The Department of School Counseling offers programs and services to help each student achieve his or her best in school and prepare for future success. Counselors meet with students individually and in groups to help them with educational planning, vocational and career exploration, decision making, as well as, personal issues that affect school performance and future plans. They work with students to help them gain confidence and maintain a positive attitude towards their abilities and their future. Counselors also collaborate with other staff members on Freshman Transition Teams, Child Study Team meetings, and Planning and Placement Teams.

The Department also administers a variety of tests and inventories designed to help students explore their interests and strengths. These can help students think about what they might find interesting and rewarding in future studies and careers.

The Department of School Counseling Services welcomes and strongly encourages communication with parents and guardians. Counselors can be reached at 848-1285.

Dear Parents/Guardians of Eleventh Grade Students:

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) will be given to all juniors on Wednesday, October 15, from 7:35-10:35. This is an excellent practice test for the SAT Reasoning Test, which is required by most colleges, and is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarships. The PSAT is of great value because it provides a comprehensive assessment of critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills. The student report provides question-by-question analysis along with specific suggestions on how to improve academic skills.

Montville Public Schools is paying the cost of the PSAT for all juniors, and they are automatically registered. Juniors will be receiving a descriptive booklet along with a practice PSAT shortly in their homerooms. On October 15, all juniors are to report to assigned areas at the first homeroom bell for the testing, which will last through the first two periods and end before the first lunch period.

If you wish further information about the PSAT, log on to www.collegeboard.com click on the “students” or “parents” button on the upper right, and look for the PSAT information.

Please feel free to call or email your son or daughter’s counselor or me if you have any questions.

The PSAT (Preliminary Scholarstic Aptitude Test) will be given to all juniors on Wednesday, October 15 during the first two periods. You are receiving this Student Guide to help you prepare for this test. The PSAT is a practice test only, and the scores will not appear on your school record. However, it should be taken seriously as a practice for the SAT which is widely used for college admissions, and to help you look at your academic strengths and areas that may need improvement. It is also the qualifying test for National Merit Scholarships.

On Wednesday, October 15, all juniors must report to the cafeteria at the first bell for homeroom. Attendance will be taken at the start of testing. The PSAT for juniors will be given at no charge to the students (the cost is paid for by the Montville Board of Education), and all juniors will be automatically registered.

Please read the Student Guide to the PSAT carefully. There is a complete practice test included. You can get more information and explanations by going to the College Board web site at http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/about.html

A separate letter has been sent home to your parents or guardians about the PSAT. If you have any questions, please feel free to make an appointment with your school counselor.

A – F: Mr. Contos | H – O: Mrs. Macri

P – W: Mrs. Bedard | G, X-Z: Dr. Phillips

"NEW PROGRAM "

NAVIANCE FAMILY CONNECTIONS

The Montville High School Department of School Counseling is very pleased to introduce Family Connection from Naviance, a Web-based service designed especially for students and families. Family Connection is a comprehensive website that students can use to help in making decisions about your courses, colleges, and careers. Family Connection is linked with Counselor’s Office, a service that we use in our office to track and analyze data about college and career plans, so it provides up-to-date information that’s specific to our school.

To access Family Connection, students will need a personal access code, which is provided below. Students can use that code to register for their own Family Connection account.

Naviance Family Connections: http://connection.naviance.com/montvillehs

Under “NEW USER” enter the following registration code, which will be provided to you by your counselor.

To complete your Registration please include a valid email address and then create your own personal password. Once you accept and click on the Complete Registration button – you are logged in and can begin using Naviance Family Connection.

Parents can log in under "Guest" Password: indians (all lowercase)

I hope you find this service helpful. Please keep in touch with your school counselor with any thoughts or questions.

• College Planning Night for Parents of Juniors & Seniors - 7 PM
  Tuesday, October 28, 2008
  • Topics include:
    • What seniors should be doing now
    • Naviance Family Connection
    • How to choose a college: factors to consider
    • How to choose a college: steps to take
    • Visiting a college
    • The Career Center
    • College application process
    • Types of applications
    • Completing the application
    • The application essay
    • Early decision, early action, regular admission
    • Special accommodations
    • NCAA Clearinghouse
    • Three Rivers Transfer opportunities
    • Financial Aid

Questions? Contact:
Theodore H. Phillips, Ed.D., Director of School Counseling
Phone: 860-848-1285 | tphillips@montvilleschools.org

INFORMATION REGARDING SUMMER SCHOOL

There will be no regular summer school at Montville High School this year.
Instead, Montville has contracted with Project LEARN to offer make-up courses online through the Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) over the summer.

• This is for making up courses that were failed only
• Registration is via the LEARN website at www.learn.k12.ct.us
• Inform Dr. Phillips at the high school if you are registering for a VLA summer school course at
  848-1285 or tphillips@montvilleschools.org
• Registration is limited and will be on a first come first serve basis
• Students may register for 1-3 courses (see attached for list of courses)
• Payment may be in form of cash, check or credit card
• Registration ends on June 20
• Summer School will take place online July 7-August 8, and will not be physically located at LEARN
• Parents/students will receive a confirmation of registration with password information and all instructions
• Parents will receive a progress report prior to final grade