Counseling Corner Update

Dear RCHS Families,

Welcome to the Counseling Corner! This is your go-to place for updates, resources, and information to help your student prepare for the upcoming month.

On behalf of the Counseling Department, we’re excited to share tools and guidance to support your student’s postsecondary plans and overall success at RCHS.

We hope you find this newsletter informative and helpful as we continue to provide monthly updates. Let’s make it a wonderful year as we work together to support our students here at RCHS!

Warm regards,
The RCHS Counseling Department

• Attention Seniors! 🎓

  We have several important updates for you — please take a look below:

• Eastern Michigan University- College Rep Visit: November 11th

• Lawrence Technological University- College Rep Visit: November 11th

• Wayne State University- College Rep Visit: November 18th

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid):
  Opened October 1st – Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize your eligibility for financial aid.

* Make sure you sign up for any college rep visits through the link located on Schoology.

• Attention All Students! 🌟

  Career Expo – November 10th
  Join us for the DCTC Annual Career Expo at Flat Rock High School! Explore a wide variety of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and meet with representatives from colleges and training programs ready to discuss career pathways and opportunities.

  DCTC offers over 31 CTE programs, as well as Dual Enrollment options that allow students to earn up to 27 college credits while still in high school!

  CTE Program Visits will take place during the weeks of December 9th–11th and December 16th–18th.

  Take a look at the full list of DCTC programs here:https://www.dctcschools.org/.
• MI Career Quest Field Trip- Nov. 18th
• Trimester 1 Exams- Nov 24th-25th
• Thanksgiving Break- Nov. 26th-28th
• Trimester 2 Begins- Dec. 1st

We are excited for you and your future, but here are some tips to help with making plans for after high school:

• FILL OUT THE FAFSA!: There are many opportunities for you to qualify for aid through scholarships and grants. This also qualifies you for the Community College Guarantee!
• Continue to Apply: Be sure to discuss with your parents or guardians to ensure the best path that suits you individually.
• Typically it is best to apply to 3-5 schools. Consider: size, location, cost, competitiveness, financial aid, admission policies, etc.
• Request letters of recommendation: Please fill out the personal information sheets located in the counseling office and give your counselor up to 2 weeks to complete this request.
• Consider retaking the SAT: The SAT is still optional for college admission but it can be supportive in qualifying for scholarships. Register here if interested: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/dates-deadlines
• Scholarships: Begin filling out applications now, 1-2x per week to earn as much as you can.

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS- Coming soon!

🌊 Northern Michigan University (NMU)

• 📍 Marquette, Michigan – on the Lake Superior Coast

  🎓 Mission & Purpose

  • Empowers learners with distinct and meaningful experiences

  • Fosters connections between learners, leaders, communities, and the environment

  • Nurtures creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and responsible citizens

  🐾 Mascot & Sports

  • Mascot: Wildcat

  • Home of the world’s largest wooden dome

    • Hosts hockey, football, and intramural sports

  🏫 Campus Life & Academics

  • 7,000 students

  • 200+ majors

  • Top accolades:

    • Most Charming Town in America (HGTV)

    • Top 10 Best Cultural Scenes in the U.S. (USA Today)

    • Top 12 Colleges for Outdoor Lovers (Outdoors Magazine)

  💰 Cost & Value

  • Tuition: $14,702/year → 2nd most affordable in Michigan

  • Average financial aid: $12,000

  • 96% employment rate for graduates

  • 91% alumni would do it all over again

  🌟 Why NMU?

  • Small-town charm with big opportunities

  • Strong sense of community & outdoor lifestyle

  • Excellent value for cost and career readiness

APPLY HERE: https://www.nmu.edu/application/?ref=admissions

Stop by and see your military reps during lunch hours (when available) or see your counselor for contact information for a recruiter.

• Army Recruiter- Colonel Kevin Polosky, kevin.m.polosky.mil@army.mil, 586-282-6297
• Navy Recruiter- Zackary A. Jones, zackary.a.jones.mil@us.navy.mil, 734-460-5535

Post Secondary List of Colleges in Michigan (Skilled Trades): https://www.mitalent.org/skilled-trades-post-secondary-education-opportunities

SKILLED TRADES MYTHS

Chances are, skilled trades aren't what you think...

• There's No Demand For Skilled Trade Workers False! Skilled trade workers represent exactly the types of skills that employers are demanding.

• Skilled Trades Are Low Paying False! Paying between $12 and $34 an hour, skilled trades provide an above average median wage.

• Skilled Trades Are Low Skill False! On the contrary, skilled trades require rigorous classroom and on‐the‐job training as well as an understanding of mathematics and complex problem solving.

• Skilled Trades Are Dirty and Dangerous False! With increased technology, manufacturing and construction jobs have become considerably safer and cleaner.

(https://www.miworksne.org/skilled-trades)

• Meet with your school counselor- this is best to determine your path your post-secondary success.
• Consider taking the ASVAB- this exam is to determine your skills and determine a path for your educational and career development. This exam is required for students interested in the armed forces. See your counselor to be linked to a provider.
• Start reviewing colleges: It is not too early to look at GPA requirements, admission guidelines, cost, and start visits.
• SAT- Begin reviewing material that will better prepare you for the SAT this spring. Here is a resource that can begin this process; https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice/khan-academy.

• Pass your classes!
• Meet with your counselor to discuss plans for your future.
• Get Involved: Colleges like to see students that are involved in their community.
• Track your accomplishments: Use Xello to record all the activities, clubs, volunteer experiences, etc. every year to have it available for your senior your college applications and resumes.

ATTENDANCE IS CRITICAL!
Make sure you are attending your classes in person to stay on track and be as successful as possible.

TUTORING AVAILABLE!
Get extra help and support from Connection Club members on:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
  📍 Location: Library
  🕒 Time: 2:45–3:30 PM

Special Support:

• Mondays: Mr. Betway is available to help with math struggles.

• Thursdays: Ms. Tspiras is available to help with English and/or Spanish.

https://www.guidance-center.org/children-youth-services/

https://www.caresolace.org/

It is a comprehensive career and college readiness platform that helps students discover their strengths, explore future pathways, and create personalized plans for success. The platform engages students with interactive tools and assessments to identify their interests and skills, provides extensive resources on careers and post-secondary options, and offers educators intuitive tools for tracking progress and generating reports.

Your journey to success starts in Xello! Plan your courses early, and make your high school years count toward your dreams.

Thank you for taking the time to read through our update. We are excited to partner with you in making this school year successful for all our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 734-285-7361.

Warm regards,
RCHS Counseling Department
Riverview Community High School

We enjoy meeting with our students for post-secondary planning, scheduling and struggles they may be experiencing.

• Ms. Tsipras, A-F: Honors Night, Advanced Placement Testing, Junior Presentations
• Ms. Welniak, G-O: State Testing, Senior/Freshman Presentations
• Ms. Nichols, P-O: DCTC, Sophomore Presentations
• Ms. Heulitt, Social Worker: Popcorn Pirates, Special Education
• Ms. Cooper, Secretary

Please reach out to any of us to further assist your student. We are happy to help :)