Calendar of Guidance Department Events

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Guidance Department Announcements

  • Two In Person College Fairs To Be Held In Westchester This October

     Harrison High School will hold an in person fair on October 19, 2021 from 6:00-8:30 and the Jefferson Valley Mall will host their college fair  on October 20, 2021 also from 6:00 -8:30.  All CDC guidelines with respect to face coverings and social distancing will be followed.

    Guidance

  • 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

  • Excelsior Scholarship for 2022

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

     

     For the 2022-23 academic year, families who earned $125,000 or less are be eligible to apply. 

     If you would like to receive Excelsior Scholarship Application updates , submit your email address to be notified by email and/or opt-in for texting notifications by providing your mobile phone number. (This function available on their webpage.)

    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

  • Virtual College Visits Starting September 13, 2021

    Please start looking at the line up of schools that will be visiting us virtually at 10:30 on select days starting on September 13, 2021.  You can participate in the visit from anywhere as long as you sign in to the call.  You can also join the visit from  the guidance office if you wish to participate from here.  View the scheduled dates  and mark them in your calendar so you do not miss these wonderful opportunities. 

      College Visits 2021-2022 

    Guidance

  • SECURING WORKING PAPERS

    Securing Working Papers During  The Summer

    • 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

  • 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

  • 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

 

 

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

Scholarships for the Class of 2022 are now ready for you to view

 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!

 Scholarship Bulletin Class of 2022

 

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

View the Nyack High School Profile here:  Nyack High School 2021-2022 Profile

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

 Senior Letter 2021-2022 ENG-SPAN-CRE.pdf 

Freshman Letter for Naviance.pdf 

Freshman Counselor Introduction Letter-Mr. Cavanagh

Freshman Counselor Introduction Letter-Ms. Gershonovitz

FreshmanCounselor Introduction Letter-Ms. Heinemann  

Freshman Counselor Introduction letter Pena Revised 82421-English.docx 

Freshman Counselor Introduction letter Pena Revised 82421-Spanish.docx 

FreshmanCounselor Introduction Letter-Ms. Wright

 

Links

Resources for parents for the reopening of the 21 - 22 school year: Coming Soon!

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/

Attached below is our Senior Planning Guide which contains a wealth of information.

 Senior Planning Guide 2020-2021  

For more important information:

www.fafsa.ed.gov

http://studentaid.ed.gov

www.hesc.ny.gov

http://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/resources

https://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile

http://www.bestcolleges.com/features/best-financial-aid/

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2016-09-19/colleges-that-claim-to-meet-full-financial-need

 

 

 

Information for college admissions representatives

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REPRESENTATIVES: Repvisits is open for scheduling virtual visits.  If you wish to schedule an in person visit, please contact Jean Lauturner directly at 845-353-7120 and we will check if it is feasible.

NYACK HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:  See visit schedule below.

College Visits 2021-2022