East Providence High School hosted its second annual college fair last Thursday
EAST PROVIDENCE - The East Providence High School Class of 2010 may have another seven-plus months of school left, but for the majority of these students planning for their post-secondary education is already underway. Aside from SAT tests and financial aid forms, college application deadlines have either already arrived or are fast approaching and with the cost of continuing education on the rise, committing to the right school becomes not only an important educational decision, but a major financial one as well.
To help East Providence students get a better feel for which college or career might be right for them, the EPHS Guidance Department sponsored its second annual college fair last Thursday morning, Oct. 29. For about two hours, the school’s gymnasium was filled with seniors picking up informational pamphlets and other handouts from colleges located only a few miles down the road to schools as far out as Hawaii.
Prior to EPHS having this college fair, the occasion for colleges visiting the school was limited to a table or two during a noisy lunch period.
“The students would just come in and out. It wasn’t really satisfactory,” said Patricia Armquist, head of the EPHS Guidance Department. “So last year we decided to have them all come on one morning and it went very well. Through word of mouth we actually have kind of a broader variety this year. We actually had representatives from colleges calling us to participate.”
Unlike the older, lunch period college visits, Ms. Armquist added that having so many schools in one place at one time gives students the opportunity to see the pros and cons of different choices.
“It allows them to compare everything right there. From course of study to finances, the cost of each college. It gives them a much broader picture. It’s all about the college and that’s the most important thing.”
Additionally, Ms. Armquist said a majority of the college representatives on hand actually take part in reviewing student applications. Having this one-on-one face time with those who actually review each application, Ms. Armquist said, helps students when they’re putting together their submissions.
To make sure the entire Class of 2010 had an opportunity to stop by the fair, students were given time out of class by their teachers. Two of the students who attended were seniors Gina Ghazal and Mega Gouveia; both made two stops at the fair.
“I’m so interested in colleges. I look at them, it’s a very serious decision that you have to make. You’re not just going to look at something once and determine where you’re going to spend the next four years of college and pay for everything,” Gina said.
“It really helps you get a better feel for the college,” Megan added.
Prior to visiting the fair, Gina said there were a number of colleges she hadn’t really heard much about, like Suffolk University out of Boston. After stopping by the fair, however, she had a few more schools on her mind.
“I had never really heard about a lot of the smaller schools,” Gina said. “Now, I’m kind of interested.”
Another example of the fine work the high school faculty and staff do for your children, East Providence. Yet, you continue to deny them the respect they deserve. No, not through pay; but through support and understanding -- knowing they want to do the very best they can and receive the proper support from the Town of East Providence. But you will continue to blame them for the hole in which your former school committees have dug themselves.
This is how much you care about your teachers and counselors, East Providence. No one bothers to comment when they are doing good -- only when you perceive that they are "living large." Shame on you.
Well, I guess no one will say it, so let me be the first -- "thank you, East Providence High School guidance counselors, teachers, and staff for exposing your students to opportunities that lie ahead for them. Thank you for showing them that working hard, studying, and believing in themselves and education is the way to improve academic scores and can lead to success in life." Academic improvement does not rest solely with "pay for performance." It is a collaborative effort -- teachers, staff, students, and parents.
As usual MaryJo, the union haters are completely silent on this one. Any time the teachers do something good like this, the jerks such as Carcieri and his cronies try to sweep it under the rug. How that moron Carcieri can sleep at night knowing how much harm he has caused the students of East Providence is beyond me.
Isn't it funny how most Townies on these blogs are quick to bad mouth, put down, and vilify those that care and teach their children. Just check the number of hits and comments on Carcieri's Comment Column on "Seniority, Teachers, and the Unions." Yet, there have been (so far) 283 views about the (the Guidance Fair) article, and only four comments. Sad, very sad. I strongly suspect, union_teacher, we will read a Commentary Column written by Mr. Carcieri in next week's Post as to the "wonderful job the guidance counselors, teachers, and staff are doing for 'our' kids." What I have noticed is Commentary Columns by Mr. Carcieri seem to follow these blogs. Mark my words.
You're absolutely right MaryJo-Just another conspiracy between Carcieri, Larisa, and their cronies to distort the facts and try to break the union. I'm sure there will be another guest editorial this week by that self serving blowhard Carcieri, bragging about himself and attacking the teachers. All part of his smoke and mirrors show.
