Welcome
To the [virtual] Amador Valley Counseling Office!
We are so glad you're here!
Local Scholarships
Seniors! Check out the local scholarship opportunities available to you. They often have less competition and we highly encourage you to apply!
List of scholarships and their deadlines
ALL SENIORS MUST EITHER FILE THE FAFSA OR DREAM ACT APPLICATION BY 4/2/23 OR SUBMIT THE OPT-OUT FORM BY 4/12/24 TO THEIR HIGH SCHOOL’S COUNSELING OFFICE.
In consideration of the challenges students and families have experienced since the launch of the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) the state filing deadline has been extended from April 2 to May 2, 2024. CA colleges are encouraging students to complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as soon as possible, but before the state deadline.
SENIORS APPLYING FOR THE SEAL OF CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Senior students should've received email communication regarding how to apply for the Seal of Civic Engagement. The information is also below.
Each year, the California Department of Education empowers us to recognize graduating seniors by awarding the State Seal of Civic Engagement. The purpose of this Seal is to recognize young people who are already participating in and knowledgeable about our democracy and to encourage, and create pathways for, pupils in elementary and secondary schools to become civically engaged in democratic governmental institutions at the local, state, and national levels.
The definition of Civic Engagement is:
In a constitutional democracy, productive civic engagement requires knowledge of the history, principles, and foundations of our American democracy, and the ability to participate in civic and democratic processes. People demonstrate civic engagement when they address public problems individually and collaboratively and when they maintain, strengthen, and improve communities and societies. …
Civics is not limited to the study of politics and society; it also encompasses participation in classrooms and schools, neighborhoods, groups, and organizations. …Civics enables students not only to study how others participate, but also to practice participating and taking informed action themselves.—California History–Social Science Framework
In order to be eligible to for the Seal of Civic Engagement, students must:
Be engaged in academic work in a productive way;
Demonstrate a competent understanding of United States and California constitutions; functions and governance of local governments; tribal government structures and organizations; the role of the citizen in a constitutional democracy; and democratic principles, concepts, and processes;
Participate in one or more informed civic engagement project(s) that address real-world problems and require students to identify and inquire into civic needs or problems, consider varied responses, take action, and reflect on efforts;
Demonstrate civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions through self-reflection; and
Exhibit character traits that reflect civic-mindedness and a commitment to positively impact the classroom, school, community and/or society.
To apply for the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, complete the STUDENT APPLICATION by April 26th, 2024.
For any questions, please contact Ryan Kelly at rkelly@pleasantonusd.net
UPDATES
FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION REQUIRED
Students are required to complete the financial aid application (FAFSA or CADAA) before April 2nd. If you'd like to opt out, please fill out this form and return it to the counseling office by April 12th.
In consideration of the challenges students and families have experienced since the launch of the redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) the state filing deadline has been extended from April 2 to May 2, 2024. CA colleges are encouraging students to complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as soon as possible, but before the state deadline.
FINANCIAL AID NIGHT - A VIRTUAL EVENT FOR PUSD SENIORS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Learn about the New FAFSA and the CADAA from our Las Positas Specialist on this recording.
COLLEGE NIGHT FOR JUNIOR (VIRTUAL)
Juniors! Check out this information as you start thinking about and preparing for college applications during your senior year. Our district College & Career Counselor, Ms. Jones, put together some amazing SLIDES and the slideshow with voiceover. for you to check out.
The FAQs are linked on the last slide, but here they are separately.
ALAN HU FOUNDATION WEBINAR - STRENGTH-BASED PEDAGOGY TO ENGAGE ALL STUDENTS
“Join us for the opportunity to learn about cutting edge new research to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of neurodivergent, and twice-exceptional learners (high ability students with learning challenges) by focusing on their strengths and interests. For the last five years, a team of researchers has been studying the ways in which we can educate and support neurodivergent, twice-exceptional students with autism who have succeeded academically and are attending highly competitive universities to pursue their dreams. Learn about which strength-based strategies worked best and how these were implemented at school and at home in this uplifting and positive keynote,” said Dr. Reis.
The free webinar will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, from 5:00 – 6:00 pm PDT via Zoom. It will include 15 minutes for questions and answers following Dr. Reis’s presentation. REGISTER HERE.
AMADOR VALLEY SCHOLARSHIPS, INC WEBSITE IS LIVE!
This is one of our top two local scholarship providers and some scholarships are only open top Amador students. So please apply as it's a great opportunity for our Amador students. Applications are due 22 March. Click on this link for the website.
AVSI scholarships are available to students not only going to 4 year colleges and universities but also to vocational/technical schools and Community Colleges.
COLLEGE & CAREER NEWSLETTER
Here is the link to the March newsletter.
APRIL COUNSELING NEWSLETTER
Here is the counseling newsletter for April.
COUNSELOR EVALUATION FORM
Seniors wanting to request a counselor evaluation must fill out the Google Form here. Be mindful of your college's deadline and make sure you ask your counselor ahead of time. Please email your counselor and let them know that you filled out the evaluation form.
BILINGUAL AND WANT TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY? SIGN UP FOR THE PUSD BILINGUAL VOLUNTEER REGISTRY!
PUSD is a diverse school district with families from around the world. With more families coming from other countries, we're creating a registry of community members who are bilingual (English and any other language) that are willing to partner with families who may need support with translation/interpretation as they learn English or are looking to get connected with families who share their background. Registering through this form is not a guarantee that you will be connected with another family and you may opt out at any time or if you are unable to assist a family depending on their needs. This registry is open to current and former PUSD families, in addition to community members who are interested in supporting our students and their families.
QUICK LINKS
IT'S SO NICE TO MEET YOU!
COUNSELORS
SUPPORT STAFF
PARENT LIAISONS
AMADOR COUNSELING SERVICES
Academic Advising
Learn more about high school courses, discuss concerns in current classes (individual four year planning is not available, but workshops are available during ACCESS in January and February)
Academic Support
Tips for organization, preparing for exams, how to deal with test anxiety, goal setting, etc.
College & Career Planning
Help finding your interest areas, explore possible careers, and future education paths (college advising meetings are contingent on attending prior workshops first)
Social/Emotional Support
A safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space to discuss personal issues related to family, friends, relationships, etc.
Commitment to Equity in Education
The Amador Valley Counseling team embraces equity, inclusion, and social justice as pillars of excellence that are critical to personal development, community well-being, and organizational growth during high school. Each counselor strives to cultivate a culture of authenticity and actively build a community that is comprised of members that bring diversity in their background, culture, and life experiences. We nurture "telling our truths" about the impact of bias, marginalization, and discrimination, and of listening to and accepting this feedback as resource for growth, at the individual and institutional level. This work is urgent, our efforts will be continuous, and we will always be learning. We know and accept that we will make mistakes and we will own our responsibility for restorative action. We hold ourselves and one another accountable to the commitments and expectations in this statement.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please contact the Pleasanton PD at (925) 931-5100, call 911, or take them to the nearest emergency room.
Alameda County 24 Hour Crisis Support Line:
Call (800) 309-2131
Call (800) 309-2131
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Network:
Call or Text 988
Call or Text 988
Crisis Text Line:
Text "HOME" to 741741
Text "HOME" to 741741
Teen Text Line (4pm-11pm Daily):
Text "SAFE" to 20121
Text "SAFE" to 20121
Please donate to our Wellness Center future fund here. It funds our wellness programs and wellness week events.
Follow us on Instagram @avhs_counselors
