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Huntington UFSD is observing National School Counseling Week.
February 3, 2025

H-ton Celebrates National School Counseling Week

Huntington UFSD is joining with school districts across the country in celebrating National School Counseling Week 2025. Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, the week will highlight the significant impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

College Bound Student Night stressed that preparation is a key to success.
January 20, 2025

College Bound Student Night Proves Informative

Junior year students and their parents found this week’s College Bound Student Night to be both valuable and informative.

Huntington student-athletes are encouraged to visit CoreCourseGPA.com.
December 20, 2024

Core Course GPA Available to Huntington Student-Athletes

Huntington High School students interested in exploring the possibility of playing college level sports are encouraged to visit CoreCourseGPA.com or speak with their school counselor about it.

Joe Grossane speaks to Huntington computer science students in the School Heritage Museum.
December 19, 2024

Data Science & Visualization Discussion at HHS

Advanced Placement Computer Science students at Huntington High School participated in a discussion with data analyst Joe Grossane, who visited to discuss his career and the opportunities that are available in the computer science field.

Huntington's on-site college admissions program resulted in more than 4.8 million in scholarships
December 18, 2024

Huntington’s Fall On-Site Admissions Initiative Successful

Huntington High School College & Career Counseling Center has successfully wrapped up its fall on-site admissions program and officials said the results are “outstanding.”

Huntington High School students are encouraged to challenge themselves by taking AP courses.
December 17, 2024

AP 101 Workshop Encourages Students to Challenge Themselves

Challenge yourself; it’s well worth the effort. That’s the charge that Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr. issued to Huntington High School students during a recent workshop.

Juniors can enroll now in next year's career internship program at Huntington High School.
December 16, 2024

Application Period Opens for Career Internship Program

The application period for Huntington High School’s 2025/26 career internship program is now open. Current senior interns have been visiting eleventh grade English classes to discuss their experience in the program and to answer questions.

A variety of college related services are available to Huntington High School seniors.
December 4, 2024

HHS Guidance Offers College Services to Students

Huntington High School’s College Office and the counseling offices in general are busy places. Students need to be diligent at keeping up with all of the services and overall assistance that is available to them.

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December 4, 2024

Alumni Return to Huntington to Share College Experiences

Alumni Day at Huntington High School saw 13 graduates return to the alma mater to participate in a panel discussion about their college experiences.

Huntington UFSD's College Awareness Day is set for Tuesday, November 26.
November 15, 2024

Huntington UFSD’s College Awareness Day Set

College Awareness Day is coming to Huntington UFSD. Organizers hope it will serve to both inform and spur discussions among teachers and students about post high school studies and career possibilities.

Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr. has been appointed Huntington UFSD's Director of School Counseling & Testing K-12
September 11, 2024

Dr. Ricky Papandrea Appointed as Director of School Counseling

Huntington School Board members have appointed Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr. as district director of school counseling and testing K-12 effective October 10. He replaces Jeannette Alomia who departed to assume a position in a different district.

College application boot camp
August 5, 2024

Common App Boot Camp Kicks-off this Week

If preparation is really everything then no Huntington High School senior planning on attending college following graduation in June 2025 should pass up an opportunity to attend this week’s Common Application Boot Camp.

Guidance Department Important Information

About The Guidance Department

Commencement Ceremony

Personalized Educational Experience

The Guidance Department assists students and their parents in developing a personal educational plan and selecting the courses and programs they need to fulfill their graduation and college entrance requirements, enter the military or seek immediate full-time employment. 

Always Ready to Assist

A dedicated staff of professionals is available throughout the day to provide counsel and support, advocate on behalf of students and arrange for specialized assistance to deal with a variety of personal situations and circumstances.

Preparing and Planning for the Future

Counselors are trained to work with students in developing a plan to meet their individual goals. The department sponsors a number of programs, including college entrance test preparation courses, financial aid workshops, college fairs, college application essay seminars and related events. Information is also available regarding community internships, summer study opportunities, area employment openings and job training programs.

Accessible, Informative and Useful

The department’s College Counseling Center is stocked with college bulletins and course guides, scholarship information and applications, high speed computers and internet access, and a variety of career materials most students find useful. Guidance staff members are also available to alumni who require copies of their high school transcripts or other services related to their high school studies and attendance.

Commencement podium

Guidance Leadership

Ricky Roethel

Ricky V. Papandrea Jr.

Director of Counseling and Testing, K-12

Dr. Ricky V. Papandrea Jr. has been district director of school counseling and testing K-12 since October 10, 2024.

Dr. Papandrea earned a Bachelor of Science degree in history at SUNY Brockport in August 2004 and obtained a Master of Science in secondary education at Hofstra University in May 2006. He garnered an advanced graduate certificate in educational leadership at Stony Brook University in May 2017. He obtained a Doctorate in Education: Administration and Supervision at St. John’s University in September 2020.

Prior to coming to Huntington, Dr. Papandrea was the assistant principal of guidance and PPS at Baldwin High School for four years. He earlier served as Baldwin’s supervisor of social studies, 6-12 for two years.

Dr. Papandrea was Commack’s coordinator of SAT/ACT testing for two years and was Commack’s dean of attendance and discipline from September 2015 to June 2018. He was a social studies teacher at Commack from September 2012 to June 2018. Prior to that, he taught social studies at Massapequa and Hauppauge.  

Dr. Papandrea has served as an executive board member of New York State Association of College Admission Counseling.

Diploma Requirements and FAQs

Huntington/ NYS

Graduation Requirements

Three Pathways to a Diploma at Huntington

Local Diploma

Pathway

  • English - 4 credits
  • Social Studies - 4 credits
  • Science - 3 credits
  • Math - 3 credits
  • LOTE - 1 credit
  • Health - .5 credit
  • Art/Music - 1 credit
  • PE - 2 credits
  • Electives - 3.5 credits
Total Minimum Credits - 22
Regents /11th

Pathway

  • English - 4 credits
  • Social Studies - 4 credits
  • Science - 3 credits
  • Math - 3 credits
  • LOTE - 1 credit
  • Health - .5 credit
  • Art/Music - 1 credit
  • PE - 2 credits
  • Electives - 3.5 credits
Total Minimum Credits - 22
Regents /w

Advanced Designation

  • English - 4 credits
  • Social Studies - 4 credits
  • Science - 3 credits
  • Math - 3 credits
  • LOTE - 3* credits
  • Health - .5 credit
  • Art/Music - 1 credit
  • PE - 2 credits
  • Electives - 1.5 credits
Total Minimum Credits - 22
* 3 units of credit required in LOTE may also be met by completing 1 credit in LOTE and a 5 unit sequence in one of the following areas: Art, Music, or Business/Career and Technical Education.

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Guidance Department Presentations

College Bound Student Night

Guidance Presentation: January, 2025

AP 101 Workshop

Guidance Presentation: December, 2024

10th Grade Parents Night

Guidance Presentation: November, 2024

9th Grade Parents Night

Guidance Presentation: October, 2024

College and Career Office

The College and Career Office is dedicated to supporting students and families throughout the process of planning for their future beyond high school. We offer personalized guidance to help students explore a wide range of post-secondary options, including college, vocational schools, apprenticeships, and careers. Our office provides comprehensive assistance with the application process, from choosing the right programs to crafting strong applications, writing essays, and meeting deadlines. We also offer valuable resources related to scholarships, financial aid, and test preparation, ensuring students have the tools they need to secure funding for their education. Whether students are interested in pursuing higher education, entering the workforce, or exploring other career pathways, our goal is to provide the guidance, resources, and support necessary to achieve success in their chosen journey.

Stop by to see Mrs. Walsh in the College and Career Center, conveniently located in Room 120 at Huntington High School. The office is open during school hours and welcomes all students looking for assistance with:

  • College applications and essay writing
  • Post-Secondary Planning
  • Naviance
  • Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
  • Career exploration and planning
  • SAT/ACT preparation and registration
  • Military, trade school, and workforce pathways
  • Start planning for your future today—because every dream deserves a plan!

Important Links:

NCAA Eligibility Center - Learn about academic and amateurism requirements for participating in NCAA college sports.

National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics - Information for student-athletes about scholarships, eligibility, and competition in NAIA sports programs.

SAT Exam - Register for the SAT, access test prep resources, and learn about college admission testing requirements.

ACT Exam - Explore test dates, registration, and preparation materials for the ACT college entrance exam.

Think College - A comprehensive resource for exploring college options for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Common Application - Apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single online application platform.

Coalition for College Application - Access tools and a shared application system for applying to Coalition member schools.

Naviance - A career and college readiness platform to help students research colleges, scholarships, and plan for post-secondary success.

FASFA - Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to apply for grants, loans, and work-study programs to pay for college.

CSS Profile - Apply for institutional financial aid required by many colleges, universities, and scholarship programs.

NYS TAP - Information about the New York State Tuition Assistance Program, providing financial aid to eligible NY students.

NYS Dream Act - Enables undocumented and other students to apply for state financial aid in New York.

New York State Laborers’ Apprenticeship Program - A training and education program offering hands-on experience and technical skills to individuals pursuing careers in construction and other labor industries in New York State.

New York State Apprenticeship Trades - Explore various apprenticeship opportunities across New York State, including detailed information on different trades, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for apprenticeship programs in fields like construction, healthcare, and technology.