/ Academics / Guidance
Guidance

Overview

The Guidance Department works with students and families throughout Middle School and High School so that all students can achieve their college and career goals. The Department operates within the Mission Statement and philosophy of Bay Shore Schools.

Guidance Counselors +

To schedule an appointment with a High School guidance counselor, click on their name or call the Guidance Office at 631-968-1171.


Middle School  Guidance Department

Counselors

Assignment
Grades 6 through 8

Email

Angela Worrell-Laurent

A - Co

aworrell@bayshoreschools.org

Laurie Burns

Cr-He

lgassar@bayshoreschools.org

Elizabeth Zamora

Hi-Mol

ezamora@bayshoreschools.org

Jennifer Wikstrom**

Mon-Roj

jwikstrom@bayshoreschools.org

Jaime Rizzo

Rom-Z

jrizzo@bayshoreschools.org

**Jen Wikstrom 

Fire Island Counselor

 

 

 

IB/AP/Early College +

Advanced Placement (AP)
Please click to find out more information about the Advanced Placement Program located at the College Board website: AP Central 

Please click below to see how colleges evaluate Advanced Placement courses: AP Credit Policy Information

Please click below to view all Advanced Placement course descriptions: AP Course Descriptions


AP and IB Night Presentation

Naviance +

Each and every student in Grades 6 through 12 have a Family Connection in Naviance account.  Students in Grade 6 will not receive their usernames and passwords until after the mid-year.  From this point on you may utilize all of the resources available to you within this program.

If you have any trouble accessing your account, need to change your username or password, or would like your children linked, please contact the Guidance Office at the Middle School or High School.

Family Connection in Naviance HIGH SCHOOL

Family Connection in Naviance MIDDLE SCHOOL

Middle School Guidance Department +

What is a School Counselor?

A Counselor is someone who listens no matter what you say.  A counselor is someone who is always a friend. A counselor is someone you can talk to when you need to share something very special. A counselor is someone you can talk to when you feel happy and proud.  A counselor is someone you can talk to when you feel confused.  A counselor is someone you can talk to when you feel angry.  A counselor is someone you can talk to when you feel frightened.  A counselor is someone you can talk to when you feel sad.  A counselor is someone you can talk to when you feel lonely.                            -  Anonymous

 

What Is The Role Of The School Counselor?

  • Works with students, teachers, parents, administrators and community members.

  • Acts as a liaison for the benefit of our students with social agencies and other members of the Bay Shore community.

  • Works with students in groups and individually depending on the nature of the issue or concern.

  • To work collaboratively with students and families in coming up with a college and career plan that will promote future success. To serve as a consultant regarding a student’s academic and emotional needs.

 

Programs:

Scholar Shirt Day

Kids Talk

Naviance (Career and College Readiness - All Grade levels)

High School Scheduling/Articulation

Career Day

Transition Night

5th Grade Orientation

6th Grade Orientation

 

Team Meetings/Conferences

The four major academic teachers on your child’s team (Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies) set aside one period, three days a week to meet with parents/guardians.Call the guidance office to schedule the next available date to meet with your child’s team of teachers. 

 

Honor Roll

Bay Shore Middle School’s Honor Roll Program motivates students to be the best they can be and offers an additional incentive for all students. The program includes both a high honor roll and an honor roll. 

High Honor Roll: overall quarterly average of 90.0 and higher

Honor Roll: overall quarterly average of 85.0 – 89.0

 

How do we calculate student averages? 

Please note that when you calculate averages the following classes are not included:

Physical Education, Math Seminar, AIS and ELA Seminar

 

You should include the following grades in the calculation:

English, Foreign Language, Math, Science, Social Studies 

Family & Consumer Science (.5), Technology (.5), Art (.5), Music (.5), Health (.5)

Choir Only Grade 6 (.6), Choir Only Grades 7 & 8 (1)

 

Grade 5 to 6 Checklist

Kids Talk Handout Grade 6

Grade 8 to 9 Checklist/Help for Students and Parents

Weekly Progress Report

 

Middle School Resources

Study Skills for Middle School Students

Get Organized in Middle School

Prioritizing in Middle School

Goal Setting in Middle School

The Homework Factor

The Twelve Keys to Success in Middle School

Time and Stress Management in Middle School

Bully Advice for Kids

Test Anxiety for Middle School Students

 

PSAT/SAT/ACT +

ACT Exam
Registration for the ACT

The ACT Exam consists of tests in four areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science Reasoning. Each of these tests contain multiple choice questions that offer either four or five answer choices from which you are to choose the correct or best answer.

The English section has 75 questions; Math contains 60 questions, the Reading section has 40 questions and the Science Reasoning section contains 40 questions. There is an optional 30 minute writing test.

*Almost every college in the country accepts the ACT. Please see your counselor for more information. Many of our students take the ACT exam.

View the ACT facts and information page and get answers to frequently asked questions at the ACT facts Newsroom.

Set up your account and register for the ACT at the Official Student site for the ACT Exam.  At this site you may also change your exam date, view your scores and get information on many other areas.

Prior to registering for the ACT exam, please consult your Guidance Counselor in order to develop an appropriate plan for taking any college entrance exam!

Bay Shore High School's code is 330350

ACT Registration


The SAT Exam

Of course at this point ALL students will be taking the NEW SAT which was introduced last Spring.  Please see the chart below for some specifications regarding the exam!

Compare SAT Specifications

Get an overview of how the new SAT differs from the one students took before March 2016. The first table compares the major features. The second table compares the number of items and testing times in each part.

Major Features Compared

Category

Pre-March-2016 SAT

New SAT

Total Testing Time

3 hours and 45 minutes

3 hours (plus 50 minutes for the Essay [optional])

Components

  1. Critical Reading

  2. Writing

  3. Mathematics

  4. Essay

  1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing

    • Reading Test

    • Writing and Language Test

  2. Math

  3. Essay (optional)

Important Features

  • Emphasis on general reasoning skills

  • Emphasis on vocabulary, often in limited contexts

  • Complex scoring (a point for a correct answer and a deduction for an incorrect answer; blank responses have no impact on scores)

  • Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success

  • Greater emphasis on the meaning of words in extended contexts and on how word choice shapes meaning, tone, and impact

  • Rights-only scoring (no penalty for guessing)

Essay

  • Required and given at the beginning of the SAT

  • 25 minutes to write the essay

  • Tests writing skill; students take a position on a presented issue

  • Optional and given at the end of the SAT; postsecondary institutions determine whether they will require the Essay for admission

  • 50 minutes to write the essay

  • Tests reading, analysis, and writing skills; students produce a written analysis of a provided source text

Score Reporting

  • Scale ranging from 600 to 2400

  • Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Critical Reading; 200 to 800 for Mathematics; 200 to 800 for Writing

  • Essay results scaled to multiple-choice Writing

  • Scale ranging from 400 to 1600

  • Scale ranging from 200 to 800 for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing; 200 to 800 for Math; 2 to 8 on each of three dimensions for Essay

  • Essay results reported separately

Subscore Reporting

None

Subscores for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, admission officers, educators, and counselors

 

Test Length and Timing Compared

Pre-March-2016 SAT

New SAT

Component

Time Allotted

(min.)

Number of Questions/

Tasks

Component

Time Allotted

(min.)

Number of Questions/

Tasks

Critical Reading

70

67

Reading

65

52

Writing

60

49

Writing and Language

35

44

Essay

25

1

Essay (optional)

50

1

Mathematics

70

54

Math

80

58

Total

225

171

Total

180 (230 with Essay)

154 (155 with Essay)

 

SAT Registration

PSAT/NMSQT Understanding Your Results

PSAT My College Quick Start Access Code

PSAT My College Quick Start Demo

PSAT Understanding PSAT Results Handout

PSAT Score Reports Plus

Fair Test - Colleges That Do Not Use the SAT and ACT

 

Test Prep
+

Method Test Prep

**ATTENTION ALL BAY SHORE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS**


Bay Shore High School has one account for each student and you may register and begin using the program immediately.  Please do the following:

1) Use the special link designed for Bay Shore High School:

Log on to https://www.methodlearning.com/

and fill in the required information except for the referral code!  There is a referral code which can only be obtained through your Naviance account. You need this code in order to set up your account.  Please log into the Family Connection in Naviance and on the first line of your Greetings Page you will see the referral code.  Please enter this referral code and complete your registration.

** Helpful Hints:  We recommend that you use your first initial and last name for your MemberID and then use the same password you use at school.  This may help you remember!

2) Once you have created your account, simply go to www.methodtestprep.com and begin using the website under your own member ID and password.


Good Luck!

If you have any trouble with accessing Method Test Prep, please call the Guidance Office.

 

SAT/SAT Subject Tests Practice
Please go to Practice for the SAT Exam and SAT Subject Tests to help you prepare for your College Entrance Exams.

College Applications +

The following procedures must be adhered to when applying to college.

1. Meet with your counselor to review final selections, establish priorities, and note deadlines

2. Through Family Connection you can link to the college’s website to obtain application information and/or

3. The following items should be completed and submitted to the Guidance Office prior to the processing of college applications. These items will remain in the Guidance Office:

  • Essay(s)
    Fill out the College Essay Writing Tutorials Form to be paired up with an English teacher to work on your college essays.

  • Resume

  • Teacher Recommendations – Many colleges will send separate Teacher Recommendation Reports as a part of the application packet. If you receive these reports with your college application, it is your responsibility to see individual teachers. These college forms are not a substitute for the Teacher Recommendation requested for your Guidance file.


4. Fill out the Request for Application Processing Form available in the Guidance Office. You must submit one completed form for each school. If you are applying online you must attach a printed confirmation page indicating that your application has been submitted.
 

The Guidance Office requires 10 school days for processing applications.

For example: If your application is due January 1st, it must be submitted to Guidance no later than December 3rd (due to Holiday Recess).

 

Senior Checklist

How to Apply to College

College Application Processing Form

Teacher Recommendation Form Instructions

Transcript and Records Requests Form

College Resources +

NCAA Eligibility

Many college sports are regulated by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), an organization founded in 1906, that has established rules on eligibility, recruiting and financial aid. The NCAA has three membership divisions – Division I, Division II and Division III. If you are planning to enroll in college as a freshman and wish to participate in Division I or Division II sports, you must be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Center. The Eligibility Center will recalculate your academic information and determine if you meet the NCAA’s initial-eligibility requirements.

 

To Apply: Applications to apply for eligibility can be accessed through the NCAA Eligibility Center. The guidance office will send your transcript once we are notified that an application has been submitted. We will also forward a final transcript after graduation.


The clearinghouse application fee can be paid online or mailed separately. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.


Your Guidance Counselor is available to assist you with this process. Please see your counselor regarding any changes in NCAA Clearinghouse requirements.


The NCAA also has resources for high school students available here: NCAA Eligibility for High School Students

 

Sample College Resume

Sample College Essays

College Board

Fastweb

College Confidential

CollegeXpress

KnowHow2Go

Kiplinger's Best Value in Public Colleges

U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges

Northwell Community Scholars +

We are proud to announce our annual Scholars Program through our partnership with Northwell Health.


NORTHWELL COMMUNITY SCHOLARS PROGRAM (For the 2026-2027 Academic Year)


Northwell Community Scholars (NCS) is an innovative program by Northwell Health in partnership with the Bay Shore School District. This program will offer a selected number of high school students opportunities for academic advancement and career exploration, with a focus on healthcare careers, leading to potential employment. Once students are accepted, the program will provide services to support continued growth and development, including but not limited to mentorship, college preparation, career advisement, internship/shadowing opportunities, and financial support to pursue two years of college at select, local institutions. 


Program Objectives

  • Support students in their academic journey to successfully achieve high school graduation and continue on to pursue higher education.

  • Help students develop and strengthen their professional skills and competencies for entry into the workforce.

  • Foster student academic, professional and personal success.

  • A multidisciplinary Selection Committee comprised of representatives from the Bay Shore School District and Northwell Health will review applications and accept a select number of students to participate in the NCS Program.

See details on program and eligibility below.


CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM (Current 9th Graders may apply)

This program is open to students who will be sophomores during the Fall 2026 – Spring 2027 academic school year. Applications are now open for eligible freshman to apply. Selected applicants will begin the program at the beginning of their Sophomore year. 


To be eligible to apply, students must meet the following criteria:

  • A minimum grade average of 75

  • Strict adherence to the Bay Shore attendance policy (must be in good standing)

  • Must demonstrate financial need, which is defined as a household income of up to 500% of the federal poverty level
     

Eligible students who are interested in the program will be required to submit and participate in the following:

  • An application form which includes an essay OR video

  • One letter of recommendation

  • Complete an interview with NCS Selection Committee (held in the High School Guidance Office)
     

To remain in the program, students will be expected to achieve and maintain a minimum grade average of 80 by the end of their Sophomore year, keep a satisfactory attendance record, and commit to regular meeting times.

 

CLICK HERE to access the Northwell Community Scholars Application.

 

NCS Program Flyer with QR Code

 

 

Mr. Louis Balsamo 


Mr. Louis Balsamo 
Director of Guidance
lbalsamo@bayshoreschools.org


High School Guidance Office

155 Third Avenue
Bay Shore, NY 11706

631-968-1171
Fax - 631-968-1182


Middle School Guidance Office

393 Brook Avenue
Bay Shore, NY 11706

631-968-1220