Grade Level Info

In an effort to streamline communication, the Counseling & Wellness Center has decided to send all pertinent information out in grade level newsletters. This will help students and families go to one location to find all the information they need.

Newsletters will be sent out twice per month on a Sunday, via Parent Square, so keep an eye out!  Some weeks they may go out weekly, depending on deadlines. 

The newsletter will go to students, parents and/or guardians.  The newsletters will have hyperlinks that bring you directly to the information you are seeking.  I hope that this helps reduce the clutter in your inbox!

Freshmen Feed (9th Graders)

Sophomore Scuttlebutt (10th Graders)

Junior Journal (11th Graders)

Senior Spotlight (12th Graders)

FRESHMEN

We are excited to have you on campus!!!  Freshman year is a very exciting time as high school is a new school, a clean slate and a time to make new friends and have exciting experiences. 

During the first year of high school, students should take time to think about what they want their high school experience to be.  Do you want to meet more people, try new clubs and activities?  Do you want to be more organized or have better study skills? Take a look at the links below.  This is your time to focus on what your goals are to learn how to implement them for the new school year. 

 Tips for Success:

 Smart Goals

• Creative Educator
• Smart Sheets - Essential Writing

Study Tips

• JMU
• CWS - Auburn
• Ingenius Prep

Time Management

• 10 Management Tip for Students in High School and College
• Forbes

Stress Relief

• It's Time to Unwind

Clubs

• Virtual Club Fair Slideshow 

Career/College Prep

• SchooLinks

Test Prep (SAT/ACT)

• Curvebreakers

Social Emotional Corner

Throughout the year, you should always find ways to take care of yourself emotionally.  Take a look at our site for some helpful and fun tips: 

• It's Time to Unwind
• Mental Health Matters at Herricks
• Social Emotional Learning

A message from our Social Workers:

 Herricks Peer Partners

The “Herricks Peer Partners” Program is a school-based one-on-one mentoring program, facilitated for students by students. This leadership program supports student advocacy and provides the opportunity to form meaningful connections within the high school student body by meeting 1:1 with students of all grades. The Peer Partners have been formally trained by Mentor New York in mentoring skills, boundaries, active listening, humility, vulnerability, and fostering growth mindsets.

Part of the Peer Partner training is about building developmental relationships by expressing care, providing support, challenging growth, sharing power, and expanding possibilities. Peer Partners are matched with students based on mutual interests and available periods during the school day. Peer Partner matches meet 1-2x monthly, during school hours. The Peer Partners' goal is for all students to feel supported and to de-stigmatize by reaching out for help. This is a chance to connect with your Herricks peers and build healthy, strong, positive relationships in school! Students can discuss any topic of interest with their Peer Partners. Some partners discuss mindfulness, healthy relationships, peer pressure, mental health, coping with stress, study tips, time management, and communication styles.

Incoming freshmen, please visit us at the activities fair this summer at Bagels and Locks! If you are interested in signing up to work with a Peer Partner for the next school year, please email Mrs. Sheets, tsheets@herricks.org or visit Mrs. Sheets in the Counseling Center at the beginning of the school year! 

 Note: This is a school-based program! During after-school hours or in a state of crisis, please reach out to the Long Island Crisis Center Hotline (516) 679-1111. In an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.

Facilitator(s): Mrs. Sheets, School Social Worker tsheets@herricks.org

SOPHOMORES:

This is the perfect time to hone in on those skills that you want to improve.  What went well this past school year and what did not go as planned? How can you improve it?  Take time to look at the Tips for Success on the Freshman page. 

Did you get involved in clubs or sports this year? If not, take a look at what your options are for next year (see the link above under clubs or below for athletics).

Athletics

Are you interested in learning more about the upcoming SAT or ACT exams? Are you considering taking the PSAT as a sophomore?  Want to know more about AP exams?  Sophomores should consider taking the PSAT as a practice exam in October (see school calendar for exact date).  This is just practice; colleges do not see these scores.

If you are taking an AP exam this year, please be sure to read your emails and listen to announcements about the deadlines and payment.

For more information about testing, take a look at these links:

          -PSAT

          -SAT

          -ACT

          -AP

Standardized Testing Guide

Preparing for college entrance exams requires careful planning and a strategic timeline. Use this step-by-step guide to navigate the PSAT, SAT, and ACT effectively.

📊 Step 1: Analyze Your Baseline

• Review PSAT scores: October results arrive in December.
• Identify weak areas: Use your score report details.
• Take practice tests: Complete one diagnostic for both exams.
• Compare the formats: Decide which style suits you better.
• Access free apps: Curvebreakers or Khan Academy.
• Try testing agencies: Request a formal dual-diagnostic exam.

🎓 Step 2: Choose Quality Support

• Evaluate the instructors: Ensure tutors are career professionals. (check out the free app to Herricks students Curvebreakers)
• Look for personalization: Find mentors who understand your needs.
• Track your growth: Take regular full-length practice milestones.

🗓️ Step 3: Map Your Timeline

• Begin preparation early: Start the summer before your junior year to ensure ample time for testing.
• Assess math readiness: If you completed Algebra II/Trigonometry by the end of sophomore year, consider testing in the fall of junior year.
• Standard timeline: If completing Algebra II during junior year, plan to take your first official test in the spring (May is not ideal if taking AP exams).
• Check official dates: Visit the ACT website or College Board for registration deadlines and test dates.

🚫 Step 4: Manage Your Schedule and Wellbeing

• Coordinate with AP exams: If you are taking AP exams in May, prioritize those. Consider scheduling the SAT or ACT for March or June to avoid overextending yourself.
• Limit testing attempts: Aim to take the official exam no more than three times to prevent test fatigue and burnout.
• Focus on quality preparation: Ensure you are fully prepared before each attempt rather than relying on frequent re-testing.
• Keep perspective: Remember that many institutions are now test-optional, and your health and academic balance are the top priorities.

Last note, sophomores, please utilize your Schoolinks account as a college search engine. 

JUNIORS:

You have a big year ahead of you, so take this summer to get a jump start on researching colleges, learning more about upcoming standardized exams and building your activity resume.

Phase 1: Late Summer & Early Fall (Aug – Oct)

Focus: Testing, organization, and gathering initial information.

• Set Up Your Tracking Dashboard:

  Log into your school-provided Schoolinks account. Use this time to explore the scattergram tools, which show the GPA and test scores of past students from your high school who were accepted to your target colleges.

• Register for the PSAT:

  Even if you took it in 10th grade, sign up for the October PSAT. It serves as your primary practice run for the digital SAT, and exceptionally high scores can qualify you for National Merit Scholarships. Look up the exact October test date on your school's official calendar.

• Attend the "Junior Parent Evening":

  Check your school calendar for this fall date. This event outlines your high school's specific transcript submission process and graduation requirements.

• Kick Off Fall College Fairs:

  Register at StriveScan to get a personal barcode. Instead of filling out paper inquiry cards at college tables, representatives can simply scan your phone to get your details.  Check the College Corner tab on this site.

Phase 2: Late Fall & Winter (Nov – Feb)

Focus: Setting your testing strategy, campus exploration, and athlete eligibility.

• Build a Standardized Testing Strategy:

  Decide whether the SAT or the ACT is a better fit for you by taking a free diagnostic practice test for both.

  • Study: Utilize free structured prep on Khan Academy (ideal for the digital SAT) or sign up for local mock exams and classes through Curve Breakers Test Prep.

  • Research Requirements: Check the updated database of test-optional schools on FairTest to see which colleges on your list do not require score submissions.

• Tour Campuses (Virtually or In-Person):

  If you can't travel, explore campus vibes, housing, and layouts online through immersive virtual walking tours on YouVisit College Tours and CampusTours.

• Athletes & NCAA Compliance:

  If you plan to play Division 1 or Division 2 sports, speak directly with your school counselor to ensure your classes meet core eligibility requirements. Attend the school's NCAA Night in January (check the school calendar for the date).

• Look Into State Grants & Local Scholarships:

  Begin researching local financial aid programs. If you are a New York State resident attending a SUNY or CUNY school, review the eligibility and residency criteria for tuition-free college on the NYS Excelsior Scholarship Portal.

• Secure Volunteer Opportunities:

  Check your the counseling website's volunteer site to find community service opportunities that align with your interests.

Phase 3: Spring (Mar – June)

Focus: Standardized testing, local research, and essay brainstorming.

• Take Your First Official SAT or ACT:

  Most juniors sit for their first official exam in March, April, or May. This leaves the summer to study and retake it in the fall of senior year if you want to raise your score.

• Attend Spring College Fairs:

  Use your StriveScan barcode at regional spring fairs to meet college representatives and sign up for mailing lists, which registers your "demonstrated interest" with admissions offices.  See local fairs. 

• Brainstorm Your College Essay:

  The Common Application prompts rarely change. Don't wait until senior year to start. Read through essay guides, get brainstorming ideas, and learn what teachers and counselors recommend looking for in a topic by checking out your school's [College Essay Resources].

Phase 4: Summer (July – August)

Focus: Drafting and finalizing.

• Draft Your Personal Statement:

  Write a complete first draft of your primary 650-word college essay before senior year classes begin.

• Finalize Your College List in Schoolinks:

  Categorize your target list into "Reach," "Match," and "Safety" schools based on your junior year GPA and test scores.

 

September: Kickoff & Initial Planning

Early Fall

• Senior & Parent Presentation: Evening presentation covering the college application process, deadlines, and final details (check school calendar for date).

• Individual Counselor Meetings: Meet with your counselor at the start of the year to review college applications, essays, college lists, and application processing forms.

Fall (Sept – Nov): Application Prep & Testing

Sept - Nov

• Final Standardized Testing: Register and sit for final SAT or ACT exams as needed.

• Testing & Essays Review: Schedule one-on-one appointments with your counselor to refine college lists, double-check deadlines, review essays, and explore potential scholarships.

• College Interviews: Check if your target colleges offer interviews and ask your counselor for help preparing.

• Demonstrated Interest: Open and read all emails from colleges; many institutions track email engagement.

October – December: Deadlines & Documentation

Oct - Dec

• The 3-Week Processing Rule: All school counselor processing forms are due at least 3 weeks prior to your application deadlines. Submitting late may result in missed deadlines.

• Early Decision (ED) Binding Agreements: Review all ED agreements carefully with parents, keeping financial obligations and binding commitments top of mind.

• Record Release Forms: Ensure all required release forms are signed and submitted with guidance.

November – May: Scholarship Search & Tracking

Nov - May

• Scholarship Research: Search for aid continuously through Naviance, Fastweb, and the high school website.

• Update Schoolinks & Guidance: Regularly update guidance with application outcomes, admissions decisions, and awarded scholarships.

January: Midyear Milestones & Alumni Day

January

• ED II Deadlines: Keep track of Early Decision II cutoff dates.

• Regents Exam Retakes: Notify your counselor weeks in advance of midterm exams if you plan to retake a Regents exam.

• Alumni Return Day: Meet with recent graduates to learn about their transition to college life.

• Midyear Grades: 1st and 2nd quarter grades are sent automatically to all applied colleges by the counseling department.

May: College Decisions & AP Testing

May

• National Decision Day (May 1st): Submit your enrollment deposit by May 1st and celebrate at the Senior Day event.

• AP Exams: Take Advanced Placement exams (registration instructions provided in November; exam dates posted on the high school website).

May – June: Final Preparation & Graduation

Late Spring

• Regents Prep & Exams: Prepare for required Regents exams using school review sessions (end of May/early June) or outside classes. Exams take place in June.

• Celebration & Final Transcripts: Attend Prom and Graduation. Final official transcripts will be sent automatically to your chosen college after graduation.