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21-22 Common Application Essay Prompts:

https://www.ivywise.com/blog/common-application-essay-prompts/

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, please share your story.

2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

4.Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

Guidance
NYS Announces Vaccine College Scholarship

NYS will offer a chance to win 50 full-ride, four-year scholarships to a SUNY or CUNY school to students aged 12-17 who have gotten at least the first dose of the COVID 19 vaccine. See attached flyer for more details. There will be weekly drawings for five (5) weeks, beginning on Tuesday, June 1, 2021.
- COVID VACCINE SCHOLARSHIP_6 1 21 002.pdf
Guidance
SUMMER SCHOOL 2021 IN-PERSON OR VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION

Summer School 2021 begins Wednesday, July 7 - August 11, 2021. When registering students MUST choose either IN-PERSON or VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION for the FULL six(6) weeks of instruction. Registration begins June 23, 2021.

Please see 2021 Regional Academic Summer School Brochure Rockland BOCES for more information.
Guidance
Summertime Program Bulletin 2021 for Grades 9-12

There are a variety of programs for high school aged students during the Summer of 2021. Some will be virtual. Please see our attached list.
- SUMMERTIME PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS 2021 REVISED 5 21 21.docx
Guidance
IVYWise

https://www.ivywise.com/blog/regular-decision-notification-dates/

Guidance
Collegeboard announces ending the SAT subject tests and optional essay:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/sat-ending-essay-subject-tests/2021/01/19/ac82cdd8-574a-11eb-a817-e5e7f8a406d6_story.html

Guidance
COVID 19- Emotional Support Resources

There is Hope. There is Help. Help is a phone call away. See attached flyers
Guidance
Excelsior Scholarship for 2021

The Excelsior Scholarship, in combination with other student financial aid programs, allows students to attend a SUNY or CUNY college tuition-free.

Please note that the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reduced state revenues and the processing of new applications is pending on Federal assistance, which has been delayed since April. Excelsior Scholarship awards may have to be reduced and/or prioritized for current recipients as provided for under the program.

The federal adjusted gross income limits have changed to $125,000 or less.

For more information go to the website below.

https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/the-excelsior-scholarship.html

Guidance
SECURING WORKING PAPERS
Securing Working Papers While Attending School Virtually due to COVID 19 or After Returning To School This Fall

Please download the working paper application located under IMPORTANT FORMS, from the guidance office webpage, OR pick up the application in the guidance office.

Fill out Part 1 only and have your parent or guardian sign the form.

Return your application to the guidance office or email form to jlauturner@nyackschools.org

You can pick up the card when notified or it can be mailed to you.

PLEASE NOTE IF YOU ARE A NYACK RESIDENT, BUT ATTEND PRIVATE SCHOOL OR OUT OF STATE SCHOOL, PLEASE CALL 845-353-7120 FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS.
Guidance
Please see the attached brochure concerning Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Pi Psi Omega Chapter of Rockland County, explains what an HCBU is and the benefits of attending one as well as how to apply to an HCBU. Alpha Kappa Alpha is also offers scholarship opportunities. Remember to look for this sorority when you are applying for scholarships later this school year.
- HBCU for Life.pdf
Guidance
5 Facts you need to know about this year's college admissions process:

https://grownandflown.com/college-admissions-process-jeff-selingo/

Guidance
NYS STEM Incentive Program for high school graduates in the top 10% of their class

The NYS STEM Incentive Program provides a full SUNY tuition scholarship to the top 10 percent of students in each NYS high school if they pursue a STEM degree in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program and agree to live in NYS and work in a STEM field in NYS for five years after graduation.

Eligibility

An applicant must:

·         be a NYS resident and have resided in NYS for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the fall college term;

·         be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;

·         be a high school senior/recent high school graduate who will be enrolled full time at a SUNY or CUNY college, including community colleges and the statutory colleges at Cornell University and Alfred University, beginning in the fall term following his or her high school graduation;

·         be ranked in the top 10 percent of his/her high school graduating class at a NYS high school;

·         be matriculated in an approved undergraduate program leading to a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics at a SUNY or CUNY college;

·         earn a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher each term after the first semester;

·         execute a Service Contract agreeing to reside and work in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics in NYS for five years.  View the terms and conditions of the service contract.

Students matriculated in these programs of study may be eligible for a STEM Incentive Program award. The program of study must result in an approved occupation.

https://www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/nys-grants-scholarships-awards/nys-science-technology-engineering-and-mathematics-stem-incentive-program.html

Guidance

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Members of the High School Guidance Department

Guidance Department Office: telephone (845) 353-7120 fax (845) 353-7119

Lorraine Longing - Director of Guidance K-12, 845 353 7123 - llonging@nyackschools.org

Guidance Counselors:

Maggie Gershonovitz 845-353-7130 mgershonovitz@nyackschools.org

Tara Heinemann 845-353-7133 theinemann@nyackschools.org

Sean Cavanagh 845-353-7125 scavanagh@nyackschools.org

Alejandro Peña 845-353-7128 apena@nyackschools.org

Diana Wright 845-353-7126 - dwright@nyackschools.org

School Psychologist:

Dr. Renee Eschmann, 845-353-7182

School Social Worker:

Mimi Madan, 845-353-7131

Student Support Services and Prevention Counselor:

Dornzella Milligan, 845-353-7134

Guidance Support Staff

JeanMarie Maldonado - Records Secretary (845) 353 7121 jmaldonado@nyackschools.org
Jean Lauturner - Secretary (845) 353-7120 jlauturner@nyackschools.org

2020 - 21 School Year :

counselor	9th GR	10 GR	11 GR	12 GR
Mrs. Gershonovitz	A- Co	A-C	A- Cr AVID	A-B McG- Nuz
Ms. Heinemann	Col - Hogan	D-F AVID	Cu- H	C- Fi
Mr. Cavanagh	Hope - Mars AVID	G - Mas	J- K	Fo - Maz
Mr. Pena ENL	Mart - Q	Maz - P	L - P	Mc - R
Mrs.Wright	R- Z	Q- Z	Q- Z	S- Z

Seniors Award Night Recording - June 7th at 7pm.

Class of 2021 : " Where are you going?"

Guidance Informational Videos

Naviance Student

High School Students and Parents/Guardians- click here for Naviance http://connection.naviance.com/nyack

Click to access : Instructions for Naviance Student for Parents.pdf

Scholarship Bulletins for Class of 2022

BROWSE SCHOLARSHIPS-Scholarships for the Class of 2022 can be found here in September

You will be able to download scholarship applications directly from this page.

Click on the link below to view Scholarships. We are posting the deadline dates to the corresponding scholarship on this list as soon as we are made aware. Check back often so that you do not miss a good opportunity.

Welcome to the site for scholarship opportunities for the class of 2021. Scholarships are arranged by category. These categories will include scholarships awarded solely to Nyack High School students, Rockland County and neighboring county scholarships, New York State scholarships, and National scholarships. The National scholarships have the earliest deadlines, mostly in October and November.

The bulk of the scholarship deadlines are between February and May, but do not neglect to look for deadlines as early as October through February as we have a few sizable ones. If you are planning on studying Engineering, Nursing, Education, Business, or are a Volunteer Firefighter, there are scholarships specifically for these areas of study.

Many scholarships require a resume, so this is a good time to start yours. If you do not have paid work experience, you can list volunteer positions and sport teams that you are involved with. You will almost always be requested to include a transcript and a recommendation. Please see your guidance counselor for these items and they will direct you accordingly.

The Guidance Department at Nyack High School hosts a scholarship awards night each year in June to recognize and award scholarships to all winners.

Deadlines for submission of applications are firm and late submissions will not be accepted by the guidance department or our donors.

A final thought, scholarship submissions should be filled out in a professional manner. DO NOT submit a scholarship application written in pencil or colored ink. If you need a pen with blue ink, we have enough pens to supply you with one. Don't be shy. Good Luck!

DUAL ENROLLMENT CLASSES

Dual enrollment classes allow students to take college level courses, helping to prepare them for college and earn credit at a reduced rate while enrolled at Nyack HS. NHS offers college level courses in Art, Business, English, History, Math, Music, Science and World Languages. In addition, students who are enrolled in Project Lead the Way, have an opportunity to earn college credits from PLTW Affiliations. Students will take classes at Nyack HS and will be taught by a college approved Nyack HS teacher who follows the college course syllabus. These courses fulfill both high school and college credit requirements. Students must register with the appropriate college and successfully complete the course in order to receive the college credit, which may be transferable to other colleges and universities. In order to get college credit, students must request official transcripts from the affiliated college to be sent directly to the college the student is attending after graduation. Students who are enrolled in Rockland Community College Dual Enrollment Classes cannot take more than 11 RCC credits per semester.

Please note to enroll in Rockland Community College's High School Program you must use Online Registration (Paper Forms are no longer accepted)

HSProgramIntakeRegistrationChecklist

PLTW College Credit Flyer

The following are college level courses offered at Nyack High School

Art

Digital Photo

Business

Principles of Accounting l
Business Law
Personal Financial Management

English

College Writing l
College Writing II

Math

Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
College Algebra

Music

Music Theory

Project Lead the Way (PLW)

Introduction to Engineering Design
Principles of Engineering
Engineering Design & Development
Aerospace Engineering
Principles of Biomedical Science
Human Body Systems
Medical Interventions
Biomedical Innovation

Science

Intermediate Science Research
Advanced Science Research
General Biology
Environmental Science

Social Studies

United States History I
United States History II
Criminal Law

World Language

Basic Spanish for Heritage Speakers
Intermediate Spanish for Heritage Speakers
Elementary Spanish
Intermediate Spanish l
Elementary French
Intermediate French I

Need to Know

Nyack High School CEEB Code: 334255

Program of Studies 2021-2022

Program of Studies 2021-2022 Spanish

Program of Studies 2021-2022 Creole

Please see our Dual Enrollment Options at the High School: Dual Enrollment PLTW Flyer

2021-2022 Scheduling Information: Scheduling for the 2021- 2022 school year begins on January 4, 2021. We encourage you to look through the Program of Studies prior to your meeting, to get an idea of what classes interest you. Your schedule will be developed based on your selections. Any questions, please contact your guidance counselor.

View: Nyack High School Profile 2020-2021

View: K - 12 Nyack School District Guidance Plan

Standardized test information

ACT Registration test center # for Nyack High School: 161270

SAT Registration test center # for Nyack High School: 33-720

CEEB CODE: 334255

SAT and ACT DATES 2021-2022 1.pdf

Important Forms

Copies of forms handled in the guidance office including Transcripts, Working Papers, Schedule Changes, Community Service Forms, and School Withdrawal Forms. Click Read More for these options.

SCHEDULE CHANGE REQUEST FORM

TRANSCRIPTS (Graduates only) http://www.parchment.com/u/registration/18178/account

Click on the link and created a New Learner Account. Current students can obtain a transcript by contacting their guidance counselor.

Working Papers.pdf

Withdrawal Form

Community Service Form

Guidance Department Communications

Scheduling Letter Eng Span Cre.pdf

Sophomore Letter 2020-2021 Eng Span Cre

Junior Letter 2020-2021 Eng Spa Cre

Class of 2021 Senior Letter Eng-Span

Freshman Letter for Naviance

Sean Cavanagh Freshman Letter

Tara Heinemann Freshman Letter

Maggie Gershonovitz Freshman Letter

Alejandro Pena Freshman Letter

Diana Wright Freshman Letter

Resources for parents for the reopening of the 20 - 21 school year:

Being out of school since March and preparing for the return remotely or in person, might increase stress and anxiety. If you need someone to talk to, be sure to reach out to your guidance counselor through email.

Information on how to help your child with increased anxiety about returning to school: https://childmind.org/article/back-to-school-anxiety-during-covid/

For information on teen depression in English: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/teen-depression/teendepression_20-mh-8089_150205.pdf

Para Información Sobre la Depresión Adolescente en Español: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/espanol/la-depresion-en-la-adolescencia/19-mh-8089s_157885.pdf

Resources for Grief

Grief work may be helpful to provide support for students and families to process their grief over what was lost at the end of the school year.

- Understanding Grief to Better Support Students, Families and Educators
- Helping Kids Grieve (Resources best for Primary, Intermediate, and Parents)
- Help for Kids - Grief (Resources for Primary, Intermediate, Secondary Students and Parents)
- Helping Children and Teens with Loss for Secondary Students and Parents
- Transforming Grief into Hope (Resources best for Intermediate and Secondary Students; as well as, Parents)

Safety supports

National Suicide Prevention and Crisis Line: 1(800)273-8255
Or text TALK to 741741
Behavioral Health Response Team - 845-517-0400

Freshmen college planning tips

Be sure to take challenging yet realistic courses and take an elective course that interests you.
Work hard in your courses to get the best grades possible; all your grades are important and your grades make up your transcript.
Work on developing good study habits. Do your homework every night. Study for tests and quizzes.
Get involved! Join and fully participate in a few school clubs.
During the fall, visit mini college fairs on Mondays during lunch and begin to gather information about what you might like in a college.
Take a career survey in the Naviance program. Go to: https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=nyack
Begin to explore colleges and careers using Naviance.
Draft a resume in Naviance and start recording all your extra curricular activities, part time jobs, and community service hours.
Continue to volunteer!
Get scholarships from colleges for your achievements in high school through RaiseMe.

Sophomore college planning tips

Continue to take challenging courses and develop a competitive transcript.
Consider taking a leadership role in an activity that you are involved in.
In the fall you will take the ASPIRE which is standardized a test modeled after the ACT, a college entrance exam. To understand your child's results, view: https://www.discoveractaspire.org/parent-overview/understanding-results/
Start developing a resume on Naviance.
Explore career options by completing a career inventory in Naviance. Go to: https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=nyack
Participate in leadership conferences such as HOBY. For more information go to www.hoby.org
Research summer leadership programs offered by the Nyack Rotary.
BOCES Programs begin Junior year. Talk to your counselor if you are interested in pursuing a vocational career to learn a trade.
Start researching colleges by completing a college search on Naviance.
Counselors will present information about SAT 2 Subject tests to you. Please continue to consult with your teachers and counselors on the advisability of taking these tests.
Attend Sophomore Parent Night in the Spring.

Junior College Planning Tips

Continue to develop a competitive transcript, by enrolling in AP and College Level courses given at the high school.
In January you will take the PSAT. The PSAT is a " trial run" for the SAT which is a college entrance exam. Use your PSAT results to prepare for your SAT in the spring.
Attend Junior parent night on January 29, 2020
During January, you will plan your senior year courses with your counselor. Continue to challenge yourself with rigorous courses.
During second semester, you will be invited to a junior planning conference. This meeting will help you to refine your college search and help you to prepare for the application procedures during senior year.
Sign up to take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year. Create an account at collegeboard.org and ACT.org to register for exams.
Visit college campuses. During spring break , students and their families are encouraged to visit colleges that are of interest to you. You should also attend Open Houses from those colleges.
If you cant visit a college campus, take a virtual tour https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/
Check the guidance bulletin board regularly for updates and information.
Begin to think about which teachers will be writing your college recommendation letters. You might want to ask them to write this letter before school ends in June. This will allow your teachers to plan accordingly.
Continue to research college and career options in Naviance, go to: https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=nyack

Summer between Junior and Senior Year

Fine tune your college choices with your parents and share them with your school counselor.
Begin to draft your college essay.
Organize your college application deadlines, establish a professional email address, and register for any SAT / ACT exams you still need to take. Create a Common Application account and begin the input information in it.

We have included the link to our Junior Planning Guide below which includes some of the topics mentioned above, but in more detail.

Junior Post High School Planning Guide 2020-2021

Senior college planning tips

Continue to take challenging courses and give your best academic effort.
Attend college fairs on Mondays and individual college meetings during school.
Attend college open houses, tours, and consider an overnight visit to a school that you are applying to. If you cant visit a college campus, take a virtual tour https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/
Carefully review your senior transcript that is mailed home to you and your parents in August.
Make an appointment to see your counselor in September to finalize your college list. Your counselor will need to submit your school report section on your application. This includes your transcript, Nyack High School profile, counselor recommendation letter and form.
Continue to update your Naviance account. Keep your counselors and teachers updated on your admissions status. Go to: https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=nyack
Make sure you communicate with your counselor by submitting a Transcript Request Form
Complete a PERSONAL STATEMENT
Complete the optional parent comment and observation form and return it to your guidance counselor: Optional Parental Comments and Observations
Attend the senior college planning evening and the financial aid event. These evenings are designed to assist you and your parents with the college application process.
Submit your SAT and / or ACT scores to colleges that you are applying to. This is done online on the College Board and ACT websites at www.collegboard.org and www.act.org
If you are applying to play sports at college: go to NCAA ( National Collegiate Athletic Association) to learn more: www.ncaa.org
Read the scholarship bulletins and apply for as many scholarships as you can.
Continue to work hard. Colleges require mid year grades and final transcripts.
For more information about financial aid: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
Rockland Adult and Community Education - learn about continued education options at https://www.rocklandboces.org/