Counseling
Our mission is to offer guidance to all students in the areas of academic advising, career/college planning and personal/social counseling.
The South Washington Alternative High School (SWAHS) is an educational program designed for students who have exhausted their options in regular school and may benefit from an alternative setting and placement. You can find our application here.
We encourage you to utilize this section to find information regarding Job Opportunities, Career and College Preparation, Graduation Information, Resources for Families, and Crisis Resources. If you need further assistance, please contact your counselor Kate to schedule a meeting.
South Washington Alternative High School is lucky to have partnered with Youth Service Bureau. You can learn more by visiting the Youth and Family Services Page. For more information on services offered by our Youth & family Therapist contact Chaunté Teehan. For information on services offered by our Chemical Health Specialist you can contact Matt McCune.
Crisis Numbers
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Washington County Crisis Response Unit
651-275-7400
Emergency Line
911 - Please call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else.
Contact
Katherine Jenkins
School Counselor
651-425-7004
kjenkins@sowashco.org
Jessica Muszynski
School Psychologist
651-425-6742
jmuszyns1@sowashco.org
Counseling Resources
- Graduation Requirements
- Career And College Center
- Testing
- Youth And Family Services
- Transcripts
- SWAHS opt out letter
Graduation Requirements
Students must meet all course credit requirements and graduation standards, as established by the State of Minnesota and the District 833 School Board, in order to graduate. A student must earn 66 credits in grades 9-12 to graduate. One credit is earned for successful completion of a one trimester course. Students must earn:
12 credits in English
9 credits in Social Studies
1 credit in Economics (grade 11 or 12)
9 credits in Math
9 credits in Science
1 credit in General Physical Education (grade 9 or 10)
1 credit in Health (11 or 12)
2 credits in Fine Arts
22 credits in electives
Career And College Center
Students at the Alternative High School have the option of taking classes at the Northeast Metro 916 Career and Technical Center in White Bear Lake. It becomes part of their school day as they are bused to the College in the mornings and return by lunch. They then take their required classes in the afternoon. This option allows students to explore a career that might be a good fit for them. Check out the description of the courses available! See Kate Jenkins, School Counselor, if you are interested.
Career Resources
- Northeast Metro 916 Career and Technical Center Programs
- www.iseek.org
- This website gives good information on colleges in Minnesota. It also has some self assessments that are free to take that match interests or skills to careers.
- www.mncis.intocareers.org (see counselor for username and password)
- MCIS is an outstanding post secondary planning resource. You can use the website to access occupational information, college information and individual career planning information. A special feature is its ability to sort schools across the country on 10 criteria and scholarships using various criteria. It also has job preparation
ACT/SAT Info
- www.actstudent.org
- This is the ACT website. You can check out the dates of the test, register for the tests and view practice tests on this site.
- Practice tests (ACT, ASVAB, Accuplacer, SAT, etc.)
Financial Aid
- FAFSA on the Web: www.fafsa.ed.gov
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federally approved application for financial aid. it generates information for colleges to determine a student's eligibility for grants, work study, loans, and some forms of need-based scholarships. For this year's seniors, the FAFSA cannot be completed unit the family completes its taxes, or after January 1st. This application is free and can be completed online at the above link.
Reciprocity
Minnesota has the reciprocity with South Dakota, and parts of Iowa and Manitoba, Canada. Essentially, what this means is that students can attend public institutions in these locations and pay tuition that would be comparable to a similar Minnesota public institution. Students must complete a reciprocity agreement with the appropriate state or province to qualify.
Get Ready for College
- www.getreadyforcollege.org
- Financial aid estimator, information on reciprocity and preparing for college.
CSS/Financial Aid Profile
- http://.profileonline.collegeboard.com
- Some colleges (Augsburg, Carleton, Gustavus, Macalester and St. Olaf) also require the completion of the College Board's CSS/Financial Aid Profile. Be sure that your college requires it, as there is a fee included.
MN Career Info System
- www.mncis.intocareers.org (see counselor for user name and password)
- MCIS can access thousands of sources of financial aid and scholarships. Go to "financial aid" to get an alphabetical list of financial aid sources and/or to "financial aid sort" to sort
Military
Jenkins, Kate
School Counselor
651-425-7004
Testing
College Credit & College Readiness Tests
ACT & SAT
The ACT and the SAT Reasoning Test are college admission tests. Most four-year colleges require that students take one of these tests, preferably in the second semester of junior year. All colleges and universities accept either the ACT or the SAT; the student need not take both. Some colleges also require the SAT Subject Tests.
ACT
The ACT Plus Writing college entrance test is scheduled for Tuesday, April 13th. This test will be free for all 2020-21 Juniors enrolled in South Washington County Schools. To register or if you have questions, please contact Kate Jenkins
To register for additional ACT tests, access to free test prep materials, and more information regarding the ACT please visit their website at the link below.
For the latest updates on ACT testing please visit: ACT Website
SAT Test Dates
Register for this year's SAT tests online at CollegeBoard.com.
PreACT, Grade 10
- Why Take the PreACT?
- Using Your PreACT Results
- Understanding Your PreACT Results Worksheet
- ACT Sample Test Questions
- 30 Tips for ACT & SAT Test Prep
ACT, Grade 11
- Infographics: How to Understand & Use Your ACT Results
- Interactive ACT Student Report & Video
- ACT Sample Test Questions
- 30 Tips for ACT & SAT Test Prep
PSAT, Grades 10 and 11th
Current 10th and 11th grade students have the opportunity to take the PSAT exam at their home High School on Wednesday, October 14th, 2020. Please register through SmartSchoolK12, the cost is $23. The deadline is October 2nd and space is limited. For more information check out Woodbury High, East Ridge, or Park High School.
PSAT Website
If you have questions, please contact Kate Jenkins
Youth And Family Services
South Washington Alternative High School is lucky to have partnered with Youth Service Bureau. For more information on services offered by our Youth & family Therapist contact Katie Maier. For information on services offered by our Chemical Health Specialist you can contact Almarely Guerrero Sanchez.
You can contact Katie at katie.maier@ysb.net
Transcripts
Current SWAHS Students
SWAHS students can receive one free transcript sent to a college of their choice. Please email your first request to aengebre@sowashco.org. If students want multiple transcripts sent, they can order them through Parchment.
To order a transcript from Parchment:
- Once registered, you are able to order transcripts.
- Click on "Sign Up", and create an sign-in account. Be sure to provide a valid email address.
- Go to Parchment.com
- Select the names of colleges that you want to receive your transcript; Parchment.com knows each college's address.
- Provide payment at the time of your transcript order.
When you've done your part, the district approves your request online. Parchment.com then prepares your official transcript and sends it to each college you've chosen. Parchment.com will confirm that your transcript was sent (and delivered, if possible).
If you have questions about how Parchment.com works, go to www.parchment.com >Help>FAQs.
SWAHS Student who graduated between 2010-2021
District 833 uses Parchment.com to processes transcript requests electronically for those who have graduated. The first time you use Parchment.com, you must create a login account.
To order a transcript from Parchment:
- Once registered, you are able to order transcripts.
- Click on "Sign Up", and create an sign-in account. Be sure to provide a valid email address.
- Go to Parchment.com
- Select the names of colleges that you want to receive your transcript; Parchment.com knows each college's address.
- Provide payment at the time of your transcript order.
When you've done your part, the district approves your request online. Parchment.com then prepares your official transcript and sends it to each college you've chosen. Parchment.com will confirm that your transcript was sent (and delivered, if possible).
If you have questions about how Parchment.com works, go to www.parchment.com >Help>FAQs.
SWAHS Students who graduated before 2010
If you graduated before 2010 you must request your transcript from the District. There is a $5 fee for each copy of a transcript that you request. Fees are payable by cash, check or money order made payable to District 833. Once your request and payment are received, your transcript order will be processed within 2 business days.
All requests must be made in writing, either at the Office of Student Information (District Service Center) or by mail. To request a transcript by mail please include:
- Student's full name at time of attendance
- Birth date
- School of attendance
- Graduation year
- Address where you want the transcript mailed
- Student signature if over 18; Parent signature if under 18
- Daytime phone number
Mail transcript requests to:
South Washington County Schools
Office of Student Information/Transcript Request
7362 East Point Douglas Road South
Cottage Grove MN 55016
SWAHS opt out letter
Resources for Families
- District Partnerships
- Local Services
- Additional Resources
- Crisis Resources
- Warning signs of depression & suicide
- Tips for using mental health insurance benefits
District Partnerships
SoWashCo Schools does not endorse one service provider over another.
Family Innovations: South Washington County Schools partners with Family Innovations to provide site based mental health services in district buildings. Family Innovations offers services at Cottage Grove Middle School, Lake Middle School, Oltman Middle School, Park High School, South Washington Alternative High School, and Woodbury High School.
Canvas Health: South Washington County Schools also partners with Canvas Health through the Therapeutic Assistance Program (TAP) grant. Canvas Health offers site based mental health services at Cresteview Elementary School, Newport Elementary School, and Pullman Elementary School. Canvas Health also assists our families with diagnostic assessments and county case management.
Local Services
Washington County Resources: A comprehensive list of resources in Washington County.
Operation Glass Slipper: A non-profit dedicated to providing prom dresses and accessories to girls who have financial need.
Park Nicollet Melrose Center: Outpatient, inpatient, and speciality care for those with eating disorders.
Education of Homeless Youth: Resources for homeless students living in the district
Additional Resources
Anxiety BC
AnxietyBC™ provides a rich resource of self-help information and programs, as well as resources for parents and caregivers. The mission is to increase awareness, promote education and improve access to programs that work in coping with anxiety.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota (NAMI MN)
NAMI Minnesota provides help, advocacy and support for people living with mental illnesses and their families.
Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)
Founded in 1977, PACER Center was created by parents of children and youth with disabilities to help other parents and families facing similar challenges. Today, PACER Center expands opportunities and enhances the quality of life of children and young adults with disabilities and their families. PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and works in coalition with 18 disability organizations.
Parent Further
A search Institute resource for families that uses a positive, strengths-based approach to parenting that focuses on what's right with kids (and parents) and the small, everyday steps you can take to help kids be successful in the future.
The Trevor Project
Founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award®-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
Crisis Resources
Canvas Health (formerly HSI)
Comprehensive psychological and psychiatric assessment and treatment of emotional disturbances, mental illness, chemical dependency, physical and sexual abuse, services for seniors, individual and group therapy for children, parents, and families.
Website: www.hsicares.org
- Cottage Grove 651.458.4116
- Oakdale** 651.777.5222
- Stillwater 651.430.2720
- Forest Lake 651.251.5220
** Walk-in Crisis Counseling is available daily at the Oakdale location.
Youth Service Bureau
Prevention, intervention, and counseling services provided to elementary through high school aged youth and their families. Services include individual and family counseling and diversion/restorative justice programs.
Website: www.ysb.net
- Woodbury 651.735.9534
- Cottage Grove 651.458.5224
- Stillwater 651.439.8800
- Forest Lake 651.464.3685
Fairview Behavioral Emergency Center (BEC)
The center is designed to address mental health or substance use emergencies by eliminating the long waits customary in medical ERs. The BEC is open 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM. It is staffed with MDs, RNs, mental health therapists and psychiatric associates. The center is located at the University of Minnesota Medical Center-Riverside Campus.
It will provide assessment and referral to an appropriate source for treatment or further consultation. Individuals seeking services from the BEC would present themselves to the Emergency Room for triage and evaluation to determine if there is a medical emergency. The individual is then directed to the BEC.
2-1-1 United Way (formerly First Call): 2-1-1
Information and referrals concerning counseling and other human service resources for Minnesota residents. Get connected with local resources by calling or visiting their website.
Website: www.211unitedway.org
Chrysalis: 612-871-0118
Programs include chemical dependency treatment, mental health clinic, peer support groups, and legal services
Website: www.chrysaliswomen.org
The Emily Program: 651-645-5323
Personalized treatment for eating disorders.
Website: www.emilyprogram.com
Fairview Lakes Regional Medical Center: 651-982-7000
Many support groups such as Attention Deficit Disorder, community service programs such as Stop Smoking classes, and prenatal classes.
Website: www.lakes.fairview.org
FamilyMeans – Support for Families: 651-439-4840
A wide variety of services for families including mental health counseling, financial counseling, debt repayment program, support for seniors, caregiver support, respite care, and prevention programs with the schools.
Website: www.familymeans.org
Family Services Inc. – East Community: 651-222-0311
A variety of services including youth programs, individual and family counseling, and educational programs.
Lakeview Hospital (Stillwater): 651-439-5330
Programs include health education, childbirth, support groups, and Community Health Library.
Website: www.lakeview.org
White Bear Lake Community Counseling Center: 651-429-8544
Counseling, referral, support for youth and families in the White Bear Lake School District.
Website: www.whitebearlake.org/CCC/ccc.htm
Wilder Foundation: 651-642-4000
Counseling, community assistance, child care, in=home services, domestic abuse programs, older adults support, community and neighborhood services, housing information, employment and life skills counseling, and cultural support programs.
Website: www.wilder.org
Working Family Resource Center: 651-293-5330
Seminars on work/life topics throughout life.
Warning signs of depression & suicide
Have Concerns? If you're concerned about yourself or someone else and would like information on symptoms of depression and warning signs of suicide, please visit save.org or mayoclinic.com. If you recognize any of the listed signs or symptoms, please speak with a parent/guardian, family doctor, or counselor right away. The Mayo Clinic website also has specific information about types of depression.
Note: It is critical to discuss any concerns with a parent/guardian, family doctor, or counselor.
Website: www.save.org
Website: www.mayoclinic.com (Search for major depression symptoms)
Tips for using mental health insurance benefits
Before using your mental health insurance benefits, we recommend that you take the following actions.
- Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.
- Ask for a list of mental health providers in your area; you may request male or female providers as well.
- Ask about specific coverage (e.g., number of sessions, co-pay, and how much insurance will pay).
Your family doctor is another resource you can use to find a mental health provider. Ask him/her for a referral or name(s) of providers to consider.