OCTOBER 8 - Introduction to Senior Groups.
Reviewing the calendar and discussing the expectations of the senior group. Collier High School scholarships will be distributed.
THIS FIRST GROUP IS THE “ONLY” MANDATORY SENIOR GROUP

OCTOBER 8 - PERIODS 2, 3, 6 & 7 - Smith Hall small conference room. GROUPS, A, B, C & D

OCTOBER 1 - The “four” year group will begin meeting weekly for six weeks. We will explore essay writing, dorm living, choosing a major and discuss college life lessons as well as time management. PERIOD 3

OCTOBER 15 - Mrs. Villasenor will engage seniors in some “funfilled” group building exercises. APR PERIOD 2 - GROUPS A & B; PERIOD 3 - GROUPS C&D.

OCTOBER 21 - 7:00 P.M. - SMITH HALL LIBRARY - A “FINANCIAL AID” WORKSHOP GIVEN BY THE EDUCATION FUNDING CONSULTANTS ASSOCIATION IS SCHEDULED TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY INFORMATION TO HELP FAMILIES ADDRESS TUITION AND TRAINING COST.

OCTOBER 23 - DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) representative, Jennifer Johnson, will meet to discuss available services (including financial aid, career and vocational training) for graduating seniors. PERIOD 2 - GROUPS A & B ; PERIOD 3 - GROUPS C & D IN THE APR

OCTOBER 27 - Students applying to community college will explore the application process and the differences between high school and college.
PERIODS 2 & 3 SMALL GROUP ROOM SMITH HALL. PERIOD 2 - GROUPS A & B; PERIOD 3 - GROUPS C & D

NOVEMBER 3 - “LIFE AFTER COLLIER” - A panel of four Collier alumni will share their experiences after Collier. This is a great opportunity to hear and ask questions about how Collier graduates transitioned after high school
PERIOD 2 - GROUPS A & B; PERIOD 3 - GROUPS C & D, IN THE APR

NOVEMBER 13 - “How do I transfer from community college to a four-year college?”
Brookdale Community College transfer director, Donna Cuddy, will explain the process. COLLIER LIBRARY - PERIODS 6 & 7 Select seniors only.

NOVEMBER 20 - A tour of Mercer County College with tour guide, Mrs. Stinson. Students will have the opportunity to visit their departments of interest and speak with students in the adaptive services program. PERIODS 1-8.

NOVEMBER 27 - A tour of Kean University has been scheduled and students will meet staff at the college student center at 10.00 A.M. - on this half day of school. Departments of interest and the adaptive services program will be explored.

DECEMBER 8 - A tour of Middlesex County College has been scheduled with tour guide, ElaineWeir-Daidone. Students will have the opportunity to visit their departments of interest and discuss Project Connections and the adaptive services program. PERIODS 1 through 5

DECEMBER 9 - A tour of Brookdale Community College has been scheduled with tour guide, Mrs. Shea. Students will have the opportunity to visit their departments of interest and explore the adaptive services program. PERIODS 1 - 4

NOTE: Ocean County College, Raritan Valley Community College and Union County College will be visited on an as-needed basis. ONLY STUDENTS WHO LIVE IN THE APPROPRIATE COUNTIES ARE ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND. If the senior does NOT live in the county of the school being visited they must make arrangements with their counselor.


EMPLOYMENT SERIES

DECEMBER 15 - The application and interview process for gainful employment will be explored by Sgt. Wong of the Army National Guard. PERIOD 2 - GROUP A & B; PERIOD 3 - GROUP C & D.

DECEMBER 22 - Learn how to write a resume. Our own Mr. Buchanan will instruct students in resume writing, “EVEN IF THEY HAVEN’T HAD ANY WORK EXPERIENCE.”
ROOM 1 PERIOD 2 - GROUP A & B; PERIOD 4 - GROUP C & D.


INDEPENDENT LIVING SERIES

JANUARY 6 - Mr. Buchanan will explore the financial realities of living independently with a particular emphasis on credit cards - ROOM 1

JANUARY 13 - What is the REAL cost of apartment living in New Jersey? Our own Mr. Lapp will provide you with a “salary” to see if you can address the financial dilemmas of living independently. PERIOD 2 - GROUPS A & B; PERIOD 3 - GROUPS C & D.

JANUARY 22 - Students will have the opportunity to critique the senior groups.
SMITH HALL GROUP ROOM - PERIODS 2, 3, 6 & 7.


FEBRUARY
Tentative tours will be scheduled for vocational and technical schools as needed.
(Concorde and Capri Cosmetology schools will be scheduled through Mrs. Tegano.)

MARCH
An explanation of the Post-Graduate Counselor’s position as well as senior group will be explained to approximately seven different junior groups. Students will have the opportunity to discuss their future goals.

Students who have applied to Brookdale Community College will have the opportunity to take the BASIC SKILLS TEST and register for classes. DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED
APRIL
Senior Support Group is available to students with concerns, worries and “last minute” issues that they might want to address with peers before graduation. It is scheduled to meet for six weeks beginning APRIL 2ND.

MAY
The Raritan Center College Fair in Edison is tentatively scheduled for any interested juniors. Seniors may attend upon request.

SENIOR RETREAT - Mrs. Villasenor and Ms. Zmich will provide seniors with some time and space for reflection and sharing to help transition from Collier.

SPECIAL NOTE:
After January 2009 group meeting, places and times will be announced and posted in the school lobby.