West Geauga School Counseling News
January/February
ALL STUDENTS
The Counselors would like to give students three simple suggestions to help make your life experience the best it can be while you are at West Geauga High School:
- Invest time into your academic studies; there will be a return on your investment!
- Find ways to create balance in your life; find time to do an activity that you enjoy!
- When you are faced with a problem, try to find a solution. If you struggle with the problem, find someone to help you develop a solution.
Naviance:
The Naviance website has valuable information regarding college planning, scholarships, and careers. You can visit the website at www.westg.org. and click on high school, then guidance. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the counseling office.
College Credit Plus (CCP):
The CCP Information Meeting is January 22nd at 7 pm in Room 124. A presentation about CCP’s procedures and application guidelines will be presented. A very important document called the “CCP Intent Form” MUST be returned by April 1st. If this deadline is not met your son/daughter is not eligible to participate in this program.
SAVE THE DATE--Kickstart College Fair:
All students are invited to the Kickstart College Fair. The fair will take place at YOUR school on Monday, April 20, 2020. The fair will be from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. This fair will be a great opportunity to explore schools and meet admissions counselors. Please mark your calendar and plan on attending!
SENIORS
If you are not sure about your post-graduation plans please stop in our office for assistance. We have resources in the counseling office where you can get information on colleges, apprenticeships, and military. The door is always open. Please remember to check your college deadlines, follow the application submission procedures, and check Naviance for updates!
Do not forget that schools will require a final transcript at the end of your senior year. Do your best throughout your whole senior year to earn the best grades possible. The finish line is close!
Continue to make good choices...you all have a bright future ahead of you!
Mid-Year Reports:
Some of you applied to schools that require a mid-year report. If you are unsure what your colleges require, you need to go online and check. Please communicate directly with your counselor as soon as possible if you need a mid-year report.
Scholarships:
Information on scholarships our office receives can be found in two places. There are hard copy materials in the scholarship rack in the counseling office. Also, please check Naviance. Scholarship information can be found in the colleges section of your account. Make sure you take advantage of any opportunity to find dollars to help fund your education.
Financial Aid:
Mrs. Tessa Dicker, our LEAF Financial Aid Advisor, works at WGHS one day per week throughout the year. She is in our school on Thursdays. Students and parents may request an appointment with Mrs. Dicker by contacting her at 729-5922, extension 4164 or by emailing her at tdicker@leaf-ohio.org. All of the financial aid services provided by LEAF are at no charge to our families.
JUNIORS
It is time for us to start working with you on your post-graduate planning and college selection process. Please plan for the following activities listed below:
Junior Student Meetings:
During Government classes on Friday, February 21st
College Visits:If you have the opportunity try to get on the campuses of the schools you have an interest in. Make sure it is an official visit by registering online or calling the admissions office. Showing interest in a school is important.
ACT:
As part of the State of Ohio graduation requirements all current juniors will participate in an administration of the ACT on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. Testing will begin at 7:30 am and last approximately 4 hours. Test sections will include English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. Students will not complete a writing section.
During the pre-administration session students will have the opportunity to select four colleges/universities to receive their ACT scores (free of charge). Students are required to bring a photo id, pencils and calculator. Students are not permitted to possess or access a cell phone at any time during test administration or during the break. Additional details will be shared closer to test date.
Students can prepare for the ACT by visiting the following website:
https://academy.act.org/ The ACT Academy can be very helpful as you prepare for this test!
For more information about the ACT please click here.
If Juniors wish to take the ACT a second time or take the SAT the registration process is online. It is a good practice to have students take both exams, and then repeat at least one in order to improve their scores. Students who are planning to apply to selective colleges that require SAT subject tests should make sure they register for tests by the end of the school year. Students must register for these tests online.
Please see your school counselor for additional information.
The Naviance website has valuable information regarding college planning, scholarships, and careers. You can visit the website at www.westg.org. and click on high school, then guidance. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the counseling office.
College Credit Plus (CCP):
The CCP Information Meeting is January 22nd at 7 pm in Room 124. A presentation about CCP’s procedures and application guidelines will be presented. A very important document called the “CCP Intent Form” MUST be returned by April 1st. If this deadline is not met your son/daughter is not eligible to participate in this program.
SAVE THE DATE--Kickstart College Fair:
All students are invited to the Kickstart College Fair. The fair will take place at YOUR school on Monday, April 20, 2020. The fair will be from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. This fair will be a great opportunity to explore schools and meet admissions counselors. Please mark your calendar and plan on attending!
SENIORS
If you are not sure about your post-graduation plans please stop in our office for assistance. We have resources in the counseling office where you can get information on colleges, apprenticeships, and military. The door is always open. Please remember to check your college deadlines, follow the application submission procedures, and check Naviance for updates!
Do not forget that schools will require a final transcript at the end of your senior year. Do your best throughout your whole senior year to earn the best grades possible. The finish line is close!
Continue to make good choices...you all have a bright future ahead of you!
Mid-Year Reports:
Some of you applied to schools that require a mid-year report. If you are unsure what your colleges require, you need to go online and check. Please communicate directly with your counselor as soon as possible if you need a mid-year report.
Scholarships:
Information on scholarships our office receives can be found in two places. There are hard copy materials in the scholarship rack in the counseling office. Also, please check Naviance. Scholarship information can be found in the colleges section of your account. Make sure you take advantage of any opportunity to find dollars to help fund your education.
Financial Aid:
Mrs. Tessa Dicker, our LEAF Financial Aid Advisor, works at WGHS one day per week throughout the year. She is in our school on Thursdays. Students and parents may request an appointment with Mrs. Dicker by contacting her at 729-5922, extension 4164 or by emailing her at tdicker@leaf-ohio.org. All of the financial aid services provided by LEAF are at no charge to our families.
JUNIORS
It is time for us to start working with you on your post-graduate planning and college selection process. Please plan for the following activities listed below:
Junior Student Meetings:
During Government classes on Friday, February 21st
College Visits:If you have the opportunity try to get on the campuses of the schools you have an interest in. Make sure it is an official visit by registering online or calling the admissions office. Showing interest in a school is important.
ACT:
As part of the State of Ohio graduation requirements all current juniors will participate in an administration of the ACT on Tuesday, February 25, 2020. Testing will begin at 7:30 am and last approximately 4 hours. Test sections will include English, Mathematics, Reading and Science. Students will not complete a writing section.
During the pre-administration session students will have the opportunity to select four colleges/universities to receive their ACT scores (free of charge). Students are required to bring a photo id, pencils and calculator. Students are not permitted to possess or access a cell phone at any time during test administration or during the break. Additional details will be shared closer to test date.
Students can prepare for the ACT by visiting the following website:
https://academy.act.org/ The ACT Academy can be very helpful as you prepare for this test!
For more information about the ACT please click here.
If Juniors wish to take the ACT a second time or take the SAT the registration process is online. It is a good practice to have students take both exams, and then repeat at least one in order to improve their scores. Students who are planning to apply to selective colleges that require SAT subject tests should make sure they register for tests by the end of the school year. Students must register for these tests online.
ACT Registration www.actstudent.org
SAT Registration www.collegeboard.com
Please see your school counselor for additional information.
SOPHOMORES
It is time to really explore what you want to do next year. There are many opportunities to consider, like the various levels of West G courses you choose to take that include Advanced Placement, College Credit Plus (CCP) and Excel TECC. We will be meeting with you about course scheduling during your Advisory period or Study Hall. Please see below for more information about Excel TECC.
Excel TECC:
February 13 – Students accepted to Excel TECC programs are notified via USPS.
February 28 – Students need to accept or decline their offers to be in Excel TECC programs.
PSAT:
Students should have received an email from College Board with instruction to retrieve PSAT scores for the test that was administered in October. If you have not created a College Board account prior to this test, you are encouraged to start one and have it connected to Khan Academy. See you school counselor if you need assistance.
FRESHMEN
If you are struggling in any of your classes, don’t give up and think that there is no hope. Ask for help! It is a sign of strength not weakness. The counselors suggest speaking directly with your teacher if you are having difficulty. Be prepared to ask specific questions. See your counselor for assistance. Our doors are always open!
David Callahan: Students with last names A-K 729-5963 david.callahan@westg.org
Sarah Widman: Students with last names L-Z 729-5965 sarah.widman@westg.org
Lisa Porter: Assistant 729-5962 lisa.porter@westg.org
WGHS School Counseling NewsIt is time to really explore what you want to do next year. There are many opportunities to consider, like the various levels of West G courses you choose to take that include Advanced Placement, College Credit Plus (CCP) and Excel TECC. We will be meeting with you about course scheduling during your Advisory period or Study Hall. Please see below for more information about Excel TECC.
Excel TECC:
February 13 – Students accepted to Excel TECC programs are notified via USPS.
February 28 – Students need to accept or decline their offers to be in Excel TECC programs.
PSAT:
Students should have received an email from College Board with instruction to retrieve PSAT scores for the test that was administered in October. If you have not created a College Board account prior to this test, you are encouraged to start one and have it connected to Khan Academy. See you school counselor if you need assistance.
FRESHMEN
If you are struggling in any of your classes, don’t give up and think that there is no hope. Ask for help! It is a sign of strength not weakness. The counselors suggest speaking directly with your teacher if you are having difficulty. Be prepared to ask specific questions. See your counselor for assistance. Our doors are always open!
David Callahan: Students with last names A-K 729-5963 david.callahan@westg.org
Sarah Widman: Students with last names L-Z 729-5965 sarah.widman@westg.org
Lisa Porter: Assistant 729-5962 lisa.porter@westg.org
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November/December
It has been a busy fall in the school counseling department. We have met with our Seniors and their parents to begin the college application process. The web program Naviance is the most important resource for counselors and students. This program is allowing the school counselors to begin college exploratory activities with the underclassmen, as well as making communication between home and our department considerably easier. It allows us to submit nearly all of our students' college applications electronically. If your student has a smartphone their Naviance account can be connected using a web browser. We highly encourage our students to use this resource throughout their high school career! Our career specialist, Mrs. Ann Marn, has also offered her talents in helping our students focus on writing a high school resume, begin career interest inventories and search for colleges.
Dates to Remember:
The PSAT was administered to the sophomore class and some freshmen and juniors. The results should be available sometime in mid-December.
Excel TECC Opportunity Day: December 5; Sophomores are invited to attend as a field trip. Forms to attend this event will be emailed to students.
Excel TECC Opportunity Night: December 5, 7 pm at Mayfield High School; Parents of prospective sophomores are encouraged to attend.
College Credit Plus (CCP) Information Night: January 22, 7 pm in Room 124. Students and parents need to attend this meeting if there is interest in the program.
FOR ALL STUDENTS
Students: we have an "open door" policy. If you need to speak to your counselor, just drop in. If we are unavailable, write your name on the sign-in sheet outside of the counselor’s door and we will find you as soon as possible!
SENIORS
Please remember that this is the time of year to work on college applications! Please remember to check your college deadlines and follow the application submission procedures (Senior Parent Night - Class of 2020 PowerPoint can be found on the Guidance website.) Remember: Please give your counselors and teachers at least two weeks to get supporting documents/letters completed. Know your deadlines! See your counselor if you have any questions.
Test Scores: Remember your ACT or SAT test scores must also meet the college deadline. Please make sure you have requested scores be sent directly from ACT or CollegeBoard to the institutions you are applying to.
Scholarships: Start looking in Naviance for scholarships. There is also a scholarship rack in the Counseling Office. Make a habit of visiting our office and check if anything new has come in and checking your Naviance account. Please give counselors two weeks notice for deadlines on scholarships, too.
Financial Aid: The FAFSA is open for next year. A representative from the Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation (LEAF) is available to discuss financial aid options, scholarships, and the FAFSA form. Mrs. Tessa Dicker, our LEAF Financial Aid Advisor, works in our high school each Thursday throughout the school year. Students and parents may request an appointment with Mrs. Dicker by contacting her at 729-5922, extension 4164, or email her at tdicker@leaf-ohio.org. There is also a sign-in sheet in the Counselor’s Office. All of the LEAF services are at no charge to our families.
JUNIORS
Reminder - this is your last year to work on maintaining or bringing up your GPA. Remember that when colleges receive your transcript next fall, your cumulative grade point average is only based on your high school classes completed in the Middle School, 9th, 10th and 11th grade marks. If you are having difficulty in a class, your school counselor is always here to help. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Also, start thinking about what you want to do after high school. A good resource to begin with is Naviance. See your counselor if you forgot your login. Start planning college visits and registering online for the ACT and/or SAT.
The ACT will be administered to all juniors for free on February 25, 2020.
When is the last time you logged on to your Naviance account? You have been given a task to complete the “Strengths Explorer”. Please find the time to complete this before winter break.
SOPHOMORES
Mr. Hayes, Excel TECC's (Technical Education Career Consortium) counselor, will meet with all sophomores on November 4. Opportunity Day for all Excel TECC is Thursday, December 5. Students are able to visit programs during the field trip that school day and parents are invited to Mayfield High School that evening from 7:00 - 8:30 pm.
You got your report card. How are you doing? What can you change to achieve even more success? If you need some help, see your counselor.
As soon as you get your PSAT results remember to connect your scores with Khan Academy where you will get a personalized plan to improve. Stop by our office for help if you need any assistance.
FRESHMEN
Well, you are finished with your first quarter at West Geauga High School! Was your first report card a good one? If so, keep up the good work. If not, do not forget to take advantage of the tutoring available during Advisory Period or arrange for help before or after school with your teacher. See your counselor for help, too. Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness! Also, be open to the information covered in the Freshman Mentoring with topics offering help with the transition to high school.
David Callahan Students with last names A-K 729-5963 david.callahan@westg.org
Sarah Widman Students with last names L-Z 729-5965 sarah.widman@westg.org
Lisa Porter Assistant 729-5962 lisa.porter@westg.org
_________________________
August 2019
Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year. We have a new Administrative Assistant! Lisa Porter has moved from the main office to the counseling office. We are excited to begin a new year and hope to help make it your son or daughter’s best year yet! Please follow us on Twitter @WGHSCounselors for updates and timely information!
W.G.H.S. Counseling Staff
Mr. David Callahan (Students A – K) (440) 729-5963 david.callahan@westg.org
Ms. Sarah Widman (Students L – Z) (440) 729-5965 sarah.widman@westg.org
Mrs. Lisa Porter (Assistant) (440) 729-5962 lisa.porter@westg.org
Student/Parent Notes
SENIORS
Congratulations, you made it to your senior year! Please remember that you are not done yet. Colleges will want to see your first semester grades and your senior year-end grades.
Come visit your counselor if you need help with career or college information. Remember to focus on your strengths! Set goals for this year, put them in writing, and do the things required to meet those goals!
College Applications:
Fall is the time for seniors to begin filling out their college applications. The school counseling department will be meeting with all seniors on Monday, September 16th during the school day and their parents on Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 124 to review the college application process. At this meeting the counselors will address all of the policies and procedures for applying to college, therefore, it is recommended that students wait to apply to colleges until after this informational session. In the meantime, use your Naviance account!
Financial Aid Night:
Parents please take the opportunity to meet with our LEAF advisor, Tessa Dicker and learn about the Financial Aid process on Wednesday September 25th at 7 pm in Room 124.
JUNIORS
This is your last year to work on maintaining or bringing up your GPA. Set some solid academic goals for yourself this year and try to stick to them. Remember that when colleges receive your transcript next fall, your cumulative grade point average is only based on your 9th, 10th, & 11th grade marks.
SOPHOMORES
You have one year under your belt. Congratulations! Now that you have figured out what high school life is all about, why not make some positive changes? What can you improve on from last year to make this year even more of a success? Continue to build your resume by volunteering and participating in school and community activities.
FRESHMEN
Welcome to West Geauga High School! This is an exciting year for you because you have the opportunity to start fresh. You have a clean slate, so stay organized and work hard. Please remember that the school counselors are available to help you reach your goals. You will also have Freshmen Mentoring to help you through your transition to the high school. Do not forget that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness!
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