Welcome, to the guidance page of O.H. Platt High School.  This page was created to provide students and their parents with the latest information on guidance related topics. Here you will find information on SATs, scholarships, announcements, community service, and other related topics. If you are looking for something and cannot find it, do not hesitate to call the Director of Guidance, Sue Vitcavage, at 235-7962, ext. 126.

Career Cruising

Career Cruising is now available to Platt Students. This on-line career planning program can be used for college searching, career exploration, interest assessments and much more! Take an assessment to see what career you would enjoy most or to help you decide what college major you should look into. The access information is as follows: www.careercruising.com
Username: platths Password: panthers

Please use the following links for navigating this page:

Staff | Counselors | Calendar | Scholarships | Scholarship Guide | Community Service

Platt Guidance Counselors

Ms. Daugherty: A-Diaz xxExt. 128

Mr. Grady: Dib-LexxxExt. 132

Miss. Fudge: Li-RexxxExt. 152

Mrs. Vitcavage: Rh-RocxxExt. 126

Mr. Lombardo: Rod-Z xxExt. 130

Guidance Support Staff

Mrs. Nancy Calkinsx Ext. 150 Secretary
Mrs. Samselxx xExt. 151 Clerk
Mrs. Campxxx Ext. 165 Clerk

Administrator Assignments:

A – L Mr. Levenduski
Ext. 121

M – Z Mr. Mierzejewski
Ext. 120

2010-2011
UPCOMING ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR PLANNING PURPOSES

SAT I & II TEST DATES

NOT ALL SAT II TESTS ARE GIVEN ON EACH TESTING DATE. Please refer to www.collegeboard.com for additional information and registration deadlines.

You will need a photo ID to take the SAT I and/or SAT II. Acceptable photo identification includes a driver's license, state issued ID, a valid passport or a student ID form available in the guidance office.

The ACT is another entrance exam sometimes used by colleges and universities. It is very popular in the western United States. It is becoming increasingly popular on the East Coast.

ACT TEST DATES

Please refer to www.actstudent.org for additional information and registration deadlines..

PLATT HIGH SCHOOL'S CEEB CODE IS 070388.

PLATT HIGH SCHOOL'S TEST CENTER NUMBER IS 07340.

AP EXAMS will be administered during the weeks of May 2 - 13, 2011.

Guidance News

There are many educational opportunities available to you. These include attending college and/or career/technical schools, serving in the military, performing an apprenticeship, and entering the work force.

The Guidance Department will assist you in preparing for your post graduate experience.

*If you would like to sign up to see your guidance counselor, visit the guidance office and sign up on the sheet posted as you enter the office. 

General Information:

Freshmen need to earn 5.25 credits to become a sophomores.  It is critical that you pass your courses in order to become a sophomore. If you do not earn 5.25 credits at the end of your freshman year, you will be placed in a freshman homeroom again next year.

Sophomores need to earn 10.25 credits to become juniors. If you do not earn 10.25 credits, you will be placed in a sophomore homeroom again next year.

Juniors need to earn 15.25 credits to become seniors. If you do not earn 15.25 credits, you will be placed in a junior homeroom again next year.

It is not too early to think about fulfilling your community service requirements.  All students are required to perform 20 hours of community service in order to graduate from high school.  Community service forms are available in the guidance office. Volunteer opportunities are posted regularly in the guidance office on the Comunity Service bulletin board. All community service hours must be completed at a "not for profit" organization.

It is important to pay careful attention to grades and get involved in school activities.  Be sure to speak with your teachers if you are having difficulty in any courses.  All teachers are available after school until 2:28 to assist you with homework and to review key concepts presented in class.

Helpful hint: If you are having difficulty, try to improve your study methods; there are many ways to study, which one or ones you use will depend on your individual style: re-read course material, copy over notes, re-work your homework problems, find a study partner, form a study group…

Working Papers are issued in the guidance office. Employers require working papers for students under the age of 18. You must bring your Promise to Employ letter (and a birth certificate, if you are not a Platt High School student) to one of the guidance clerks.

Athletes who are juniors and seniors...If you plan to compete in athletics in college, you need to apply to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Register online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net for information. After you register, be sure to print two copies of the registration and bring them to guidance. One copy is sent to the NCAA with your transcript and the second copy is sent with your final transcript. See your counselor for more information.

Important Sophomore note:

The CAPT (Connecticut Academic Performance Test) is taken during sophomore year and is a requirement for graduation. The CAPT is administered in March. Students are asssessed in the areas of Math, Reading, Writing and Science.

Important Junior notes:

Junior year is one of your most critical high school years.  A transcript (a record of all of your grades and credits earned while you are in high school) will be created at the end of your junior year. This is the transcript that will be sent to prospective colleges during your senior year. Your transcript is one of the important documents colleges will review as they determine whether to accept you for admission. It is critical to do your very best during your junior year.

Junior year is the time to focus on setting post graduate goals.  CHOICES, a computer program designed to match your interests with colleges and other post-graduate opportunities, is available in the counseling office, career center, and every classroom computer. Your guidance counselor will assist you with the CHOICES program to help you gather information about colleges you may be interested in applying to.  Additionally, online searches of colleges can be beneficial. Collegeboard.com has a wonderful program that is extremely informative.   It is important that juniors begin visiting colleges no later than during the summer before senior year.

Junior year is SAT year!  Most students take the SAT two to three times, as colleges ask for your best scores on the application.

Advanced Placement exams will take place in May. Juniors and seniors in AP level courses can register for the AP exam. Your teachers and counselors will keep you informed about registering for the AP.

REMEMBER: 20 Hours of community service are required for graduation.    Remember, without your community service hours, you CANNOT graduate.  

Platt HS Guidance Staff

Sue Vitcavage, Director of Guidance
Edward Grady, Guidance Counselor
Kathleen Daugherty, Guidance Counselor
Dana Fudge, Guidance Counselor
Keith Lombardo, Guidance Counselor
Sarah Davison, Career Pathways Facilitator
Michelle Dwyer, School Psychologist
Karen Mendelsohn, Social Worker
Thelma Shanklin, Outreach Worker
Nancy Calkins, Secretary
Barbara Samsel, Clerk
Lynn Camp, Clerk

Scholarships

Mayor/City Council Scholarship Program

Students who complete 100 hours of community service beyond the 20 hour graduation requirement may be eligible for a $1,000 or $500 scholarship from the city of Meriden.  This is based on service in Meriden and your grade point average.  Students with a 3.50 GPA or better can receive a $1,000 reward.  Students with a 2.50 GPA can receive a $500 reward.  These hours can be completed at any time during your high school career.  What a way to make some money for college and give back to your community!

Scholarships are coordinated by the Guidance Department.  The Guidance Department regularly posts and announces scholarship opportunities available to students. We encourage students and their parents to visit the Guidance Department to speak with your counselor about scholarships and to review those housed in the Guidance Office.

The Guidance Department announces the availability of scholarship application forms as they are received. Students are encouraged to listen carefully to morning announcements and to check information posted in the guidance office on a regular basis.

This webpage contains brief outlines of scholarships available to students. The scholarships are listed in alphabetical order. Additional scholarship opportunities may be found by calling or visiting the Guidance Department.
 
Many colleges and universities offer their own grants and scholarships. Students and parents seeking scholarship information at specific colleges and universities should check directly with those institutions and their websites.

Students and parents are encouraged to contact their guidance counselor or the guidance secretary for further information or clarification.

Click here for 2010 scholarship applications in pdf form.

  LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Name: A.A.R.P. CHAPTER 4644, MERIDEN

Eligibility: Student accepted for admission to an accredited college or university pursuing an education in the medical field.

Amount: Varies

Name:  (AAUW) GREATER MERIDEN BRANCH OF AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN COLLEGE CLUB

Eligibility:  College-bound senior who is ranked in the top 20% of the graduating class planning to attend a four year college or university and exhibiting financial need.

Amount:  Varies

NOTE:  SCHOLARSHIP FOLDER REQUIRED

Name:  ADELMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION, INC.

Eligibility:  Student pursuing a career in nursing.

Amount:  $500.00 

 Name: ALPHA DELTA KAPPA PSI CHAPTER 

Eligibility:  Student pursuing a degree in education. Student must have exemplary academic achievement, community and school involvement and evidence of future promise in the field of education.

Amount: Varies

Name:  AMERICAN LEGION POST #45

Eligibility:  Student having a “C” or better grade point average, applying to a university/college or technical institution.

Amount:  (2) $500.00

Name:  AMVETS POST 83 SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility:  Senior who is a son/daughter/grandchild of a veteran who will be attending an accredited 2 or 4 year college/university.  Scholarship is based on academic achievement and financial need. 

Amount:  Varies

Name: ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS

Eligibility: Student accepted for admission to an accredited college or university who has a scholarship folder on file with the Office of Pupil Personnel. Winner is chosen based on information contained in scholarship folder. No formal application is necessary.

Amount: Varies

Note: SCHOLARSHIP FOLDER REQUIRED

Name:  BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF MERIDEN

Eligibility:  Student who is a current or former member of the Boys & Girls Club.  Scholarship is based upon service to the club, local community, academic excellence, and financial need.

Amount:  (3) $500.00 and (1) $1000.00

Name: CIVITAN CLUB

Eligibility: Student who plans to pursue a career in special education or a field such as speech pathology, occupational therapy or physical therapy.

Amount: Varies

Name: COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLASTIC SCHOLARSHIP OF MERIDEN

Eligibility: Awards are available on two levels of funding to eligible seniors upon the fulfillment of the following criteria: 1.) student and family must live in Meriden for two years prior to application and maintain residency during application year; 2.) student must be accepted to a 2 or 4 year accredited institute of higher education; 3.) student must have 100 documented hours of voluntary service to the Meriden community; 4.) student must demonstrate responsible citizenship through regular on-time school attendance.

Amount:  Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 – 3.49:  $500.00                              Cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher: $1000.00

Name: CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN POLICE

Eligibility: Student pursuing a career in criminal justice.

Amount: Varies

Name: CUNO FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Student accepted for admission to an accredited college or university.

Amount: Several awards ranging from $2500.00 to $5000.00 each.

Name: DELTA KAPPA GAMMA SOCIETY OF WOMEN EDUCATORS (LAMBDA CHAPTER)

Eligibility: A college-bound graduating senior planning to enter a teacher education program that demonstrates qualities consistent with the promise of leadership in education, including scholarship, and community service.

Amount: $500.00

Name:  DENTAL SOCIETY OF MERIDEN-WALLINGFORD AND CHESHIRE

Eligibility:  Student enrolled in a dental education program.  Demonstrates academic success and exhibits financial need (hygienist and dental assistant are acceptable majors).

Amount:  (2) $750.00

Name: dePAOLA, TOMIE SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Graduating senior who has been accepted into an accredited visual arts program at a college or professional art school.

Amount: $1000.00

Note: Art portfolio required.

Name: ELKS NATIONAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Graduating senior, citizen of the United States.

Amount: $1000.00 - $5000.00 each year for four years

Name: FALCON ALUMNI ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: College-bound student/athlete. Based on athletic ability, scholastic achievement, character and financial need.

Amount: $1500.00 - distributed in two parts: $1000.00 first year; $500.00 second year

Name:  FILIPEK FAMILY TENNIS SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility:  College bound senior with a “C” minimum average, record of participation on the varsity tennis team and a documented record of community involvement.

Amount:  $500.00 - $1000.00

Name: FRANCO AMERICAN CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Any child or step-child of an active, retired or deceased member of the Franco-American Club admitted to an accredited college or institute of higher learning.  Based on academic achievement and participation in extra-curricular activities.

Amount: (2) $500.00 awards

Name: GREATER NEW HAVEN CHAPTER OF UCONN ALUMNI

Eligibility: Child/grandchild/sibling of a UCONN alumni who has been accepted and will be attending the University of Connecticut.  Must demonstrate academic success and exhibit financial need.

Amount: (2) $1000.00

Name: IRMA MORSE ART SCHOLARSHIP OF THE ARTS & CRAFTS ASSOCIATION

Eligibility: Student enrolled as an art student in a recognized college, community college or university.  Must have a C+ average or better.

Amount: Varies

Name: KIWANIS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Student accepted for admission to an accredited college or university.  Based on academic achievement, community involvement and leadership qualities demonstrated in school and clubs.

Amount: (3) $1000.00 awards - one each for Platt, Maloney and Wilcox

Note: Scholarship folder required

Name:  KIWANIS CLUB TRI-TOWN GOLDEN K SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility:  Student accepted for admission to an accredited college or technical school who possesses good character.

Amount:  $500.00

Name:  KLINE FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP – UCONN

Eligibility:  Seniors accepted to attend UCONN who have demonstrated a record of community service.

Amount:  $250.00

Name: KOLAKOWSKI, HENRY S. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Graduating senior planning to attend a two-year or four-year college or a vocational training program. The student, regular or special needs, must demonstrate determination, the desire to succeed and overcome adversity, school improvement and compassion toward others.

Amount: $500.00

Note: Scholarship folder required

Name: MALONEY, FRANCIS T. SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Graduating senior pursuing a college degree or entering a technical school. Applicant must possess out standing character, good scholarship, personality, and the capacity for leadership. Applicants must be residents of Meriden of four years standing previous to the awarding of this scholarship.

Amount: $6000.00 for each of four years

Note: Scholarship folder required

Name: MERIDEN FEDERATION OF EDUCATIONAL SECRETARIES

Eligibility: Awarded to a worthy student who will be entering a business school or college to prepare for a business career. Based on scholarship ability, responsible school citizenship, and personal maturity.

Amount: (2) $500.00 - One each for Platt and Maloney students

Name: MERIDEN FEDERATION OF MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES LOCAL 1478  PHIL HANSON SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: High school senior who is a child of a member of MF of ME Local 1478 (employees in department of maintenance, custodial service, or transportation).

Amount: Varies depending on number of applicants


Name: MERIDEN FIREFIGHTERS' MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP LOCAL 1148

Eligibility: College-bound senior who has a GPA of 2.5 – 3.5 and is in need of financial assistance.

Amount: (2) $250.00 One each for Platt and Maloney students


Name: THE MERIDEN FOUNDATION

This scholarship application covers seven different scholarships handled by the Meriden Trust Company: The George A. Clark Fund, The Reeves Education Fund, The A. Leo Ricci & Edna Ricci Fund, The Meriden Credit Bureau Fund, The Lyons Fund, WWII Veterans' Memorial Auxiliary Fund, The Karlyn Toifl Memorial Fund and The Dominic C. Naszczyniec Scholarship Fund. 

Eligibility: Applicants must be residents of the City of Meriden, graduating seniors from an accredited high school planning to attend an accredited college or university and in need of financial assistance. In addition, applicants for the Clark Fund and Credit Bureau Fund must be graduating from a Meriden high school. Applicants for the Credit Bureau Fund must be planning to pursue a business related course of study at the college level. Applicants for the Karlyn Toifl Memorial Fund must be planning to pursue a degree in Education.

Amount: Clark - @ $3500.00, renewable

Credit Bureau - @ $1500.00, nonrenewable, for business major
Lyons - @ $2000.00, nonrenewable

Naszczyniec - @ $2000.00, nonrenewable

Reeves - @ $3500.00, renewable
Ricci - @ $1200.00, renewable

Toifl - @ $2500.00 nonrenewable, for education major
Veterans - @ $1200.00, nonrenewable, community service
 
 Name: MERIDEN HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1957 SPRAFKE/MEAH SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: College-bound senior planning to pursue a career in teaching.

Amount: $500.00

Name: MERIDEN LIONS' CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

This scholarship consists of the Rene Fuller Scholarship and the A. Leo Ricci & Edna Ricci Scholarship (different from the Meriden Foundation).

Eligibility: Applicants for the Rene Fuller scholarship must be Meriden students planning to pursue full-time study at an accredited institution with special regard to a vocational career. Applicants for the Ricci scholarship must be Meriden residents graduating from high school and planning to pursue an education beyond the high school level.

Amount: (5) $1000-$2000 each

 Note: Scholarship folder required

Name:  MERIDEN POLICE UNION SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility:  Student accepted at an accredited college/university or community college pursuing a career in law enforcement or criminal justice or students who are/were Meriden Police Explorers or students who are family members of Meriden police officers.

Amount:  $1,000.00

Name: MERIDEN PROBUS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Student accepted for admission to an accredited college or university.

Amount: $3250.00 in several awards

Note: Scholarship folder required

Name: MERIDEN ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Student must be at least a four year resident of Meriden with a strong academic background and a strong commitment to community service.  Minimum 3.0 GPA required.

Amount: One $1000.00 award each for Platt, Maloney, and Wilcox.

Note: Scholarship folder required

Name: MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS' SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: College-bound senior. Based on good character, service to school, community and others, and financial need. Award alternates between Maloney and Platt.

Amount: $500.00

Note: Scholarship folder required

Name: NORTH ITALIAN HOME CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Student accepted for admission to an accredited college or university.

Amount: $500.00 renewable for four years

Note: Scholarship folder required

Name:  OTFINOSKI, ROBERT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility:  Student showing outstanding school and community spirit.  Must have completed the 5^th grade at Israel Putnam School.

Amount:  $250.00

Name: OWENS, ALBERT SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Awarded to students who will be attending four-year institutions of higher learning based on academic success, self motivation/help, participation in school activities and financial need. 

Amount: Number of awards and amounts vary

Name: PROJECT EXCEL SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Platt or Maloney senior with potential to succeed in a post secondary academic environment who has taken at least four years of math and has a GPA of at least 3.5.

Amount: Varies

Name: RECORD-JOURNAL CARRIER SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Applicant must have been a Record-Journal carrier for at least two full years with a desire to obtain a career in journalism, or some related field (including graphic arts, advertising and photography).

Amount: Varies - several awards given

Name: RECORD-JOURNAL JOURNALISM SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Qualified applicant who has played an active role in some aspect of journalism during his/her high school years and will be tentatively planning a career in some aspect of journalism.

Amount: Varies - several awards given

Name: SALESKI, PHILIP T. MEMORIAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: High school senior planning to pursue a business career, who possesses financial need, scholastic ability, extracurricular activities and civic involvement.
Amount:  (3) $400.00  

Name: SASSO SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Student accepted for admission to an accredited college or university.

Amount: Varies

Name: SHONECK, JOHN R. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Two categories will be considered: 1. A college-bound graduating high school senior who is a resident of Meriden and a descendant of a man or woman who served in the armed forces of the United States in Vietnam, or 2. A college-bound graduating high school senior whose parent(s) reside or work in Meriden. Specific criteria which will be considered include outstanding character, citizenship, scholastic achievement, financial need and service to school and community.

Amount: $500.00

Name: SHORR, SANFORD S./CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: College-bound senior. Based on high character, service to school, community and others.

Amount: $1,000.00

Name: SWEDOCK, JOSEPH NEWSPAPER CARRIER SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Applicant must be entering freshman year in college and have been a Record-Journal carrier for at least two years in Meriden.

Amount: $1000.00

Name: UNISON CLUB OF MERIDEN SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: Applicant must be an American citizen of good moral character, a resident of Meriden for the past four years, demonstrate financial need, be in top third of his/her class and be accepted by an accredited college or university. No member of the immediate family (child, brother, sister) of a member of the Unison Club shall qualify.

Amount: $1000.00 a year for four years

Note: Scholarship folder required

Name:  VOLUNTARISM SCHOLARSHIP / THE LEAGUE OF GREATER NEW HAVENEligibility:  High school senior who is an active community volunteer and is planning to attend an accredited college, university or vocational school.  Minimum “C” required.

Amount:  (3)  $500.00

Name: YOUNG, FRANK & CHARLOTTE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Eligibility: High school senior who wishes to pursue an education above the secondary level, who shows a profound interest , or excels in, science or math.

Amount: Varies

Name: ZALESKI, HENRY F. MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Eligibility: Awarded annually to an outstanding graduating Maloney or Platt senior who intends to enroll in a four-year degree program at the University of Connecticut. Based on scholastic success, athletic accomplishment, outstanding character and financial need.

Amount: $2000.00

Note: Scholarship folder required

FOR ANY OTHER INFORMATION ON THESE SCHOLARSHIPS,

CONTACT THE GUIDANCE OFFICE.