Counselors' Corner: December 11, 2020

School Counseling Team

Terry Kennedy (A-E) l Kennedy@wlake.org l (440) 250-1012

Chelsea Litten (F-L) l LittenC@wlake.org l (440) 250-1041

Dana Bail (M-Q) l BailD@wlake.org l (440) 250-1010
College and Career Coordinator

Molly Pellerite (R-Z) l PelleriteM@wlake.org l (440) 250-1009


Lisa Whiteselll
WhitesellL@wlake.org l (440) 835-6375
Counseling Secretary

Mark Your calendar

  • December 12 - National ACT Test

  • December 16 - CSU Instant Decision Day! (info below)

  • December 16 - College Reps from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics are presenting (Register in Naviance!)

  • December 17 - Virtual Senior Scholarship Presentation @ 1:30 (details below)

  • December 17 - 'Comeback Kit' Drop-Off @ Bay Presbyterian (info below)

  • January 12 - Virtual Parent Meeting: Updated Graduation Requirements Class of 2021/2022

  • January 13 - Virtual Parent Meeting: Updated Graduation Requirements Class of 2023

  • January 14 - Virtual Parent Meeting: Updated Graduation Requirements Class of 2024

  • January 15 - BGSU Applications due to meet Scholarship Priority Deadline

  • January 21 - End of 2nd Quarter

  • January 26 - 10th Grade PSAT

  • January 27 - CCP/AP/IB Student/Parent Informational Meeting

  • March 1 - West Shore Career Tech Applications DUE - APPLY HERE!

  • March 13 - Indiana Tech Virtual EXPLORE Opportunity

CSU Instant Decision Day

The Counseling Department is once again hosting an Instant Decision Day with Cleveland State University! On Wednesday, December 16th a CSU admissions officer will be available to meet virtually with students to review applications and give them an admissions decision that day! Signup if you're interested and make sure to follow the directions below. Reach out to Mrs. Bail with any questions or for more information.


HOLIDAY DRIVE-THRU & DONATE PROGRAM

“Comeback Kits” In partnership with Bay Food Ministry and The City Mission

Thursday, December 17th from 6:00-8:00pm Bay Presbyterian Church—25415 Lake Road, Bay Village

Our Youth volunteers will be accepting your donations! All items collected will be distributed throughout Northeast Ohio to those who have experienced a setback in life. Carside drop-offs will be accepted at the main entrance of the church. No need to leave your vehicle! Our Young Leaders will bring your donations into the church!

ITEMS NEEDED INCLUDE:

BATHROOM PRODUCTS - CLEANING SUPPLIES - PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS - GIFT CARDS (FAST FOOD OR GROCERIES) - KITCHEN ITEMS - NEW CLOTHES/LINENS (TOWELS, BEDSHEETS, BLANKETS) - NEW SOCKS/UNDERWEAR (ALL SIZES)

For more information or to sign up to volunteer, please contact Noreen Kyle @ (440) 336-2371 or noreenk@cityofbayvillage.com

~roadtrip nation~

Roadtrip Nation started in 2001 with a group of friends who took a roadtrip in their bright green RV looking to find their life paths. Since then, the Roadtrippers have interviewed local, national, and international leaders including Wanda Sykes, Questlove, and Margaret Cho, and have compiled an interview archive with thousands of videos just for you! We've gone on 52 road trips and interviewed 984 leaders creating 8202 videos on struggle, triumph, and self discovery that have been broken into 48 themes and 29 interests.

The Roadtrip Nation Interview Archive is available now in your Naviance Student account. Explore the career interview archive and watch as the Roadtrippers travel in their Green RV and hear advice from leaders who share about how to make a living doing what you love.


--> Sign into Naviance through the Clever Portal

--> Select 'Careers'

--> Pick 'Roadtrip Nation' from the drop down menu

--> EXPLORE!

special Senior Scholarship presentation

Ms. Pellerite will walk senior students through the scholarship application process! Join the presentation via the Class of 2021 Google Classroom Meet Link on Thursday, December 17th @ 1:30p.

scholarship opportunities

StudentScholarships.org keeps a running list of available scholarships for Ohio students. Click Here to view their list, complete applications and register to get their monthly newsletter of new scholarships!

counseling google classrooms

The Counseling Team recently created a Google Classroom for each grade level as a one-stop-shop for students to have direct access to counseling resources such as a virtual calming room, a list of mental health providers in the area, Naviance tasks, Classroom Guidance Lessons, Career Readiness and College Planning Resources and more! Please see your cohort's access code below.

Class of 2021 - Classroom code ADFQKWT

Class of 2022 - Classroom code: CQRHHGQ

Class of 2023 - Classroom code: NYMURP5

Class of 2024 - Classroom code: L6JADVY

new BGSU Scholarships!

Bowling Green State University recently announced the receipt of a transformational $1 million gift from the Owens Corning Foundation to create scholarships for underrepresented students in the School of the Built Environment within BGSU’s College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering.

The Owens Corning Scholars Program will support students studying architecture, construction management or other majors in the building sciences field.

Speaking of scholarships, seniors, please remember apply to BGSU by Jan. 15 to be considered for the University Freshman Academic Scholarship. Another opportunity is The Robert and Ellen Thompson Scholarship Program for Working Families for students interested in community service hours.

Finally, I want to share this handy scholarship sheet with you that shows prospective students all of BGSU's current scholarships!

The Counseling Department has put out a Virtual Club Fair for students and parents to navigate through and find some ways to actively engage in the Westlake High School Community. Check out all the different options here!

Naviance: chats with colleges

The pandemic has caused students to completely shift their college search process. During this time, students and families need college search advice directly from the source — college admission leaders — to help navigate the process.

Chats with Colleges by Naviance, a new video series on approaching the college search while at home, is intended to serve as a resource to guide students and families during an already stressful process. Whether students are considering the college featured in the video or not, the guidance is still relevant in this new environment.

~Featured Schools~

Miami University - Oxford - Hear from Bethany Perkins at Miami University (OH) about how students can take advantage of the wealth of opportunities they have to explore colleges virtually.

Iona College - Kevin O’Sullivan from Iona College discusses the current trends in students’ college decision making process, and how students and parents are adapting their search and decision process to the new global pandemic.

Oregon State University - Chat with Jon Boeckenstedt from Oregon State University about how they’re supporting students during their college search as well as some advice for students on approaching the college essay.

Dickinson College - Hear from Greg Moyer at Dickinson College about how they’re supporting students and families through the college search process.

Have homework questions?!

tutors are available to help!

Contact your School Counselor today & we will set you up with a peer tutor!

Take the daily 5...

...to take care of yourself!

How To BEat Midterm Mania!

Are you in the throes of Midterm Mania? You’re not alone! It may feel like the stakes are high, but midterms exams don’t have to be stressful. Here’s a roundup of study strategies from the Princeton Review that will help you prepare for test day.

1. Speak up.

Your teachers should your very first stop when getting ready for midterms. Make sure you're asking the right questions to get the information you need about the exam. Here’s a quick list of questions you should confirm for each class: Will the teacher be providing a review packet or holding an in-class review session? Will there be after-school opportunities for more review?

  • Will the midterm test material from the whole year so far or just the most recent material?

  • What is the format of the exam?

  • How many points is the exam worth?

  • What study suggestions does your teacher have?

2. Make a midterm study schedule.

We know it feels as though you’re doing nothing but studying. But you can actually spend less time studying for midterms if you make a plan. Once you know what’s going to be on the exam, make a list of what topics or question types you need to cover and when you’re going to cover them. Make sure you study a little each night from now until the midterm.

3. Ready to study? Start with your notes and tests.

While you’re at it, gather up any handouts or worksheets. If your midterm exam covers material from the whole year, then your previous tests will help you see what your teacher thinks is important. (Plus, you can learn from your past test mistakes). If the quality of your notes is less than stellar, vow to change your ways!

4. Form a study group.

If your note taking skills really are subpar, it’s a great idea to partner up with a classmate who has got this skill down. In exchange, offer to help transfer his or her notes to flashcards or to take on another part of a group project. Study groups can also help you study more efficiently—dividing and conquering a chapter outline, for example, can help all of you prepare.

5. Stay positive.

Test anxiety is real. A smart plan, focused studying, and a calm morning are your best plan of attack.

the ohio admission promise

INTRODUCING THE OHIO ADMISSION PROMISE

Just announced! Qualifying fall 2021 applicants can receive automatic general Ohio University admission to the Athens campus along with, at minimum, a $2,000 renewable scholarship. To qualify for the OHIO Admission Promise, students must:

  • Submit their application by January 15, 2021 (application fee waived!)

  • Send their high school transcript showing that they've earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a strong college prep curriculum

  • Enroll in fall 2021 as a full-time, first-year, degree-seeking student on the Athens campus.

And, to receive the OHIO Admission Promise Award, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and ensure their results are received by the priority deadline of January 15, 2021. Visit our website for more information and frequently asked questions.

Be the generation to serve, inspire and change the world!

Through Student Leaders®, Bank of America recognizes high school students who lead and serve in their own communities and beyond. We connect Student Leaders to tools and resources to help make communities better. As a Student Leader, you will:

  • Work as a paid intern at a local nonprofit for eight weeks

  • Attend the weeklong Student Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.*

  • Develop leadership and career skills

  • Connect with like-minded students from your own community and across the country


*In-person events will be in line with local and national guidelines around gatherings and travel and may be subject to change.

UPDATED Graduation requirements

The Ohio Department of Education has established a new set of criteria for the classes of 2021-2024. The district took the information from the State and simplified it for students and parents. You can find the information here. We plan on hosting Google Meet information sessions. We will send the google meet links to families in January. In the meantime, you can contact your student’s counselor with questions. The meetings dates will be:


Class of 2021/2022- January 12 7-8 pm

Class of 2023- January 13 7-8 pm

Class of 2024- January 14 7-8 pm