Counseling Center

Berlin’s Counseling Office offers a variety of services to students, including academic planning and support, college and career planning, support with the college application process, and social emotional support.  

Mission Statement

In support of our district’s four pillars, it is the mission of the school counseling program that we advocate for all Berlin students to receive an equitable education and work to facilitate the growth and development of academic, personal, social, and career readiness skills.  Every student will have access to support services for their individual student needs, to foster academic success, encourage lifelong learning, and engage students in becoming independent and responsible citizens. 

 

Mrs. Rachel Harrison
High School Counselor		 rharrison@berlincentral.org
Ext. 1072
Mr. James Taylor-Shaw
Middle School Counselor		 jtaylorshaw@berlincentral.org
Ext. 1073
Ms. Christine Demick
Secretary		 cdemick@berlincentral.org
Ext. 1070

Middle School Resources

Scholarship Information and Applications

News and Information

HVCC Uniquely Abled Academy Summer Camp Opportunity

HVCC Summer 2025 CIHS Registration is Open

Hudson Valley Community College is excited to share that HVCC’s Summer 2025 College in the High School registration is officially open! Find key information to assist your students in beginning the enrollment process here

HVCC Summer 2025 CIHS Registration is Open

Rensselaer Youth Outdoors: Forest Conservation Corps applications for youth aged 14-16 to steward and explore the Rensselaer Plateau open!

Serving 190 youth in Rensselaer County, RYO is excited to welcome youth to the land for their sixth year of Forest Conservation Corps in 2025!
Applications open April 15, 2025.
Click here to apply and find out more.
https://www.ryoutdoors.org/forestconservationcorps

“Inspired by the work of the Youth Conservation Corps, this FREE stewardship program connects youth aged 14-16 to local conserved lands through service learning, environmental education, and exploration. It offers young people a chance to contribute to conservation work, start and finish a project on one of our partner’s sites, practice skills that you can use in the woods, explore and play, and learn from professionals who work in the field of environmental conservation.”

 

 

Message from Berlin Middle School Counselor Mr. Shaw:

 

 

Mountaineers, do you have a hard time studying and getting homework done? Check out this blog for homework and studying hacks!
https://wholeheartedschoolcounseling.com/2024/12/13/stay-on-track-with-these-homework-and-studying-hacks/

Scholarship, Apprenticeship, and Job Opportunities for BHS Mountaineers

Attention BHS Mountaineers! Please find exciting information about scholarship opportunities and apprenticeships from BHS Counselor Mrs. Harrison!
Check out what Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Development Coalition, the Carpenters Local 291 (apprenticeship programs), Regeneron (STEM Poster Competition event) and National Grid (scholarship program) are offering! Please see or email Mrs. Harrison rharrison@berlincentral.org with any questions.
Let’s go Mountaineers!!

 

Attention BHS Seniors!

The FAFSA is now open to all students for the 2025-26 school year.
Here is what you need to know to complete the application:

1. Both student and parent need to create an account here: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

2. Once your accounts are created, you can then go here https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa Click on “Log in to start” and begin

3. If you need help, please use this page as a resource: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out

Please reach out to Mrs. Harrison, your school counselor, with any questions!

 

Questar III Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs:

Questar III has a wide variety of CTE programs available to 10th and 11th graders.  Most programs are 2 years long and the application process begins during a student’s 10th grade year.  The CNA (nursing assistant) program is one year with the application during the student’s 11th grade year.  Learn more about these programs here:https://www.questar.org/career-tech/

Attention 8th Graders!

Are you an 8th grader interested in going into the fields of science, technology, engineering, and/or math (STEM)?
Are you motivated to explore new ways of learning in a non-traditional classroom setting?
Do you feel up to the challenge of reading college-level textbooks, taking college level courses, and earning college credits while staying organized and self-motivated to do so?
Are you ready and willing to work in groups with other students who are passionate about STEM just like you are?
Then QUESTAR III & HVCC STEM High School may be right for you!
Please see the brochure and flyers below for more information about the school and about upcoming open house opportunities.  If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Shaw in the guidance office by scheduling a time to see him in person or sending him an email jtaylorshaw@berlincentral.org

 

 

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Important Counseling Links

New Student Registration Information

BCSD Transcript Request Form

Scholarship Information and Applications

 

Ongoing Counseling Activities

Grades 6-12

  • Register and Orient New Students
  • Individual and Group Counseling
  • Crisis Counseling
  • Participation in Student Support Team meetings
  • 504 Management/Coordination
  • Coordinate Parent-Teacher Conferences
  • Refer Students for Outside Counseling as Appropriate
  • Monitor Academic Performance of Students
  • Participate in School/District Activities and Committee Meetings
  • Maintain Accurate Student Records and Academic Transcripts
  • Participation in Open House and Parent Conference Days
  • Facilitating all student schedule changes

Grades 9-12

  • College Representative Visits (September-December)
  • Testing Administration (PSAT, AP, ASVAB)
  • Military Advisement
  • Provide communication between students, teachers and parents  

9th and 10th Grades

  • Introduction to Questar III CTE programs and the student application process (10th grade-November-January)
  • Course Selection Fair (January)
  • CSE Annual Academic Reviews/Scheduling (February)
  • College and Career Exploration Activities (April)

11th Grade

  • PSAT Administration (October)
  • PSAT Results Interpretation (December)
  • Introduction to Questar III New Visions programs and the student application process (November-February)
  • Junior Parent Information Night Post (January)
  • Course Selection Fair (January)
  • Junior Meetings: Post High School Planning (February – March)
  • CSE Annual Reviews/Scheduling (February)
  • ASVAB Administration and Score Review – includes career research and an interest inventory (March – April)
  • SAT Registration (February – June)

Seniors

  • Individual Senior Conferences (September-November)
  • Financial Aid Presentation (October)
  • FAFSA Night (November)
  • Scholarships (November – May)

 

Summer Employment Opportunities 

 

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Questar III BOCES CTE

Programs include:

Questar III 2024/2025 Calendar

Two-Year Educational Programs for Juniors (Class of 2026):
– Automotive Technologies
– Construction Technologies
– Cosmetology
– Criminal Justice
– Culinary Arts
– Gaming & Multimedia
– HVAC/R & Green Technologies
– Heavy Equipment Repair & Operations
– Welding/Metal Fabrication

One-Year Educational Program for Seniors (Class of 2025):
– Nurse Assistant

Career Studies programs for students requiring a smaller class setting:
– Automotive Services
– Introduction to Food Services

Reach out to Mrs. Rachel Harrison, BHS Counselor  rharrison@berlincentral.org

 

Contact

17400 Route 22, Cherry Plain, NY  12040
Mailing address:  PO Box 259, Berlin, NY  12022
Phone:  518-658-1500, x1070
Fax:  518-658-0483
Berlin HS CEEB Code 330410