Counseling Newsletter Volume 9

THANK YOU

If you haven't heard, none of the grade-level counselors at TVHS will be returning next school year. We are sad to leave, and we will miss each and every one of you so much. We've loved watching all of you grow these past three years, and we know that you will do amazing things with your future. Take care of each other, be kind to one another, and always try your best. It's okay to reach out when you need help, and it's okay to make a mistake. Just remember that you are capable of great things and that you are not alone.

Thank you for letting us be part of your lives for the past three years. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle! 🦅

The wellness wheel is a visual tool that shows each category of wellness on a wheel. It gives people the opportunity to hone in on their wellness by identifying areas in their life they may have neglected and seek to improve

The wellness wheel is a tool for self exploration that promotes the concept that balance is the key to wellbeing. You can use the wellness wheel periodically to reflect on your progress over time, and it can help you understand what lifestyle changes you may want to start making

Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance of emotional well-being and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Mental health affects how we think, feel, connect with others, and handle stress. Just like physical health, taking care of our mental health is an important part of overall wellness.

Students may experience stress, anxiety, sadness, loneliness, or overwhelm at different points throughout the year. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, and no one has to navigate difficult feelings alone. This month, we encourage students and families to prioritize self-care, check in with one another, and remember that support is always available.

Some simple ways to support mental wellness include:

• Getting enough sleep
• Staying connected with supportive people
• Taking breaks from screens and social media
• Practicing mindfulness or relaxation strategies
• Spending time outdoors or being physically active
• Talking to a trusted adult, counselor, or friend

If you or someone you know needs support, these resources may help:

Student & Family Resources

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
  Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential mental health support.
• The Jed Foundation
  Mental health resources specifically designed for teens, young adults, and families.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
  Education, support groups, and mental health information for families and students.
• Mindfulness for Teens by Headspace
  Mindfulness and stress-management tools for adolescents.
• Mental Health America
  Screening tools, articles, and wellness resources for all ages.
• Colorado Crisis Services
  24/7 support line, text support, and walk-in crisis centers across Colorado.

At TVHS, we are committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of every student. Please reach out to the counseling office if you need support or resources."

TVHS counselor emails:

ashlee.edwards@tsd.org

andria.hall@tsd.org

jena.dreitz@tsd.org

hayden.siebers@tsd.org

sarah.switala@tsd.org

Book an appointment with a TVHS counselor:

Ms. Edwards

Ms. Hall

Mrs. Dreitz

Mr. Siebers

What is concurrent enrollment?

The Concurrent Enrollment (CE) program provides high school students with the opportunity to enroll in postsecondary courses and earn college credit at no tuition cost to them or their families.

Registration for Front Range Community College for Fall 2026 classes opens up for everyone on Monday, March 16th.

• Please see your counselor if you need/want help picking classes or applying/registering for Front Range.
• Please Note, you must also fill out the FRCC Campus Select Orientation Form once you have your student ID number (S#): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVj7z43oZ-CnjDMXcZhfI9w7O5BKFS4FnIyq3hQz1Afz_fxQ/viewform before registering for classes.
• FRCC Application (make sure to select High School Student): frontrange.edu/apply
• FRCC List of Classes: https://frontrange.smartcatalogiq.com/en/current/catalog/courses/
• FRCC Fall Class Schedules: https://www.frontrange.edu/programs-courses/register/class-schedule/index.html

Once you have registered for classes, please fill out the TVHS Concurrent Enrollment Agreement Form (this is how we know to pay for your tuition): https://forms.gle/vrQkEBr1NDk88j8Q8

• Please contact Isabelle Wolfe if interested: isabelle.wolfe@aims.edu

🌻 Summer is the perfect time for high school students to dive into new interests, develop new skills, grow with other students, and explore future possibilities!

• Colorado State University offers a wide variety of summer camps designed to spark curiosity, build skills, and inspire confidence. Each camp offers something unique. Some are day programs, while others include overnight stays. While a few are free, others may require a fee or a short application process.
• No matter which camp you choose, you’ll gain hands-on experience, connect with like-minded peers, and grow in ways that will prepare you for your next big adventure. It’s an unforgettable experience waiting for you!

• RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is an intensive leadership development program organized by Rotary clubs and districts worldwide. Participants attend a week-long conference at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. RYLA participants have an opportunity to:

• Build communication and problem-solving skills
• Discover strategies for becoming a dynamic leader in your school or community
• Learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors
• Unlock your potential to turn motivation into action
• Have fun and form lasting friendships
• RYLA 2026 is Sunday, July 12 - Friday, July 17 2026.

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are standardized tests administered by the College Board at the end of AP courses. These exams measure how well students have mastered college-level material taught in high school.

The 2026 AP Exams will be administered in high schools over two weeks in May. Please look at the posts outside of the counseling office for the last week of AP tests!

Did you go to Elementary or Middle School in the Thompson School District? If you did your Elementary or Middle School may be doing a graduation walk! Click the link to see all of the schools participating in the graduation hall walks. https://www.tsd.org/grad-walks

• May 11th: Yearbook Distribution and Senior Send Off Assembly

• May 12th: at 1:15pm: Seniors pick up “Check Out Sheet” in the Counseling Office

• May 13th:

• 9:00am: Mandatory Check Out all day

• Last Day for Seniors

• May 14th:

• 8:00am-9:00am: Optional Senior Breakfast

• 9:00am-11:00am in the TVHS Auditorium: Mandatory Graduation Practice #1

• May 18th: at 5:00pm in the TVHS Auditorium: All Sport Celebration Night

• May 20th:

• 8:00am-8:45am in the TVHS Auditorium: Mandatory Final Graduation Practice #2

• 8:45am-9:15am in the TVHS Cafeteria: Cap and Gown Distribution

• 9:15am-9:30am in the TVHS Gym: Senior Picture and Diploma Distribution

• May 21st: at 7:00pm in the TVHS Auditorium: Senior Awards Night (Seniors being recognized with an award will arrive at 6:40pm dressed in graduation regalia)

• May 23rd: Graduation

If you haven't turned it in, please do so ASAP.

Chromebooks for Graduating Students

Students that are graduating and have paid their fines are eligible to keep their Chromebook as they leave Thompson. The ITS website includes information about the program and instructions on how to fill out the proper forms to take advantage of this opportunity. You can also click the button below.

• Please note that if a student is transitioning into Community Connections, they should retain their Chromebook for use in that program.

Class of 2026 Graduation Shopping

New this year! All graduation announcements are personalized with YOUR NAME inside! Orders ship to your home beginning March 2026.

• "NEW" Grad Announcement Delivery - orders will ship to your home beginning March 2026
• "NEW" Shipping & Handling added - April 1st, S & H added to all Cap & Gown only orders
• May 2026 Cap & Gown Delivery at school
• May 1st, 2026 - Final Day to order cap & gown

Click the button below to shop!

Scholarships and grants are helpful ways to fund your college education. They provide you with free money that can go towards tuition or other educational expenses.

Here are some other scholarship resources we recommend:

Fast Web: fastweb.com

Horatio Alger: https://horatioalger.org/scholarships-and-services/undergraduate-scholarships/

Scholarships.com: https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory

If you haven't already, get started on your community service hours. You need 20 hours in order to graduate!!

Visit your class of 2027 google classroom for community service opportunities: https://classroom.google.com/u/0/w/NTA0NzQ5NDg3Mzk5/tc/NzMwNTUyNjM0OTE2

If you are a current junior and will be a senior next year this is for you!

It's usually a good idea to start applying for scholarships in the fall of your senior year.

• SCHOLAR SNAPP: https://www.scholarshipproviders.org/page/Scholar_Snapp
• COLLEGE BOARD OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/bigfuture-scholarships
• FASTWEB: https://www.fastweb.com/
• COLLEGES THAT CHANGE LIVES: https://ctcl.org/?authuser=0
• COLLEGE INVEST: https://www.collegeinvest.org/
• BRIGHT FUTURES SCHOLARSHIP: https://brightfuturesco.com/
• SALLIE MAE: https://www.sallie.com/scholarships/scholly?utm_source=slmcom&utm_medium=web
• COLLEGE FUNDING COACH: https://www.thecollegefundingcoach.org/get-help/resources/
• THE SCHOLARSHIP SYSTEM: https://thescholarshipsystem.com/
• APPILY: https://www.appily.com/
• RAISE ME: https://www.raise.me/

Students who are interested in playing sports at a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I or Division II college should begin planning early to ensure they meet eligibility requirements.

To compete in NCAA athletics, students must complete required high school NCAA-approved core courses, maintain the required GPA, and follow NCAA academic guidelines. Students planning to compete should also register with the NCAA Eligibility Center so their academic records can be reviewed.

STEPS FOR STUDENTS:

9th & 10th Grade

• Focus on strong grades and completing NCAA-approved core courses

• Meet with your school counselor to ensure your schedule keeps you on track

• Begin exploring colleges and athletic programs

• Create an account with the NCAA Eligibility Center

11th Grade

• Continue taking NCAA-approved core courses and maintaining strong grades

• Talk with coaches and research potential college programs

12th Grade

• Request your final transcript be sent to the NCAA Eligibility Center after graduation

• Complete amateurism certification through your Eligibility Center account

• Stay in contact with college coaches and admissions offices

Resources for Families

• National Collegiate Athletic Association Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete (2025-2026)

• NCAA Eligibility Center registration and approved courses

• NCAA core course and GPA information for Division I and II athletes

Students considering college athletics are encouraged to connect with their school counselor to make sure they are meeting all eligibility requirements and staying on track academically.

Looking for a job to pay for your new car or lunch at Wendy's? Or maybe you're looking for an internship to get experience in a job or major you want to pursue? Look no further! We're here to help!

Explore XELLO!

Students can log into Xello (via Classlink), click on Explore (the rocket icon), and click on Opportunities.

Here, you can explore local employment opportunities, internships, etc. (see pictures below for help). The information is current!

Youth-Friendly Employers

Additionally, check out these lists of local youth-friendly employers!

• English Version
• Spanish Version