Guidance and Counseling
A note from the Guidance and Counseling Department, Mrs. Somerville, Mrs. Eckstein, and Mr. Hervela. We want you to know that we are here with you, we are here for you, and we miss you. Although these are uncertain times we want you to know that we will get through this together. Below you will find links to very important information. The first link is a form to request a virtual guidance/counseling visit from your assigned counselor. For seniors who need to request transcripts is a link to Parchment. For students, especially seniors, working on credit recovery is a link to E2020. Third, for students taking Michigan virtual classes you will find a link to Michigan Virtual. You must complete these courses in order to receive a grade and credit. This is especially important for seniors who are taking a virtual course for graduation. And last but not least, you will find information to help you cope during this Covid-19 crisis.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxZ-qFj0rY2KhYt7lpvQcvMirehXzbIlTvy3oMcQVwvYVP_A/viewform
https://dev.education2020.com/Authentication/Login/Student
https://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Style%20Library/99%20Coping%20Skills%20Poster.pdf
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: SAT Test Dates, Scholarships, Financial Aid, NCAA-College Athletics, Dual Enrollment, Counseling Opportunites For Students, and Prevention Programs.
ACT/SAT
The spring 2020 MME testing has been canceled. Students interested in taking the ACT or SAT can access the websites below to inquire when either exam will be given (when and where).
(Gaylord code: 231-620)
Free ACT online prep and registration, college and career planning - www.act.org
SAT test information: www.collegeboard.com
(Gaylord code: 231-620)
Test Out Materials
Next Test Out Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 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
Psychology Test Out Materials
Psychology Final Project
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 Sem 1
English 10 Test Out Packet Sem 2
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
Alcohol
HIV AIDS STD
Making Health Choices
Managing Stress
Nutrition
Personality, Self Esteem and Emotions
Preventing Violence
Relationships
Tobacco and Other Drugs
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
Northland Area Federal Credit Union Jerry Erickson Scholarship: Applicant must be a Northland Area Federal Credit Union primary member on account in good standing. Minimum GPA of 3.0. High school transcript needed. Applications available outside of Guidance Office, and online at https://www.northlandcu.com, or /downloads/counseling_pages/jerry_erickson_scholarship.pdf. Deadline: March 1, 2021.
Community Financial Margaret Dunning, Ron Carlson and George Lawton Scholarships (20, $1500): Student must have his/her own Community Financial account, plus be enrolled or anticipate enrollment in an accredited institution for the Fall 2021 semester. Student must demonstrate the "People Helping People" philosophy. Applications must be made online and will be available beginning early January. To submit an application, go to https://cfcu.org/scholarships. Click on the "Apply Now" link to get started. Latest transcript and one letter of recommendation required. Deadline: March 8, 2021.
Otsego Community Foundation (Fifteen various scholarships awarded): Application opens on February 2, 2021. Students apply online at https://www.otsegofoundation.org/apply/scholarships/. Two letters of recommendation will be needed, as well as high school transcripts and SAT scores. Biographical essay optional. If you are an Early College student, you are only eligible to apply in your 5th year. Deadline: March 11, 2021.
GRBS Perseverance Award ($1,000): Whether it is family, personal, or financial hardships, this scholarship is meant to acknowledge perseverance. Please attach your story of the challenge or hardship you faced, and how through your actions and motivation, you were able to find success. Complete application and attach personal essay or video. Deadline: March 14, 2021. Applications are available outside the GHS Guidance Office, or at /downloads/counseling_pages/grbs_scholarship_application_2021.pdf.
Kiwanis Scholarship (2, $1,000): Student must be a senior living in Otsego County or attending an Otsego County school. Primary consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated service to their community. High school transcript and letter of recommendation required. Consideration will also be given to work experience and extra-curricular activities. A personal statement must also be included with the application. Applications are available outside the Guidance Office, or at /downloads/counseling_pages/kiwanis_scholarship.pdf. Deadline: March 25, 2021. Note: Early College students may only apply in their 5th year.
Great Lakes Energy Scholarships (4, $2,500): Applicant must be a Michigan resident and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicant must be planning on pursuing a degree in either Information Technology or Electrical Engineering in the fall 2021 term. Complete application, with short essay. Include high school transcript and two letters of recommendation. Applications available outside the Guidance Office, or online at https://www.gtlakes.com/youth-programs/. Deadline: March 31, 2021.
VFW Post 1518 Scholarships (4, $1,000): Students must be children or grandchildren of a veteran and plan on attending an accredited college or university. To qualify, applicant must be a high school senior (or an Early College student in his/her 5th year), live or attend school in Otsego County, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applications are located outside of Guidance Office, as well as at /downloads/counseling_pages/vfw_scholarship_2021.pdf. Deadline: April 1, 2021.
North Central Michigan College's Presidential Scholarship (full tuition and fees, up to 4 semesters): Student must plan on becoming a full-time student at NCMC and have a minimum GPA of 3.5. Early College students do not qualify. Please see Mrs. Eckstein in Guidance for further details. Deadline: April 9, 2021.
Northland Sportsmen's Club Scholarship ($1,000): Student must have a 2.5 GPA minimum, and exhibit outstanding citizenship and true sportsmanship. 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. Two letters of recommendation required, plus a high school transcript. Student must be accepted by a college or university. Please include a letter or essay stating accomplishments and future goals. Applications are available outside Guidance Office, and online at /downloads/counseling_pages/northland_sportsmens_club_scholarship_2020-2021.pdf. Deadline: April 29, 2021.
Gaylord Blue Devil Boosters Club Scholarships: Applicant must be a graduating Gaylord Blue Devil athlete. Student must complete application, along with a short essay. High school transcript necessary. (Early College students may only apply in their 4th year.) Applications are available outside Guidance and at /downloads/counseling_pages/gaylord_blue_devil_athletic_booster_scholarships_2020-2021.docx. Deadline: May 7, 2021.
Northwest Linemen College Scholarships ($1,000- $3,000): For additional information, go to https://linemen.edu/students-home/nlc-programs/elp/tuition-funding/.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships ($500-$40,000): Applying to college is a complicated process, so the College Board has created a program that guides you through it. It doesn't require an essay, application, or minimum GPA. Instead, it rewards your effort and initiative. Complete key steps along your path to college for a chance to earn scholarships. Go to https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/ to enter. Scholarships will be awarded through monthly drawings to students who complete each action.
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.
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, 2020, 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 31st of the student's graduating year and before age 20. 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 Gaylord Blue Devil Wellness Clinic 989-732-6890 for more information.
AP Exams
* AP Exams for the 2019/2020 school year will be still be administered by the College Board. The College Board is developing online exams that will be taken at the students home. Students who already registered for an AP exam are enrolled to take the exam(s) they choose. Students will receive information through the emails they used to register with the College Board back in the fall when they created their College Board accounts. This includes GHS students who are taking an AP class through Michigan Virtual. The AP teachers will be passing on more information to the students through Google Classroom. The following link has more information:
https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/educators/taking-the-exams/ap-exam-schedule
