WHS School Counseling News

March 7, 2022

This newsletter contains information about:

Coffee with Counselors

Course Selection

An Introduction to SCOIR

Spring Financial Aid Workshops for Seniors and Families

Scholarships and Summer Opportunities

Event Information

Coffee with Counselors

Our next virtual "Coffee with Counselors" will be held on Friday, March 18 at 8:15 AM on Zoom. For those who have questions about how to pay for college, join us for a chat covering the basics of the Financial Aid process. We will provide an overview of types of aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and how to keep finances in mind when building a college list.

When?

Friday, Mar 18, 2022, 08:15 AM

Course Selection Information

Over the next several weeks, students will be selecting their courses for the next school year. Currently, teachers are entering recommendations for English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Language classes. Beginning March 15, students will be able to select courses in the Career and Technical Education, Fine, Applied, and Performing Arts, and Health and Wellness departments. Students will be receiving more information about this process during Advisory on March 15.

We encourage students to review the Program of Studies and speak with their teachers and school counselor about courses they are interested in taking next year and throughout high school. It is also important for students to consider their post-high school plans and select courses that align with their plans and interests.

An Introduction to SCOIR

We are excited to announce that we are transitioning to a new web-based college and career exploration tool this Spring. Instead of using Naviance, students in grades 10 and 11 will be introduced to SCOIR in the coming weeks and months. Our 11th graders will be receiving details about activating their accounts during individual junior meetings with their school counselors and via email next week. Our 10th graders will be receiving details later this Spring.

Through SCOIR, students will have access to detailed career and college exploration information, financial aid resources, and tools to develop their academic profile and/or resume. We are planning a variety of opportunities for students to learn more about the tools available through SCOIR in the coming weeks. These will include workshops during the school day, drop-in hours with counselors, individual student meetings, and a "scavenger hunt" activity during an Advisory later this Spring. We look forward to sharing this new resource with students. For more information, students and families can view an introductory video here.

Spring Financial Aid Workshops for Seniors

The Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) is holding a variety of financial aid workshops for seniors and their families this Spring. These workshops focus on understanding financial aid award letters and navigating the financial aid process once accepted. These "How to Pay for College" workshops are offered virtually and are free for all attendees. To register, visit the MEFA events page.

Scholarships

Below are some of the scholarships we hear about in the Guidance office. A frequently updated list can be found here.

Horatio Alger Scholarship - Deadline is March 15th. Last chance to apply is coming soon!
Rockland Trust Scholarship - Deadline is March 29th
Charles River Regional Chamber Scholarship - Deadline is March 31st
Rebekah Assembly of Massachusetts Memorial Scholarship - Deadline is March 30th. Please see your counselor for an application and more information!

Special Opportunities for Students

We hear about many great opportunities for students throughout the year. Below are a few upcoming opportunities. A frequently updated list, including additional details about the programs below, can be found here.

Fidelity Investments Young Artists Competition - Deadline is March 31st
William Brownsberger Internship - Deadline is March 11th. Last chance to apply is this Friday!
Democracy Summer Fellowship - Deadline is March 15th. Next Tuesday is the last day to apply so get your applications in soon!
Kaleidoscope Summer Program - Deadline is March 31st
Move and Groove Watertown is looking for an assistant teacher who can assist with kids' dance classes, summer camp, and other similar activities. The ideal candidate would ideally have experience working with kids (not required but preferred), a passion for dance, a friendly, upbeat, and enthusiastic personality, and be punctual! This position is perfect for a mature high school student or someone looking for very part-time hours throughout the spring and summer. More information is available in the Guidance office.