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FAFSA Completion Workshop
Virtual one-on-one assistance will be provided during a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Completion Workshop, sponsored by PHEAA, from 4 PM to 7 PM. Please register below for your forty-five minute session. March 18 or April 30. NOTE: Space is limited; Registration is required.
03/11/2024
Older Posts
Scheduling Season Starts Soon
The high school counselors will start meeting with students as they get ready for the 2024-2025 school year. Each grade level will be given scheduling resources in their Google Classrooms. Also visit the Scheduling tab on our website, Scheduling.
Class of 2028 - February 6
Class of 2027 - February 8
Class of 2026 - February 14
Class of 2025 - February 15
01/25/2024
Pittsburgh "In-Person" National College Fair
The Pittsburgh "In-Person" National College Fair will be February 7 & February 8. See information below. Remember, juniors have two college visitation days to use during the school year; this would count as a visitation day and you would see many college representatives. Transportation to the fair would be the responsibility of the student and his/her family. If you are interested in attending the college fair, visit the Counseling Office to receive a 'College, School, Job Site Visitation Request Form'.
01/25/2024
Free Cybersecurity Summer Camp at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) this summer!!
IUP 2024 GenCyber Advanced Student Program
IUP 2024 GenCyber Advanced Student Program
- Participation is 100% free
- Each student participant will be awarded an electronic kit
- The advanced summer camp will be held face-to-face, June 24-28, 2024
To apply please visit the program website at www.iup.edu/iupgencyber then click on "Student online application: Apply now!" Application deadline is on February 8, 2024. Selected campers will be notified in early spring 2024 and must confirm participation. Accepted campers will also commit to participating in two online pre-camp activity days on April 13 and May 4, 2024 (daily schedule 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.), and two online post-camp activity days on September 7 and October 5, 2024 (daily schedule 9:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.).
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Presentation
Tuesday, December 5 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Jonathan Warner, Higher Education Access Partner with Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), will be presenting information on completing the 2024-25 FAFSA when released in December. Please register to attend in order to be provided a road-map through the process!
Tuesday, December 5 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Jonathan Warner, Higher Education Access Partner with Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), will be presenting information on completing the 2024-25 FAFSA when released in December. Please register to attend in order to be provided a road-map through the process!
Financial Aid Night (Virtual)
Monday, November 13 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
A virtual presentation on the financial aid application process, what types of aid are available for students, and strategies to start thinking about affordability before getting ready to apply for post-secondary school admission will be given by Jonathan Warner, PHEAA's Higher Education Access Partner for Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. Time will be built into the presentation to allow you to ask any questions regarding the financial aid process. While the registration link below indicates a Greene County Financial Aid Night, this presentation is available to Westmoreland County students and families as well.
A virtual presentation on the financial aid application process, what types of aid are available for students, and strategies to start thinking about affordability before getting ready to apply for post-secondary school admission will be given by Jonathan Warner, PHEAA's Higher Education Access Partner for Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. Time will be built into the presentation to allow you to ask any questions regarding the financial aid process. While the registration link below indicates a Greene County Financial Aid Night, this presentation is available to Westmoreland County students and families as well.
Financial Aid Night (Virtual)
Wednesday, October 11 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM
A virtual presentation on the financial aid application process, what types of aid are available for students, and strategies to start thinking about affordability before getting ready to apply for post-secondary school admission will be given by Jonathan Warner, PHEAA's Higher Education Access Partner for Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. Time will be built into the presentation to allow you to ask any questions regarding the financial aid process. While the registration link below indicates a Greene County Financial Aid Night, this presentation is available to Westmoreland County students and families as well.
A virtual presentation on the financial aid application process, what types of aid are available for students, and strategies to start thinking about affordability before getting ready to apply for post-secondary school admission will be given by Jonathan Warner, PHEAA's Higher Education Access Partner for Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. Time will be built into the presentation to allow you to ask any questions regarding the financial aid process. While the registration link below indicates a Greene County Financial Aid Night, this presentation is available to Westmoreland County students and families as well.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - CHANGES!!!
What's the FAFSA and how does it work?
Before each year of college or trade school (this year for current high school seniors), students should apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Post-secondary schools use your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. The completion of the FAFSA usually starts after October 1, but this year a new form is being rolled out in December. The new FAFSA will be reduced to just 36 questions from 108. The goal is to make the process easier!
As more information is shared with us, we will relay it to you.
Before each year of college or trade school (this year for current high school seniors), students should apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Post-secondary schools use your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. The completion of the FAFSA usually starts after October 1, but this year a new form is being rolled out in December. The new FAFSA will be reduced to just 36 questions from 108. The goal is to make the process easier!
As more information is shared with us, we will relay it to you.
PSAT Registration
Taking the PSAT is a great way to find out how prepared you are for college and careers. The PSAT is being offered digitally, at DAHS, starting this fall. It will be administered on Wednesday, October 18 from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM. While the transition to digital will bring a number of student and educator friendly changes, many important features of the SAT and PSAT-related assessments will stay the same. That said, they are not simply creating a digital version of the current paper and pencil tests—they’re taking full advantage of what digital testing makes possible. The digital PSAT will be easier to take, more secure, and more relevant.
To participate in the PSAT, students must complete the PSAT Registration Form, below, by Friday, September 22.
To participate in the PSAT, students must complete the PSAT Registration Form, below, by Friday, September 22.
This is a great opportunity for current juniors and sophomores thinking about attending a 4-year college and/or the community college. The test is free. Signup today!
PSAT Registration Form (DAHS student access only)
What to expect with the digital PSAT (video)
09/15/2023
College, Technical School & Career Night @ WCCC
On Wednesday, September 27 there will be a College, Technical School & Career Night at Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC) from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. There will be a financial aid session at 5:30 PM. Over 70 representatives will be there to highlight college, career and military opportunities.
09/14/2023
National Suicide Prevention Week is September 10-16, 2023
During this week, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. You can see a School Counselor or call/text the ‘988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’ at 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor and get support 24/7.
If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. You can see a School Counselor or call/text the ‘988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’ at 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor and get support 24/7.
09/05/2023
College Rep Days
Just a reminder that College Rep Days are back! For each representative that a student would like to meet with, the student will need to complete and submit a College Rep Days' Sign-Up Form. If you have questions, please see your school counselor. Visit the Career & Post-Secondary Planning section of our website for more information.
08/31/2023
Leadership Westmoreland Youth Academy
Designed to introduce students to leadership concepts and provide interaction with local business, government and community leaders. Participants will be rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a GPA of at least 2.5. The experience will be a five-day program, June 19-23 from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Much of the week will be spent observing leadership in action at various county locations. Visit, https://www.westmorelandchamber.com/leadership-westmoreland-youth-academy.html, for more information.
03/09/2023
SAT/AP Full Practice Test Sessions
Full practice tests sessions for SAT/AP exams with Mrs. Harr will begin April 11.
SAT
Tuesday, April 11, 3:00-6:30 P.M., E304
Tuesday, April 25, 3:00-6:30 P.M., E304
AP Language & Composition
Tuesday, April 18, 3:00-6:30 P.M., E304
Tuesday, May 2, 3:00-6:30 P.M., E304
03/07/2023
UPMC Sports Medicine Student Aide Workshop
For high school students interested in a career in athletic training or who wish to enhance the skills they use daily in their high school athletic training room.
12/02//2022
Attention Seniors, it’s Financial Aid Time!!!
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the most important application you must complete in order to qualify for almost all types of financial aid including federal, state, local, and private grants and scholarships. Students may begin to complete the FAFSA, October 1, for the 2023-24 school year. Visit the Financial Aid section of our website for more information.
The Beginner's Guide to FAFSA (video)
10/07/2022
Pitt Pharmacy Early Immersion Day
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy is hosting its Pitt Pharmacy Early Immersion Day on Saturday, October 22, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. This in-person event is for high school students who are interested in learning about careers in pharmacy.
10/07/2022
2022-2023 Student Schedule Distribution
2022-2023 students' schedules will be distributed by USPS mail sometime this summer. If you have questions, please contact the High School Counseling Office at 724-694-2780, ext 3104.
05/31/2022
Summer School - Credit Recovery
Our summer school program is designed for students who did not pass or receive credit for a core subject and/or HS elective class(es) during the 2021-2022 school year. Students will have the opportunity to acquire the subject knowledge and skills by attending and participating in the program and to get back on track with their academic progress.
Sessions:
First session is June 13, 2022 - July 12, 2022. No class on June 15 or July 4.
Second session is July 13, 2022 - August 9, 2022.
Students will be attending the sessions in-person from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Transportation will be provided by the district. In-person attendance is mandatory. Online, remote learning, will not be available.
Outdoor Odyssey
The Outdoor Odyssey Leadership Academy & Mentoring Program is looking for mentors!
What are the benefits:
What are the benefits:
- Unlock your leadership potential.
- Impact a young person's life.
- Diversify your resume.
- Earn the President's Volunteer Service Award with 100+ hours of community service.
- Make unforgettable memories!
The video presentation, below, will explain to you how to get involved and become a mentor with Outdoor Odyssey this summer. Application, below, will have all the information you need to apply.
Application
04/27/2022
Camp Cadet (Westmoreland County)
Sunday July 24-July 29: Pennsylvania State Police, are striving to help our youth develop a better understanding of the criminal justice system and the role of law enforcement professionals. Through the Camp Cadet program, students (ages 12 to 15) from Westmoreland County form a positive relationship with members of the Pennsylvania State Police. During the weeklong camp, emphasis is placed on pride, integrity, respect, self-discipline, self-esteem, responsibility, teamwork and community involvement. Students (“cadets”) arrive on Sunday afternoon and reside with the counselors until their graduation ceremony on Friday evening. Application deadline: May 13, 2022.
www.westmorelandcampcadet.org
04/04/2022
Air Force Association Cyber Camp
The University of Pittsburgh is being proactive in their education and preparation of young people to fill cyber security roles in the future. They offer various programming for students and are highlighting a camp this summer for high school aged students. The camp will be held July 18-22. Here is the link for more information. Air Force Association Cyber Camp.
02/14/2022
Cybersecurity Summer Camp
Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) is offering a GenCyber Summer Camp experience, supported by the NSA and NSF. The camp is 100% free to students, will be held virtually this year, and all students receive a free Raspberry Pi to use during the camp and keep for their use after. An excellent opportunity for Middle to High School students interested in learning more about Cybersecurity. Here is a link to more information: IUP GenCyber Summer 2022 Program. Application deadline is February 15, 2022.
02/10/2022
ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP)
Derry Area High School will be administering the ASVAB test, which is part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program (CEP) to juniors on Thursday, January 6 and sophomores on Monday, January 10 (rescheduled from Friday, January 7). On both days, testing will be from 8:00 am to 11:00 am. The ASVAB test is a helpful instrument that will assist your student with his/her future educational and career plans. Participation in the ASVAB CEP gives your student the opportunity to meet the objectives adopted in the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Career Education and Work Standards. After completing the ASVAB, your student will utilize the test and all of its components as Career Readiness Indicators for the Future Ready PA Index and ESSA Accountability, mandated by PDE.
11/22/2021; Updated 01/06/2022
HealthQuest @ Mount Aloysius College
This free event, October 28, is open to 10th-12th grade students. Guests in attendance will get to hear from all health areas on campus and learn more about each career option in the health field. A full campus tour and lunch will be provided as well. Call 1-888-823-2220 for more information.
09/29/2021
Teach the Future @ St. Vincent College
This free event, November 4, is open to local high school students who have dreams of one day becoming a teacher and their teacher chaperones. The day will consist of an opening keynote by the 2020-21 PA Teacher of the Year and will include three concurrent breakout sessions on topics about creative teaching and learning that will inspire our future teachers to enter the "profession that creates all other professions." Space is limited. Click on the link below to learn more about this free event (and register). Registration will close October 22nd!
9/20/2021