student services ulletin - northernhighlands.org...sheet. b. omplete the application on the back of...

Student Services Bulletin

Volume 30, Issue 6

Student Services Bulletin

Inside this issue:

Welcome Class of 2019 2 National Merit Finalists and Naviance 3 Counselor of the Year and NHRHS Scholarship Fund Application

College Admission Panel

University of Miami

North Carolina Schools 11 Koth’s Corner 12 March Calendar Dates

Northern Highlands Regional High School

March 2015

Each incoming ninth grade student and his/her parents will have

an opportunity for a scheduled personal conference with a

Northern Highlands school counselor. During the conference,

our counselors will review the Northern Highlands curriculum

offerings, discuss current course recommendations, and plan a

program of study for next year. Please be aware that the coun-

selor with whom you meet may not necessarily be your child’s

assigned counselor in the fall. To avoid delays, please do your

best to be on time for your appointment. You should preview

the Curriculum Guide on the Northern Highlands website.

Ho-Ho-Kus March 9th and 10th

Brookside March 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th

Cavallini March 23th, 24th, 25th and 26th

Welcome Class of 2019 !!

We would like to welcome our incoming Highlands

students and families. This bulletin is published monthly

and it is full of important information relevant to college

and career counseling, as well as other school counsel-

ing happenings. Past and future issues of the Student

Services Bulletin are available on the Northern High-

lands website. Current members of the Highlands

community also receive email notifications each

month when the bulletin is ready to be viewed.

2 Student Services Bulletin

Northern Highlands 2015 National Merit Finalists

We are delighted to announce our National Merit Finalists:

Thomas Hart

Augustine Kang

Jacob Shulman

Amanda Weiss

Got Naviance??

For Scholarship and Summer Enrichment Opportunities, please

consult Naviance. Scholarships and Summer Enrichment Programs

are added regularly, so check back often.

Want more School Counseling Information?

Check out the School Counseling page on the school website.

www.northernhighlands.org


Do YOU think YOU have the best school counselor?

Many times a counselor is one of the best assets you have in the school system. Your

counselor wears many hats, but one of them is the student advocate that assists you in

finding your appropriate path into life after high school.

You can nominate YOUR counselor for Counselor of the Year through the Bergen Coun-

ty School Counselors Association. Please submit a one page letter stating why your

counselor should be considered for the Counselor of the Year Award. If your counselor

wins, you and your counselor will be invited to an awards dinner in early June.

Deadline for nominations: April 15th.

Please email your letter to Ms. Peterfriend, Supervisor of School Counseling

[email protected]

THE NHRHS SCHOLARSHIP FUND INC. APPLICATION IS NOW AVAILABLE ON SCHOOL WIRES

The primary qualifications for scholarship aid is the need for financial assistance. Other considerations are scholar-

ship, leadership, service, extracurricular activities and character.

1. WHO MAY APPLY?

All seniors who are enrolled at Northern Highlands Regional High School who plan to continue their formal

education may apply for scholarship aid for the purpose of financing further education, regardless of race,

color, creed, or town of residence.

2. WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA?

Financial need, scholarship, leadership, service, extracurricular activities, and character.

3. WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED?

a. Have your parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), 2015-2016 school year

(available on the web: www.FAFSA.ed.gov). The United States Department of Education will send you a

Student Aid Report (SAR). Please print the entire SAR report (usually about 5 pages), in addition to the cover

sheet.

b. Complete the application on the back of this sheet, including both parent and student signatures.

c. Submit the scholarship application and SAR to Mrs. Karpinecz in the Guidance office on or before May 1,

2015 (no later). NOTE: NHRHS Scholarship Fund Inc. application forms are also available in the School

Counseling Office and on the website.


College Admission Panel

On April 9th at 7:00 PM in the High School Auditorium, the

School Counseling Department will be presenting a college panel.

This is a great program for both students and parents of all

grades. The following colleges/universities will be joining us for the

evening:

Franklin & Marshall College

Indiana University, Bloomington

Princeton University

Rutgers University


University of Miami (visited by Jennifer Ferentz, School Counselor)

Visiting the University of Miami’s campus this past January was a wonderful experience. I learned

about the U of Miami’s competitive and diverse academic programs ranging from architecture to marine sci-

ence directly from extraordinary faculty, student panels, and from admissions counselors who attended the

university. The passion for “The U” on campus and throughout Coral Gables is evident and contagious. The

sunny, 75 degree weather only adds to the positive vibe on campus. A beautiful lake and fountain are the

focal point on campus, surrounded by a wide range of seating options outside the student union for students

to eat, study and collaborate. The athletic facilities available to students are outstanding: there are 4 levels

of various workout equipment and exercise classes offered all day long. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools

are used by students year-round. Famous alumni, including Alex Rodriguez, Gloria Estefan and Ben Folds

have been known to donate and speak at the University on special occasions.

The University of Miami is a private research university with about 10,500 undergraduate students.

Half of the incoming freshmen were ranked within the top 5% of their graduating class, and about 66% were

in the top 10% of their high school class. The average SAT score was 1320. There are twelve schools for stu-

dents to choose to study within: School of Architecture, College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Ad-

ministration, School of Communication, School of Education and Human Development, College of Engineer-

ing, School of Law, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, Miller School of Medicine, Frost

School of Music, School of Nursing and Health Studies, The Graduate School. Following are some highlights

about particular schools:

The College of Arts and Sciences offers the personalized learning of a small liberal-arts school with

the research expertise of a large university. As a result, students at every level can apply their coursework to

important research. This hands-on approach to undergraduate education has helped attract exceptional stu-

dents and earned the University a top-tier ranking.

The College of Engineering (COE) is housed in the McArthur Engineering building, a 120,000-square-

foot complex with state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, which is comprised of five departments that

offer BS, MS, PhD and executive education programs in Biomedical Engineering; Civil, Architectural and Envi-

ronmental Engineering; Electrical and Computer Engineering; Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; and

Industrial Engineering.

Marine Science has been part of the academic curriculum at the University of Miami since 1949,

when the Marine Laboratory, now known as the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

(RSMAS), initiated a program of studies leading to the Master of Science degree. RSMAS is now one of the

largest oceanographic institutes in the country with a faculty of over 90 scientists who conduct sponsored

research and engage in academic training. The curriculum is designed to take full advantage of the Universi-

ty's subtropical location, with year-round access to a variety of marine environments including the deep

ocean waters offshore, the coral reef tracts of the Florida Keys, and the estuarine sea grass beds and man-

grove shoreline of South Florida.


The School of Architecture offers a five-year, accredited professional program leading to the Bache-

lor of Architecture degree. The Bachelor of Architecture fulfills the educational requirements for profession-

al registration and offers specialized architectural study through upper-level studios and architecture elec-

tives, as well as opportunities for the study of liberal arts through the elective sequence leading to a minor.

As part of the graduation requirements, and in an effort to ensure that they receive a rounded liberal arts

education, all students must complete a selected minor in any field of their choice outside of the School of

Architecture.

A world-class business education must teach you to think innovatively, capitalize on opportunities

and create solutions to meet the challenges you’ll face during your business career. At the UM School of

Business Administration, you’ll find a curriculum that does all this and more, preparing and positioning you

to achieve your career and life goals.

The School of Communication (SOC) at the University of Miami has grown to 1,150 undergraduate

and 130 graduate students. SOC offers nine undergraduate degree majors and six graduate degrees. The

SOC is committed to developing forward-thinking, analytical, and ethical communication professionals for

success in a technological and global society. Students are provided with quality undergraduate and gradu-

ate programs in communication that emphasize the relationship between theory and practice.

At the Frost School of Music, old teaching methodologies have been replaced by the Experiential

Music Curriculum. This hands-on, interactive approach to music making at the undergraduate level is far

superior to the performance-only, rote-teaching styles and large lecture classes that are so prevalent at

conservatories and other institutions of higher education. Created by the faculty of the Frost School of Mu-

sic, the Experiential Music Curriculum is a carefully planned and tested program of training “internal musi-

cians” rather than rote learners by fully integrating performance, music history, ear training, music theory

and composition in four hours of weekly chamber music and small-group sessions.

The School of Education offers majors and minors such as elementary education, secondary educa-

tion, and specific subject education (Biology, Chemistry, Math, English and Social Studies). Additionally, psy-

chological studies such as human and social development can be explored. Finally, Athletic training, exer-

cise physiology, sport administration and sport medicine can be studied.


North Carolina Colleges (visited by Jennifer Kuo, School Counselor)

Located approximately one mile from downtown Raleigh, NC State University is located in the state’s bustling cap-

ital city. As part of the “research triangle” that includes both Duke University and UNC- Chapel Hill, NC State tends

to be the lesser known institution amongst the three schools. After two full days touring and learning about the

university, I walked away feeling both impressed with the academic offerings and diverse student body as well as

smitten by the southern hospitality and sense of camaraderie. It was easy to see the pride that comes along with

being part of the Wolf Pack! The campus itself is beautiful, mixing old southern charm on the main campus with

newer, updated buildings on Centennial Campus.

As the “research triangle” location suggests, the university places a heavy emphasis on research particularly in the

STEM area. Engineering, life and environmental sciences, and agriculture are amongst some of the top programs

offered. In addition to majors in STEM, NC State’s more popular majors include psychology, management, design,

and the veterinary medicine program is ranked one of the best in the country. I was lucky enough to tour the Col-

lege of Textiles, which was fascinating to see in person. With majors ranging from fashion design to textile engi-

neering, the college combines creativity with science. Housing state of the art machinery and passionate, knowl-

edgeable professors, the College of Textiles offers a unique program that is one of the few offered in the country.

The College of Natural Resources is another rare and impressive find at the university. With majors like Parks, Rec-

reation and Tourism Management, Golf Management, and Sport Management (to name a few), NC State manages

its very own forest, where students receive real world, hands-on experience in the field.

What stood out to me the most about all of the colleges within NC State was the focus on helping students make

the most informed choice when selecting a major. For those who are undecided, there is First-Year College, which

allows students to explore all academic programs and declare a major after the first year. Every individual college

offers a first-year course that is mandatory for all students. This course helps with the transition to college as well

as explores all of the majors available. Thus, students are exposed to a range of majors and educated about all of

the potential career paths, some of which may have been unknown to the student before. Regardless of major,

every student is encouraged to study abroad, and there are plenty of opportunities for internships both locally and

nationwide. It is clear that NC State wants students to leave the university well-rounded, ready to take on new

challenges, and fully prepared to enter into a diverse and complex world. With a large student body of 24,000 stu-

dents, the university is successfully able to make a big school feel like a tight knit community.

One of the highlights of my visit was seeing the school’s state of the art library. It is ranked as one of the best in the

world, and it features the “book bot,” which basically means library patrons never have to peruse the stacks in

search of their books. Students type the book they would like into the computer, and the robot searches the over 2

million books housed in their facility. The book is then delivered to the patron waiting at the circulation desk! The

enormous and beautifully constructed library contains high tech features like numerous touch screens around the

building and colorful artwork and furniture throughout.


Beyond academics, NC State students are active in the community. A great example of this is the Krispy Kreme

Challenge, which occurred while I was on campus. What began as a silly food challenge amongst NC State Hon-

ors students many years ago has turned into a community event with proceeds going to the North Carolina Chil-

dren’s Hospital in Raleigh. Runners are challenged to run 2.5 miles to the local Krispy Kreme, eat a dozen donuts,

and run 2.5 miles back to the finish all in under an hour. The annual race is organized by NC State students each

year, and it attracts competitive runners (and eaters) as well as energized students in full costume. One thing is

certainly clear- NC State students know how to have fun while giving back to the community at the same time! In

addition to this gastrointestinal thrill run, NC State boasts 23 Division I athletics, two recreation complexes, and

an Outdoor Adventure program that takes full advantage of North Carolina’s scenic mountains and trails.

At this point, I have hopefully sold you on all of the great opportunities NC State has to offer. Now the next

question is, “How do I get in?” Since students apply to a specific college, it depends on which major you are in-

terested in. On average, most incoming students have around a 3.6 grade point average, and an SAT score of

1834 or ACT of a 28. NC State does super score.

With the upcoming spring season, many families start to tour colleges, and the state of North Carolina has be-

come an increasingly popular state to visit. My recommendation would be that if you are already in the area

looking at Wake Forest, Elon, or any of the number of schools nearby, it would be to your benefit to check out

NC State. While all of the schools in the area are top notch, NC State is truly a hidden gem. Go Wolf Pack!

I took my own advice and toured the rest of the area around Raleigh after leaving NC State. My first stop was

Elon University, where I was lucky enough to meet with our regional admissions representative, Scott Chris-

topherson. He gave me a nice overview and tour of the school. The campus felt like the perfect size- small

enough to walk from one end to the other but large enough to not feel claustrophobic. The buildings are similar

architecturally to those typically found in the southern states—beautiful brick buildings with white columns and

ivy covering the older buildings. Academically, Scott highlighted the 3+2 engineering program and listed comput-

er science and music production as two majors that the school is hoping to grow. The performing arts depart-

ment is also a stand out. There is currently an Elon graduate participating in every popular Broadway musical

running right now. Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Elon even offers a winter term study

abroad option where students can take a 3-credit course in three weeks and only pay for the travel costs.

From an admissions standpoint, Elon typically accepts students with around a 3.7 grade point average and

around 1850 SAT score or 28 ACT score on average. Scott gave some helpful tips for students applying to Elon.

The university places a strong emphasis on community service, and thus applicants are encouraged to choose an

essay topic that centers on volunteering or an extracurricular activity that he/she feels passionately about. In

addition, demonstrated interest is considered, and students should only contact admissions via their student

portal.


One of the buildings on campus I was impressed with was the multi-faith community center. It was not only aes-

thetically beautiful but also fosters an open-minded, accepting place for students to gather regardless of what reli-

gion is followed. Elon students have many opportunities to grow as students and as global citizens through study

abroad and internship opportunities. With approximately 5600 students, the university feels manageable in size

yet big in its connection to the outside world. Elon University has become very popular with Highlands students,

and it was obvious after my visit why that is.

The next two schools on my list to visit were Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill. Both schools are in no need of an intro-

duction. Highly competitive and offering a stellar education, many students strive to list either of these prestigious

institutions on their application list. Duke’s campus is stunning with its dramatic Gothic architecture and beautifully

landscaped campus. Some of the most popular majors include Biology, Public Policy, Economics, Psychology, and

Biomedical Engineering. Duke is highly regarded as one of the top medical programs with Duke University Hospital

right on campus. In addition, the Duke Forest and Marine Laboratory each offers students the hands-on experi-

ence needed to learn and explore. Beyond academics, Duke is also well known for its competitive athletic pro-

grams. With 26 Division I sports, the Blue Devils consistently win national championships each year in various

sports. University of North Carolina, located in Chapel Hill, NC, has been named as one of the best college towns in

the country. With a picturesque downtown full of plenty of hangout spots for college students, UNC is about more

than just its location. They were ranked as the top public school for its value by The Princeton Review and listed as

32nd out of 500 research universities. Popular majors include Communications, Business, Economics, and Psycholo-

gy. Their medical school and MBA programs have consistently been ranked as amongst the best in the country.

Across the country, UNC is also known for their stellar athletics. With 28 Division I sports teams, a large part of the

student experience includes showing off Tar Heels pride at various school events. Both Duke and UNC offer a top

notch education and exciting, fun undergraduate experience.

My last stop was Wake Forest where I was treated to a personal tour by a former Highlands student. Similar to all

of the schools that I visited on my trip, Wake Forest’s campus was lovely and inviting. If North Carolina had not

been in the midst of a massive cold spell, I could imagine students playing frisbee on the lawn or meandering

around the beautifully landscaped campus. My student tour guide expressed feeling very happy about his decision

to attend Wake Forest. He described classes as being challenging, but he felt that Highlands truly prepared him to

succeed at the college level. Greek life is a large part of the student experience at Wake Forest although my guide

felt that one could still find ways to be social and involved if not in a fraternity or sorority. The Division I sports

teams also bring a strong level of school pride and sense of community to the school. Students do not venture

into the town of Winston-Salem too often because there’s plenty to do on campus, but there are opportunities for

getting involved with the surrounding community if desired.


With regard to admissions, Wake Forest is competitive especially due to the increase in popularity amongst High-

landers. On average, accepted students have a 3.9 grade point average, SAT score of 2000, and ACT score of 29.

Popular majors include the Social Sciences, Journalism, Communications, and Business. After spending the after-

noon touring the campus and trying the food (which was very good, by the way), it was easy to see why so many

of our students have fallen in love with Wake Forest!

All of the colleges I visited were unique in their own way, but each one offers a stellar education and an exciting

undergraduate experience. With its warmer climate and “far but not too far” distance from home, the state of

North Carolina has become a desirable location for many Highlanders. I highly recommend adding any of the

above schools to your college visit list.


From the desk of the Assistant Principal

As you may be aware, public schools in the State of New Jersey are required to conduct one school security drill per month. Each time we do this, students and staff members have an opportunity to improve their re-sponse to an emergency situation. However, matters of security are not limited to students and staff; as par-ents, you play a larger role in keeping our school safe than you may think.

In fact, parents can play an important role in school security. You use your instincts and experience to sense when danger might be on the horizon. If there ever is a time that you notice someone or something suspi-cious, please report this to an administrator as soon as you can. It might be a stranger you’ve never seen, it might be something posted on the internet, or an object that appears odd and out of place – whatever it may be, make a report.

For those who feel uncomfortable being identified but still feel the need to report something of concern, call:

NORTHERN HIGHLANDS CONFIDENTIAL HOTLINE

(201) 327-8700, ext. 333.

Whatever information you share will remain strictly confidential and you will remain anonymous. This exten-sion is checked twice every school day so feel free to call at any time.

This line is not reserved only for security concerns, but concerns of all types. We have learned that often times victims fear retribution for reporting an ongoing situation at school. Be advised you may also use this as an anonymous means of reporting any suspected acts of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying, essentially removing that fear from the equation.

In all, the Confidential Hotline is another means to help us maintain the positive school climate we have all worked very hard to establish. Again, if you find something or someone to be a threat or not meeting the ex-pectations set by our school community, make a report. Thank you for your continued contributions to mak-ing Northern Highlands a safer place.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Northern Highlands Regional High School – (201) 327-8700

Confidential Hotline, ext. 333

Mr. Joseph Occhino – Principal, ext. 202

Mr. Michael Koth – Assistant Principal, ext. 201


March Calendar Dates

March 2 ASPIRE Registration Deadline—10th Grade Only

March 13 Registration Deadline for April 18th ACT

March 14 SAT Test Administration

March 27 Late Registration Deadline for April 18th ACT

Early April Calendar Dates

April 6 Registration Deadline for May 2nd SAT Administration

April 9 College Admission Panel

April 11 ASPIRE Administration—10th Grade Only

April 18 ACT Test Administration

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