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Guidance & Counseling

What is School Counseling?

According to the American School Counselors Association, School Counselors are uniquely qualified to work with students to address and solve academic hardships, support social and emotional growth of students and assist with career and college readiness to prepare students for the world beyond.

The School Counselor

Michele Serafin is the grades 6-12 School Counselor at Hancock Public Schools. She has many years of experience in school counseling and is available to provide a comprehensive school counseling program that attends to the personal/social, academic, college and career planning of all students. Services include group and individual counseling, academic support, crisis intervention, career and college planning and student advocacy. The goal is for all students to succeed in high school and move forward to become productive members of the community. Students may make an appointment to see the counselor during school hours or they may drop into the counselor's office if she is available. The school counselor’s office is located at the top of stairs between the middle and high school. If the counselor feels that more in-depth counseling is needed, a referral to an outside agency is made. If you have concerns about your son or daughter, please feel free to contact Michele at (906)483-2540, ext 8111. If you have concerns about your son or daughter, please feel free to contact me at (906) 483-2540, ext 8111.

College & Career Planning

Career Planning Website

All students have a Xello account that can be accessed through PowerSchool. Xello is an online program that helps students create a successful future through self-knowledge, exploration and planning.

Career and Technical Education

Students interested in enrolling in any of the Career & Technical Education program offerings should contact their high school counselor to request the required enrollment forms. Each high school within the Copper Country Intermediate School District is allocated a specific number of slots for student enrollment, based upon the school's total high school enrollment. Criteria for student enrollment in the Career & Technical Education programs are determined by each individual district. Considerations for eligibility may include the student's attendance record, grades, citizenship, and a career pathway specific to the requested program. Students interested in the program should contact their high school counselor early in their high school career to obtain information regarding the requirements of their district.

Skilled Trades

Skilled Trades are careers that often require less schooling and debt than a four-year degree. These jobs are in demand for fields like healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, construction and automotive. Employers in Michigan are seeking talent to fill these roles. More information can be found on the Michigan Skilled Trades website.

Military

The U.S. Military consists of six active-duty Service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve components. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve. Students are welcome to meet with Military Representatives when they visit the school or they can set up their own meeting by contacting a recruiter. Additional information related to careers in the military can be located by going to their webpage.

The ASVAB Test will be administered yearly to students interested in pursuing a career in the military. https://www.asvabprogram.com

College Search

Students will be encouraged to research colleges and trade schools based on their career interests. Some of this will be done in the classroom setting, but students are certainly welcome to check out the following websites to conduct their own research. Mrs. Serafin will be available to guide students through the college selection process. Applications can be filled out online.

Some schools require students to use the Common Application Process. Students can explore colleges and create accounts through the Common Application.

Transcript Sends on Parchment

Students who wish to have their transcripts sent to college will need to create an account on Parchment. The account is free while they are current students.

Local College Websites

Standardized Testing

The PSAT NMSQT will be offered for a small fee to interested students during October. It is recommended for college bound juniors. Students need to sign up with the counselor and pay their fee before the deadline passes. *Fee waivers are also available.

The SAT will be administered to all juniors in April at no cost to students. Students will receive four free score sends if they wish to send their scores to a college. Most colleges require the SAT or ACT test for admittance. Students can sign up to take the SAT or ACT at nearby test centers throughout the year. Students can retake the tests to improve their scores.

Once the College Board account is created, students can link their account to Khan Academy for additional practice.

SuperTutorTV is an online video test prep site that can be accessed via YouTube.

Paying for College

In order to receive any student aid (including loans) for college, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The forms are available online. If you are planning to fill it out online, you must apply for a FSA ID username and password before filling it out. Click here to create those. Students and their parents or guardians should also plan to attend FAFSA Night in October to get a head start on the FAFSA. The FAFSA Deadline in Michigan is March 1.

Paying for College

  • FAFSA

  • Keweenaw TRIO Pre-College Programs

  • Scholarships and Grants are available to some Michigan residents after FAFSA completion. Students can check if they qualify for the Tuition Incentive Program by going to the MISSG Student Portal.

  • Local Scholarships - TBD

  • College Scholarships - TBD

  • State and National Scholarships - TBD

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