OVHS Counseling Department News

Kutztown University’s Early College Academy (ECA) is a dual-enrollment program for students in the Class of 2028, who are currently high school juniors and will participate during their senior year. Students can earn 12 college credits while completing their high school diploma. Through partnerships with school districts in Berks County, students gain an accelerated introduction to college and career pathways.

Program format:

Students take two courses in the fall and two in the spring on KU’s campus. Classes meet for half a day, three days a week. Some students may also participate in an internship on other days.

Choose a track:

• Education Track: For students interested in working with children and studying education.

• Exploratory Studies Track: For high school seniors planning to attend college, particularly a four-year institution.

• Health Sciences Track: For college-bound seniors interested in exploring careers in health and human services.

Later this fall, we will share details about in-person and virtual information sessions. Families can learn about eligibility, courses, application timelines, student expectations, and support services.

Important dates:

• Tuesday, December 1, 2026: Early application consideration deadline

• Tuesday, January 5, 2027: Early decision day

• Friday, January 29, 2027: Regular application deadline

• Friday, February 26, 2027: Regular decision day

• Tuesday, April 21, 2027, 9–11 a.m.: ECA Celebration and Induction Day

For more information, including course details, visit KU Early College Academy.

On Thursday, October 15th the majority of 10th grade students and any registered 11th graders will take the PSAT assessment during the school day.

Please review these testing reminders with your student if they are testing:

1. Bring a fully charged laptop to the exam. Bring a laptop charger in case of any battery issues.

2. There is a calculator in the testing app, but if a student prefers to use a handheld calculator they must bring one with them to the test. Calculators will not be provided during testing. If a student wants to borrow a calculator from their teacher they must talk to them prior to test day.

3. Get a good night’s sleep.

4. Have breakfast in the morning (there will not be time to have breakfast at school)

5. Arrive on time. Students are not permitted in the testing rooms once testing has started. Students should report directly to their exam room on test day, not 1st period. Test locations will be posted in the cafeteria and in the hallway across from the main office the week of the exam. Students should be in their testing room by 7:35 am.

6. If your student is testing and typically attends AM BCTC, they will not attend BCTC on the test day. BCTC will be informed of students who are testing and their absence from BCTC will be excused.

All students taking an AP course are required to take the AP Exam in the Spring. AP letters and invoices were given to students during the first week of school. The letter is attached below. Please review the letter and invoice. Payment was due to the high school on 10/1/26. Failure to submit payment will result in the student becoming ineligible after a second invoice is distributed. If you need to set up a payment plan or need a copy of your student’s invoice, please contact Kristina Angstadt.

Please take note of the exam schedule below. Students and parents should NOT plan any vacations, college visits, doctor appointments, etc. on your student's exam date(s) as it is not a valid excuse for a make-up exam. Should your student be sick the day of the exam, you will be required to provide a doctor’s note.

• 5/3 12:00 PM: AP Biology

• 5/4 8:00 AM: AP US Government

• 5/4 12:00 PM: AP European History

• 5/5 8:00 AM: AP English Literature

• 5/5 12:00 PM AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based

• 5/6 12:00 PM: AP Chemistry

• 5/7 8:00 AM: AP US History

• 5/10 8:00 AM: AP Calculus AB

• 5/11 8:00 AM: AP Precalculus

• 5/11 12:00 PM: AP Statistics

• 5/12 8:00 AM: AP English Language

• 5/14 8:00 AM AP Computer Science Principles

• 5/14 12:00 PM: AP Psychology

• AP Art Digital Portfolio & AP Computer Science Principles Portfolio: Teacher will have deadline in advance of College Board Deadline

AP Letter and SchoolCafe Directions

Students wishing to take the SAT or ACT must register directly with those organizations.

Get ready for the digital SAT with Penn State Berks’ SAT Exam Prep Course!

Who: High schoolers who have completed or are in Algebra II
What: Strategies and practice for reading, writing, and math on the digital SAT, plus two diagnostic tests
When: Mondays 6:30–8 p.m. + two Saturday test sessions 9:00 - 11:30 am

Next Sessions:

• Fall 2026 Session 2: Oct 19 – Nov 30

• Spring 2027 Sessions: Jan 11 – Mar 1 & Apr 12 – May 24
  Cost: $300 + required textbook

Seats available now! Register here: https://berks.psu.edu/ce/sat-prep-courses

FAFSA: Open the Door to Financial Aid

Planning for college or career school? The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is an important first step. It helps determine your eligibility for financial assistance and can connect you with funding for education after high school.

As a first step in applying for financial aid, create a StudentAid.gov account. A StudentAid.gov Account is a username and password that you will use to log into the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and other U.S. Department of Education websites.

Why complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA is the key to accessing federal, state, and school-based financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans. Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll qualify, completing the application is worthwhile—you don’t want to miss funding opportunities that may be available to you.

NEW - Pennsylvania FAFSA requirement

Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, Pennsylvania law requires students enrolled in public and non-public high schools to file the FAFSA with the U.S. Department of Education or submit the Pennsylvania FAFSA Completion Opt-Out Form before completing high school. (24 P.S. § 16-1617)

Sallie Mae FAFSA Workshop: October 7, 2026, 7:00 PM Registration Link. Join our experts for an overview of the FAFSA®, also highlighting some of last year's changes. We’ll share helpful tips and information to help you complete your FAFSA® and find the money you need to pay for college.

Need help?

Review the information and resources below.

Creating a Federal Student Aid Account (FSA ID)

Benefits of the FAFSA

PHEAA Webinars

Oley Valley High School Counselors are excited to meet with all Junior (Class of 2028) parents during the evening of November 5, 2026, starting at 6:00 PM. This event is IN PERSON.

During this event, the OVHS Counselors will review with parents the information presented to students during their Junior year. Topics include:

Post-Secondary Options

SAT vs. ACT vs. Test Optional

Naviance Tools Overview

College Visits and Important Questions to Ask

College Application Process

Senior Year Timeline

First-time (or if it has been a while since you've had one) junior parents are highly encouraged to attend. No Pre-Registration Required.

OVHS FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP-PHEAA: November 19, 2026, 6:00-6:45 PM

OVHS FAFSA COMPLETION LAB: November 19, 2026, Session I: 5:00 PM, Session II: 6:45 PM (Sign-Up Required, Details will be shared in late Oct/Early Nov)

Wednesday, November 18, 2026

Military Opportunity:
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a crucial assessment that helps determine your eligibility to enlist in the military. Additionally, it plays a key role in matching you with an appropriate job within the armed services based on your skills and strengths.

Career Exploration:
Beyond military enlistment, the ASVAB is an excellent tool for career exploration. Students who are uncertain about their post-secondary plans are encouraged to take this assessment. It evaluates your developed strengths and skills, highlighting your potential for success in various training programs. The results can significantly aid in career planning, regardless of your future aspirations.

Important Information:
Interested students should sign up by November 13, 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to explore your career options!

ASVAB Sign-Up Form

We are pleased to provide our 9th-grade students with exciting opportunities to explore potential career paths and educational options after high school. This fall, students will have the chance to sign up for tours of Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC) and a local business.

• BCTC Tours:

• Date: October 16th (AM West Campus Visit, PM East Campus Visit) - Permission slips were due 9/25/26

During these tours, students will be assigned to the campus offering their first choice program and will have the opportunity to explore three different programs during their visit.

• BBEC Business Tours - American Crane & Equipment

• Date: Wednesday, November 11th 8:30 am - 11:00 am - Permission slips due 10/28/26, limited spots available (only 40 spots).

The Berks Business Education Coalition sponsors a field trip to take 9th grade students to a local business. We will be visiting American Crane & Equipment this year. We are limited to 40 spots. Students should turn in their permission slips to the main office. Permission slips are due by October 28th.

BBEC Business Permission Slip

After School Tutoring

After school tutoring is available Monday through Thursday from 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM in the High School Library. No need to sign up in advance. All are welcome.

Schoology Resources

Each student has a course for their graduating class that includes the following resources:

• Library Resources

• Counselor's Corner

• Career Exploration & Development

• Military

Students should check schoology daily for information/announcements.

Community Service Hours

Thirty (30) community service hours must be completed and signed log sheets turned in to the Guidance Office by the end of 11th Grade. Seniors who do not have their community service hours completed will remain ineligible for senior privileges, such as field trips, dances, early dismissal, and graduation. A printable community service log sheet is attached below for your convenience.

Community Service Opportunities List

Community Service Log

OVHS Student Assistance Program (SAP)

The OVHS SAP Team is accepting referrals for students or their families looking for resources. SAP is a group of specially trained Oley Valley High School teachers, administrators, counselors, nurses, and a liaison from Caron Foundation. This voluntary program offers supportive services to students experiencing academic, behavioral, and/or emotional difficulties that may pose barriers to school success. To make a referral please contact your student’s school counselor.

Our SAP liaison also runs psycho-educational support groups to help students learn to cope effectively with many common barriers to their educational success. Groups typically last 30-45 minutes in duration, once a week, for about 8 weeks. If your student is interested in joining a group please reach out to their school counselor.

• Mrs. Joanna Schlottman: Students Last Names A-G jschlottman@ovsdpa.org

• Mrs. Andrea Freese: Students Last Names H-P afreese@ovsdpa.org

• Ms. Kristina Angstadt: Students Last Names Q-Z kangstadt@ovsdpa.org

• Mrs. Jen Schorr: Counseling Secretary jschorr@ovsdpa.org