Counselor Connections

Welcome Vipers! The Counseling Department is settling into the year and we hope you are too!

This year, students may have seen a change in their assigned counselor. Students and parents can look in Parent/Student Vue under the Student Info tab to find their counselor. Need help? Stop by the Student Services / Counseling Center (mall area between the two E-wing hallways).

We have had some changes in our roles and/or office locations so please see below.

If you have any questions, please let us know.

College & Career Specialist

Ms. Smith

x4131

csmith@aguafria.org

Office: College & Career Center (front of school)

Counseling Clerk

Ms. Marengo

x4027

lmarengo@aguafria.org

Office: Student Services / Counseling Center (mall area)

Counseling Clerk

TBD

x4009

Office: Student Services / Counseling Center (mall area)

Data Information Specialist

Ms. Groves

x4029

mgroves@aguafria.org

Office: Student Services / Counseling Center (mall area)

Registrar

Ms. Wilson

x4028

cwilson2@aguafria.org

Office: Student Services / Counseling Center (mall area)

School Counselor

Ms. Enders

x4083

cenders@aguafria.org

Freshman Academy - 9th

Office: C22

School Counselor

Ms. Hink

x4016

shink@aguafria.org

BDT Academy - 10th & 11th, select 12th

Office: E1

School Counselor

Ms. Hobel

x4047

khobel@aguafria.org

SSI Academy - 10th, select 12th, EL

Office: A21

School Counselor

Ms. Palmgren

x4165

hpalmgren@aguafria.org

SSI Academy - 11th, select 12th

Office: B20

School Counselor

TBD

x4101

CAM Academy - 10th & 11th, select 12th

Office: D22

Here are a few things that you (or your student) can do to be successful in each of your classes:

• Attend

• Be engaged in your class

• Take good notes and study your notes and information regularly

• Get organized

• Manage your time

• Complete and turn in assignments on time
  

• Ask for help and work with your teacher

• Attend tutoring (Viper Connect and/or after school)

• Make-up work when you have been absent

• Prioritize your education
  

• Be positive!

We are in our 3rd year of our transition to an academy model! Learn more about the Academies of the Southwest Valley at https://www.aguafria.org/academies.

ACE Program

Who: Available for sophomores to apply for their Junior and Senior year of high school. See their website for more information.
What: Scholarship and success program. Students can earn up to 24 college credits during their time in the program.
Where: Students take classes on the EMCC Main Campus on Saturday during the school year and during the week in the summer. EMCC is a fully IN-PERSON Program. Rio Salado's ACE program is our online ACE option for Maricopa.
When: Applications will likely open mid-October and are usually due in December. Accepted students begin the program in Summer 2027.

Website: https://www.estrellamountain.edu/students/ace

HOL Program

Who: Available for all Native American students who are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe.
What: Scholarship and success program. Students can earn college credits during their time in the program.
Where: Students take classes on the EMCC Main Campus.
When: Applications are accepted year-round as space becomes available in the program. Students may submit their application to be placed on a waiting list for the upcoming semester by visiting: https://www.estrellamountain.edu/students/hoops

The ACT and/or SAT are tests used by many 4-year colleges/universities for admissions purposes. Seniors are encouraged to check admission requirements for each college/university to which they are applying. If you need to test, you will register directly with the testing agency. Check out the websites listed below for more information and test date options.

• ACT (www.act.org)
• SAT (https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat)

This year's AFUHSD College & Career Fair will be at Desert Edge High School on Tuesday, September 22nd from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. All students and families in our district are welcome to attend! See Mrs. Smith in the College & Career Center if you have any questions.

While your School Counselors do not handle Student Attendance, we do want to remind you that students can lose credit in a class (even if they are passing), if you are not attending the class. Talk with one of our administrators to learn more about the attendance policy and process. Stay focused and stay on-track to graduate!

You can find Mrs. Smith, our College & Career Specialist, in the College & Career Center located at the front of the school, across from the Attendance Desk. She is here to assist you with your college and career readiness. She meets individually with students, offers workshops during Viper Connect, arranges lunch visits for college and military reps, as well as plans many of our school's College & Career events. If you have questions or need help with the college selection or admissions process, scholarship applications, the FAFSA, building a resume' or another college/career topic, use the appointment link to schedule a time to meet with Mrs. Smith.

Every college offers a type of admission plan which outlines how they are going to admit applicants. Some colleges offer more than one admission plan. It is important to understand the parameters of the college admission plan(s) for the college(s) you are applying to. Examples of admission plans include but are not limited to rolling admissions, regular admissions, early action, or early decision. Check out your college's admission website for their specific options. For a general overview, you might find this site helpful: https://counselors.collegeboard.org/college-application/early-decision-action.

Do you need to self-report your grades on a college application? You can use the information in StudentVue's Course History tab to help with this. You can download an unofficial copy of your transcript in this section as well.

Do you need an official copy of your transcript? You can utilize Parchment.com. If you have any questions, stop by the Student Services / Counseling Center (in the VHS mall area) and speak with our Registrar.

If you need to know your GPA and/or rank, you may go to the Student Services / Counseling Center for assistance. Mrs. Smith, in the College & Career Center, may also help with this.

Want to compete in college athletics? You need to know the eligibility requirements. Check out the following sites:

• National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) - https ://www.njcaa.org

• National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) - https://www.playnaia.org

• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) - https://www.ncaa.org/student-athletes/future

Have a question but not sure who to contact? Here is a list of some topics and your best contact/resource at VHS:

• Absences = Attendance Office
• Appointment with teacher = Teacher
• Attendance policy & concern re: loss of credit = Administrator
• Athletics = Ms. Williams (Athletic Office) or Mr. Cromer (Athletic Director)
• Bullying/harassment = Administrator
• Civics Test = Mr. Aasen, Assistant Principal
• Class/Teacher concern = Teacher or Administrator
• Clubs = https://vhs.aguafria.org/our-school/club-list
• College/Career Exploration & Scholarships = Ms. Smith (Career Specialist) or your School Counselor
• Enrollment/withdraws = Student Services / Counseling Center
• Fines/Fees = Bookstore
• Grade & class questions = Teacher of the class
• Graduation: Cap & Gown = https://www.jostens.com/
• Graduation ceremonies (general info) = Ms. Adair
• Graduation status = your School Counselor
• Homework request (when school is missed) = Teachers
• Illness/health issue = Health Center
• Lost & Found = Ms. Montgomery
• Medical information/updates = Health Center
• ParentVue Assistance = Student Services / Counseling Center
• Report Cards = ParentVue
• Schedule Change process within change window (start of year) = Student Services / Counseling Center or Counselors
• Schedule Change outside the change window (after start of year) = Mr. Aasen, Administrator
• Social/Emotional Support = School Counselors
• State Testing = Ms. James, Assistant Principal
• StudentVue Assistance = Library
• Technology Assistance = Library
• Transcript / Rank = Student Services / Counseling Center
• Yearbook = Ms. Mackey

If your topic isn’t listed or you need help connecting with the person/office listed above, you can always call the main school number, 623-932-7400, for assistance.

Did you know that a good night’s sleep can help your mood, concentration, productivity, and overall health. For this quarter, work on having a consistent bedtime routine. You can do some research on what this might look like but here are some ideas to get you started:

• Have a set bedtime and wake time (for teenagers, target 8 – 10 hours of sleep)

• Turn off electronics one hour prior to bedtime.

• Listen to calming music, practice relaxation exercises, or read a good book.

• Have a lot on your mind? Keep a notepad by your bed to write it all down so you can deal with it later.

• Create a gratitude journal/list and close the night with what you are thankful for.

Arizona believes all students should have an ECAP (Education and Career Action Plan). The ECAP process should help students clarify their career goals and narrow their initial plans after high school. It can also help shape students’ course selections and involvement throughout high school. The ECAP can be seen as having two components: plan/portfolio and extended learning opportunities.

Our district uses SchooLinks, a career exploration platform, to assist students with their ECAP plan/portfolio. Students are introduced to SchooLinks in their Advisory class; lessons will continue throughout the year. This college and career readiness program offers exploration tools, lessons, and information on:

• Careers

• Programs of study

• Specific colleges/universities

• Financial aid

• Resume’ writing

• And more!

In addition to community events, Ms. Smith and the School Counselors coordinate many extended learning opportunities to assist students with their ECAP. An example of some of those opportunities are:

• AFUHSD College & Career Night

• Application Workshops

• Scholarship Marathon

• and more!

Quarter progress grades will be published in Student/Parent Vue. You can view the grades by logging into StudentVue/ParentVue and clicking on the Report Card tab. It is important you work with your teacher regarding what you need to do to bring up your grade by the end of the semester, especially if you have a D or F. If you have any questions about the posted grade, students are encouraged to speak with their teacher; parents are also welcome to reach out to the teacher. Students needing assistance with their StudentVue account can go to the Library; parents needing help with their ParentVue can contact the Student Services / Counseling Center at 623-932-7400 extension 4009 or 4027.

The National Association of College Admission Counseling has created various checklists that can help guide your questions when talking with an admission officer. The Ask the Admission Office lists cover the following topics: Academic Support, Campus Safety, Diversity on Campus, Financial Aid, Housing, and Student Organizations and Support.

Did you know that you can set notifications in ParentVue so you receive alerts about your student's attendance, discipline, grades, and grade book. You can set up the grade book notifications to be weekly or only when your student's grade drops below a certain percentage. You do need your email to be up-to-date in ParentVue for the notifications to be sent. If you need assistance, please contact the Student Services / Counseling Center at 623-932-7400 extension 4009 or 4027.

Affirmations are short, simple, positive statements we use to motivate and encourage ourselves. They can be internal (what we tell ourselves) and external (post-it notes or notecards). Come up with your own affirmations to use throughout the school year. Examples are “I am capable”, “I am strong”, “I have faith in myself and my abilities”, “I can accomplish anything I set my mind to”, “I can handle anything that comes my way”, and “Today will be a great day”.

The PSAT/NMSQT is scheduled for October 22nd at VHS.

Students who want to take the PSAT must first complete this Google Form, then pay the $18 test fee in the Bookstore (payment is due by September 28). Seats are limited.

Reasons to take the PSAT/NMSQT include:

• Practice for the SAT

• Qualify for scholarship programs (11th graders)

• Insight into AP courses you may be ready to take

Learn more about the PSAT at https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt. For test prep, go to https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/practice.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. James, Assistant Principal.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation offers many resources for spreading kindness whether it be at school, work, or in the community. Check out their kindness ideas page or their kindness quotes page.

Your School Counselors are wrapping up their 1st quarter presentations to our 1,865 +/- students. These presentations have been held during RTI and are slated to wrap up on September 4th.

For seniors, Class of 2027, we reviewed information related to high school graduation, upcoming events, options for after high school, resources, and more! Senior year is a time of preparation and transition, and our focus is on helping students take the next steps toward their postsecondary goals. We are committed to continuing our work with seniors throughout the year to ensure they feel supported and confident in their plans for the future.

The presentations for our juniors, sophomores, and freshmen included topics relevant to their grade-level, including getting to know the counselors, understanding transcripts, GPA calculations, opportunities, and more!

Students can make an appointment with their counselor by clicking here; this link is also posted in their grade level's (cohort's) Google Classroom.

Please keep in mind that we may reach out to you through your student email account so be sure you are checking it daily.

Our Counseling & Career Center webpage is located at https://vhs.aguafria.org/departments/counseling-career-center.

Counselor Connections is our quarterly newsletter that is posted on our webpage, https://vhs.aguafria.org/departments/counseling-career-center/counselor-connections-quarterly-newsletter.

Every grade level (or cohort) has a Google Classroom managed by the counseling department. We post academic, career/college, and social/emotional information and resources.

We also have Instagram (vhscounseling) account.

The 2027-28 West-MEC program application is projected to open on October 13, 2026.

Check out their website at www.west-mec.edu to learn more about their programs, campuses, Open House events, and more.

In addition, West-MEC is hosting a New Programs & High Opportunities Virtual Town Hall on September 23rd from 5 - 6 p.m. Scan the QR code on the attached flyer to register.

Sophomores and/or juniors can apply to attend a West-MEC program; however, completion of an application does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

Mondays

U. S. Army

lunches

@ VHS

Wednesdays

College/Career Wear Day

all day

August 30, 2026

September 27, 2026

October 4, 2026

Harvard, Princeton, the University of Virginia, Wellesley, and Yale (HPUWY) Virtual Events

August 31, 2026

Arizona College Consortium College Fair

RTI

@ VHS

*open to seniors

September 10, 2026

ASU-Barrett, The Honors College

RTI

@ VHS

September 14, 2026

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

RTI

@ VHS

September 22, 2026

AFUHSD College & Career Fair

5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

@ Desert Edge High School

(15778 West Yuma Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85338)

For all students & parents/guardians in our district.

September 23, 2026

West-MEC's New Programs & High Opportunities Virtual Town Hall

5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Scan the QR code on the attached flyer (above) to register.

September 24, 2026

NAU Field Trip*

7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

*open to juniors

See Mrs. Smith in the College & Career Center for more information.

September 25, 2026

Glendale Community College

RTI

September 27, 2026

NACAC National College Fair - Greater Phoenix

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

@ The Phoenix Convention Center

September 28, 2026

College & Career Readiness Day @ Grand Canyon University

Focus: Pre-Health Programs

7:45 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Open to juniors & seniors.

See Mrs. Smith in the College & Career Center for more information.

Be sure to check your grade level

GOOGLE CLASSROOM

for information and updates between our quarterly Counselor Connections newsletters!