PTHS Counseling Office Newsletter

1. PTHS Information for Students and Families

2. Spring has Sprung

3. Planning your Summer: Make it Count!

4. College Planning Resources

5. Postsecondary Planning Resources

6. Scholarship and Financial Aid Resources

7. Enrichment Opportunities

8. Upcoming Dates

The 2026 Advanced Placement Exams will take place starting on May 4th and continue through May 15th. Testing will be administered during the school day. This year, all AP Exams will be tested through the Digital Platform: Bluebook. Students must bring their district-issued computer & charger to the testing room. For more information, please visit the Special Edition: AP Exams Newsletter.

• AM Exams will begin promptly at 8:00 a.m. Students must report to their testing locations by 7:30 a.m. Testing locations will be posted through Total Registration, or can be obtained in the counseling office.
• PM Exams will begin promptly at 12:00 p.m. Students must report to their testing locations by 11:29 a.m. Testing locations are posted in Total Registration, or can be obtained in the counseling office.
• **Testing in the PM will most likely run past school dismissal time, please arrange to get transportation home. Students are NOT permitted to leave testing early no matter the circumstance.
  
  

Want more information? Check out the Special Edition - AP Exams Newsletter!

Students currently enrolled in Algebra I Foundations & Academic, Biology Academic & Honors, and English 10 Academic & Honors will take the corresponding Keystone Exam this spring. Additionally, students who did not score proficient during a previous exam may also be taking this wave.

2026 Spring Testing Dates:

• Literature: May 14 & 15
• Biology: May 18 & 19
• Algebra I: May 20 & 21
• Make up dates: May 22

If your child is scheduled to take an exam, you will see it in the “P11” slot on their schedule in PowerSchool. If you have questions as to whether or not your student should be taking the exam, please contact your child’s high school counselor or Heather Prinsen in the counseling office: (724) 941-6250 x8908 or Prinsenh@pt-sd.org.

Students not taking the exam will report to class as usual on the days of the exams.

Spring has finally sprung! Warmer weather is on its way and there’s only two months of the school year left. School life may be getting a bit more intense with final exams around the corner, and end of the year extra-curricular activities and events. Are you feeling less motivated? Less inspired or creative with your schoolwork? Do you feel like you’ve been on a constant grind? Maybe more exhausted and irritable? You could be dealing with academic burnout, which is a very real condition. Academic burnout can be defined as a negative emotional, physical and mental reaction to prolonged study that results in exhaustion, frustration, lack of motivation and reduced ability in school. The good news is, it’s treatable! To help combat academic burnout, consider these strategies:

• Engage in enjoyable activities: Regularly set aside time for hobbies or interests that bring you joy, such as watching a movie or riding your skateboard.

• Maintain a nutritious diet: Fuel your body and mind with healthy foods to provide the necessary nutrients for optimal brain function.

• Incorporate regular exercise: Physical activity can boost mood, improve sleep, and reduce stress levels.

• Practice positive self-talk: Encourage yourself and recognize your accomplishments to build self-confidence and resilience.

• Use to-do lists: Organize tasks to manage responsibilities effectively and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

• Keep your environment organized: A tidy and organized space can help reduce stress and improve focus.

• Set achievable goals: Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable objectives can provide motivation and a sense of progress.

• Communicate your stress: Sharing feelings with someone can offer relief, perspective, and support during challenging times.

• Spend time outdoors: Engaging with nature can have a calming effect and improve overall well-being.

• Ensure adequate rest: Prioritize sleep to rejuvenate your body and mind, enhancing concentration and performance.

• Learn to decline additional commitments: Avoid overloading your schedule by setting boundaries and saying no when necessary.

• Seek professional support if needed: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help from counselors or mental health professionals when necessary.

Implementing these tips can help prevent burnout and promote a healthier, more balanced academic experience.

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you want to spend your summer. Whether you're looking to gain experience, explore interests, or just try something new, there are tons of ways to make your summer meaningful.

Consider applying to summer programs—many colleges and organizations offer week-long or month-long camps focused on everything from science and engineering to creative writing, art, or business. These programs can give you a taste of campus life, help you build new skills, and sometimes even earn you college credit.

Check out some of the local opportunities, which we have listed in Naviance: 1) Sign into your student account 2) Click on the “Colleges” tab” 3) Under “Research Colleges” click on “Enrichment Programs.” Also, check out the upcoming enrichment programs listed below - some of their application deadlines are quickly approaching!

*Please note that PTHS does not specifically endorse any of the programs listed; we are simply sharing opportunities that have been provided to us for informational purposes.

If you're ready to start working, think about a part-time job, internship, or even a job shadowing opportunity where you spend a day more observing a professional in a career you’re curious about. You’ll learn responsibility, build your resume, and (bonus!) maybe earn some money.

Can’t find a job or internship? Volunteering is another excellent option. Volunteering is a great way to give back, meet people, and gain real-world experience. Not only are you giving back, but you're also building your resume and growing your skill set. Look into local libraries, animal shelters, parks departments, or community events that might need help.

No matter what you choose, doing something this summer—besides just sleeping in—can help you grow, learn, and set yourself up for success next year and beyond. And don’t forget to write it down on your resume!

Beginning your college journey can feel overwhelming, but having the right information makes all the difference. This helpful resource from Federal Student Aid walks first-time students through what to expect — from understanding financial aid and completing the FAFSA to planning next steps after applying. It’s a great starting point for students and families who want to feel more confident navigating the college process.

Looking for inspiration for your college essays? Reviewing strong examples can help you understand what makes an application stand out. These resources feature real essays from students accepted to top universities and breaks down why they work. Students can learn how to craft a compelling narrative, avoid clichés, and clearly demonstrate their unique voice and “fit” for a college. Reading sample essays is a great starting point—but remember, the most powerful essays are authentic and reflect your own story.

Career exploration is a continuous process. Your interests may and will evolve over time as your learn about new things and engage in new experiences. Roadtrip Nation is a valuable tool to start your journey toward discovering your passions and interests.

• Informed Decision-Making: it can help you make informed decisions and create goals about your future by exposing you to a variety of career options you might not have considered.
• Alignment with Interests: it allows you to explore careers that align with your interests and values, increasing the likelihood of job satisfaction and success.
• Real-World Insights: the interviews provide real-world insights from professionals, giving you a glimpse into what a particular career is really like.
• Goal Setting: it encourages you to set goals and take concrete steps toward achieving them, helping you stay motivated and focused.
• College and Career Planning: this research can guide your choices regarding college majors, courses, and extracurricular activities that will prepare you for your desired career path.

Take road trips to capture empowering stories that give students confidence and tools to find a career that matters to you. Since 2001, RT Nation has sent out generations and generations of individuals to find people who have been through it and have pursued their own interests through failure, criticism, and struggle. They asked real questions about what it takes in today’s landscape to build a life on your own terms. In these conversations, they found a new approach to exploring careers that involves letting your interests lead you and growing your skills and your work from there.

Roadtrip Nation has thousands of resources on their website such as:

• Videos and Documentaries: stories, journeys, and conversations that get to the heart of what it takes to build a life and career in line with who you are.
• The Roadtrip Nation Experience: An online course that guides you through their interest-based approach to careers and puts you in conversation with someone you admire.
• Live and Digital Events: With video and career stories, the interactive events empower students to take the first step of their career journeys.
• Roadmap Book: It is filled with examples and insight from 20 years of stories, the career guide gives you the blueprint to start your self-discovery process.
• Share your Road: A storytelling platform for sharing and discovering career stories and advice about different careers and industries.
• Roadmap Podcast: Their podcast highlights their favorite interviews and stories to show you why it’s OK to feel lost, and helps you figure out where to go next.

Everyone has a story, and every story holds lessons to learn from. Roadtrip Nation has created an advice platform where professionals who’ve been through life’s twists and turns can pass down their insights to others who are just starting out in their career exploration or journey. This platform can be accessed via Naviance. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Log in to your Naviance account.

Step 2: Navigate to Careers> Explore Roadtrip Nation Videos

Step 3: Select Find Your Road

Step 4: Select Define your Road

Step 5: Choose a Foundation: What interests you the most?

Step 6 & 7: Choose two Interests

Step 8: Watch the videos from your results to learn about the different experiences and challenges they have experienced in their career journey.

Don't like your results? You can complete this survey as many times as you would like to see the different videos and interviews.

April

4/10: Range Resources Student Scholarship for WACTC Students ONLY – $2,000

4/10: Peters Township Education Foundation Matthew Cheran Scholarship – $500

4/15: Pittsburgh Italian Scholarship Fund – $4,000 (renewable)

4/15: The Ritton Family Foundation Scholarship – Varies

4/15: The Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship – Varies

4/23: Student-View Scholarship Program – $10,000-$500

4/24: Aaron C. Fayish Memorial Scholarship – $2,500

4/24: Passavant Memorial Homes Foundation Community Service Scholarship $10,000

4/24: The Nicholas Brunetti Memorial Scholarship – $1,500

4/30: Keynotes Music Scholarship Competition – $7,500-$1,500

4/30: PTSA School Spirit Scholarship – $1,000

4/30: PTSA Service Scholarship – $1,000

4/30: Karen Boze Memorial Scholarship – $2,000

4/30: The NextGen Entrepreneur Scholarship – $1,000

May

5/1: The Martha Washington Garden Club Scholarship – $1,000

5/1: Peters Township Basketball Association (PTBBA) Scholarships – $1,000

5/1: Primo Italiano Lodge #2800 Italian-American Scholarship – $2,500

5/1: James T. & Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation Scholarship for Certificate & 2-year Nursing Programs – $5,000-$2,000

5/1: James T. & Rose M. Perryman Family Foundation Scholarship for Trade School STEM Programs – $5,000-$2,000

5/1: The Judge Ron Arnoni “Leadership-in-Action” Scholarship – $500

5/1: Peters Township Chamber of Commerce Scholarship – $1,000

5/1: Esther Baird Scholarship – $1,000

5/6 (tentative): Lexington Court Garden Club Scholarship in honor of Marcia L. Keddie – $1,000

5/7: McMurray Art League College Scholarship – $500

5/8: Peters Township Federation of Teachers Scholarship – $2,500

5/15: Southpointe CEO Association Jack B. Piatt Scholarship Program – N/A

5/15: McMurray Lions Club Joe Marosz Sr. Memorial Scholarship – $500 (2)

5/22: Mechanical Contractors Association of Western PA Foster McCarl, Jr. Scholarship – $1,000 (4)

June

6/1: Sigma Phi Epsilon Balanced Man Scholarship (National Scholarship) – Varies

6/15: Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship Program (National Scholarship) – $2,500

6/30: Three Rivers Desk and Derrick Scholarship – $2,500

6/30: The "No Sweat" Scholarship – $2,500

Ongoing

Citizens Scholarship

PA American Legion Scholarship Program (multiple scholarships)

ROTC Minuteman Scholarship

The Win Mortimer Trust

Create Real Impact Contest *Open to grades 9-12!

The Ocean Awareness Contest *Open to grades 9-12!

Quell Foundation Bridge The Gap Scholarship

Achievers in Technology Program

Craig D. Butler Scholarship Foundation

Daniel Triano Hockey Scholarship

Scholarships for High School Seniors with Upcoming Deadlines in 2026

Niche $25,000 No Essay Scholarship

Gloria Barron Wilderness Society Scholarship

10+ Best Business Scholarships for 2026

Top Music Scholarships for 2026

Huebner Scholarships

HireAHelper Skilled Trade Scholarship

Gus Archie Scholarship Program

Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation

Win $3K By Being Yourself: “Unboxing Your Life” Video Scholarship

Best Scholarships for Future Educators

Scholarships and Grants for Students with Disabilities & Chronic Illnesses

ESET Women in Cybersecurity Scholarship

No-Essay Scholarships

Bridging the Dream Scholarship for High School Seniors

The Great Khalid Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship

SBB Research Group Foundation STEM Scholarship

Think for Yourself Scholarship

30+ Scholarships with April 2026 Deadlines

25 Best Summer Scholarships

2026 Environmental Science & Sustainability Scholarships

April 2026 Scholarship Opportunities

Stop Writing, Start Recording: How to Win Video Scholarships

20+ Best College Scholarships for Military Children and Spouses

Top Scholarships for High School Seniors: Class of 2026

Top Nursing Scholarships

Event: The College & Career Advancement Connections Fair

Date: April 30th from 9:00 - 11:30 A.M.
Location: Community College of Allegheny County: Allegheny Campus
808 Ridge Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Casey’s Clubhouse fosters inclusion and connection through baseball and beyond, providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive. By expanding our impact locally and globally, we strengthen communities to create lasting, transformative experiences.

Want to be an MVP at Casey's Clubhouse this summer? An MVP (Most Valuable Partner) at Casey’s Clubhouse supports athletes on the field by offering encouragement, assistance, and companionship during games. MVPs help ensure a fun, inclusive, and positive experience for every athlete while promoting confidence and teamwork. Just one hour a week makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our players and families.

Click here for more information!