Guidance and Counseling
Welcome to the Gaylord High School Guidance and Counseling Office Website. Our goal is to provide services in educational development, career development, and in social/emotional development. These services include counseling, consulting, and coordinating.
Mrs. Somerville is responsible for students with the last name beginning with A-G, students with a 504 plan, and students who receive special education services. Mrs. Eckstein is responsible for students with the last name beginning with H-O, and Mr. Hervela is responsible for students with the last name beginning with P-Z.
Below you will find information on the following: ACT Test Dates, Scholarships, Financial Aid, NCAA-College Athletics, Dual Enrollment, Counseling Opportunites For Students, and Prevention Programs.
ACT/SAT
2017 - 2018 ACT Test Dates
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Fee Required |
|---|---|---|
| Dec. 9, 2017 | Nov. 3, 2017 | Nov. 17, 2017 |
Feb. 10, 2018 Jan. 12, 2018 Jan. 19, 2018
(Gaylord code: 231-620)
Free ACT online prep and registration, college and career planning
2017 - 2018 SAT Test Dates
| Test Date | Registration Deadline |
|---|---|
| Dec. 2, 2017 |
Nov. 3, 2017 |
March 10, 2018 Feb. 9, 2018
SAT test information: www.collegeboard.com
(Gaylord code: 231-620)
Test Out Materials
Next Test Out Date: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. in the GHS Guidance Office.
Algebra 2 Test Out Packet
Biology 2nd Semester Exam Review
Biology Test Out Materials
Geometry Test Out Packet 1
Geometry Test Out Packet 2
Intro to English and Arch Drafting Test Out
PE Test Out Packet
Spanish I Show Project​
Spanish I Ruberic for Show Project
Spanish I Grammar for all of Spanish
Spanish II Test Out Packet
Spanish III Test Out Materials
US History Test Out
World History Test Out
World History Test out Packet 2
World History Test Out Packet 3
BCT Test Out Packet 1
BCT Test Out Packet 2
BCT Test Out Packet 3
Economics Test Out Packet 1
Economics Test Out Packet 2
Economics Test Out Packet 3
English 10 Test Out Packet
Algebra I test out packet 1
Algebra I test out packet 2
Chemistry Test out packet
Civics Test Out materials
Physics test out materials
Pre-calc test out materials
English 9 packet 1
English 9 packet 2
English 9 packet 3
English 9 packet 4
Health test out all strands
Health Test Out materials No HIV
Health Study Guide Resources
Career Exploration
Sites for Career Exploration
Pathfinder
-Search for the hottest, most interesting careers!
-Find out how much money you could make.
-Discover the latest career trends.
-Learn more about Michigan schools that can help you get there.
-Prep for the cool, fun and independent life you want to live.
Find your career path right now at http://pathfinder@mitalent.org.
EduTrek
Students can search database for colleges by state, degree, and subject. Offers a free matching service.
Career Cruising
Students assess their interests and skills while matching them to possible career options.
Username: GCSD-XX (last two digits of graduation year) last name first initial
Password: School ID#
(Example: GCSD-17SmithJ)
College App Map
A great resource to find apps to support, inform, and coach you to and through college.
Bureau of Labor Statistics
(click on "career exploration")
Occupational Outlook Handbook
A guide to career information
Career One Stop
(click on "explore careers", then complete self-assessments)
MAT2 MICHIGAN ADVANCED TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAM
[MAT2 Logo] MAT2– the Michigan Advanced Technician Training Program – is an innovative, industry-driven approach to education. Developed in conjunction with global industry technology leaders to combine theory, practice and work to train a globally competitive workforce, MAT² addresses two critical issues facing the manufacturing and technology industries: a widening skills gap and an aging workforce. This initiative functions similar to an apprenticeship program, where students alternate between classroom instruction and on-the-job training, gaining the necessary hands-on skills and real-world experiences for them to become a successful and productive member of the workforce. Watch video: https://youtu.be/KSzC5Wtmsu4
Scholarships
National Co-Op Scholarship Program ($6,000, with possible yearly renewal)--Student must be a graduating senior with at least a 3.5 GPA. Student must be planning on pursuing a college cooperative education program (approved institutions can be found on application). Student must be accepted at the institution and have completed the online application and essay (200 words). Deadline: February 15, 2019. For additional information and application, go to http://www.waceinc.org.
MEA Scholarship ($750-$1500)--Student must be a dependent of a MEA member in good standing and will attend or is currently attending a Michigan public degree-granting institution or vocational school. Consideration will be based on academic achievement, school and community service, and extracurricular activities. (Priority will be given to students from lower income households.) At least one letter of recommendation will be needed. Applications are available outside the Guidance Office or online at https://mea.org/mea-scholarship/. Deadline: February 21, 2019.
Springs Window Fashions Scholarship (up to $1,000)--Student must have excellent attendance and better than average grades. Student must be planning on attending a local college to study either a business or technical field. High school transcript must be submitted with application to Mrs. Eckstein in Guidance. Deadline: February 25, 2019. Applications available outside the Guidance Department in the senior hallway.
Northland Area Federal Credit Union (up to $10,000)--Student must be a member in good standing at the credit union and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Deadline: March 1, 2019. Applications are available outside the Guidance Office at GHS, or online at https://www.northlandcu.com.
Making the Turn Against Parkinson's Scholarship ($5,000)--Student must be a Michigan resident and a relative of a patient (living or deceased) diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Student must be accepted, or enrolled, in an institution of higher learning. Candidates must submit an original creative work of their own making that evokes an emotional response about Parkinson's disease. (Examples given in packet) Deadline: March 1, 2019. Additional information and application packets available in the senior hallway outside of the Guidance Office.
GRBS Perseverance Award ($1,000)--Student must complete an application and write a personal essay on a challenge or hardship he/she has had to overcome. Applications are available outside the Guidance Office. Deadline: March 4, 2019.
Otsego Community Foundation (15 scholarships, various amounts)--Student must apply online at http://www.otsegofoundation.org. Two letters of recommendation, SAT scores, and high school transcript will be required. (If you are an Early College participant, you may only apply during your 5th year.) Deadline: March 7, 2019.
Community Financial Scholarship Fund (20, $1,500)--Student must have own personal account at Community Financial and demonstrates the credit union's "People Helping People" philosophy. Student must apply online at http://cfcu.org/scholarships. One letter of recommendation and latest high school transcript will be required. Deadline: March 15, 2019.
Kiwanis Club of Gaylord Scholarship ($1,000)--Student must be a senior attending an Otsego County school. Consideration will be given to community service involvement, work experience, extra-curricular activities, grade point, and SAT scores. A high school transcript, letter of recommendation, and personal statement will be required. Applications and additional information available outside the GHS Guidance Office. Deadline: March 21, 2019.
VFW Post 1518 Scholarship (4, $1,000)--Student must be the son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter of a veteran, and plan on attending an accredited college or university. Student must be a senior, or 5th-year Early College student, attending school in Otsego County. GPA minimum: 3.0. Must include a transcript with submission. Applications available outside the Guidance Office at GHS. Deadline: March 29, 2019.
Bay Area Desk and Derrick Club Scholarship (2, $1,000)--Student must be a senior planning on attending college in the fall, and is entering a field related to petroleum, energy, or any allied industry (OR related to anyone working in one of the above industries). One letter of reference is required. Applications are available outside the GHS Guidance Office. Deadline: April 12, 2019.
Northland Sportsmen's Club Scholarships (2, 1 male/1 female)--Student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and include high school transcript with application. Two letters of recommendation will be needed, plus a letter stating accomplishments and future goals. Outstanding citizenship and true sportsmanship are key. Preference will be given to those able to provide evidence of preserving the environment, upholding game laws, and know the safe/proper use of firearms. Deadline: April 26, 2019. Applications available outside the GHS Guidance Office.
Gaylord Blue Devil Boosters Club Scholarships (amounts vary)--Student must be a Gaylord Blue Devil athlete. Student must complete application, including short essay, and attach a high school transcript. Applications are available outside the Guidance Office door. Deadline: May 10, 2019.
Other Scholarships
List of scholarships by state
List of national scholarships
NROTC Scholarship Program: Additional information can be found at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil.
Financial Aid
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Begin after Oct.1st.
Financial Aid Night
October 24, 2018, at 6:00 pm in the GHS library.
Dear High School Senior: As you complete your final year of high school and prepare for your postsecondary options, the following should be considered to maximize your opportunities for State of Michigan aid programs.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A FAFSA is required each year to receive state aid, regardless of the program. The FAFSA must be submitted by March 1, 2018 to be considered on time for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship and Michigan Tuition Grant. The FAFSA can be completed at https://fafsa.gov.
• After your FAFSA is received, create a MiSSG Student Portal account at www.michigan.gov/missg to complete aid program applications and monitor your eligibility status. Our office awards the first college/university listed on your FAFSA. If you decide to attend a different institution, please update this in the MiSSG Student Portal or call us at 1-888-447-2687.
• If you scored 1200 or higher on the SAT, you may qualify for the Michigan Competitive Scholarship (MCS). For consideration of the MCS, we need to associate your SAT score with your FAFSA. To complete this process, we need your Social Security Number (SSN). Your SSN may already be in our system, but we recommend that you ask your high school counselor to check your information in the MiSSG High School Counselor Portal or you can call us at 1-888-447-2687 to check.
• If you are eligible for the Tuition Incentive Program (TIP), you must complete your application by August 31, 2018. o To check your TIP eligibility and complete an application, log into the MiSSG Student Portal at www.michigan.gov/missg or call us at 1-888-447-2687. Some colleges/universities have separate deadlines for TIP students. If you are TIP eligible, contact the financial aid office of the college/university that you plan on attending to learn about their process for TIP students. To learn more about our programs and resources, please visit www.michigan.gov/mistudentaid. Connect with us on social media @mistudentaid.
NCAA - College Athletics
It is extremely important to let your Coach and Counselor know if you plan to participate in college level athletics! Counselors know the ropes for initial eligibility and will help guide you through the process.
All Gaylord courses have been submitted to the NCAA eligibility center; however, not all courses have been approved. Talk with Mrs.Eckstein to make sure you are taking the right classes for NCAA eligibility.
Key Links
Dual Enrollment
General GHS Dual Enrollment Requirements & Information
The Dual Enrollment program enables students at Gaylord High School to enroll in classes offered by North Central Michigan College and Kirtland Community College and earn college credit while still in high school.
- Students can qualify for dual enrollment by taking one of the following assessments: PSAT, SAT, ACT, or MME. Contact your Guidance Counselor to see if your scores qualify.
- The college courses cannot be a hobby, craft, or recreation course, or in the subject areas of physical education, theology, divinity, or religious education.
- The district must not offer the college courses.
- School districts are required to pay the lesser of:
- The actual charge for tuition, mandatory course fees, materials fees, and registration fees; or
- That state portion of the students' foundation allowance, adjusted to the proportion of the school year they attend the postsecondary institution.
- Understand that dual enrollment may effect your class rank and GPA.
- Be aware that dual enrollment classes may conflict with GHS extra-curricular activities. It is expected that the college schedule take precedence over all GHS scheduled events.
- If a student withdraws from, or fails a dual enrollment class, he/she will be billed for the class and textbook. Classes typically cost between $600-$700 per semester, not including the textbook(s).
Always check to see if your college course will transfer to a four year Michigan university (www.macrao.org)
Contact Mrs. Eckstein with any questions at (989) 705-3108.
Counseling Opportunities
Topics include anxiety, stress, coping strategies, depression, and bereavement. Please call Mrs. Somerville for more details at 731-0969 to schedule your student for counseling.
Contact Amanda at Gaylord Blue Devil Wellness Clinic 989-732-6890 for more information.
Prevention Programs
The Sound of Your Voice is a short animated video that encourages parents to talk with their young adults about the consequences of underage alcohol use.
Talking With Your College-Bound Young Adult About Alcohol is a companion guide for parents that emphasizes their continuing influence on alcohol use decisions by their young adults. It offers tips on how to discuss this issue before and during college.
This year the students enrolled in Health Class will receive a Bullying Prevention Lesson. They will learn the definition of bullying, be introduced to Matt's Safe Law, and learn a specific strategy to deal with bullying if they are a victim or bystander, STOP-WALK-TALK, strategy. If you would like more information about this program please contact Mrs. Somerville in the guidance office.
Need help having the drug talk? There's an app for that (http://talksooner.org/apps).
Talk Early. Talk Often. Here's how.
Visit http://TalkSooner.org, or download the app. Learn conversation starters.
Research proves that children and teens whose parents are engaged and hands-on in their day-to-day lives are much less likely to misuse prescription drugs, smoke or drink alcohol.
Guidance Staff
