THSConnections

January,2021

FROM THE DIRECTOR
THS Family, welcome to 2021! As we continue with the second portion of the academic year, I want to ask. What are your goals for 2021? Whatever they are, please know that the School Counseling Department is here to support you. Please reach out.
I would like to welcome Ms. Sheila Moore to the department. We will miss Mr. Hollis and wish him well on his retirement.

I am looking forward to the day that we are safely back at The Castle on the Hill so we can continue to grow together.

Love,

Mr. Reese

THS School Counseling Department

COUNSELOR CORNER ~ MEET MR. KELVIN REESE My name is Kelvin Reese, and I am a proud alumnus of Teaneck High School. I have been a member of the Teaneck community since I was 10 years old and I truly believe I couldn’t have been raised in a better community. The Teaneck school system has taught me the importance of community, culture, and resilience.

I chose the school counseling profession with every intention of coming back to Teaneck to begin my career. I have been mentored by some of the best administrators and colleagues Teaneck has to offer and my goal is to share all of what I’ve learned and my experiences with my students. I wholeheartedly believe if you graduate from The Castle on The Hill, you are prepared to tackle any obstacle that the world throws at you. Mr. Allen, my middle school principal always said, “Self-fulfillment shouldn’t only come from what you do for yourself, but the impact you have on others”. I am fulfilled when my students embark on their journeys and they simply say “Mr. Reese, Thank You for all that you’ve done for me”.

Ms. Keshia Golding-Cooper, Director
	kcooper@teaneckschools.org
	
Counselors
	
Mr. Douglas Book
	dbook@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Beth Fleischer
	bfleischer@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Lillian Garcia
	lgarcia@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Kharisma Mitchell
	kmitchell@teaneckschools.org
	
Mr. Kelvin Reese
	kreese@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Jennifer Taylor
	jtaylor@teaneckschools.org
	
Student Assistance/HIB Coordinator
Ms. Adrienne Williams- awilliams@teaneckschools.org
	
Support Staff
	
Ms. Kim Dockery
	kdockery@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Sheila Moore
	smoore@teaneckschools.org

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From the F.O.R.U.M

Tips for Transitioning into Hybrid-Learning

The following resources can be used to access support:

Transitioning to a new calendar year can be an event filled with emotions for students and parents. With many	of	our	students	transitioning	into	the hybrid-learning model, the meaning of a new beginning has even more significance.

The FORUM is offering the following ideas that will help ease the transition:

1. Listen To Your Children/Students
The best way to help someone who is feeling worried is to listen to their concerns. Do not rush to fix the problem, instead take time to hear them and acknowledge that their feelings are valid.

2. Share Information/Look at Positives
Provide as much information about the transition to hybrid/learning as possible. School will certainly look different when students return to the building, but will also bring many positives, like seeing friends and teachers in person.	Parents can talk about experiences they have had managing changes in their lives, emphasizing the strategies that have been successful for you.

3. Be Prepared For The Change in Routine

Spend time reflecting on the new schedule and routines that students will be following. Review the Hybrid/Cohort schedule and reach out to your school if you have any questions. Adjust sleeping and meal schedules to accommodate travel time to school. Using some or all of the strategies mentioned will help

you and your child to manage the transition to hybrid learning.	Remember the staff at the Teaneck High School FORUM is here to listen to parent and student’s concerns.	If you would like to speak to someone at the FORUM please call: (201) 833-5136 or email:                   Nick                   Campestre	at ncampestre@teaneckschools.org

Seek professional help if needed. If	feelings of sadness or anxiety don’t go away, talk to a doctor or mental health professional.

For a life-threatening emergency, always dial 911 Bergen County’s Designated Psychiatric Emergency Screening Program 201-262-HELP/4357

2nd Floor Youth Helpline: 1-888-222-2228 (call or text)
2ND FLOOR is a confidential helpline for New Jersey’s youth that helps find solutions to problems they face at home, at school, or at play

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
para español 1-888-628-9454 Prevención del Suicidio Nacional)

Full list of resources available can be found on the School Counseling page “Helpful Links”

ACE MENTORING PROGRAM AT THE FORUM

For the 11th year The FORUM will be offering the ACE Mentor	Program.	(ACE	stands	for	Architecture, Construction Management and Engineering.)

This year ACE will be a virtual afterschool program that gives students who are interested in careers in engineering,	architecture	and	construction	an opportunity to meet with design professionals from some	of     the     top     architecture,     construction     and

engineering firms in the tri-state area.

Some of the benefits of the program are that students will
1.	Have a unique opportunity to be exposed to the many areas that make up engineering, architecture and construction management,
2. Be able to build networks and relationships with industry professionals that can help them to apply for internships and summer employment.

Any senior participating in the program is eligible to apply for a partial scholarship through the ACE Scholarship Program as long as they pursue a career in Architecture, Construction Management or Engineering. Since 1995, ACE has awarded $8.2 million in scholarship funds nationally to students to attend colleges including
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but not limited to: Columbia, NJIT, Harvard, Princeton, Spelman, Howard, University of Maryland – Eastern Shore, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Syracuse, and Texas A & M.

The first meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 26th. If you are interested in participating in the ACE Mentor Program, please contact Miss Witter in the FORUM via email at ywitter@teaneckschools.org or by calling 201-833-5400 Ext. 6283.

FORUM Staff

Nick Campestre, Coordinator, ncampestre@teaneckschools.org Yris Acevedo, Counselor, yacevedo@teaneckschools.org Giannil Hidalgo, Counselor, ghidalgo@teaneckschools.org Victoria Alexander, Counselor, valexander@teaneckschools.org
Yvonne Witter, Employment Counselor, ywitter@teaneckschools.org Owen Barnes, Admin. Assistant, obarnes@teaneckschools.org

THS SCHOLARSHIP CORNER

SCHOLARSHIP SEASON IS UPON US

Hey Seniors!! Thinking about the cost of college and how you can help reduce the expenses? Scholarships are a great way to alleviate some of the worries about affording college.

Over the break, start exploring the scholarships that are available. Check out your Class of 2021 Google Classroom for the most recent scholarships posted.

Here are some tips for finding College Scholarships: 1. Check out your prospective schools
a) go to their website or call the financial aid office.
2. Ask your School Counselor
a) You have access to Naviance and Google Classroom to keep you up to date with the latest scholarships that are available both nationally and locally. Take advantage of it.
3. Dig into your Network
a) Do you belong to a church group or a local chapter of some national club?
b) Are either of your parents or guardians a member of a union or civic groups? Does either of them work for a large corporation? Many of these types of organizations offer scholarships to members and their children.
4. Try Online - The best websites to apply for Scholarships
a) Cappex
b) The College Board c) FastWeb
d) Niche
e) Scholarships.com f) CollegeNet.com
g) ScholarshipMonkey.com

Check out Scholarship Opportunities

January Deadline Dates:
-Courage To Grow - End of January -- Link to apply: http://www.couragetogrowscholarship.com

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February Deadline Dates:
-NJ Mosquito Control Association - Feb 5, 2021 http://www.njmca.org/files/Scholarships/Educational.pdf -Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar Program - Feb 15, 2021     Link to apply: https://www.hsf.net/scholarship
-The Dream.US - February 25, 2021 Link to apply: https://thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/ The Community Scholarship Fund of Teaneck -February 28, 2021 Link to apply: https://www.comunityscholarshipfund.org/apply

As Promised: Tips on how to write scholarships essays!!

Four Year School (e.g. FDU)
● Apply by deadline (October - January, mostly) ● THS needs to send information- transcripts,
letters of recommendation
● Students send materials - essay(s), SAT/ACT scores, etc.

NOTE:
Some Colleges are TEST OPTIONAL for the Class of 2021

If you plan to apply Early Action or Early Decision contact your School Counselor ASAP!

SAT Test Dates

March 13, 2021 Test:

Regular Registration Deadline: 2/12/21 Late Registration Deadline: 3/02/21

THS is a Test Center for the March Test.
Go to collegeboard.org to register & find a location near you.

All college rep visits will be posted on Naviance. Make sure you are logging on to Naviance. Need help, contact your School Counselor.

What type of school are you interested in?

Two Year Schools (e.g. BCC) ● Apply in February (ideal)
● No transcript until after graduation ● No SAT/ACT
● No letters of recommendation
● Qualifying students can apply for NJ STARS Program (Student Tuition Assistance Reward Scholarship)

ACT Test Dates

February 6, 2021 Test: Deadline Regular Registration Deadline: 2/08/21 Late Registration Deadline: 1/29/21 Register at ACT.ORG

Important Dates

Grade Reporting Period 2

Report Card MP2 Grading Period: 11/13/20 - 1/28/21

Distribution: 02/05/2021

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WE MISSED YOU ON THE HILL! #MASKUP

QUOTE OF THE MONTH “Intelligence plus character, that is the

●	SENIORS, JUNIORS & SOPHOMORES- if you have any interest in pursuing college athletics you must register with the NCAA and create an account.
Here is the link: NCAA Eligibility Center
●	FRESHMAN- Stay connected! Join the class of 2024 Classroom! Upcoming webinars will be posted soon..
●	Join your College and Career Google Classroom.
o Class of 2021 – class code u3ycrf2 o Class of 2022 – class code fwzm5x2 o Class of 2023 - class code ia3aqne o Class of 2024 – class code ydbc3eh

goal of true education.” -	Martin Luther King, Jr.
“ I have a Dream….”

January Dates January 1

DISTRICT CLOSED - NEW YEAR’S DAY

January 15

MENTAL HEALTH DAY--HALf DAY

January 16-20
FREE SAT PRACTICE TEST-C2educate.com
To Register/email: paramus@C2educate.com

●	SENIORS! You must request your transcript at least 10 school days prior to your Application Deadline. * Common Deadlines: Nov. 1st & 15th, Dec. 1st & 15th, Jan. 1st & 15th. Parent Consent Form must be completed first.
o	Parent Transcript Consent Form o	Student Transcript Request Form

●	SENIORS & JUNIORS!	Your counselors often make suggestions for colleges/schools for you to consider that match your interests. Be sure to frequently check your Naviance “Schools I am Interested in” for updates. Continue to update it by adding schools you like too!

January 18

DISTRICT CLOSED - MLK JR. DAY

January 25, 2021
BACK TO SCHOOL - Phase ll THS Hybrid Begins

January 28, 2021 Marking period two ends

February 5, 2021
Report cards will be available in Skyward

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Follow us on Social Media Faceboook & Instagram @Teaneck School Counseling Subscribe to the THS Counselors
YouTube Channel
Past Presentations are posted! Class 2024 Freshman Parent Night Class of 2021 Senior Meeting
Class of 2021 Senior Parent Meeting 2021 Financial Aid Presentation

“One mark of a great educator is the ability to lead students out to new places where even the educator has never been” - Thomas Groome

THS School Counseling Department

Ms. Keshia Golding-Cooper, Director
	kcooper@teaneckschools.org
	
Counselors
	
Mr. Douglas Book
	dbook@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Beth Fleischer
	bfleischer@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Lillian Garcia
	lgarcia@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Kharisma Mitchell
	kmitchell@teaneckschools.org
	
Mr. Kelvin Reese
	kreese@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Jennifer Taylor
	jtaylor@teaneckschools.org
	
Student Assistance/HIB Coordinator-Ms. Adrienne Williams awilliams@teaneckschools.org
	
Support Staff
	
Ms. Kim Dockery
	kdockery@teaneckschools.org
	
Ms. Sheila Moore
	smoore@teaneckschools.org

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