MCSD SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER

MHS Winter

WINTER HIGHLIGHTS

Insights from the Past, Inspiration for the Future!

MHS Senior Class Alumni Panel Discussion Event!

On November 26, 2024, ten dedicated Mahopac High School alumni from the Class of 2024 returned to their alma mater to meet with our Seniors-Class of 2025! They shared their experiences and offered valuable insights into life in their new educational settings. In a roundtable discussion, alumni spoke candidly about their transitions into college and other post-secondary paths, adjusting to new environments, and what they’ve learned along the way. They answered thoughtful questions from current seniors, providing first-hand advice on what to expect in their next chapter. Their words of wisdom, encouragement, and real-world perspectives made for an engaging and inspiring event, leaving our seniors better prepared for the journey ahead.

9th Grade - Freshman Advisory

In December, MHS School Counselors met with all 9th grade students in group settings for “9th Grade-Freshman Advisory,” guiding students through key steps as they proceed in their college, career, and life readiness journey. During these Advisory sessions, students were introduced to our School Counseling Software Program “Naviance. ” Students also explored their strengths completing a “Strengths Explorer Career” Survey in Naviance. This survey helps students identify their unique and key strengths and talents and align them with potential career pathways. Additionally, students learned about the vital role of their School Counselor and how to access support throughout high school. To ensure personalized guidance, pursuant to the 9th Grade Advisory sessions, School Counselors scheduled an individual conference with each 9th grader. These individual student meetings are an essential step in helping students navigate their high school experience and plan for a successful future!

Building a Strong Foundation for Success!

Empowering Students, Guiding Futures

Junior College Planning Night

In January, The MHS School Counseling Department collaborated with College Admissions Representatives for an evening for Junior Students and Families on College Planning; The College Application Process; Admissions 101 and Navigating the College Search Process. It was an informative evening bringing together students, families, college admissions experts and our School Counselors for an evening of insight and guidance. Attendees engaged in discussions on key topics such as the college application process, admissions essentials, and navigating the college search journey. Roundtable Discussions with College Admissions Representatives from: Binghamton University, Western Connecticut State University, Westchester Community College, Iona University and our High School Counselors took place providing valuable firsthand knowledge. It was also a wonderful opportunity for students and parents to ask questions directly to the experts. We are grateful to all who attended and participated in this enriching discussion, and we look forward to more events that empower our students on their journey to college! Open to students and families in grades 9-11, the event was live-streamed and recorded for accessibility. It was a fantastic night of planning for the future! If you would like to see the event recording, please visit the MHS School Counseling Department’s Junior and Senior Class Information Site - Past Events Archive Page.

Junior Conferences

Since early January and continuing through spring, MHS School Counselors have been holding one-on-one meetings with their Junior students and their families for Junior Conferences—a pivotal step in post-secondary planning. During this conference, School Counselors guide Junior students and their families through important topics such as (but not limited to):
✅ Course planning for senior year
✅ Transcript review
✅ Exploring career and post-secondary options

✅ How to utilize our College Planning Software-Naviance

✅ College Career Research, Search and Exploration

✅ Career Research, Search and Exploration

✅ College application process

✅Completing your College Profile Survey in Naviance

✅ SAT/ACT information

✅ College Essays Writing & College Essay Prompts in the Common Application

✅ Letters of Recommendation for College Applications

✅ The Common Application

✅ Financial Aid

✅ NYS Scholarships & Grants Opportunities

Charting Your Path to the Future!

REMINDER: ATTENTION JUNIORS: If you haven’t yet scheduled your Junior Conference with your School Counselor, contact your School Counselor today! Don't miss this opportunity to start planning for your post-secondary options!

Exploring CTE Programming; Careers, Building Futures!

10th Grade Student Career & Technical Education (CTE) Tech Tour at PNW BOCES, Yorktown Heights

On January 16th, MHS School Counselors and approximately 140 10th-grade students embarked on a Career & Technical Education (CTE) Tech Tour at PNW BOCES CTE-Tech Center campus. This immersive experience allowed students to learn and explore a variety of CTE programs offered, interact with technical instructors and current CTE student volunteers, and engage in hands-on activities. Through informative discussions and first hand exposure, students gained valuable insights into various programs offered at PNW BOCES CTE and potential career paths therein. The tour provided a unique opportunity for students to ask questions, discover their interests, consider future possibilities for programming at PNW BOCES CTE and explore different career paths within the trades.

Planning Your Future: Course Selection & Academic Advising

Charting Your Path to Success—One student at a time!

Planning for the future! Since early February School Counselors have been meeting individually with their students to review course requests and course selections for the 2025-2026 school year. These one-on-one meetings are a great opportunity to ensure students are on track for graduation, explore academic and career pathways, and discuss post-secondary goals. Whether you’re aiming for college, trade school, military service, or entering the workforce after HighSchool, your counselor is here to help you build a schedule that supports your aspirations. Be prepared, stay informed, and make the most of this important step in your academic journey!

MHS School Counselors visit Sacred Heart University, Fairfield CT!
During our most recent Superintendent's Conference Day, our School Counselors had the opportunity to visit Sacred Heart University. They gained valuable insights into admissions requirements, available majors, options, campus life, financial aid/scholarships, residential life, resources and support for students, academic programs, and student organizations just to name a few. Our School Counselors toured the campus and received comprehensive overviews of admissions, programming, and student life.

Our School Counselors visit colleges to stay informed about current admissions trends, continually learn about school programs, admissions requirements, and foster connections with admissions representatives. This knowledge is essential to our School Counselors to increase their knowledge as they assist students in exploring diverse post-secondary opportunities.

MHS DIGITAL SERVICE LEARNING SYSTEM: Infinite Campus Integration!

Our MHS Digital Service Learning System is now fully integrated into Infinite Campus. Students are able to submit their Completed Service Learning Hours Entries, view their Service Learning Submission History, and view their Total Service Learning Hours accumulated towards the graduation requirement directly in Infinite Campus! Parents: Check out your child's progress!

For Processes, Procedures & Directions for Submitting Service Learning Hours & Viewing your Service Learning Hours Status: Click on this link:

Digital Service Learning Instructions in Infinite Campus Slide Deck

Click the button to the right for more information, procedures and directions for our MHS Digital Service Learning System on our Junior and Senior Information Site.

MHS Digital Service Learning System

Click the button to go to our MHS Digital Service Learning Section on our Junior Senior Information Site Service Learning Page.

MHS Service Learning Graduation Requirement Reminder:

Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of Service Learning as a Graduation Requirement.

Students who complete over 300 hours of community service will receive special recognition at the end of their Senior year.

Our recommendation is that students complete 15 hours per year.

Service Learning

Click to go to our Service Learning Page on our Junior Senior Information Site

Celebrating National School Counseling Week

February 3rd through February 7th, we celebrated National School Counseling Week 2025. Throughout the week we celebrated our PAC School Counselors for their unique contributions and support they provide students academically, socially, and emotionally!

National School Counseling Week, presented by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.

The theme of this year's National School Counseling week was “Helping Students Thrive.” Thriving means growing, succeeding, and feeling fulfilled in all areas of your life. It means setting goals, staying motivated, and understanding your strengths and passions. Your PAC School Counselor is here to help you thrive!

WE LOVE OUR PAC SCHOOL COUNSELORS!