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School Counseling Services

Welcome to the Deer Lakes High School Counseling Page! Mrs. Pascucci and Mrs. Simon work with high school students across various domains such as academic success, career readiness, and emotional support. You can find either one of them in their individual offices holding meetings, in a classroom delivering important information, or simply out and about around the building. Both Mrs. Pascucci and Mrs. Simon are also a part of the many layers of mental health support we have across the district.

Click here for the Deer Lakes High School Academic Profile.

Click here to learn about Deer Lakes School District’s various mental health resources.

Contact Us:

Mrs. Tina Pascucci
School Counselor
Grades 9-12  Last names A - L
Email: tpascucci@deerlakes.net 
Phone: 724-265-5320   Ext. 2671 
Fax: 724-265-5303

Mrs. Angela Simon
School Counselor
Grades 9-12   Last names M - Z
Email: asimon@deerlakes.net 
Phone: 724-265-5320 Ext. 2670
Fax: 724-265-5303

HOURS:    
Mon. - Thurs. 7:05 AM - 2:50 PM
Fri.   7:35 AM - 2:35 PM

Mrs. Leighann Gacci
School Counseling Secretary
Email: lgacci@deerlakes.net
Phone: 724-265-5320  Ext. 2626
Fax: 724-265-5303
HOURS:   Mon. - Fri.  7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

  • Mrs. Tina Pascucci
    School Counselor
    Grades 9-12  Last names A - L
    Email: tpascucci@deerlakes.net 
    Phone: 724-265-5320   Ext. 2671 
    Fax: 724-265-5303

    Mrs. Angela Simon
    School Counselor
    Grades 9-12   Last names M - Z
    Email: asimon@deerlakes.net 
    Phone: 724-265-5320 Ext. 2670
    Fax: 724-265-5303

    HOURS:    
    Mon. - Thurs. 7:05 AM - 2:50 PM
    Fri.   7:35 AM - 2:35 PM

    Mrs. Leighann Gacci
    School Counseling Secretary
    Email: lgacci@deerlakes.net
    Phone: 724-265-5320  Ext. 2626
    Fax: 724-265-5303
    HOURS:   Mon. - Fri.  7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

  • Logo representing the suicide prevention and crisis line, symbolizing support and hope for those in need of help.

    Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
    If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

     

    A person making a phone call, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication before a crisis occurs.

    Resolve Crisis Services
    Resolve is a 24-hour, 365-day crisis service that’s free to all Allegheny County residents.
    Everyone experiences moments of crisis in life. You might be struggling with depression or substance abuse. Or maybe you’re overwhelmed by problems at work, feeling lonely, or having a conflict with a loved one. Whether your problem is large or small, talking with someone can help. Most of all, don’t wait for a problem to get out of control. Just call Resolve Crisis Services for help at 1-888-796-8226.

     

    The Trevor Project

    Leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.

  • You must sign up to attend a college/school visit by filling out a College-School Visit Sign Up Form. Hard copies are also available in the School Counseling Office. Either e-mail your form to Mrs. Gacci at lgacci@deerlakes.net.  or hand it to her in the School Counseling Office by the noted deadline.  Students will receive a hall pass on the day of the visit so they can attend.   These visits will be held in the Student Activity Room which is located on the 1st floor, right down the hall from the School Counseling Office, unless you are notified otherwise.

    No visits are scheduled at this time.

  • Volunteering is a wonderful way to help out companies, individuals, and organizations in the community. A lot of times, we get students coming down to the counseling office asking if we know of any opportunities. Truly, there are opportunities all over! It just takes the courage to reach out and ask.  Below are some organizations that Deer Lakes School District is aware of that are looking for volunteers.

    There are plenty of opportunities for teenagers to volunteer in their communities. The important part is that you find an activity that correlates to your interests and skills and stick with it, rather than going from charity to charity, because colleges want to see that you really care about the cause and aren't just padding your resume. Make sure you check the age restrictions before you sign up, because some organizations require volunteers to be 18+.    

    Allegheny Valley Hospital / Allegheny Health Network
    Allegheny Valley Hospital in Natrona Heights is looking for student volunteers aged 16 and older. While they are specifically recruiting for AVH, students can explore opportunities throughout the Allegheny Health Network when visiting the website.  For more information, click Recruiting Flyer with QR code for students or AHN Student Volunteer Program.

    Allegheny Valley Association of Churches
    724.226.0606

    Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley
    724.339.7388
    Scholarship available for hours served.

    Animal Friends
    412.847.7070
    A non-profit animal shelter that provides refuge, aid, and care for unwanted, abandoned, and abused animals.  Every animal that enters is guaranteed a safe haven with no time limit for adoption.  Volunteer incentives:  Flexible hours, Hours Recognition Program, Awards & Annual Appreciation Banquet.

    Bakerstown United Methodist Church Vacation Bible School Program  
    Bakerstown United Methodist Church is hosting a Vacation Bible School Program July 10th - 14th for pre-K through rising 5th-grade students and is looking for volunteers to help at craft, game, music, and snack stations. Click here for the flyer!

    Belair Nursing Home
    724.339.1071  

    American Red Cross Youth

    Carnegie Museum 
    Are you a teen who loves Carnegie Museums? Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your summer and gain valuable experience? Apply to become a teen volunteer assistant with our museum summer camps! As a summer camps teen volunteer, you will help museum staff and camp educators with a variety of educational activities to ensure campers have a fun, safe, engaging experience.    

    OR be a volunteer at any of the 4 Carnegie Museums:   Carnegie Museum of Art,  Carnegie Museum of Natural History,  Carnegie Science Center or the Andy Warhol Museum.   

    Please Note: Volunteer placement is determined by a combination of staffing needs, experience, and availability.

    Central Blood Bank - Heights Plaza
    412.209.7220

    Community Food Bank

    Elliott Acres Therapeutic Riding Center
    A certified therapeutic riding center for those physical, intellectual and emotional disabilities.  Volunteers are the backbone of Elliot Acres.  Whether you enjoy being around horses, helping those with disabilities or doing handy work, we have a job for you....horse leaders, side walkers stable work.   We also have a running list of day projects that volunteer groups (scouts, churches, schools, families, etc.) can assist with.  For more information, visit the website, call 724-991-2477 or e-mail dechorsesr1@gmail.com or EATRvolunteering@gmail.com. See these flyers for more information: Oritentation Day 2023 or Volunteer 2023 Flyer

    Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Harmarville
    412.828.1300

    Good Samaritan Hospice
    800.720.2557 or 724.933.8888
    Volunteers are always welcome and needed.  All volunteers must complete a volunteer application form GSH Volunteer Application 2-21.pdf, per the Hospice Medical Regulations, and receive training from the Good Samaritan Hospice staff.  The amount of training depends upon the area of volunteer interest.  Volunteers choose the amount of time they wish to volunteer as well as the geographical areas in which they wish to serve.    Volunteer opportunities include:

    • Provide companionship & support to patients
    • Give caregivers much needed breaks
    • Help in the inpatient units (Wexford, Cabot, Beaver)
    • Run errands, do light laundry, housekeeping
    • Share prayer or spiritual support
    • Cook or bake
    • Play music or sing
    • Visit with a therapy pet
    • Provide massage therapy
    • Help patients write or tell their life stories
    • Assist staff with administrative tasks & special events

    You can e-mail your application to the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer@good-samaritanhospice.org.  You can also fax it to 724-933-8844 or mail it to:  Good Samaritan Hospice, Attn:  Volunteer Coordinator; 116 Browns Hill Road; Suite 100; Valencia, PA 16059

    Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pgh. 

    Kindred Hospice 
    Kindred Hospice has various locations in the area that are looking for volunteers to help provide comfort and companionship to their patients. Time may be spent listening to music with a patient, engaging in conversation, reassuring patients they are not alone, completing arts and crafts, and so much more. If you are interested in volunteering, visit their website.

    North Hills Community Outreach
    Harriet Klatte
    412.487.6316 Ext. 3204

    Our Lady of the Lakes Parish – Bairdford, PA
    724.265.2070 
    Every volunteer role in the parish (even if it does not involve contact with children) requires clearances to be obtained before participating in ministry or volunteer service. If you have not submitted your clearances to the parish office, or if your clearances have expired and need to be renewed, please contact the parish office 724.265.2070 ext. 202, or by e-mail at safeoll@ollakes.org) as soon as possible. We are happy to help you obtain the necessary clearances. The clearance applications can be completed easily on-line at home.

    Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
    The Summer Zoo Teen Program is for teens ages 14-17, who are interested in animals and conservation.   It is designed to give teens a glimpse into what it is like to work in a zoo setting, as well as teach them the importance of sharing conservation messages.  Zoo Teens volunteer once a week, from 9:30am-4:00 pm for a span of six weeks. Requirements: Must be 14-17 years of age (having turned 14 by June 1 of current year); Must commit to one day a week for at least 5 weeks of the 6-week program period. Zoo Teen Activities include:  Handling and care of Ambassador Animals; Exhibit Guiding; Guest education opportunities such as Touch Tables and informal animal presentations; Assisting with Animal Adventures Zoo Camp; Educational opportunities such as classes, special tours, and keeper talks. Application period opens in December of every year.  All prospective Zoo Teens will be interviewed in person prior to acceptance into the program.

    The Woodlands
    The Woodlands is an organization located in the North Hills that serves to enrich the lives of children and adults with chronic disability. The barrier free environment encourages individuals to explore and take part in their camps, retreats, clubs and events. To find out how you can volunteer, visit their website.

    TRY - A Special Needs Organization
    TRY is an organization that is located in Wexford, PA.  The organization provides year round activities for individuals with special needs and is always looking for volunteers.  Visit their website to find out more information.

    UPMC St. Margaret's Hospital
    Alexis Walker – 724.784.4081
    Must be 15 to volunteer.

    West Deer Dog Shelter
    Barb – 724.265.2780

    West Deer Food Bank
    Carol McCaskey – 724.312.5656

    West Deer Senior Citizen Center
    Call 412.621.3342 to inquire about volunteering.

    If you want even more options or need help finding local volunteer opportunities, check out this website, which can connect you with area organizations based on your skills and interests. Students can use the advanced search page to filter listings for those that are good for groups or good for teens. There are even some virtual volunteer jobs that can be completed from home.

    Projects through organizations in your community.   You can use your knowledge and skills to help others in your community as an independent or group activity. 

    • Teach computer skills at your local library or senior center. 
    • Tutor at a community center, your high school, or another school in your area. 
    • Volunteer at an animal shelter. (NB: Age restrictions may apply.) 
    • Volunteer at a local daycare. 
    • Help out at a children’s reading group at your library. 
    • Run social media for a nonprofit. 
    • Help out at an afterschool program. 
    • Volunteer at a hospital. 
    • Donate your time to a senior center. 
    • Start a community garden.

    DIY Community Service Opportunities

    • Send care packages to deployed troops. 
    • Collect gifts for children’s hospitals. 
    • Start a book drive and donate books to a local library or literacy center. 
    • Prepare meals for soup kitchens and homeless centers. 
    • Have a bake sale to raise money for a charity of your choosing. 
    • Organize a letter-writing campaign to write letters to your state representatives about an important cause. 
    • Knit blankets for people in need. Check out Project Linus for tips. 
    • Race for the Cure: Organize a group to run or walk and raise money for breast cancer research. 
    • Earth Day cleanup: Collect trash or clean up a park to promote environmental awareness. 
    • Blood Drive: Connect with the Red Cross to organize a drive at your school. (NB: Donors must be 18+ to participate, or 17 with parental permission.) 
    • Be the Match Registry: Recruit others to join the bone marrow registry. You could also volunteer and join events to fundraise for the organization. (NB: You must be 18+ to donate.) 
    • National disaster relief fundraiser: Host an event to raise funds to help people and communities affected by a disaster.

    Check out this website to find projects that are important to you. Through this site, you can specify the type of project, time commitment, and cause you'd prefer.

  • Whenever you need your transcript sent anywhere (a college, university, trade/tech. school, etc.) you MUST complete, sign & submit a Transcript Request/Release Form to Mrs. Gacci in the School Counseling Office.    

    There are 2 different forms:

     You can either e-mail your form to Mrs. Gacci @lgacci@deerlakes.net or drop it off to her in the School Counseling Office.

  • The Student Assistance Program is a voluntary program for students experiencing academic, behavioral, and/or emotional difficulties that may pose barriers to school success. Click here for the SAP Referral Form. Questions? Call a School Counselor or the School Social Worker: 

    Tina Pascucci, School Counselor  
    (A - L)  724-265-5320  x-2671  
    tpascucci@deerlakes.net

    Angela Simon, School Counselor  
    (M - Z)   724-265-5320  x-2670    
    asimon@deerlakes.net

    Hannah Mulkern, Licensed Social Worker   
    724-265-5320  x-2673      
    hmulkern@deerlakes.net  

  • Grading System

    AIU "Recover Now" program through Waterfront Learning

    The Allegheny County Intermediate Unit (AIU) offers credit recovery courses to all students in Allegheny County through their "Recover Now" program.   This is a computer-based program in which students work completely online from their home and/or school-provided computer.  Once families register and pay for their student's course(s), the student will have exactly 4 weeks to complete their course(s).  The price, per course, is $275.00 at this time and is subject to change at the discretion of the AIU.

    If you are interested in enrolling your child in credit recovery, please reach out to your child's School Counselor to get the process started.   You may also choose to see if your child can retake the failed course(s) in the current semester by looking at their schedule online in their Skyward account.  The maximum number of credits a student can take per school year is 8 credits and there are 9 periods in our school day. 

    For senior students, please keep in mind that all required credits must be completed to participate in graduation.   Any required graduation credit course that is failed must be passed prior to graduation.  Students are not allowed to participate in graduation until all requirements are met.

    For more information, go to: waterfrontlearning

  • Department of Education

    Statewide High School Graduation Requirements

    Effective with the graduating class of 2023, Pennsylvania high school students have the option to demonstrate their postsecondary preparedness and meet statewide requirements through one of five Pathways to Graduation.

    Background

    For the purposes of federal accountability, students enrolled in Commonwealth public schools must participate in the Keystone Exams (end-of-course assessments in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology). Proficiency in all three Keystone Exams was also intended to serve as a statewide requirement for graduation beginning in 2017; however, the legislature enacted a series of moratoriums on the use of Keystone Exam Proficiency as a graduation requirement so that the Department of Education might put forth alternate recommendations which more fully illustrated college, career, and community readiness. Those recommendations formed the basis of legislation that altered the Pennsylvania Public School Code and Title 22 Chapter 4.

    Pathways to Graduation

    Students who do not demonstrate proficiency or attain a minimum composite score on the three Keystone Exams may demonstrate their proficiency on the Keystone-related content by meeting locally established, grade-based requirements. That demonstration of proficiency, in combination with student artifacts and/or student performance within another program, course, or assessment, may satisfy statewide requirements under the new Pathways to Graduation. In select circumstances, a chief school administrator may choose to waive pathway-specific requirements; however, excessive utilization of this prerogative may subject the local education agency to corrective action. Students with disabilities whose special education programs, by design, do not meet statewide requirements for graduation are granted diplomas for the satisfactory completion of their respective programs.

    Access the Pennsylvania High School Graduation Requirements Toolkit for additional guidance and information on technical assistance.

    NOTE: Students who have meet statewide requirements (minimally, by qualifying for waiver) but cannot meet local graduation requirements due to education instability may qualify for a Keystone diploma. Access PDE policy on Assisting Students Experiencing Education Instability.

    MORE INFORMATION ON PA STATE GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Below is important information regarding AP Exams this school year.

    • Students are not required to take their corresponding AP Exam(s).
    • Students who select not to take their AP Exam(s) will be required to take the Mock AP Exam as a final, which will impact their overall grade in that course at the end of the year.  
    • The cost of each AP Exam is $99.00. 
    • Students who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunch will owe $53.00 per AP Exam instead of $99.00 
    •  per AP Exam. 
    • Payment will be collected in the Spring of 2025. 
    • All students must register in their College Board account regardless of if they choose to take their AP Exam(s) or not.   Students should have already done this during their AP class(es) with their teacher. 
    • If a student does not want to take an AP Exam(s), Mrs. Simon must receive an opt-out e-mail from the student’s parent/guardian by no later than October 25, 2024, stating that their student is not taking the AP Exam(s).
      • Opt-out e-mails should be sent to Mrs. Simon at asimon@deerlakes.net.   Once the e-mail is received, Mrs. Simon will move the student to a “classroom only” registration status.   E-mails do not need to be sent if the student is taking the AP Exam(s).
    • The deadline for changes is October 25, 2024.   If a student drops their AP course(s) or changes their mind about whether or not they are taking the AP Exam(s) after October 25, 2024, they will have to pay a $40.00 cancellation/unused exam fee, PER AP EXAM NOT TAKEN!!

    If you have any questions regarding the AP Exam administration, please reach out to Mr. Ryan Aleski, Principal or Mrs. Simon, School Counselor/AP Exam Coordinator.

    AP Exam

    2024/2025 AP EXAM SCHEDULE
    AP EXAM DATE TIME 
    AP Biology Monday, May 5, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP Chemistry Tuesday, May 6, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP US Government & Politics Tuesday, May 6, 2025 12:00 PM
    AP English Literature & Comp. Wednesday, May 7, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP Computer Science A Wednesday, May 7, 2025 12:00 PM
    AP Statistics Thursday, May 8, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP World History Modern Thursday, May 8, 2025 12:00 PM

    AP US History

    		 Friday, May 9, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP Calculus AB Monday, May 12, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP Calculus BC Monday, May 12, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP Pre-Calculus Tuesday, May 13, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP Physics 2 Tuesday, May 13, 2025 12:00 PM
    AP English Language & Comp. Wednesday, May 14, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP Spanish Language & Culture Thursday, May 15, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP Computer Science Principles Thursday, May 15, 2025 12:00 PM
    AP Physics 1 Friday, May 16, 2025 8:00 AM
    AP Psychology
         		 Friday, May 16, 2025 12:00 PM

    AP SCORING

    AP scores are released in July. Before scores are released, confirm you can access your College Board account by signing in using the same account you used to enroll in your AP class sections.   Don't create a new account if you already have one, as duplicate accounts can cause delays in getting your AP scores. If you have more than one account, can’t log in, or have another problem with your account, please contact AP Services for Students. 

    Your total score is calculated from your section scores.

    For most AP Exams, your score is a weighted combination of your scores on the 2 sections, multiple-choice and free-response. Some AP courses have assessments that include other scored components.

    AP Exams are scored on a 5-point scale.

    The final score for each AP Exam is reported on a 5-point scale that offers a recommendation about how qualified you are to receive college credit and placement—but each college makes its own decisions about what scores it will grant credit or placement for.

    AP score setting is based on research.

    The AP Program conducts studies in all AP subjects to correlate the performance of AP students with that of college students in comparable college courses. These studies help set the “cut points” that determine how AP students’ composite scores are translated into an AP score of 1–5.

    GETTING AP SCORES FROM COLLEGEBOARD

    Every year that you take AP Exams, you can send ONE score report for free to the college, university, or scholarship organization of your choice. Score reports include both this year’s and past AP Exam scores.

    If you’re heading to college in the fall, using your free score send is the best way to make sure your college gets your scores in time to award you credit and/or placement. And if you’re a high school junior, sophomore, or freshman, using your free score send can help you stand out to the college you send your scores to—it shows the college your early interest.

    The deadline for choosing the college, university, or scholarship program that you want to send your 2024 AP scores to for free is June 20, 2024.   Your official AP Score Report will be sent by CollegeBoard directly to the college/university in July. 

    If you want to send additional score reports or send a score report after the free score send deadline, you can do so online anytime for a fee. If you’re a senior sending scores to get credit or placement from your college, check your college’s deadline for receiving scores.

    HOW TO HAVE AP SCORE REPORTS SENT AFTER YOUR ONE FREE COPY OR THE DEADLINE HAS PASSED

     

  • Assessment and Accountability Keystones

    The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) was signed by President Obama on December 10, 2015. This measure reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965.

    The Keystone exams meet the federal accountability criteria of ESSA for the high school level. Students must take the Keystone Exams for purposes of federal accountability. Failure to do so will affect a Local Education Agency (LEA) and school's participation rate.

    The Keystone exams were created to replace the Grade 11 PSSA and serve as one component of Pennsylvania's statewide high school graduation requirement. Keystone Exams will help school districts guide students toward meeting state standards. The exams are end-of-course assessments designed to assess proficiency in the subject areas of Algebra I, Literature, and Biology.

    KEYSTONE EXAM TENTATIVE DATES:

    Winter Keystone Exams will take place January 6 - 17, 2025
    Spring Keystone Exams will take place May 12 - 23, 2025

    Keystone Exam Scale Score Ranges
    Keystone Exam Scale Score Ranges

  •  

  • Cooper - DLHS Therapy DogMeet Cooper, DLHS Certified Therapy Dog!!!!     Cooper is a Golden Retriever and has been in training for several years.  He belongs to Mrs. Tina Pascucci, one of the DLHS School Counselors, and is accompanied by her at all times.  Cooper is in the building one day a week.

  • The activity room has chairs and tables for meetings

    The Student Activity Room is where students  go for College/Univ./Trade/Tech. School In-Person Visits, Student Council meetings and National Honor Society Meetings. It is located on the first floor down the hall from the School Counseling Office and is maintained by Mrs. Gacci, the School Counseling Secretary.

     

  • Click here for September 2024.