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  1. COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
  2. MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING
  3. Middle/High School Counseling

Middle/High School Counseling

WELCOME TO THE MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT

The Portville Middle/High School Counseling Department is proactive and preventative in nature and is committed to meeting the needs of all students.

We strive to provide quality guidance and counseling services to assist students in their social, emotional, academic, and career development. We ensure that students have access to the tools and materials necessary to achieve their goals. Both of these enable students to reach their full potential as responsible and productive citizens in a very diverse and ever-changing society.

Our school counselors work collaboratively with parents, teachers, administrators, and students by focusing on the developmental needs of the student body while facilitating the partnership of school, home, and community.

Please feel free to contact us at any time:

Mrs. Monica Pascucci

716-933-6761

Send a Message

Grades 7-12 College & Career Counseling

Mrs. Amanda Luther

716-933-6762

Send a Message

Grades 6-12 Social, Emotional & Academic Counseling

Mrs. Michelle McCracken

716-933-6760

Send a Message

HS Counseling Department Secretary/District Registrar

 

 

Helpful Links and Information

  • Click here for information, tips and and tricks for making Middle School a success for you and your child.

  • Report cards are issued every ten weeks(November 12, January 21, April 1 and June 24). It is the student's and parents' responsibility to see that they are reviewed, then contact the school if there is some question.

    All report cards are mailed home.

  • Generally, students will not be allowed to double up on classes (i.e., a student taking English 9 and English 10 during the same school year). Doubling up will be allowed for students who wish to excel in their classes, but only as long as they meet with success. If a student does double up and then begins to fail a class; they may be required to drop the additional class they asked to take. Extenuating circumstances will be considered. This decision will be made by the high school principal with input from the parent(s), teachers, and Guidance Counselor.

  • The window for dropping a class ends at the close of school on the second Friday after the start of each semester. When a student drops a class; parents, teachers and the high school principal will be notified and input from them is required. After this time period, students may not drop a class unless extenuating circumstances can be proven. It is the responsibility of the high school principal to determine if there are extenuating circumstances which necessitate the student to drop the class or if the student will remain in the class.

    Regardless of when the student drops a class, the grade will not be included in the students grade point average. If possible, the student will be placed in another academic class in order to maintain the minimum class load. Although schedule changes are allowed, no schedule changes will be made during the first week of each semester.

  • A supervised Study Center is available for students in grades 7-12. Study Center times are from 2:35 to 3:30 PM, Monday through Thursday.

    For more information, please see the Athletic and Extra Curricular Code of Conduct.

  • It is our goal to have all PCS students earn the necessary credits for graduation within four years and to participate in the graduation ceremony with their classmates. With the imposition of increased testing and course requirements from the State Ed., it is very important for students and parents to understand the graduation requirements and for students to stay on track for graduation every year. That means if your child fails a course, he/she should attend summer school right away to make up any lost credit. 

    In order to promote to the next grade, students must achieve the following:

    • Grade 9 to Grade 10 = 5 credits including English 9 and Global 9
    • Grade 10 to Grade 11 = 10 credits including English 10 and Global 10
    • Grade 11 to Grade 12 = 15 credits including 3 yrs of English, 3 yrs of Social Studies, 1 math and 1 Science
    • Grade 12 to Graduation = 23 credits including requirements listed above

  • Interim progress reports are sent home at the 5th, 15th, 25th and 35th weeks of school or whenever the teacher feels there is a need to communicate with the progress of their child.

  • All courses will count towards the honor roll.

    Eligibility:

    • Honors - A student must have an 85 average.
    • High Honors - A student must have a 92 average.

    Honor and High Honor Certificates are awarded to students maintaining an 85 average or better for the first three marking periods.

  • Passing grade in Junior-Senior High is a 65 average. Final grades are determined on a basis of six, 1/6 for each quarter grade and 2/6 for the final exam; Passing 2 out of 3 units, either fall semester, spring semester and/or final exam.

    The total of marks divided by 6 will be the final mark. To pass, the final average must be 65 and passing 2 of the 3 units.

  • Early dismissal may be obtained with parental permission, counselor and principal authorization.The senior may leave school after his or her last scheduled class if he/she is doing satisfactory work, is maintaining a full class load, and has a bona fide job.

Planning for College

  •  

    THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES THAT WILL BE VISITING PCS THIS YEAR:

    REMEMBER. . . ask questions that matter to your ability to learn, grow and succeed in college. Examples of some questions can be

    • WNY College Consortium on September 21 @ 11:00
    • Gannon University on September 27 @ 10:00
    • St. Bonaventure University on October 2 @ 10:45
    • University of Pittsburgh at Bradford on October 10 @ Noon
    • Mercyhurst College on October 16 @ 9:00
    • Geneseo College on October 17 @ Noon
    • Brockport University on October 23 @ 10:15
    • Keuka College on October 26 @ 1:00
    • Alfred State on October 31 @ 9:00
    • JCC on November 6 @ 9:00
    • Potsdam on November 15 @ 12:30

     

  • CHOOSING A COLLEGE. . .

    • Categorize school choices by your top picks that are attainable for you academically and that you can afford.
    • Choose schools that are a good fit, based on your academic records, test scores, extracurricular activities, location and financial aid.
    • Check to see if the schools you are interested in accept the Common Application.
    • What do you hope to achieve in college?
    • Check out Campus Tours

    QUESTIONS TO ASK ON YOUR COLLEGE VISITS:

    1. How many students apply each year to the school, and how many are accepted?
    2. What is the average GPA, ACT and/or SAT scores for students accepted?
    3. Does the school give credit for the college courses you took at PCS?
    4. Are freshmen courses taught by professors or teaching assistants?
    5. What is the teacher to student ratio?
    6. When is it necessary to declare a major?
    7. What is the average class size?
    8. What kind of internships/job placement programs are available for students?
    9. What programs and depth of study are available in my areas of interest?
    10. Does the school's location suite my needs and preferences?
    11. What type of tutoring program do you have?
    12. Do you have a writing/study center and how do I access it?
    13. What kind of learning disability resources do you have?
    14. What kind of dorm choices are there?
    15. How many students live on campus?
    16. What activities are offered to students?
    17. What health care, counseling and other wellness opportunities are available?
    18. What is the campus safety like?
    19. What's the food like?
    20. Are work-study programs of interest to you?

  • FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

    It is time for you and your senior student to think about financial aid for college.

    • To receive federal financial Aid, you must:
    • Have a high school diploma
    • Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
    • Have a social security number
    • Be registered with the Selective Service (men only)
    • Be enrolled or accepted in an eligible program of study
    • Complete FAFSA Application

    FAFSA help is always available at Portville Central School.  Call 716-933-6760 for an appointment.

    SUNY is offering Financial Aid Days to assist prospective students and their families in applying for financial aid and completing the FAFSA. These workshops are offered free of charge and are available at 46 locations throughout New York State. Visit SUNY EDU Events to see a list of participating campuses. Students and families are encouraged to pre-register by going online at SUNY EDU Events or by calling the SUNY Recruitment Response Center at 1.800.342.3811.

    Penn York College Night TBD, at the Richter Center, St. Bonaventure University from 6:00-8:00 PM.

Available Scholarships

DEADLINE

NAME OF SCHOLARSHIP

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

October 14, 2024

Leonard Bus Sales "A Day in the Life of a School Bus"

Leonard Bus Sales Inc.

January 17, 2025

2025 New York Credit Union Association Scholarship Program (Highpoint FCU)

Scholarship Program :: NYCUA - New York Credit Union Association | Member Owned

October 31, 2024

 

VFW Patriotic Essay Contest "My Voice in America's Democracy" and "Is America Today Our Forefathers' Vision?"

Applications may be picked up in the guidance office.

December 18, 2024

Equitable Excellence Scholarship

Equitable Excellence Scholarship® Program

Each Award has a different deadline

 

Prudential Spirit of Community Award

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards – Institute of Competition Sciences

Registration opens in January 2025

Western New York Safety Conference

Western New York Safety Conference

Opens November 1, 2024, and closes February 5, 2025

Allegany County Area Foundation

Allegany County Area Foundation

February 21, 2025

Zonta Club of Olean-Young Women in Public Affairs Scholarship

Zonta International

March 2, 2025

Ned Carter Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be a fireman or related to a fireman.  Apply online.

May 9, 2025

Portville Free Library

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office for anyone entering college or trade school.  You must have a library card.

 

NYWEA- WNY Chapter

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office for anyone entering college for biology, forestry, chemistry, engineering and/or water waste treatment.

March 1, 2025

Cattaraugus County Counselors

Application may be picked up in the Counseling Office for any senior majoring in mental health/psychology

March 14, 2025

NY Farm Credit

Northeast Agriculture Scholarships | Farm Credit East

April 1, 2025

NYFB Agricultural Youth Scholarship

Microsite 2024 New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship

April 30, 2025

The Cerullo Memorial Scholarship Fund/Sons of the American Legion

American Legion Auxiliary | Department of New York

March 1, 2025

Department Scholarship/American Legion

American Legion Auxiliary | Department of New York

March 1, 2025

Department District Scholarship/American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion Auxiliary | Department of New York

March 1, 2025

Raymond T. Wellington Jr Memorial Scholarship/American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion Auxiliary | Department of New York

March 1, 2025

Maryann K. Murtha Memorial Scholarship/American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion Auxiliary | Department of New York

March 1, 2025

Helen Klimek Student Scholarship/American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion Auxiliary | Department of New York

March 1, 2025

Past Presidents' parley Scholarship in Medical Field/American Legion Auxiliary

American Legion Auxiliary | Department of New York

March 15, 2025

FASNY

Gerard J. Buckenmeyer Memorial FASNY Volunteer Scholarship

Opens in January 2025

Character Excellence $1000 Scholarship

Scholarship | The Character Council of WNY | Call 716.202.0702

 

Garden Clubs of NYS

Must be entering college and majoring in agriculture, botany, conservation, environmental science, forestry, horticulture, land management, landscape design or wildlife science.  Applications maybe picked up in the Counseling Dept or or on line at Eighth District $1,000 Scholarship
April 4, 2025 Jeffery V. Warner Scholarship

Must be attending, Alfred State, Alfred U, JCC or Bonas. Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office
March 24, 2025 WNY R-AHEC Scholarship Healthcare

April 15, 2025

E&M Engineers and Surveyors

Graduating seniors majoring in civil engineering or land surveying.  Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Office

March 12, 2025

Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation Scholarship Funds

Scholarships | Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation

April 11, 2025

Robert "Dean" Travis Memorial Scholarship

Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Department. Must excel in classroom, community & extracurricular activities

March 21, 2025

Amaranth Verna Harbeck Memorial Scholarship

Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Office by any student entering the nursing or health related field.
April 4, 2025 Portville Police Department Alumni Memorial Scholarship

Law Enforcement

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office.

April 4, 2025

Laura Jopling Estate Scholarship

Applicants must have attended PCS for 9-12 grades and have 85 or above average.  Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Center.

April 15, 2025

Southeastern Association of Volunteer Firemen (SWAVF)

Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen

May 31, 2025

Olean Kennel Club Inc.

OLEAN KENNEL CLUB SCHOLARSHIP

or pick up a copy in the Guidance Office. Must be enrolling for Vet/vet tech or animal sciences.
April 1, 2025 Empire State Potato Growers

Agricultural

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office.

April 17, 2025

PCS Sports Booster's Exceptional Athlete Award

Criteria:  Participate in a sport at least 2 varsity seasons, cumulative average of 80% or higher, enrolled in college and will be evaluated on athletic success, dedication, team player, sportsmanship and leadership.  Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Office.

May 2, 2025

Past National Commander Michael J. Kogutek American Legion Scholarship

Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Office. It is intended to assist NYS Veterans, their families and patriotic students.

Opens January 2025 and Closes May 1, 2025

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo

Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Scholarships

May 2, 2025

Olean Teachers' & Postal F.C.U.

Applicants or their parents must have an account with OT&PFCU.  Applications may  be picked up in the Counseling Office

 

WNY SCI (safari club)

Must be enrolling for forestry, conservation, environmental science, Vet or fish & wildlife.

 

Michele Foss Bartholomew "Good Person" Scholarship

Female seniors who possess "good person" qualities and will be pursuing a major in health, education or related field with the intent to help others.  Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Office.  Return completed applications to the Counseling Dept so that we can complete your submission package.

Will not be participating this year

Portville Youth Cheerleading Scholarship

Applicants must be enrolled in college for fall and must have participated in PCS cheerleading program.  Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Department

March 28, 2025

David Waugh Memorial Scholarship

Will be given to one male and one female who give 110% on and off the field.  Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Office

 

A.C.E. Foundation

Must exemplify the following characteristics:  strong Christian values and faith, sense of civic duty and patriotism, athletic/extra curricular achievement and academic excellence.  The applicant must also demonstrate the following personality traits:  dedication to faith, family and community; integrity; perseverance; respectful to others; strong willed and passionate about life who is self motivated.  Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Dept and returned to the same

May 23, 2025

Ancient Order of Hibernians Scholarship

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance. They are due back to Guidance

 

Gretchen Kautz Schavalier Memorial Scholarship (Bethal Lutheran)

Must have a dedication to education, community, family & faith.  Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Dept and dropped off in the same office

 

Portville Theater Boosters Scholarship

Applications available to all seniors who participated in Drama Club.

May 1, 2025

PCS Alumni Scholarship

Applications may be picked up in the guidance office. Your parents do not have to be alumni to qualify.

March 31, 2025

Colt 45 Strong Inc Scholarship

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office by any student enrolling in college for medical or medical research majors.

 

Virginia Stauffer Memorial Scholarship

Applications may be picked up in the Counseling Office for any college-bound senior who has financial need.  Application  must be returned to the Counseling Dept. The first 5 to return their applications will be submitted.

 

The Kathi Ward Foundation

Any graduating senior furthering his or her education in nursing.  Please pick up the application in the Counseling Office.

April 5, 2025

Twin Tiers USBC Association Scholarship

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office

 

Enchanted Mountains Exchange Club Scholarship

Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office. Financial need must be proven & documentation provided

 

WNY R-AHEC 2024 Health Career Scholarship

Western NY Rural AHEC

April 15, 2025

Scottish Rite Scholarship

Any student residing in Cattaraugus County

May 1, 2025

Olean Portville Lions Club Bray, Dohl and Driscoll Memorial Scholarship

Awards made on basis of scholarship, character, community service and promise of future serviceability. Applications are available in the HS Guidance Office

May 16, 2025

Karen A. Kunz Memorial Scholarship

Any student graduating this year and majoring in Business in college. Applications may be picked in the Guidance Office
May 1, 2025 Michael Endres Memorial Scholarship Must be pursuing careers as commercial vehicles technicians. Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office.
April 9, 2025 Ora & Bernard Gavin Scholarship Fund For any student going to college with financial need. Applications may be picked up in the Guidance Office  

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