Counseling
Counseling
The CA Counseling Department is ready to help any student with school or personal issues that they would like to discuss, as well as with college or career preparations.
Canandaigua Academy Counselors & Assistant Principal Assignments
| Counselor | Administrator | Grade 9 |
Grade 10 |
Grade |
Grade 12 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Gietler | Mr. Jordan | A-C | A-D | A-Ch | A-C |
| Mrs. Kelly | Mr. Jordan | D-F | E-Ha | Ci-F | D-F |
| Mrs. Kelly | Mrs. Maloney | G-H | He-J- | G-H | G-K |
| Mrs. Alegre | Mrs. Maloney | I-O | K-Q | I-O | L-p |
| Mrs. Ducharme | Mrs. Burke | P-R | R-Sch | P-R | R-Sc |
| Ms. Rounds | Mrs. Burke | S-Z | Se-Z | S-Z | S-Z |
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Communication between school and the home is a vital component of the educational process. We strongly encourage you to be active participants in the education of your child. Our hope is that this document will inform you about academic requirements, course offerings, scheduling procedures, and activities. Counselors will be happy to answer questions about the course selection process as well as what might be required to achieve educational and vocational objectives. Please feel free to call, e-mail, or make an appointment to address any questions or concerns you may have. The scheduling process is lengthy and requires constant communication. Cooperation from all involved greatly contributes to an educational atmosphere that is orderly and organized. Please understand that our objective is to provide appropriate schedules for all of our students and faculty in a manner that contributes to the most smooth and effective delivery of our programs. Thank you for your role in this process.
Course Changes / Drops
Careful planning goes into the construction of a student’s schedule. Therefore, course changes and drops are not permitted arbitrarily. If a program of study is inappropriate, a meeting will be scheduled with parent, student, teacher, counselor, principal, and lead teacher if necessary.
Students must remain in the courses they selected. If a student encounters any difficulty, it is highly recommended that they work with their teacher after school or during study hall and lunch. In addition, counselors can assist students with time management and homework/test taking strategies. At any point in time, counselors can also set a student up with a National Honor Society tutor. We are committed to helping students challenge themselves academically and reaching their potential.
Graduation Requirements
Program Selection
PROCEDURES FOR PROGRAM SELECTION
- Read and discuss the course description booklet with your parents.
- Note particularly the following:
- High school graduation requirements
- Course descriptions and prerequisites
- Teachers will make electronic recommendations to the school counselor by February
- Counselors will be meeting with students individually from February to March to select appropriate courses based on teacher recommendations, and counselor, student, and parent input.
- Parents will receive a letter at the end of March listing all of their son/daughter’s courses for the upcoming school year.
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Resources
College Bound Student Athletes
College-bound student athletes preparing to enroll in a Division I or II school need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to ensure they have met the standards required and are academically prepared for college course work.Common Application
The Common Application currently allows students to apply to 488 different colleges, and is currently our application of choice for students applying to two or more colleges. Students applying to colleges that do not use the common application should consider either the SUNY application, or individual college websites.SAT
In addition to testing information(SAT I, SAT II, AP) this site includes college information for students, parents, teachers and counselors.FAFSA
Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid on the U.S. Department of Education website. Or, you can download and print a copy of the form.ACT
In addition to testing information(ACT) this site includes college information for students, parents, teachers and counselors.SCOIR
Canandaigua Academy Counseling Center is pleased to announce that we have implemented a new college guidance management system called Scoir (pronounced "score"). This new, modern online system will streamline the process of requesting, processing, sending and tracking the electronic delivery of all application-related documents. More importantly, it's much more helpful for students and parents during the college search and selection process.On Scoir, colleges come to life through pictures, videos and links that highlight active student clubs and organizations. This better enables students to identify colleges that are a good fit with their personal and academic interests, which increases college retention. You will also be able to see what colleges are visiting and sign up to meet with the Admissions Representative.
Scoir also provides parents with useful financial calculators so you can determine the likely cost of attendance at different colleges and consider the affordability when deciding where to apply. These features, along with more convenient scheduling and communication tools, will help keep everyone informed and engaged throughout the college application process.
Scoir exists to help more students achieve more positive outcomes, and we're excited that our students have access to this system and the opportunities it provides. If a student or parent has not accessed their account and would like to please email Mrs. Schaertl schaertld@canandaiguaschools.org to receive an invitation link.
Scholarships
New Scholarships from the Counseling Center
In Addition
IN addition to ones listed please feel free to do a national search using FASTWEB.COMFASNY Help Tuition Reimbursement Program
FASNY HELP “Student-Volunteers” are eligible to have up to $1500 of their tuition reimbursed in exchange for maintaining defined grades and fulfilling established service requirements in one of New York’s volunteer fire companies. There is no restriction on the type of academic course(s) you can pursue. To participate in FASNY HELP you must be an active volunteer firefighter in good standing. Student-volunteers must re-apply each semester they wish to participate in FASNY HELP. Limited to 100 participants- finalist will be chosen by random lotter if more than 100 applicants2021 Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Award
Offered by the Women’s Council, (an affiliate of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce).
This award is designed to recognize young women who are outstanding leaders, are involved in their communities and are dynamic individuals who possess strength, wisdom and vision. This year is extra special as we have completely refreshed the event including the submission requirements and format. We are hopeful that even more amazing young women will be interested! We are looking to you to help us get the word out to your female senior body.Submissions are now being accepted through March 22nd, 2021, and all requirements can be found at on our website.
P.E.O. Chapter CQ Scholarship and the Helen Newman Gardner Scholarship
Application for the PEO Chapter CQ Scholarship and the Helen Newman Gardner Scholarship
DUE 3/20Qualification requirements:
- Female high school graduating senior who is expected to attend a US institution of higher learning
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Community service engagement
- US citizen or permanent legal resident
- Live in Livingston, Ontario, or Yates Counties
Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship
We want to share a unique scholarship opportunity for high school seniors offered by our partners at Amazon. The Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship awards high school students a life-changing opportunity - a $40,000 scholarship for college and a guaranteed internship at Amazon following their freshman year of college.Applications are now open for the, Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship and we’d love for you to encourage your students, past or present, to apply! The deadline to apply is February 18th.
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Program
Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants are pleased to be able to continue with our scholarship program for the 15th year.
We will be awarding up to $1,000 to the winner(s) each year.
Scholarship Deadline - June 12, 2021.
Application Process:
Students will submit an essay on the topic that appears on the scholarship page of our web site.The Ontario Children’s Foundation Education Committee
The Education Committee awards interest-free loans to individuals who are legal Ontario County residents and who wish to attend a higher education institution. Students applying must demonstrate financial need and be under 21 years of age during the current application calendar year. Students must complete the application process and submit all necessary financial documentation. Apply between April 1 and May 21Equitable Excellence Scholarship
Students who have demonstrated courage, strength and wisdom as shown by community impact through volunteer service have the opportunity to receive a $2,500, $10,000 or $25,000 scholarship. To recognize the important role their dedicated educators play in guiding these students along their path to success, we also award a $1,000 grant to every Equitable Excellence winner’s high school.Rochester Area Community Foundation
Additional Scholarship informationCappex
Additional Scholarship informationScholly
Additional Scholarship informationStudent Scholarships
Additional Scholarship informationThompson Health Guild Scholarships
Scholarships are given by the Guild to encourage young people to enter one of the many health care fields of study. Scholarship recipients must be registered in a human health-related field and must successfully complete their first college semester with the intent to study the second semester in a human health-related field. The Thompson Health Guild will award up to four scholarships each year, depending on applications received for viable student candidates.General Guidelines for the Thompson Health Guild Scholarships are as follows:
- Letters are mailed to local High School guidance counselors with link to online application
- Eligible districts for the scholarship (based on Thompson Health's service area) are: Bloomfield, Canandaigua, Geneva, Honeoye, Honeoye Falls-Lima, Livonia, Marcus Whitman, Midlakes, Mynderse, Naples, Newark, Palmyra-Macedon, Penn Yan, Red Jacket, Victor and Waterloo.
- Online Applications must be submitted by the student and guidance counselor and submitted no later than April 9.
NYCUA Rochester Chapter Scholarship
The Rochester Chapter of the New York Credit Union Association awards a minimum of $10,000 in scholarship funds to outstanding high school seniors.
A student who is applying must:- Be a Reliant member.
- Be a college-bound high school senior at the time of application.
- Attend either a two- or four-year accredited educational institution for the first time in the fall of 2021.
- Complete the application and required essay, and obtain the required transcripts.
- Sign the paperwork and get the signature of a parent or guardian as well.
Application Deadline: February 26, 2021. NYCUA Rochester Chapter Scholarship
The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International's DKG Omega Grant in Aid Scholarship
DUE 3/1
For those looking to pursue a teaching degreeClick here for the Application
Scholarships in the scholarship bin will be updated when new ones come out. Most scholarships will have new applications coming out throughout the school year. Talk to Mr. Gietler if you have scholarship-related questions.
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ACT and SAT Tests
Compare the ACT and SAT tests
- ACT includes a Science section
- SAT includes one SAT Math Section on which you may not use a calculator
Pdf download -Compare the ACT and SAT testSAT ACT Why Take It Colleges use SAT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Colleges use ACT scores for admissions and merit-based scholarships. Test Structure - Reading
- Writing & Language
- Math
- Essay (Optional)
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science Reasoning
- Essay (Optional)
Length - 3 hours (without essay)
- 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay)
- 2 hours, 55 minutes (without essay)
- 3 hours, 40 minutes (with essay)
Reading 5 reading passages 4 reading passages Science None 1 science section testing your critical thinking skills (not yourspecific science knowledge)
Math Covers: - Arithmetic
- Algebra I & II
- Geometry, Trigonometry and Data Analysis
Covers: - Arithmetic
- Algebra I & II
- Geometry, Trigonometry, and Probability &Statistics
Calculator Policy Some math questions don't allow you to use a calculator. You can use a calculator on all math questions. Essays Optional. The essay will test your comprehension of a source text. Optional. The essay will test how well you evaluate and analyze complex issues. How It's Scored Scored on a scale of 400–1600 Scored on a scale of 1–36 The New SAT
Total Testing Time: 3 hours (plus 50 minutes for the Essay [optional])
Components:
- Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
- Reading Test
- Writing and Language Test
- Math
- Essay (optional)
Important Features:
- Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success
- Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact
- Rights-only scoring (no penalty for guessing).
Essay:
- Optional and given at the end of the SAT; postsecondary institutions determine whether they will require the Essay for admission
- 50 minutes to write the essay
- Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text
Score Reporting:
- Scale ranging from 400 to 1600
- Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three dimensions for Essay
- Essay results reported separately
Subscore Reporting: Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, admission officers, educators, and counselors
Test Length and Timing Compared
Component Time Allotted (min.) Number of Questions/Tasks Reading 65 52 Writing and Language 35 44 Essay (optional) 50 1 Math 80 58 Total 180 (230 with Essay) 154 (155 with Essay) Pdf download - New SAT Information
About the ACT
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc.
The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.
Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.ACT Basics
ACT Length - 2 hrs, 55 minutes (plus 40 minutes if taking ACT with writing)ACT Sections -
- English
- Math
- Reading
- Science
- Writing (optional)
Cost -
US without Writing: $50.50 USD
US with Writing: $67.00 USDMax. Score - 36
Avg. Score - 21
When should I take the ACT?
Most high school students take the ACT, SAT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. The ACT exam is offered nationally every year in September, October, December, February, April, June, and July.Pdf download - What is the ACT?
Overview of College Admission
PDF's to download:
- Tips for Visiting Colleges
- Once you're on Campus
- Factors to Consider when Choosing a College
- College Admission Terms and Processes
Overview of College Admission Testing
Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT)
The PSAT/NMSQT provides students with a practice test in preparation for the SAT. The PSAT/NMSQT is also used in the selection of the top scholars in the country for the awarding of National Merit Scholarships. The PSAT is divided into two sections:
- Evidence Based Reading and Writing
- Math
PSAT scores are reported in the range of 20-80 in each of the two sections. The NMSQT selection index (evidence based reading and writing plus math score) is determined annually. The minimum score to receive national recognition varies from year to year. PSAT scores are not used by colleges ad admission criteria.
Suggested Testing Date: October of Junior year.
The Admissions Interview
Most interviews with admission counselors are informal, “getting to know you” conversations. However, you should be prepared to talk about yourself. Here are some questions you might expect from the interviewer:
- How is your college search proceeding?
- What kinds of things are you looking for in a college?
- What courses are you currently taking?
- Are you pleased with your high school records?
- Have you worked hard in high school?
- What kinds of activities have been important to you outside the classroom?
- How have you spent your summers?
- Tell me a little about your family.
- What thoughts have you had for majors in college?
- What questions do you have for me?
How College Admission Decisions Are Made
There are several factors which college admissions officers consider before making a decision on a candidate’s application. Although few colleges would give exactly the same weight to all items on this list, most would agree that the following would be considered in determining whether an applicant would be accepted or rejected.
Academic Record
Your high school record is the best predictor of how well you will do in college. Performance in your courses is probably the single most important criteria in the admissions decision. Your entire high school career, not just your junior and senior years, will be evaluated.Course Selection
Students who have selected a strong course of study will be in a much better position than a student who has taken a weak load even though the weak load has resulted in a higher overall average. It should be noted that most colleges use on the academic courses in computing your average for acceptance to their school. For example, they are most interested in your English, Social Studies, Math, Science and Language courses. To demonstrate your ability to succeed in college, you are encouraged to take the most challenging program you are capable of handling in high school.Standardized Test Scores
Many colleges require students to take the SAT and/or ACT tests. These tests are viewed as a measure of ability to do college level work. While the SAT has been more well known in past years, the ACT has grown in acceptance and now most colleges will either the SAT or ACT. It is wise to take both of these tests. These tests can be taken more than once and most colleges will accept the highest score achieved. Note, however, that test scores are only one factor (and not the most significant) in the admissions process.Extracurricular Activities
Most colleges will be interested in your extracurricular activities, especially in leadership abilities which you might have developed. The quality of your activities and commitment to ideas and goals, not quantity is important. A student who has clearly made a contribution in some fashion to school or community is a stronger applicant than the uninvolved student. Be sure to include any honors and/or awards received on your activity resume.Recommendations
Letter of recommendation from counselors, teachers, employers, or other adults will be required at many colleges. In many cases, your counselor will be asked to write a letter of recommendation, so be sure to make him/her aware of any information which should be included.Interview
A personal interview can provide an opportunity for you to present strengths which might not have been included on your application. Check college catalogs to see if an interview is required or suggestedLevel of Interest
College admissions officers take into consideration the level of interest that you have expressed in their school. You express interest by visiting campus, attending open houses or college fairs, and by communicating on a regular basis with admissions representatives.Pdf downloads -
Overview of College Admission
The Admission's Interview
How College Admission Decisions are made -
Career Exploration Tools
Technical and Career Center
Wayne-Finger Lakes BOCESOccupational Outlook Handbook
The Occupational Outlook Handbook is the government's premier source of career guidance featuring hundreds of occupationsSummer Opportunities
Marist College - Summer Pre-College
Programs in Business, Creative Writing, Criminal Justice, Digital Movie Making, Environmental Science, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Game Design, Spanish, Sports Communication, and TheatreUniversity of Rochester - Pre-College Programs
Boston University - Summer Programs
Very Special Camps
There are Summer Camp opportunities for students with disabilities and special needs. Information can be found hereVolunteer Opportunities
Sonnenberg Gardens is always looking for volunteers for the summer. Specifically they are looking for:- Gardeners
- Gift shop attendants
- Admissions workers
- Docents & Walking Tour guides
- Office Assistance
Call 585-364-4922 or email volunteers@sonnenberg.org
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Safe & Drug Free Schools
Department of Education siteNational Association of School Psychologist
Help for Parents and Families
Coping with COVID: Tips for parents of children and adolescents
This is a resource that helps parents and other caregivers recognize and help children and adolescence cope with stress.Parenting in the Pandemic
Teen mental health and wellness resource This is a collection of articles relevant to parenting during the pandemic including useful tips and reminders.Suicide Prevention
Brief suicide prevention awaremess video from the Mayo Clinic. This is a video that dispels the myths about suicide and instructs parents on what to do if their child is depressed or if the parent suspects their child is having suicidal thoughts.Suicide Prevention Center of NY
Resource Library - NYS Office of Mental Health's Suicide Prevention CenterHelp for Students
Act to Change
Grew out of a White House public awareness initiative to address bullying, discrimination, and hate crimes against Asian American Pacific Islander, Sikh, Muslim, and immigrant youth. The website has a Racism is a Virus Toolkit for classroom use along with an anti-bullying presentation that can be downloaded.BEAM
Black Emotional and Mental Health is a national training, movement building and grant making organization dedicated to the healing, wellness and liberation of Black and marginalized communities.Crisis Text Line
Provides free, 24/7 crisis support by text
The text number below will direct you to a contact not affiliated with the Canandaigua City School District.
Text ‘Got5’ to 741741 to be connected to a trained Crisis Counselor Line provides free, 24/support by text.
Text "HELLO" to 741741 to be connected to a trained Crisis CounselorPress Pause
This website is a wellness skills builder, with videos and tips for stress reduction/coping.Suicide Prevention Hotline
The Jed Foundation
Transitioning into adulthood can bring big changes and intense challenges. The Jed Foundation (JED) empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.The Trevor Project
Offers tools, resource, crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.Therapy for Black Girls
Has a great podcast and offers other resources and tools
