CHS Guidance Department
Welcome!
Welcome to Columbia High School Guidance Department Google site.
We are here for you and look forward to answering any of your questions or concerns you may have. Please bookmark the page and check back regularly for information.
Accessibility
As we embark on this new school year, we want you to know that counselors are available to help address any social-emotional, academic, or post-high school needs while students are home.
If you have any questions, concerns, or feel as though your child needs a check-in, please reach out to your child's counselor (counselor breakdown is at the bottom of this page). Emails received after school hours, will be responded to the following school day.
If you have an imminent safety concern, please contact your local law enforcement or mobile crisis 518-292-5499.
9/21/23 Current Sophomores and Juniors: Please see the attached flyer for OPEN HOUSE information for QUESTAR's CTE Programming.
9/21/23 Attention Seniors and Juniors: Please see below for updates from HESC regarding college financial aid information and help and essay writing
Creating an Unforgettable College Essay
Creating an unforgettable college essay can be easy if you know the steps to help you get noticed. HESC has partnered with the NYS Department of Education and My Brother’s Keeper to offer free College Essay Masterclasses. Each session will give students insider secrets on what admissions officers are truly looking for, how to start writing their essays, and how to showcase their unique qualities to make a difference at admission time!
“What Seniors Need to Know about Financial Aid for College”
For a complete list of event dates and more details, visit us at https://startheregetthere.ny.gov/events
FAFSA Simplification ACT- Some of the upcoming changes to the FAFSA Application for 2024-2025
The FAFSA is set to open sometime in December instead of the usual October 1.
The number of questions has been reduced to 30 or 60 depending on family income.
The term Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is changing to Student Aid Index (SAI).
Students can add more colleges when completing the FAFSA – up to 20.
Everyone whose income is reported on the FAFSA must have a verified FSA ID before the student can file for federal student aid.
Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available and for workshops to review FAFSA changes and answer questions.
Creating Your FSA ID Presentation
The FSA ID is the first step in accessing federal student financial aid. Please encourage your students and families to join us for this 15-minute presentation, where we’ll give helpful information and walk them through the quick and easy process of creating their FSA ID.
Virtual Discussion Panels
Creating A Smart College List Panel – October 4, @ 6pm
Exploring Job Training and Other Pathways Panel – October 17 @ 6pm
Alumni Discussion Panel – October 25 @ 6pm
FAFSA & TAP Application Completion workshops
Virtual FAFSA & TAP completion sessions will be available once the FAFSA application opens. If you have questions regarding the delayed FAFSA or a completion event, please contact precollegeservices@hesc.ny.gov.
Get Connected to the Resources Students Need
HESC Text can send students and parents text messages with vital information on financial aid, crucial deadlines, and valuable resources to help put them on the right path toward their college careers. Sign-up is quick and easy at www.hesc.ny.gov/hesctext.
Counselor Assignments (2023-2024)
Grade 12 Grade 11
A - Bo Allison Milazzo (all students previously in JumpStart) A - C Allison Milazzo (all students previously in JumpStart)
Br - F Kim Sabella D- Ho Kim Sabella*
G - K Samantha Dunham Hu - N Samantha Dunham
L - Q Sophia Reynolds (all CAP) O - Sc Sophia Reynolds (all CAP)
R - Z Ashley Rickson Se - Z Ashley Rickson
Grade 10 Grade 9
A-D Allison Milazzo (all students previously in JumpStart) A-Ci Allison Milazzo (plus students in JumpStart)
E-I Kim Sabella Co-G Kim Sabella
J-Mey Samantha Dunham H-Mel Samantha Dunham
Mi-R Sophia Reynolds (all CAP) Mem-R Sophia Reynolds (all CAP)
S-Z Ashley Rickson S-Z Ashley Rickson