EMAIL DETAILS

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Dear Juniors,</div>
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Congratulations on making it through three quarters of your junior year! You should be quite proud of all you have accomplished. Hopefully you will be able to use your time over the next week or so to get some good quality rest.</div>
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The start of our work together has, from our perspective, gone very well. We have covered a variety of important topics in our workshops and individual meetings and, as we head into the spring months, we will turn our attention to the important task of building sensible college lists with all of you. </div>
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A few quick items for you:</div>
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1. <span style="background-color:#ffff00;">Family Meetings </span>- It is our hope that we will have a family meeting with every junior before the close of the school year. You may begin to schedule these meetings with Ms. Morillas once two individual meetings have taken place and please also submit the parent questionnaire prior to our meeting. Ms. Morillas will match parent, counselor, and student availability, so please offer her several possible dates/times that work for student/parents.</div>
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2. <span style="background-color:#ffff00;">Independent School College Fair </span>– All juniors are strongly encouraged to attend this annual event which is co-sponsored by area independent schools on Wednesday, April 13 from 6-9pm at Georgetown Prep. The college fair is a great way to gather information, especially about a variety of colleges from across the country. A listing of participating colleges will be distributed to students and parents prior to the fair</div>
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3. <span style="background-color:#ffff00;">College Visits Days</span> – Juniors who wish to visit colleges are allowed to miss one day during the spring semester to do so. Students MUST speak with their college counselor prior to planning such a trip to receive approval as well as obtain the proper form and secure teacher signatures. </div>
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4. <span style="background-color:#ffff00;">College Workshop</span> - There is NO workshop the week we return to school March 29-April 1.</div>
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5. <span style="background-color:#ffff00;">Emily Thigpen's arrival</span> - We are thrilled to have Emily Thigpen join the College Counseling Team on Tuesday, March 29. Each student who has been assigned to Emily will be notified of their first appointment shortly. In addition, please see a note from Emily that is posted below.</div>
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Wishing everyone a fantastic spring break!</div>
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The College Counseling Team</div>
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Dear Members of the Sidwell Community:</div>
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I am thrilled to introduce myself as the newest member of the Sidwell Friends School College Counseling team. After six years in highly-selective college admissions, I realized that the part of my job that I enjoyed most involves the discussion of the fit factor. As a member of the team at Sidwell Friends School, I am eager to help outstanding young adults find wonderful homes for their collegiate experience in line with their interests, dreams, and desires.</div>
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I attended high school in Bristol, Connecticut and graduated from The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. I pursued a degree in history as I love thinking about how past events can influence future decisions (and I loved doing primary source research!). During my time as a student leader at Holy Cross, I developed skills that proved invaluable: connecting with individuals on a personal level, listening carefully to others, providing outstanding customer service, staying organized, and adhering to deadlines. </div>
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These skills were put to use as I pioneered the first regional admission officer position for Colgate University. While in this regional position for almost three years, I have learned a great deal about the Mid-Atlantic region and have gained a broad network of colleagues at admission offices from around the country. These relationships will be extremely helpful as I step into my new position as College Counselor and work to advocate for each and every Sidwell student.</div>
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While living and working in the greater D.C. area, I also pursued my Masters of Arts degree in Higher Education Administration from The George Washington University. My studies were rooted in understanding the climate of higher education and the issues facing students, faculty, and staff, including campus diversity, access, financial aid, and student development theories. I now look forward to continue learning about the process from “the other side of the desk.” D.C. has also given me access to airports so I easily hop on a plane (my last trip was to Costa Rica), which is one of my favorite activities. Other hobbies of mine include indoor cycling, reading, and checking out different area restaurants. </div>
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Most importantly, I am excited to become a member of this fantastic community. It is quite clear that Sidwell Friends School is a special place that allows students to grow into bright, confident, and motivated young individuals. The Quaker values that ask students to strive for excellence while appreciating differences ensure that this community provides a place for not only intellectual development, but also cultural, emotional, and spiritual growth. I am honored to be a part of this journey with SFS students and am honored that you, too, will be a part of my own individual growth process—both professionally and personally.</div>
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Truly,</div>
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Emily Thigpen</div>
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<p>Lauren B. Carter<br>Director of College Counseling<br>Sidwell Friends School<br>3825 Wisconsin Ave, NW<br>Washington, DC 20016<br>202.537.8166<br> </p>