The School Counseling Theme of the month is CITIZENSHIP.

CITIZENSHIP can be defined as respectful devotion or allegiance to one's country and/or school.

2024-2025 SCHEDULING

Scheduling Process 2024-25 (1).pdf

The student scheduling portal is open and the interest in selecting classes is fantastic! Saving accurate course requests is how PowerSchool builds a master schedule that fits everyones needs. This team effort between students, parents, teachers, counselors and administration. As shared in the January 22nd email, we are now moving through the scheduling timeline and our next items include:

Accurate course requests are important since schedule changes in the fall are based upon the limitations of the master schedule. Confirm all course requests before June for the best opportunity to receive top choice classes this fall and avoid frustration from requesting late schedule changes.

SAT/ACT RESOURCES

Many colleges are test optional, meaning you do not need to provide any scores to be admitted.  Strong SAT or ACT scores however, can be a good supplement to your college applications or a required piece of scholarship applications. If you're looking to complete an SAT and/or ACT this spring, now is the time to register! Check out their websites to learn testing dates and locations, then register.

Students interested in using their testing accommodations must apply to the appropriate testing agency and be approved by the agency to use accommodations. Having an IEP or 504 plan does not automatically grant accommodations on these exams. ACT exams allow students to request accommodations during registration. SAT exams require students to complete and submit the Parent Consent Form to Mrs. Orkoulas at JOrkoulas@mw.k12.ny.us.  Your school counselor can also help answer questions.

ASVAB INTERPRETATION

All students who sat for the ASVAB assessment this past December are encouraged to attend the interpretation scheduled for Thursday, March 7th at 12:30pm. Students will receive a comprehensive understanding of the score report and taught best use of additional internet based resources available in understanding their score report. Attending the interpretation is highly recommended for all students who completed the ASVAB. Please visit Mrs. Pokorny in the House A Office for your score report and to confirm your attendance for March 7th. You will be excused from 8th period class, but are responsible to make up any missed course work.

COMMON SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS 

DUE FEBRUARY 28TH

Over 40 scholarship opportunities are available to our seniors through our Common Scholarship Application. The deadline to submit all required documents to either the Scholarship Committee or your house office (be sure to check info for each scholarship in the directions) is February 28, 2024. Don't miss out on these local scholarship opportunities! 

Download your copy of the Common Scholarship packet and application materials from the MWHS School Counseling Department Website. Read the directions carefully and follow the specific requirements for each scholarship. Submit your Transcript/Letter Request Form BEFORE February 9th. Then submit all materials required by your scholarship committee(s) specifically as instructed by 2pm on Wednesday, February 28th.

COLLEGE CREDIT TRACKING 

Our faculty has worked to expand options and opportunities for all students to pursue college credit before high school graduation. To help students organize which credits and exams have been completed, we created a College Credit Tracking Form. In addition to the resources shared by each college, the front of our sheet has a link to each program's webpage and/or site to request your official college transcript which you will need to send to your future institutions after graduation. Stop by your house office or school counseling Google Classroom for a copy of the form.

SENIORS: MID-YEAR REQUESTS

In the "Colleges I'm Applying To" table, the column will change from "Initial Materials sent" to "Mid-Years Sent" when documents are sent. 

*NEW* Easy Login to Naviance

It is easier and quicker to log into your Naviance account! To explore potential careers, academic majors, and the colleges offering a pathway to your future goals, click on the Naviance logo at the bottom of your Google "waffle" menu. 

Official GPA & Rank

After all summer school grades are finalized work can begin to calculate official GPA and rank for our current seniors

A final, seven semester rank will be computed at the end of the first semester of the senior year.This provides the final decision for valedictorian, salutatorian and the top 25.  Once the rank is finalized, the School Counseling Department will begin sending mid-year reports with mid-year transcripts as directed by students who submit mid-year request forms. Mid-years will be sent about the 3rd week of February. Final rank will not be shared with members of the senior class until the honor graduates/top 25 are  announced by administration in March or April.

COLLEGE SPORTS & NCAA

Any college bound athlete with goals of playing a Division I or Division II sport must review NCAA guidelines for qualification. The NCAA Eligibility Center has many resources and there is a Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete that is produced every year for reference. Athletes and families should also attend the NCAA presentation at our College Fair. There is much to learn, so do not wait until senior year to start reading! Some courses at MW do NOT qualify for NCAA credit so it is important to speak openly and often with coaches and your counselor about your plans. While faculty and staff can help share expertise, remember only NCAA can grant eligibility. Keep reading and asking questions to help keep you on the right path. 

ACCES-VR APPLICATIONS

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) services are for individuals with disabilities that interfere with getting or keeping a job or who have difficulty advancing at their job. Information and the application will be sent home to all seniors with either a 504 or IEP around the second week of October. Only eligible students need apply. An ACCES-VR representative will be in touch with all applicants to review the next steps and the services that may be provided. An email was also sent to all applicable seniors and parents on the eveneing of September 15, 2023. 

SCHOOL COUNSELING TEAM

Counselor Check-in

Students partner with their school counselor for the duration of their high school experience. If you have a question or concern, please allow us the courtesy to assist you directly. 

Find your counselors in their respective house office. School psychologists, social workers, student assistance counselors, speech therapists and assistant principals are also in house offices. 

House A

Mrs. Susan Alicea

Ms. Gambino

Mrs. LaMontanaro

House B

Mr. Oakes

Mrs. Pelsue

House C

Mrs. Ruby Alicea

Mr. Diaz

Ms. Jerez

House D

Mrs. Hogaboom

Mr. Willams

Please Note:  Counselors in BOLD have students in multiple houses.

IMPORTANT DATES

February

Feb 2 - Last day to add a second semester class

Feb 5 & 6 - School Counselors provide graduation requirement and scheduling lessons in PE classes

Feb 9 - Transcript/Letter Request Forms due to your HOUSE OFFICE for any Common Scholarship Applications

Feb 14 - Individual student/counselor scheduling meetings begin

Feb 18 - Student access to the scheduling portal closes

Feb 28 - Common Scholarship applications due to scholarship committees (submit as instructed)

Feb 29 - BOCES Questionnaire Form CLOSES. All students who visited campus on 1/31 must respond.

March

Mar 1 -  Transcript requests due for all Dec. 1 - Jan. 5 college deadlines

Mar 1 -  ASVAB Registration begins via Google Form

Mar 7 - BOCES Campus make-up visit

Mar 22 - Counselors complete individual scheduling request appointments