Winter 2024
Greetings from the Director
Find Your Light
Dr. Jennifer Giordano
As the gray and blustery weather of January and February rolls through, I encourage everyone to find your light. Despite the beauty of fresh fallen snow or the crispness of a brisk winter morning, each of us is susceptible to the doldrums of winter. It is important to remember that even during the darkest of days, whether that be relative to daylight hours, workload, or your emotional mindset, it is essential to look for the break in the clouds where the light shines through. Light is a source of growth and renewal. Seek it out and learn how to master its power.
It is vital for all of us to remember that Spring is around the corner, longer days are in sight, and the presence of persistent sunshine is just over the horizon. Thus, to support your personal journey towards a healthy and abundant Spring, search for thoughts, actions, people and places that represent light and the nurturing qualities it provides. You may also want to consider being a source of inspiration and brightness to those around you. We are never quite sure what another person needs, so being a beacon of light through a smile, kind word, or inclusive gesture may represent the brightness in someone else’s darkness…so SHINE ON and help yourself by supporting others. Before we know it, Spring will be upon us and our days will be longer, our moods will be elevated, and things will feel a whole lot lighter.
Upcoming Counseling Night Programs
Mark Your Calendars!
Mock Admissions Night
March 13, 2024 at 7pm
MHS
Winter Counseling Events
Instant Decision Day
Still deciding what to do after graduation? There's still time to apply to County College of Morris and Fairleigh Dickinson University!
Complete the application before the event and you'll receive an instant decision the day of the event. The deadline to register and submit your application is Friday, January 19th.
College Fair
MHS offers a winter college fair for sophomores and juniors who want to learn more about post-secondary options.
2024 Date: March 8th
The Importance of the Campus Tour
by Monica Tate-Melendez
The college application process can bring stressful moments into the conversation, however one of the most interactive and fun experiences is the college visit. Walking on the campus of your future academic destination offers you insight into the personality of the school. From the classroom to the student life, each school has a unique blend of what makes them stand out. Yet, not every school is a good fit for you, thus visiting in person when possible is strongly recommended.
Make Arrangements Now
Take advantage of the school breaks to schedule campus tours. Breaks like President’s weekend, Spring Break, or even the Teacher’s Convention allow you the opportunity to visit the college when it is in full session (and you are not missing days from school). However, these are popular times and campus tours can get full so make appointments now!
The Official Tour
The official college tour offers several benefits to a prospective student. The informational session on admissions will give you insight on what is important to the school. The quality of student guides will vary based on the personality of the student however don’t hesitate to ask them questions. Lastly, some colleges do track demonstrated interest and a visit demonstrates interest.
Here are five challenges should you chose to accept them on your next college tour!
Eavesdrop on a Conversation
Park yourself on the campus bench or in the student center and people watch. How do the students look on this campus? Are they happy? Are they engaged? What are they talking about? What is the vibe of this school? With all the information that you are absorbing can you imagine yourself attending this college?
Eat at a Dining Hall
Whether the campus serves Dunkin’ or Starbucks is not the most pressing matter because you will be eating most of your food at the dining hall. If you can eat in the dining hall, you will develop a better understanding of the food options and quality.
Read the News
Still when I visit colleges, I investigate bulletin boards to see what events and activities are taking place. As well, picking up the school paper provides you awareness into the happenings of the college and highlight what is important to the campus community.
Ask Questions
If fitness is important to you, then visit the school gym. If your faith is important to you, then visit the religious facilities. If you need academic support, then ask questions at student support services. Colleges offer a significant number of supports and opportunities to students, however you need to ask about those services and supports.
Send an Email
After your college tour, review photos and the notes you took. If you have questions, email the Admissions Representative who covers Morris County, New Jersey. However, the questions should be authentic and seeking information that is not easily attainable on the college’s website.
FAFSA Updates
FAFSA Webinars
Webinar Dates
Tuesday, 1/16 - 6pm
Wednesday, 1/17 - 6pm
Wednesday, 1/31 - 6pm
Spanish Webinar Dates
Thursday, 1/18 - 6pm
Tuesday, 1/23 - 6pm
Tuesday, 1/30 - 6pm
To get more information check out the HESAA website!
What to Know About the FAFSA Soft Launch
From Texas Tech University
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2024-2025 academic year is now available periodically through a soft launch period.
Students may be unable to access the FAFSA due to periods of maintenance downtime throughout January. The form is expected to be fully available later in January and February.
Although students may be able to complete the form, FSA will not transmit their FAFSA to any institution until late January.
Upon submission, students will receive a confirmation email noting their submission date, estimated Student Aid Index (SAI), and estimated Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
Students will receive an email when their FAFSA Submission Summary is available to view online.
Learn more about the soft launch period here.
Read about the FAFSA launch and initial difficulties here.
All students and parents contributing to the FAFSA will need an FSA ID. If they don't already have one, they can create an account here.
Counselor Happenings
VoTech Shared- Time Programs Presentation
by Karen Wolf
Approximately 35 tenth graders attended the Morris County Vocational Technology shared-time presentation by Gina DiDomenico on December 14th. Gina talked about the many options available for students after completing 10th grade. Applications for shared-time programs open in January and close in March. Check the website for more information and talk to your counselor about the application process: https://www.mcvts.org/Page/41
MHS Visits College Fairs
MHS Counselors took students to various college fairs and tours to learn about opportunities available to them.
Hispanic College Fair
by Oshaira Pichardo
A group of MHS juniors and seniors visited Montclair State University for the annual National Hispanic College Fair
At this event, students met with college representatives from all over the Tri-State to learn more about college majors, financial aid and campus life
Students also toured the campus and different facilities on campus, including the library, book store, student center and several academic buildings.
Malcolm Bernard HBCU College Fair
by Matthew Carmel
On Friday, November 17th a group of MHS students attended the 2023 Malcolm Bernard Historically Black Colleges and Universities College Fair.The fair was held at Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg, New Jersey. Throughout the day, the students attended workshops aimed at enhancing their college readiness. One of the workshops offered the students "Admission Tips and Tricks" and presented them with suggestions and strategies to make paying for college more affordable. Another workshop explored the benefits of attending a community college prior to enrolling in a four year institution. Finally, the students had an opportunity to meet with admissions representatives from over 40 colleges and universities. Several of the students were offered onsite admissions!
Field Trip to County College of Morris (CCM)
by Karen Wolf
Mrs. Caruso, Mr. Norton, Ms. Pichardo, and Mrs. Wolf escorted 30 eleventh and twelfth graders to County College of Morris (CCM) on December 6th for an admissions and financial aid overview, campus tour, visit to the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center, and lunch. A few facts about CCM:
About 12,000 undergraduate students
Expansion of the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center for state-of-the-art technology training
New buildings planned, including a music technology center, Entrepreneurship and Culinary Science Center, and Career and Technical Education Center for shared-time programs with high schools.
Small class sizes
Families with adjusted gross incomes of less than $65,000 may qualify for free tuition under the New Jersey Community College Opportunity Grant (https://www.ccm.edu/ccog/)
College Counselor Tours
MHS School Counselor visit colleges, vocational schools and other post-secondary options throughout the school year to share opportunities with our students. If you have questions about the colleges listed in this section, please reach out to the School Counselor.
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
by Kate Weisenseel
NJIT now offers three new programs: Forensic Science (BS), Data Science (BS, MS, and PhD), and Cyberpsychology (BS)
The school produces more computer scientists than any other school in NJ.
Although it is known as an engineering school, NJIT has a College of Science and Liberal Arts that offers history and theater degrees.
The Hiller College's architecture program is one of the last existing programs that offers a professional undergraduate degree in architecture. The Bachelor of Science in Architecture is a four year program that allows students to work within related disciplines without licensure. Alternatively, students can elect to earn a Bachelor of Architecture, which is a five year program that leads to licensure.
The Makerspace is a hands on learning lab that contains $3 million worth of state-of-the-art equipment ranging from industrial to small prototyping machine.
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
by Monica Tate-Melendez
Virginia Tech has a 2,600 acre main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Virginia Tech offers about 280 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 38,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students.
Virginia Tech remains test-optional for first-year applicants entering through Fall 2025.
Virginia Tech has three therapy dogs (Josie, Derek, Epcot) that hold office hours for students.
Montclair State University
by Dr. Kristina Kenny
2023 Trends:
Admitted largest freshman class
Represented: 31 states, 13 countries, average GPA 3.67, 45% Hispanic, 44% first generation
35% of class majoring in Communication/ Media/ Journalism
Merged with Bloomfield College
Early Bird program: Students can apply in April of the Junior year for early acceptance
Rated #1 in social mobility by US News
Offering 2 new colleges:
College of Community Health
College for Education & Engaged Learning
For 2024 application cycle, will be using the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR)
MHS Counselors Launch Workshops for First Gen Students
Thank you to Nicole Ruiz (Class of 2023), Nicole Valencia (Class of 2023), Keydi Osorio (Class of 2022) , and Andres Casanova (Class of 2021).
Be The First Strong Start in Fall 2023
by Monica Tate-Melendez
Be the First began the school year with information sessions on specific items related to the college admissions process as well as offering drop-in assistance for students working on their applications.
Some of the topics we covered this year include:
How to Stand Out on Your College Application
Get Money for College
Sharing the Secret to Getting into College
We wrapped up the first half of the school year with an Alumni Luncheon. MHS graduates shared their experiences and recommendations with first generation Juniors and Seniors.
If your child is the first one in the family to attend college, please email Monica.Tate@msdk12.net to be added to the Canvas classroom and receive invites for future activities.
College of the Month
Did You Know?
INFOGRAPHIC: Breaking Down the 6 Types of Learning by Saint Leo University
By determining what type of learner you are, you can use various strategies to enhance your performance in your classes.