School Counseling Corner Newsletter

Half of families in Washington can get free money for college or training

Olympia—High school seniors and others can now apply for financial aid for the 2027-28 academic year, as both the federal FAFSA and state WASFA applications are available. Students who apply for financial aid are far more likely to attend college. About half of families in Washington are eligible to get free money for career training or college through the WA Grant program.

Keep reading on our website.

Any interested Juniors and Seniors can take the test.

For information about how to prepare for the test, click here.

Why Take the PSAT/NMSQT?

The PSAT/NMSQT is an opportunity for students to practice the skills they will need for future college and career testing while gaining valuable information about their strengths and areas for growth. The test can help students become familiar with the SAT format, receive personalized resources to support their academic goals, and, for eligible 11th-grade students, compete for recognition through the National Merit Scholarship Program. Taking the PSAT/NMSQT is a great way for students to gain testing experience and begin thinking ahead about their post-high-school plans.

Students in grades 9 through 11 can opt in to take the test.

For information about how to prepare for the test, click here.

We have noticed students coming into class and getting ready quickly. They're asking thoughtful questions, and most of them are willing to have fun even when things get hard. We also love seeing students interacting with eachother by playing spike ball, Jenga, and Uno during lunch.

We would love for you to check Skyward frequently and support students in completing schoolwork on time. Also, students can struggle and give in to frustrations when they let them take over. Talking to your student about finding the positives and voicing those when it comes to classwork can really help their mindset during challenges.

Your student will soon devote their time in Academy on Fridays to School Links, the state's new online platform for preparing students for college and career success. In School Links, students are able to take assessments to learn about their values, interests, personality, and skillsets, explore careers and colleges, build resumes, and more.

I am in communication with a financial aid specialist for putting together a Financial Aid Night this month. I'm hoping it will be the week of the 19th. I will send out an email to all families and post the date and time to student's google classroom, so they are informed. At the event, you will receive information about the FAFSA and have an opportunity to file. You will also learn about scholarships, grants, loans, and work study options, among other things. Food will be provided.

Incoming 7th graders should have received their tetanus booster and the school will be checking all students' records in the next few weeks for vaccine compliance? Questions can be addressed to nurse Reina @ reina_garcia@csd49.org (information can't be guaranteed private over email; to protect privacy, you can call 360-302-5957 with specific questions)

Saturday from 8-11pm at Port Townsend High School

November 10th

Volleyball - October 28th

Football - October 30th

Students just need to show up at a club they are interested in to join a club.

D&D club - woodshop class on Mondays after school.

Christian club - Ms. Beebe's room on Wednesdays before school.

HOSA club - Fridays during lunch.

Interact club - Thursdays during lunch

Knowledge Bowl - Monday & Wednesday during lunch,

Drama club - TBD after school.

Flag team - Thursdays at lunch

FBLA - Tuesdays during lunch.

How to Access Skyward: https://www.csd49.org/page/skyward

Counseling Center Website: https://sites.google.com/csd49.org/counseling-office/welcome

All about Financial Aid: https://wsac.wa.gov/apply

College & Career Planning: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/

Understanding High School Graduation Requirements: https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/graduation

Exploring Careers: https://www.careeronestop.org/

Community Mental Health Resources: https://www.jeffersoncountypublichealth.org/1447/Mental-Health-Resources

My name is Derek Lee. This is my 2nd year as the school counselor for Chimacum Junior Senior High School. Prior to this I worked as a vocational counselor for 6 years, owned my own diving business, and was a Navy Diver. I am married to my wife of 15 years, I have a 5-year old daughter, a fuzzy herding dog, and 11 chickens. I have lived in Kitsap County since I was 18 years old. I love the outdoors and have a variety of hobbies including playing drums, hunting, fishing, backpacking, and rowing. I volunteer at my church and for Tean Reach Adventure Camp (TRAC). I love being the school counselor at Chimacum and am grateful to get to work with such awesome students and families!