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

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

3. 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

4. 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*

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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. TEST REGISTRATION SAT - www.collegeboard.org ACT - www.actstudent.org
Test Optional Schools-
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!

9. COLLEGE SEARCH WEBSITES
The College Board:
Hobson’s CollegeView:
Peterson’s:
The Common Application Online:
The Coalition for Access and Affordability Application:
Colleges That Change Lives:
College Visits:

10. 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

11. 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:
Navy:
Coast Guard:
Marine Corps:
Air Force:

12. 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

13. 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.

14. FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES
Federal Student Aid:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
FAFSA4caster:
CSS / PROFILE: profileonline.collegeboard.com
FindTuition:
FastWeb:
Local Scholarships available Spring of senior year.

15. 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.

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

17. ACCESSING NAVIANCE STUDENT
(middle of the page, third option down)

18. NAVIANCE STUDENT LOG-IN

19. FAMILY CONNECTION HOME PAGE

20. 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

21. 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:
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

22. 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 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!

23. 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

24. 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

25. 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 :
or call x 1043

26. 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)

27. 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, or call Ext. 1402

28. 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!

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

30. QUESTIONS?
Thank you for coming!