Counseling Advisory Committee (CAC)
2024-2025
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Chairpersons: Karen Greenfeld, Maria Turner, and Becky Miller
Email: wjhs.ptsa.cac@gmail.com
The Counseling Advisory Committee (CAC) is a PTSA-sponsored committee that works with the Counseling Services Department to increase communication among parents, students, and the school. Together with the Counseling Services Department, the CAC sponsors parent and student meetings that provide information on academic and social issues to help students succeed at WJ and beyond. The CAC is comprised of parents, students, Counseling Services staff, and administrators.
Events |
Resources |
2024 Fall |
Join the WJPTSA Listerve |
2025 Winter&Spring |
JUNIORS: What You Need to Know Between Now and Applying to College |
Mock Exams |
SENIORS:2025 WJ Senior Information |
Alphabetized List & Descriptions |
Naviance Explained |
College Saturday Winter 2025 |
SENIOR CHECKLIST |
Events Schedule
2024 Fall Events
[Back to Events and Resources]
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Date |
Time |
Event |
Location |
Recorded Presentation |
Meeting Materials |
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8/28/24 Wed |
7:00pm |
Virtual |
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9/9/24 Mon |
7:00pm |
WJ Auditorium |
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9/11/24 Wed |
7:00pm |
College Essay Tips: How to Find Your Wow Factor: Meeting ID: 557 134 8374 |
Virtual |
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9/16/24 Mon |
7:00pm |
WJ Auditorium |
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9/23/24 Mon |
7:00pm |
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WJ Auditorium |
Recorded Presentation | |
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9/28/24 Sat |
9:00am |
WJ Cafeteria, Media Center |
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9/30/24 Mon |
7:00pm |
WJ Auditorium |
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10/8/24 Tues |
7:00pm |
Virtual |
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10/15/24 Tues |
7:00pm |
Virtual |
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10/22/24 Tues |
7:00pm |
Virtual |
Slide Presentation | ||
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11/13/24 Wed |
7:00pm |
zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5571348374?omn=89298668962 |
Virtual |
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11/9/24 Sat |
9:00am |
WJ Cafeteria |
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11/20/24 |
7:15pm |
Cafeteria |
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12/3/24 Wed |
7:00pm |
Virtual |
Slide Presentation |
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12/11/24 Wed |
7:00pm |
Virtual |
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12/17/24 Tues |
Lunch (11:05-12:00pm) |
College/Career Center |
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CAC Sponsored 2024-2025 Mock ACT & SAT Testing
[Back to Events and Resources]
Mock SAT - 9/28/24 9:00am (check-in starts 8:30) WJ Cafeteria/Media Center. Registration below.
Mock ACT - 11/9/24 9:00am (check-in starts 8:30) WJ Careteria/Media Center. Registration below.
Mock SAT - 2/1/2025 Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm; WJ Cafeteria/Media Center. Registration below.
Mock ACT - 3/15/202 Saturday 8:00am-1:00pm; WJ Cafeteria/Media Center. Registration below.
Mock Tests Description and FAQs
Mock Test Registration
Register here for a mock exam using Pay4schoolstuff.com for the first time
Register here if you already have a Pay4schoolstuff.com account
2025 Winter/Spring Events -
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Date |
Time |
Event |
Location |
Recorded Presentation |
Meeting Materials |
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1/07/24 |
7:00pm Tues |
Virtual |
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| TBD | Careers | ||||
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2/1/25 |
8:00am-1:00pm Sat |
WJ Cafeteria, Media Center |
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2/3/25 |
7:00pm Mon |
Beach Week Meeting (Seniors and Parents) |
Cafeteria and Commons |
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2/10/25 |
7:00pm Mon |
Auditorium | Recorded Presentation |
Slide Presentation Handout |
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2/22/25 |
10:00am-2:00pm Sat |
WJ Cafeteria, WJ auditorium |
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Meeting Materials | |
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3/12/25 |
7:00pm Wed |
Helping Our Children Achieve Mental Wellness |
Virtual |
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3/15/25 |
8:00am-1:00pm Sat |
WJ Cafeteria, Media Center |
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3/18/25 |
7:00pm Tues |
Auditorium |
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| 3/25/25 | 7:00pm Tues | Virtual |
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4/3/25 |
7:15pm |
Cafeteria |
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4/7/25 |
7:00pm Mon |
WJ Cafeteria |
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4/23/25 |
Lunch(11:05am -12:00pm) Wed |
College/Career Center |
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5/1/25 |
7:00pm Thurs |
Don't Let Stress Prevent Success: Managing the Journey to College |
Virtual |
Recorded Presentation |
Slide Presentation Handouts |
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5/21/25 |
7:00pm Wed |
Virtual | |||
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TBD |
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TBD | Recorded Presentation |
MEETING DESCRIPTIONS
[Back to Events and Resources]
Alumni College Luncheon - Fall
This annual event sponsored by WJ Counseling Services invites recent WJ graduates to chat about their college experiences with current seniors. Alumni interested in speaking to WJ seniors should contact Counseling Services.
The Best Way to Find a "Good Fit" College List
Learn how to research colleges to create the best fit for YOU
College is more competitive than ever, but it is also full of opportunities.
When creating your college list it is important to understand what each college will offer in terms of academics, experiences, and value. It's a great time to start asking yourself..."What am I interested in?" What will offer me the most value?" Where can I explore my interests?"
Jodi Gershoni, Founder of College Unlimited, will be presenting on how to research colleges in order to create a "good fit" college list and will teach you an exercise that you can use when building your own list.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
College Admissions Panel - Winter/Spring
An informative night presented by a panel of college admission representatives from a variety of colleges and universities. Each College Rep presents important information on: how to determine to which colleges one should apply; the college application, selection, and acceptance process; what colleges value in an applicant; why a college tour is important, and so much more. One of the most important meetings you can attend if your student is considering attending college.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
College Admissions Testing Q&A - Fall/Winter/Spring
This is an informal meeting which provides information on the SAT and ACT exams. Topics include comparison of the SAT and ACT (test focus, structure, and timing), exam grading, exam calendars, score reporting to colleges, information on the SAT Subject Tests and more.
College Essay Tips - How to Find Your Wow Factor
Amy Smith of Power Hour Editing will share information for students on “How to Find and Communicate your WOW Factor in your College Essays.” Where else will you encounter writing on your application, and how can you stand out? Learn “Top Do’s and Don’ts” for college essays; avoid roadblocks many students face in the writing sections of their applications; and hear excerpts from “rockstar essays” to demonstrate how to be authentic, creative, and communicate WOW in YOUR writing!
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
College Financial Aid - Fall
The college financial aid meeting is designed to help parents understand the Financial Aid Process (FAFSA), the Cost of Attendance (COA), understand the Student Aid Index (SAI) (formerly the EFC), and help determine financial need and the types and sources of financial aid.
College Trends and Impact on Admissions
College application numbers are up, acceptance rates down. Come and learn more about the latest developments in higher education and why ensuring that our children are prepared is more important than ever. This live webinar will cover a range of topics related to college admissions, including emerging trends, changing landscapes and predictions for the future. Families will gain a deeper understanding of what colleges are looking for in applicants and how they can position themselves for success in the admissions process.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
College Saturday - Winter
A comprehensive half-day of large-group and break-out presentations on topics relevant to students preparing for the college admissions process. Topics may include staying organized, application advice and tips, admissions testing, essay writing, resources and tools for college planning, financial aid, and much more.
For more information on College Saturday: click here
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
College Visits: How to Make Them Count - Fall
The campus visit is not just a way to learn more about college options. It's a significant tool for admissions strategy. These days, there are a variety of flavors available - including admissions interviews, online sessions, walking tours, college fairs, email communicaiton, and the college's social media - and a student's approach can signal to a college their interest in not just applying but enrolling, which can factor into how the admissions office makes a decision.
There are more than 1,000 colleges and universities that use the Common App. While you should not be applying to anywhere near that number, answering these questions early can help students get a competitive edge on filling out their applications.
Students of all ages and parents! Join Jordan Kanarek, the Director of College Counseling and Collegewise, as he shares tips, facts, and all the updates your family needs to know before filling out the application and clicking "Submit."
By the end of our webinar, you'll learn:
- The lastest updated about the Common App
- Every component of the application and how students can stand out
- What admission officers look for from applicants
- And much more!
Your family doesn't have to approach college applications with uncertainty. Join our webinar and discover all there is to know about the Common App.
One meeting per grade (9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th) is held during the first few weeks of school. The purpose of each meeting is to provide parents with grade level information related to academics, extracurricular activities, and social issues. Those present at the meeting include the WJHS Principal, Assistant Principals, Counseling Services Director, and others who can help parents and students know what to expect during the school year.
Highly Selective College Admissions - Winter/Spring
Grades, test scores, and impressive activities alone won't get a student admitted to schools that reject almost all of their applicants. So how do students who get accepted to the Ivy Leagues, Stanford, Tufts and the rest of the nation’s most selective colleges set themselves apart from the rest of the applicant pool? We'll show you at this seminar. We’ll also reveal some Collegewise strategies to improve a student’s chances of admission at the most selective schools. While we don't believe that prestigious colleges are necessarily better colleges, we want students who are interested in these schools to have straight answers about what it will really take to have a shot at getting in.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
How to Survive and Thrive in High School - Fall
Does your WJ student need some support in managing their time or getting the most from their classes? The purpose of this meeting is to go over different study strategies designed to help with core academic classes. The focus of the meeting will be on time management, test-taking, note-taking, and communicating with WJ staff. Resources will be shared to use with students so that they can work more efficiently and effectively.
Jumpstart to College Program: Earning College Credit in High School -Fall
This meeting will discuss Jumpstart to College program, a non-degree seeking program for high school students to take college courses and earn college credits while attending high school. The topics will include, but are not limited to the following: a brief comparison of Jumpstart to College and other Dual Enrollment programs offered through Montgomery College (MC) and MCPS partnership, benefits of Jumpstart (including cost and flexibility), differences between MC and AP classes, transfer of MC credit to other institutions, dual credit option (receiving HS credit for college courses), MC courses offered at Walter Johnson High School, eligibility requirements, and steps of enrollment.
Junior Class College Planning Meeting - Winter/Spring
The purpose of this meeting is to provide 11th grade parents and student with information related to the steps that they need to take now to get them ready to prepare for applying to colleges in the Fall and planning for their post-secondary life. Those presenting at the meeting include the WJHS Principal, Assistant Principals, the Counseling Services Director, and the College/Career Coordinator.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Little Know Secrets for Paying for College - Winter/Spring
On average, tuition tends to increase about 8% per year. An 8% college inflation rate means that the cost of college doubles about every nine years. Planning for these expenses has become essential. Some families have children attending college next year and others have years to plan, but the fears of tackling these monumental and rising costs are the same.The College Funding Coach® is here to help families figure out HOW to pay for it and still retire one day.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Mock ACT/SAT Testing Results Interpretation - Fall and Winter/Spring
This meeting helps students and parents understand the results of mock SAT and mock ACT exams administered at WJ. General information about standardized testing and options for test preparation are also provided.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Naviance Explained - Winter/Spring
A valuable meeting for sophomores, juniors and their parents on the use of the Naviance/Family Connection software package to navigate the college and career process. Learn about the wealth of information on colleges and universities available to all WJ students as they move through the college selection process. In addition, Naviance/Family Connection is used to inform WJ students about upcoming visits by college reps and to send teacher references and transcript electronically to colleges. Each student has a login and password to the system so that the research done uses personal data and selection criteria.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Planning for the SAT/ACT
This meeting, led by Phil Pine of Capital Educators, helps students and parents understand the results of mock SAT and mock ACT exams administered at WJ. Phil will also discuss the evolution of digital testng, test optional admissions, preparing for the tests, and timeline for taking the test.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]PSAT Results Interpretation - Winter/Spring
This meeting will provide an explanation of what the PSAT scores mean and answer questions from parents and students about the PSAT and other standardized testing for college.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Safe Teen Driving - Winter/Spring
Tom Pecoraro, the founder and president of I Drive Smart, Inc., will present The Smart Six Teen Safe Driving Program. I Drive Smart has been conducting this informative, brief program for the past 18 years to parents and teens throughout the region. The Smart Six identifies the six causative factors always involved when a teen is seriously injured or killed in a vehicle collision. The Smart Six Program will help parents understand how these factors arise and how to mitigate the risks for all new drivers and their passengers.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Scholarship Strategies
Bethany Hubert of Going Merry will discuss the topics listed below. Her discussion will then be followed by a Q&A on scholarship strategies:
- The truth about scholarships and where to find them
- Applying to scholarships you have the best chance of winning
- What scholarships to prioritize in a busy senior year
- Tips for receiving more institutional scholarships
- How to set up your Going Merry account to be matched to relevant scholarships
Senior Class Graduation - Winter/Spring
A meeting for the senior class and their parents. Important information on graduation requirements, prom activities, and the graduation ceremony is presented.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Teens and Toxic Tec
We are all aware that our teens are growing up in a highly complex, stressful world that feels unfamiliar to us as parents. Parents today are struggling to protect their teenagers from a whole new host of stressors and the situation seems to change every day. While we all recognize that many things about being a teen today are not healthy, both teens and parents can feel powerless to reclaim a healthy, happy adolescent life. In this talk, Dr. Rebecca Resnik, Licensed Psychologist and mother of 2 teens, presents an overview of the current "danger zones" for today's teens. This talk focuses on how phones, social media and gaming increase risk of many kinds, and what parents can do today to protect their teen's mental and physical health.
Ten Things Professors Wish Every Freshman Knew - Winter/Spring
Collegebound students are invited to a lunchtime presentation to learn what professors expect first year students to know.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Tension Tamers
Everyone knows that the teenage years can be a tense time between parents and teens. With the transition to high school, parents and teens alike struggle to navigate both critical life decisions and small everyday interactions. Our ability to keep lines of communication open with our teens can literally save their lives. While the media sends out many unhelpful messages about how we are all doing it wrong, there are many evidence based ways to increase positivity and manage conflict. In this presentation, Dr. Rebecca Resnik, (a psychologist and mother raising her 3rd teenager) presents practical communication tools that are based on the science of adolescent brain development. Dr. Resnik debunks outdated myths about adolescent brains and behavior that don't apply well to "Gen Z." She provides strategies for positive communication so you can stay close with your teen while still maintaining high expectations.
Understanding Anxiety
Bonnie Zucker, a licensed psychologist with an expertise in psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and adults, specializing in anxiety and OCD (and proud WJ parent), will present to the WJ parents on anxiety and will describe the three parts (body, thoughts, and behavior) and explain the treatment of each. Dr. Zucker will also address perfectionism, and the culture of comparison that is often fueled by social media. She will offer strategies and techniques to help parents/guardians reduce anxiety, foster resilience, and best support their child. Finally, she will share what characteristics and qualities are associated with success in adulthood (hint: it’s not a perfect report card!).
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Understanding AP Classes - Fall
A meeting focused on discussing the demands of AP Courses, when a student might take an AP course, benefits of taking AP courses, AP exams, college credit and the difference between Honors and AP classes. The discussion will be followed by Q and A for parents and students to ask any questions they may have.
Watch for the Red Flags: Staying Attuned to Your Teen's Mental Health - Fall
Parents of today's post-pandemic, 'digital native' teens face complicated problems their own parents never encountered. Both teens and parents of today experience higher levels of everyday stress that can quickly turn into serious problems. In this talk, Dr. Rebecca Resnik, Licensed Psychologist (and proud parent of two WJ Wildcats) will give you a practical guide to help you recognize critical "red flags" that can help you protect the teens in your life. Note that this talk will cover some more serious mental health issues and self-harm/suicide risk. While high school students are welcome to attend, it is recommended that they watch with a trusted adult.
[Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Mock Exams - Fall and Winter/Spring
Mock Test Regstration Information
[Back to Fall Events] [Back to Winter/Spring Events]
Mock Exams Fall and Winter/Spring 2023-2024
Each year the WJ PTSA Counseling Advisory Committee (CAC) sponsors full length mock testing of both the ACT & SAT exams to provide practice for interested students. Both tests are offered with accommodations for those students who request it. The scores from mock exams are not seen by anyone other than the student. Cost is $20 per student for each test – all proceeds benefit the WJ PTSA. Please contact Maria Turner (mturner4709@gmail.com) if financial assistance is needed. Each student must register at least 48 hours before the exam. The exam will begin at 9 am (arrive 8:45). Results meeting will take place following the tests to provide information and explanation about the scores. Bring laptop (mcps chrome book or laptop capable of internet), pencil, and calculator.
Please read the following FAQ’s and their answers. If you have additional questions email Maria Turner at mturner4709@gmail.com.
Q: What time should students arrive for the mock exams?
A: The exam begins at 9am. The doors to the cafeteria will open at 8:30 am for check-in.
Q: What does my student need during the test?
A: Students should have pencils, a calculator, a snack and water. For the mock SAT students need to also bring a FULLY CHARGED laptop or chromebook.
Q: Are the mock tests required?
A: No. The mock tests are not required at all. The WJPTSA provides these mock tests as a service for students who wish to practice taking the ACT and SAT before they take the actual tests. We offer the mock tests twice a year - once in the fall and once in the spring. The mock test scores do not “count” for any school applications or scholarships. They are for information purposes only such as to see how the student tests, which test would be a better choice and to get accustomed to sitting for a test that is approximately 4 hours long.
Q: Who can take the mock tests?
A: The mock tests are open to all Walter Johnson students. The majority of students who take these mock tests are 10th and 11th graders.
Q: What is the cost of the mock exam?
A: The mock ACT and mock SAT are $20 each.
Q: How do I register for the mock exams?
A: Go to the Mock Tests section of this page.
Q: Is the mock SAT the same thing as the PSAT?
A: No, the PSAT is administered by the school through the counseling office. The mock ACT/SAT is a service provided by the WJ PTSA CAC for students to practice taking the ACT/SAT before taking the actual ACT/SAT.
Q: How do I get my score?
A: There will be a mock test results meeting on November 28th at 7pm in the cafeteria. Scores will be emailed prior to the meeting and Capital Educators will explain what the results mean.
Q: Can students do anything to prepare for the mock?
A: The College Board and the nonprofit Khan Academy® have teamed up to provide free, personalized SAT study resources for all students.
To link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts:
*Go to satpractice.org, create an account on Khan Academy or sign into your existing account.
*When prompted, agree to link your Khan Academy and College Board Accounts.
*Log into your College Board account and hit "Send" to get a personalized practice plan.