School Counseling

Welcome to School Counseling

Welcome to the Simsbury High School Counseling Department. Simsbury High School is a unique school, rich in tradition and spirit. It is a wonderful environment in which to grow academically, personally, and socially. You will be presented with many new and exciting opportunities to explore areas of interest that will help cultivate this growth. It is the philosophy of the School Counseling Department to encourage and promote this exploration as a means of self-inquiry, and as an important tool in the development of self-awareness. We pride ourselves in understanding how individualized the developmental process is for each student and work hard to encourage choices that will help you question your assumptions, challenge your intellect, and stimulate your creativity.

The School Counseling Department is a major hub of Simsbury High School and a primary source of information throughout your high school journey. Our goal is to know our students, know our families, and know the opportunities that exist for you. We look forward to a productive partnership with you, and to providing the necessary support and encouragement through these exciting years.

Greg Stillman
Director of School Counseling

Counseling Staff

Meeting with your Counselor

Students should email their counselors requesting an appointment and include the following information: (email addresses can be found on the Counseling Staff Directory above this page).

student's full name
day/period/time he or she is available to meet (students are not allowed to miss class)
a brief description of what will be discussed

For urgent situations, students may always come to the counseling office without making an appointment and one of the secretaries will assist them.

Grade 9

Things to think about:

What are my talents and strengths?
Am I taking courses that lead to my post high school plans?
In which courses am I particularly strong?
In what areas do I need to build more skills?

Things to do:

Become familiar with graduation requirements.
Develop a Simsbury High School personal file, highlighting academic, extra curricular and community involvement / awards.
Develop a relationship with your counselor and teachers.
Maintain strong academic performance and maintain excellent attendance record.
Keep a record of all grades including tests, homework, papers, etc. in all classes.
Seek assistance or support when needed from teachers and counselor
Talk with teachers, parents, and counselor about your sophomore course selections (late January).
Become involved in an extra-curricular activity, sports, clubs, music volunteer work, etc.
Review finalized 10th grade schedule with counselor in April.

Grade 10

Things to think about:

In which subjects did I excel?
Am I taking courses that lead to my post high school plans?
Am I giving my best to sophomore courses?
Of my unique talents and strengths, which would I most like to develop?
Am I involved in at least one extra-curricular activity or community service?
What potential career/post high school option have I considered?

Things to do:

Update my personal file.
Keep a record of all grades including tests, homework, papers, etc.
in all classes.
Seek assistance from teachers and counselors when needed.
Take the PSAT test in October.
Maintain strong academic performance and maintain excellent attendance record.
Be aware of your graduation requirements.
Talk with your teachers, parents, and counselors about course selections
for Junior year (late January).
Visit counselor to explore post high school plans and interest.
Continue involvement in extra curricular activities.
Review finalized Junior schedule with counselor in April.
Consult with academic teacher and counselor concerning SAT Subject Tests (i.e., AP Biology)

Grade 11

Things to think about:

Junior Year Timeline

Resume:
Template 1
Template 2

Am I taking courses that lead to my post high school plans?
Am I giving my best to Junior course work?
With which teachers have I established a strong rapport? (Potential college/job letters of recommendation).
Which talents or strengths might I want to further develop through college studies or post high school plans?
Which activities will I highlight on my college/job application?

Things to do:

Update my personal file.
Keep a record of all grades including tests, homework, papers, etc. in all classes.
Take the PSAT/NMSQT test in October.
Continue extra curricular activities.
Maintain strong academic performance and an excellent attendance record.
Check your graduation requirements.
Attend Simsbury High School College Fair in April.
Talk with teachers, parents, and counselor about Senior year course selections.
Talk with parents about college needs, interests, etc.
Take SAT School Day in March
Register for SAT (May or June administration).
Attend post high school planning sessions for juniors in February.
Meet with parents and school counselor to discuss post high school plans.
List college choices with counselor.
Consult academic teachers about SAT Subject tests.
If taking an AP course, register for AP Exams (May).
Schedule interviews and college visits for Spring, Summer and/or Fall.
Review Senior schedule with counselor in April.
Continue to explore career options.

Grade 12

Things to think about:

Am I continuing to challenge myself?
Have I written for college catalogues, applications, financial aid information, etc.?
Am I giving my best to senior course work?
Have I obtained enough information about the colleges of my choice and application deadlines?
Am I meeting with my counselor regularly?
Have I made campus visits to my top colleges?

Things to do:

Update my personal file - finalize resume - see counselor.
Register for SAT Reasoning* and SAT Subject Tests; *see counselor before registering.
Maintain strong academic record and attendance.
Check your graduation requirements.
Seek assistance from teacher and counselors when needed.
Continue extra curricular activities and community involvement.
Meet with counselor to finalize post high school planning (September-November).
Meet with college representatives during visits (September - November).
Complete college applications (September - December).
Be aware of deadlines including early decision and early action options.
Complete Local Scholarships application in January.
Attend Financial Aid meetings.
Have parents complete the Financial Aid Form with FAFSA on the web. (Available on October 1)
If taking an AP course, register for AP exams (February).

College Fairs & Open Houses

College Resources

College Representatives

Beginning in September 2021 we will be having in-person visits during the school day and virtual college visits after school hours. College admission counselors interested in a visit should sign up in RepVisits.

We ask that college representatives sign up by going to RepVisits in June and searching Simsbury High School.

For questions about how to register for a visit, please contact Jenny Belliveau at jbelliveau@simsburyschools.net or
860-658-0451 x436.

2022-2023 SHS School Profile

Forms

Internship Opportunities at SHS

Internships Outside of SHS

Naviance Student

Naviance Student is a web-based college and career planning resource designed especially for SHS students and parents. The Counseling Office is able to track and analyze data regarding college and career plans, so it provides up to date information specific to Simsbury High School students.

Access Naviance Student here or go to https://student.naviance.com/simsbury and follow the instructions on the screen to log into your account.

All forms needed by the students are available in Naviance under Document Resources.

Instructions for Matching Naviance with Common App

Family Connection allows students to:

Get involved in the planning and advising process: Build a resume, complete on-line surveys, and manage timelines and deadlines for making decisions about college and careers.
Research colleges: Compare GPA, standardized test scores and other statistics to actual historical data from SHS for students who have applied and been admitted in the past.
Sign up for college visits: Find out which colleges are visiting SHS and sign up to attend those visits.
Search for Scholarships: Use the database to look for scholarships.
Communication: Students can also use the site to send their counselors and college admission representatives emails.

*A student's personal profile and date are confidential and are only accessible to the student, parents, and counselors. College admission offices do not have access to the information in Naviance.

Post High School Planning

Researching Colleges
Selecting a College/Gaining Admission
Categories Regarding College Choices
Points of Caution
Your College Preferences
Factors to Consider
Kinds of Colleges/Universities
Terms
Peterson's College Search
Nat'l Association for College Admission Counseling

College Visits
Obtaining Information
Hints for College Visits
College Visit Report

Interview
The Interview
Interview Questions from Students
Interview Questions from Colleges

Resume
Creating and Uploading your Resume
Resume Template

The Application Application Process
Application Programs/Admissions Decisions
The Common Application

Admissions Decisions
FAIR TEST: Here you will find a listing of colleges and universities that do not require ACT or SAT scores.

The College Essay
College Essay
What Colleges Look For

Financial Aid
How to Pay for College
Additional Tips

IMPORTANT FAFSA INFORMATION - 9/15/16

Helpful Financial Aid Links
Information that encompasses the financial pieces of the college application process is available online.

FAFSA
CSS/Financial Aid Profile
Cap pex.com
Fast Web
SallieMae
U.S. Department of Education Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FinAid: The Smart Student's Guide to Financial Aid
New England Board of Higher Education Regional Student Tuition Discount Program
COLLEGEdata 1st Financial Bank USA online College Advisory Service
www.americorps.org
www.affordablecollegesonline.org/rotc-guide

Gap Year Options

Gap Year Fair
Conard High School
West Hartford , CT

Careers in the Military

https://www.trade-schools.net/locations/connecticut-schools-directory.asp

Connecticut Technical Schools

http://www.porterchester.com

http://www.lincolncollegene.edu

http://www.goodwin.edu/default_full.asp

http://www.lincolnedu.com

www.devry.edu

www.LearnHowToBecome.org

Program of Studies & School Profile

Scholarships

Student Athletes/NCAA

Standardized Testing

ACT

(ACT) American College Test

All four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. accept the ACT, but different institutions place different emphases on standardized tests such as the ACT, compared to other factors of evaluation such as class rank, GPA, and extracurricular activities. The main four tests are scored individually on a scale of 1–36, and a Composite score is provided which is the whole number average of the four scores. Note that a composite score of 32.5 rounds up to a 33.

The most current information on the ACTs (including registrations and test dates) is available at The ACT website www.actstudent.org

AP (Advanced Placement) Exams

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program in the United States and Canada, created by the College Board, which offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students.

American colleges and universities often grant placement and course credit to students who obtain high scores on the examinations. The AP curriculum for each of the various subjects is created for the College Board by a panel of experts and college-level educators in that field of study. For a high school course to have the AP designation, the course must be audited by the College Board to ascertain that it satisfies the AP curriculum. If the course is approved, the school may use the AP designation and the course will be publicly listed on the AP Course Ledger. (Wikipedia.com)

ASVAB

PSAT (9th, 10th, 11th grade)

Parents of Sophomores and Juniors

Khan Academy - College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free practice tests to help students improve academic skills and prepare for the SAT. The practice tests are customized using the students’ actual PSAT results. Students need to link their College Board account with their Khan Academy account if they have not already done so.

For more information about PSAT scores please click on these links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzQ_90fOxeM

If you have any questions after reviewing your student’s score report please contact the student’s school counselor. The PSAT/NMSQT® is highly relevant to your future success because it focuses on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. It measures:

What you learn in high school
What you need to succeed in college

The PSAT/NMSQT measures reading, writing and language, and math skills developed over many years, both in and out of school.

The PSAT/NMSQT does not ask for facts from literature, history, or science, or recall of math formulas, because it measures your reasoning and critical thinking skills.

You don’t have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before.

There is no penalty for guessing.

The test length is 2 hours, 45 minutes.

SAT

Transcript Requests

School Counseling Office Address:

Simsbury High School
School Counseling Office
34 Farms Village Road
Simsbury, CT 06070

860-658-0451 x310
860-658-1576 (fax)
jtittle@simsburyschools.net

ALUMNI:

Release of Records Form

SHS alumni requesting a transcript should
download and complete the release form,
then send it to the School Counseling Office
by fax at 860-658-1576, or email to Jameson Tittle at jtittle@simsburyschools.net

**Please email or fax your requests at this time**

Please provide the following information:

Your full name at the time of graduation
Date of birth
Year of graduation
Where your transcript should be mailed.
Your telephone number/email address in case we need to reach you.

CURRENT SENIORS:

Transcript Release Form

Students requesting a transcript can download the form and submit it to the School Counseling Office. Forms are also available in the School Counseling Office. Please allow two weeks for processing.

Indicate which college you would like your transcript to be sent.
Indicate whether or not you are using the Common Application
Add application deadline and indicate Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, or Rolling Admission.
Include the names of the individuals writing recommendations.
Bring the completed form directly to your School Counselor along with the $4.00 processing fee for each transcript requested. One check is acceptable if there are multiple requests.

Scholarship Release Form

Students requesting a transcript be sent to a scholarship can download this form and submit it to the School Counseling Office. When possible, please provide your scholarship application so that all materials can be submitted together. This form is also available in the School Counseling Office.

Please allow two weeks for processing.

Indicate which scholarship you would like your transcript to be sent, along with the address.
Indicate the scholarship deadline.
List the names of the individuals whose recommendations you'd like to include.
Bring the completed form directly to your School Counselor.

Working Papers/Employment Opportunities

Job Postings are located on the bulletin board outside of the School Counseling Office and updated regularly.

Working papers are required for all 16 & 17 year old minors. Working papers are obtained in the
SHS Main Office upon presentation of a promise of employment from the employer.

Permitted Occupations/Hours of Work

Other information for youth/workers under the age of 18

Questions? Call the Wage & Workplace Standards Division at (860) 263-6791 or visit the Department of Labor website at www.ct.gov/dol

Don't work too long, don't work too late, stay in school, GRADUATE!

	Simsbury High School COunseling Department
	Greg Stillman Director of School Counseling gstillman@simsburyschools.net 860-658-0451 x310 Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .......ABC & Pathways Grade 10 .....ABC & Pathways Grade 11 ......ABC & Pathways Grade 12 ..... ABC & Pathways
	Amanda Tornaquindici School Counselor atornaquindici@simsburyschools.net Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .......A - Carb Grade 10 .....A - Ci Grade 11 ......A - Br Grade 12 ..... A - Cra
	Meredith Girardi School Counselor mgirardi@simsburyschools.net Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 ......Carc - Due Grade 10 ....Cj - Ga Grade 11 .....Bs - Dr Grade 12 .....Crb - Gra
	Paula Garza School Counselor pgarza@simsburyschools.net Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 ......Duf - Hau + GHAA Grade 10 ....Gb - Joh + GHAA Grade 11 .....Ds - H + GHAA Grade 12 .....Grb - Kna + GHAA
	Chris Hall School Counselor chall@simsburyschools.net Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 ......Hav - Lop Grade 10 ....Joi - Mog Grade 11 .....I - Mal Grade 12 .....Knb - Mel
	Donna Cannon School Counselor dcannon@simsburyschools.net Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .....Loq - O Grade 10 ...Moh - Ree Grade 11 ....Mam - Pef Grade 12 ....Mem - Ric
	Sarah Blair School Counselor sblair@simsburyschools.net Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .....P - Se Grade 10 ....Ref - Sp Grade 11 .....Peg - So Grade 12 .....Rid - Som
	Niko Zimmitti School Counselor nzimmitti@simsburyschools.net Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .....Sf - Z Grade 10 ...Sq - Z Grade 11 ....Sp - Z Grade 12 ....Son - Z
	Jameson Tittle Administrative Assistant jtittle@simsburyschools.net Counselor Assignments Sarah Blair Paula Garza Meredith Girardi Niko Zimmitti
	Jenny Belliveau Administrative Assistant jbelliveau@simsburyschools.net Counselor Assignments Donna Cannon Chris Hall Greg Stillman Amanda Tornaquindici

News & Events

SENIORS: Do not miss this free-money opportunity! Last year, scholarships awarded to Class of 2022 seniors totaled nearly $95,000. For more than 30 years, generous Simsbury businesses, organizations, clubs, and families have contributed to scholarships for Simsbury High School students. These awards are only for SHS seniors; criteria include financial need, merit, athletics, outside interests, civic engagement, and community service. Just one application is required for consideration for all scholarships. We encourage all seniors to apply.

The 2022 Local Scholarship Application is now available and will close on February 24, 2023.

Here is the link to apply. This is through your Google account with SHS. https://forms.gle/NVQr8aYP16Fr2chaA

PSAT Scores
Juniors have been given information in their English classes on how to access their PSAT scores via www.collegeboard.org. Please do not try to access scores without your student, as it is important not to create duplicate accounts if students have created one in the past.

SAT Prep Course
The SAT prep company College Planning Partnerships is offering four sections of interactive online SAT classes for Simsbury High School juniors:

Section A: January 17 through March 16, Tue/Thu from 3:30-4:45
Section B: January 17 through March 16, Tue/Thu from 6:30-7:45
Section C: January 23 through March 20, Mon/Wed from 3:30-4:45
Section D: January 23 through March 20, Mon/Wed from 6:30-7:45

College Planning Partnership has seasoned instructors who utilize the online Desmos platform to quickly analyze what questions the classes are finding difficult and to drill down on those difficult topics. The multiple course sections provide flexibility for students to jump into another class if students can't attend their normal class time. Classes are also recorded so that students can go back and review portions of the class, or use it as a makeup.

Last year, SHS students who took this eight-week, interactive online SAT Class improved their scores by an average of 105 points from the PSAT to the SAT.

Simsbury students can sign up for this class at a discounted rate of $499 (reduced from $695) by using the following promo code: SHS2023. The course includes: 20 hours of SAT Prep, the College Board’s The Official SAT Study Guide and CPP’s SAT Study Manual. Register online at http://www.satprepct.com/courses.

College Planning Partnership Flier