PTHS Counseling Office Newsletter

1. Information for PTHS Students

2. Mental Health

3. Postsecondary Planning Resources

4. Scholarships & Financial Aid Resources

5. Children's Grief Awareness & Highmark Caring Place

6. PT Upcoming Events & Counseling

Peters Township High School is hosting the annual South Hills Trade and Technical Fair this fall! We are excited to invite students who are interested in networking with local businesses for potential opportunities to attend the event on Wednesday, November 5th, from 6:00–8:00 PM

This event has been a wonderful success in connecting students with career pathways over the past several years, and we are thrilled to offer this valuable opportunity again. The event is a great opportunity for students and planning their postsecondary pathways (college, trade/tech, military, employment, etc.) by learning more about future career options, exploring hands-on training programs, and engaging with professionals in a variety of fields.

Registration must be completed through the Total Registration website: https://user.totalregistration.net/AP/390535

Registration opens Monday, September 29th at 12:01am.

Registration closes Friday, November 7th at 11:59pm.

November 12th by 11:59pm Exams must be paid for by this date. Any exam with a remaining balance after this date will be canceled.

November 14th: Last day for a full refund.

If you have general questions of concerns, please contact Courtney Wolf in the high school counseling office: (724)941-6250 x8910 or wolfc@pt-sd.org

The American Math Exam will be given on Wednesday, November 5th at 8:00 am! Any student is eligible to take the exam, but current Algebra II students & above are targeted.

• The exam is free
• Entirely voluntary
• Lasts approximately 75 mins.

Students who score highly enough become eligible to move onto the next level of the test; with the grand prize being a chance to participate as a member of the American team of the International Math Olympiad. Students are responsible to make-up any missed work as a result of participation, but absence from periods missed will be pre-excused.

Anyone who would like to participate or if you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Prinsen at prinsenh@pt-sd.org.

There will be a half-day informational session and tour at the Western Area Career and Technology Center (WACTC) on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The bus will depart PTHS for Western Area at 8:30 am and will return around 11:30 am. This is the perfect opportunity for the prospective students to see first-hand the facility and programs WACTC has to offer, while also meeting the excellent staff.

Reminders:

• Students are responsible for any missed assignments, exams, etc.

• Students will eat lunch upon return, during period 6, on that day.

• Students are NOT permitted to wear the following items on the tour: ripped jeans, shorts, hoodies, loose jewelry, or chains.

• Students must wear closed-toed shoes.
  
  

Permission slips are available in the Counseling Office and must be turned in by Monday, November 17. Please contact Ms. Patton (PattonA@pt-sd.org) with any questions.

Wondermind was created to be a refreshingly accessible, judgment-free space where teens and young adults can explore mental health and build what they call “mental fitness.” Co-founded by Selena Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey and entrepreneur Daniella Pierson, the platform emphasizes the idea that caring for your mind is like working out your body: it takes consistent, doable practices, not just a one-time fix.

The site Mindfulness for Teens is built by Dr. Dzung X. Vo, a pediatrician and adolescent‐medicine specialist who understands the unique stressors facing high school students. At Mindfulness for teens you will find: free guided meditations designed for teens, perfect for short breaks between classes, and engaging videos and youth stories that illustrate how mindfulness can help with stress, transition and everyday life.

A recent study from the University of Washington explored whether virtual reality (VR) could help teens cope with stress and mood challenges. Researchers created a program called RESeT — an immersive forest-and-snow world filled with mindfulness-based activities like rock-stacking, painting and bird-listening, designed to help teens reduce stress when they accessed it on their own. Students used the VR environment on average twice a week for about 11 minutes, felt calmer and in better moods during the sessions, and said they liked the experience. Although the study did not show a clear drop in anxiety or depression over three weeks, it suggests that VR could become a useful add-on for teen wellbeing — especially in schools where access to mental-health supports is limited. For students: if you’re feeling stressed or need a break, consider trying a “mini-escape” with guided relaxation, mindfulness or an engaging digital tool. Your counselling office is looking into how we can bring more of these types of tools into school.

Resilience—the ability to recover from challenges and adapt to change—is one of the most important skills teens can develop. In UNICEF’s article “3 Ways to Help Your Teen Build Resilience,” experts share how everyday habits and supportive relationships can strengthen this skill. Encouraging problem-solving, allowing space for disappointment, and maintaining healthy routines like sleep, nutrition, and physical activity all play a major role in helping teens thrive. By fostering resilience, students can build confidence, cope with stress, and face future challenges with a stronger sense of balance and hope.

In his article, Bryan Robinson highlights the rise of ‘new-collar’ careers—pathways that emphasize skills, training and hands-on experience rather than just a four-year degree. His seven-step plan encourages students to build market-relevant abilities, embrace lifelong learning, and consider varied post-secondary options (certificates, apprenticeships, trade schools) alongside traditional college. For high school students, the takeaway is clear: now is the time to explore your interests, align your courses and activities with your goals, and remain flexible in a changing job market.

According to Forbes contributor Sarah Hernholm, in a rapidly changing world, success for young people won’t just be about good grades or getting into a “top college.” Instead, she says, teens who thrive will cultivate five key skills: an innovation mindset, comfort with AI/technology, strong communication, problem-solving ability, and financial literacy. These skills let you adapt when the unexpected happens, shape your own path instead of simply following one, and make informed decisions about your training or job. For high schoolers, the message is clear: every project, all those extra-curriculars, your choice of tools and mindset — they all matter.

Tip: Pick one of these five skills this month, set a goal around it (e.g., “I’ll explore one new tech/AI tool”; “I’ll explain a concept to a friend so I’m clearer in my communication”; “I’ll create a simple budget or track my spending for one week”). Then reflect: what did you learn? What surprised you? What will you try next?

Applying to college can feel like an emotional sprint. This article reminds students and families that the admissions season is just one phase — and taking care of your mind and your relationship with your teen matters just as much as the applications themselves. It suggests checking in on expectations, focusing more on who your student is than which college they attend, maintaining healthy habits (like sleep and social time), and keeping the conversation about well-being open.

Naviance: Use Naviance to explore your interests, strengths, and postsecondary options — from careers and college majors to scholarship opportunities. It’s your one-stop hub for planning your future and setting personal goals.
RoadTrip Nation: lets you explore real stories from professionals in every field imaginable — from artists to engineers — helping you discover how others found their purpose and how you can chart your own path.

O'Net Online: Career Research: With O*NET Online, you can research thousands of careers, learn about daily job tasks, required skills, education levels, and salary ranges — a great place to start matching your interests to real-world opportunities.
Occupational Outlook Handbook: from the U.S. Department of Labor provides up-to-date information on hundreds of careers, including job growth projections, typical pay, and work environments — ideal for students exploring future career trends.

CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop offers tools to compare careers, find training programs, build a résumé, and explore pathways that match your skills and goals.

BigFuture by College Board: BigFuture helps you connect the dots between your interests, college majors, and potential careers — plus find scholarships and college planning support along the way.

Best Trade Schools in America: Explore the Best Trade Schools in America to find top-rated programs that offer hands-on training and direct career pathways in high-demand fields like healthcare, construction, automotive, and technology.

Builder’s Guild of Western Pennsylvania: connects students with union training programs, apprenticeships, and careers in construction and the skilled trades.

Pennsylvania Apprenticeships: offers a statewide directory of registered apprenticeship programs, helping students earn while they learn in industries ranging from manufacturing to healthcare. It also provides guidance on how to apply, eligibility, and training requirements.

ApprenticeshipUSA: connects individuals to thousands of federally registered apprenticeship opportunities nationwide. It’s a great tool for exploring careers that combine classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job experience.

Build Your Future (BYF): introduces students to careers in construction and the skilled trades through videos, career maps, and salary insights. It also highlights scholarships and training pathways for those ready to enter the workforce.

US Department of Defense: Military Forces: This site provides an overview of the structure, missions, and responsibilities of each branch, helping students understand the different career paths available in military service.

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point prepares students to become leaders in the U.S. Army through a rigorous academic and physical training program. It’s ideal for students who want a world-class education combined with a commitment to serve as Army officers after graduation.

United States Naval Academy (Annapolis): educates and trains future officers for service in the Navy and Marine Corps. Students gain leadership experience while earning a top-tier degree in engineering, science, or the humanities.

Top Majors for ROTC Students Website: this site helps prospective ROTC cadets explore academic majors that align well with leadership development, military training, and future career goals. It’s a great resource for students considering balancing college academics with ROTC participation.

Todays Military - Careers & Benefits: provides detailed information on military career options, enlistment benefits, education funding, and lifestyle expectations across all branches.

U.S. Department of Defense: this official website offers news, policies, and resources for those interested in defense-related careers, both military and civilian.

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery): is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

November

11/30: Western Pennsylvania Golf Association Scholarship – $5,000 (renewable)

11/30: George Benson Scholarship Fund – $2,000 (renewable)

December

12/1: The Hagan Scholarship (National) – $7,500 (renewable)

12/31: The "No Sweat" Scholarship – $2,500

January

1/16: The Jim Borden Memorial Scholarship – $7,500 (renewable)

1/16: Scholarship for Diversity in Media – $7,500 (renewable)

1/16: The Business, Marketing and Technology Scholarship – $7,500 (renewable)

1/31: America250PA Semiquin Scholarship – $10,000

February

2/20: National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame – $1,000 (renewable)

March

3/1: Ross F. DiMarco Scholarship – $1,000

3/1: Lions Young Ambassador of the 21st Century Award Program – $500

April

4/6: Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central PA Scholarship Program – $1,500

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

Ongoing

Citizens Scholarship

PA American Legion Scholarship Program (multiple scholarships)

ROTC Minuteman Scholarship

The Win Mortimer Trust

10 Words or Less Scholarship

10 Things You Love About You

VFW Auxiliary 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest

NHS Scholarship

Top Scholarships for High School Seniors: Class of 2026 - Updated

25 Scholarships to Apply for in 2025

Bachus & Schanker, LLC Scholarship

Emery Reddy Scholarship

Hispanic Heritage Youth Award

Sparkling Ice Flavorful Futures Scholarships: $5K Awards for Green and Creative Students

Military & Veteran Journalism Fund Grant Offers up to $10,000

James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalist Scholarships

Elks Most Valuable Student Scholarship

Chick-fil-A Community Scholars

Safe Cycling Scholarship

Weird Scholarships that Pay for College: Strange, Totally Real Opportunities

No-Essay Scholarships 2025

Military Scholarships

1st Financial Bank Financial Goals Scholarship

$1,000 Dream Big No-Essay Scholarship by Going Merry

$1,000 Stress-Free Scholarship

Innovation in Education Scholarship

Employment BOOST Academic Scholarship

Joseph U. Bottalla Memorial Scholarship

The Best Pennsylvania Scholarships

Burger King WHOPPER Scholarship: $1,000–$60,000 for Seniors

Vocational, Technical & Trade School Scholarships

College Jumpstart Scholarship

10 Words or Less Scholarship

10 Things You Love About You

VFW Auxiliary 3-Dimensional Patriotic Art Contest

Scholarship Opportunities for Class of 2027
Attention juniors, the Coolidge Scholarship is now available! This is a full-ride, merit scholarship that covers a student’s tuition, room, board, and expenses for four years of undergraduate study. All application materials are due by 5:00pm Pacific Time on December 16, 2026, for more information and to apply go to: https://coolidgescholars.org/

Thinking about college, trade school, or any post-secondary program? Don’t miss out on free money for your future! The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your gateway to grants, scholarships, work-study, and low-interest loans. This month, take a few minutes to prepare by checking out Fastweb’s FAFSA Checklist — a step-by-step guide to help you gather everything you’ll need before you apply

Every child who is old enough to love is old enough to mourn. When a child loses someone important, their grief can often feel invisible — but with care, advocacy, and understanding, we can help them feel seen and supported. Children’s Grief Awareness Day, founded in 2008 by the Highmark Caring Place, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the unique needs of grieving children and teens. The Caring Place, with locations in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Erie, and Warrendale, offers free peer support groups, education, and resources to help children and families heal after loss.

The Highmark Caring Place invites you to take part in their Virtual Illuminating HOPE Campaign — a beautiful, one-of-a-kind online gathering of butterflies that symbolize love, remembrance, and support. Each virtual butterfly represents a message of hope: honoring loved ones who have passed, recognizing those who are grieving, or showing care for families healing from loss. Together, these butterflies create a powerful Butterfly Garden that reminds children, teens, and adults that they are not alone in their grief.