THINGS TO CONSIDER DURING THE OUTPLACEMENT PROCESS
Type of School:
 Public School
 Independent boarding or day school
 Parochial
 Single sex or coed
 Size
 Location: urban, suburban, rural (boarding)
 Costs; Financial aid
Observations during your visit to a possible school for your child:
 Do the students seem happy, productive, engaged?
 Are students well supervised?
 How do the teachers interact with their students?
 Do you see your child fitting into the environment (academically, socially)?
 Does the atmosphere seem competitive? Nurturing?
 Does the school feel like a community?
 Are students interacting with teachers outside as well as inside the classroom?
 Is the school well maintained?
 Do the classrooms seem organized?
Questions to ask about the academic program:
 What special services and/or accommodations are available? (for example: extra time on
tests)
 What is the foreign language requirement? What languages are offered? Is there any
flexibility in that requirement?
 What are the requirements to qualify for support services?
 How do students access teachers outside of the classroom if they need extra help?
 What are the qualifications of the support staff?
 Does the school provide adequate structure for your child?
 What are the course requirements for your child?
 How often does the school communicate with parents?
 Does the school provide extra-curricular activities? What are they?
TRANSITIONING TO PUBLIC SCHOOL
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In January, let your local school know that your child is planning to enroll. The first step
is registering your child.
Questions to address include:
 What are the different levels of support?
 What are the different levels of core classes?
 Are there co-taught classes?
 How large are classes?
 How many students are scheduled for the resource room at one time?
 Are the resource room teachers an integral part of the core classes?
Contact the Committee on Special Education in your district. Advise them that your
child will be entering one of their schools and has been a student at Windward. They
will set up the proper appointments and meetings. If your child has an Individualized
Education Program or Section 504 Plan, Windward will participate in your meetings.
Upon your request, either Peter Beardsley or a teacher who is very familiar with your
child will participate in this planning meeting by conference call.
Windward will make recommendations regarding class load, courses and support
services.
We will discuss all of these issues with you during your outplacement meeting.
REQUIRED ENTRANCE EXAMS
INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOLS
Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)
Windward offers the ISEE during the first week of December with special accommodations.
To qualify for any accommodations, you must submit approved supporting
documentation (see page).
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If your child is taking the ISEE, it is required that you provide some test prep.
Ronnie Berish will send a letter home in early September with directions on how to
register for the ISEE.
Some independent day schools also accept the SSAT. If you are applying to both
day and boarding schools, it may be preferable to take only the SSAT.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS
Test For Admissions into Catholic High Schools (TACHS)
Call the Archdiocese of New York or log onto their website (tachsinfo.com) to obtain the
details of the TACHS exam, which is given in early November. Although some parochial
schools will accept the ISEE exam, they prefer the TACHS and it is suggested that you have
your child take it. Extended time is the only accommodation offered. To qualify for
extended time, you must submit approved supporting documentation (see page 6).
Registering for the TACHS Exam
 Go to www.tachsinfo.com
 On the left side, you will see a purple scroll list; scroll down and click
‘INTERNET REGISTRATION’
 Once the page loads, scroll down and click ‘REGISTER NOW’
 On the next page, you will see “Welcome to the TACHS Registration site!”
 Scroll down and click ‘CLICK HERE WHEN YOU ARE READY TO
REGISTER’
 Fill out the basic information and click ‘NEXT’
 On the next page, fill out your address, phone #, and email
 You will then have to choose 3 schools. This will be the Test Site where your
child will take the TACHS Exam and in no way influences your selection of
which High Schools you are applying to
 Once you verify all of the information, then proceed to check out
 After your payment has been confirmed you will receive your confirmation
page. Please print and make note of the TACHS ID and enter it on the
accompanied eligibility form where it says REQUIRED
 Sign the eligibility form and return it back to us with a copy of your approved
documentation. We will then send all material to the archdiocese to be
approved for extended time.
Applicant Record Form
The Applicant Record form can be found on the TACHS website. You will only
need to complete Part A of the form. This is where you will list the names of the
schools you wish to apply to in order of preference. Please send the completed
form to Gina Naclerio.
BOARDING SCHOOLS
Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT)
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Traditionally, boarding schools require that prospective students take the
SSAT. However, some will accept the ISEE. It is strongly recommended
that you contact each school individually to learn its requirement or
preference.
If your child is taking the SSAT, it is recommended that you provide some
test preparation.
Log onto TABS website (www.boardingschools.com) for information about
schools.
You can make arrangements to have your child take the test with special
accommodations.
Registering for the SSAT with Accommodations
(Testing accommodations must be approved before test registration)
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Go to www.ssat.org and create a new student account
Once you are logged in, Click ‘MY TESTS’
Click ‘VIEW MY ACCOMMODATIONS & REQUESTS’
Click the appropriate link to Apply for Accommodations
After reading through the information provided, click the bottom button to
begin
First, you will need to complete information detailing your child’s disability
Next, you will select the accommodations that you are requesting for the
SSAT (only accommodations listed in your child’s IEP or evaluation will be
approved)
Next, list Diane Kissner ([email protected]) as the approver
Indicate the type of documentation we have on file for your child
Type your name after reviewing the Terms and Conditions
Finally, click ‘SUBMIT’
APPROVED DOCUMENTATION FOR TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS
Types of Supporting Documentation (only one is necessary):
 Formal Testing – a complete psycho-educational evaluation administered within 3
years of the date on which the test will be given. It must include a recommendation
for specific accommodations and a diagnosis that supports the need for them.
 An Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan from the current
calendar year.
 A Physician Letter – a letter from a medical doctor if the accommodations are
required due to a medically-treated issue such as an injury, a vision impairment,
deafness, paralysis, ADD or ADHD (treated with prescriptions), a psychological
condition, or a physical disability.
SCHOOL CHOICES
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Once you have a list of schools that you know are applying to, please complete an
Outplacement School Choice List (found in the front of the binder).
Once completed, return to the Outplacement department.
This form allows us to keep track of your list of schools as well as the material we are
sending to each school.
This form will also be available in the Outplacement section of the Windward website or
by email at your request.
If you should add schools to your list as time goes on, please send in a new form with
only the additional schools listed.
PREPARING THE APPLICATION
Required Essays
 Obtain applications well in advance to give your child plenty of time to work on
the required essays and short answer questions.
 Make a copy of the entire application that your child can use as a draft.
 We are happy to help with editing, but the first draft should be completed
independently.
Describing your child to a mainstream school:
 Be positive, but honest. Talk about the progress your child has made. Don’t
overdo the disabilities or minimize them.
 It is important to describe the whole child. If your child participates in sports, is
an artist, musician, or has a hobby that he/she is involved in, make sure you let a
school know. Additionally, it is recommended to submit a portfolio of student
work.
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Be familiar with the results of the psycho-educational testing that has been
completed. Evaluations can be discussed at individual outplacement meetings.
If you are not comfortable articulating your child’s strengths and weaknesses or
the nature of the learning disability, suggest to the schools that they are welcome
to call Windward and talk with the division head or the outplacement counselor.
*Please note: a number of schools will ask for an updated psychological
evaluation as part of the application. This document must be provided by the
parent.
Transcripts
Most schools require a final report card from the prior school year and a firstquarter report card for the current school year. We do not send the letter grade
report cards or progress reports. The schools will only see the second page of the
report card as shown in the example below:
Standardized Test Scores
Cumulative Standardized Test scores are also required as part of the application.
This includes the Stanford Reading and Math scores, as well as the GatesMacGinitie Reading scores. Please see example below:
Graded Writing Sample
Some schools require a graded writing sample. Please let Gina Naclerio know which
school you need the writing sample sent to. Your child’s Language Arts teacher will
choose a piece of writing they feel portrays his/her best work and effort.
Teacher Recommendations
 Most schools require a completed recommendation form from the student’s current
Math and English teachers as well as the principal or guidance counselor.
 For paper recommendations, please be sure that your child’s name is on each paper
and that you have signed and dated the forms. Please submit all paperwork in a
labeled envelope or folder to Gina Naclerio.
 If online recommendations are required, you will be asked to submit the email
addresses of the teachers completing the form. Instead, please put Gina’s email
([email protected]) for each recommendation. Gina will then
distribute the recommendations to each teacher.
 If you should want an additional recommendation letter completed by a teacher or
coach, you or your child may ask them personally, but please also let the
outplacement office know.
 In addition to each school recommendation form, our teachers also complete a
Windward Teacher Recommendation Form. Please see the example below:
WINDWARD SCHOOL TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM
Teacher’s Name:
Subject:
Student’s Name:
Date:
How long have you known this student and in what capacity?
Describe your course:
What is being covered this year? What texts or books are being utilized?
What are three words that you would use to describe this person as a student?
At what level is this student functioning? Honors, regular, modified;
lower/middle/upper third of the class?
What are the student’s strengths in this course? Weaknesses?
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Comment on the student’s work and attitude in your class including participation,
motivation, independent assignments and ability to ask for help.
What are your recommendations for next year?
What three words would you use to describe this student as a person?
Describe this student’s social and emotional development and behavior in the
classroom.
Comment on this student’s character – integrity, responsibility, sense of purpose,
respect for others, dependability.
Comment on this student’s sense of humor.
Comment on this student’s creativity.
How well does this student accept criticism?
How well does this student relate to his peers?
How well does this student relate to adults?
Do you have any concerns about attendance or lateness? Explain.
Please characterize parents’ cooperation and involvement.
Is there any other information that you would like the school to know?
PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR THE STUDENT INTERVIEW
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Make sure you know the dress code for the school you are visiting and have your
child dress that way. Children hate to stand out.
The purpose of the interview is to get to know the student as an individual.
Questions usually include:
 What are your extra-curricular activities? (Make sure your child knows what
that means)
 Do you have any hobbies?
 Do you have a favorite movie?
 What type of music do you enjoy?
 What are you reading in your English class? (Make sure your child can talk
about a book, even if he/she is not reading it at the moment).
 Which classes do you enjoy in school? Why?
 Which is your least favorite class? Why?
 (For older students) Tell me about what is difficult for you at school. How
do you learn best?
 How do you spend your summers?
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Make sure your child writes a brief thank you card to the Admissions Director after
his/her visit. Have him/her include a comment about what he/she liked.
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Mock Interviews
We provide mock interviews for students applying to independent schools.
Please notify the outplacement office when an interview is scheduled so we
can practice. The purpose of these practice sessions will be to familiarize
students with the format of an interview, including proper behavior and
common questions asked. A packet will be sent home on the day of the
mock interview. Please see the example on the next page of what will be
covered during the mock interview.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR AN INTERVIEW
Make sure you:
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Expect to do well and be confident.
Make eye contact with the person you are communicating with.
Pay attention and listen.
Introduce yourself by you first and last name, and be prepared to shake hands firmly.
Keep your hands out of your pockets.
Do not chew gum.
Dress appropriately (Windward dress code is your best bet).
Sit up straight.
Try to think of a question you can ask. Here are some examples:
 What foreign languages do you offer?
 How do students access teachers outside of the classroom?
 Are there after school activities that are required?
 Do students do community service at school?
 Can multiple tests be scheduled on the same day?
Always do your best, even when the school you are visiting is not your first choice.
Stay calm.
Tell the truth. For example, if you are asked about a book you have not read, don’t say you
have read it. Be able to discuss topics that you bring up.
Thank the interviewer and say goodbye. Follow up by sending a thank you note.
The following may be helpful in preparing to answer a question related to what you do in your spare
time.
Extra-curricular activities:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Sports:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Music/Art:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Community Service:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Awards/Accomplishments:
________________________________________________________________________
SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. How would you describe yourself as a person? Student?
3. Do you have any hobbies? What do you do for fun?
4. How do you spend your summers?
5. Do you have a role model? Who is it and why do you admire that person?
6. What is your favorite subject in school? Why?
7. What is your least favorite subject? Why?
8. Tell me about a teacher who has meant a lot to you.
9. What are you reading in language arts? Do you like it? Tell me about it.
Do you have a favorite book? What is it? What is it about?
10. What math class are you taking this year? What are you learning in math right now?
11. What are learning in social studies this year? What are your working on now?
12. Tell me about your study skills class. Describe the process.
13. What science course are you taking this year? What are you learning about in science right
now?
14. Talk about your Windward experience.
15. What kind of school would be best for you?
MOCK INTERVIEW EVALUATION
_____ Student was on time to his/her appointment.
_____ Student was relaxed and confident.
_____ Student had firm handshake with eye contact.
_____ Student was dressed appropriately and sitting properly.
_____ Student was prepared to talk about a favorite book and class.
_____ Student was prepared to ask the interviewer a few questions.
_____ Student maintained eye contact throughout the interview.
_____ Student used proper manners when leaving and will follow up with a thank you note.
SUGGESTED TIMELINE FOR ADMISSIONS
SPRING BEFORE EXITING YEAR
 Attend Outplacement information session.
 Schedule a Parent Teacher Conference/Outplacement Meeting by contacting
Jayne Graziosa at ext. 1262.
AUGUST
 If applying to Jewish Day Schools, your child will be required to take the Yeshiva
High School Admissions Exam. For more information regarding registration,
please contact Shelley Hill at [email protected]. Registration generally
opens in late August and ends in early September.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
 Attend Open Houses, if available.
 Visit websites of schools and arrange visits.
 Schedule a follow-up meeting with Diane Kissner, Tanya Ehrlich, and your
division head.
 Determine which tests are required for admission (ISEE, SSAT, TACHS) and
sign up for tests. Windward will provide you with explicit directions for
registering for the ISEE. You will need to arrange for SSAT and TACHS
applications online.
 Confirm the documentation required if asking for special testing
accommodations.
 Investigate outside test preparation.
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER
 Make a copy of the entire application for each school.
 Work on admissions applications: determine any deadlines.
 Send required recommendation forms to Gina Naclerio for processing.
 If applying for financial aid, gather any financial aid information and complete
forms for consideration.
 Child takes SSAT or TACHS at outside location.
DECEMBER
 Child takes the ISEE at Windward or SSAT at an outside location.
 Finalize applications for day schools and make copies of what is sent; confirm
receipt of application by school.
JANUARY
 Boarding school applications finalized, copied and sent.
 If you are planning to send your child to your public school, contact Diane
Kissner and Peter Beardsley to being enrollment process.
 Contact Diane Kissner or Tanya Ehrlich to discuss first choice schools.
The Waiting Game
 If you have a first choice school, let them know by letter or email. You
can also ask the outplacement director to call on your behalf.
 We will be speaking to Admissions Directors during this time, advocating
for your child and answering any questions that they may have about
your application.
FEBRUARY
 Independent schools decisions are made.
 Revisit days may be arranged.
MARCH
 Boarding admissions decisions mailed on March 10th.
 Revisit days can be arranged.
 Send in appropriate paperwork and deposit for matriculation.
DECISIONS
Waitlist Status
 If wait-listed, notify the school and Windward regarding your level of interest to
remain on the waitlist.
 We will send second quarter grades and updates of your child’s progress at your
request
As soon as you’re accepted:
 Make your final decision. As soon as you do, contact the school your child will be
attending.
 Notify Windward when your final decision has been made.
 As soon as you know you are not going to attend a school, let them know. Every
school has a waiting list of students for whom that school is a first choice.
PLANNING FOR THE FALL TRANSITION
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Windward will make recommendations to ensure a smooth transition. This may include
suggestions for summer work or possibly outside support for the fall.
Each student leaving is provided with a package called “Tools for Success.” This packet
includes all outlines for the Basic Writing Skills curriculum and other organizational tools
that our alumni find helpful in their new settings.