Natick High School Guidance Department Monthly Bulletin October, 2017 Counselors Karen Dalton-Thomas, Department Head Jane Gardner Aimee Cairney/ Mirjam Lengauer Elizabeth Finocchi/Meira Kruskal Randy Garry Alison Gilroy Sharon Greenholt Matthew Strother Brittany Hanna – Guidance/Career Counselor “What do you get if you drop a Pumpkin?” The month of October at Natick High literally explodes with activities and events! Coincidentally, Swedish Scientist Alfred Nobel, inventor of the detonator for dynamite and nitroglycerin was born in October! Additionally, the Tater Tot was officially trademarked, and a patent was filed for the Ballpoint Pen – interesting to ponder which creation has more longevity! What do you get if you drop a Pumpkin – why Squash of course – a warm welcome to autumn and our monthly newsletter! What October has in Store – Events Not to Miss! On Friday, October 6th Mr. Harrigan will prompt parents/ guardians and caregivers to log into iPass/iParent and check Midterm Progress Grades. We encourage students to meet with their Guidance Counselor, and see their teachers for academic support and assistance, if any of these grades are concerning. There is still time to positively impact overall results for Term 1.          

October 3rd TEC College Fair @ Waltham High School (6:30PM) October 5th Open House (6:00-6:15PM pick up schedules) October 9th Columbus Day Schools Closed October 14th PSATs for Juniors & Practice ACT for Sophomores October 16th & 17th Freshman Field Trip to Hale Reservation October 18th Early Release Day October 18th MEFA Financial Aid Night Presentation (6:30PM Auditorium) October 25th Senior Parent College Meeting (7:30AM Auditorium)) October 31st Senior Halloween Picture & Ice Cream Social November 3rd End of Term 1

As author Hal Borland reminds us “October is the fallen leaf, but it is also a wider horizon more clearly seen. It is the distant hills once more in sight,” as we settle into a school routine, remain focused on those academic and personal aspirations and have a great month!

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Over the course of three assemblies spanning from mid-September to Monday, October 2, the Guidance Department has presented to all freshmen to emphasize topics such as self-advocacy, staying on top of school work, and understanding how semester grades are calculated. Some students even won prizes in our trivia competition! Ask your son or daughter what they learned! In the assemblies, we also showed freshmen how to sign up to meet with their counselor. As we reach the halfway point of the term, this is a great time for students to check in with their counselor. Whether they have concerns about their grades or adjustment to Natick High, or even just want to stop by and say “Hi”, we always enjoy seeing our students!

Freshmen Field Trip The Class of 2021 will be participating in an outdoor adventure field trip in October. The field trip serves as part of the transition program for our freshman class and seeks to provide team-building, camaraderie and leadership opportunities through outdoor adventure challenges lead by certified outdoor adventure learning educators. Students will participate in team-building games and activities, low ropes challenges and have the option to participate in high ropes challenges. Students will be attending the field trip on the day they have their Global Awareness class. Students who have Global Awareness on Red Day will attend on Monday, October 16th. Students with Global Awareness on Blue Day will attend on Tuesday, October 17th. Students should have received information and permission slips in their Global Awareness classes. The cost of the trip will be $50 payable in cash or a check made out to Natick High School. Any student needing financial assistance should see Mr. Brenneman, the Social Studies Department Head, or their Assistant Principal. Permission slips, Hale Reservation Waiver and the fee are due by Wednesday, October 4th. Students should see their Global Awareness Teachers with any questions.

Practice ACT  Saturday October 14th 2017 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM @ Natick High School This is a reminder that we will be hosting a free ACT practice test for all Sophomores on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the Natick High School Dining Hall. This test is being administered by Kaplan Test Prep free of charge. To provide students with their test results before heading home, we are asking parents and guardians to pre-register their children. To do so, please visit http://bit.ly/NatickACT17! Students should arrive no later than 7:30am to sign in. Students should bring (2) #2 pencils, a calculator, water, and snack. Students will also need to bring a fully charged smartphone, tablet, or laptop to use only after the completion of the test for scoring. In order for the scoring to work properly, students MUST be registered for the practice test by Wednesday, October 6th. If you have more than one student taking the practice test, please use a unique email for each student. Again, to pre-register please visit http://bit.ly/NatickACT17! For questions, please contact Erin McLean at [email protected]. Thank you and we'll see you there!

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Applications Open for the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Program Introducing - Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) What is Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership?         

One of the nation’s foremost nonprofit youth leadership development organizations. The HOBY mission is to inspire and develop a global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and innovation. The HOBY Vision is to motivate and empower individuals to make a positive difference within our global society through understanding and action based on effective and compassionate leadership. Core Values include - Volunteerism, Integrity, Excellence, Diversity and Community Partnership. Each Spring HOBY conducts 70+ leadership seminars throughout the United States and Internationally, in many countries such as Canada, Mexico, China, Israel, Korea, Taiwan and Bolivia. Over 9,000 high school sophomores are selected annually, as HOBY Ambassadors from their respective schools, across the country and participate in HOBY State Leadership Seminars. HOBY Ambassadors have the distinction of representing their school and state. This year Natick High School may nominate three HOBY Ambassadors. HOBY Leadership Seminars prepare high school sophomores to become effective and ethical leaders.

How to be selected as a HOBY Ambassador?  

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Sophomore students are encouraged to apply! The application process will consist of writing an essay, “In 1-2 pages (max), please describe the most rewarding and challenging aspect of being a leader in your school and community.” The essay should be submitted to Mr. Garry or Ms. Greenholt in the Guidance Department or your Guidance Counselor by 2:30 p.m. on Monday (Blue 1), November 6, 2017 (Start of Term 2). 3 students will be selected based on demonstrated or potential leadership ability and exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics: Outstanding oral/ written communication skills Critical/ creative thinking and creative problem solving Decision making skills Sensitivity to the needs/ concerns of others Leadership qualities Courage to speak out for one’s beliefs and challenge authority Participation/ interest in community service activities.

The results will be announced during the week of November 20th 2017. The 2018 MA HOBY Seminar will be held from June 15th - 17th 2018 at Bentley University in Waltham, MA. The registration fee is $338 and the process will be discussed with the candidates who are selected. The seminar is a high-energy three-day program, which focuses on three phases of leadership– personal leadership, group leadership and leadership for society. If you would like more information, please speak with Mr. Garry or Ms. Greenholt in the Guidance Department and visit http://www.maHOBY.org/ or www.hoby.org. Remember you have to be in it, to win it. Good luck! 3

COLLEGE FAIR

October 3, 2017 THE EDUCATION COOPERATIVE And HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE Invites you to attend our Annual College Fair @ Waltham High School 617 Lexington Street Waltham, MA 6:30 – 8:30 pm Over 130 Colleges from around the country will be attending. Free and open to the public, this fair allows students to network with the various colleges and postsecondary representatives to discuss – admissions, course offerings, college life and other information important to the college selection process. Please visit the TEC web site TEC College Fair for more information regarding the upcoming event.

PSATs - SATURDAY OCTOBER 14TH 7:30 AM - 12:00 PM Juniors have automatically been registered for the PSAT on October 14th at Natick High School. There is no cost for the test! Please have students arrive at 7:30AM and bring several #2 pencils and a calculator. Room assignments will be sent to you by Mr. Strother and / or Mrs. Gardner prior to the test date. You can take advantage of some free, interactive lessons, quizzes and a practice test by clicking here.

We encourage Junior Parents to attend our MEFA Financial Aid Night: October 18th from 6:30 - 8:30pm in the High School Auditorium. A MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) representative will present information on how to complete the FAFSA form required for all students planning to attend college, as well as answering any other financial aid related questions you may have. 4

Students with a November 1 Early Action or Early Decision deadline should be submitting their transcript request forms to their guidance counselor by October 11th at the latest. Transcript Request Forms here. Please note that students with a January 1, 2018 deadline must submit their transcript request forms to Guidance by December 1, 2017 to assure timely submission of their college materials.

College Visitations: We encourage students to continue to visit colleges throughout the fall. The high school allows students two excused absences per semester for college visitations. For students electing to utilize this opportunity, the Campus Visit Form must be completed and submitted to the front office. Campus Visit Form

Senior Parent Meeting: October 25th at 7:30 - 8:30 AM in the Auditorium Senior parents - feel free to join us for an informal conversation to answer all questions concerning the college process. All counselors will be in attendance.

MEFA Financial Aid Night: October 18th from 6:30 - 8:30PM in the High School Auditorium. A MEFA representative will present information on how to complete the FAFSA form required for all students planning to attend college and needing aid for the 2018/19 school year. The presenter will also answer any other financial aid related questions you may have.

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COLLEGE FAIR October 3, 2017 THE EDUCATION COOPERATIVE And HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE Invites you to attend our Annual College Fair @ Waltham High School 617 Lexington Street Waltham, MA 6:30 – 8:30 pm Over 130 Colleges from around the country will be attending. Free and open to the public, this fair allows students to network with the various colleges and postsecondary representatives to discuss – admissions, course offerings, college life and other information important to the college selection process. Please visit the TEC web site TEC College Fair for more information regarding the upcoming event.

SAT/ACT: Registration deadlines for the October ACT and November SAT are fast approaching. Students must register at www.collegeboard.com or www.actstudent.org. Students are responsible for sending their standardized test scores directly to the colleges through their College Board and/or ACT account. Students who wish to take the exams at NHS are advised to register early as we do fill up as a test site. October 5: Regular registration deadline for November 4th SAT (not at Natick) October 6: Late registration deadline for October 28th ACT at Natick October 7: SAT at Natick October 25: Late registration deadline for November 4th SAT (not at Natick) October 28: ACT at Natick November 2: Registration deadline for the December 2nd SAT (not at Natick) November 3: Registration deadline for the December 9th ACT (not at Natick) November 4: SAT (not at Natick) Students who wish to take the exams at NHS are advised to register early as we do fill up as a test site. College Conferences: College representatives will be visiting the high school throughout the fall. Students can view a list of all scheduled conferences, and register through their Naviance/Family Connection account. Conferences are scheduled for either 7:30 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. We encourage students to attend conferences for those schools in which they are interested and/or intend to apply to. This provides a great opportunity to share and receive information as well as network with college representatives who are frequently the readers for Natick applications. The list of colleges is updated regularly. For information on how to sign up please click here. Family Connection/Naviance 6

The College & Career Readiness (CCR) Center has gotten off to a busy start! Mrs. Hanna has been contacted by both individuals and businesses offering community service and job opportunities to students. Direct links to the community service and job opportunity web pages are located on Career and College Readiness Website. Please check out the CCR bulletin board located between the gymnasium and cafeteria as it is updated regularly. Feel free to drop by her office in the guidance department or schedule a time to meet with her if you have any questions. The Career and College Readiness Center offers:  Senior Internship Program  Work-Study Program  Community Service Opportunities  Dual Enrollment (at local colleges)  Job Placement & Application Assistance  Resume Writing  Interview Skills  Job Shadows  Career Exploration Seniors: The Fall Senior Internship Presentation will take place on Friday, November 17, 2017 at 7:30am in the auditorium. The Senior Internship Program is an intensive learning experience that provides opportunities to gain knowledge and develop skills related to the work force. Seniors participate in the internship program from April to May, ending the program with a project and showcase presentation. Stay tuned for more information to come regarding program expectations, how to sign-up and identifying internship sites. Gap Years Gap Year Programs give students a chance to broaden their perspective and increase the meaning and focus of college years. Gap Year Programs provide time to learn about oneself and develop independence and confidence while pursuing various fields of interest and building valuable experiences! Gap Years take the place of a college education, rather, they enhance the college portfolio. Programs come in a variety of forms, with some being service-based and some being academic-focused. Looking for more information? Check out the following articles:  Is Taking A Gap Year Before College A Good Idea?  Gap Year as Part of College Application Portfolio There is a wide variety of Gap Year Programs available to students in order to meet their individual interest needs! Check out the list for just a few suggestions and feel free to reach out to your Guidance Counselor or Mrs. Hanna for more information and additional programs. Community Service: All NHS students are required to complete 30 hours of Community Service in order to graduate. Please visit the Community Service Website for more information and to print the Community Service Form. Some of the most recent additions to the list of opportunities:   

Assistant for Halloween Carnival: 10-12 volunteers are needed on October 22, 2017 to help run activity booths for the children. Apple Pi Run: The Natick Education Fund (NEF) is looking for volunteers to help with their Apple Pi Run event on Sunday, November 12, 2017 from 10am-2pm. Volunteers are needed to assist with races and help with various tasks. Sons of Italy: Sons of Italy is looking for volunteers to help with their weekly pasta nights, which are held on Wednesdays from 5pm-7pm. Volunteers will be asked to help set up, serve food, and clean up.

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Employment: To learn about these and many more opportunities visit the Employment Opportunities Website 

HoneyBaked Ham: HoneyBaked Ham in Framingham is looking to hire seasonal employees to help in their store! Flexible schedules and special amenities are offered to employees.

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Chuck E Cheese: Chuck E Cheese is looking to fill a variety of roles including cashiers, game attendants, party hosts, costume characters, dining room attendants, and more! Flexible schedule and premium pay is offered!

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The Connors Center at Boston College: The Connors Center at Boston College is looking to hire candidates for the school year. Responsibilities include light maintenance work (painting, cleaning, watering plants, etc.). Light office work is also expected.

Bright Outlook Occupation of the Month Athletic Trainer 

Evaluate and advise individuals to assist recovery from or avoid athletic-related injuries or illnesses, or maintain peak physical fitness. May provide first aid or emergency care. o May Specialize In:  Developing exercise or conditioning programs.  Operating diagnostic or therapeutic medical instruments or equipment.  Preparing reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.  Treating patients using alternative medical procedures.  Informing medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care. o Work Activities:  Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.  Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.  Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.  Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.  Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

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