COUNSELOR'S CORNER NOVEMBER 2025

As we welcome the new year, the Counseling Department remains busy supporting students across all grade levels. Our seniors are finalizing college applications and celebrating acceptances, while academic scheduling for the upcoming school year is on the horizon. Scheduling decisions will take into account multiple measures, which may include, but are not limited to, student grades, the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA), IXL (a nationally normed diagnostic assessment), PSAT results, and attendance.

Recently, Williamson College of the Trades visited to speak with our junior and senior boys, and our high school counselors accompanied students on a visit to Pennco Tech to explore additional postsecondary trade pathways. We also held grade-level meetings to introduce Clayful to students as a valuable resource to support mental wellness, offering on-demand coaching, engaging curriculum, and actionable insights.

As midterms quickly approach, we encourage students and families to prioritize strong attendance and consistent academic effort, as both play a critical role in student success.

We are happy to share that Mrs. Van Fossen will be filling in for Mrs. DiMedio as the counselor for students in Grades 7–9 with last names L–Z.

Mrs. Van Fossen brings more than 20 years of counseling experience at Audubon, along with a deep knowledge of our students and school community. We are grateful to have her supporting our students and families during this time. She can be reached at wvanfossen@audubonschools.org.

Audubon is proud to partner with Clayful to provide on-demand coaching for students, caregivers, and educators. This partnership brings real, human support directly to our school community, helping to strengthen mental wellness, resilience, and positive behavior. Through Clayful, students can quickly connect with trained and trusted coaches—no topic is too big or too small—right from their AHS Clever account. In addition to one-on-one coaching, Clayful offers engaging curriculum and actionable insights that empower our entire school community to thrive academically and emotionally. This resource is a valuable step in ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed. Together, Audubon and Clayful are committed to fostering a supportive, empowered, and mentally strong school community.

Students in the National Junior Honor Society are making a meaningful impact through their individual service projects, supporting the Audubon community and surrounding local organizations. NJHS members volunteer their time tutoring peers, assisting with food pantries, creating hygiene baskets, and helping with elementary school clubs. They also contribute enrichment items to animal shelters and organize food and clothing drives through local churches. Through these efforts, and many others, students demonstrate leadership, compassion, and a strong commitment to service

UA Local Union 322's Plumbers & Pipefitters will be accepting applications in-person at the address listed below for the commercial/industrial apprenticeship. Applications will be available from January 19, 2026 through January 23, 2026 between 8am-3pm. A total of 150 applications will be distributed on a first come, first served basis. Once all 150 applications are given out, the application process will close.

COPIES of the following documents are required to apply. Local 322 will not make copies of your documents. Please have copies ready.

1. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time of application and hold a valid NJ driver’s license and will be 18 years of age prior to being indentured by the JATC.
2. Copy of Valid New Jersey Driver’s License
3. Copy of Valid proof of birth date; examples – valid driver’s license, birth certificate, or other State ID
4. Copy of High School Diploma or High School Equivalency (GED) Certificate and official report of test results. (High School Seniors can bring a letter from their school detailing their enrollment and expected graduation date)
5. Copy of Unofficial High School and Post High School Education and Training Transcript.
6. Copy of Military Transfer or Discharge Form DD-214, if applicable.

Prior applicants must reapply and resubmit the above documents. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Recruitment, selection, employment and training will be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin of sex. Female and minority applicants are encouraged to apply.

Applicants must reside in and have been bona fide resident of the geographical jurisdiction of Local Union 322 for one year prior to making application. This includes all of Atlantic, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem and parts of Ocean, and Burlington Counties. Please visit https://ua322.org/jurisdiction.aspx [ua322.org] for details on our jurisdiction.

This announcement does not guarantee employment.

Applicants will be required to complete an in-person assessment, as well as a proctored math exam. This information will be made available during the application process.

UA Local 322 Plumbers and Pipefitters

534 S RTE 73

Hammonton, NJ 08037

The NACAC National College Fair will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with an evening session from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center in Edison. This free event gives Audubon students and families the opportunity to meet representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities, including two- and four-year institutions, technical schools, and more. Attendees can ask questions about academics, campus life, admissions, and financial aid, making it an excellent way to explore post-secondary options in one place. Families are encouraged to register online in advance to make the most of the fair. https://www.nacacattend.org/26NewJersey

Underclassmen are encouraged to attend the CASCA College Fairs to begin exploring postsecondary options early. These large-scale fairs will be held at Stockton University on March 11, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM and at Washington Township High School on March 26, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 PM, and will feature representatives from a wide range of colleges and universities. This is an excellent opportunity for students and families to gather information, ask questions, and start planning for the future.

Click the link for more information https://www.njacac.org/college-fairs

Join us for an International University Fair!

Meet 30 universities from 11 countries

January 28, 2026
6:00-7:30pm

Radnor High School
130 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087

Register HERE

Drexel University’s Department of Physics is proud to officially announce the 25th Kaczmarczik Lecture and Science Fair! This event is scheduled for March 12th, 2026, and registration is now open!

Please join us for a fun day of science experiments to be followed by “Making Physics Viral”, presented by internet sensation Dr. Tatiana Erukhimova from Texas A&M University.

Event Details

Science Fair | 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. – Exciting science demonstrations and exhibits with brief presentations on research topics.

Break | 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Students and Chaperones should plan to bring their own lunch.

Lecture and Q&A Session | 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. – Note the schedule includes a lively Q&A session, so please plan to stay for the full duration listed. Students are encouraged to prepare questions.

The event is completely free, but registration is required. Registration is NOW OPEN

• Register Here! - https://drexel.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9EQ8AZJDOGESw6i

We hope that you will join us for this year's event. Please bring this event to the attention of your colleagues and students at your school. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Questions about the Kacz lecture? Contact Evan Tonrey

Questions about the Drexel Physics Program? Contact Prof. Luis Cruz Cruz

With scheduling around the corner we decided to "go to the vault" and share a video of our Woodworking Courses here at AHS.

Step inside the Woodworking program at Audubon and see students learning hands-on skills that last a lifetime. From safely using tools and equipment to designing and building original projects, Woodshop helps students develop problem-solving, creativity, precision, and a strong work ethic. This course builds confidence, supports career exploration in the trades and engineering, and reinforces real-world skills students can carry into any future path.

The Audubon Band and Choir programs offer students an engaging, high-quality musical experience that builds skill, confidence, and a strong sense of community. Our students consistently demonstrate dedication, teamwork, and pride in their performances, both in school and throughout the community. Participation in band or choir helps students develop discipline, creativity, and leadership while forming lasting connections with peers who share a love of music. We are always excited to welcome new students—whether experienced or just beginning—to join our growing and supportive Band and Choir programs.

Creatively shot and edited by our Media Technology students. This festive video highlights student talent, collaboration, and technical skill, showcasing their work behind the camera and in post-production while spreading holiday spirit throughout our school community.

Audubon Jr–Sr High School came together for an Academic Pep Rally celebrating the achievements of our students both in and out of the classroom. The event highlighted our vibrant clubs and activities, recognized students with perfect attendance, honored exceptional AP and PSAT performance, and celebrated our honor roll recipients—along with many other accomplishments that make our school community proud. It was a great day to showcase pride & excellence!

College Board SAT

College Board SAT Suite of Assessments shares information about the SAT, which is designed to assess a student's academic readiness for college. It provides a path to opportunities, financial support, and scholarships, in a way that's standardized, in an effort to provide equal opportunities for all students. Below is more information:SAT Dates and Deadlines

• SAT Practice Tests
• SAT - Most students take it for the first time during the winter or spring of junior year and possibly a second or third time during the fall of their senior year.
• SAT Fee Waiver - Free/Reduced Lunch students are eligible for SAT fee waivers. Using a SAT fee waiver serves as a springboard to qualify the student for college application fee waivers. See your counselor for more details.
• College Board Services for Students with Disabilities- Students with disabilities may submit a request. Consent Form for Accommodations Request

ACT
ACT is a nationally administered, standardized paper-and-pencil test that helps colleges evaluate candidates. Colleges accept ACT or SAT scores interchangeably, which means you have the opportunity to decide which test you would prefer.

• Register for the ACT Test - Dates & Deadlines
• Free ACT Test Prep
• ACT Fee Waiver Eligibility Requirements - For Free/Reduced Lunch students.
• ACT Requesting Accommodations - Students with disabilities may submit a request. Consent to Release Information to ACT - For parents to sign and return to their school counselor.

Test Optional

• FairTest Test Optional and Test Free List - List of colleges that do not require SAT or ACT for admissions purposes.

Student-athletes in the 11th grade who are hoping to play at the NCAA Division I or II levels in college must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. All student-athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center prior to making any official school visits or receiving a written offer of athletically related financial aid with “D-I” or “D-II” colleges. You can register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Senior athletes who have not already done so, should register immediately.

Parents and students can click HERE for NCAA Resources

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

The ASVAB is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. It consists of eight tests, contains a total of 200 items, and requires three hours to complete (134 minutes of actual test time and 36 minutes of administration time). Each test is strictly timed, with permitted time ranging from 9 minutes for the 20-item Electronics Information test to 36 minutes for the 30-item Arithmetic Reasoning test. See your counselor for more information on the ASVAB Test.

The ASVAB Fact Sheet will give you more information on the test.

Steps to Take In Advance of the Actual Test Day

Prepare well in advance of the day of the test - Know what to expect on test day

Familiarize yourself with the contents of the ASVAB Subtests

Take sample questions & review content areas to freshen up your skills.

Get plenty of rest the night before the test.

Are you interested in becoming a leader and making a difference in our school community? Join the Peer to Peer Program! As a Peer Mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to support younger students, build friendships, and help them navigate challenges inside and outside of the classroom. Along the way, you’ll develop important skills in leadership, communication, and teamwork while serving as a positive role model. This is a great chance to give back, grow as a leader, and make a lasting impact. See Ms. Warren for more information.

The Audubon School District partnered with Care Solace to support the well-being of students, staff, and their family members. Care Solace is a complimentary and confidential care coordination service that can help you quickly find mental health or substance use treatment options matched to your needs regardless of circumstance. If you would like to use Care Solace to help you find a provider:

Call 888-515-0595 available 24/7/365 in any language.

Visit https://caresolace.com/site/apsd/ and either search on your own OR click “Book Appointment” for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.

In this guide, a family can find out more information on how to apply for food, income and employment assistance, as well as health care and much more. A caregiver can get information on support programs and services to assist them in caring for their loved ones. Individuals with disabilities and their families can get information on various services that include in-home supports, vocational rehabilitation, and education.

Click Here for Resource Directory in English

Click Here for Resource Directory in Spanish

The NJ4S - Statewide Student Support Services provide an array of wellness services to support students and their parents or caregivers. Student Support Services Hubs, located across the state, connect students and their parents and caregivers with services to address social, emotional, and mental health well-being. Services are provided in schools and other convenient community locations, such as libraries and community centers.

Visit https://www.centerffs.org/our-services/community-connections/nj4s-student-support-services for more information,

"A safe space for Teens'

Download it today by choosing your mobile app store and receive 1:1 CONFIDENTIAL chat support, communicate directly with your peers on message boards, or find daily inspiration!

When people call, text, or chat with the 988 Lifeline, they are connected to trained crisis counselors who are part of the existing 988 Lifeline network, made up of over 200 local crisis centers. These crisis counselors are trained to provide free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connect them to resources. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, across the United States.