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School Counseling Department Updates
Become informed on important information and upcoming services that the counseling team will be offering in the days to come.
Table of Contents
- Hoover Highlights
- EO - Student Connect Presentations
- Upcoming and Ongoing Events
- Academic
- College
- Career
- Social Emotional
- Scholarships
- Senior Corner
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Every Monday from 11:10 am - 11:25 am during EO time, counselors deliver engaging, school-wide presentations designed to inform and inspire our students. Teachers log into Google Meets at the end of 3rd period and project the presentation onto their screen for students to see.
During these sessions, counselors cover a variety of topics, including:
- Strategies for social-emotional wellness
- Tips for academic success
- College and career readiness insights
- Upcoming school-wide events
We look forward to connecting with our students each week and providing valuable resources to help them thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Click below to view this week's presentation.
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Graduation Requirement and A-G Requirement Presentation
On September 17 during EO time, counselors gave a presentation on graduation and A-G requirements. We emphasized that the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) graduation requirements are not too far off from the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) A–G requirements.
As a reminder, the A-G requirements are a series of high school courses that students must complete with a grade of C or better to be eligible to apply to UC and CSU schools. They include:
A: History/Social Science – 2 years
B: English – 4 years
C: Mathematics – 3 years (4 recommended)
D: Laboratory Science – 2 years (3 recommended)
E: Language Other Than English – 2 years (3 recommended)
F: Visual and Performing Arts – 1 year
G: College-Preparatory Elective – 1 year
Because the graduation requirements and the A-G requirements are so similar, we strongly encourage all students to pursue an A-G aligned course schedule. Doing so not only ensures that students are on track to graduate from high school but also keeps every student eligible for admission to California’s public universities and competitive colleges nationwide.
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Join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month - a time to honor the histories, cultures, and contributions of people with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central & South America. Throughout the month, we recognize the impact Hispanic and Latino leaders have made in the arts, sciences, education, public service, entrepreneurship, and beyond.
Each week, we will spotlight a different innovator from the Hispanic community by sharing their story and achievements.
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How to Reach Your Counselor
Students, you can schedule a meeting with your counselor by scanning the QR code below. Appointment times are offered before school, after school, during snack, and at lunch.
Appointments are highly recommended. You may drop by without one, but we cannot guarantee that a counselor will be able to meet with you at that time.
If you are experiencing a crisis, please let an adult know and come straight to the counseling office.
Parents/Guardians: The online booking appointments are limited to only 10 minutes. In order to provide you with more time and better support, please contact Mrs. Moses, the counseling secretary, via email at hmoses@gusd.net or by phone at (818) 242-6801 ext. 81131.
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Free After School Tutoring
Free tutoring will be available after school in the Collaboratory to support you with homework, test preparation, and building stronger study habits across all subjects. Whether you’re struggling in a class or just want to stay on top of your work, this is a great opportunity to get one-on-one support!
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Juniors - PSAT Preparation
Attention 11th Graders! You will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 8, 2025
What is the PSAT?
It is a standardized test that measures your skills in reading, writing, and math. It’s basically a practice version of the SAT that helps you get ready for college entrance exams.
Why is the PSAT important?
It’s practice for the SAT, which is often used for college admissions and scholarships
It gives you a sense of your strengths and areas to improve before senior year
High scores can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program, which opens the door to recognition and financial aid
How to Prepare:
Tips for Success:
Take at least one full-length practice test to build stamina
Review your mistakes and practice those question types
Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast on test day
Good luck!
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Music Path Program
The Music Path is a free after-school program that helps high school students explore music production, songwriting, and perform like real professionals! Whether you’re just getting started or want to sharpen your skills, this is your chance to create, collaborate, and express yourself all while building confidence and friendships.
Contact Mitch Zelenzy for more information! His contact information can be found on the flyer below.
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Free Theatre Conservatory Program for Students
Are you interested in acting, writing, directing, or stage design? The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company, a non-profit theatre arts education organization in Pasadena, is excited to launch our brand-new Youth Theatre Conservatory this fall at Boston Court Pasadena.
This program is completely free and open to high school students. You’ll get hands-on training from professional theatre artists, meet other creative students, and bring your own ideas to life on stage.
Check out [this video from our recent DEVISE FEST](insert link) to see the incredible work created by student artists like you.
📍 Location: Boston Court Pasadena 📅 Starting: Fall 2025 💡 Cost: FREE
Don’t miss this chance to explore your creativity and gain valuable theatre experience!
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PBIS
Students receive Tornado Tickets for being Responsible, Respectful, and Engaged. Trade in your tickets for amazing prizes at the Tornado Trade Post. It is open every Tuesday and Thursday during snack. The store is located right around the corner from the Student Store.
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5-Week Progress Report Grades
Five-week grades were posted on September 19. Please remember, these are progress reports and NOT your final grades. They provide an indicator of where you currently stand in your classes and can help you adjust your study habits and routines moving forward.
Tips for Success:
- Schedule a meeting with your teacher to ask for help
- Ask for help EARLY - do not wait
- Review your class notes, tests, and homework assignments
- Stay on top of missing assignments
- Check your portal and Google Classroom DAILY
- Change your study habits -
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Work on time management
- Attend free tutoring in the Collaboratory
- Get help from your teachers during EO
- Use College Board resources for AP classes
This is a great opportunity to reflect on your learning and set yourself up for success for the rest of the semester!
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GCC on Campus
Glendale Community College is here every Tuesday during lunch in front of the College and Career Center (Room 2101) Stop by if you have any questions!
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College & Career Adviser - Room 2101
Our College and Career Adviser, Ms. Arroyo, is available to meet with students in all grade levels, with a special focus on juniors and seniors. She can support students with selecting a major, exploring careers/trade schools, researching colleges, and navigating the application process. Seniors can also receive guidance on completing their PIQs! Please take advantage of this amazing resource that we have at Hoover.
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College rep visits are an excellent way to explore schools you’re interested in, connect directly with admissions representatives, and learn about programs, scholarships, and opportunities you may not find online. We’ll be hosting many more college rep visits throughout the school year, and all grade levels are welcome to attend! See below for upcoming events.
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California Colleges is the official California and GUSD platform with tools to help students explore careers, majors, colleges, and trade schools—all for free! Students can activate their accounts using their school email. Need a little guidance? Watch this student tutorial. Parents, you can monitor your student’s progress by creating your own account. Register at CaliforniaColleges.edu and check out this parent tutorial for step-by-step instructions.
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GCC is on Campus every Tuesday
Get answers to many of your questions on Dual Enrollment, ECA, certificate programs, important dates, enrollment steps, online application, and more every Tuesday during lunch.
Location: Table outside the College & Career Center, Room 2101
Click on the link to learn more: glendale.edu/hs
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Work Permits
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Suicide Prevention Month Presentation
Earlier this week, counselors gave a school-wide presentation on Suicide Prevention Month. Although it can be a difficult topic to discuss, it is crucial for students and families to recognize the warning signs and understand the supports available.
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Please take some time to explore scholarship opportunities with your student! Every scholarship—big or small—can add up and make a real difference.
12th grade students & families: Be sure to also check the Scholarship Spreadsheet for even more opportunities, including rolling and monthly deadlines: Click Here
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Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the country, is now accepting applications from high school seniors to become part of the 38th class of Coca-Cola Scholars and receive one of 150 college scholarships worth $20,000. No essays, transcripts, or recommendations are required at this stage – just the online application.
Eligibility requirements:
- At least a 3.0 GPA
- Currently enrolled high school/home-schooled students attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select DoD schools who will graduate high school during the 2025-2026 academic school year.
- U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees - based on the guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
- Expecting to receive high school diploma during current academic year (class of 2026)
- Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
Ideal Candidates Coke Scholars not only demonstrate excellence in academics but also serve as leaders in their community and are dedicated to creating positive change. Full eligibility requirements are available at Cokeurl.com/Scholarships.
Application deadline: Apply at Cokeurl.com/Apply2026 by September 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM PT.
Visit Mrs. Hernandez's Google Classroom for more information!
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Accessing Your Transcript
Students can access their unofficial transcript from Student Portal.
Sign in to https://q.gusd.net/production/studentportal
1. Select "Documents" on the left menu
2. Click the icon next to "High School Unofficial Transcript" that was posted on 9/19/2025
** look at the image below for reference**
For official transcripts, please visit https://hooverhs.gusd.net/6747_4 to place an order.
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Write Your Future! 826LA’s 16th Annual Personal Statement Event
When: Saturday, October 11th
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (check-in begins at 9 AM)
Where: Orthopaedic Hospital Medical Magnet High School, 300 W 23rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90007
This free, full-day event pairs high school seniors with trained volunteers for one-on-one support as they write, revise, and polish their college application essays, including UC Personal Insight Questions, Cal State EOP Statements, and Common App personal statements.
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Senior Portraits Update
If you have not booked an appointment for Senior Portraits, you have two options:
Contact Lifetouch directly to visit their studio & take your portraits there!
Wait for the October make-up dates that will take place at Hoover HS (more info coming soon).
If you tried to book an appointment and the system said it did not recognize your student, please contact Lifetouch and provide your student’s full name, phone number, and parent's email.
PRESTIGEMHAREA@LIFETOUCH.COM
1.855.918.2930
https://prestigeportraits.com/
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Staying on Track: Graduation & College Opportunities for Seniors
Over the past two weeks, Mrs. Hernandez (12th Grade Counselor) and Ms. Arroyo (College Adviser) visited all 12th grade English classes to review graduation requirements, A–G eligibility, and post-secondary opportunities. These classroom visits ensure every senior has the information they need to stay on track for graduation and prepare for life after high school.
We encourage students to take advantage of upcoming college workshops and college representative visits—great opportunities to get personalized guidance and learn more about their future options.
Students & families can view the full presentation below.
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College & Scholarship Application Tracker
To help your student stay organized with deadlines and requirements, I created a College & Scholarship Application Tracker. This tool allows students to keep track of applications, essays, recommendation letters, financial aid, and scholarships in one place.
Please note: families must make a copy of the tracker in order to use it.
Instructions:
Open the tracker here: College & Scholarship Application Tracker.
In the top menu, click File → Make a copy.
Save the copy to your own Google Drive.
Your student can then begin entering their colleges and scholarships.
This resource is optional but highly recommended to keep students on top of their deadlines and organized throughout senior year.
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QuestBridge National College Match
Seniors, if you’re aiming for top colleges and want to explore incredible scholarship opportunities, don’t miss out on the program.
Through QuestBridge, you can:
- Apply for FREE to top colleges and universities across the country
- Be considered for covering tuition, room & board, and more
- Connect with institutions that meet 100% of demonstrated financial need
Important Dates & Deadlines (2025):
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September 30 - National College Match application deadline
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October 1 - Match Rankings Form opens – rank up to 15 schools on your Manage page
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October 16 - Match Rankings Form Match Agreement Form due (signed by student, parent/guardian, and counselor)
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October 21 - Finalist decisions released
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November 1 - Match Requirements deadline – Finalists submit materials to each ranked college
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November 4 - QuestBridge Regular Decision Form available on Manage page
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December 1 - Match Day!
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December 11 - QuestBridge Regular Decision Form Deadline
How to Apply:
- Go to www.questbridge.org
- Create an account and start your application
- Submit your application by September 30, 2025
This is a fantastic opportunity for high-achieving students who have excelled academically and may qualify for financial support. Start early, and let me know if you’d like guidance with your application—I’m here to help!
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CSU College Night – Monday, September 29 at 6:00 p.m.
The CSU system is hosting a FREE College Night at the Pasadena Convention Center for high school students, families, and educators. Meet representatives from all 22 CSU campuses, learn about admissions and financial aid, get tips on Cal State Apply, and explore resources. Register here!
Where: Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA When: Monday, September 29, 2025 | 6:00–8:00 p.m. Parking: $15 (card only)
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Additional Resources
The following are resources from Schoolhouse, a free, peer-to-peer tutoring non-profit founded by Sal Khan of Khan Academy.
FREE SAT Bootcamps: 4-week program kicking off on September 5th (schedule selected by student). Perfect for students taking the Oct. 4th SAT. Students can choose between Math or Reading & Writing, or take both. They'll meet with a small group of students and a peer tutor twice a week.
College Admissions Workshops: This month we're running three small-group workshops that run for 2-4 weeks (schedule selected by students).
The Essay - focused on crafting captivating essays
The Application - focused on understanding how to best fill out the different parts of college applications
Creating Your College List - focused on building a personalized list of colleges to apply to
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Brag Sheets for Letters of Recommendation
If you need a counselor letter of recommendation, you must first complete a brag sheet. This form helps me learn everything about you that may not already be known, so I don’t miss any important details to highlight in your letter.
✅ Print your completed Brag Sheet and attach a copy of your resume (clubs, activities, awards, leadership, etc.).
✅ Submit the hardcopy to Mrs. Moses in the Counseling Office — electronic copies will not be accepted.
Reminder: All Brag Sheets must be turned in at least 3 weeks before your first deadline. The final deadline to request a letter of recommendation is November 14, 2025.
⚠️ Please note: UC and CSU applications do not require letters of recommendation.
For full instructions, use the Brag Sheet attached below and make sure you give thoughtful, detailed responses.
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🎓 Support the Distinguished Scholars Academy (DSA) Class of 2026 at Hoover High School! 🎓
The Distinguished Scholars Academy (DSA) offers motivated students a rigorous academic pathway filled with honors and AP courses, enrichment opportunities, and leadership experiences that prepare them for success in college and beyond. Learn more here: DSA Information.
DSA 2026 supports the entire Hoover community by hosting events like Finals Study Night—a supportive space for students to study and receive tutoring—and the 12th Grade Decision Day Celebration—honoring our seniors' postsecondary plans.
DSA 2026 is currently raising funds to help cover the cost of a bus for an additional college campus tour this Fall. Please consider donating to support our Tornado scholars. Every contribution helps create more opportunities for our students to grow, lead, and achieve! Your donation is considered a charitable contribution and may be tax-deductible.
How to Donate:
Thank you for investing in the future of our Tornadoes! 🌪️
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💥 Financial Aid Updates 💥
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Olga Iraheta
Olga is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
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