Naviance is to eighth graders. It is facilitated once a month by a college and career readiness proJunior High Counselor Rob Black, Social Studies gram for middle and high schools that teachers Tara Jones and Eric DuCharme, and Student supports connecting academic Assistance Counselor Gia Leo. High school students achievement to post-secondary goals. lead eighth graders in small group discussions and Students participated in the Learning activities centered around a selected topic. This forStyle Inventory. This survey helps mat allows for participation, openness, and problem students discover and reinforce the solving. Additionally, it builds healthy self-esteem specific environment they learn best by identifying ways in which students can contribute in. This inventory also provides sugto their school, family and the community. Character gestions based on their individual During Character Education in December, high school Education builds upon the six pillars of character: 1) results and help to empower students students led eighth graders in small group conversations trustworthiness, 2) respect for cultural differences, 3) to identify careers and college majors about what it means to care about one another. responsibility, 4) fairness, 5) caring, and 6) citizenthat match their interests, abilities, ship. Over the last three months, Character Education and behaviors. Moving forward we will continue has held three sessions including “Respect for Others” during the Week of Respect in Octousing Naviance to provide support and direction ber, “Gratitude” before Thanksgiving in November, and “Caring” in December. Future for our students’ future goals. topics will include: trust, fairness, responsibility, citizenship, and self-esteem/self-worth. Page 5 January 2015 February 2015 School Reopens January 5 SCHEDULING Grade 11: February 9-10 Grade 10: February 11-12 Grade 9: February 17-18 Grade 8: February 2-25 Grade 9 Naviance January 9 Junior Class SAT Meeting January 16 2-Year College Meeting & SCCC Instant Acceptance Day February 4 MLK DAY - School Closed January 19 (Snow date: February 5) Winter Recess - School Closed February 16 End of Marking Period 2 January 22 Midpoint of Marking Period 3 February 25 Grade 8 Student Orientation Meeting January 23 Grade 11 Naviance February 25 Grade 8 Parent Orientation Meeting January 28 6:30 p.m. in the KRHS Auditorium Jr. High Parent Scheduling Conferences (by request) February 26 & 27 (Snow date: January 29) PLEASE NOTE: January 22, 23, and 26 were changed to full days of school due to the cancellation of mid-term exams. School Closings & Delays In the case of a school closing or delay you will be alerted via the Honeywell Instant Alert system. You can also tune into any of the following radio and news programs: 102.3, 103.7, and News Channel 12, NBC, CBS, FOX and ABC, or check the KRHS website or Twitter account (@KRHSCougarPride). If you are not alerted by the Instant Alert system please contact the Guidance Office to be added to the list. College Board Names KRHS to AP District Honor Roll Testbright Offers SAT Prep in Sussex County In November, College Board named Kittatinny to its 5th Annual AP District Honor Roll. This list recognizes school districts in the United States and Canada who have increased access to AP courses and maintained or improved performance levels on AP exams. 547 school districts were named to the list this year, and Kittatinny was one of thirty-four districts from New Jersey to receive this recognition. Testbright will be offering a brand new 3-hour SAT prep sessions called “Top SAT Shortcuts.” During this course students will learn 3 new easy ways to answer math questions, how to quickly find main ideas in lengthy reading passages, the 12 most commonly tested grammar errors, and a proven format for the SAT essay. Host Families Needed! In April, a group of 30 French students and 3 chaperones will be visiting Kittatinny with Customized Student Tours. The students will attend school on three days and will be traveling with their group during the rest of their trip. If you are interested in hosting a student or chaperone please contact the group’s trip director, Sandy Polizzo, at (973) 940-8687 or e-mail her at [email protected]. This course will be held on Thursday, January 15, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Sparta Ambulance Building (14 Sparta Ave.). The cost for this course is $75.00, and the class will be led by Ray Newman. Space is limited so register as soon as possible! Please call (973) 729-0025 to register or with any questions. Project Graduation 2015 Although it’s only January, Graduation is quickly approaching. Planning for this year’s Project Graduation has already begun, but it’s not too late to get involved! The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 20 at 6:00 p.m. If you’d like to learn more about how you can get involved please call Assistant Principal Brian Bosworth at (973) 383-1800, ext. 1140. Page 6 The Counselors’ Corner is an assortment of interesting ideas, helpful tips and important information that the Guidance Office and other local agencies would like to share... January is Mental Wellness Month In honor of Mental Wellness Month, here are a few strategies for reducing stress from the International Association of Insurance Professionals: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Develop a Positive Attitude—People with positive attitudes are happier, more successful, and better able to handle crises and stress. And in concert with a positive attitude, work on an attitude of gratitude for what you have instead of dwelling on what you don’t. Avoid Negative Self-Talk—Laugh at your mistakes and say, “I’ll remember next time…” View Crises as Opportunities—Creative problem solving can expand your options. Try to make a list of good things that could result from the problem you are having to solve. Laugh—Humor is a great stress reducer. Studies indicate laughter can make you healthier. Exercise—Regular exercise increases energy and releases brain biochemicals to ward off depression and anxiety. Just a 15-minute walk a day will help keep body and soul together. Improve Your Diet—During times of stress you can skip meals or eat junk food. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fiber will help you maintain the physical and mental stress you need to deal with the situation. Get Enough Rest—Sleep disturbances are common during times of stress. Always ask for help if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Here are several local resources you may find valuable: A Way to Freedom, Sussex County Self-Help Center For more information, please call (973) 300-0830. Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance Redeemer Lutheran Church, 37 Newton-Sparta Road Meets every Wednesday from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Sussex County Mental Health Board 1 Spring Street in Newton Meets the 3rd Monday of each month from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Suicide Prevention Most people who are feeling depressed or desperate enough to consider suicide give clues to how they’re feeling. You can be the first step towards help for someone you care about by learning to recognize these clues and warning signs. WARNING SIGNS... TALK: If a person talks about killing themselves, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped, and/or unbearable pain. BEHAVIOR: If a person exhibits a new or increased behavior, especially if it’s related to a painful event, like increased use of alcohol/drugs, looking for a way to kill themselves (ex. searching online for materials or means), acting recklessly, withdrawing from activities, isolating from family and friends, sleeping too much or too little, visiting or calling people to say goodbye, giving away prized possessions, and/or aggression. MOOD: If a person displays depression, lost of interest, rage, irritability, humiliation, and/or anxiety. FINDING HELP… Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1 (800) 273-TALK Psychiatric hospital walk-in clinic Hospital emergency room Urgent care center/clinic Call 911 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES… American Psychiatric Association www.psych.org 1(888) 357-7924, Press 0 American Psychological Association www.apa.org 1 (800) 964-2000 National Association of Social Workers www.naswdc.org Parent Training & Support Opportunity for Parents of Individuals with Special Needs The Warren Hills Cluster is sponsoring a 6-week course featuring the Positive Adult Development (PAD) curriculum. This curriculum was created to help parents of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities manage stress. PAD incorporates evidence-based interventions from the field of positive psychology and emphasizes ways to temper such emotions as guilt, conflict, worry, and pessimism by identifying and using character strengths and virtues, using strengths in new ways, and by practicing exercises involving gratitude, forgiveness, grace, and optimism. The curriculum and exercises are also derived from what the disability field and parent group supervisors at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center concur are “best practices.” There is no cost to parents and the course is open to anyone. To attend you must register by February 10, 2015. For more information please contact Pauline Albrecht at [email protected] or (908) 689-1505 ext. 406. Page 7 Attention High School Students! SAT Practice Test DY A RE BIG T GE THE ! R T FO TES Are you ready for the SAT? Take the Kaplan SAT Practice Test to find out! WHEN: Saturday, February 7 (Snow Date: 2/21) WHERE: Kittatinny Library TIME: 7:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. FEE: $10.00 Please submit the bottom section of this form and a check/money order made payable to: Kittatinny Regional High School Attn: Guidance Practice SAT Test 77 Halsey Rd. Newton, NJ 07860 All registrations must be received by Friday, February 6 to participate. PLEASE NOTE: Special accommodations cannot be made for practice tests. Please bring the following items on the day of the test: Student ID Two #2 Pencils Calculator Students: Please arrive by 7:45 a.m. (testing begins promptly at 8 a.m.). Please use the Main Entrance. Parents: Please pick up your child at 12:00 p.m. No transportation will be provided. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- SAT Practice Test Registration Yes, I give my child permission to take the Kaplan SAT Practice Test on February 7. Student Name: Grade: Homeroom: Parent Name: Parent Phone: Parent E-mail: Parent Signature: OFFICE USE ONLY: PAID BY: Check (# ) Money Order Page 8
© Copyright 2024 ExpyDoc