WHS School Counseling News

November 3, 2021

This newsletter contains information about:

Tutoring

November MCAS Retest Reminder

Special Opportunities & Scholarships for Students

Upcoming College Visits

Financial Aid Resources for Students and Families

Tutoring Available

Tutoring is available before and after school in the library. As the quarter closes and students reflect on their progress this year, we encourage them to consider accessing tutoring if they are looking to improve in a particular class. Tutoring is available before school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays beginning at 7:30 and on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays after school from 3:15 to 4:15. Peer tutors are also often available during this time.

In addition, Mr. Nazarchuk is available in the Math Lab during the school day, and Ms. Palmer is available in the Writing Lab during the school day for extra support.

November MCAS

The Math and ELA MCAS will be administered later this month. Students who need to take the test to meet graduation requirements or to qualify for the Seal of Biliteracy or Adams Scholarship have been notified. The Math MCAS will be held on November 9th and 10th, and the ELA MCAS will be held on November 16th and 17th. Students should contact their school counselor if they have questions.

Upcoming College Visits

Our final college representative visits for the season will be held over the next several weeks. Below are the schools visiting WHS. Students should sign up on Naviance to attend.

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 can be found here.

Massachusetts Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar - A fantastic opportunity for 10 high school sophomores to attend a three-day seminar where students develop individual, group, and societal leadership skills. *Please contact your school counselor for more information

MIT Leadership Training Institute - the MIT LTI is an eleven-week-long program run on Sundays where students are able to design and implement an original service project within their community with the assistance of an MIT student mentor who helps the student navigate the logistics of service projects. The LTI also provides an opportunity for students to gain interpersonal and leadership skills with a series of workshops throughout the program. More information on this program can be found at: LTI.MIT.edu

Dana Farber Harvard Cancer Center YES for CURE and CURE Summer Only Programs - An intensive program for underrepresented and disadvantaged youth where students conduct research projects, participate in advanced scientific curriculum, receive professional skills training, and increase their scientific knowledge and technical skills in biomedical research within a cancer research environment. The YES for CURE program is a 2.5-year comprehensive training initiative while the CURE Summer Only Program is a one-time summer experience. Please visit www.DFHCC.Harvard.edu/research/cancer-disparities/students/cure-overview/ for more information

Watertown Free Public Library Brighter Futures Career Fair - An upcoming career fair where students who are interested in technical professions have the opportunity to learn about specialty program options. Examples of programs that will be featured include nursing, engineering, accounting, auto mechanics, culinary arts, and cosmetics. Learn more at WatertownLib.org/Futures

Event Information

College Financing Webinar by MEFA

This webinar will provide information and clarity on the entire college financial aid application process. You'll learn about financial aid applications and types of financial aid, the factors that determine your aid eligibility, how colleges determine the amount of aid to offer, and the details of financial aid offers. Live transcription will be available. Register here for this event organized and hosted by MEFA, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority.

When?

Wednesday, Nov 10, 2021, 06:30 PM

Scholarships

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

Boston University Trustee Scholarship - Full undergraduate tuition plus orientation and mandatory undergraduate tuition fees for 4 years at Boston University. Also comes with an invitation/requirement to join the Trustee Scholars program upon enrollment. https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships-financial-aid/first-year-merit/trustee/

Henry David Thoreau Scholarship - A scholarship focused on environmental studies. Up to $20,000 over four years is awarded. Winners are also eligible for a stipend during their undergraduate years if they intern in the field of environmental studies. Thoreauscholar.org

Jefferson Scholarship - The full cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, and some activities, to the University of Virginia (more than $293,000). Winners are chosen based on their demonstrated excellence and potential in leadership, scholarship, and citizenship. JeffersonScholars.org/Scholarship

Massachusetts JCI Senate Scholarship - Two $1,000 merit scholarships and one $500 financial need scholarship are awarded based on a comprehensive applicant portfolio. Winners of the Massachusetts Scholarships then have the opportunity to compete for national scholarships. MAJCISenate.weebly.com

TheDream.US National Scholarship - Up to $33,000 to obtain a bachelor's degree at one of 70+ partnering institutions across the US. Students must have DACA, TPS, or have arrived in the country before November 1st, 2016, and meet the DACA eligibility criteria. TheDream.US/Scholarships