Counseling Department Updates
SAT and ACT Testing
Standardized testing can represent one component of the college admissions process. The ACT and the SAT are the two primary standardized tests utilized to assess a student’s academic readiness for college, although many schools currently have test-optional policies in place. We encourage testing for at least one spring administration during junior year while planning for re-testing, if appropriate, during senior year. Please keep in mind that specific testing requirements are dictated by the institutions themselves and you are encouraged to research what those requirements may be.
Registration for tests is completed online at www.actstudent.org or www.collegeboard.org. Please keep in mind that all testing takes place on Saturday mornings at local high schools. Chagrin Falls High School is not a testing location. Registration for tests should take place at least 5-6 weeks in advance of the actual test date to ensure a reservation at your preferred testing location. If your child receives testing accommodations via a Section 504 Plan or an IEP, please contact his or her counselor to discuss the process associated with applying for services with the testing companies.
A state-funded SAT will be administered to all students in the Class of 2023 on March 2nd. All juniors will be expected to take the SAT on this day. The results from this SAT administration will yield reportable college scores.
Please feel free to access the new Counseling Website. It contains a multitude of helpful information for students and families.
Excel TECC Update for Parents of Sophomores and Juniors
Mayfield Excel TECC has created short recordings to introduce students and families to their program opportunities:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgAtASWGxA9G4095TBDevQ
Any sophomore student interested in pursuing Excel TECC as a potential option for their junior and senior years must complete the appropriate steps in order to gain admission into their program of choice. Any junior student interested in the Beachwood Marketing program must also submit an application. The application portal opens Monday, December 6th. Please access the online application here:
Mayfield has planned a series of events to educate students and families about these opportunities. Please reference the timeline below as they pertain to Chagrin Falls High School:
December 6th: APPLICATION PORTAL OPENS
Students must complete their online application in advance of winter break, no later than December 22nd.
December 7th & 8th: VIRTUAL STUDENT Q & A
Each program teacher will have availability to meet virtually with students during the school day. Further details and schedule is forthcoming.
December 9th: OPPORTUNITY NIGHT LIVE
This is an in-person informational event in the Mayfield High School Gym from 7:00-8:30 pm for both students and parents.
January 2022: INDIVIDUAL STUDENT INTERVIEWS
Students who have successfully submitted an online application will Interview for program(s) of interest. Further details and schedule is forthcoming.
February 2022: NOTIFICATIONS
Acceptances mailed home to students. The deadline to accept or decline is February 25th.
Class of 2022 College Application Reminders
The Fall is College Application Season. With that in mind, the Counseling Department wishes to reiterate a few important points regarding the processing of college applications:
Students should update their My Colleges list in Scoir to accurately reflect their plans and mirror what is being done on their applications.
Students should communicate their letter of recommendation needs directly with specific teachers and place the request through Scoir.
After a student has submitted an application directly to a school, the student must also move that school to the Applied column in Scoir.
After a student has submitted an application directly to a school, the student must pay their $2/school processing fee in the office.
Please be sure to have your child communicate their application needs, in person, directly with the office. The counseling office requires a 10 school day notice prior to the application deadline. For example, if your school's deadline is November 1st, we ask that you submit/notify the counseling office by October 18th.
SAY Services at Chagrin Falls High School
Chagrin Falls High School partners with Bellefaire Jewish Children’s Bureau (Bellefaire) in order to provide mental health services to students. One of Bellefaire’s programs, the Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), provides prevention and consultation services to youth who are struggling with any issues related to adolescence such as bullying, relationships, stress, anxiety, depression, and/or substance use. SAY services are provided by licensed mental health professionals at no costs to students or families. Students are able to receive services in individual sessions and in small groups.
In an effort to improve meeting the social-emotional needs of students, SAY services are available to all students. Information shared by your child with SAY is confidential and will not be shared without consent unless there is a concern regarding safety or risk. If SAY has any concerns about your child, related to safety or risk, all appropriate parties will be notified immediately.
You do not need to take any action if you wish for your child to have access to SAY services. However, if at any time, you do not consent to your child’s participation in SAY, you must return the bottom portion of the letter in the link below to Jennifer Bencko, Director of Pupil Services at jennifer.bencko@chagrinschools.org.