
BRHS School Counseling Newsletter
February 2021
About our Department
The Broad Run School Counseling Department is a team of 14 dedicated individuals working collaboratively to meet the needs of 1,589 students, including teachers and parents. We have an open-door policy, but at times we are needed in meetings or have scheduled appointments with other students and parents. Broad Run counselors support the school in more ways than one. Aside from frequently attending many school events to support their students, other places you may see one of our counselors is coaching wrestling, basketball and baseball! Others sponsor many of our clubs, including We're All Human, LGBTQ+, Muslim Student Association and book club. We are a dedicated team committed to supporting the students in any way that we can.
Some Roles of Broad Run Counselors:
- Working with staff to address obstacles that interfere with students' learning and success.
- Focusing on skill development through a variety of ways, such as small group or individual counseling sessions, classroom guidance, and consultation and coordination with parents, administrators, and teachers.
- Helping students who are experiencing challenges. We do this by focusing on conflict resolution, transitions, study skills, test-taking skills, crisis intervention, bullying prevention, suicide prevention, as well as with the special needs of students.
- Preparing students with post-graduation planning with college visits, career days, internships, scholarships and jobs matching.
- Collaborating with all departments to assure that we are addressing the academic needs and requirements of our students.
BRHS School Counseling Hours
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
Jennie Kroll, Director of School Counseling (PAW - SID - Seniors)
Mollie Stratton, School Counselor (A-BUC)
Chad Obzud, School Counselor (BUD-GL)
Susan Ellis, School Counselor (GO-LEO)
Adity Choudhury, School Counselor (LEP - PAV)
Scott Valyear, School Counselor (PAW-SID - grades 9-11)
Taylor Kewer, School Counselor (SIE-Z)
Dr. Arianna Scott, School Psychologist
Dr. Alloway-Higgins, School Social Worker
Greg Adams, Student Assistant Specialist
Kevin Kozikowski, Testing Coordinator
Leona Days, Career Center Specialist
Laura Pendleton, School Counseling Registrar
Michele Porter, School Counseling Administrative Assistant
Amanda Brougham, Counseling Intern
WELCOME BROAD RUN’S NEWEST COUNSELING SPARTANS!
Susan Ellis- Go-Leo
Hello Broad Run Spartans! I am very excited to be joining the Spartan Family as one of the School Counselors. I am excited to be working with families with the last names starting with GO-LEO. I cannot wait to get to know each of you and help you through this awesome time of High School. I am always here for you, so please feel free to reach out to me at any time for anything you would like to discuss or may need help with.
I was born and raised in Fairfax County, but have called Loudoun County my home for the last 21 years. I live with my husband, two boys and my two dogs! I enjoy doing outdoor activities of all sorts, some of my favorites include, snow skiing, hiking, walking, and being on the beach. I also enjoy reading a good book, spending time with my friends and family as well as occasionally binge-watching Netflix.
Adity Choudhury- Lep-Pav
Hello Spartans! My name is Adity Choudhury and I am stepping into Ms. Keller’s role as your new school counselor at Broad Run (last name Lep – Pav)! Although Distance Learning will prevent me from meeting many of you in-person for now, I’m very excited to connect with, assist, and support each of you during your journey as a Spartan! I understand that this time has also presented new challenges and situations; please don’t hesitate to reach out via email at Adity.Choudhury@lcps.org if you have any questions or concerns. I’m still learning the ropes around here, but I will certainly find a way to answer your question and/or provide you support. Stay safe and I look forward to speaking with you all soon!
Scott Valyear -Paw-Sid Grades 9-11
Hello Broad Run Families…my name is Scott Valyear (aka Mr. V) and I have been a School Counselor for over 30 years. I am delighted to have the opportunity to return Sparta and honored to take over Mrs. Kroll’s caseload. I have nine years’ experience as a Spartan School Counselor and understand the pride and traditions that run deep with the community.
I am from Rochester, New York, but have lived in Winchester, VA for over 30 years. My kids went to Millbrook and I understand life with a teenager! My son, Kevin, is currently the Wing Commander of the Air Force ROTC program at WVU…he will graduate May 15 and then head to pilot school. My daughter, Nicole, is a Freshman and Radford University and is happy to be back on campus. Proud of both those rascals! I umpire high school baseball…avid CAPS fan…enjoy hunting and boating! Gratitude…Acts of Kindness…and Maximum Serve to others are important to me. Looking forward to meeting everyone…I’m a talker!
Course Selection for 9-11 begins February 23rd- March 24th during History classes. Students will receive a calendar invite from their counselor with their assigned time. Please make sure your student goes into Course Requests in StudentVue and chooses their electives for next year. Core classes have already been put into the system. If we do not get to your student during the scheduled time, the counselor’s will reach out individually to select another time.
Upcoming SAT Testing Opportunities
Loudoun County Public Schools is offering weekend test administration for the SAT the following dates:
March 13: Briar Woods, Dominion, Independence, John Champe, and Woodgrove High Schools
May 8: Broad Run and John Champe High School
June 5: Broad Run and Park View High School
Scholarship Information
Getting your FAFSA completed!
Need help understanding how to fill out your FAFSA? Everything you need to know is right here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-UgJXVeV6ILR_g86nDqglKrZ2RowOv6w-kQGcFUIpCM/edit
Financial Aid information is available on our BRHS website: https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/broadrunschoolcounseling/college-career/financial-aid
Transcripts
No need to do anything for mid-year transcripts - they have been sent!
A final transcript will be sent ONLY to the school you will be attending. Stay tuned for your SENIOR SURVEY which must be completed before we send out the final transcript.
Grade 9
Freshmen! We will be meeting individually for course selection during March through history classes. Start taking a look at the course selection courses for electives you might want to take:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GvadM3jfhRn1SxD6rjC3NEdu8fI3wql6/view
Grade 10
Sophomores! Junior year is fast approaching! Be prepared for questions with your counselors during course selection to map out your final years in high school and beyond. In the meantime checkout available courses
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GvadM3jfhRn1SxD6rjC3NEdu8fI3wql6/view
Grade 11
Juniors! It’s that time of year to start thinking about taking the SAT and/or ACT this upcoming Spring/Summer. Visit Collegeboard.org to see available test locations and dates. Reach out to your counselor with any questions!
Save the date: March 25 is RISING SENIOR NIGHT!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GvadM3jfhRn1SxD6rjC3NEdu8fI3wql6/view
Mental Health & Wellness
Mental Health & Wellness Resources
- BRHS School Counseling Website
- BRHS Weekly Newsletter
Should you have a non-emergency mental health question or concern, you can email the school-based mental health professionals at Broad Run High School: BroadRunMentalHealth@lcpsorg.onmicrosoft.com.
Website: https://sites.google.com/lcps.org/broadrunschoolcounseling/home
Location: 21670 Ashburn Road, Ashburn, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-2314
Twitter: @BroadRunHS