BELLEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2020 JUNIOR PARENT NIGHT Overview of the College and Career Planning Process Presented by: BHS School Counselors

SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT Mr. Gary Bonilla ext. 1042 (ORA - RUS) Mrs. Alexandra Ciccone ext. 1041 (SAL - ZUN) Mrs. Daysi Colom ext. 1039 (CHI - GAL) Mr. John Flynn ext. 1038 (GAM - LAS) Ms. Meryl Mendolla ext. 1040 (LE - OLA) Mrs. Joanne Porecco ext. 1037 (A - CHA) If you have questions, please do not hesitate to email or call your counselor. first name.last name@belleville.k12.nj.us

TONIGHT’S AGENDA Identifying post-secondary options Types of colleges Vocational education Military branches Employment Financial Aid/scholarships College admissions process Naviance/x2vol Community Service Athletics/NCAA Clearinghouse Drop in Center Internships & Apprenticeships Upcoming programs and opportunities

FINDING THE RIGHT PATH FOR YOU WHERE WILL I THRIVE AND BE SUCCESSFUL AFTER HIGH SCHOOL? *Military/Armed Services* *Vocational education* *Community college* *Employment* *Four-year college*

BEGINNING THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS FIND COLLEGES THAT ARE THE RIGHT “FIT” FOR YOU!

FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE How can I start planning now? Start thinking about a potential career path and major of interest College fit – environment, location, size of institution, etc. College visits and virtual tours Communicate with admissions representatives Explore college websites Research admissions criteria GPA/grades Utilize Naviance Maintain a balanced academic and extracurricular schedule

WHAT ARE COLLEGES LOOKING FOR? Transcript and GPA SAT/ACT scores (if necessary) Essay or writing sample Teacher/School Counselor recommendations Interview and/or campus visits Extracurricular activities Portfolio, Video Submission, etc. (depending on your major)

TEST REGISTRATION SAT - www.collegeboard.org ACT - www.actstudent.org Test Optional Schools- www.fairtest.org These websites also have useful resources such as practice tests, questions of the day, study and test-taking tips, and college searches. Take advantage of them!

COLLEGE SEARCH WEBSITES The College Board: www.collegeboard.com Hobson’s CollegeView: www.collegeview.com Peterson’s: www.petersons.com The Common Application Online: www.commonapp.org The Coalition for Access and Affordability Application: www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org Colleges That Change Lives: www.ctcl.org College Visits: www.college-visits.com

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Why should I consider going to community college? Save money Prepare for transfer to a four-year college Get ready for a career Try out college

MILITARY Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard Options: Enlisting, Reserve/National Guard, ROTC at a 4- year college, Service Academies Meet with local recruiter (ask your counselor for direct contacts) Take the ASVAB (offered at BHS, May 3rd) Investigate requirements for each branch Contact Information: Army: 973-677-1900 Navy: 973-676-9633 Coast Guard: 973-674- 2993 Marine Corps: 908-420-0290 Air Force: 908-686-2000

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION What can I get out of a vocational program? Career training Hands-on education Non-traditional learning environment Licensure in a specialized field No core curriculum Internship and apprenticeship opportunities

FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid https: // fafsa.ed.gov / Financial Aid presentation at BHS – Fall 2019 When? Will be open to families in October of senior year and you’re allowed to use prior-prior year’s data to complete it. Do you have to fill it out? It may be required for scholarships. You never know what’s going to happen, and every student will qualify for a small loan in their name when they apply, so it will help to build credit.

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES Federal Student Aid: http://studentaid.ed.gov Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): www.fafsa.gov FAFSA4caster: www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov CSS / PROFILE: https:// profileonline.collegeboard.com FindTuition: www.findtuition.com FastWeb: www.fastweb.com Local Scholarships available Spring of senior year.

POST-SECONDARY PLANNING MEETINGS Each School Counselor will meet with students in October of their senior year to start developing post-secondary plans. Naviance Student is used in these sessions. Students and parents should use Naviance Student at home as part of the college search process.

YOUR POST-SECONDARY SEARCH STARTS WITH… Log in & get familiar with it Contact your School Counselor if a student is not yet registered

ACCESSING NAVIANCE STUDENT https://hs.bellevilleschools.org/ (middle of the page, third option down)

NAVIANCE STUDENT LOG-IN

FAMILY CONNECTION HOME PAGE

WHAT CAN YOU DO IN NAVIANCE STUDENT? Log Community Service Hours using X2Vol Program Compare and research colleges Request transcripts Request Letters of Recommendation Track deadlines View messages sent by the counselors Link directly to colleges and third-party resources

NCAA: WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? Make sure you stay academically eligible. Go to the NCAA site and stay current with approved core content courses: www.ncaa.org Speak with your counselor about the approved unit coursework for Belleville High School Fill out the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly the Clearinghouse) form toward the end of your junior year

THIS IS AN EXCITING TIME! Remember to have fun planning for life after high school! Try to minimize stress School counselors and other faculty/staff Check your email and Naviance frequently for up-to-date information! Keep all lines of communication open Stay in touch with your BHS School Counselor often – we’re here to help! GOOD LUCK!

Drop In Center Staff Ms. Nicole Facchinei, Student Assistance Counselor, X 1015 Ms. Jane Holzman, Social Worker, X 1057 Mr. Francis Petrillo, Social Worker, X 1045 Ms. Jenna Tafurri, School Psychologist, X 1027

The Drop In Center Available to all students Located across from the main office Confidentiality is always respected Staffed by 4 counselors Community resources and mental health referrals are available to students and parents Parent Drop In Center M-Th 4:00-7:00 pm

Need Help? Evening Parent Drop-In Center Where: Belleville High School- Door #1 When: Monday-Thursday, 4-7pm District counselors are available. Free services include: -One on One Consultations -Support Groups -Parent Workshops - Speaker Series **Questions/concerns contact : maria.coyle@belleville.k12.nj.us gena.dubuque@belleville.k12.nj.us or call 973-450-3500 x 1043

Strategies for Managing Stress Practice deep breathing Practice mindfulness and meditation (several apps available for free) Reach out and talk to trustworthy friends and/or adults Use helplines as needed Practice self -care (See handout for more ideas)

Internships and Apprenticeships New program at Belleville High School Professionals in the community Why are internships and apprenticeships beneficial? Option II Any questions or if you think your child may be interested in an internship or apprenticeship please send them to Mrs. Marotta in Student Services Office, suzy.marotta@belleville.k12.nj.us, or call 973-450-3500 Ext. 1402

UPCOMING EVENTS Senior year scheduling has started in March School Counselors will hold individual meetings with students Visit Belleville High School website for the calendar for upcoming programs and important information APRIL 5th - College Fair – 9:00 am. - 12:00 pm. MAY 3RD- ASVAB Testing Construction Industry Career Fair- May 29th Financial Aid Presentation - FALL 2019 November/ December Instant Decision Days! Follow us on Twitter for more information! @BHSGUIDANCE@BELLEVILLE_BUCS

BHS Guidance@Belleville_Bucs Follow us on Twitter BHS Guidance@Belleville_Bucs Follow us for info regarding counseling events dead lines and activities!

QUESTIONS? Thank you for coming!