Counseling Corner Update

Dear RCHS Families,

Welcome to the Counseling Corner! This is your go-to place for updates, resources, and information to help your student prepare for the upcoming month.

On behalf of the Counseling Department, we’re excited to share tools and guidance to support your student’s postsecondary plans and overall success at RCHS.

We hope you find this newsletter informative and helpful as we continue to provide monthly updates. Let’s make it a wonderful year as we work together to support our students here at RCHS!

Warm regards,
The RCHS Counseling Department

Attention Seniors!

We have several important updates for you — please take a look below:

• FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Opened October 1st – Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize your eligibility for financial aid.

• ***HALL OF FAME SCHOLARSHIPS DUE: January 9th, 2026***

Attention Juniors, Sophomores, and Freshman!!!

• Counselors will be coming into one of your classes to schedule for next year the week we come back from break (Jan. 6th-9th). Make sure you are present.

Counselors will be coming into one of your classes to prepare your schedule for next school year. It is very important you are in class so you can hear all the helpful tips and requirements when scheduling.

1. Request Classes You’re Interested In

• Your requests matter! The school’s master schedule is built based on student course requests, so choose classes you actually want to take.

• Only minimal changes will be accepted later, so pick carefully now.

2. Understand Graduation Requirements

• Check your school’s graduation requirements to ensure you’re taking enough core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE/Health, Foreign Language).

• Compare credits earned vs. needed to stay on track for graduation.

3. Balance Your Course Load

• Mix challenging courses (AP, honors, dual enrollment) with lighter courses to avoid burnout.

• Consider outside commitments (sports, clubs, jobs) when choosing your schedule.

4. Plan for Your Future

• Think about college, trade, or career goals when selecting courses.

• Some courses are prerequisites for future classes or align with post-high school plans.

5. Prioritize Core Classes

• Schedule required courses first to ensure you meet graduation needs.

• Some classes must be taken in sequence (e.g., Algebra I → Geometry → Algebra II).

6. Choose Electives Wisely

• Pick electives that:

  • Spark your interest

  • Build skills for future goals

  • Complement your strengths

• Don’t choose electives just because friends are taking them—this is your schedule!

7. Consider Workload and Timing

• Avoid overloading on tough classes in the same semester.

• Balance your schedule across the year to manage stress and performance.

8. Plan for Flexibility

• Have backup options in case your first-choice classes fill up.

9. Use Support Resources

• Your counselor can help verify graduation progress and suggest balanced schedules.

• Teachers can advise on course difficulty and workload.

• Peers can share experiences about specific courses.

10. Review Before Submitting

• Double-check that you meet graduation requirements and have included your desired electives.

• Discuss your plan with a parent/guardian and your counselor.

• Submit your course requests by the deadline—changes after this are limited!

College-Bound Seniors

Applications & Admissions

• Finish any remaining applications (many deadlines are Jan 1–15)

• Double-check portals for:

  • Transcripts received

• Test scores
• Recommendations

Track admission decisions as they come in.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

• Complete the FAFSA (opens Dec 1, earlier = more aid)

• Submit any CSS Profile if required by colleges

• Apply for HALL OF FAME SCHOLARSHIPS, DUE JANUARY 9th, 2026!!!

• Compare financial aid award letters as they arrive.

Planning Ahead

• Attend admitted-student events (virtual or in person)

• Start comparing:

  • Cost after aid

  • Campus size & location

Majors, internships, outcomes

Trade School / Apprenticeship / Military-Bound

January is decision + enrollment time.

Trade Programs

• Submit or finalize program applications

• Schedule placement tests or interviews

• Confirm:

  • Start dates

  • Tuition & tools required

  • Certification timelines

Apprenticeships / Unions

• Apply to union apprenticeships (many open early spring)

• Gather:

  • Resume

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Transcripts

Military

• Meet with recruiter

• Take or schedule ASVAB

• Discuss training timelines & job pathways

1. Cornerstone University

• Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan

• Size: 1,800 students

• Highlights: Faith-based campus with strong programs in business, education, and liberal arts; personalized attention from professors; supportive and close-knit community; active campus life with clubs and service opportunities.

• Why underrated: Quietly strong academically but often overshadowed by larger Michigan universities; not widely known nationally despite its personalized learning environment and solid programs.

• Location: Alma, MI

• Size: 1,500 students

• Highlights: Strong liberal arts programs, close professor-student relationships, active campus life.

• Why underrated: Small-town charm with rigorous academics often overlooked.

3. Olivet College

• Location: Olivet, MI

• Size: 800 students

• Highlights: Personalized attention, programs in education, business, and arts, intimate campus community.

• Why underrated: Tiny size makes it feel very personal; less widely known outside Michigan.

4. Albion College

• Location: Albion, MI

• Size: 1,500 students

• Highlights: Strong liberal arts, study-abroad opportunities, supportive residential environment.

• Why underrated: Great academics, but often overshadowed by bigger liberal arts schools in the region.

5. Hope College

• Location: Holland, MI

• Size: 3,000 students (slightly above “tiny,” but still intimate)

• Highlights: Excellent in music, sciences, and liberal arts; beautiful campus near Lake Michigan; strong community.

• Why underrated: High-quality education often flies under the radar nationally.

6. Aquinas College

• Location: Grand Rapids, MI

• Size: 2,000 students

• Highlights: Small class sizes, liberal arts education, personalized advising.

• Why underrated: Quietly strong academics with a very supportive campus culture.

7. Kendall College of Art & Design (part of Ferris State University)

• Location: Grand Rapids, MI

• Size: 700 students

• Highlights: Specialized programs in art, design, and creative fields; hands-on learning.

• Why underrated: Smaller creative programs get overshadowed by larger universities but are highly respected in arts circles.

8. Finlandia University

• Location: Hancock, MI

• Size: <500 students

• Highlights: Strong liberal arts programs, very personalized attention, historic Finnish-American heritage.

• Why underrated: Tiny and remote; overlooked but deeply supportive for students seeking small communities.

9. Northwood University (Mid-Michigan Campus)

• Location: Midland, MI

• Size: 1,000 students

• Highlights: Small business-focused programs, personalized mentoring, entrepreneurial opportunities.

• Why underrated: Known for business, but its small campus offers close community and individual attention.

10. Adrian College

• Location: Adrian, MI

• Size: 1,600 students

• Highlights: Liberal arts and professional programs, strong athletic culture, close campus community.

• Why underrated: Excellent student-faculty ratio, small-school vibe, not widely publicized outside Michigan.

1. Cybersecurity Specialist

• What they do: Protect military networks, prevent cyberattacks, analyze threats.

• Education perks: Often get certifications like CompTIA Security+ or CEH funded by the military.

2. Military Intelligence Analyst

• What they do: Gather and interpret data to support missions, track threats, work with satellites and drones.

• Education perks: Training in data analysis and foreign languages; credits may transfer to college.

3. Aviation Maintenance Technician

• What they do: Maintain and repair aircraft and helicopters.

• Education perks: Certifications like A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) are recognized in civilian aviation.

4. Biomedical Equipment Technician

• What they do: Repair and maintain medical equipment used in hospitals and field units.

• Education perks: Learn skills that translate to civilian hospitals or medical device companies.

5. Public Affairs Specialist / Journalist

• What they do: Handle media, create military news, manage social media, and document missions.

• Education perks: Receive training in journalism, media production, and communications.

6. Linguist / Translator

• What they do: Translate foreign languages for intelligence or communication purposes.

• Education perks: Language training paid by the military, sometimes leading to fluency or certifications.

7. Meteorologist / Weather Specialist

• What they do: Predict weather for operations and plan missions accordingly.

• Education perks: Training in atmospheric science and computer modeling; may earn college credits.

8. Robotics / Drone Operator

• What they do: Control drones or robotic systems for reconnaissance and logistics.

• Education perks: Tech training and certifications that apply to civilian robotics or unmanned systems careers.

9. Legal Specialist / Judge Advocate (JAG) Support

• What they do: Assist military lawyers, handle documentation, and research military law.

• Education perks: Training in legal processes; can help prepare for civilian law school.

10. Musician / Military Band Member

• What they do: Perform in military bands, at ceremonies, and community events.

• Education perks: Music lessons, performance experience, and networking in professional music fields.

11. Cartographer / Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist

• What they do: Map terrains, analyze satellite imagery, and plan logistics.

• Education perks: GIS and mapping certifications transferable to civilian tech jobs.

12. Cyber/IT Instructor

• What they do: Train new recruits in computer systems, networks, and cybersecurity.

• Education perks: Teaching and technical certifications; college credits often provided.

13. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician (Non-combat roles)

• What they do: Safely handle explosives for construction, training, or decommissioning old weapons.

• Education perks: Specialized engineering and safety training applicable in civilian industries.

14. Aircraft Controller / Air Traffic Control

• What they do: Direct military aircraft safely during missions and training exercises.

• Education perks: FAA air traffic control certifications, which are highly sought after in civilian careers.

15. Environmental / Conservation Specialist

• What they do: Manage military lands, protect wildlife, and oversee natural resources.

• Education perks: Science and conservation training, often transferable to civilian environmental careers.

Military reps come throughout the year during lunch hours. Make sure you stop by and see them or see your counselor for contact information for a recruiter.

• Army Recruiter- Colonel Kevin Polosky, kevin.m.polosky.mil@army.mil, 586-282-6297
• Navy Recruiter- Zackary A. Jones, zackary.a.jones.mil@us.navy.mil, 734-460-5535

Top Trade Job: Elevator Installer & Repairer

Why it’s top:

• Consistently one of the highest-paying trade jobs in the U.S.

• Strong demand due to urban growth and aging infrastructure.

• Offers excellent job security and union opportunities.

What They Do

• Install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and sometimes wheelchair lifts.

• Work involves electrical systems, hydraulics, and mechanical systems.

• Ensure all equipment meets safety regulations and codes.

Skills Needed

• Electrical wiring and circuitry knowledge

• Mechanical aptitude for gears, pulleys, and hydraulics

• Problem-solving skills for troubleshooting malfunctions

• Physical fitness for climbing shafts and working in tight spaces

Training & Education

• Usually requires a high school diploma or GED.

• Complete a 4-year apprenticeship through a union or employer program.

• Apprenticeships include paid on-the-job training + classroom instruction in math, electronics, safety, and mechanics.

Salary & Job Outlook

• Median salary: $90,000 per year (can exceed $120,000 with experience).

• Job growth: Projected 7% growth over the next decade (faster than average).

• Strong union representation often provides health insurance, retirement, and other benefits.

Pros

• High earning potential without a college degree

• Paid training during apprenticeship

• Job security due to specialized skill set

• Opportunities for overtime and career advancement

Cons

• Work can be physically demanding and sometimes dangerous

• Jobs may require travel between job sites

• Apprenticeships can be competitive to enter

Academics (Top Priority)

Colleges, trade programs, and employers all care about this.

• Finish the semester strong — junior year grades matter most

• Meet with teachers if struggling now, don’t wait until March.

• Review transcript for:

  • Missing credits

  • Incorrect courses

  • GPA accuracy

Testing & Exams

January sets the tone for spring testing.

• Review PSAT results (strengths & growth areas)

• Start light prep (30–60 min/week)
  

Activities & Resume Building

Consistency > quantity

• Stay involved in extracurriculars

• Step into leadership roles where possible

• Start or continue volunteering

• Keep a simple list of:

  • Activities

  • Awards

  • Work hours

(This becomes gold senior year.)

• ✔ Build good attendance habits

• ✔ Communicate with teachers before grades slip

• ✔ Meet with your school counselor if unsure about:

  • Classes

  • Credits

  • Interests

• ✔ Focus on growth, not comparison!

ATTENDANCE IS CRITICAL!
Make sure you are attending your classes in person to stay on track and be as successful as possible.

TUTORING AVAILABLE!
Get extra help and support from Connection Club members on:

• Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
  📍 Location: Library
  🕒 Time: 2:45–3:30 PM

Special Support:

• Mondays: Mr. Betway is available to help with math struggles.

• Thursdays: Ms. Tspiras is available to help with English and/or Spanish.

https://www.guidance-center.org/children-youth-services/

https://www.caresolace.org/

1. One-Minute Reset. Take 5 slow breaths. Pause. Reset. Kindness: Smile, hold the door, or say “thanks.”

2. Name One Good Thing. Think of one thing that went okay today. Kindness: Tell someone: “I appreciate you.”

3. Phone Down Pause. Put your phone down for 2 minutes. Breathe. Be present. Kindness: Say “hey” or check in with someone nearby.

4. Notice the Good. Pay attention to effort, kindness, or growth. Kindness: Say it out loud: “Nice job.” “You handled that well.”

5. Let It Go. Leave one stress here before you go home. Kindness: Be patient — with others and yourself.

Remember!

You don’t have to feel calm all the time.
Just pause when you can.
Kindness always counts.

Thank you for taking the time to read our update and for your ongoing support. We look forward to continuing our partnership to make this school year successful for every student. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at 734-285-7361.

Warm regards,
RCHS Counseling Department
Riverview Community High School

We enjoy meeting with our students for post-secondary planning, scheduling and struggles they may be experiencing.

• Ms. Tsipras, A-F: Honors Night, Advanced Placement Testing, Junior Presentations
• Ms. Welniak, G-O: State Testing, Senior/Freshman Presentations
• Mrs. Nichols, P-Z: DCTC, Sophomore Presentations
• Mrs. Heulitt, Social Worker: Popcorn Pirates, Special Education
• Mrs. Cooper, Secretary

Please reach out to any of us to further assist your student. We are happy to help :)