Counselor's Corner (Guidance Newsletter)

Course Selection Process

Program of Studies

January 2024 School Choice Letter & Forms

Transcript Request

College Board (SATs & College Searches)

Common App (for college applications)

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

VSAC Gear-Up
VSAC GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programming) is a U.S. Department of Education federally funded program.

Upward Bound
During the academic year, Upward Bound students receive academic counseling and support, study skills training, and other services to help them fine-tune their academic skills and confidence.

Scholarships

2023-2024 List of Scholarships

www.fastweb.com

www.scholarships.com

www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org

2024-2025 School Profile

Class of 2023 Senior Destination Survey Summary

The High School Counselor Can Help A Student:

• Assess Strengths and Limitations

• Improve study skills/habits

• Make thoughtful, informed decisions

• Develop Positive Attitudes

• Address Personal Issues (with family, peers, teachers, etc.)

• Choose appropriate Courses

• Discover Talents and Abilities

• Find Further Assistance through a Referral

• Plan For Further Education

• Address a Crisis

• Seek Employment

• Explore Career Choices

• Assist with referrals for IEP, 504 services

Activities may include:

• Classroom presentations

• Small group counseling

• Individual meetings

• Coordinate parent/teacher conferences

• Summer Transition Day (Schedule, Building tour)

The above lists are not all inclusive, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your student’s counselor.

Making an Appointment with the School Counselor

Students should meet with their counselor regularly throughout the year. Students can arrange a meeting with their school counselor by going to the Guidance Office and requesting an appointment from Ms. O'Brien, the Guidance Secretary. 

In the event of a situation where a counselor is needed immediately, Ms. O'Brien can locate the counselor. It is important to keep all appointments that are scheduled, whether they are arranged by the student or the counselor. Parents may also arrange to meet with the school counselor by calling Ms. O'Brien at 265-3636 to make an appointment.

• Brag Sheet

• Senior Autobiography

Scholarships

List of Scholarships

www.fastweb.com

www.scholarships.com

www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org

Financial Aid Information
There are three basic levels of aid: federal, state, and local (College based aid is simply determined and awarded independently of applications.)

• Federal - complete the FAFSA

• State - complete the Vermont State Grant application from VSAC and complete the Scholarship Packet from VSAC.

• Local - Watch for an announcement (coming late February) that guidance has published the list of scholarships offered by local organizations, in memory of individuals, and from various towns.

VSAC has created two videos to help families apply for financial aid. The first video is a step-by-step review of how to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that starts with applying for your FAFSA ID and takes you through the entire online application. Every student who is thinking about continuing their education beyond high school should fill out this critical application that is used to determine federal Pell Grants, college aid, state grants, and even eligibility for loan funds. Students and parents can watch the FAFSA event on Facebook or YouTube.

The second video walks you through – question by question – on how to apply for your Vermont State Grant and how to apply for over 100 scholarships administered by VSAC. The average state grant that eligible students received last year was just over $2,000 so you don’t want to miss out on applying for these funds! The Grants and Scholarships tutorial also is available on Facebook and YouTube.

If you have any questions please see your School Counselor in the Guidance Office.