September 2016 Focus: Department of Counseling and Guidance

• In August 2015, the NFA Department of Counseling enacted a comprehensive outreach, preparation, administration and assessment model for the 2016 Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)in both English and Spanish which as the first of its kind in Orange County. The model was designed to reach all students in 10th and 11th grade and their parents/guardians providing everyone with information and free online resources to be informed and prepared for the PSAT which is given in the Fall. Teachers and administrators received training and resources to allow them to assist those students who took the 2015 PSAT in the fall with preparing for the SAT in the Spring.
• For the first time in ten years, NFA 10th grade students scored above the New York State and National average on the PSAT examination. Additionally, for the first time in 12 years, NFA 11th grade students scored above the NYS average on the 2015 PSAT examination.
• Newburgh Free Academy had the second highest number of students taking the PSAT in the tri-state area for a school of its size.
• During the 2015-2016 school year, the NFA Guidance and Counseling Department, in conjunction with the NECSD Webmaster, developed and initiated an online scholarship application portal for students. The portal allows students the opportunity to browse and apply for scholarships in a more efficient manner. The user-friendly application encompassed an essay component, volunteerism, activities, sports and future plans. Over 2,000 scholarship applications were processed, which was an increase of 300% over the previous year.
• The Guidance Department offered thirty-two scholarship workshops to assist students in completing their application and over 135 students registered and attended.
• The Department also ran a bilingual scholarship workshop and essay writing workshop for English as a New Language (ENL) learners.
• During the 2015-2016 school year, over 90 local community partners offered scholarships exclusively to Newburgh Free Academy Seniors. As a result, 130 scholarships are being awarded to our seniors on June 2 resulting in over $115,000.
• On the first Wednesday in November, the NFA Department of Counseling and Guidance hosted a College and Career Night with over 150 colleges, universities, trade schools, and branches of the military. Over 850 parents/guardians and students attended the annual event.
• The NFA Guidance and Counseling Department was integral in a successful administration of 15 different AP courses over a three week period. 196 students registered for a total of 269 AP Exams.

• Over the summer months, many of our 8th grade students participated in the Orange County Summer Youth Employment Program. The Orange County Summer Youth Employment Program (partners our students in the community to learn real world skills and matches students with a variety of jobs including summer camp counselors, office staff personnel and food service positions.
• Last year our 7th and 8th grade students participated in the SUNY New Paltz Science and Technology Entry Program. The SUNY New Paltz Science and Technology Entry Program’s goal is to encourage participating students to continue their education after graduation in the fields of mathematics, science, technology.

• SMS welcomed the addition of three teams of teachers and students from GAMS during a successful start to the 2016-2017 school year.
• The SMS guidance and counseling staff are participating in a new data-based initiative to enhance school spirit and success.

• At Meadow Hill, it’s all about transitions this year. The school has several new 6-8 grade students so guidance is working on an "ice cream social" to officially welcome them to the school community.
• Last year, Meadow Hill piloted a Pen-Pal Project between 8th graders and NFA students to facilitate a smoother transition to high school. The school will continue the work this year. This year, they are aiming for a 'face to face' meeting of the pen-pals at the conclusion of the project.
• Over the summer, Meadow Hill students participated in the SUNY New Paltz Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) and the Orange County Summer Youth Employment Program. Students worked on resumes and interviewing skills and as a result, they were provided with summer work in their local communities.
• Through the use of classroom guidance activities, 5th graders will spend this year preparing for middle school. The school is hoping to culminate that event with a mock "Step Up Day" where 5th graders get to follow a mini version of a 6th grade schedule.

• During the 2015-2016 school year, the Temple Hill Department of Guidance and Counseling piloted a 5th grade comprehensive transition program. The program, entitled “Rise-Up”, encompassed the following domains: Academic, Social Emotional Learning and Career. The program was delivered via specific classroom guidance lessons while utilizing different activities to increase student engagement. Topics included: Middle School Requirements, Schedule, Academic Support, SMART Goals, Communication, Community Service and NFA Campus Choices. The program also included a parental/guardian component which afforded the parents and guardians an opportunity to hear firsthand what their children had participated in.
• Fifth grade students visited with the 6th grade team which provided students with an opportunity to get to know their teachers. In the words of one of the student participants, "I liked how this program is preparing me for my future. The program is preparing me for middle and high school. I am happy that I got all of this information because now I am prepared for my future."

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