Now is the time to break out of your same-old homework habits. Try these study tips and get the brain boost you need for back to school. Click here to read more. source: The Princeton Review

After hearing "I wish I'd known this when I was a freshman!" countless times by the end of the school year, my senior class decided they wanted to leave behind some real advice for high school freshmen. Here are some of the great insights they shared. Click here to read more. source: wgu.edu

We look forward to working with you and your student(s) this year in areas including academic development, career development and personal/social development. Students are asked to request meetings using the provided QR code in school. Students are also encouraged to join the School Counseling Resources group to find resources that might be helpful in a variety of areas. School counselors are required to hold a masters degree in counseling and earn an Education Specialist credential from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Counselors:

Mrs. Rubican

A-Dea

BA Psychology, California University of Pennsylvania

MS.ED, Community Counseling Services, Duquesne University

K-12 School Counseling Certification, Duquesne University

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Duquesne University

MS.Ed, K-12 Educational Administration, Duquesne University

13th year at Canon-McMillan, previously worked in child welfare and coordinated grants for Zero to Three and Woodland Hills School District

Focus areas: Act 158, College, Career, National Merit, Financial Aid, Dual Enrollment, Xello, Counseling Newsletter; NHS Advisor

I love helping students on their journey through high school in their endeavor to achieve personal goals related to postsecondary education attainment (if needed) and the career that will be fulfilling through adulthood. The average person works for 35 years...that is a long time to do a job that does not bring joy!

Mrs. Humbertson

Deb-Hog

BA Communications/Public Relations, The University of Findlay

Post-Graduate Certificates English 7-12 & Reading Specialist K-12, Cleveland State University & University of Pittsburgh

MS.ED, School Counseling Certification 7-12, California University of Pennsylvania

2.5 years in school counseling; at Canon-McMillan High School (this is my 20th year at CM).Taught English at Canon-McMillan High School for 19 years and at North Olmsted High School (in Ohio) for 3 years before becoming a school counselor.

Focus Areas: Peer Tutoring, SSD, 504, Group Counseling & Concussion, Sponsor of Students Against Destructive Decisions (a club at CMHS)

I consider it a privilege to work with my students and their families during their tenure at CMHS. I enjoy spending my free time with my family, including my two very active sons and three Labrador retrievers.

Ms. Abbondanza

Hoh-Mik

BA, Psychology and Human Resources, Davis and Elkins College

MS, Professional Counseling and School Counseling, Carlow University

16 years in School Counseling

PSAT, SAP Lead Facilitator, Transformation Learning [Alt Ed]

I love getting to know my students. I love learning about their generation; interests, social media trends, social struggles and helping them overcome their challenges and be successful while navigating the difficult teen years.

Mrs. Hughes (joining us in October)

Mil-Set

BA, Marketing and Communications, Duquesne University

M.ED, School Counseling, Duquesne University

Experience: Middle School Counseling

Focus Areas: Act 158, SAP Lead, Truancy

I love being a school counselor because every day brings something different, challenging and exciting. Most importantly, I love getting to know the students and see them grow and reach their goals.

Mrs. Nuri

Seu-Z

BA in English, Saint Vincent College

MS in School Counseling, Saint Vincent College

English as a Second Language Specialist, Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit

Experience: 3 years of teaching, 2 years of school counseling

Focus Areas: AP Coordinator, Total Registration, ESL, Foreign Exchange

I love traveling, playing sports, and spending time outside. One of my favorite things about working in education is discovering all of the different connections we share with each other. I am always interested in what you have to say and will try my best to assist you in whatever you set your mind to achieving!

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) recognizes the month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month: a moment in time in which we rally the public to create awareness of this leading cause of death, and inspire more and more people to learn how they can play a role in their communities in helping to save lives. Alternatively recognized as National Suicide Prevention Week (generally the week after Labor Day) and World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10), AFSP takes advantage of the full month to offer understanding and guidance for the public through special events, personal stories and perspectives, shareable social graphics and other materials designed to help people know what they can do if they or someone they know is struggling, and how to have authentic, caring conversations about suicide and mental health.

Suicide prevention is important every day of the year. National Suicide Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to shine a special, encouraging light on this topic that affects us all, and send a clear, hopeful message that help is available, and suicide can be prevented.

Together, we can help #StopSuicide. source:afsp.com

How parents can talk to their kids about suicide

Risk-of-Suicide

Risk and Protective Factors

Preventing Suicide Fact Sheet

Washington County Crisis Resources

Here are some resources to help with college savings:

PA 529 Accounts

Keystone Scholars Program

CFPB Paying for College Tools

Jonathan Warner, PHEAA, will be giving a Financial Aid presentation at the Peters Township Public Library on October 5 at 6:30pm. Click here to register. There is no cost to attend.

Every high school student is encouraged to join the School Counseling Resources group in Schoology! Resources including academic development, career development, employment, community service opportunities, scholarships and more can be found there! Students can join the group by using the following access code: DB7QW-K4WWP

Students who need to obtain transcripts for college applications or scholarships may use this form to give permission to the counselors to share it. This form needs to be filled out one time by a parent/guardian or the student if over the age of 18.

Remember, students will still have to communicate where transcripts should be sent. This will occur in Xello.

Senior students may request both transcripts from counselors and letters of recommendation from counselors and/or teachers. Xello integrates with the Common Application. Underclassmen were assigned lessons in Xello to complete either in Freshman Seminar or Social Studies classes. Click here to learn more about Xello. Students are reminded to ask teachers and others for recommendations before assigning them in Xello.

Once a student has begun to track a college application in Xello, they have the option to request a referrer write a recommendation letter to be sent to the institution if it's required for the application.Students are reminded to provide a resume to the referrer, as well as to ask them to write a letter before requesting in Xello. Click here to read more.Source www.help.xello.world

Click here for how to link your Common App and Xello accounts and begin requesting documents. Students will be asked to select their counselor from the drop down menu-this prompts a request for the secondary school report, which includes the transcript and the high school schedule, as well as a counselor recommendation. Teacher evaluation requests should not be sent to a counselor or a principal.

College representatives will be visiting Canon-Mac. To sign up to attend a session, junior and senior students should rsvp on the event link in the School Counseling Resources group calendar. A pass will then be sent. The events will be added as colleges continue to request meetings.

September 15

John Carroll University

Westminster College

Bethany College

September 20

Slippery Rock University

New York University

Seton Hill University

September 22

Washington & Jefferson College

Marietta College

September 27

Miami University-Ohio

Event.

Students are encouraged to develop resumes. A resume template is available in Xello. Your counselor and teacher(s) will need a copy of your resume in order to write letters of recommendation as needed next year. To learn more recommendations and their importance in the admissions process, click here.

Preparation is key for all college-bound students, but thinking through what you’ll need to be successful is especially important for students with disabilities.

Here are some ideas and insights to help you settle into college. source.admitted.nacacnet.org

The Common App essay prompts will remain the same for 2022-2023. Because as we enter the third year of a global pandemic, consistency is not a bad thing.

That’s not the only reason, of course. We know from our most recent survey on the topic that over 95% of every group who responded--students, counselors, teachers, and admission officers--agree that the prompts spark effective essays. That’s why we kept them the same last year as well, with the exception of adding a new one about gratitude.

Click here to learn more. source:commonapp.org

Fewer college students from low-income households will be asked this year to provide further proof that the information on their financial aid application is accurate, the Education Department said Tuesday. Click here to read more. source: WashingtonPost.com

• More than 1,700 colleges and universities so far are not requiring students to submit SAT and ACT scores when they apply for admission for fall 2023, only a slightly lower number of institutions than the previous admissions cycle. Click here to read more and be sure to check out fairtest.org. source:highereddive.com

Our friends at Sage Scholars have provided this resource for you to use as you explore postsecondary education options, including timelines for students at all grade levels. Click here to learn more. source: readysetcollege.org

The Pennsylvania General Assembly created PA-TIP in 2012 to prepare students with the skills in high demand by today's employers. The program, which is funded by the Pennsylvania General Assembly and administered by PHEAA, provides awards to students e enrolled in programs of study in the following career areas:

• Energy
• Health
• Advanced Materials and Diversified Manufacturing
• Agriculture and Food Production

PA-TIP provides need-based awards up to the equivalent of the maximum award (currently $5,000), or the student’s actual unmet need, whichever is less. Awards can be used to cover educational costs, and specific living expenses. Click here to apply.

Revolution Prep has a team of professional tutors who have been teaching online for over a decade, and they’re offering 10% off live online tutoring and test preparation.

To take advantage of the 10% off tutoring, visit www.revolutionprep.com/partners/84060 to get your 10% off tutoring before September 30.

The SAT's optional essay and subject tests have been nixed by the College Board, the latest step away from standardized testing in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"As students and colleges adapt to new realities and changes to the college admissions process, College Board is making sure our programs adapt with them. We're making some changes to reduce demands on students," the organization said in a statement. Click here to read more. Source:cnn.com

Scholarships are added to the Scholarships folder in the School Counseling Resources group throughout the year. Students are encouraged to peruse the folder. The newest scholarships are at the bottom of the page in Schoology.

Class of 2023: Complete these 6 college planning steps for 6 separate chances at $500. When you finish all 6, you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $40,000 scholarship, but you can still earn money even if you don’t complete them all. Click here to learn more.

1. 
   

   BuildYour College List $500

2. 
   

   Practice for the SAT $500

3. 
   

   Explore Scholarships $500

4. 
   

   Strengthen Your College List $500

5. 
   

   Complete the FAFSA® $500

6. 
   

   Apply to Colleges $500

7. 
   

   Complete Your Journey; Complete all six $40,000

   
   

   
   

Are you a low-income high school senior who has excelled academically, but feels that the nation’s best colleges are financially out of reach? The QuestBridge National College Match can be your pathway to a top college. Through this college and scholarship application process, you can apply for free to the nation’s best colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship from the college. Click here to learn more and apply.

The Heisman Memorial Trophy is renowned for symbolizing the pursuit of excellence with integrity. The Heisman High School Scholarship, presented by Acceptance Insurance, extends the Heisman prestige to our nation’s most esteemed male and female high school seniors by recognizing and rewarding outstanding scholar-athletes who understand that the most important victories not only happen on the field, but in their schools and communities. These remarkable young leaders set the example and make a game-changing difference every day, paving the way to greatness for everyone around them. Senior student athletes are encouraged to apply here. Deadline 10/18/22.

Tuition Reward Points accrue like frequent flyer miles and are typically earned through an affiliated financial institution, health insurance, or employer. These include 529 plans, banks, brokerage firms, companies, credit unions, mutual funds, non-profits and diverse financial service companies involved in life insurance, health insurance or retirement plans. Your Tuition Rewards Points represent guaranteed minimum discounts off the "list price" of tuition at many of America's best private colleges. Click here to learn more. source:tuitionrewards.com

If you have a student in grades 9-11, consider signing up for RaiseMe. It is a micro-scholarship program. Completing a RaiseMe portfolio and following colleges could earn you scholarships for your achievements. If you attend a college that has committed to rewarding you, you will get that sum when you attend that college. Click here for more information.

Selective Service registration is required by law as the first part of a fair and equitable system that, if authorized by the President and Congress, would rapidly provide personnel to the Department of Defense while at the same time providing for an Alternative Service Program for conscientious objectors. By registering, a young man remains eligible for jobs, Federal student aid, State-based student aid in 31 states, Federally-funded job training, and U.S. citizenship for immigrant men. Registration begins at age 18. Click here to learn more and register.

The Pennsylvania Student Assistance Program (SAP) is a systematic team process used to mobilize school resources to remove barriers to learning. SAP is designed to assist in identifying issues including alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and mental health issues which pose a barrier to a student’s success. The primary goal of the Student Assistance Program is to help students overcome these barriers so that they may achieve, advance, and remain in school. This program is voluntary and confidential; if you are interested in your student being referred to SAP, please contact your school counselor.

Any time a student changes residences, an Inter-district transfer form accompanied by two pieces of evidence (driver's licence, lease/mortage agreement, utility bill, etc.) must be submitted to the Counseling Department. For more information or to facilitate this process, please contact Ms. Wrubleski, Counseling Secretary, at wrubleskim@cmsd.k12.pa.us. If you are moving out of District, contacting your new school right away to enroll your student ensures that there is no delay with records being obtained.

Work Permits are available in the main office; contact Mrs. Bickmeier at bickmeierd@cmsd.k12.pa.us. Students will need to obtain an application that needs to be signed by a parent/guardian and provide a copy of the student's birth certificate.

Everyone has bad days. Do yours last longer than most? Click here for a screener that can help to determine if you need help managing your mental health.

Many students spent the last school year learning from home, but this year, “back to school” doesn’t quite mean “back to normal.” This year will necessitate adjustments as students head back into their classrooms for in-person instruction amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read more. source:abc27.com

School may look a bit different these days, but there's one constant parents will remember from pre-Covid days: the struggle to get your teen to sleep.

In fact, staying up late to see or talk with friends may be an even bigger problem now, as teens catch up on socializing. Then there are the typical distractions: Television, social media, video games and more. What's a parent to do? Click here to read more. source:cnn.com

Are you a parent trying to navigate the stress and anxiety brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic? We can help.

Our 40+ years addressing school crisis response, trauma intervention, and violence prevention has taught us what youth, parents, and their communities need in order to lower anxieties and build resilience. Click here to learn more and to access resources. source: cmionline.com

Eating disorders are serious but treatable mental illnesses that can affect people of every age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic group. No one knows exactly what causes eating disorders, but a growing consensus suggests that a range of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors come together to spark an eating disorder. Click here to read more. source:nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn

We know it’s been a weird year for students. Between juggling virtual learning, keeping contact with friends and family through FaceTime and social media and everything in between. We truly hope that The Challenge Program, Inc. has been a source of support, motivation and inspiration for you to become your best self.

Did you know what you can earn $200 in cash for your hard work? Every year, TCP rewards 10th, 11th and 12th grade students from each of our participating schools in five award categories: attendance, STEM, community service, academic improvement and academic excellence. Community service is often among students’ favorite award categories to work towards. You’re probably wondering how can you possibly clock community service hours while being responsible and keeping a distance, and we are here to tell you it’s possible! Click here to learn more!

The U.S. economy took a major hit during the coronavirus pandemic, with tens of millions of people filing for unemployment over the course of just several months.

Beginning in May and as states reopened economies, jobs in sectors like hospitality began to open back up. In June alone, as many as 4.8 million jobs were added to the labor market.

For people in search of a job or new career path altogether, career site Indeed made a list of 15 in-demand jobs that it says have “the most anticipated growth rates for the next five years.” Click here to read more.

As the pandemic continues to limit our lives, one thing we need to be alert for is depression, in our children as well as ourselves.

Feeling down in this time of cancelled activities and social distancing is unavoidable, and most of us are struggling to stay positive. But depression is more than just feeling sad or having bad days. A child who seems to be stuck in a negative mood — feeling hopeless and not able to enjoy anything — may have depression and may need help to bounce back. Click here to read more. Source:childmind.org

If your child is exhibiting any warning signs (that are not medical emergencies; if they are, get them to the ER), or if you just want more in-depth mental health check-ins, consider these questions to ask, courtesy of Dr. Eli Lebowitz, Ph.D., director of the Program for Anxiety Disorders at the Yale Child Study Center. Click here to read more.

Student Aid Guide
Scholarship Tips

FAFSA Tipsheet

FSA ID Bookmark

https://www.nasfaa.org/covid19

https://www.pheaa.org/tools-resources/financial-aid-toolkit.shtml

https://www.pheaa.org/tools-resources/fafsa-toolkit.shtml

https://www.nacacnet.org/news--publications/newsroom/press-releases/nacac-update-coronavirus/#factors

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/test-center-closings

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

https://www.sphs.org/

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health/index.shtml

https://www.gwcfb.org/food-pantry-locations

https://foodcommunitybenefit.noharm.org/resources/implementation-strategy/connecting-food-insecure-individuals-resources

https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/food-assistance-programs

College Raptor’s 2021 Best Colleges Rankings
We shine the spotlight on the best colleges and universities that the US has to offer. We’ve divided these rankings into multiple handy categories, allowing students and families to find schools that fit with what they’re looking for.

Niche 2021 Best Colleges
Explore college rankings based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of student and alumni reviews, and see how we calculate these rankings.

Princeton Review: The Best 386 Colleges 2021
For our 29th edition, we surveyed 143,000 students from across the country so we can tell you which college has the best food, best career services, happiest students, and more. Find out if your dream school made one of our 62 lists.

U.S. News Best Colleges
Expert advice, rankings, and data to help you navigate your education journey and find the best college for you.

Washington Monthly 2020 College Rankings
The Washington Monthly magazine released its 2020 College Guide and Rankings ranking colleges on how well they serve the country as a whole.

World University Rankings 2021
The World University Rankings 2021 include more than 1,500 universities across 93 countries and regions, making them the largest and most diverse university rankings to date.

A-C Karen Rubican rubicank@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5022

D-Hn Susan Humbertson humbertsons@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5020

Ho-Me Nadia Abbondanza abbondanzan@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5027

Mi-Sc Kathleen Sharkady sharkadyk@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5023

Se-Z Molly Nuri nurim@cmsd.k12.pa.us (724) 745-1400 X 5021

Ms. Michelle Wrubleski wrubleskim@cmsd.k12.pa.us

(724) 745-1400 X 5019

Fax (724) 873-5173