Welcome to the Northern High School Guidance Office Information Page!

Visit this site regularly for news related to coming events, academic and career planning, college information, financial aid and scholarships, and more

GUIDANCE OFFICE PHONE: 616-493-8605

Counselors:

Sue Trout A-G
Cara Harvey H-O
Tammy Bentley P-Z

Secretary:
Christi Lardieri

Registrar
Kim Ndawillie

School Psychologist
Teresa Sanxter

School Social Worker
Aaron Kauffman

Speech Pathologist
Mary Caldwell

Office: 493-8605

Click here for the Guidelines for Personal Curriculums

Click here for 2012-2013 High School Course Description Guide

College Test Information

Junior Year 

PSAT (October) – An early version of the SAT, it tests Verbal and Mathematical aptitudes. The PSAT, when taken by a junior, is also the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

ACT - College-bound juniors should take the ACT during their junior year. The ACT is required or accepted by all colleges in Michigan and by most colleges throughout the nation. There are five (5) national test dates throughout the school year. Students can pick up registration packets in the Guidance Office and register by mail. Registration or re-registration may be done on computer.

SAT I - Juniors considering colleges which are more competitive or who are unsure where they may apply, should take the SAT in the spring. There are six (6) national test dates throughout the school year. Registration or re-registration should be done on computer.

SAT II - Some competitive colleges require students to take three (3) SAT II Subject Tests. These one-hour tests are offered in many subjects on the SAT test dates. Students usually are required to take one in English and two in areas of interest.

AP Tests – These are appropriate for students taking AP courses.

Senior Year

ACT & SAT - Some seniors retake one or both tests in the fall if they feel they could do better. Counselors can help their students decide whether or not to retest.

SAT II - If SAT II test are required, they should be taken in the fall.

AP Tests (May) – These are appropriate for students taking AP courses.

For more information, please visit our guidance department resource page. CLICK HERE.

Click here to request transcripts.

Meet the Counseling Department!

Ms. Sue Trout
High School Students, last names A – G

Ms. Sue Trout, a graduate of Michigan State University and Grand Valley State University, joined the Husky family in 2008 after 3 years as a school counselor at Orion Alternative High School in Grandville. Before that, she taught social studies at East Grand Rapids Middle School/High School. She and her husband, Tom Trout, have two children.

Ms. Cara Harvey
High School Students, last names H-O

Cara Harvey joined the Husky Family in from Forest Hills Central High School in 2010.  Prior to that she was a school counselor at Kenowa Hills High School.  Cara attended Huntington University and Central Michigan University where she earned a masters degree in Professional Counseling.  Cara is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed School Counselor.  Before becoming a School Counselor, she was a therapist in both inpatient and outpatient agencies.  She currently serves on the Executive Board for the West Michigan Counseling Association and loves being a counselor. Cara and her husband Joe have four beautiful daughters ranging in age from middle school to college.  She very much enjoys her family time and watching her girls play basketball and Lacrosse.

Ms. Tammy Bentley
High School Students, last names P-Z

Mrs. Tammy Bentley, a graduate of Central Michigan University and Michigan State University, joined the Husky family in 2010 after working as a school counselor in Tri County Public Schools for six years.  Prior to that, she worked in a psychiatric hospital in Smyrna, GA as an intake clinician and case manager.  She also has experience working in private practice with children, adolescents and families.  Tammy and her husband have a five year old son Quinn, and a two year old daughter Elin.

Mrs. Lardieri joined the Counseling Office Staff in 2009 after working at Ada Vista Elementary School in several support positions.  She and her husband, Mark, have a son and a daughter, both current Forest Hills Spanish Immersion students. Mrs. Lardieri is a proud graduate of the University of Virginia (Go Hoos!).

4-Year College

Choosing a College

Planning Checklist Application ProcessPost high school planning is essential in accomplishing your goals in the future. It is important to plan early and understand the process of how to attain your goals. Determining the path which best suits you is part of the post high school planning process. Below are terms of types of institutions to help assist you in your planning.

VOCATIONAL/TECHNICAL:

These types of institutions are private schools specializing in trades or vocations by offering a variety of courses and occupational programs. Students generally can specialize in skill training such as welding, cooking, etc., and have the opportunity to gain a certificate upon completion of the training program.

MILITARY:

The military is another way to gain post secondary training, earn money and gain benefits. Military establishments combine education and training for the armed forces in large and very structured institutions. There are five service academies in the U.S., all of which require serving at least four or six years as officers who are well educated both academically and in the workings of the military itself. The military offers degrees upon completion of officer training programs. Military recruiters visit the school throughout the year to educate students about their programs.

Community Colleges:

Community colleges offer an option to students who wish to stay closer to home and determine if going away to college is the best option for them. Community colleges are institutions conveniently located in local communities. This type of institution specializes in transfer programs often tied to four-year colleges in the state. A benefit of the community college is it usually responds to local employment demand by offering courses in needed areas. This type of institution offers degree programs as well as certificates.

Ten Questions to Ask… (Before Picking a College)

1. What different financial aid packages does the school offer? Remember to factor in costs such as transportation, home, long distance calls, etc.

2. Is the program you’re interested in offered?

3. How many graduates find jobs in their field of study?

4. How does the school help graduates find jobs?

5. How easy is it to get the courses you want at the times that are convenient for you?

6. How much does housing cost, and is finding off-campus housing difficult?

7. What is the quality of academic resources (library, research facilities, computer labs, etc.)? Are they up-to-date and accessib

8. What is the retention rate (how many students come back after their freshman year)?

9. What student organizations are on campus?

10. What sort of career planning or job placement services are available?