College & Career Readiness (CCR)

Please feel free to reach out to any of the Partnership Team with questions and suggestions.

 

Shannon Marimón, ReadyCT: shannon.marimon@readyct.org

Kate Haydon, NAF: khaydon@naf.org

Nicole Diorio, Junior Achievement: ndiorio@jaconn.org 

Ariel Robinson, Goodwin Collegiate Prep – ConnCAP: arobinson@goodwin.edu

Dr. Christina Irizarry, UConn ConnCAP: christina.irizarry@uconn.edu 

Lisa Minn, UConn ConnCAP: lisa.minn@uconn.edu

Mariane Ibrahim, UConn ConnCAP, mariane.ibrahim@uconn.edu

Amy Molinaro, Career Beginnings: amolinaro@hartfordconsortium.org

Michelle Szynkowicz, HPS: michelle.szynkowicz@hartfordschools.org

Adjovi Simpini, Blue Hills Civic Association: simpinia@bluehillscivic.org

Jodian Daley, Blue Hills Civic Association: daleyj@bluehillscivic.org

Brittany Rodriguez, Hartford Youth Scholars: brodriguez@hartfordyouthscholars.org

Kim Flint, Center for Latino Progress:  kimberly_flint@ctprf.org

Other connections that support our College & Career Readiness goals include:

  • The Hartford Promise: a scholarship program that is offered to all eligible Hartford students who maintain certain requirements.
  • Khan Academy: students practice at their own pace, first filling in gaps in their understanding and then accelerating their learning to prepare them for the SAT.
  • The College Board: an organization that connects students to college success.
  • All In! Coalition: an organization working to drive post-secondary success in Hartford students. See below for more information about an initiative we are partnering on.
  • ReadyCT: By connecting the classroom to the business world, students can learn in dynamic ways that position them for success.

Explore our College and Career Resources Padlet below.

Click or use the QR Code below to explore our College and Career Resources Padlet for information you need, including:

  • Graduation Requirements
  • College Applications Support
  • Essay Writing
  • College Fairs

Use the grey scroll bar at the bottom to see more content to the right.

Use the grey scroll bar above to see more content to the right.

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The Department of CCR will be holding a series of district-wide college and career events for students (and their families) in grades 7-12 throughout the academic year.  Please mark your calendars for the following dates.  Event flyers with more details closer to the day of each event will be made available.

  • High School College & Career Fair (11th and 12th grade)
    • Date:  April 20, 2022 All day (Virtual)
  • Transition to High School Week (8th grade only)
    • Date:  Week of May 31, 2022
    • Time:  10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Virtual)
  • College Fair (8/9/10 grade) 
    • Date:  June 3, 2022
    • Time:  TBD

Back to College and Career Readiness Homepage

School Couselors

Last Name First Name School Grade Levels Caseload Email @hartfordschools.org
Vacant .10 Montessori Magnet at Fisher 6-8 6-8
Bruno Anthoniel .50 Belizzi/ .50 ESM Hooker 6-8 6-8 Anthoniel.Bruno@
Chavarria Mario .50 Burr/.50 Betances STEM CCR Specialist 6-8 6-8 Mario.Chavarria
Vacant .50 Webster/ .50 Global 6-8 6-8
Eells Alyssa Achievement First STEM 6-8 6-8 EellA001@
Ballestas-Cuevas Liliana Assistant Director of College & Career Readiness
Student Support and Success Centers
6-12 6-12 cuevl001@hartfordschools.org
Giuliano Sarah Breakthrough South 6-8 6-8 Sara.Giuliano@
Levin Jenny Bulkeley 9-12 11-12 jennie.levin@
Long Colman Bulkeley 9-12 Freshmen Academy, 10 LongC002@
Mosby Janae Bulkeley 9-12 10-12 Janae.Mosby@
Coles Constance Bulkeley CCR Specialist 9-12 N/A colec001@
Lewis Shari Burr 6-8 6-8 slewis@
Lowman Fina Capital Prep 6-12 6-12 lowmf001@
Gorss James Classical 9-12 9 & 11 GorsJ001@
Montero Kenneth Classical 9-12 10 & 12 kenneth.montero@
Vega Heather Classical 6-8 6-8 HVega@
Felder-McEntire Dr. Chaka Executive Director of Post-Secondary Success and Alternative Programming 6-12 feldc002@
Gralia Samantha Great Path (GPA) 9-12 10&12 grals001@
Ronzello Liza Great Path (GPA) 9-12 9&11 RonzL001@
Clermont Carol HMTCA 6-8 6-8 (A-L) ClaiC001@
Cruz-Reis Claudia HMTCA 9-12 9-12 (Mi -Z) CruzC001@
Heim Lauren HMTCA 6-8 6-8 (M-Z) Lauren.Martin@
Tamburro Sonia HMTCA 9-12 9-12 (A-Me) STamburro@
Hernandez Camilla HOPE Academies/ New Visions 9-12 9-12 hernc003@
Airo Jacqueline HPHS 9-12 A-L (10-12) Jairo@
Insel Ethan HPHS 9-12 9R, 11 InseE001@
Sebastian Madeline HPHS 9-12 Freshmen Academy SebaM002@
Vacant HPHS 9-12 M-Z (10-12)
Crittenden Andrea HPHS CCR Specialist 9-12 N/A CRITA001
Copeland Kevin Kennelly 6-8 6-8 copek001@
Field Mark Kinsella High 9-12 9-12 mark.field@
Corcoran Kara Kinsella Middle 6-8 6-8 CorcK001@
Smagin Jennifer McDonough 6-8 6-8 SmagJ001@
Senteio Charlene Milner 6-8 6-8 SentC001@
Risby April MLK 6-8 6-8 April.Risby
Rodriguez Nicole Office of Academics- Transition Counselor Specialist 6-12 6-12 rodrn003@
Vacant Office of Academics 6-12 6-12
Bennett Kim Pathways 9-12 A-L (9-12) CapoK001@
Chamberland Christine Pathways 9-12 M-Z (9-12) ChamC003@
Campbell Daniel SMSA 9-12 M-Z daniel.campbell@
Dionne Christine SMSA 9-12 A-L dionc001@
Vacant SMSA 6-8 6-8
Doffek Beth University High 9-12 L-Z (9-12) DoffB001@
Radigan Noel University High 9-12 A-K (9-12) radin001@
Bass Bryan Weaver 9-12 10, 11, 12th- A-L Bryan.Bass@
Spar Jessica Weaver 9-12 10-12 (M-Z) Jessica.Spar@
Ziskind Rebecca Weaver 9-12 Freshmen Academy Rebecca.Ziskind@

 

Printable list here.

Naviance

Naviance is a web-based Student Success Plan portfolio and college and career readiness platform available to all 6th -12th grade students. Naviance provides many resources all in one place, including, but not limited to:

 

Career and Personality Interest Inventories

Students can take assessments and discover potential careers and majors that match skills and interests.

 

Career Exploration

Job descriptions, education/training, knowledge, skills, expected salaries for thousands of careers, as well as related majors are available within Naviance career searches.  Students can save their favorite careers.

 

Resume Builder

Students can track their activities, personal awards, accomplishments, experiences, and skills, and export in resume form.

 

College & Major Search Options

Students can search for colleges using specifications (location, size, major, GPA, athletics, etc.). Links to college websites and information about admissions requirements and deadlines are also available. Students can save favorite colleges.

 

eDocs

Students can manage their college application deadlines, link to their Common Application accounts, update college acceptance status, and request letters of recommendation through Naviance Student accounts.  School staff can upload and send required college application materials electronically through eDocs.

 

Goal Setting

Students can set short and long-term goals in SMART goal format and track progress over time.

 

Scholarship Search

Students can search for local and national scholarships.

 

Student Success Planning

SSP tasks can be assigned, completed, stored, and tracked using Naviance. At HPS we have created district required SSP tasks for students in grades 6-12 to complete, all assigned in Naviance.

HIGH SCHOOL

Suggested

Timeline

9 10 11 12
Sept-Nov    A – Four Year Planning Survey-Class of 2024

 

  A – Four Year Planning Survey-Class of 2023    A – Four Year Planning Survey-Class of 2022  A – Four Year Planning Survey-Class of 2021
Sept-Nov   A/SE/C – 9th Gr SMART Goal   A/SE/C – 10th Gr SMART Goal    A/SE/C – 11th Gr SMART Goal   A/SE/C – 12th Gr SMART Goal
Dec-Mar   SE – Strengths Explorer SE – Do What You Are Personality Inventory C – Update the list “Colleges I’m thinking about”  C – Update the list “Colleges I’m applying to”
Dec-Mar C – Intro to Post-Secondary Survey C – College Super Match A-  Game Plan Survey SE -Update & Upload Resume
April-May SE – Intro to Resumes Survey SE – Develop & Upload Resume SE – Update & Upload Resume A – Graduation Survey Class of  2021
April-May A- Preparing for 10th Grade Survey A- Preparing for 11th Grade Survey A-  Preparing for 12th Grade Survey A- Preparing for Transition to Postsecondary Survey

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Suggested

Timeline

6 7 8
Sept-Nov A/SE/C – 6th Gr SMART Goal ‘20-21 A/SE/C – 7th Gr SMART Goal ‘20-21 A/SE/C – 8th Gr SMART Goal‘20-21
Sept-Nov C – Intro to Post-Secondary Survey C – Career Key C – Career Cluster Finder
Dec-Mar A – Naviance Curriculum

Theme: Success Skills

Lesson: Academic Challenges

A – Naviance Curriculum

Theme: Success Skills

Lesson: My Definition of Success

SE – Naviance Curriculum

Theme: Success Skills

Lesson: Decision Making

Dec-Mar SE – Naviance Curriculum

Theme: Self Discovery

Lesson: Self Confidence

SE – Naviance Curriculum

Theme: Support Network

Lesson: Team Work

A – Naviance Curriculum

Theme: Success Skills

Lesson: Time Management

April -May SE – Naviance Curriculum

Theme: Success Skills

Lesson: Taking Responsibility

SE – Naviance Curriculum

Theme: Self Discovery

Lesson: Exploring My Options

SE – Naviance Curriculum

Theme: Success Skills

Lesson: My High School Preview

April -May C – Hartford Promise Presentation & Survey C – Hartford Promise Presentation & Survey C – Hartford Promise Presentation & Survey

Staff Members:

The Department of College & Career Readiness is made up of the Executive Director of Post-Secondary Success & Alternative Programming and two district lead school counselors. Together the team works to support the School Counselors and College Career Specialists in each of the Hartford Public Schools.

Dr. Chaka Felder-McEntire Executive Director of Post-Secondary Success and Alternative Programming Chaka.Felder-McEntire@hartfordschools.org  
Nicole Rodriguez, D.Div, MAC Transition Counselor rodrn003@hartfordschools.org (860)785-6151
Aneela Shah Transition Counselor Specialist KAZMA001@hartfordschools.org 860-695-8887

Click here to learn more about

PowerSchool/Parent Portal

The CCR Department is dedicated to ensuring all Hartford Public School students have equitable access to high-quality post-secondary opportunities that will prepare them for the dynamic world of work and life beyond high school! It is our mission to inspire ALL students to create their own path towards success in and beyond school.

In relation to the District’s Model for Excellence, the College & Career Readiness Department Goals are to:

  • Increase graduation rates
  • Decrease Chronic Absenteeism
  • Increase student perceptions of feeling safe & valued

Postsecondary Readiness Initiatives currently underway include:

  • All students in grades 6-12 have access to Naviance as an electronic Student Success Plan and a college & career readiness tool.
  • Increasing the PSAT, free of charge, to all Sophomores and Juniors during the school day
  • Increasing the SAT, free of charge, to all Juniors during the school day
  • Increasing opportunities for students to take college courses while in high school
  • Increasing college and career exploration for all students through college visits, career fairs, internships, and other meaningful experiences

College & Career Resources

College Search Resources

Information coming soon!

Essay Writing Prompts

Below is the full set of Common App essay prompts for 2021-2022.

  1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  4. Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
  5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you’ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
For 8th Grade families and students we have resources and programs that help you prepare for high school next year.
Register today for Summer Bridge!

Use the arrow key button in bottom left corner to turn to page 2 to see brochure in Spanish.
Use el botón de la flecha en la esquina inferior izquierda para pasar a la página 2 y ver el folleto en español.

 

Explore this presentation for our Rising Freshmen about preparing for High School.

Use the arrow key button in bottom left corner to turn to page 2 to see brochure in Spanish.
Use el botón de la flecha en la esquina inferior izquierda para pasar a la página 2 y ver el folleto en español.

 8th Grade Presentation FINAL (1)

Information coming soon!

Information coming soon!

Information coming soon!

Information coming soon!

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now open for applications.  Students who plan to attend college between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023 should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.  To assist students and parents in the process, the Department’s Federal Student Aid (FSA) office has been sharing tips @FAFSA, including “7 Things You Need Before Filling Out the FAFSA Form” and “8 Steps to Completing the FAFSA Form.”

FSA continues to take steps to make it easier to complete and submit the FAFSA form.  For example:

  •       Students’ prior drug convictions, as well as registration status with Selective Service, no longer affect their federal student aid eligibility
  •       FAFSA.gov is even easier to navigate to get help and information, with an entirely new look and feel; and in most states, applicants only see the questions on the FAFSA form that pertain to them

Students and parents may complete the FAFSA form online at FAFSA.gov and through the myStudentAid mobile application.

Information coming soon.