School Counselor

Ms. Maria Staus
Email: mstaus@ottervillervi.k12.mo.us
Phone: 660-366-4621 ext. 404
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Science in School Counseling
Hello Otterville Eagles!
I am super excited to be here at Otterville as the school counselor! I started in 2018 and I am so happy that I get to be a part of a caring and supportive school district. I grew up on a farm just south of Sedalia and graduated from Sacred Heart School in 2004. I then went on to the University of Missouri in Columbia where I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I then took some time off to figure out what I wanted to do next. I eventually went back to school at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg where I graduated with my Master’s degree in School Counseling. In my spare time, I like to read, go shopping, watch the Kansas City Royals, and spend time with my family, especially with my nephews and new niece.
As the school counselor, I am focused on the academic, career, and social/emotional development of every student. My job is to help students develop skills needed for educational achievement, engage in career exploration and plan career goals, and discover a sense of self. Through classroom guidance lessons, students will learn about character education: respect, responsibility, self-control, honesty, and positive attitude, academic success, and career exploration. I also assist high school students with their Individual Career and Academic Plan (originally called Personal Plan of Study) and with their post-secondary options whether it is college, technical school, military, or career. School counseling helps students understand and make the most of their own learning styles and also promotes a positive and safe learning environment.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. I am here to help!
Senior Information
ACT Information
Juniors & Seniors -
The ACT is a standardized test that is required for admission to most colleges.
To register go to www.act.org.
The cost is $63 (no writing) and $88 (with writing). If you need help navigating the website or completing your registration, please see Ms. Staus.
Study materials can be found in the school counselor's office or go to www.act.org/academy for free online ACT test prep.
ACT test dates:
December 10, 2022 Register by November 4
February 11, 2023 Register by January 6
April 15, 2023 Register by March 10
June 10, 2023 Register by May 5
July 15, 2023 Register by June 16
District Testing is on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at Otterville School. This is for all Sophomores and Juniors. Those Seniors who are interested in taking the ACT again may do so on this date. Please check with Ms. Staus for more information.
FAFSA Information
Need Money for College? Complete the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Starting October 1st, all college-bound students and their parents should go to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to start filling out their FAFSA application. Some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Apply early!
You can fill out the FAFSA on a computer or mobile device. Filling out the FAFSA is free. Never pay a company or service to process your FAFSA. By completing the FAFSA, you are automatically applying for a Pell Grant (Free Money).
You must fill out a FAFSA to be able to receive the A+ Incentive!
FAFSA Checklist for students and parents:
First create your FSA ID login at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
Social Security Number
Driver's License Number (If you have one)
Federal Income Tax Return, W-2s, and other records of money earned. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool can transfer your tax information into the FAFSA. If the "Link to IRS" button is available, click it.
Bank statements and records of investments
Information on untaxed income
List of schools being considered
It takes about an hour to complete the FAFSA online.
Missouri Deadline is February 1, 2023. Be sure to check college deadlines as well.
Click on https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out for helpful information about filling out the FAFSA.
College Information
Click on the link below for a list of Missouri Higher Education Institutions:
Scholarships & Deadlines
SFCC Scholarships:
Go to the SFCC web page - sfccmo.edu
Click on Admissions & Financial Aid
Click on Ways to Pay For College
Click on Scholarships (on the left-hand side)
Go down to the bottom and click on View Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Websites
General Scholarship Websites:
www.myscholarshipcentral.org
www.finaid.org/scholarships
www.free-4u.com
www.fastweb.com
www.goingmerry.com
www.scholarships.com
www.cappex.com
www.scholarshippoints.com
www.collegegreenlight.com
www.studentscholarships.org
www.unigo.com/scholarships
mocollegecareer.org
moslf.org - Missouri Scholarship Foundation
masfap.org - Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel
Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development:
dhewd.mo.gov
Journey to College:
journeytocollege.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:
dese.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
health.mo.gov
Careers:Missouri Job Center – www.jobs.mo.gov Follow them on Facebook too!
Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) – www.missourieconomy.org
State Fair Community College also offers Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Programs – www.sfccmo.edu/apprenticeships.
MissouriHealthCareers.com
Missouri Hospital Association - www.mhanet.com
Missouri Career Connections
http://www.missouriconnections.org/
Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling - www.moacac.org
Central Missouri Community Action - https://cmca.us/
Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel (MASFAP)
Mental Health Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/, or Dial 988
Missouri Suicide Prevention Network: mospn.org, Burrell Central MO Crisis Line 800-395-2132, Text MOSAFE to 741741
Missouri School Violence Hotline 1-866-748-7047, https://www.schoolviolencehotline.com/
Missouri Child Abuse or Neglect Hotline 1-800-392-3738
Missouri Department of Social Services: dss.mo.gov
Missouri Department of Mental Health: dmh.mo.gov
Burrell Behavioral Health - Sedalia Clinic: 201 W. 3rd St. 660-827-2494
Burrell Behavioral Health - Boonville Clinic: 520 Ryan St. Ste. W 660-882-7573
You can also follow Burrell Behavioral Health on Facebook.
Useful Websites
Legislation
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education:
http://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/school-counseling/legislation
1606 (167.902) - Critical Need/Shortage Occupations
FY24 High Demand Occupations
High School Course Requirements
Eight semesters of high school attendance are strongly recommended for all students. Students must complete all required courses and have earned 24 units of credit.
English (4 units):
English I, English II, English III, English IV, Creative Writing, Short Stories, Science Fiction, Practical English
Dual Credit: English Composition I, English Composition II, Public Speaking
Mathematics (3 units):
Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Algebra Support, Applied Math
Dual Credit: College Algebra, Statistics, Trigonometry
Social Studies (3 units):
American History, World History, Civics/American Government, Geography, Missouri History, Criminal Justice
Dual Credit: US History Before 1877, US History Since 1877, Psychology, Sociology
Science (3 units):
Physical Science, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Anatomy/Physiology, Earth and Space Science
Dual Credit: General Biology, Medical Terminology
Fine Art (1 unit):
Band, Chorus, Art I-III
Dual Credit: Music, Art, or Theatre Appreciation
Practical Art (1 unit):
Computer Apps, Multimedia, Business Tech, Computer Science, Business Leadership, Sports & Entertainment Management, Accounting, Intro to Business, Graphic Arts
FACS, Foods, Adulting 101, Child Development, Career & Family Leadership, Clothing, Housing & Design
Ag Science I & II, Ag Construction, Conservation, Plant Science, Ag Community & Leadership, Animal Science, Supervised Ag Experience
Physical Education (1 unit):
General P.E., Athletic Conditioning, Weight Lifting, Lifetime P.E.
Personal Finance (1/2 unit):
Personal Finance
Health (1/2 unit):
Health
Electives (7 units):
See Course Offerings
Dual Credit: Spanish I & II, Lifetime Wellness