Deer Lakes

School District

School Counseling Services

Welcome to the Deer Lakes High School Counseling Page! Mrs. Pascucci and Miss Austin work with the high school students across various domains such as academic success, career readiness, and emotional support. You can find either one of them in their individual office's holding meetings, in a classroom delivering important information, or simply out and about around the building. Both Mrs. Pascucci and Miss Austin are also a part of the many layers of mental health support we have across the district.

To find out more about the various mental health resources Deer Lakes has, please click here




KEEP SCROLLING DOWN THE PAGE BUT ALSO SEE THE GREEN TABS ON THE LEFT FOR MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ON MANY DIFFERENT TOPICS!! 


NOTE:   If using a cell phone or iPad, these will be accessible from a drop down menu.
 




ATTENTION SENIORS

If you have been accepted to a college, university, tech school or into the military, please give a copy of your acceptance letter to Mrs. Gacci in the School Counseling Office, or e-mail it to her @ [email protected]  as soon as possible.

If you have applied to and have been accepted to more than one school, please make sure you let Mrs. Gacci know which school you decide to commit to and give her a copy of that acknowledgement from the college/univ./tech. school, which will come from that school AFTER you have paid your deposit and officially enrolled there.

If you have been awarded a Scholarship, please send a copy of your award letter to Mrs. Gacci in the School Counseling Office, or e-mail it to her @ [email protected] as soon as possible.   Only send copies of Scholarships you have been awarded AND have accepted.  Do not send copies of Scholarships offered to you from colleges/universities that you do not plan on attending.  Once you decide which school you will attend, have paid your deposit to them and receive & accept the Scholarship, then you can send a copy of your award letter Mrs. Gacci.  DO NOT send "On Campus Room/Housing Awards/scholarships" as these are automatically given out and not merit based.


SENIOR SURVEY


All seniors were given a Senior Survey Form in their English class the week of 4/24/23.  (Lancer Academy students received them by mail)   This is a mandatory form and ALL seniors are required to complete this form listing their plans after graduation and  must return it to the SCHOOL COUNSELING OFFICE by no later than Thursday, May 18, 2023.  Students are to choose only one of the options listed on the form.    This is a mandatory form!   Students will not receive their cap & gown until this form is completed & turned in.    Click HERE for the fillable PDF version of the form.
 
If you are undecided, going into the military or entering the workforce, these options are listed on the form so just check the appropriate box.
 
For students that are going to a college/university/technical/trade school, check the appropriate box and: 
 
  • Enter the name of the school you are enrolled at AND the City and State as well.
  • If you are going to Pitt, Penn State or a Community College, you must put the branch/location you will be attending.   
  • Enter your major / field of study.
  • You must attach a copy of your proof of enrollment for the college/univ./tech/trade school you list on your Senior Survey form.   This MUST be the documentation you receive AFTER you have committed to, paid the deposit to & are officially enrolled at the college/univ./tech./trade school that you will attend. 
  • Your final official transcript will be mailed out to the college/university/technical-trade school that you put on your Senior Survey form.   It will be sent after graduation and by no later than June 30, 2023.   
 
Students also need to list any scholarship(s) that they have received AND have accepted, and MUST also provide a copy of the Award Letter(s) if they want the scholarship(s) to appear in the graduation slideshow.   Please list the name and the amount of the scholarship(s).   DO NOT list loans, state/federal grants, housing awards, visit awards or residency awards!!
 
IMPORTANT:   If the student has applied for any of the local DL Scholarships, winners will NOT be informed they have received the scholarship(s) until the Senior Academic Awards Ceremony on June 2nd.   Students should NOT wait for those results to complete & turn in their Senior Survey Form!!  Again, the winners will NOT be announced until June 2nd!   The School Counseling Office will be notified of the winners sometime in May and those results will automatically be given to Mrs. Mandy Beck to be included in the graduation slideshow.  
 
Students may turn their completed form in by any one of the following methods:
 
  • Hand it in to Mrs. Gacci in the School Counseling Office
  • E-mail it to Mrs. Gacci @ [email protected]
  • Fax it to 724-265 5303
  • Or mail it to:  ATTN: School Counseling Office; Deer Lakes High School; 163 East Union Road; Cheswick, PA 15024
 
MILITARY VISITS

No visits scheduled at this time.
COLLEGE/UNIV./TECH. SCHOOL IN PERSON VISITS

You MUST sign up to attend a college/school visit by filling out a College-School Visit Sign Up Form.pdf.    Hard copies are also available in the School Counseling Office.   Either e-mail your form to Mrs. Gacci at [email protected] or hand it in to her in the School Counseling Office by the noted deadline.  Students will receive a hallpass on the day of visit so they can attend.  

No visits scheduled at this time.


NEXTSTEPU FREE ONLINE MAGAZINE FOR STUDENTS

Check out the free online Magazine NextStepU, for high school students!  http://magazine.nextstepu.com/ 
NACAC'S GUIDE TO THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS

NACAC’s favorite perennial resource, the Guide to the College Admission Process, has been updated for 2022 to reflect current trends, tasks, and additions to the college search and application experience. This guide offers sound advice on every step of the process, from getting in the right mindset, to researching universities, to completing application materials. This is a fantastic go-to source for students, families, and counselors!   NACAC GUIDE TO THE COLLEGE ADMISSION PROCESS 2022.pdf
COLLEGE PLANNING GUIDE FOR STUDENTS & FAMILIES

Please read this informational and very helpful college planning guide that York College of PA has put together.    It applies to ALL students, no matter what college/univ. they may be interested in, and is NOT specific to York College.      
THE COLLEGE TOUR SHOW

The College Tour is a new Show that shows tours of a specific college each episode.

The College Tour is a new TV series brought to you by Emmy-nominated and multi-award-winning producers.  The series tells the story of colleges and universities around the world.
 
Each episode of The College Tour will focus on a single college or university.  Here is a list and links to Colleges that have been featured so far:     https://www.thecollegetour.com/tour-colleges/

From campus life, academics, housing, sports, activities, and much more… each student driven segment will give young people an inside look at what it’s truly like being a student at the featured college or university.
GIRLS WHO CODE SUMMER PROGRAMS
Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in technology and lead the movement to inspire, educate, and equip students who identify as girls and non-binary with the computing skills they need to pursue 21st-century opportunities.

Girls Who Code offers two FREE programs in the summer: the virtual Summer Immersion Program and the Self-Paced Program. Applicants can apply for BOTH programs, if eligible, however students can only participate in one summer program.

  • The virtual Summer Immersion Program (SIP) is a live, virtual, 2-week introductory computer science course for currently eligible 9th, 10th, and 11th grade US students and international students ages 14-18.
  • The Self-Paced Program is a 6-week flexible computer science course for currently eligible 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grade US students and international students ages 14-18 who prefer not to adhere to a set schedule.
To register, go to:  https://girlswhocodesm.smapply.io/ 
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY PHARMACY EXPLORATION DAY

The Duquesne University School of Pharmacy is hosting its annual Pharmacy Exploration Day – a one day summer camp for high school students to explore the field of pharmacy together with School of Pharmacy faculty and students.   High school freshman thru seniors are encouraged to attend this event if they have an interest in chemistry, biology and/or math.   Students will learn about the day in the life of a pharmacist and experience many hands on activities that pharmacists conduct on a regular basis.   It is FREE to attend but seating is limited!
 
Two versions of Pharmacy Exploration are available.  
 
ON CAMPUS – deadline to register is June 12, 2023
PICK ONE DAY DURING THIS WEEK:
Monday – Friday, June 19 – 23  from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
 
VIRTUALLY ON ZOOM – deadline to register is June 25, 2023
Monday, June 26 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Click HERE for the flyer for more information & how to register.
SPIRIT OF AMERICA YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Accepting Applications for High School Spirit of America Youth Leadership Program at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge
 
Open to high school students grades 10-12
Full Scholarships Available 
 
PROGRAM DATES AVAILABLE:
February 23 - 26March 30 - April 2April 27 - 30October 19 - 22
March 2 - 5April 13 - 16June 15 - 18October 26 - 29
March 9 - 12April 20 - 23July 13 - 16November 2 - 5

More than 100,000 high school students from across the country have participated in our transformative Spirit of America Youth Leadership program. Students engage directly with the first principles of freedom and they debate both their constitutional rights and responsibilities in our Freedom Summit while learning about economic freedom, entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system.  Along with a thorough understanding of civic responsibility, students leave inspired to do their part in securing the liberties that only an active citizenry can safeguard in their own communities, guided by a greater appreciation for our history, ideals, and the relevance of our country’s charters of freedom. 
 
It's an incredible program that receives high praise time and time again from students, parents, and teachers! Share this opportunity with your high school student or friends and ask them to apply for our in-person 2023 Spirit of America Youth Leadership programs today.    
SEE FLYER FOR MORE INFORMATIONNew SOA Promo Flyer.pdf
 
Questions can be directed to [email protected] or by phone at 610-933-8825 ext. 221.
SOCIAL JET LAG IN TEENS RESEARCH STUDY

This research study is conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Researchers are studying how teens’ sleep schedules affect their mood and behavior.
  • You may be eligible if you are in 9th-12th grade and 14-19 years old.  Parent/Guardian’s consent will be required for those under 18.  
  • Participants are compensated.
  • Participation is voluntary and information provided by participants will be kept confidential (private).
  • Participants will be compensated for each phase of the study.
Questions? Please contact Kathryn Guo at 412-246-6422    
Social Jet Lag in Teens Flyer.pdf   
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO:   https://www.socialjetlag.pitt.edu/ 

ELMER HAFER – AMERICAN LEGION – STATE POLICE – NATIONAL GUARD YOUTH CAMP

WHEN:   June 11 – 17, 2023
WHERE:  Messiah University, Mechanicsburg, PA
 
A Six day camp to introduce students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or a branch of the military.  The program includes, but is not limited to, marching in platoon formation, participate in a drill competition, physical training, forensics, canine, SERT team, drug laws, marksmanship course and familiarity with weapons.
 
Eligibility:
  • Must be between the ages of 15-17 prior to entering the camp on June 11th
  • Student should be physically fit & in good health
  • Student should have a good academic record
  • Student must be a resident of PA
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION 
PA AMERICAN LEGION KEYSTONE BOYS STATE


Established in 1937, PA American Legion Keystone Boys State is an educational workshop for high school student leaders.  Students selected to attend KBS have the opportunity to gain leadership skills through an intensive week-long summer program.  The focus of KBS is its hands on simulation of municipal, county and state government.

WHEN:   June 18 – 24, 2023
WHERE:   Shippensburg University

ELIGIBILITY:
High school students must have completed their Junior year and have at least one semester remaining before graduation

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
CCAC SUMMER MATH PROGRAM

The Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) is offering a Summer Math Program that can help students get ahead.  CCAC offers courses for middle & high school math credit.  Students who attend public high schools or other private schools may attend this summer math program.  CCAC will create an official transcript to forward to the student’s home school upon successful completion of the course(s).  These courses can be taken for advancement to obtain credit for middle and high school math classes to accelerate the student’s academic progress or to lessen the load of courses during the regular school year.  Students can also audit the classes (no grade) to help strengthen their skills.     The student’s home school district will determine the amount of school credit awarded for each CCAC Summer School course.
Click HERE for the class schedule and registration form.     Copies are also available in the School Counseling Office.
PGH. TECHNICAL COLLEGE LAUNCH PROGRAM FOR UPCOMING 10TH & 11TH GRADE GIRLS

DEADLINE TO APPLY:   September 8, 2023

The Pittsburgh Technical College Launch Program is for upcoming 10th & 11th grade girls.   The Launch program transforms the natural curiosity of high school girls into a voice of leadership in the STEM industry.   Through this comprehensive program, high school girls will gain insight into their leadership style and be equipped with the confidence to pursue a successful career path in STEM.   Through their engagement, participants experience growth as leaders and exit the program prepared to create positive changes in their chosen career path.    Click HERE for more information.
PITT'S SCHOOL OF PHARMACY PIER PROGRAM

Pitt’s School of Pharmacy has a wonderful virtual program for rising seniors and juniors.  It’s a great way to learn more about Pharmacy and the health professions from current students and faculty.
 
DEADLINE:  June 15, 2023

There is no cost to participate in PIER!

Who: University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy PIER Program:
 
What: PIER stands for Pharmacy Innovation Experience and Research. We aim to expose our students to the wide range of opportunities that come with a PharmD (Doctorates in Pharmacy) Degree. In doing so, we bring in expert faculty members from Pitt Pharmacy to talk about their journeys throughout the field. We also emphasize the role of a pharmacist in research, and the innovative fields one can pursue through the many doors opened with a PharmD. We have weekly webinars followed by activities that will engage the students and encourage teamwork. There will be patient cases that the students will work through outside of the webinar sessions, and will receive help and guidance from their mentors, who are all current Pitt Pharmacy students. Throughout our program we also foster professional development by implementing resume workshops and tips on how to have a successful interview. Faculty from the School of Pharmacy will presenting and opportunities to ask questions to currently enrolled pharmacy students and faculty!
 
When: The program is 5 weeks long, with a webinar occurring every Monday, July 3 – 31st from 5 – 7pm (Eastern Time)
 
Where: Our online setting will allow for many students across the country to tune in and experience the PIER program! 
 
Why: When people think of a pharmacist, they tend to imagine someone filling medications in a CVS, Walgreens or Rite Aid. While those are very important roles that are filled by pharmacists, there is so much more one can do with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree - PharmD degree.  The goal of PIER is to expand students views and allow them to start thinking NOW about the many different fields one can pursue in community pharmacy, Hospital/Ambulatory Pharmacy, Industrial, Pharmacy/Research, Research and Drug Development and  Professional Development – just to name a few.
 
Application Information and additional information can be found at: https://pages.pharmacy.pitt.edu/pier/
 
Email Contact: Suzanne Mannino – [email protected]

CCAC EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM

CCAC is excited to offer an exclusive section of BUS 101: Intro to Business for the upcoming Fall 2023 semester from 9/5/2023 through 12/11/2023 for rising 11th and 12th graders. This is a remote course with a live component via Zoom on Tuesdays from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. This course is funded entirely through a generous grant from BNY Mellon. Tuition, course materials, and student services are all provided at no cost. This is a great opportunity for students to get ahead in their studies and gain valuable dual enrollment experience.
 
BUS 101 provides a foundation in modern business and business practices including principles of management, marketing, and human resource management. The operation of business in a free enterprise system, the government's role in business, and forms of business ownership are discussed. This course is highly transferrable to other colleges and universities.
 
In addition, students earn as they learn, so if they earn an A, they will receive a $150 check, a B earns $100, and a C earns $50.
 
As the seats are limited, we encourage interested students to take advantage of this opportunity as soon as possible! To ensure your students’ spot in this exclusive section, please have any interested student complete the interest form through this link https://ccacforms.formstack.com/forms/earlycollegeprogram 
 
Once their interest form is received, CCAC will reach out with the remaining steps to get enrolled in the course. Don't miss out on this chance to enhance your education and reach your goals!
 
CONTACTS:

Mrs. Tina Pascucci, School Counselor
Grades 9-12  Last Names A - L
Phone: 724-265-5320   Ext. 2671 
Fax: 724-265-5303
HOURS:    7:05 AM - 2:50 PM
View Mrs. Pascucci's profile


Miss Taylor Austin, School Counselor
Grades 9-12   Last names M - Z
Phone: 724-265-5320  Ext. 2670
Fax: 724-265-5303
HOURS:    7:05 AM - 2:50 PM
Twitter: @DLSDGuidance
 

Mrs. Leighann Gacci
School Counseling Secretary
Phone: 724-265-5320  Ext. 2626
Fax: 724-265-5303
HOURS:   7:30 AM - 3:30 PM  


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GRADING PERIODS

STUDENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SAP)
SAP is a voluntary program for students experiencing academic, behavioral, and/or emotional difficulties that may pose barriers to school success. Questions?  Call a School Counselor or the school Social Worker: 

Tina Pascucci, School Counselor  (A - L)  724-265-5320  x-2671   [email protected]

Taylor Austin, School Counselor  (M - Z)   724-265-5320  x-2670   [email protected]

Leanna Barkley, Social Worker   
724-265-5320  x-2673  [email protected] 

Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” BEFORE it is too late. With Safe2Say Something, it’s easy and confidential to report safety concerns to help prevent violence and tragedies.
Here’s how it works:
  • Submit an anonymous tip report through the Safe2SaySomething system
  • Crisis center reviews, assesses and processes all submissions
  • Crisis center sends all submissions to school administration and/or law enforcement  for intervention
  • If needed, crisis center may contact tipster anonymously through the app

 
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org


Resolve Crisis Services
Resolve is a 24-hour, 365-day crisis service that’s free to all Allegheny County residents.
Everyone experiences moments of crisis in life. You might be struggling with depression or substance abuse. Or maybe you’re overwhelmed by problems at work, feeling lonely, or having a conflict with a loved one. Whether your problem is large or small, talking with someone can help. Most of all, don’t wait for a problem to get out of control. Just call resolve Crisis Services for help at 1-888-796-8226.