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

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

• LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS DUE: January 9th, 2026

• Attention All Students! 🌟

  Career and Technical Education (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/.
• Trimester 2 Begins- Dec. 1st
• Winter Break- Dec. 22nd- Jan. 4th.

Mrs. Nichols will be coming into all 10th grade ELA classes to go over the programs offered through DCTC. If you would like to get a head start, you can visit dctcschools.org to see a list of the programs available and the requirements for each program.

While the deadline to sign up for program tours was last week, you did not have to do a tour to apply for a program. Program applications will happen in the Spring.

**Counselors will be coming to classrooms after winter break to schedule for next year.**

Please make sure you are present the day a counselor comes into your classroom!

Step by Step Instructions on how to complete your FAFSA form.

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!
• Do you need to set up 1:1 appt with Financial aid?
• Apply: Be sure to discuss with your parents or guardians to ensure the best path that suits you individually.
• FILL OUT SCHOLARSHIPS! Begin filling out applications now, 1-2x per week to earn as much as you can.
• Local Scholarships have been posted. TAKE ADVANTAGE!

Kalamazoo College

• 📍 Kalamazoo, Michigan

  Type: Private Liberal arts college

  🐝 Mascot & Sports

• Mascot: The teams are called the Kalamazoo Hornets — so you’ll see hornets on logos and at games.

• Athletics:

  • Competes in NCAA Division III and the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA).
    

  • Offers varsity sports for both men and women, including basketball, soccer, tennis, swimming & diving, lacrosse, volleyball, golf, cross country, and more. kzoo.edu

  • Fun fact: The men’s tennis team had one of the longest conference championship streaks in NCAA history.

🎓 Academics

• K-Plan: The hallmark of a K education — a flexible, personalized curriculum that blends rigorous liberal arts study, experiential learning, study abroad, and a senior capstone project. kzoo.edu

• Student-Faculty Ratio: About 10:1, meaning small classes and close mentorship from professors.
  

• Programs: Offers around 32 majors, 22 minors, and 13 concentrations, so students can tailor their academic experience. Global Engagement: Many students study abroad through over 50 programs in 35+ countries.

🏫 Campus Life

• Size & Setting: A close-knit campus of ~1,300 students in a residential neighborhood near downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan.
  

• Housing: Most students live on campus or just blocks away, creating strong community ties.

• Organizations & Events:

  • Over 70+ student organizations, including arts groups, performance ensembles, advocacy groups, and more.
    

  • Traditions like Monte Carlo Night and Day of Gracious Living add to the fun and campus identity.
    

• Culture: A lively mix of academic engagement, creative pursuits, community involvement, and social activities.
  

💰 Cost & Financial Aid

• Sticker Price (2025-26): Tuition + fees around $63,800 and room & board about $13,200.

• Financial Aid:

  • 98% of students receive aid (grants, scholarships, work-study, etc.).
    

  • Merit scholarships range $44,000–$52,000 annually based on achievement.

  • The Princeton Review and Money Magazine recognize K for strong value and return on investment.
    

⭐ Value & Outcomes

• Recognized as one of the “Colleges That Change Lives,” emphasizing mentorship and real-world preparation.
  

• Ranked well for best value based on quality outcomes and affordability.
  

• Alumni often pursue meaningful careers — some earning salaries well above average after graduation.
  

🤔 Why Choose Kalamazoo?

• 🧠 Personalized academic path with strong support from faculty.
  

• 🌍 Robust global opportunities — most students study abroad.
  

• 🏡 Community feel — easy to know classmates, get involved, and shape your campus life.

• 💡 Strong experiential learning — internships, research, civic engagement all built into the curriculum.

APPLY HERE: https://admission.kzoo.edu/how-to-apply-2/

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

What Is a Trade/Apprenticeship?

A trade is a skilled job like electrician, welder, plumber, HVAC tech, or machinist — work that’s hands-on and essential to our economy.
An apprenticeship is a paid training program where you learn on the job and in class, often earning industry credentials as you go. Apprenticeships help you earn while you learn and often don’t require college debt.

1. Explore Your Options

Learn about trades like:

• Electrician

• HVAC technician

• Carpenter

• Welder

• Plumber

• Automotive tech

• Machinist
  Research what daily work is like, wages, and training requirements.

2. Take Helpful Classes

In high school:

• Math (especially algebra & geometry)

• Science (physics is great!)

• Career & Technical Education (CTE) classes like welding, automotive tech, construction, or engineering

3. Build Hands-On Experience

Get real practice by:

• Job shadows or internships

• Helping on home projects

• Volunteering with community builds

Hands-on skills impress employers!

4. Look for Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeships are offered statewide through Registered Apprenticeship programs and trades unions. They let you:
✔ Work for pay with experienced mentors
✔ Take related classroom instruction
✔ Earn industry credentials
✔ Build a career path with increasing wages

5. Prepare a Strong Application

Include:

• Relevant classes or activities

• Work experience (even volunteer or hobby work)

• A resume that highlights your willingness to learn and reliability

6. Get Safety and Basic Certifications

Consider:

• OSHA-10 safety course

• CPR/First Aid

• Industry-specific intro classes (e.g., welding basics)

These boost your chances of hiring.

7. Be Professional

Show employers you’re ready:
🔹 Be on time
🔹 Ask thoughtful questions
🔹 Take direction well
🔹 Stay safe

These soft skills matter.

8. Stay Open and Curious

Talk to:

• Career counselors

• Local apprenticeship reps

• Tradespeople you know

Networking can lead to opportunities others don’t see!

Michigan Trade Schools & Apprenticeship Resources

Vocational & Technical Schools in Michigan

These provide training and certificates in trades like cosmetology, auto tech, construction, HVAC, and more:

• Abcott Institute (Southfield) – health and beauty professions

• Ann Arbor Institute of Massage Therapy (Ann Arbor)

• Blue Water College of Cosmetology (Marysville)

• Brighton Institute of Cosmetology (Brighton)

• Career Quest Learning Centers (Kalamazoo & Jackson)

• …and many more across Michigan — over 90 trade schools listed statewide.
  

You can find hundreds of programs by city at tradecolleges.org or findmytradeschool.com.

• 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! If you failed a course 1st trimester, reach out to your counselor to find out NEXT STEPS!
• Meet with your counselor to discuss plans for your future.
• Did you struggle in your 1st trimester? What are you doing to do differently this trimester to improve your grades.
• 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/

1. Gratitude Walk
Take a short walk and notice the small things happening in nature—snow falling, leaves changing, birds flying. You can take pictures or just enjoy being present.

2. Secret Acts of Kindness
Surprise someone with a kind message! Send a positive text, leave a note, make a quick call, or compliment someone in person. Little words can make someone’s day.

3. Give Back
Use your time or resources to help others. Donate canned goods or spare change, volunteer, or do something helpful for a neighbor or family member—like shoveling snow, raking leaves, or baking a treat.

4. Game Time!
Plan a game day or night with friends or family. Put the phones away, laugh, and enjoy being together.

5. Gratitude Questions
Sit together with family or friends and ask gratitude questions.
Examples:

• “What’s something good that happened today?”

• “Who are you grateful for and why?”

• “What made you smile this week?”
  These are a great way to have fun, learn about each other, and spark meaningful conversations.

Xello lessons are interactive, personalized learning modules for K-12 students, designed to builds essential skills, knowledge, and confidence for college and career readiness, helping students discover themselves, explore future options, and make informed decisions for a successful future by linking current interests to real-world opportunities.

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 our update and for your ongoing support. We look forward to continuing our partnership to make this school year successful for every student. Happy Holidays to all of our students and families! 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-Z: 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 :)