School Counseling
- Welcome to School Counseling
- Counseling Staff
- Meeting with your Counselor
- Grade 9
- Grade 10
- Grade 11
- Grade 12
- College Fairs & Open Houses
- College Resources
- College Representatives
- Forms
- Internship Opportunities at SHS
- Internships Outside of SHS
- Naviance Student
- Post High School Planning
- Program of Studies & School Profile
- Scholarships
- Student Athletes/NCAA
- Standardized Testing
- Transcript Requests
- Working Papers/Employment Opportunities
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 | |
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Jane Ellen Peregrin
Student Assignments (last name) Grade 9 .......Pathways Grade 10 .....Pathways Grade 11 ......Pathways Grade 12 ..... Y - Z + Pathways
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Amanda Tornaquindici
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Meredith Girardi School Counselor
Student Assignments (last name) Grade 10 ....Crb - Gra Grade 11 .....Ciril - Fa Grade 12 .....Cas - Fl
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Paula Garza School Counselor
Student Assignments (last name) Grade 10 ....Grb - Kna + GHAA Grade 11 .....Fb - Hi + GHAA Grade 12 .....Fle - Kn + GHAA
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Sandy Vollaro School Counselor
Student Assignments (last name) Grade 10 ....Knb - Mel Grade 11 .....Hj - Li Grade 12 .....Ko - Meh |
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Donna Cannon School Counselor
Student Assignments (last name) Grade 10 ...Mem - Ric Grade 11 ....Lj - Pal Grade 12 ....Mei - Pe
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Greg Stillman School Counselor
Student Assignments (last name) Grade 10 ....Rid - Som + ABC Grade 11 .....Pam - Sch + ABC Grade 12 .....Pf - Stei + ABC
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Pamela Sickinger School Counselor
psickinger@simsburyschools.net Student Assignments (last name) Grade 10 ...Son - Z Grade 11 ....Sci - Z Grade 12 ....Stej - X
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TBD Administrative Assistant
Counselor Assignments Jane Ellen Peregrin Pam Sickinger Greg Stillman |
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Jenny Belliveau Administrative Assistant
jbelliveau@simsburyschools.net Counselor Assignments 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.
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
Sophomore Parent Letter - September 2019
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:
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
SENIOR Parent Letter - August 2019
SENIOR PARENT'S NIGHT was September 5th - Click here to view presentation.
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
College visits will be held virtually and posted weekly in Naviance. If you are interested in attending, please sign up in Naviance and you will be provided with a link to attend the virtual visit.
We ask that college representatives sign up through RepVisits by visiting https://repvisits.com 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
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 (Style 1)
Resume Template (Style 2)
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
- Cappex.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
http://www.trade-schools.net/locations/connecticut-schools-directory.asp
http://www.lincolncollegene.edu
http://www.goodwin.edu/default_full.asp
Program of Studies & School Profile
Scholarships
The 2021 Local Scholarship Application available online for all seniors.
This one application enables students to be eligible for numerous scholarships provided by so many generous members in our community. The scholarships are based on a range of criteria such as: extracurricular activities, community service, athletics, performing arts, leadership, college majors, and good character. Financial need is also a factor for some scholarships, so students who want to be considered for those must attach a copy of the Student Aid Report from FAFSA showing the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).
All information provided on the scholarship application is held in the strictest confidence by the Scholarship Committee.
A link to the application is available by clicking here.
Only one application is necessary in order to be considered for all of the scholarships that are offered.
Scholarships will be awarded during a ceremony in June. Deadline: Friday, February 5th, 2021.
A complete list of SCHOLARSHIPS
available in Naviance
Please check Naviance for a list of scholarships as it is updated often.
Student Athletes/NCAA
You can now view the NCAA Program (that took place on December 15) on YouTube.
2020-2021 NCAA Eligibility Center Brochure
Guide to Division I Eligibility Requirements
Guide to Division II Eligibility Requirements
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)
2021 AP Exam Schedule: Monday May 3rd - Friday May 14th, 2020
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery will be administered at SHS on February 22nd. Register for the test here. There is no fee for this exam.
PSAT (10th, 11th grade)
Parents of Sophomores and Juniors
PSAT scores will be available online on December 8th on the College Board website (www.collegeboard.org) Students must have a College Board account in order to access their scores. If students do not have an account they should go to the College Board website and follow instructions to create a new account. Students with an existing account should not create another one.
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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Skl8Q96EbI
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.
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
March 24, 2021
Saturday Administration at SHS
June 5, 2021
Saturday administration (SHS hosting)
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
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.
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.
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:
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 Jenny Belliveau.
Please allow one week for processing.
**Please email your requests at this time**
There is a $4 processing fee for each transcript requested. Cash or check (made out to Simsbury High School) are accepted. (this fee will be waived while not in school due to the Covid-19)
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:
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.
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
- Permitted Occupations/Working Hours for 14 & 15 year olds
- Permitted Occupations/Working Hours for 16 & 17 year old minors
- Permitted Occupations/Working Hours for persons under 18 ENROLLED IN and not graduated from a secondary institution
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!
To our SHS students and families ...
STUDENT ORIENTATION & COURSE SELECTION pROGRAM
The two PowerPoint presentations from the Student Orientation and the 504 Section meetings are below. If any families have questions please do not hesitate to call our office at 860-658-0451 x310.
Flyer - Student Orientation and Course Selection
College ADmissions Webinar: Who Gets INto College and WHY?The SHS School Counseling department (in conjunction with Avon and Farmington High Schools) is hosting a webinar on March 3 at 7:00 pm with bestselling author, Jeff Selingo. Jeff immersed himself in the world of college admissions to answer the question: how do colleges select their freshman class? The result is his new book “Who Gets In and Why: A Year Inside College Admissions.” In this conversation with Avon, Farmington and Simsbury High Schools, Jeff will dispel the entrenched notions of how to compete and win at the admissions game, reveal why families have much to gain by broadening their notion of what qualifies as a “good" college, and explain how the pandemic will impact admissions. Following the conversation there will be time for questions and answers.
Register in advance for this webinar here.
By registering for this event, you agree to share the information with Avon, Simsbury and Farmington High Schools and Jeff Selingo.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information (link included) about joining the webinar.
The Joe Lieberman Connecticut Scholarship Program Is accepting applications. The first 500 applications received will be processed, so apply early. It is a $1500 renewable scholarship that will be granted each year at any two or four year college or vocational technical school. Details are in Naviance.
Additional scholarship opportunities can also be found in Naviance.
All Juniors and Seniors:
The Bristol Technical Education Center will be having a series of "Virtual Open House" events on the dates and times noted on our website:
https://bristol.cttech.org/admissions/
Bristol Tech accepts students entering grade 11, 12, and post-graduates.