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.

Jane Ellen Peregrin
Director of School Counseling

Counseling Staff

	Simsbury High School COunseling Department
	Jane Ellen Peregrin Director of School Counseling jperegrin@simsbury.k12.ct.us 860-658-0451 x310 Student Assignments (last name) Grade 10 .....Y - Z + Pathways Grade 11 ......Ye - Z + Pathways Grade 12 ..... Z + Pathways
	Amanda Tornaquindici School Counselor atornaquindici@simsbury.k12.ct.us Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .......A - Cirik Grade 10 .....A - Car Grade 11 ......A - Cai Grade 12 ..... A - Can
	Meredith Girardi School Counselor mgirardi@simsbury.k12.ct.us Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 ......Ciril - Fa Grade 10 ....Cas - Fl Grade 11 .....Caj - D Grade 12 .....Cao - Fra
	Paula Garza School Counselor pgarza@simsbury.k12.ct.us Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 ......F - Hi + GHAA Grade 10 ....Fle - Kn + GHAA Grade 11 .....E - Hol + GHAA Grade 12 .....Frb - Ho + GHAA
	Sandy Vollaro School Counselor svollaro@simsbury.k12.ct.us Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 ......Hj - Li Grade 10 ....Ko - Meh Grade 11 .....Hom - Man Grade 12 .....Hp - May
	Donna Cannon School Counselor dcannon@simsbury.k12.ct.us Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .....Lj - Pal Grade 10 ...Mei - Pe Grade 11 ....Mao - Pi Grade 12 ....Maz - Re
	Greg Stillman School Counselor gstillman@simsbury.k12.ct.us Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .....Pam - Sch + ABC Grade 10 ....Pf - Stei + ABC Grade 11 .....Pj - Si + ABC Grade 12 .....Rf - Spi + ABC
	Pamela Sickinger School Counselor psickinger@simsbury.k12.ct.us Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .....Sci - Z Grade 10 ...Stej - X Grade 11 ....Sj - Y Grade 12 ....Spj - Y
	Ingrid Coloske Administrative Assistant icoloske@simsbury.k12.ct.us Counselor Assignments Paula Garza Jane Ellen Peregrin Pam Sickinger Greg Stillman
	Jenny Belliveau Administrative Assistant jbelliveau@simsbury.k12.ct.us Counselor Assignments Donna Cannon Meredith Girardi Amanda Tornaquindici Sandra Vollaro

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.

College Representatives

College visits are schedule on the hour and half hour throughout the year, and student's receive permission from their teachers to attends visits that take place during class. Students are also required to sign up in Naviance.

We ask that college representatives sign up through RepVisits by visiting https://repvisits.com and searching Simsbury High School.

For questions about a visit, please contact Jenny Belliveau at jbelliveau@simsbury.k12.ct.us or 860-658-0451 x436

2018-2019 School Profile

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 (ie. AP Biology)

Grade 11

Things to think about:

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

Senior Parent Letter - August 2018

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).

Naviance Student

Naviance Student is a web-based college and career planning resource designed especially for SHS students and parents. Through Family Connection, 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.

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.

College Resources

Senior Year Timeline (Class of 2019)

Building a Well-Balanced College List

Simple Guidelines for Applying to Colleges

The College Search Process

College Admission Testing Information

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

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery is held each January. The 2019 date is Wednesday, February 27th. Students wishing to take the Exam should register in the Counseling Office beginning in February. There is no fee for this exam.

ASVAB Prep Questions

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

College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free practice tests that help students to 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 accounts with their Khan Academy accounts on the College Board web site if they have not already done that.

In addition to the electronic score reports students will receive a paper score report in January. We will distribute these reports along with the students’ test booklets when we receive them from College Board. The information that is contained on the paper score report is the same that can be found on the electronic report. Scores, percentiles, predicted PSAT and SAT scores and a list of skills noting student proficiency and those skills needing more practice are contained in these reports. For more detailed information about PSAT scores please go to this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1pb24jgqAg (You tube) Understanding the PSAT score report

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

School Day for all juniors (State mandated)

March 27, 2019

Saturday Administration at SHS

June 1, 2019

Saturday administration (SHS not hosting)

December 1, 2018
March 9, 2019
May 4, 2019

Test Prep Links:

Princeton Review www.review.com/

College Board www.collegeboard.com/testing/

Ivy Bound Online prep www.ivybound.net/

Revolution Prep www.revolutionprep.com

ClarityEd ClarityEd.com/test-prep

The National Center for Fair & Open Testing

FAIR TEST website

SAT Subject Tests

SAT Subject Tests are given in Literature, American History, World History, and Social Studies, Mathematics-Level I, Mathematics-Level II, French, German, Hebrew, Latin, Italian, Spanish, General Biology, Ecological/Molecular Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. All are one-hour multiple-choice tests. The tests are designed to assess the skills students have developed in a particular subject, their knowledge of the subject, and their ability to apply that knowledge to new materials and situations. Students may take up to three different SAT Subject Tests on one test date.

SAT Subject Tests are hour-long, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel. These are the only national admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your achievements and interests.

SAT Subject Tests allow you to differentiate yourself in the college admission process or send a strong message regarding your readiness to study specific majors or programs in college. In conjunction with your other admission credentials (your high school record, SAT scores, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a more complete picture of your academic background and interests.

Some colleges also use Subject Tests to place students into the appropriate courses. Based on your performance on the test(s), you could potentially fulfill basic requirements or receive credit for introductory-level courses.

There are 20 SAT Subject Tests in five general subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science. Try the free practice questions or download the Getting Ready for the SAT Subject Tests practice booklet.

Also, check out our Frequently Asked Questions to get answers to more specific questions about Subject Tests.

Why take the tests

Some colleges require or recommend that you take SAT Subject Tests. In addition, you can enhance your application, demonstrate knowledge you’ve gained outside the classroom, and potentially place out of introductory courses.

Why Subject Tests might be right for you

Which tests to take

You’ll want to take the tests that are required or recommended by the colleges that you’re interested in. Also consider subjects that you excel in or may want to major in, to showcase your strengths and interests.

How to choose which tests to take

Remember: You cannot take both the SAT Reasoning test
and SAT Subject test on the same date.

Student Athletes/NCAA

2017-2018 NCAA Eligibility Center Brochure

Guide to Division I Eligibility Requirements

Guide to Division II Eligibility Requirements

2017-2018 NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student

NCAA Release Form

College Fairs & Open Houses

College Fair—Monday, April 1, 2019 at Avon High School

Sophomores and Juniors are invited to attend the Avon/Simsbury High School Annual College Fair on Monday, April 1^st from 6:30–8:00 pm at Avon High School. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit with 150 college representatives! Students and parents are invited to attend this valuable night of information! List of participating colleges

Scholarships

A complete list of SCHOLARSHIPS

available in Naviance

The CHET Advance Scholarship for Freshmen and Seniors: This scholarship is an annual program offered by the State Treasurer’s Office to help Connecticut students pay for college. Scholarships are awarded up to $2,500 to 100 seniors and freshmen. Recipients will be chosen through a random drawing and will be notified via email. To apply, please go to www.chetadvance.com Deadline is in October.

Please check Naviance for a list of scholarships as it is updated often.

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)

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, mail or email to jbelliveau@simsbury.k12.ct.us
Please allow one week for processing.

There is a $4 processing fee for each transcript requested. Cash or check (made out to Simsbury High School) are accepted.

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.

Student Job Board

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

Job Opportunities for Students

Child Care/Babysitting Opportunities
Health Care Opportunities
Odd Jobs
Other
Professional Office Job Opportunities
Recreational Job Opportunities
Restaurant Job Opportunities
Retail Job Opportunities
Summer Job Opportunities
Trojan Membership Program
Tutoring

Child Care/Babysitting Opportunities

Childcare Needed

Childcare Needed

EDUCATIONAL PLAYCARE

1 St. John's Place, Simsbury

Part-Time Help Wanted Monday through Friday 3-6PM

Teacher's Aide responsibilities along with light cleaning duties

Pay rate $10.10/hour

Fill out an on-line application at Educationalplaycare.com or call 860-651-9339

Childcare Needed for 9 year old girl in Central Elementary district. Responsibilities include helping with homework and drive to some local activities until parents return home from work.

Needed 5 days per week. Please call Melissa Rubin at 860-798-6920.

Child Care with the YMCA

The YMCA is looking to hire several Teacher’s Aides to fill positions through Granby, East Granby, and Avon. For more information contact Beth Garza, Child Development Director at the YMCA.

beth.garza@ghymca.org
860-653-5524 ext 136

(posted 9/4/18)

Health Care Opportunities

There are no opportunities at this time. Please check back.

Odd Jobs

Homework Help Needed

Just right for a High School student looking for an after-school job. The position is helping students with homework. The hours are 3 pm – 6 pm and the pay rate is $10.10 per hour. Interested students should call or email:

Jamie Cohen: jamie@educationalplaycare.com
(Center Director)

Sara: ssarwar@educationalplayare.com
(Assistant Director)

860-651-9339

Wanted – Kennel help!

Part time at Simsbury Veterinary Hospital. Weekend mornings, holidays and occasional afternoons. Excellent opportunity for a student looking for experience working with animals. Must be at least 16 years old. Call 860-658-5126 (Posted 10/26/18)

Other

Wanted – Kennel help!

Part time at Simsbury Veterinary Hospital. Weekend mornings, holidays and occasional afternoons. Excellent opportunity for a student looking for experience working with animals. Must be at least 16 years old. Call 860-658-5126

(10/26/18)

Professional Office Job Opportunities

Office Position
Farmer's Insurance
Simsbury Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

Office Position

Olympic Taekwondo Academy looking to fill an office position weekdays from 4-7 pm and optional Saturday mornings.

Please call Madeline at 860-418-9801 or email at 2015ota@gmail.com.

Farmer's Insurance

Farmers Insurance Agency

Looking to employ a couple of high school students from 5:00 – 7:00PM to work on phone based appointment setting work.

Please contact Steven Somen at 860-477-3600 or ssomen@farmersagent.com

Simsbury Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry

Simsbury Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry looking for a responsible and well organized person to help support our front office staff.

Light office duties such as filing, preparing new patient chart, restock office supplies, etc.

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays - office is closed Wednesdays and weekends.

$10/hour - After school until closing at 5:00 PM

Please contact Pat at 860-658-7548

Recreational Job Opportunities

There are no opportunities at this time. Please check back.

Restaurant Job Opportunities

Avon Deli
McLean Affiliates - NEW
Part-Time Server
Brewing Opportunities - Dunkin Donuts
Liquid Nirvana - New
People's Choice Pizza

Avon Deli

Dishwasher

Weekend hours: Sat., 7 am - 2 pm; Sun., 8 am - 1:30 pm

Please call Bob at 860-985-6415 for more details

McLean Affiliates - NEW

Business Name
McLean Affiliates

Location
Simsbury

Position
Food Servers and Dishwashers

Qualifications
Must be available 2-3 eves a week with hours every other weekend. Must be dependable.

Hours
4p-7p or 5p-8p eves with day/eve hours every other weekend

Days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Wage
10.10/hour plus an additional $ .50 evenings and 15% additional on weekends

Duties
Serve residents. Miscellaneous kitchen duties. Set up and clean up of dining room.

Contact Information
McLean HR - Jody Smith
860-658-3724

Part-Time Server

Senior Living Community in Avon looking for a server.

Must be able to work weekends, possibly 1 to 2 (4-pm) shifts per week.

GREAT PAY with exciting environment.

Food service experience is a plus - willing to train for the right candidate.

Please come by and fill out an application.

RESIDENCE AT BROOKSIDE
117 Simsbury Road
860-284-5000

Engaging with older adults is a great way to make money and be rewarded at the same time.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INTEREST!

Brewing Opportunities - Dunkin Donuts

Great American Donut, Inc. is the largest Dunkin' Donuts franchisee in Connecticut, operating over 50 Dunkin' Donuts throughout the state. We pride ourselves on offering the highest level of customer service and providing an outstanding work environment for our em-ployees. Whether you are a student who is looking for a flexible schedule or someone career oriented, then this is the place for you!!!

Apply at any of the following locations
or at www.greatamericandonut.com

Simsbury
25 Albany Turnpike
1195 Hopmeadow St
828 Hopmeadow St

Weatogue
142 Hopmeadow St

Canton
140 Albany Turnpike

Granby
7 Mill Pond Rd

Liquid Nirvana - New

Part time after school positions available immediately.

Liquid Nirvana in Avon looking to fill a few part-time after school and weekend positions.

Please call Rosy at 860-404-2479 or email rkapur@cox.net

People's Choice Pizza

People’s Choice Pizza

Looking to hire:

Servers - $6.38/hour plus tips
Hostesses/Phone Staff - $10.10 hour plus tips
Delivery Staff - $10.10 hour
Cooks - $10.10 hour

All positions are part or full time. Please apply in person at

836 Hopmeadow Street

860-651-0090

Retail Job Opportunities

Best Dry Cleaners is Looking for

part-time afternoon customer service positions available immediately.

Please call Debbie Donegan at 860-688-3300 or apply in person at

1227 Hopmeadow Street

Simsbury

Summer Job Opportunities

Trojan Membership Program

There are no opportunities at this time. Please check back.

Tutoring

There are no opportunities at this time. Please check back.

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!

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 (new format updated 12-13-17)
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.