February 2024
High School Student Services
Volunteer at The Way!
Raise money for your class by volunteering at The Way (a gently used clothing store located at 17 Ferry St. in Schuylerville). More information can be found below:
- Students may volunteer Friday 3-5:30, Saturday 8:30-11, or Saturday 11-1:30
- Two to four students at a time can sign up for a shift using Signup Genius
- Volunteer hours will be tracked at the store
- For every student who works 2 hours, The Way will donate $5 to the class they are representing
- The Way will tally up the amount and donate the money to the school once per quarter
VFW Auxiliary National Singing Contest, Art, Contest, and 3-D Patriotic Art Contest
The VFW has three different contests running for interested students. Please find more information below:
Summer Enrichment Opportunities
- The 2024 National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is now accepting applications from high school seniors and juniors to represent New York State. The National Youth Science Camp is a science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) opportunity. The camp, which runs from June 19th - July 12th at Camp Pocahontas in West Virginia, includes daily lectures and seminars with leading scientists, directed studies alongside visiting and resident STEAM professionals, and engaging activities in the natural, physical, computer sciences, and creative arts. This camp is at no cost to the participant (housing, meals, transportation, and supplies are provided). Application can be found here and must be submitted online. Deadline: February 29, 2024.
- Clarkson University Horizons Summer Program is accepting applications from middle and high school students who are interested in exploring the STEAM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) this summer. More information can be found here.
- William & Mary's Pre-College Online Program is now accepting applications from motivated students, ages 13 and older, who want to explore their interests in various fields before college. Courses range from Constitution Law to Medicine to Finance. More information can be found here.
- The NYU Pre-College Program offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credits, while being immersed in life as an NYU student. The wide variety of summer course offerings and more information can be found here. Deadline: June 14, 2024 (Scholarship Application Deadline: April 1, 2024)
- SUNY Schenectady School of Music will be hosting three summer institutes in July! All three institutes (audio, trombone, and trumpet) are led by seasoned SUNY Schenectady faculty and other local professionals dedicated to nurturing musical growth. More camp information can be found here.
- Cornell University Precollege Studies Program will be offering dozens of three and six week online courses for rising juniors and seniors. Courses are offered between June 3rd and August 6th. More information, including the application, can be found here.
Interested in West Point?
If you are interested in applying to West Point, there will be a Facebook Live event on February 15th at 6pm that will share details about their Summer Leaders Experience (SLE). Major Richard Simpson (Northeast Regional Commander, USMA ’12), and Cadet Elijah Bellamy (2023 SLE Cadet Commander, USMA ’24) will cohost the event and discuss SLE and how to apply. Participants will also be able to ask questions during the live event! Please join the live event here. See the flyer below for more information!
Financial Aid Updates
- On January 30, 2024, the Education Department announced an update to the 2024-25 FAFSA update & timeline. This will delay higher education institutions' ability to provide financial aid award letters to families until mid-March. In the meantime, families are being encouraged to use the FSA Estimator tool for an estimate of federal student aid.
- Students and contributors (parents or spouses) are required to have an FSA ID to complete and sign the FAFSA online. FSA IDs should be created in advance so accounts exist prior to completing the FAFSA. The SUNY system has created a step-by-step guide to help students and families navigate this process. Parents may register here: Walk Through FSA ID for Parents.
Scholarships
NYSUT Retiree Council 10: applicants must be pursuing a degree in education at either a two-year college transfer program or a four-year college. The application can be found here. Deadline: March 25, 2024
CSEA Local 864 Scholarship: applicants must be a child of an employee represented by Local 864 and attend school represented by the Local 864. There are three awards available and one application, which can be found here. The one application will cover all awards. Deadline: March 29, 2024
Troy Industrial Solutions Manufacturing Scholarship: eligible applicant must be a graduating high school senior who is interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing, mechanical or maintenance industries. The Troy Industrial Solutions Manufacturing Scholarship recipient will receive a $1000.00 financial award to be used towards earning a certificate or educational credential at any college, vocational or trade school in the US. Funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, equipment, or tools used in this endeavor. More information, including the application, can be found here. Deadline: April 1, 2024
Gerard J. Buckenmeyer FASNY Volunteer Scholarship: eligible applicants must be a member in good standing with FASNY or have a parent/legal guardian who is a member and serve as a current Junior firefighter, Explorer Scout or RAM in a group affiliated with a volunteer department; a volunteer firefighter, or a volunteer with an EMS unit. Applications are available online. Deadline: March 15, 2024. Additionally, FASNY has a Higher Education Learning Plan (HELP) which is a program that reimburses volunteer firefighters for tuition at New York's two-year and four-year state colleges. More information about this program can be found here.
Julia O. Wells Memorial Education Foundation Inc. Scholarship: offers a scholarship to a student who plans to pursue his/her education at a two or four year accredited registered professional nursing program. If you plan to pursue this path, please see Mrs. Rust or Mrs. O'Brien before March 15, 2024!
Schuylerville Community Theater: eligible applicants must be high school seniors who wish to pursue a degree in Music, Dance, Drama or Theater Arts. Applications can be downloaded here. Deadline: April 20, 2024
First New York Federal Credit Union Scholarship: eligible applicants must be a First New York Federal Credit Union member in good standing, plan to attend a two or four-year college in the fall of 2024, and be an active volunteer within the community. Application is available here. Deadline: April 5, 2024
Saratoga Builders Association Scholarship: eligible applicants must be a high school senior or college undergraduate who is planning to pursue construction education at a 2 or 4-year accredited college or university or students who would like to purchase tools and/or equipment for employment/career or to start a business in the construction industry. Application, including additional information, can be found here. Deadline: April 26, 2024
Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild Scholarship: eligible applicant must be planning to enter a college curriculum in a healthcare field, have a GPA of 80+, and have a record of volunteerism. More information, including the application, can be found here. Deadline: March 31, 2024
Scholarship Tips & Advice (Source: SUNY Adirondack)
Know what scholarships are available from the colleges your are applying to:
- Is a scholarship renewable?
- Do I have to maintain a certain GPA?
- What are the requirements to qualify?
Students should look for scholarships by checking with:
- local businesses
- civic organizations (ie: Elks Lodge, Fire Auxiliary, community foundations, etc.)
- their employer
- their parents' employer(s)
- their school counselor / district scholarship webpage
SUNY Adirondack - Winter Break Info Session
On Thursday, February 22nd at 10 am, SUNY Adirondack will be holding an informational session for interested students. This program is for everyone - students who haven't applied, all the way to students who have been accepted and want next steps, and everywhere in between. There will be an opportunity to speak with College Access staff in a low stakes and low pressure environment!
Some program highlights include:
- On the spot college acceptance with a HS transcript
- Hands on support from College Access staff to start or complete an application
- A thorough campus tour with a current student
- Free snacks and merch!!
If you are interested in attending, please register here. You may reach out to SUNY Adirondack with questions via email (admission@sunyacc.edu) or by calling (518-742-2264).
EOP Information
EOP Form Completion events are designed for EOP applicants who have already submitted an application to a SUNY school via applySUNY or the Common Application and are seeking assistance with the completion of their required EOP Financial Information Form. Applicants can register here: EOP Form Completion
SUNY Application Workshops
For any seniors who have yet to submit their SUNY applications, help is available. These workshops provide an overview of the application process, as well as step-by-step information on completing the SUNY Application. Registration is available here: How to Apply.
SAT/ACT Testing Information:
The SAT and the ACT will be offered on the following (Saturday) National testing dates during the 2023-2024 school year. The cost of the SAT is $55. The ACT has a basic fee of $66.00, with an optional writing test (cost with writing is $91.00). If the cost of these tests presents a hardship, you may be eligible for a fee waiver. Please check with Mrs. Rust or Mrs. O'Brien.
SAT Test Dates (Registration Information)
March 9, 2024 (February 23, 2024)^
May 4, 2024 (April 19, 2024)^
June 1, 2024 (May 17, 2024)^
^Digital administration of the SAT
**Be sure to take advantage of free Official SAT Practice at Khan Academy®. Become more confident on test day by taking practice test!
ACT Test Dates (Registration Information)
April 13, 2024 (March 8, 2024)
June 8, 2024 (May 3, 2024)
July 13, 2024* (June 7, 2024)
*Test not available in New York
College Visits
This spring/summer is a great time to continue to research and/or visit colleges. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are looking at and visiting college campuses (source Cappex):
- Will you be satisfied academically? A school should challenge you academically and offer degree programs that interest you.
- Will you be fulfilled personally? Be sure there are activities and events you can participate in outside of the classroom.
- Will you be happy socially? Think about how you're going to make friends ... will you be surrounded by people with similar backgrounds to yours, or will you meet students from different parts of the world?
- Will you be at ease on the campus? It is important to look at the size and location of the campus. Make sure you feel comfortable with all aspects of campus life!
Additional information, including a College-Bound Preparation Checklist, can be found here. This resource (source: Parchment) is a great tool to help guide students and families through the college process.
SUNY
Wondering if SUNY is the right fit for you? SUNY is offering "Which SUNY Are You?" sessions throughout the spring, as well as EOP Information and Financial Aid sessions. Students can register for all workshops here.
An Admissions Representative from SUNY Plattsburgh will be on campus on April 24th at 11:00 am for any students interested in learning more about their programs and offerings. An Admissions Representative from University at Buffalo will be on campus on April 22nd at 11:00 am for any students interested in learning more about their programs and offerings. Please stop by Student Services for a pass if you are interested in attending either of these informational sessions.
As we begin meeting with you to schedule your courses for next year, please take a look at our course offerings on the District Website. We have a variety of wonderful courses and opportunities for you to consider! If you are interested in applying to one of the Early College Career Academy programs or a Career & Technical Education program at BOCES, please be sure you let your school counselor know this during your scheduling meeting!
In March, we will begin our individual parent/counselor/student scheduling meetings. During this meeting, we will review your progress in 9th grade, discuss graduation requirements, and select courses for your 10th grade year! Please be sure to review our course offerings using our online Course Description Guide. Meetings will run about 30 minutes. We try to schedule these with the least interruption to the student's day (ie: during a study hall, lunch, etc). If the selected meeting time does not work for your parent/guardian, please contact Student Services to reschedule for a more convenient time. We look forward to meeting with you soon!
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES
Mrs. Tracy Lyon, Administrative Aide
(518) 695-3255, x 2239
School Counselor Contact Information
Mrs. O’Brien (Grades 10-12, A-K)
Ms. Bean (9th Grade, Career Education & AP Coordinator)
Mrs. Rust (Grades 10-12, L-Z)
