Personal Concerns

Our objectives also involve providing resources for families related to mental and emotional health concerns, drug and alcohol, and economic-related problems. We are an integral part of the Student Assistance Team or SAP. Students referred to the SAP team are offered interventions and assistance in “getting back on track” and removing barriers from learning. We connect students and their families to supports and interventions that will ultimately improve conditions for learning and growing. We serve as the liaison between the school, outside agencies, and community resources; working together to support the mental and emotional well-being of all our students. We are always available to assist students whenever needed for such concerns.

Information regarding the utilization of the G. I. Bill for dependents still in high school is available by contacting www.pde.state.pa.us. Students who are the dependents of individuals killed in active duty, or those veterans who are totally disabled because of active duty injuries, are entitled to benefits for educational purposes.

If you are considering a military career, juniors should investigate the military option to get the process moving. The United States Military Academy, Department of the Army invites interested students to investigate opportunities available to them through West Point. Visit West Point Admissions for a closer look at the academy. For rising HS seniors, there is a week-long summer camp opportunity, Summer Leaders Seminar. The local Filed Force Leader for our region is BG(Ret) Hank Sembower who can be reached at relas@comcast.net or BG (Ret) Bill Colvin at panzer6@cvzoom.net.

Students who are interested in applying to any Military Academy, are advised to visit the academy website and follow directions as specified by the academy. The opportunities afforded cadets and midshipmen by the academies are tremendous and invaluable. Attention to the time lines are essential for successful consideration. Students who are interested should begin the process during their junior year. Consult the websites for information: Naval Academy www.usna.edu; Military Academy (West Point) www.usma.edu; Air Force Academy www.usafa.af.mil; and Merchant Marine Academy www.usmma.edu.

The American Legion has posted a publication that features specific benefits for children of veterans entitled "Need a Lift?". Look here for other scholarship opportunities, as well as information about the college search. The American Legion website has a variety of support resources for students who are planning to continue their education.

Assisting younger students in developing study skills and social/relationship skills are key goals for success now and later. By utilizing our connections to various colleges, corporations, employers and community agencies and events, students are offered a wide variety of opportunities for experiencing career-related and developmental challenges, such as The Westinghouse Science Honors Institute and the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week. Students are also provided opportunities to explore vocational/technical options that often result in certifications through the Western Area Career and Technology Center. The Career Planning course in which each 10th grade student is enrolled, uses the Keys2Work program, linking academic courses to skills and knowledge needed in various occupations.

Kids' Chance, a nonprofit corporation that provides educational scholarships to children of Pennsylvania workers who have been seriously injured or killed in PA work-related accidents, is offering financial assistance. Kids’ Chance is a need-based award for individuals between the ages of 16 and 25 who have been accepted by an accredited, post-secondary, educational institution. For more information visit www.kidschanceofpa.org.

Apprenticeship Programs: For individuals who are at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED. www.apprentice.org.

Western PA Construction Occupation Laborers Joint Apprenticeship and Training Program is accepting applications for apprenticeship in its Building and Heavy /Highway Program. Visit www.laborpa.org or request information at 1.800.442.8868.

Interested in working for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania? The State Civil Service Commission is pleased to announce its new PowerPoint presentation, with accompanying audio, describing civil service employment opportunities in a variety of occupational categories and disciplines. Visit www.scsc.state.pa.us and complete the following steps: select the "Job Seekers" tab on the homepage, select "State and Local Government Career Opportunities," choose "Job Opportunities for Graduates," and then select "Secondary School PowerPoint Presentation with Audio."