Jr/Sr High School Counseling Office
Jr./Sr. High School Counseling Department
Jr./Sr. High School Counseling Department
7827 Rt 83
South Dayton, NY 14138
Phone: (716) 988-3276
Fax: (716) 988-3139
Office Hours: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
College Information & Preparation
It’s never too early to consider college.
Students are encouraged to speak with their counselors and do their own research regarding colleges and careers. We have compiled some information and links to help you along the way.
What to do to set the stage for a productive senior year
High school students often treat their junior year, and not their senior year, as the true culmination of their high school careers. Junior year is the last full year of grades that colleges see when students apply, and many high school students take on leadership positions in their extracurriculars during their junior year, and not their senior year. However, senior year is just as, if not more, important than junior year (and students should treat it as such). Here are 10 steps that your juniors should follow during the summer before their final high school hurrah to set the stage for a productive senior year.
Research colleges: Summer is a great time for students to start narrowing down the list of colleges to which they want to apply, and it’s also a great time for preliminary college visits (if time and budget permit). Choosing colleges now will save them time during the application cycle, and college visits will let them get a feel for the campus and get their questions answered directly by college admissions officers.
Brainstorm application essay topics: Most college applications ask a variant of the same topics. It is easy for students to start thinking about the topics they wish to write about, and maybe even compose a draft or two of various topics. This will not only serve as good practice for the application cycle, it will also give them a head start!
Consider their recommenders: Choosing teachers to write recommendations can be one of the most daunting tasks during the application process. By taking some time to think about whom they’d like to ask, students will be ahead of the pack.
Work on their résumé: Many schools require students to list out their activities, awards, employment and experiences either in résumé format or on the application, often with start and end dates, and specific duties or tasks they have accomplished. Having this information already on hand once the time comes can be very useful.
Aim for leadership positions: Staying involved in student organizations in a leadership capacity will lend some structure to a student’s senior year — and will look great on their applications, too!
Plan out their senior year academics: Taking interesting and challenging classes is the key to beating senioritis.
Take the SAT and ACT: If students haven’t taken the test by the end of their junior year, they should take them as soon as possible.
Beef up their reading list: Not only will it help keep their vocabulary up for their SAT and ACT, reading classics will prepare them for their college reading loads.
Figure out their finances: Students should become adept at budgeting, handling a bank account and (if applicable) managing a credit card — skills that will serve them well during college.
Talk to their parents: Students should take the time to talk to their parents about choosing a college, managing finances and preparing for life on their own. Parents have been there, and have valuable experiences to share!
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PV's Pre-College Testing Dates & Information
PSAT
The Preliminary SAT measures critical reading, math and writing skills. You will not have to recall facts from literature, history or science, or complete math formulas, as this test measures your reasoning and critical thinking skills. This test is a good introduction to the SAT, which some colleges require for the admissions process.
What is in it for me?
- Results from this test will give you feedback about critical thinking skills- as a junior, this will give you time to start working towards improving your skills before the actual college application process
- Help prepare you for the SAT- think of it as a practice test
- Enter scholarship competitions with no extra work- seriously, couldn't be easier
- Start getting ready for college- taking the test gives you free access to My College QuickStart, a personalized online college- and career-planning tool where you can search colleges, explore majors and careers, and get a personalized SAT study plan.
- Receive information from colleges- sign up to receive free info from colleges to help you decide which colleges to start considering
SAT Registration
Some competitive universities require an SAT score. The SAT is accepted at all US colleges; it measures what students are learning in high school, and what they need to know to succeed in college and a career. This assessment measures college readiness in Reading/Writing skills and in Math skills. Various high schools in our region offer this exam on the weekends. Register for this exam through the College Board.
Nothing builds confidence like practice. Students can access free, personalized SAT test prep at Khan Academy to help them score their very best; www.khanacademy.org. Students can also connect their PSAT scores to this online study tool, which will tailor their prep to the questions they missed on the PSAT. If students need their PSAT codes again in order to link it up, please have them see their counselor.
Pine Valley offers two exams IN SCHOOL each year. Seniors are invited to take the exam in the Fall and Juniors in the Spring. Registration for these IN-SCHOOL exams are accepted in our Counseling Office, not on the College Board website. Specific dates will be posted in school and on ParentSquare well in advance of each administration.
- Less stress and fatigue: Students test in a place they know, better-rested and better prepared.
- Convenient Logistics: You don’t have to worry about locating or getting to the test site.
- No weekend conflicts: School day testing won’t disrupt weekend plans or family time.
Another option for pre-college testing is the ACT.
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Create your academic resume before applying to college.
Applying to Jamestown Community College is free and can be completed on their website.
Applications can also be completed using the SUNY App.
Apply to colleges nationwide with one application; the Common App.
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Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Applications open October 1 of each year; Applications should be completed in October for the best financial aid options, but it can be submitted anytime before June 30
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Interested in playing sports in college at the competitive level with NCAA?
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Scholarships & Financial Aid
Notifying Students of Opportunities
The Counseling Office sends notice of available scholarships to all seniors via their school email account. Students are strongly encouraged to check their email daily for various reasons, in addition to scholarship opportunities.
Academic Transcript Needs
Many scholarships require your high school transcript be included, if you get us your completed application a couple days in advance of the due date, we can include your transcript with your scholarship applications and mail it for you. To ensure applications are mailed on time, please return them at least 2 days before the deadline.
We cannot hand out official transcripts to students. Scholarship committees almost always want an official transcript with the school seal on it. These transcripts must be mailed directly from the school and must remain in a sealed envelope until the committee reviews applications.
Pine Valley Community Sponsored Scholarships
Between April and June, we will have many scholarships that are sponsored by the Pine Valley Community. A handful of scholarships require student applications. These scholarships only go to Pine Valley graduates and we encourage anyone eligible to apply.
Other scholarships require Pine Valley Teachers and Administration to nominate or vote for the winners. These scholarship winners are chosen based on many different categories and criteria, from school spirit, to most involved, to a student who has worked to the best of their ability.
Quick Links
Scholarship Listing for Students 2026.xlsx
Other Scholarship and Financial Aid Links
Discover Business's list of scholarships for business students
Career Blog - Scholarship Guide
Additional Items
We begin our scheduling process in January each year. At that time, you will need to think about your graduation pathway and what courses that you are required to take the next school year. You will find our Curriculum Guide below. This guide will tell you about graduation pathways, curriculum options and policies, as well as course descriptions and department pathways. It would be wise for you to review this FIRST.
After you review the curriculum guide, make notes of the courses you are interested in, talk to teachers and peers about the classes and be prepared to talk with your counselor. Mrs. Youngberg will be setting up individual meetings so please make sure you check your email.
Good luck, make wise and challenging choices, and stop down to our office with your device if you get stuck somewhere. We are always here to help!
If you have any questions, please contact our office or your student's counselor specifically.
Please have the complete address available when requesting transcripts.
If you would like to speak to someone about this request,
call (716) 988-3276, ext. 4050
We do NOT keep copies of diplomas, nor can we reproduce them.
If you need your transcript sent to an employer or an educational institution, we will send it directly to them with our school seal.
If you need a copy of your transcript for other general purposes, we can provide you with an unofficial copy.
Requirements for Applicants:
Minors (under age 18) require employment certificates for most jobs. Minors must apply for an employment certificate or permit on the form prescribed by the Commissioner of Education. The Pine Valley Jr./Sr. High School Counseling Office will handle such applications.
The applicant must be present when returning the application because the Employment Certificate must be signed in the presence of the issuing official.
The applicant does not need to have a job, nor does the school need to know by whom the applicant is to be employed.
Directions to Complete the Application:
The following information is required in order to obtain the Employment Certificate:
- Part I: Parental Consent - Fill in all dotted lines. Be sure to have a parent or guardian sign.
- Part II: Evidence of Age - Bring a copy of your birth certificate or your state ID.
- Part III: Certificate of Physical Fitness - The student must have a physical examination from their doctor or school physician within 12 months of the application date. It is the responsibility of the child/parent to contact their physician to obtain this documentation. This documentation must clearly state the child is physically qualified for work. This documentation will be returned to the student.
The Laws Governing the Employment of Minors can be obtained upon request at the PV Counseling Office. You can also find more information about the employment of minors below.
If you would like to print the documents at home, click the link below. Otherwise, all documents can be obtained in the PV Counseling Office during regular school hours. If you have any questions, call 716-988-3276 ext. 4050.
Employment Certification Application- Ages 14-17
General Information Regarding Employment of Minors
Physical Fitness Certification
NYS Laws: Employment of Minors
Hour Limitations for Work for Minors
Job Opportunities
Chautauqua Works - Summer Youth Employment Program
For students between the ages of 14 and 20 who qualify. See the attached flyer for more information.
Academic Tutoring with Chautauqua Striders
Small group and 1:1 tutoring for students K-12. SAT prep also available. Fees are charged. Sessions available in-person and online. Contact Anna Gassman at anna @ chqstriders.org or 716-489-3429
Counseling Resource
myStrength presented by Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene
Click “sign up” and enter the access code “CHAUTcommunity”. Complete the registration process and personal profile.
Local Resources
| Service | Phone | Website or Address |
| Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Hotline | 1-800-252-8748 | |
| NYS Child Abuse Hotline | 1-800-342-3720 | ocfs.ny.org |
| Child Advocacy Program | 716-338-9844 | capjustice.org |
| Safe Harbour Coordinator | 716-268-1464 | |
| North (TILP) Youth Living | 716-363-6146 | 46 W. 4th St, Dunkirk |
| Legal Assistance of WNY, Inc | 716-664-4535 | lawny.org |
| Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) | 716-363-4447 | chautauquacasa.com |
| Hispanic Outreach | 716-488-1971 | fscrmentalhealth.com |
| Salvation Army, Dunkirk | 716-366-3701 | |
| Compeer for Youth, Dunkirk | 716-366-3161 | compeer.stel.org |
| Mental Health Association, Dunkirk | 716-661-9044 | mhachautauqua.org |
| Eagle’s Nest Adult (18+) Peer Respite | 716-241-4605 | wnyhousingoptions.org |
| Western New York 211 | 1-888-696-9211 | 211wny.org |
| Prevention Works | preventionworks.us | |
Other Articles & Information
Talking to Your Child about Coronavirus
Talking to Your Children about Violence
Helping Children Transition Back to School
Basic Guide to Special Education
What is a School Psychologist?
For Juniors: 10 tips for a productive college-bound summer
High school students often treat their junior year, and not their senior year, as the true culmination of their high school careers. Junior year is the last full year of grades that colleges see when students apply, and many high school students take on leadership positions in their extracurriculars during their junior year, and not their senior year. However, senior year is just as, if not more, important than junior year (and students should treat it as such). Here are 10 steps that your juniors should follow during the summer before their final high school hurrah to set the stage for a productive senior year.
Research colleges
Summer is a great time for students to start narrowing down the list of colleges to which they want to apply, and it’s also a great time for preliminary college visits (if time and budget permit). Choosing colleges now will save them time during the application cycle, and college visits will let them get a feel for the campus and get their questions answered directly by college admissions officers.
Brainstorm application essay topics
Most college applications ask a variant of the same topics. It is easy for students to start thinking about the topics they wish to write about, and maybe even compose a draft or two of various topics. This will not only serve as good practice for the application cycle, it will also give them a head start!
Consider their recommenders
Choosing teachers to write recommendations can be one of the most daunting tasks during the application process. By taking some time to think about whom they’d like to ask, students will be ahead of the pack.
Work on their résumé
Many schools require students to list out their activities, awards, employment and experiences either in résumé format or on the application, often with start and end dates, and specific duties or tasks they have accomplished. Having this information already on hand once the time comes can be very useful.
Aim for leadership positions
Staying involved in student organizations in a leadership capacity will lend some structure to a student’s senior year — and will look great on their applications, too!
Plan out their senior year academics
Taking interesting and challenging classes is the key to beating senioritis.
Take the SAT and ACT
If students haven’t taken the test by the end of their junior year, they should take them as soon as possible.
Beef up their reading list
Not only will it help keep their vocabulary up for their SAT and ACT, reading classics will prepare them for their college reading loads.
Figure out their finances
Students should become adept at budgeting, handling a bank account and (if applicable) managing a credit card — skills that will serve them well during college.
Talk to their parents
Students should take the time to talk to their parents about choosing a college, managing finances and preparing for life on their own. Parents have been there, and have valuable experiences to share!
Planning for College as a High School Junior: Month-by-Month Guide
How to Start the College Process
The Best Scholarships for High School Juniors: Class of 2027
The link below leads to a document that guides you through the various scholarships available to Pine Valley students. Please contact someone in the Counseling Office if you need any assistance.
Scholarship Listing for Students 2026.xlsx
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We begin our scheduling process in January each year. At that time, you will need to think about your graduation pathway and what courses that you are required to take the next school year. You will find our Curriculum Guide below. This guide will tell you about graduation pathways, curriculum options and policies, as well as course descriptions and department pathways. It would be wise for you to review this FIRST.
After you review the curriculum guide, make notes of the courses you are interested in, talk to teachers and peers about the classes and be prepared to talk with your counselor. Mrs. Youngberg will be setting up individual meetings so please make sure you check your email.
Good luck, make wise and challenging choices, and stop down to our office with your device if you get stuck somewhere. We are always here to help!
If you have any questions, please contact our office or your student's counselor specifically.
-
Please have the complete address available when requesting transcripts.
If you would like to speak to someone about this request,
call (716) 988-3276, ext. 4050
We do NOT keep copies of diplomas, nor can we reproduce them.
If you need your transcript sent to an employer or an educational institution, we will send it directly to them with our school seal.
If you need a copy of your transcript for other general purposes, we can provide you with an unofficial copy.
-
Requirements for Applicants:
Minors (under age 18) require employment certificates for most jobs. Minors must apply for an employment certificate or permit on the form prescribed by the Commissioner of Education. The Pine Valley Jr./Sr. High School Counseling Office will handle such applications.
The applicant must be present when returning the application because the Employment Certificate must be signed in the presence of the issuing official.
The applicant does not need to have a job, nor does the school need to know by whom the applicant is to be employed.
Directions to Complete the Application:
The following information is required in order to obtain the Employment Certificate:
- Part I: Parental Consent - Fill in all dotted lines. Be sure to have a parent or guardian sign.
- Part II: Evidence of Age - Bring a copy of your birth certificate or your state ID.
- Part III: Certificate of Physical Fitness - The student must have a physical examination from their doctor or school physician within 12 months of the application date. It is the responsibility of the child/parent to contact their physician to obtain this documentation. This documentation must clearly state the child is physically qualified for work. This documentation will be returned to the student.
The Laws Governing the Employment of Minors can be obtained upon request at the PV Counseling Office. You can also find more information about the employment of minors below.
If you would like to print the documents at home, click the link below. Otherwise, all documents can be obtained in the PV Counseling Office during regular school hours. If you have any questions, call 716-988-3276 ext. 4050.Employment Certification Application- Ages 14-17
General Information Regarding Employment of Minors
Physical Fitness Certification
NYS Laws: Employment of Minors
Hour Limitations for Work for Minors
Job Opportunities
Chautauqua Works - Summer Youth Employment Program
For students between the ages of 14 and 20 who qualify. See the attached flyer for more information. -
-
Academic Tutoring with Chautauqua Striders
Small group and 1:1 tutoring for students K-12. SAT prep also available. Fees are charged. Sessions available in-person and online. Contact Anna Gassman at anna @ chqstriders.org or 716-489-3429
Counseling Resource
myStrength presented by Chautauqua County Department of Mental Hygiene
Click “sign up” and enter the access code “CHAUTcommunity”. Complete the registration process and personal profile.
Local Resources
Service Phone Website or Address Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Hotline 1-800-252-8748 NYS Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-342-3720 ocfs.ny.org Child Advocacy Program 716-338-9844 capjustice.org Safe Harbour Coordinator 716-268-1464 North (TILP) Youth Living 716-363-6146 46 W. 4th St, Dunkirk Legal Assistance of WNY, Inc 716-664-4535 lawny.org Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) 716-363-4447 chautauquacasa.com Hispanic Outreach 716-488-1971 fscrmentalhealth.com Salvation Army, Dunkirk 716-366-3701 Compeer for Youth, Dunkirk 716-366-3161 compeer.stel.org Mental Health Association, Dunkirk 716-661-9044 mhachautauqua.org Eagle’s Nest Adult (18+) Peer Respite 716-241-4605 wnyhousingoptions.org Western New York 211 1-888-696-9211 211wny.org Prevention Works preventionworks.us Other Articles & Information
Talking to Your Child about Coronavirus
Talking to Your Children about Violence
Helping Children Transition Back to School
Basic Guide to Special Education
What is a School Psychologist?