Mrs. Wolf (A-D) 361-3012
Mrs. Schoenenberger (E-LA) 361-03021 School Psychologist: Rachel Tiffany 361-3006
Mrs. Stavn (LB-RH) 361-3026 School Social Worker; Alyssa Schroeder 361-3201
Mrs. Snow (RI-Z) 361-3028 Guidance Secretary: Ms. Cavitt 361-3029
ACT Test Dates
This test is required to get into Wisconsin and many other colleges and universities. The ACT will be given at BMHS on Saturday, October 27, December 8, 2012 and February 9, and April 13, 2013. The ACT will be given at Janesville sites June 8th. The test fee is $35.00 without the writing portion and $50.50 with the writing section. Seniors should take it as soon as possible if they haven't already done so. You can register on-line at www.actstudent.org.
PSAT Test Date
The Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT) will be given Wednesday October, 17th. The cost of this test is approximately $15.00. Doing well on the test may mean National Merit Scholarship consideration. Sign up information and fee payment deadlines will be announced soon. Any 9-11th grade student can take the test, but only 11th grade
students are eligible for scholarships.
Scholarship Updates
Seniors, there are new scholarships arriving weekly. Please check with Mrs.Wolf for the scholarship updates, as well as checking in the Scholarship File Cabinet located in the School Counseling Office, and on the "senior" Web-Site.
Youth Options
Juniors and seniors interested in the Youth Options Program during the second semester of this school year are reminded of the October 1st application deadline. Youth Options is a program that allows juniors and seniors to take postsecondary courses at nearby colleges and technical schools at no charge to the student as long as the courses taken are not offered at the local high school. See your counselor for more information or application forms. The completed application should be given to Mrs. Snow in the school couseling office by the deadline date.
Police Science, Fire Science, Medical Terminology and Public Speaking are classified as Youth Options and the students who signed up for these courses will receive the applications in the mail. If you are interested in any other college courses, see your counselor. Remember, you must sign up for the Youth Options Class of your choice the semester prior to the class beginning.
College Preview Days
Every year colleges and technical schools offer Preview Days. You can find the dates and make appointments through the college's web sites or see your counselor. It is important that students visit the campuses they are considering before making a decision. Your counselor can help you organize this visit and provide you with a list of questions to be asked.
Applying to Colleges and Technical Schools
Seniors, do you know where you are going next year? Then there is no reason to wait. Apply as soon as you decide. Waiting (especially at Technical Colleges) often results in being put on waiting lists. Thanksgiving should be your deadline for applying wherever you decide to go. After that, you may lose your chance for next year. Most UW campuses will accept applications beginning September 15th. They prefer that you apply on-line at www.apply.wisconsin.edu.
Parent Conferences
Our first opportunity for parent conferences is Thursday, October 4 from 5-7:00 p.m. After meeting with the teachers, parents are invited to meet with the counselor. Please make sure you know how many credits your student (s) have and if they are "on track" for graduation.
Meet Your Child's Teachers
Jan Domene, former PTA national president, suggests taking the following actions:
- Introduce yourself. Get acquainted with the teachers at back-to-school night or the start of the school year.
- Be positive. Emphasize that you are there to help, not disrupt the education process.
- Understand the teachers' objectives' for the semester so you can help guide your student and eliminate end-of-the-year surprises.
- Attend parent-teacher conferences, even if your child is doing well.
- Show up regularly at school events to establish visibility.
- Join parent groups including online communities such as greatschools.net.
Senior Web Site
Seniors have their own site on the BMHS page. Look for scholarship information, important dates, college facts and many other interesting and valuable resources.
Early Action vs. Early Decision
Under Early Action, students can still apply to other colleges early, and they can wait until the spring deadline to decide whether or not to attend. Students have the potential advantage of wrapping up their college search early, yet they don't have to make any binding decisions early on.
Early Decision is binding. If accepted, a student must attend or else lose a sizable enrollment deposit. A student accepted under early decision must withdraw all other college applications. Typically a student must make a commitment before he or she knows what the financial aid package will look like.
Acceptance rates are generally higher for early action and early decision applicants, but students who apply under early decision need to be 100% sure that the college is truly their first choice.
September to-do's for Seniors:
Review admissions requirements: Every school publishes required and recommended academic units in each subject area. Most selective colleges require greater depth in core subject areas such as lab sciences and foreign language. Some colleges require a course in the arts and computer applications. Also review your school's graduation requirements.
Letters of recommendation: First check to see if colleges you are applying to request letters of recommendation and if so, how many. Think about which teachers know you best. These may not be the teachers who gave you the easy A. Ask early in the year if they can write you a recommendation. Follow with a reminder, but give them plenty of time before the deadline. Check with your high school to see if recommendations can be sent electronically.
Visit college campuses: take a look at your school's fall calendar for long weekends and teacher workdays. Also check colleges for their fall visitor days for high school seniors.
Research colleges: If you haven't finalized your college list, buy a guidebook, study college websites, read student reviews and make sure you have a solid balance of "reach", "target" and "safety schools", as well as a "financial safety" school.
Welcome!
The Pupil Services staff would like to formally welcome our new school psychologist, Rachel Tiffany. Rachel comes to BMHS with a wealth of knowledge and truly has a "heart for students".
Pupil Services Welcomes Students:
For many students, starting high school has been something to look forward to ...new responsibilities, new opportunities, and new friends. For others, it can also be a scary transition. Here at BMHS, we try to ensure that everyone gets off to the right start.
The goal of the BMHS Pupil Services Department is to integrate and support academic, personal and social growth, as well as promote positive mental health and a safe, effective learning environment. We will be providing the students of BMHS with information and support in the areas of: mental health, development, organization, learning, behavior, and motivation through both individual and small group opportunities.
Please feel free to call us anytime with your concerns or questions.
