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Superior Central School E2865 M-94 P.O. Box 148 Eben Junction, MI 49841
Telephone 906.439.5532 |
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Quick links
Guidance Office
Resources index
Guidance Counseling Services
Joni Peffers
jpeffers@maresa.org
(906) 439-5532 ext 248
Some areas of concern in K through 12 where the Guidance Counselor may be able to help....
- Study skills, test-taking skills, time management, organizational skills, etc.
- Adjusting to changes (e.g., moving, health, divorce, step-family, etc.)
- Social skills (e.g., making and keeping friends, resolving conflict peacefully, managing anger, etc.)
- Working with others (e.g., team skills, problem-solving skills, etc.)
Counseling (short-term), assessment, and identification or development of intervention strategies
- Disruptive, impulsive, inattentive, and bullying behaviors
- Physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD or ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD)
- Childhood depression, self-destructive behavior
- Substance abuse
- Anxieties and phobias
- Dealing with loss (understanding the grieving process)
Counselor Background and Overview
Guidance and counseling services are designed to provide support to students as they
develop academically and socially. Below are some of the services offered through guidance and counseling:
- Small group counseling may be offered to students who have a need for extra help in resolving specific issues (e.g., divorce, self-control, and anger management). Parent permission will be requested prior to small group guidance.
- The school counselor may also provide training and resources to parents regarding ways to help their children adjust to change, improve social skills, develop socially appropriate behaviors, and improve academic skills.
- Responsive Services. Individual counseling and assessment is offered for a variety of social and behavioral issues time permitting. Individual counseling is usually conducted for 2 to 6 sessions. Then, as necessary, a recommendation on further course of action is made to the parents. Parent permission is requested for on-going individual counseling services.
- The counselor may also meet with teachers and parents to discuss behavior issues and may help set up a behavior plan agreed upon by all parties.
- Individual Planning. The school counselor helps identify students who are having difficulty in academic or social skills. Strategies to help the student improve academically or socially are identified, implemented, evaluated, and adjusted as needed.
- Systems support includes working with professionals and organizations in the community that may provide student services. It also includes consultation with teachers and other professionals regarding the welfare and developmental needs of students.
Resources index
Freshman / Sophomore Guide to College
Freshman year is the time to start planning for college. Start now by making your high school transcripts shine!
Michigan Merit Curriculum
- Four credits in ELA -- ELA 9, ELA 10, ELA 11 and English 12
- Four credits in Math -- Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II (Alg II can be taken over two years- Alg IIa and IIb. One Math credit must be taken the senior year.
- Three credits in Science -- Science, Biology, Physics or Chemistry
- Three credits in Social Studies -- Civics, Economics, U.S. History & Geography, World History & Geography
- One credit in PE / Health
- One credit in Visual, Performing and Applied Arts
- ½ credit in Computer Applications
Superior Central has additional graduation requirements:
- ½ credit in PE
- One credit in Visual, Performing and Applied Arts
- ½ credit in BMA I ( the other ½ credit of BMA I is counted as the Comp App MMC requirement)
Begin the process now!
- Enroll in challenging courses. Education is free right now. Get prepared!
- While in college, you'll choose a major to study in depth. Build on your interests and strengths now!.
- Have GOALS, both academic and personal, for the school year.
- Develop a system to keep organized and budget your time between academics, social events, appointments, and work. Mrs. Peffers can help with this.
- Prepare for college tests by taking courses in reading, mathematics (Algebra and above) and writing (this will help with the writing component on the ACT and SAT).
- Become involved in school and/or community activities (at least 1 social or community activity). Colleges like to see involvement in activities; it shows focus and commitment. It helps you stand out from other students to aid in acceptance into a competitive school or program.
- Continue to update your Educational Development Plan (EDP).
- Review NCAA requirements for college if sports scholarships are an option. You need to concentrate on both sports and academics. Take NCAA approved courses (check on the NCAA website).
If you begin to struggle with a class, ask for help as soon as you begin to struggle.
In your sophomore year, you no longer have to deal with the adjustment to high school. Demonstrate a sense
of purpose towards school and activities. Stay involved in various activities.
Sophomore courses suggested for college:
*** These are guidelines. If you have a definite college (or colleges) in mind, look up the college
admission requirements on the college's website.
| Highly Selective | Competitive | Open / Liberal |
| 4 yrs. English (College) | 4 yrs. English (College) | 3 yrs. English |
| 4 yrs. Math | 3 years Math (through Trig) | 3 years Math (Alg. included) |
| 3 years both Soc. St and Science | 2-3 years Soc. St. and Science | 2 years both Science and Soc. St |
| 2-4 yrs Foreign Language | 0-2 yrs Foreign Language | 0-2 yrs Foreign Language |
ALL sophomores will be taking the PLAN test on October 22, 2009. The PLAN is the pre-ACT test and provides
a variety of very useful information, including predicting how you will score on the ACT as a junior.
Additional Tips
- Continue to challenge yourself academically. Ask for help if it is needed.
- Take/retake your core classes needed for graduation.
- Update your EDP.
- Be a well-rounded student: Academics--Athletics--Music--Community Service--School Activities-- Work/Summer experiences.
- If you don't know your career interests, strengths, learning style, see Mrs.Peffers for assistance in these areas.
- Explore summer programs, volunteer opportunities and jobs that tap into your career interests.
- NCAA-Stay active in high school sports and club sports. Investigate colleges and their admission requirements in your area of sport.
- Start studying in the summer for the PLAN and ACT-take a practice test.
Resources index
Juniors Guide to College
During your junior year continue to take courses to challenge yourself, especially in reading, writing and
problem solving in math and science. Getting prepared for college NOW is important. Colleges look at
the level of coursework that you choose, your GPA and test scores, and how you spend your free time (sports,
clubs, volunteer, church, organizations, etc.).
September
Start exploring colleges by surfing the Internet, looking at college catalogs, taking a college tour, or attending a college fair at NMU's
Jacobetti Center or at Bay de Noc Community College to receive information on various colleges. Each student is excused for two days of college
visits. If you attend the NMU fair, which is during school, that can count as ½ a college visit day. If you have questions,
please stop in or call the Guidance Office.
If NCAA sports scholarships/opportunities are an option, make sure that you are taking NCAA approved courses.
Ask Mrs. Peffers if you are not sure or check out the NCAA website.
Pay attention to announcements and sign up to meet with college reps throughout the school year. Try to meet
with a college that isn't familiar to you; you may like what you see.
Continue to be involved in school/community activities. It shows focus and commitment.
Practice for the ACT/MME. Get a Preparing for the ACT booklet from the Guidance office or use the Helpful
Website sheet to assist you on practice tests.
October
All juniors will take the ASVAB test on Tuesday, October 20, 2009. The test is the entrance eligibility test for any military option.
Even if you are not considering the military, this test looks at interest/aptitude for career paths and is beneficial to all.
Winter
- Become more serious in your college searches and make a list of those you would like to attend. Compare and contrast admission criteria and programs. Eliminate ones that do not meet your needs. E-mail colleges to request more information.
- Continue to be active in school and community activities, volunteer and leadership roles.
- NCAA students -- Start preparing an athletic resume. Send out initial contact letters with resumes. If possible include sports schedule, stats and recognitions. Update when necessary. Prepare a videotape of the sport and send when requested.
Spring / Summer
- MME (Michigan Merit Exam) is required for all juniors. This test is comprised of ACT, Workkeys, and Michigan components.
- The test will be given March 9-11, 2010. These are statewide testing dates and are not flexible. Make every effort to be in attendance on all 3 days!!!
- When registering for next year's courses, be sure to choose college-preparatory courses.
- Register for your first SAT, if you will need this test for entrance to a college. Typically schools on the East and West Coasts require the SAT. ACT is required in the Midwest. This will allow time for retakes at the beginning of your senior year. Study for SAT (see website info sheet).
- NCAA athletes should register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse after grades are final at the end of the year (www.ncaaclearinghouse.org). In July, contact the college coach and keep updating with the Clearinghouse.
- Visit various colleges that interest you. Get sample applications. Start ranking your college choices.
- Start thinking of people for letters of recommendations that may be needed for college admission (teacher, friends, counselor, principal, clergy, coach, etc.).
- Use the Internet to search for scholarships.
- Try to squeeze in some volunteer / community service during the summer.
Resources index
Seniors Guide to College
This is your final year to prepare for college. Experiment with various classes but continue to challenge yourself in the majority of them. This is the
last chance to improve your transcript!! Keep organized and budget your time. KEEP AN EYE on deadlines this year and keep up with the work. Keep
in mind that your timeline may be different depending on which college you are planning on attending.
September - October
- Study for the ACT (www.actstudent.org) and/or SAT ( www.collegeboard.com)(mostly required by east and west coast colleges-check the college admission requirements). Check dates to register by for the date you wish to take the test. Double check the local site where it is given to be sure you register for the one you want. (NMU vs. MSU for example).
- NCAA athletes -- send out team schedule as soon as possible to keep college coaches updated. Take advantage of college paid visits, if offered. Study hard, play hard, and continue to make college contacts.
- Pay attention to announcements and sign up to meet with college recruiters in the Guidance Office throughout the school year. Try to meet with a college that you are not familiar with; you may like what you see.
- Stop in the Guidance Office regularly. A monthly scholarship sheet will be available for scholarships sent to the school. They are also posted on our website www.superiorcentralschools.org (select the Guidance tab and then scholarships).
- Finalize your list of colleges and begin to apply. Make sure to tell Mrs. Peffers if you apply on-line so that your transcripts and/or counselor's page get sent to the college. An official transcript is required meaning Mrs. Peffers adds a seal and signature. This must be sent from our school to be considered official.
- Get recommendations (forms or letters), in advance, to appropriate teachers/counselor/clergy with a stamped, college addressed envelope, making certain that your parts are filled in correctly and accuratelyif a form is used. These will be needed for various applications. Have them on hand to meet deadlines.
- Begin checking for scholarships on your own (colleges, websites, unions, parent's employers).
- Decide if Early Decision for college is right for you. Most Early Decisions are due between October 1st and November 1st. Some colleges offer additional scholarships if you commit early.
- Check to see if your college requires the PROFILE and file in late September or early October.
November - December
- Both the student and the parents should acquire a PIN for FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov for financial aid.
- Early Decisions confirmations should arrive in December.
- Continue to search for scholarships.
- Keep your grades UP! Colleges request semester grades (and final transcripts).
January - February
- In January, both parents and students should attend Financial Aid Night at the high school!!! You will receive valuable information and tips.
- Acquire FAFSA information from the financial aid website ().
- If you didn't complete PROFILE, do it now to see if applicable.
- Male students, 18 years and older, must register with Selective Service.
- Complete FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible.
- Parents make sure to complete tax forms.
- Four weeks after completing you should get a Student Aid Report (SAR) to review for accuracy. The SAR indicates what you are eligible for regarding grants, scholarships and loans.
Spring
- Local scholarship packets for graduation will be handed out in the spring. Fill out correctly, properly and neatly!!!! Need help? See Mrs. Peffers
- Review letters of acceptance, college financial aid awards and finalize your college choice.
- Send in deposits and paperwork by the DEADLINES.
- Take AP exams if applicable.
- Verify that your final high school transcript has been sent to the appropriate college or university after graduation.
- Send thank you letters for scholarships received and people who wrote letters of recommendation.
Resources index
Helpful Websites
These websites may be helpful to you in your college process. By no means is this all that is out there, but hopefully these will be helpful to
get you started.
Favorites
www.whatnowgrad.com
www.fastweb.com
www.collegetoolkit.com
www.nacacnet.org/students
College searches
http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool
www.collegeview.com/college/collegesearch/
www.allschools.com
www.uscollegesearch.org/michigan-colleges.html
www.macrao.org
http://charterone.com/edu
Financial aid
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.finaid.org/fafsa/cssprofile.phtml
www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid
Scholarships and grants
Open scholarships and grants
| Scholarship / grant | Application due date |
| Elks National Scholarship | November 2, 2009 |
| AXA Achievement | December 5, 2009 |
| Washington Crossing Foundation (gwcf.org) | January 15, 2010 |
| Wisconsin Public Service Foundation | February 1, 2010 |
| MEA Scholarship | February 12, 2010 |
| Michigan Oil & Gas Producers Education Foundation | April 1, 2010 |
Scholarship search
www.scholarships.com
www.scholarshiphelp.org
www.collegeanswer.com
www.meritaid.com
www.ncaaclearinghouse.org
www.scholarshipexperts.com
www.fastaid.com
www.collegenet.com/mach25
Test preparation
www.march2success.com
www.number2.com
www.gocollege.com
www.princetonreview.com
www.actstudent.org
Applications
Most colleges have on-line applications on their admission link and MANY waive the
application fee when applying on-line.
www.commonapp.org
Miscellaneous
www.uproc.lib.mi.us/mspl
www.collegeboard.com
Resources index
If College is NOT For You...
Military service
Freshman year
- To increase options, you need to have a well-rounded background.
- Find out what type of careers you are interested in. Take courses that support these careers throughout your high school years.
- Take core academics and also vocational courses.
- Consider joining a sport. Physical fitness is a must and should start now.
Sophomore year
- Explore the branches of the service and the career that they offer.
- Start studying for the ASVAB -- the library website has a great practice tests.
Junior year
- Take the ASVAB.
- Listen to the school announcements and sign up to meet with a VARIETY of recruiters.
Senior year
- Continue to meet with the recruiters.
- Retake the ASVAB if needed, either at school or arrange a test with your recruiter.
Websites
Vocational schools
- Many vocational schools do not require the ACT or SAT. They have their own required test (TABE, COMPASS, etc.).
- Vocational programs require skills in reading, writing, and speaking and they do have certain requirements that must be met. Tech Prep courses are good to take.
- Research the requirements of your vocational school that you are interested in.
- Keep up on computer skills. Virtually all jobs use computers in some ways.
Work force
- Attendance is a major factor. Many employers call to check school attendance records.
- Get experience through summer or part time jobs, especially if an apprenticeship will be required.
- Take the core academic classes needed for most jobs.
- Stay on track for graduation!!!
- Work on a resume, get responsible references (ASK for them!), create a portfolio with accomplishments, report cards, awards, and gather letters of recommendation
- Work on people skills and interviewing skills.
Other options
- AmeriCorps -- provides local and national community service opportunities (www.americorps.org
- Gap-year -- information for taking time away from school (www.gap-year.com
Resources index
ACT Monthly Newsletter
www.actstudent.org
This website has a monthly newsletter you may want to sign up to receive. It is
usually posted in the Student Resource Center.
Resources index
Information and Terms
MME -- Michigan Merit Exam -- It is required to take during the spring of the junior year to graduate and become eligible for the
Michigan Promise scholarship with qualifying scores. This test includes ACT, Work Keys and Michigan components. It is important to be in attendance
from March 9-11, 2010, which is the testing window across the state of Michigan. ***Seniors who have never taken the MME will be notified by the
Guidance Office of the opportunity to take this test. They will be tested with the juniors.
ACT -- American College Testing Assessment -- This is now part of the Michigan Merit Exam which ALL juniors are required to take in the
spring of their junior year. This is the most commonly used standardized test used for college admission in the Midwest. A student may choose
to retake the ACT. The easiest way to register is on-line at www.actstudent.org.
Fee: $31.00, $46.00 with the writing test
*** test given in Munising
Advice: There are many ways to study for the ACT. The Guidance Office has study booklets from ACT and
www.actstudent.org has free practice tests.
SAT -- Scholastic Aptitude Test -- Popular standardized test used for college admission (NOT all colleges require). You can take
the widely used reasoning tests or specific subject tests. Subject tests may be required by your college for placement. Register on-line at
www.collegeboard.com
Fee: Reasoning test $45.00; subject tests: $20.00; add a test for $9.00
*** Both ACT and SAT will allow for accommodations (i.e. extended time, etc.) if there is a documented disability (IEP). There are forms
in the Guidance Office and/or online that need to be filled out to request this.
Advice: If you don't know which college you will be attending, and therefore do not know which test is required for admission, take both the ACT
and SAT. Smaller colleges, (for example, Bay de Noc), require that the student only take the COMPASS. They don't require the ACT or SAT. Check on
your college's website for admission requirements
Typical scores needed for college admission (use as a guideline):
The ACT scores range from 1-36.
FAFSA -- Free Application for Federal Student Aid -- All colleges require this for students applying for financial aid. It is to be
submitted AFTER January 1. There will be parent/student Financial Aid night at the school in January that will help answer your questions.
CSS PROFILE -- Administered by the College Scholarship Service (CSS) to award nonfederal student aid funds. It is required by many private
colleges and universities. This is the second most commonly required financial aid form. It is submitted in the fall of the senior year.
| Register by | Test given |
| August 7, 2009 | September 12, 2009 *** |
| September 18, 2009 | October 24, 2009 *** |
| November 6, 2009 | December 12, 2009 |
| January 5, 2010 | February 6, 2010 |
| March 5, 2010 | April 10, 2010 *** |
| May 7, 2010 | June 12, 2010 *** |
| Register by | Test given |
| September 9, 2009 | October 10, 2009 |
| October 1, 2009 | November 7, 2009 |
| October 30, 2009 | December 5, 2009 |
| December 15, 2009 | January 23, 2010 |
| February 4, 2010 | March 13, 2010 |
| March 25, 2010 | May 1, 2010 |
| April 29, 2010 | June 5, 2010 |
| College type | ACT average |
| Open | 16 - 21 |
| Traditional | 18 - 24 |
| Selective | 21 - 26 |
| Highly selective | 25 - 30+ |
Resources index
Career Pathways
Arts and Communication
Careers in this path are related to humanities and performing, visual, literary, and media arts. These include: architecture, graphic, interior, and
fashion design, writing, film, fine arts, journalism, language, media, advertising, and public relations.
Business, Management, Marketing, and Technology
Careers in this path are related to the business environment. These include entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, computer/information systems, finance,
accounting, personnel, economics, and management.
Engineering/Manufacturing and Industrial Technology
Careers in this path are related to technologies necessary to design, develop, install, and maintain physical systems. These include engineering,
manufacturing, construction, service, and related technologies.
Health Services
Careers in this path are related to the promotion of health and treatment of disease. These include research, prevention, treatment, and related health
technologies.
Human Services
Careers in this path are related to economic, political, and social systems. These include education, government, law and law enforcement, leisure and
recreation, military, religion, child care, social services, and personal services.
Natural Resources and Agriscience
Careers in this path are related to agriculture, the environment and natural resources. These include agricultural sciences, earth sciences,
environmental sciences, fisheries, forestry, horticulture, and wildlife.
Resources index
College Bound Resources
Below is a collection of links from the National College Bound Program.
Most Popular College Links
Personality and Career Assessment
Reading Lists for Students
Search for Colleges
Online Education Links
College Rankings
Two Year College Resources
Military Careers
Virtual Tours
What are my chances at this school?
Testing Calendars
Health and Safety for students
About the Different Tests
Test Prep Resources
Scholarship Search
Financial Aide Calculators
Financial Aide Links
For Minority, Low Income, First Generation Students
Students With Disabilities
Most Popular College Links
Personality and Career Assessment
Reading Lists for Students
Search for Colleges
Online Education Links
College Rankings
Two Year College Resources
Military Careers
Virtual Tours
What are my chances at this school?
Testing Calendars
Health and Safety for students
About the Different Tests
Test Prep Resources
Scholarship Search
Financial Aide Calculators
Financial Aide Links
For Minority, Low Income, First Generation Students
Students With Disabilities
Resources index