School Counselor Assignments have been adjusted for the 23-24 school year. Please check to confirm your School Counselor for 23-24.

Mrs. Basile (ext. 1810) Grades 9-12 A-D

Ms. Wile (ext. 1817) Grades 9-12 E-H

Mrs. Ulmer (ext. 1815) Grades 9-12 I-Mur

Mrs. Long (ext. 1818) Grades 9-12 Mus-Sh

Ms. Best (ext. 1816) Grades 9-12 Si-Tor & ReSET

Mrs. Ostrowski (ext. 1822) Grades 9-12 Tos-Z & E.S.

Let’s go Comets! Get started on your College Essays now!

Below is the complete set of Common App essay prompts for 2023-2024.

1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

We will also retain the optional community disruption question within the Writing section. Additionally, we are closely following the Supreme Court case on the use of race in admissions. Depending on the outcome, we stand ready to create resources that will help students speak about their lived experiences.

Looking for tips on how to approach the essay? Check out our blog!

Starting your Common App essay can be hard. Jen and Emma are here to help.

This Blues Program will begin in August with the idea that this might be helpful for teens ages 14-18 who may be struggling with the anxiety of the new school year approaching. It will teach coping skills to put into use as they are getting ready to head back to school as well as be a supportive group for the first few weeks of school. It is a virtual group so they can attend from the comfort of their home. Please take care of yourself and consider setting yourself up for success ! Link to sign up is in the flyer below.

Congressman Smucker’s office will be participating in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge (CAC)! The CAC is a nationwide competition aimed at encouraging U.S. high school and middle school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. Through this process, the Challenge works to inspire our nation’s youth to pursue careers in computer science by highlighting the value of STEM education.

The competition officially launches TODAY!  Check out the steps outlined below to learn more about the 2023 CAC and its timeline:

1. EXPLORATION – Review the 2023 CAC Rules to learn more about contest parameters.
2. REGISTRATION – Still interested?  Form a team of up to four students (schools can have multiple teams), and register it on the CAC website. 
3. DEVELOPMENT – Create an app!  Students can use any programming language and any platform.  There are no limits on application theme or topic.
4. SUBMISSION – Submit the app and a short demonstration video by November 1, 2023.

Following the deadline, submissions will be judged and a winning application will be announced in December 2023. The winning team from PA-11 will then be invited to Washington, DC in Spring 2024 for a reception, where they will meet with the other winning teams from Congressional districts across the country!

As we move through the summer and into the beginning of the school year, I will continue to provide periodic updates with additional information about the competition. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from many of you about this amazing opportunity!

Best Regards,

Jacob R. Taylor

District Outreach Coordinator

Congressman Lloyd Smucker (PA-11)

Office: (717) 969-6133

Mobile: (202) 360-1984

This programming is designed to serve students and families across Pennsylvania. Our target audience is first-generation, low-income, underrepresented students who are interested in continuing their studies in college after high school. Don’t miss this chance to get a head start on your college application process.

Sessions will be held over Zoom conference. Attendance at all sessions is expected, and students attending all sessions will earn an official PACAC certificate of completion. You will participate in this event at your home.

Session topics will include:  College Admissions Fundamentals, Paying for College, Writing A Great College Essay, Finding Success In College, and so many more!

By registering for Virtual Camp College, you are committing yourself to an immersive college access experience. While you are not required to attend sessions, we strongly encourage you to attend as many as you can to gain the most from this experience! Sign up here .

Begin completing brag sheets for counselors, teachers, and family members. This resource will help students gather important information about themselves to help those writing letters of recommendation on their behalf.