Friday, April 17, 2015

April-June Student Services Blog

Upcoming Important Dates

April 18 - National ACT Test date
April 25 - Saturday School, 8:30 - 11:30 (BGHS Library)
April 27 - Senior Core with Counselors
May 2 - Saturday School, 8:30 - 11:30 (BGHS Library)
May 4 - May 15 - AP Exams
May 9 - Saturday School, 8:30 - 11:30 (BGHS Library)
May 15 - 8th grade ELL visit, 10:00 - 1:00
May 16 - Saturday School, 8:30 - 11:30 (BGHS Library)
May 18 & May 19 - PARCC Testing
May 20 - May 22 - AP Exams (late testing dates)
May 25 - No School
May 28 - Senior Day
May 30 - Saturday School, 8:30 - 11:30 (BGHS Library)
May 31 - Commencement
June 3 - June 5 - Final Exams
June 5 - End of Semester 2, Last Day of School

Francesca Pecoraro - Illinois School Counselor of the Year

Buffalo Grove High School counselor Francesca Pecoraro has recently been named Illinois School Counselor of the Year for 2015.  She was selected for her outstanding listening skills and advocacy in providing students with the resources, support, and encouragement needed to attain success during their high school careers and beyond.  She is also a peer leader at BGHS and throughout District 214.  Pecoraro will receive this prestigious award at the Illinois School Counselor Association (ISCA) conference at the Skokie Holiday Inn on April 24.
    Pecoraro works with BGHS students in the English Language Learners (ELL) program.  She has presented numerous times for RAMP (Recognized ASCA—American School Counselor Association-- Model Program) and has twice led her school in receiving the RAMP designation as a comprehensive, data-driven counseling program in a school with an exemplary educational environment.
    Buffalo Grove's Associate Principal Robert Hartwig, who oversees the BGHS Student Services department, commented, "Francesca is as hard-working a counselor as I have ever worked with in my 24 years in education.  She always has the student's best interests at the forefront of every decision she makes.  It is truly an honor to work with her on a daily basis."
Fellow BGHS counselor Brian Linhart added, "Francesca’s kindness extends not only beyond her office walls, but also beyond her caseload.  Being fluent in Spanish, Francesca is often called upon to help with other counselors or specialists in our student services department.  With this in mind, Francesca has been asked to make some pretty tough phone calls on our behalf, and handles them with grace and respect. She is the epitome of what a school counselor should be, and is the person parents can feel confident with guiding their children on a path of success."
    District Coordinator of Student Services Dustin Seemann cites Pecoraro's "open door" policy with her students and peers as a key element in her effectiveness, building trust with all individuals she encounters in her role as counselor and colleague.  According to Seemann, Pecoraro is knowledgeable in topics of depression, social and emotional problems of less-motivated students, and the challenges of those dealing with poverty and academic shortfall.
    "(Francesca) is consistently thinking of new, innovative ways to challenge her fellow counselors in her school and others in the district," said Seemann.
    Pecoraro was surprised and "humbled" to learn of her award. "It was really nice to get so much support from everyone in the district.  I am very fortunate to work with such wonderful colleagues at BG and in District 214."


Happenings in Freshman Advisory
We are wrapping up a very successful year in our Advisory program. Over the next couple weeks, students will explore the processes in filling a job application, for those who are interested in obtaining a job while they are in high school, and begin to look at what it’s like to fill out a college application, so that they have some exposure to the process.  The end of the year will culminate with some fun activities.  

We are also in the process of collecting applications for Bison Advisory Mentors for next school year.  Students can go to http://www.tinyurl.com/BisonAdvisoryMentorApp to complete an application for consideration.

College and Career Center Month in Review

Attention Seniors-Class of 2015

May 1st is the National Commitment date for all colleges and universities.  Hopefully, you all made your decisions, notified your choice school, and applied for housing.  The sooner you commit, the more likely you are to get your housing choice and your preferred registration date.
Senior District 214 Survey and Final Transcript Request
All seniors will complete the District 214 Senior Survey on April 27th.  Seniors will use this opportunity to tell us where to send their final transcript required by the school they will be attending in the fall.  Final transcripts will be sent out in June after grades are completed.

Attention Class of 2016
The District 214 College Fair at Harper College on Tuesday, April 7th was a huge success!  About 2,000 students and their families were in attendance.  They had the opportunity to talk with over 200 colleges and university from across the nation.

College Visits:  A Necessity-There’s no substitute for seeing a college yourself!

Plan ahead.  Most schools offer a number of visit options for you and your family.  This might include an open house, campus tour, meet faculty and students in your major, classroom visits or shadow programs.  It is important to register for your campus visits online at each school’s website or call to schedule a visit.  Plan now.  Popular schools close their registration for visits when full.

An Invitation to Juniors and their Parent

I would like to take this opportunity to invite our junior students and their parents to meet with me for the purpose of post high school planning. These meetings provide an opportunity for me to get to know you, discuss student’s interests, and provide information about the college search and selection process. Scheduling an appointment will help focus your attention on particular colleges or universities you may already be considering. Returning to school in the fall, ready to send in college applications, gives students the best chance for admission and scholarships. Students are required to complete the College Planning Worksheet, which is available on Naviance under the About Me tab before an appointment can be scheduled. Please call or see Mrs. Sikora College Career Assistant, to schedule your appointment.  All appointments will be held during the school day. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with junior students and their parents.

Get to Know Counselor Jill Hamilton
My name is Jill Hamilton and I have been a School Counselor at Buffalo Grove High School since 2000. Prior to being a counselor, I was a Special Education Teacher at Nipper Career Education Center, an alternative school in District 214. Working with teenagers makes me smile on a daily basis. I enjoy seeing them grow, learn and navigate high school. They challenge me and teach me new things each and every day. I am married and have 2 sons and 2 dogs. Being a counselor helps me as a parent, as I am learning how to better communicate with my own children. BGHS is a great school with great opportunities for students.


Student Service Contact Information

Name  
Job Title
Phone #
Email
Christy Azriel
Psychologist
847-718-4218
christy.azriel@d214.org
Bill Brown
Counselor
847-718-4065
bill.brown@d214.org
Denise Caffarello
Admin  Assistant
847-718-4022
denise.caffarel@d214.org
Kathy Fox
College Counselor
847-718-4067
kathy.fox@d214.org
Eric Garneau
Data Processor
847-718-4071
eric.garneau@d214.org
Jill Hamilton
Counselor
847-718-4064
jill.hamilton@d214.org
Rob Hartwig
Associate Principal
847-718-4012
robert.hartwig@d214.org
Sherry Heart
Registrar
847-718-4192
sharon.heart@d214.org
Lily Justiniano
Counselor
847-718-4024
lily.justiniano@d214.org
Jeff Kondrad
Counselor
847-718-4066
jeff.kondrad@d214.org
Brian Linhart
Counselor
847-718-4069
brian.linhart@d214.org
Roger Mills
Outreach Counselor
847-718-4068
roger.mills@d214.org
Francesca Pecoraro
Counselor
847-718-4070
francesca.pecor@d214.org
Elizabeth Pilarski
Counselor
847-718-4191
elizabeth.pilar@d214.org
Melissa Sang
Social Worker
847-718-4172
melissa.sang@d214.org
Jennifer Zacharski
Psychologist
847-718-4063
jennifer.zachar@d214.org

Friday, February 13, 2015

February-March Student Services Blog


Upcoming Important Dates
Feb 3: FAFSA Completion Night 6:30 - 7:45 @ WHS Library
Feb 9: Junior Parent Night 7:00 pm BGHS Theater
Feb 9 - 20: Junior Core with Counselors
Feb 18 & 19: ACCESS testing
Feb 24: Freshman Core with Counselors
March 3: ACT, IACT, PLAN w/writing testing
March 4 & 5: SOS Presentations to freshman
March 10 - 12: Sophomore Core with Counselors
March 16 & 17: PARCC testing
March 18: Financial Aid Seminar: Juniors 7:00 pm @ FVEC (D100)


BG Counselors Achieve RAMP Recognition Again
The Buffalo Grove Counseling department received national recognition for their developmental program for the second time.   The American School Counselor Association National Model is a framework for a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program.  It reinforces the idea that school counselors help students improve academic achievement, navigate personal/social development, and plan for college and careers. Programs that were highlighted included our core curriculum for all students, small groups, and closing the gap projects to help students in need of more support. Overall, this achievement has helped strengthen our services for all students.  Currently, we are the only D214 school who has achieved this recognition for a second time.


Happenings in Freshman Advisory
Second semester in advisory, freshman students are going to be working through units that were picked and created by our Bison Advisory Mentors Board.  The units will cover classes for sophomore year, transitioning from freshman to sophomore year, brain games, how to apply to college, how to apply for a job, and Bison Trivia.  There is also going to be 2 weeks where the advisories will work with another advisory to get to interact with more members of the class of 2018.


Students will also learn about our St. Baldrick’s/Locks of Love fundraiser at the end of this month.  Last year, our school donated just under $15,000 to help children and young adults battling cancer.  Many members of our school community also shaved their heads to stand in solidarity with those who are fighting, and numerous students donated their hair to Locks of Love.  If you are interested in more information about this, or would like to donate services or prizes to our raffle to help raise more money, please contact Brian Linhart.


College and Career Center


Class of 2015:


The FAFSA Completion Workshop was held on Tuesday, February 3rd
at Wheeling High school.  Many families left this workshop happy knowing that they had successfully completed and submitted the FAFSA.


Remember to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, 2015.  


Additional resources on the BGHS Website Under Student Resources – College Resources
• Financial Aid Handout - Questions to ask colleges.
• Senior Financial Aid Night December 2014 - Copy of
the presentation-Financing a College Education: What is
Available and How to Apply
• Financial Aid at a Glance 2014-2015 - Summary of the
federal student aid programs.
Naviance/Scholarship Information
Naviance is a great place to search for scholarships.  Seniors need to sign on to their account and then select the Colleges section and go to Scholarships and Money.  Most of these scholarships are either local or national and are available in the College Career Center.  Remember that some of these scholarships may require an official high school transcript and/or  letters of recommendation so please be aware of deadlines.  Students will need to complete a Transcript Request Form if needed.  Additional information on scholarships is available in the College Career Center.



Year in School Showcase (Junior Core Team)


Class of 2016:  
Buffalo Grove High School College Information Night -Class of 2016
Monday, February 9, at 7:00 PM, BGHS Theater
Juniors and Parents are invited to attend the Class of 2016 College Planning Program. Learn more about the college search process and the college counseling services offered to BGHS students. Presenters: Nate Bargar, Illinois State University and Julie Nelson, Xavier University, Cincinnati, will lead a spirited discussion of the merits of both public and private institutes, focusing on the size and location, academic climate, campus life, and financial aid and scholarships. They will also give you a peek into the admission committee, highlighting the application process, and what you should and shouldn’t do as you begin to visit and correspond with colleges.


Junior Core-Begins the Week of February 9th out of U.S. History Classes
All Juniors will receive information regarding the post-secondary planning process  starting Monday, February 9th during their U.S. History class.  Students will review their transcript for progress towards graduation and learn additional information that will guide them as they plan for life beyond high school.


Additional dates to put on your calendar for the Class of 2016


Financial Aid Night for JUNIORS and Parents
Wednesday, March 18th  7:00 PM
Forest View Educational Center Theater
2121 South Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.
The presentation will focus on the process and procedure for applying, qualifying and evaluating financial aid opportunities.  Both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS Profile (for some private schools) will be reviewed.


An Invitation to Juniors and their Parents
I would like to take this opportunity to invite our junior students and their parents to meet with me for the purpose of post high school planning. These meetings provide an opportunity for me to get to know you, discuss student’s interests, and provide information about the college search and selection process. Scheduling an appointment will help focus your attention on particular colleges or universities you may already be considering. Returning to school in the fall, ready to send in college applications, gives students the best chance for admission and scholarships. Students are required to complete the College Planning Worksheet, which is available on Naviance under the About Me tab before an appointment can be scheduled. Please call or see Mrs. Sikora (847) 718-4059, College Career Assistant, to schedule your appointment.  All appointments will be held during the school day. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with junior students and their parents.


Get to Know Counselor Francesca Pecoraro


I have been a counselor at BG for 5 years.  I love working with students to make the most of their high school experience and also help them plan their post-secondary life.  I’m especially passionate about helping our ELL students become leaders.
I grew up in Prospect Heights and went to Hersey High School.  Then, I studied at UIC and majored in psychology.  After working at a therapeutic day school for a few years, I went on to DePaul University to get a Masters in School Counseling.  Now, I love every minute of my job!
I have a big extended family.  My parents were born in Italy and immigrated to the US when they were teenagers. I have a sister, brother, two nieces and a nephew. During the summer, I love to spend time with my family, friends, and my dog.  I also love to travel, play tennis, read, and cook!


Student Service Contact Information


Name  
Job Title
Phone #
Email
Christy Azriel
Psychologist
847-718-4218
christy.azriel@d214.org
Bill Brown
Counselor
847-718-4065
bill.brown@d214.org
Denise Caffarello
Admin  Assistant
847-718-4022
denise.caffarel@d214.org
Kathy Fox
College Counselor
847-718-4067
kathy.fox@d214.org
Eric Garneau
Data Processor
847-718-4071
eric.garneau@d214.org
Jill Hamilton
Counselor
847-718-4064
jill.hamilton@d214.org
Rob Hartwig
Associate Principal
847-718-4012
robert.hartwig@d214.org
Sherry Heart
Registrar
847-718-4192
sharon.heart@d214.org
Lily Justiniano
Counselor
847-718-4024
lily.justiniano@d214.org
Jeff Kondrad
Counselor
847-718-4066
jeff.kondrad@d214.org
Brian Linhart
Counselor
847-718-4069
brian.linhart@d214.org
Roger Mills
Outreach Counselor
847-718-4068
roger.mills@d214.org
Francesca Pecoraro
Counselor
847-718-4070
Elizabeth Pilarski
Counselor
847-718-4191
elizabeth.pilar@d214.org
Melissa Sang
Social Worker
847-718-4172
melissa.sang@d214.org
Jennifer Zacharski
Psychologist
847-718-4063
jennifer.zachar@d214.org