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Important June Dates:

June 2nd: Senior Internship Fair June 2nd and 3rd: Grade 9 MCAS

STE

June 6th: 2014 Graduation

Ceremony

June 23rd – 26th: Exam Period June 26th: Last Day of School July 7th-August 14th: Summer

School

Upcoming Dates:

September 1st: Labor Day – No

School

September 2nd: Teacher

Orientation

September 3rd: First Day of School

for 7th & 9th Grade Orientation

September 4th: School Opens for

All Students

September TBD: Parent Open House

September TBD: Senior Parents College Night

School Counseling Newsletter

June 2014 - Volume 1, Issue 8

Dear Parents and Guardians,

With the end of the year closing, it is important for students to finish off the year strong. Included in this issue is information regarding the end of the year exam schedule, as well as advice for students and parents to prepare for exam week.

This month’s College Counseling Column continues to share information to help prepare your rising senior for the college application process, including requesting college recommendation letters from teachers. Summer is a great time to get prepared and have a leg-up on the process before students head back to school in September, whether it is drafting their college essay, narrowing down their list of schools, or revising their high school resume. Also, the School Counseling Department will host mini college application workshops for incoming seniors the last week of August. Please stay tuned for future dates and times.

June’s spotlight focuses on important milestones to aid students and families as they map out and prepare for the next school year. Throughout the year, the School Counseling Department hosts several parent evenings that coincide with our developmental school counseling curriculum. Take a moment to read what your student will be working on with their counselors, as well as highlight workshops you do not want to miss!

Until September,

The Masconomet School Counseling Department

After dedicating over 34 years to guiding students and families, Ruth Ryan is retiring from Masconomet at the end of this year. Throughout her career, Ms. Ryan has always shown tremendous loyalty to her students and their families. Striving to meet her students' best interests has always been paramount. Over the years, students have experienced great comfort knowing Ms. Ryan is always by their side as their number one advocate. She has helped thousands of students blossom into young adults while guiding them to reach their fullest potential and discovering their best self. Ms. Ryan is an integral member of the counseling department. As an inspiring colleague, she is both respected and admired and we are grateful for her comforting and unwavering support, professional wisdom, and friendship. Ms. Ryan, you've shared your heart with all of us and we are truly grateful for your energy, compassion, and dedication. We will miss you terribly, but wish you the best as you embark on your next journey ahead! Best wishes for a satisfying and productive retirement dedicated to fulfilling your many passions.

Guidance Counselor, Ruth Ryan,

retires after 34 years in education.

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What if my child has to miss an

exam?

Please send all requests that require students missing exams during the last week of school directly to the principal, Laurie Hodgdon, for her approval. If approved, she will notify your child’s teachers and they will work with the student to reschedule exams as needed. If a mutual time cannot be found, the student will come in over the summer to take his/her exam (s), which will be left in the main office.

Quick Stress Reliever

This exercise can be done standing or sitting straight (if seated in a chair, feet should be on the ground):

Relax the body. Point arms and hands downward. Close eyes. Focus on lower abdomen (belly) and imagine a small balloon in that space.

Breathe in slowly and deeply through nostrils, imagine the balloon inflating (getting bigger/larger/growing) slowly. Hold a few seconds.

Slowly exhale through the mouth, imagine the balloon gently deflating. Blow out of the mouth as if blowing out a candle. Repeat at least 10 times.

School Counseling Newsletter

June 2014 - Volume 1, Issue 8

Semester II Exam Schedule

Monday, 6/23 Tuesday, 6/24 Wednesday, 6/25 Thursday, 6/26 7:40–9:30 AM: PERIOD 7 Exam 7:40–9:30 AM: PERIOD 5 Exam 7:40–9:30 AM: PERIOD 3 Exam 7:40–9:30 AM: PERIOD 1 Exam 9:40–11:30 AM: PERIOD 6 Exam 9:40–11:30 AM: PERIOD 4 Exam 9:40–11:30 AM: PERIOD 2 Exam 9:40–11:30 AM: Make Up Exam Period Staff Lunch 11:45 -12:45 PM: Student Lunch 11:45-1:30 PM:

No Lunch No Lunch No Lunch

11:45-2:15 PM: READING PERIOD 11:30AM: Dismissal 11:30 AM: Dismissal 11:30 AM: Dismissal 2:15 PM: Busses Leave 11:40 AM: Busses Leave 11:40 AM: Busses Leave 11:40 AM: Busses Leave

Exam Information to know...

There is NO Homeroom during the Final Exams. Attendance will be taken ONLY in students’ exam blocks. Students need only attend their Exams. They must remain in their exam block classroom until the test is concluded. There will be a 10 MINUTE BREAK in between exams.

On Monday, June 23rd Students who are in the building, but not taking an exam during exam blocks should report to

the: Library; Café (between 8-10:15am); Study Hall. At the conclusion of Exams for the day students may utilize the Reading Period to go to their teachers for extra help/review for upcoming exams. Lunch will be served for students continuously between 12:15pm and 1:30pm. Busses will depart at the normally scheduled time of 2:15pm. Tuesday, June 24rd – Thursday, June 26th Busses will depart at 11:40am.

Advice for Final Exams

We know exam time can be a stressful and nerve-wracking time for all students. Here are some tips to help your student navigate this challenging time of year.

School Counseling Newsletter

1-2 Weeks before Exams: Week before Exams: Week of Exams: Morning of

Exams: Students should:

Take advantage of extra help sessions with the teacher (available Monday-Thursday, 2:15-2:50)

Look at old tests and quizzes

Parents can:

Have your student use PowerSchool to make sure they are up-to-date on all Quarter 4 assignments

Help your student to organize their notebooks before it is time to study

Students should:

Continue to attend afterschool extra help sessions with the teacher

Create study groups (quiz each other, compare notes)

Parents can:

Help your student to create a study schedule that will allow them to start studying early

Cramming the night before a test is not the best option!

Students should:

Continue to see teachers with questions

Parents can:

Prepare/encourage your student to eat balanced meals- breakfast, lunch and dinner

Promote a regular exercise routine

Limit over-scheduling and allow for unstructured opportunities for relaxation Encourage a regular bedtime and allow your student to get enough sleep.

Students should: Eat a healthy breakfast Arrive early Parents can: Prepare your student a well balanced breakfast Help them to arrive early

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Letters of Recommendation

Colleges often ask for two or three letters of recommendation from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality.

Colleges value recommendations because they:

Reveal things about you that grades and test scores can’t. Provide personal opinions of your character.

Show who is willing to speak on your behalf.

When to ask for recommendations: Make sure to give your recommender at least one month before your earliest deadline to complete your letter.

If you plan to apply early decision or early action you will need to ask for your

recommendations before the start of your senior year. Whom to Ask:

Schools often ask for letters of recommendation from an academic teacher, sometimes in a specific subject.

June 2014 - Volume 1, Issue 8

COLLEGE COUNSELING COLUMN

Class of 2015: What you can do before September...

PREPPING FOR THE COLLEGE PROCESS... Applying to college can seem like the equivalent to taking an additional class in the fall of a student’s senior year. For rising seniors, now is the time for them to map out their summer to help prepare them as they will soon be making important decisions about furthering their post-secondary education. What your rising seniors can do before September:

Relax and enjoy summer – you have earned it!

Register for the ACT’s to be held in September (registration deadline is August 8, 2014) and/or SAT’s to be held in October (anticipated registration deadline is 9/6, not final)

Explore college options with Naviance, books, catalogues, and college websites. Visit college websites and request to be on their contact lists.

Create an organizer for each college.

Carefully consider your responsibilities, especially if applying Early Decision or Early Action. Begin drafts of college essays (read further for writing tips)

Watch Naviance starting at the end of August for college representative visits to take place in the fall.

Lookout for email blasts from Guidance regarding mini-college application workshops (revising resume, setting up Common Application account, updating Naviance, etc.) the end of August.

WHAT TO DO (AND NOT TO DO) AS YOU CONTINUE RESEARCHING & VISITING COLLEGES... WHAT TO DO:

1. Start with knowing yourself, as a person and as a student, before building your college list.

Focus on finding a good fit.

2. Parents can use the net price calculators on the colleges’ websites when students start to hone in on specific schools.

3. There is no perfect school. Keep an open mind. Research, learn, use multiple resources and don’t get fearful about the process.

THINGS NOT TO DO:

1. Don’t eliminate schools you’ve never heard of.

2. Don’t be afraid of college admissions counselors. Talk with them– They want to get to know who you are and they want to help you.

3. Don’t miss out on your senior year. Don’t get caught up in the hype, worries, and fears. Relax and enjoy your senior year!

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Letters of Recommendation

Whom to Ask (Continued):

Choose one of your teachers whom you have known for awhile.

Consider asking a teacher who also knows you outside the classroom. For example, a teacher who directed you in a play or advised your debate club.

How to get the best recommendation:

Take time to speak with the teachers who will be writing your recommendation. Mention challenges you overcame.

Remind them of specific work or projects you’re proud of. Final Tips:

Colleges recommend that students waive their right to view recommendation letters. Admission officers will trust them more if you have not seen them.

Make sure your recommenders know the deadline.

Follow up with your

recommender a week or so before the recommendations are due.

Write thank you notes!

June 2014 - Volume 1, Issue 8

COLLEGE COUNSELING COLUMN

Class of 2015: What you can do before September... (Continued)

TOP 10 TIPS FOR WRITING A COLLEGE ESSAY:

Be Yourself. Take a moment to think about what interests you, what you love to talk about.

Then write about that.

Be Honest. College admission officers have read hundreds, even thousands of essays. They

are masters at discovering any form of plagiarism. Don’t risk your college career by taking the easy way out.

Take a Risk. Don’t settle for the essay that everyone else is writing.

Keep in Focus. Read the essay question carefully and jot down a few ideas. Choose the one

that looks like the most fun to write about. Stick to that main theme throughout the essay.

Write and Rewrite. Don’t try to write a masterpiece on your first try. It’s not possible and all that pressure is likely to give you writers block.

Get a Second Opinion. When you’ve rewritten the essay to your satisfaction, find someone

who can give you advice on how to make it better.

Proofread. Read your essay over one more time, looking for those little errors that can creep

in as you write or edit.

Be Accurate. Applying online is just as serious as applying “the old-fashioned way.” Make sure

that you put as much effort into an online essay as you would if you were sending it snail mail.

Don’t Expect Too Much From an Essay. The application essay is important, but it’s not the

only thing that is considered. Make your essay as well-written as you can, but don’t put so much pressure on yourself that the rest of the application fades in importance.

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A Glimpse at Each Grade: Freshmen - Class of 2017 Freshmen you have nearly completed your first year at Masco, and can soon look forward to sophomore year- congratulations! Be sure you have plans for the summer including relaxation!

Sophomores - Class of 2016 Sophomores you are halfway through high school! This is a good time to reflect your experience to date, as well as your strengths and interests. Continue to access Naviance to assist you with this!

Juniors - Class of 2015

Make the most of your time this summer! Summer is a great time to work on drafts of your essay and resume. Visit campuses and try to narrow down that list of colleges. Be prepared to hit the ground running with the college application process when you return to school. Plan your time well and, most of all enjoy some well deserved relaxation!

Seniors - Class of 2014 To our graduating class,

congratulations! You’ve worked hard and can now move on the next exciting phase of young adulthood. Good luck next year and best wishes!

School Counseling Newsletter

June 2014 - Volume 1, Issue 8

JUNE SPOTLIGHT: PLANNING MILESTONES

What you need to know for next year...

Freshmen Year

Sophomore Year

OCTOBER: PSAT

DECEMBER: PSAT results mailed home. Students are encouraged to

meet with their counselor with any questions.

FEB/MARCH: MCAS (ELA)

MARCH: Course Selection: Students are encouraged to meet

with their counselor with any questions.

Sophomore Program: The World of Work: Career and

Self-Exploration.This is an interactive group presentation

reintroducing students to Naviance, our web-based college and career planning system.

APRIL: Individual Meetings with counselors to discuss and

review: academic progress, high school transcript, the

importance of extracurricular activities, Naviance Career Interest Inventory and individual college and career goals, and the selection of classes for next year.

MAY: MCAS (Math)

JUNE: SAT Subject Tests (see counselor if applicable)

SEPTEMBER: Freshman Orientation Day

Group Homeroom Meetings. Transitions: High School

Expectations and Opportunities. Meet your counselor

and receive your “Freshman Survival Guide

NOVEMBER: Individual meetings with counselors to discuss

transition to high school

MARCH: Course Selection: Students are encouraged to meet

with their counselor with any questions.

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School Counseling Parent Nights Fall:

High School Open House Senior Parents College Counseling Night Junior & Senior Parents Financial Aid Night Winter:

Junior Parents College Admissions Night ACT/SAT Combo Parent Workshop

Course Selection Night Spring:

Freshman Parents AM Conversation with Guidance MEFA “After the Acceptance” Incoming Freshman Parents Am Conversation:

Transitioning to the high school.

Commonly Asked end of the Questions:

Summer School:

Summer school runs 6 weeks (7/7-8/14). There is no 3 week option. Cost is $385 per course, regardless of semester or year course. Classes are Monday-Thursday. Each class is 2.5 hours long (8-10:30am and/or 10:45-1:15). Attendance must be 85% to receive credit.

School Counseling Newsletter

June 2014 - Volume 1, Issue 8

JUNE SPOTLIGHT: PLANNING MILESTONES

What you need to know for next year... (

Continued

)

Junior Year

Senior Year

SEPTEMBER: Senior Orientation: Post-Secondary Planning....

Graduation and Beyond.

SEPT-OCT Individual Meetings with counselor

SEPT-OCT-NOV-DEC: SAT and/or ACT

FALL-WINTER: Prepare and submit applications to colleges and/or

post-secondary programs.

SEPT-OCT-NOV-DEC: Request transcripts for applications on Naviance

FEBRUARY: AP Registration Begins

APRIL: MEFA: “After the Acceptance”

MAY: AP Exams

MAY-JUNE: Senior Internship

OCTOBER: PSAT

DECEMBER: PSAT results mailed home. Students are encouraged to

meet with their counselor with any questions.

FEBRUARY: Junior Future Planning Program: Beginning the

Post-Secondary Planning Process ACT/SAT Combo Exam AP Registration Begins

FEB-MARCH-APRIL: Individual Meetings with counselor: Review high school transcript, develop post-secondary plan, develop preliminary list of colleges, and review classes for senior year.

Winter-Spring: Start visiting college campuses - February and April vacations are good times to schedule visits.

MARCH: Course Selection: Students are encouraged to meet

with their counselor with any questions.

MARCH & MAY SAT

MAY: AP Exams

References

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