🎉Welcome Back Students 2026-27!

Hello Students and Parents,

Welcome back to a new school year! We’re excited to start the 2026–27 school year with our students and families.

This newsletter will keep you updated on:

• Important fall events
• Testing dates and reminders
• College and career readiness opportunities
• The new FAFSA requirement for the Class of 2027
• Helpful resources and updates from your counseling team

We’re here to support you throughout the year and help you reach your goals.

Let’s make the 2026–27 school year a great one together!

Your Counseling Team :)

Here’s some additional information to help you plan for our upcoming college and financial aid events. Be sure to mark your calendar and check the Important Dates Calendar for details!

📅 Financial Aid Night

Date: 9/03/2026
Time: 6PM - 8PM
Location: SASHS Library
Get expert advice on paying for college, understanding financial aid, and preparing to file the FAFSA.

📅 College Night
Date: 9/16/2026
Time: 6PM - 8PM
Location: SASHS Library
Learn about colleges, majors, admissions, and more! A great event for students and families exploring post-secondary options.

📅 FAFSA Completion Night
Date: 12/09/2026
Time: 6PM - 8PM
Location: SASHS Library

Bring your tax documents and get hands-on help completing the FAFSA with financial aid representatives.

Pennsylvania has implemented a FAFSA completion requirement for graduating seniors beginning with the Class of 2027.

Students and families have two options:

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), or
• Submit the Pennsylvania FAFSA Opt-Out Form if you choose not to complete the FAFSA.

Why Complete the FAFSA?

Completing the FAFSA does not require your student to attend college, borrow money, or accept financial aid. It simply allows students to be considered for federal, state, and many college-based sources of financial assistance, including:

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Work-study opportunities
• Student loans

The FAFSA is a no-cost form that U.S. students must complete to be eligible for federal financial aid that can help pay for college and career schools after high school.

The FAFSA is used by:

• The U.S. Department of Education to determine a student’s eligibility for certain federal grants, loans, work-study programs, and scholarships;
• The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to award the PA State Grant and other types of aid specifically for Pennsylvania students; and
• Colleges and career schools to determine a student’s eligibility for institutional aid and to develop financial aid packages for students interested in attending their schools.

By filing the FAFSA, students and families can access federal, state, and institutional financial aid for a variety of postsecondary programs and make informed decisions about life after high school.

Choosing to Opt Out

Families who do not wish to complete the FAFSA may submit the Pennsylvania FAFSA Opt-Out Form. No explanation or financial information needs to be provided to the school.

Most importantly: No student will be prevented from graduating or penalized for not completing the FAFSA or the opt-out form.

📅 Important Date: September 15

Counselors will meet with all seniors on September 15th during FLEX to provide more information about the new FAFSA completion requirement, explain the opt-out process, and review the next steps students and families will need to take.

🗓️ When Can You Request a Schedule Change?

✅ Before School Starts

• You may request a change by emailing or speaking directly with your counselor.

• No form is needed.

✅ During the School Year (First 5 Days Only)

• You must meet one of the approved reasons (see below).

• A teacher must submit a Google Form on your behalf.

• You cannot submit the form yourself.

❌ After the First 5 Days of School

• No changes will be made, even at the start of a new marking period.

• Requests will only be considered if they meet the approved reasons listed below.

✅ Approved Reasons for a Schedule Change

Changes are only allowed if you:

• Have a missing or open block

• Already passed the course

• Do not meet the prerequisite or the course is out of sequence

• Need to upgrade or downgrade the course level

• Are a senior missing a graduation requirement

❌ Schedule Changes Will NOT Be Made For:

• Changing lunch period

• Choosing a different teacher

• Changing the time/period of the class

Thanks for your understanding!

The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered, Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 7:45AM - 10:30AM in the SASHS Cafeteria.

This test is open to students in grades 9-11, and is strongly recommended for college-bound juniors.

💲Fee: $20

💳 Payment: https://aptsusa.com/ship/psat/

📅 Registration Deadline: September 18, 2026

📌 Questions? See Mrs. Debias in the Counseling Office.

One of the highlights of the fall semester is Instant Decision Days! Throughout October, seniors will have the opportunity to meet individually with admissions representatives from participating colleges and universities and many students may even receive an admissions decision on the spot.

If you're planning to attend college after graduation, this is a fantastic opportunity to connect with admissions counselors, ask questions, and potentially leave with an acceptance in hand!

A schedule of participating colleges, dates, eligibility requirements, and sign-up information will be shared as we get closer to October. Be sure to watch your school email and announcements so you don't miss out.

For now, we have listed below the colleges that have confirmed their participation. We expect additional colleges to join us, and as we receive more information about participating schools and their visit dates, we will continue to share updates with students and families.

We're looking forward to helping our seniors take this exciting next step and celebrating their accomplishments throughout the year!

Seniors, here’s an exciting opportunity to take the next step toward your future!

On October 6, representatives from Penn State will be here for an Instant Decision Day. This is a great chance to meet one-on-one with an admissions representative, learn more about Penn State, ask questions, and potentially receive an admissions decision (for PSU Branch Campuses Only) during your visit!

If Penn State is a school you are considering, this is an opportunity you won’t want to miss. Be sure to watch for more details and sign-up information coming soon.

Start your college journey right here at school. We can’t wait to celebrate your next steps! 🎓

We’re excited to host Shippensburg University for an Instant Decision Day on Friday, October 9, 2026 right here at SASHS!

Seniors will have the opportunity to meet with a Shippensburg University admissions representative, submit their application, and receive an admissions decision on the spot—no waiting and all for free!

To participate:

• Sign up in the Counseling Office

This is a fantastic opportunity for seniors considering Shippensburg to fast-track the admissions process.

Questions? Stop by the Counseling Office!

We encourage students to take advantage of the college reps visiting SASHS this fall. These visits are open to all students, not just seniors! Please pay attention to the announcements to know when colleges will be here.

The South-Central PA College Fair will be held at Chambersburg Area Senior High School on October 21st. The fair is open to all high school students and families in Franklin County and the surrounding counties.

The registration link for students and families is included below, and everyone is welcome to attend.

https://app.strivescan.com/registration

NCAA Eligibility Center Registration – Important Info

Students planning to compete in NCAA Division I or II athletics should register with the NCAA Eligibility Center by the end of junior year.

Key Points:

• Registration is required for D I and D II eligibility certification.

• Fee: There is a registration fee (around $100 for U.S. students), though some students may qualify for a fee waiver.

• Students only exploring or targeting Division III schools can create a free profile.

• Students must submit transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, and other documentation for certification.

• 
  

Tip for Parents: Encourage students to start early, take NCAA-approved courses, and plan their testing schedule.

Learn more & register: NCAA Eligibility Center

Franklin County Career & Technology Center (FCCTC)

FCCTC offers students hands-on experience and career prep through diverse programs.

✅ Applications open September 1st for the 2027-28 school year, and the deadline to apply is January 10th.

✅ FCCTC Assembly during FLEX on September 11th!

🚌 9th Grade Tour: November 17, 2026

🏫 Fall Open House: November 19, 2026 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

🔗 www.franklinctc.com

Please follow FCCTC updates online!

Attention Seniors: Parchment Account Required for Transcript Requests

It's important that all seniors set up a Parchment account. Parchment is the secure platform we use to send official transcripts to colleges, universities, scholarship organizations, and employers.

Why it matters:

• Many colleges require official transcripts for admission.

• Transcripts must be sent directly from the school through Parchment to be considered valid.

• Seniors will need access to Parchment even after graduation to request future transcripts.

What to expect:

• All seniors will receive an email with instructions to set up their Parchment account for transcript requests.

• Please follow the directions carefully and use a personal email address (not your school email) when creating your account.

If you have any questions, please contact the Counseling Office for assistance.

Career-based field trips are offered year-round by Mrs. Krista Akers, our Career Coordinator.

Opportunities are shared via student email & daily announcements.

✅ Students must be in good academic & behavioral standing.

📱 Parents — stay in the loop!

👍Like “Shippensburg High School Career Corner” on Facebook for updates.

Career Field Trips for ALL Students:

Numerous career-based field trips are offered throughout the year with our Career Coordinator, Mrs. Krista Akers. These opportunities are e-mailed to students and are on the morning announcements. In order to attend these field trips students must be in good standing both academically and behaviorally. Grades, attendance, discipline, and social probation will be checked when determining if students are selected to attend. Parents, if you are also interested in knowing about these opportunities, be sure to “Like” Shippensburg High School Career Corner on Facebook.

New Opportunities for SENIORS:

We are excited to announce two new Pre-Apprenticeship Opportunities for Seniors. One is a Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship with the Manufacturing Association and the other is an Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship with Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC). After successful completion of these programs students will earn a certification good towards furthering their education in Apprenticeship programs with numerous manufacturing and electrical companies. Space is very limited. Please note, these opportunities are for students who do not currently attend FCCTC. If interested, please contact Krista Akers, Career Coordinator at krista.akers@ship.k12.pa.us or 717-530-2730 ext. 6914

Current Job Opening:

Mrs. Akers is currently still looking for a Senior student for a “Finance and Customer Service” Work Based Learning Experience as a receptionist with the Chambersburg Borough. This is a paid position and students would need to have their own transportation. Interested students should reach out to Mrs. Akers.

Check your grades regularly on the Skyward system to ensure you’re staying on top of assignments. Also, please update your contact information in Skyward (e.g., address, phone number) to make sure we have the most up-to-date information.

All students in grades 9–11 will work through their assigned SmartFutures activities in their Social Studies classes throughout the school year.

SmartFutures is Pennsylvania’s online career and education planning platform. It helps students explore careers and post-secondary options, set goals, and develop skills for future success.

Completion of SmartFutures activities helps students meet Pennsylvania’s Career Education and Work (CEW) Standards and graduation requirements through career exploration and goal setting.

📝Seniors — it's time to start thinking seriously about your post-graduation plans!

Whether you're planning to attend college, enter a trade program, join the military, or start working, your SASHS Counseling Team is here to help.

If you're applying to college, here’s how to get started:

✅ Finalize your college list
✅ Ask teachers early for recommendation letters
✅ Submit transcript requests through Parchment
✅ Start your applications — don’t wait!
✅ Meet all deadlines (including FAFSA!)

Need help? Schedule a meeting with your school counselor. We’re here to guide you every step of the way!

Did you know that SASHS partners with a local mental health agency to provide school-based counseling services during the school day?

Through our partnership with Aliff Counseling Services, students can receive professional mental health counseling right here at school — no need for outside appointments or transportation.

These services support students with:

• Anxiety, depression, or stress

• Family or relationship challenges

• Grief and loss

• Behavioral or emotional concerns

• Academic pressure and focus issues

🧾 How to Get Started:

• Students can speak with their school counselor to learn more or request a referral.

• Parents can call the Counseling Office for information about the program and consent process.

📍 All sessions take place in a private, designated space during the school day.

💬 Questions? Contact your school counselor for more info.

The Safe2Say Something program allows students, parents, and community members to confidentially report safety concerns — 24/7.

It’s a statewide initiative in Pennsylvania that teaches youth how to recognize warning signs and threats — especially on social media — and to report them before it’s too late.

🔒 All reports are anonymous and secure.

📞 Available 24/7 — every day of the year.

You can report concerns about:

• Bullying or harassment

• Threats of violence

• Mental health struggles or self-harm

• Substance abuse

• Safety concerns at school or in the community

📲 How to Submit a Tip:

• 🌐 Visit: www.safe2saypa.org

• 📱 Use the Safe2Say Something app

• ☎️ Call the hotline: 1-844-SAF2SAY (1-844-723-2729)

If you see something — say something.

Working together, we can help keep our school safe. 💙

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, emotional distress, or thoughts of self-harm or suicide, help is available — 24/7 and completely free.

Call or text: 📱 988
Or chat online at: 988lifeline.org

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects individuals with trained crisis counselors who can provide support, resources, and help during difficult moments.

Support is available for:

• Depression, anxiety, or panic

• Suicidal thoughts

• Emotional or mental health struggles

• Substance use crises

• Concern for a friend or family member

📞 Confidential. Judgment-free. Always available.

💙 You are not alone — support is just 3 digits away.

Mental Health Resources:

School-Based Support

Aliff Counseling Services

(717) 860-3140

(School-based mental health provider)

Local Support

Keystone Health Crisis Services

133 West Catherine St, Chambersburg,

PA

Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Potential availability to see a

psychiatric provider for medications.

They are located at the hospital for the

remainder of the days and shifts. They

recommend using 988 as the crisis line.

They are a 988-call center and if we are

unable to answer, the call will be

bumped to the next available location

ensuring that someone always answers.

(717) 264-2555 or 988 (Available 24/7)

Cumberland / Perry Drug & Alcohol

Services

(717) 240-6300

Drew Michael Taylor Foundation

Grief and Loss Support Programs

717-532-8922

www.drewmichaeltaylor.org

Growing Edges Counseling Clinic

Shippen Hall, First Floor

Shippensburg Univeristy

Shippensburg, PA

717-477-1248

growingedges@ship.edu

24/7 National Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988

We want to share the Community Food Calendar to help students and families access local food resources throughout the school year. This is a monthly calendar and will change each month.

This calendar includes information about:

• 📅 Local food pantry dates and times

• 🍽️ Free community meals

• 🧺 Backpack food programs and drive-through pickups

• 🗺️ Locations in Shippensburg and surrounding areas

We encourage any families in need to take advantage of these supports.

💻 View the calendar here:
https://www.shipresources.org/food

If you have questions or need help accessing food, please reach out to your school counselor or social worker — we’re here to help.

Your SASHS Counseling Team is here to support academic, career, and social/emotional growth throughout the year.

📱Feel free to reach out with questions or concerns!

We are excited to welcome Ms. Ryanne Martin to our School Counseling Department!

Following the retirement of longtime school counselor Mr. Dave Lindenmuth, Ms. Martin will be joining our team and working with last names Gr-N grades 9-12, as well as with all of our Career Tech students.

Ms. Martin is looking forward to getting to know our students and families and supporting them throughout the school year. We are so happy to have her as part of our team and know she will be a wonderful addition to SASHS!

Please join us in giving Ms. Martin a warm welcome!👏