NHS Guidance Department

The Guidance Program at Northbridge High School helps students prepare for higher education and meaningful employment. Guidance Counselors reinforce the personal and social skills needed for the many responsibilities of citizenship and adulthood. They provide a wide range of services including course selection and program planning, college choice/application, career planning, decision-making, student advocacy and character education. Counselors will see students individually, in small groups, and in the classroom. They host and facilitate parent workshops in college admission and financial aid, are an integral part of student service programs and school initiatives, and they are an important resource for teachers, parents, and the school administration.  Guidance Counselors help students gain personal independence and to take responsibility. They help students set appropriate goals, solve problems, and make good decisions. Students will work with their counselors on personal, social/emotional, education, and career issues.

In the Classroom

9/13/23

Fall Senior In-Class Meetings

9/20/23

Lesson 1: MyCap & Grad Requirements

12/11/23

Junior In Class Meeting Fall '23

2024/2025 Scheduling/Course Selection

Timeline

3/4 - 3/15 : Core Teachers Enter Recommendations

3/18-4/12 : Students & Families have access to review recommendations and select elective courses

3/18 - 4/5 : NHS Counselors meet with Grades 9-11 students to help select elective courses

4/8 - 4/11 : NHS Counselors meet with Grade 8 students to help select elective courses


Resources

24/25 Program of Studies 

24/25 Class Selection Guide 

Grades 11-12 Presentation (below)

Grades 8-10 Presentation (below)


24/25 Class Selection (8-10)
24/25 Class Selection (11-12)

NHS PATHWAYS

Pathways + Flyer

In the News

2024/2025 BVExcel Course Registration

Next Year's BVExcel courses have been scheduled.  Students can register themselves using the forms on our Registration Page.

NHS is partnered with VHS and encourages students to explore classes that aren't offered and are within our same college and career pathway alignments.  Registration (grades 11 & 12) for the 2024/2025 school year begins in May.  Forms can be handed in to you School Counselor. 

College and Career Pathways.pdf

FAFSA Delays:


The U.S. Education Department (USED) recently announced that data from college-bound students’ Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will not be delivered to colleges until March. While news of this delay is disconcerting, here is some guidance and information for students and families:

Students should still complete the FAFSA. If they are experiencing technical errors, they should be patient and keep trying, especially when it comes to reaching Federal Student Aid (FSA) by phone.  Students can also contact their prospective colleges and let them know that they are having problems with their submission. Federal Student Aid continues to correct errors. 

Anyone who has submitted their FAFSA but needs to make corrections will be able to do so once the FAFSA data is processed in March.

National college access organizations are urging colleges and universities to extend financial aid and admissions deadlines in light of the delayed data. Colleges that depend on the FAFSA to make aid offers will most likely be delayed in sending offers to students. However, there is widespread understanding that students need these aid offers to make a college decision.

To help  families with the new FAFSA, which went live on December 30, the Massachusetts Education Financing Authority (MEFA) is holding several online events, including one on “Navigating the Challenges and Delays of the New FAFSA” for students and families from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21.

College App Day w Code.pdf
202311301330.pdf

The Peterson School offers some of the most comprehensive courses in the New England area. From Electrical to Plumbing, Facilities Technician to HVAC, they have a wide range of programs to attract those students who know where their interests lie and those who are still deciding.


Test Optional Schools: Should Students Submit Their Scores?

Here are some examples that will hopefully help students when considering whether or not they should send us their scores: 



Key Financial Aid Webinars

Once again this fall MEFA will present a series of our Financial Aid 101 webinars. The presentation will continue to provide the same helpful overview of the entire financial aid process. Sub-topics will include financial aid applications and eligibility, types of financial aid, and how colleges determine the details of financial aid offers. We’ll also highlight key features of the new FAFSA debuting in December.

In order to accommodate every family’s schedule and timeline, MEFA will be hosting webinars on a weekly basis from October 5th through early December. Webinars will occur during both daytime and evening hours, featuring subject matter experts from MEFA. 

Families can view webinar dates and times and register at mefa.org/events/financial-aid-101. A Spanish option is available here, and webinars will be recorded and posted online for families who are unable to attend a live event. 

A Pathway for the Registered Nurse: Discover RN Programs with this free research site. 

Nursing is an art and a science - the art of helping others harmonized with the science of the human body. While challenging, it is also one of the most rewarding careers available. Becoming an RN is, for many, the best decision ever made.  Registered Nursing.org 

SAVE THE DATE!

QCC Decision Day: On Tuesday December  5th NHS will host QCC Admissions for their annual Decision Day.  Any student interested or planning on applying to QCC will have a one on one meeting with the representative to discuss programs of study and career paths.  The application fee is waived and you get a decision on the spot. Let your counselor know ASAP if you want to participate this year.

FAFSA Info & Resources

The window for students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens up in December 2023. The FAFSA is the key to unlocking aid for postsecondary education from federal, state, and local sources. Filling out the FAFSA helps keep college as an option for the fall, and does not commit student to enroll. Students and families are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA as early as possible to maximize the aid they might receive. 

DESE, MEFA & More 

MA Youth Climate Council

The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently announced the creation of a Youth Climate Council that will advise the Governor and the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience on climate policy and actions. Interested high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors can now apply to be part of the council, which will meet regularly with Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. The deadline to apply is Friday, May 19.  

In 2023 7 NHS students earned this in Spanish!

Massachusetts_Biliteracy_Seal.ai

In 2023 2 NHS students earned this in Spanish & French!

Massachusetts_Biliteracy_Seal_Distinction.ai

Tuition Break is a powerful program that allows New England residents to enroll at out-of-state public colleges at a discount. Over 2,500 degree programs are available, and students that participate save roughly $9,000 per year. Our MEFA Institute webinar for school counselors on Thursday, January 12th at 8:00 a.m. will provide a full overview.




Register for the webinar




All DECA, Sport Management & Marketing Majors...Stay Tuned For More Info!

PSAT Score Report Explained (click for supporting Video)

Students that participated in the PSAT Exam in October should have access to their scores as of 12/6/22.

The Student Score Reports Page: The student score reports portal lists all score reports available for the assessments you’ve taken. The entry for each score report shows the total score and section scores you received for that test. Click on the box containing your score to go to your score report for that test.


Total Score: The top portion of your score report contains a big black number. This number is your PSAT/NMSQT Score, also referred to as your total score.


The Total Score section also includes this information:

-Next to your score are the numbers 320–1520—these numbers are the range of possible scores on the PSAT/NMSQT.

-Below your score is your score range. These numbers are the range of scores you might get if you took the PSAT/NMSQT multiple times on different days.

-If you click the arrow next to your score, you can view your score percentile. The score percentile is the percentage of students who took the test and scored higher or lower than you.


Section Scores: After the total score are your two section scores:

-The 2 sections of the PSAT/NMSQT are (1) Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and (2) Math.

-The PSAT/NMSQT contains 3 tests: (1) Reading, (2) Writing and Language, and (3) Math, but the Reading Test and the Writing and Language Test are combined into 1 section score.

-Section scores are based on your raw score in each section, which is the number of questions you got correct. For each section, the raw scores are converted to a scaled score in the range of 160–760.

-These 2 scores added together equal your total score.


Your two section scores are on a line infographic that shows your score in relation to a benchmark for being on track for college.


This part of your score report also shows your percentile for both section scores, meaning the percentage of test takers you scored higher than.


Score Details: Test Scores, Cross-Test Scores, Subscores: The Score Details page on your score report gives you detailed information on the different parts of your test, including your percentile score for each part.

Test Scores: Your three test scores are Reading, Writing and Language, and Math. For each test you’ll see:

-Your individual test score, in the range of 8–38

-The number of questions you answered correctly or incorrectly

-A college-readiness benchmark to see the areas you excelled in and the areas where you might need more work


Cross-Test Scores: The two cross-test scores are Analysis in Science and Analysis in History/Social Studies. They’re called “cross-test” scores because the questions that make up this part of your score are drawn from all three tests. The cross-test scores have a range of 8–38.


Subscores: Seven subscores reflect how well you did on specific types of questions that appear on the PSAT 10. The subscores are:


-Command of Evidence

-Words in Context

-Expression of Ideas

-Standard English Conventions

-Heart of Algebra

-Problem Solving and Data Analysis

-Passport to Advanced Math

-Each of the subscores is in the range of 1–15.


NMSC Selection Index Score:

-The NMSC Selection Index score is double the sum of your Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Test scores.

-The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses this score to initially screen students to enter the National Merit® Scholarship Program.




New England Tech is the local leader in collegiate esports! Do you have any students interested in enhancing their gameplay skills and learning more about esports? Invite them to join NEIT's varsity esports team for a free esports camp on Saturday, December 10th!

Camp Overview:

Spots are very limited to allow for a personalized and engaging experience. Students can register for the free esports camp below!   

December 10th, 2022

REGISTER NOW

Two upcoming webinars


You are invited you to join two upcoming MEFA Institute webinars. Click on each title to register.

Our annual event at Gillette Stadium is coming up in October. This year we are offering an event for students and their families


If you are a student considering a major in: Arts and Entertainment Management, Athletic Coaching and Recreation Management, Communications, Exercise Science, Marketing, Sport Management or Sports Broadcasting, this day is for them!


At this special event for prospective students, they'll hear from representatives from Kraft Sports + Entertainment, as well as Dean College faculty, staff, and students and take part is a special "behind the stands" tour. 


Interested students and families must RSVP by the deadline of October 21st. (We are not able to accommodate large school groups, but would be happy to discuss small groups attending with a teacher or counselor.)


What’s the real cost of college? How to save, plan, and pay.


‍Wednesday, September ‍14 at ‍7pm ET | ‍6pm CT | ‍5pm MT | ‍4pm PT

Register Now

During this live event we’ll cover:

Saving for college – it is never too late!

How to select a college and how much it will cost

FAFSA - what, why and how

Understanding a financial aid offer

How to find and apply for scholarships and grants – FREE $$$

Education loan options

Free tools and resources to make the process easier


Space is limited, so please register early!

Unable to Attend?

If you’re unable to attend either of these dates, go ahead and register—we’ll send you a link to the recording so that you don’t miss this valuable information.

NHS is happy to continue our partnership with the BVExcel Program.  Our students have the opportunity to enroll in advanced/specialized classes and can earn NHS credit.  We have seen current and past students gain great industry knowledge and skills in these courses and look forward to our continued partnership.  This Fall we are hosting a class in our robust Health Science Lab!  Any student interested has until May 15th to register.  The link to do so is in the attached document.  Please reach out to your school counselor if you have any questions.

BVExcel Course Descriptions & Registration Links Fall 2022-2023.pdf
Pathways + Flyer

ARMY ROTC

The 2022 National High School Scholarship campaign kicked off on June 12th and will continue through March 4, 2022. Army ROTC scholarships are available and students should begin their applications now.

Army ROTC provides full tuition and fees (or $10K for room and board) scholarships to over 2000 high school students each year. They intend to continue to sustain that same level of commitment into 2022. In addition to the tuition and fees, the scholarship pays $1200 annually for books and a stipend of $420 per months (for up to 10 months a year.)

Below are links to several resources. One is the Army ROTC overview. It explains, in general terms, the basic eligibility and benefits for the program. The other two items are a resource that you can use to assist the students in preparing for college and taking the ACT/SAT. These tools provide a great way for students to use their spare time to improve test scores. All are easily downloaded by clicking the links below.

Army ROTC Information

March 2 Success Program

Business Pathway Opportunity

Accelerator Fall2021.pdf