Natick High School Guidance Department Monthly Bulletin September 2017 Counselors Karen Dalton-Thomas, Department Head Jane Gardner Aimee Cairney/ Mirjam Lengauer Elizabeth Finocchi/Meira Kruskal Randy Garry Alison Gilroy Sharon Greenholt Matthew Strother Brittany Hanna – Guidance/Career Counselor

“By all these lovely tokens, September days are here, with summer’s best of weather, and autumn’s best of cheer” Helen Hunt Jackson September might be considered the “last rose of summer”, yet in the words of John Updike “the breezes taste of apple peel, the air is full of smells to feel – ripe fruit, old footballs, burning brush, new books, erasers, technology and such!” The Natick High Guidance Department is thrilled to welcome you all back to a new and exciting school year. Some time ago we began publishing a monthly newsletter, to provide parents, caregivers, faculty and students with a brief guide to the month ahead, and highlight important events and engagements by grade. We invite you to peruse the entire document and especially the class specific information. From experience we know students (and faculty) begin the year with goals, objectives and aspirations, so perhaps it is apropos to paraphrase a well-known verse that seems to have stood the test of time, and set the stage for 2017-2018: If you think you are beaten, you are; If you think you dare not, you don’t. If you’d like to win, but think you can’t It’s almost a cinch you won’t If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost, For out in the world we find Success begins with a person’s will; It’s all in the state of mind! (And the Guidance Counselors and Administrators are here to support you!) 1

We begin with developments in the Guidance Department. The team is delighted to announce that Ms. Brittany Hanna has expanded her role and duties, and now works full-time as both Guidance Counselor and Career Counselor. Ms. Hanna’s office is in the Guidance Department, and we invite students to check out her new digs! Ms. Hanna’s contact details are [email protected] and 508-647-6400 X1744. Additionally, Ms. Meira Kruskal will be covering Ms. Finocchi’s maternity leave, and we introduce Ms. Mirjam Lengauer who will be looking after Ms. Cairney’s caseload, while she is on maternity leave. As a reminder, guidance counselors use the electronic appointment-scheduling tool, YOU CAN BOOK ME. Students will receive a link to their guidance counselor’s daily schedule, and be able to book a meeting time, and print a pass (up to 2-weeks in advance). YOU CAN BOOK ME works intuitively with Google Calendar, and makes it much easier to check counselor availability. Please email Ms. Dalton-Thomas, Department Head, directly if you wish to see her. Parents/guardians will continue to call or email to plan their meetings with all guidance counselors. All students are now able to access their current schedules through iStudent. Parents and caregivers should ensure they have created an iParent account to check their child’s grades and access Progress Reports over the coming year. Our first evening program is on September 14th (7:00-8:30 pm), for parents and guardians of freshmen and transfer students. The School-wide Summer Reading conversations will take place on September 15th and our Early Release Day is on September 27th. September is also the month for Officer Elections for the Class of 2021 and we are especially pleased to receive our Swiss Exchange Students. No doubt, we are off to a tremendous start! The Natick High School Department of Guidance and Counseling Directory of Resources The Guidance Department has compiled a Directory of Resources. This tool is your onestop shopping, for contacting Administrative Staff, Department Heads, Support Staff, Counselors and more personnel within the Natick High Building. It also includes the Call in Absence line.

A big warm welcome to the Class of 2021!!! We enjoyed meeting so many of you at Orientation on the eve of the first day of school. Our program included building tours, opportunities to learn important details of navigating life at Natick High, and opportunities for discussions and fun activities, led by upperclassmen and faculty.

The Guidance Department looks forward to meeting with all freshmen again later this month to continue to provide advice and tips for making the most of your experience at Natick High. These meetings will be held during CDS block on the following dates:   

Tuesday, Sept. 13th for students with last names A-F. Monday, Sept. 19th for students with last names G-M. Friday, Oct. 2nd for students with last names N-Z. 2

Freshman parents, we hope to see you soon, too! Our Freshmen and Transfer Parent Evening program will be held on Thursday, September 14th at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. A short program will be offered by administration and guidance counselors with a Q & A session following.

In addition to these upcoming programs, we also can’t wait to get to know each of our new students individually. Students with schedule questions should meet with their counselors as soon as possible, and all freshmen are encouraged to come by their counselor’s office to say hello!

Mark your calendars! Practice ACT Saturday October 14th 2017 Natick High School 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM Sophomores will have the opportunity to take an ACT practice test at no cost offered through our partnership with Kaplan, while Juniors will take the College Board PSAT test. Below is a resource for you: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html

Introducing - Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) What is Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership?  

One of the nation’s foremost nonprofit youth leadership development organizations. The HOBY mission is to inspire and develop a global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. 3

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The HOBY Vision is to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society through understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership. Core Values include - Volunteerism, Integrity, Excellence, Diversity and Community Partnership. Each Spring HOBY conducts 70+ leadership seminars throughout the United States and internationally, in many countries such as Canada, Mexico, China, Israel, Korea, Taiwan and Bolivia. Over 9,000 high school sophomores are selected annually, as HOBY Ambassadors from their respective schools, across the country and participate in HOBY State Leadership Seminars. HOBY Ambassadors have the distinction of representing their school and state. This year Natick High School may nominate three HOBY Ambassadors. HOBY Leadership Seminars prepare high school sophomores to become effective and ethical leaders.

How to be selected as a HOBY Ambassador?  

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Sophomore students are encouraged to apply! The application process will consist of writing an essay, “In 1-2 pages (max), please describe the most rewarding and challenging aspect of being a leader in your school and community.” The essay should be submitted to Mr. Garry or Ms. Greenholt in the Guidance Department or your Guidance Counselor by 2:30 p.m. on Monday (Blue 1), November 6, 2017 (Start of Term 2). A student will be selected based on demonstrated or potential leadership ability and exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics: Outstanding oral/ written communication skills Critical/ creative thinking and creative problem solving Decision making skills Sensitivity to the needs/ concerns of others Leadership qualities Courage to speak out for one’s beliefs and challenge authority Participation/ interest in community service activities.

The results will be announced during the week of November 20th 2017. The 2018 MA HOBY Seminar will be held from June 15th - 17th 2018 at Bentley University in Waltham, MA. The registration fee is $338 and the process will be discussed with the candidates who are selected. The seminar is a high-energy three-day program, which focuses on three phases of leadership– personal leadership, group leadership and leadership for society. If you would like more information please speak with Mr. Garry or Ms. Greenholt in the Guidance Department and visit http://www.maHOBY.org/ or www.hoby.org. Remember you have to be in it, to win it. Good luck!

Most of college planning occurs during the junior year. Juniors will be scheduled for guidance seminar during term 3 of second semester. Seminars will have a strong focus on the college planning process. We will cover topics such as standardized testing, building a college list, reviewing factors considered in the admission process, and using the Naviance program to name a few.

While every year is important, the junior year is the most recent reflection of a student’s academic work when they are applying to college. It’s never too late to get focused and start making positive academic strides. 4

Mark your calendars! PSAT Day Saturday October 14th 2017 Natick High School 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM For the 2017 school year Natick High School will offer the PSAT test on Saturday October 14 th 2017. The district will continue to offer this test to juniors at no charge. Below are a few resources for you: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/about

Seniors will be meeting with their counselors in Guidance Seminars throughout term one. We will review topics such as the senior college calendar, testing, the Common Application, how to request a transcript, teacher recommendations, and essay writing. Any student with early application deadlines should schedule an appointment to see their Guidance Counselors before the end of September. Students are asked to submit their first transcript request at least three weeks prior to their earliest deadline date.

Please note that students with a January 1, 2018 deadline must submit their transcript request to Guidance by December 1, 2017 to ensure timely submission of their college materials.

College Conferences: College representatives will be visiting the high school throughout the fall. Students can view a list of all scheduled conferences, and register through their Naviance/Family Connection account. Conferences are scheduled for either 7:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. We encourage students to attend conferences for those schools they are interested in or intend to apply to. This provides a great opportunity to share and receive information as well as network with college representatives. For information on how to sign up please click here. College Visitations: We encourage students to continue to visit colleges throughout the fall. For students electing to utilize this opportunity, the Campus Visit Form must be completed and submitted to the front office. For non-observing seniors, Rosh Hashanah is a great time for college visits. Prior to your visit, print the Campus Visit Form to get signed/stamped by the college for an excused absence. 5

Registration deadlines for the October SAT and ACT are fast approaching. Students must register at www.collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org. Students are responsible for sending their standardized test scores through their College Board and/or ACT account. September 9th ………… ACT: registration deadline has passed October 7th …………….. SAT: 9/8 registration deadline (9/19 late registration) October 28th ………….. ACT: 9/22 registration deadline (10/6 late registration) November 4th………….. SAT: 10/5 registration deadline (10/17 late registration) Natick High School will offer the SATs on site on October 7th and will also offer the ACTs on site on October 28th. Students who wish to take the exams at NHS are advised to register early as we do fill up as a test site. Coming October 3rd TEC FALL 2017 COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday October 3, 2017 at Waltham High School, 6:30-8:30pm For more information and a list of attending schools PLEASE CLICK HERE

The NHS Career Counselor, Mrs. Hanna, is now located in the guidance suite. Be sure to stop by and say “hi!” and introduce yourself. For more information, please visit: College & Career Readiness Website The Career and College Readiness Center offers:  Senior Internship Program  Work-Study Program  Community Service Opportunities  Dual Enrollment (at local colleges)  Job Placement & Application Assistance  Resume Writing  Interview Skills  Job Shadows  Career Exploration Seniors The Senior Internship Informational Presentation will be held Friday, November 17th, 2017 (Blue 1) at 7:30am in the auditorium. Visit the Internship website → http://www.natickps.org/NatickHigh/Guidance/CareerPlanning/Seniors.cfm The Senior Internship Program is an intensive learning experience that provides opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills related to the work force. Seniors participate in the internship program from the beginning of April to mid-May, ending the program with a showcase presentation. Stay tuned for more information to come regarding program expectations, how to sign-up and identifying internship sites. Community Service: Community Service: All NHS students are required to complete 30 hours of Community Service in order to graduate. Please visit the Community Service Website for more information and to print the Community Service Form required to receive credit.

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Employment: Various employment opportunities for students are available in the community. To learn about these and many more opportunities visit the Employment Opportunities Website Work Study: All students currently in the Work Study Program will meet with Mrs. Hanna in September to review the contract and guidelines. Bright Outlook Occupation of the Month Hospitalists Provide inpatient care predominantly in settings such as medical wards, acute care units, intensive care units, rehabilitation centers, or emergency rooms. Manage and coordinate patient care throughout treatment.

Guidance Events for September 4

Labor Day, School Closed

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ACT's not @ NHS

14

Freshmen/Transfer Parent Coffee

10

ACT's not @ NHS

21

Rosh Hashanah, School Closed

30

Catalyst SAT Bootcamp

7:00pm

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