Guidance Newsletter: Fox Lane HS
Special Edition - Early Spring 2020
Course Selection
Any student who did not meet with their counselor when school was in session will have an opportunity to communicate with their counselor through email to pick courses for next year. All students should check their email for an email from their counselor. If a student prefers to “meet” with their counselor to finalize their courses they should reach out to their counselor to set up a “Google Meet.”
COLLEGE AND ACADEMIC ADVISEMENT / STUDENT & PARENT MEETINGS
School counselors will be available through email and can set-up “virtual” appointments with parents and/or students for course selection and academic and/or social-emotional needs. Reach out to your child’s counselor if you would like to set up an appointment.
AP Exams
Due to the ongoing challenges to students, schools and communities presented by the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the College Board has made the following changes:
Traditional face-to-face exam administrations will not take place.
For the 2019-20 exam administration only, students can take a 45-minute online exam at home.
Some students may want to take the exam sooner rather than later, while the content is still fresh. Other students may want more time to practice. For each AP subject, there will be two different testing dates that will be announced on April 3, 2020.
The exams will only include topics and skills most AP teachers and students have already covered in class by early March.
Colleges support this solution and are committed to ensuring that AP students receive the credit they've worked this year to earn. For decades, colleges have accepted a shortened AP Exam for college credit when groups of students have experienced emergencies.
Students will be able to take these streamlined exams on any device they have access to—computer, tablet, or smartphone. Taking a photo of handwritten work will also be an option. We know that not all students have access to the internet or a device. We’re working on solutions to help students get what they need to show their best work. If you need mobile tools or connectivity or know someone who does, you can reach the College Board directly to let them know.
The exam questions are designed in ways that prevent cheating. The College Board uses a range of digital security tools and techniques, including plagiarism detection software, to protect the integrity of the exams.
Information about the reduced scope of content that will be covered on each 2020 AP Exam is currently posted on AP Central. The specific test dates and the free-response question types will all be posted by April 3.
Beginning on Wednesday, March 25, you can attend free, live AP review courses, delivered by AP teachers from across the country. These courses:
Are optional, mobile-friendly, and can be used alongside any work your teacher may give you.
Will be available on-demand, so you can access them any time.
Will focus on reviewing the skills and concepts from the first 75% of the course. There will also be some supplementary lessons including topics from the final 25% of the course.
To access the live classes and recordings, visit the AP YouTube channel or find your course schedule here: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-class-schedule-daily.pdf . More courses will be added soon.
STUDENTS WHO ATTEND THE TECH CENTER
Instructional packets were mailed out to parents and guardians of students who attend the Career & Technical Education Center. These packets contain lessons for two weeks related to the student’s area of study. A second mailing will go out at the end of the week containing English and math assignments for two weeks.
Next week, BOCES Tech Center will send home more materials related to employability, literacy and business math. Despite the change in how they are delivering instruction, they remain committed to supporting your students’ learning, development and emotional wellbeing. If your child attends the BOCES Tech Center, please reach out to their counselor there for more information.
SUNY INFORMATION FOR JUNIORS AND SENIORS
(Additional SUNY updates can be found here.)
Changes to Deposit Deadlines
Some SUNY campuses have elected to extend their deposit deadlines. Other SUNY campuses may honor requests for extensions on a case by case basis.
SAT/ACT Test Requirements Under Consideration
The SUNYs are exploring options for those students who have yet to take their standardized tests. This information will be made available shortly.
Open Houses Offered Virtually
SUNY campuses are in the process of updating their Open House web page to list virtual events. In the meantime, students can visit here to find links to virtual tours at SUNY campuses.
SUNY Welcome Center Events Now Available Online
Information Sessions scheduled for March-May at the SUNY Welcome Center in New York City are now available as live webinars. Students may register for these events at suny.edu/studentevents.
TECHNOLOGY CONCERNS
For students who do not have access to a laptop, consistent WiFi, or have any other technology issue, please contact the Student Help Desk.
Please use this form to request a district hotspot:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-xbNhF_SZ6tcG8yLr7T0H3fz6ZJ4eA7C6OiTZq_P9BqBBGg/viewform
SENIORS
COLLEGE DECISIONS
Seniors: Most colleges have sent out their decisions or will do so in the next week or so. Seniors should update their Naviance account or email their counselor with their college results. They should go into Naviance and click on the "edit" pencil to let us know what decision they received.
FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid packages should have also been sent to seniors at this time. Students should log into the school’s portal for an award letter, or to check to see if additional information is required. Please contact a financial aid office directly if you have any questions or concerns or would like to request a professional review to reconsider a financial aid package.
Here is a online tool to compare Financial Aid packages from different schools: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/pay-for-college/financial-aid-awards/compare-aid-calculator
JUNIORS
SATs / SAT SUBJECT TESTS
March and May SAT Administrations
- In response to the rapidly evolving situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19), College Board is canceling the May 2, 2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test administration. Makeup exams for the March 14 administration (scheduled for March 28) are also canceled.
- Students who already registered for May, whose March test centers were closed, or who do not receive March scores because of any irregularities will receive refunds.
- In the coming days, the College Board will share additional information and details directly with registered students and test centers.
Future Testing Opportunities
- College Board will provide future additional SAT testing opportunities for students as soon as possible in place of canceled administrations.
- The College Board has not yet canceled the June 6, 2020 SAT and SAT Subject Test administration and will continue to assess its status, with the health and safety of students and educators as their top priority.
- For additional College Board updates: https://pages.collegeboard.org/natural-disasters
ACTs
APRIL ACT ADMINISTRATION
- ACT has rescheduled its April 4 national test date to June 13 across the US in response to concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). All students registered for the April 4 test date will receive an email from ACT in the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for free rescheduling to June 13 or a future national test date. STUDENTS WILL NOT AUTOMATICALLY BE REGISTERED FOR THE JUNE 13 TEST DATE. Students must follow the instruction provided in the email from ACT.
- Students who do not wish to register for an alternate day may receive a refund from the ACT.
- For additional ACT updates: http://www.act.org/content/act/en/covid-19.html
JUNIOR GROUP GUIDANCE
With the interruption to Junior Group Guidance, we wanted to reach out to families with some suggestions for your junior to focus on.
If your child has not already completed the Student Questionnaire in Naviance, they can (and should!) still do so. This can be found under the “About Me” tab.
They can also work on their resume and college essay. Remind them that there are samples in our Classroom under classwork and they can build their own resume on the "Activity Sheet/Resume Format" page in classwork. The essay prompts are also there.
If your child did not bring their blue packet home, do not stress! All of the handouts in the packet are also available in our Junior Group Guidance Classroom.
Should we be out longer, additional lessons will be posted on Google Classroom.
VIRTUAL COLLEGE TOURS
Given that most college campuses are closed at this time for visitors, conducting a virtual tour is the next best thing! (And a perfect way to spend indoor time!) Visit an individual school’s website for information about virtual tours.
PARENT BRAG SHEET
On February 12th, parents of Juniors received an email titled, “Parent Brag Sheet 2021” (we will resend this later today). We ask that you please respond to these Brag Sheet questions at your earliest convenience, as your child’s counselor will use the information you provide to inform their comprehensive letter of recommendation for your child. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s counselor.
SOPHOMORES
SOPHOMORE GROUP GUIDANCE
Typically, counselors meet with sophomores through our Group Guidance program during the 4th quarter. Should the need arise, counselors will communicate with their sophomores through Google Classroom with activities.
PSAT 10
Students who took the PSAT 10 in early March should have received an email from the College Board with instructions on accessing your College Board account, going to your online score report, and using your access code to view your scores. Upon receipt of your scores, all students should link your test results to the free Khan Academy SAT prep program.
BOCES TECH CENTER APPLICATIONS
Students that are planning to apply to the Tech Center for the 2020-2021 school year, below is the new student application and medical forms. Please complete these and return them to your Guidance Counselor for processing, if you have not already done so. Do not worry about getting the nurse’s signature on the medical form.
Click here to begin your BOCES Tech Center Application: NEW STUDENT APPLICATION
Medical Form: MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
Once you have completed your application, you can use Google Photo Scan to send your documents to us.
CANCELED EVENTS
Mock Interviews facilitated by the Bedford Foundation
Senior Alumni Panels
Junior Parent College and Coffee
College Fair
*Please refer to the timeline below for a complete list of events and their current status
TIMELINE
March 13 & 20 Alumni Panel – for seniors to discuss the transition from high school to college, 12th CANCELED
March 14 SAT test date – Registration deadline February 14 (Encouraged- but some students may elect to focus on the ACT instead of the SAT), 11th CANCELED - SEE NOTE ABOVE
March 26 College and Coffee – This is an informal parent discussion group regarding college planning (Optional), All CANCELED
April 4 ACT test date – Registration deadline February 28; not administered at Fox Lane (optional), 11th POSTPONED TO JUNE 13 - SEE NOTE ABOVE
April 4-13 Spring Break – Take a few days and visit some colleges (Encouraged), 11th PLEASE SEE SECTION ABOVE REGARDING VIRTUAL TOURS
April 15 Graduation Survey – Report all college responses to Guidance by completing the Graduation Survey on Naviance, 12th
April 29 College Fair – A full event of speakers who address many components of college admissions process and a large college fair with 200 to 300 college representatives. Specific details to follow (Encouraged), 10th and 11th CANCELED
May 1 National Deposit Deadline – deposit at one college and inform your counselor of your final decision… Congratulations! College Gear Day – wear college gear to get excited for the next step!, 12th SOME COLLEGES HAVE DELAYED THEIR DEPOSIT DEADLINE UNTIL JUNE 1ST, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CHECK WITH INDIVIDUAL COLLEGES FOR MORE INFORMATION
May 2 SAT/SAT Subject Test date – Registration deadline April 3, 10th & 11th CANCELED - SEE NOTE ABOVE
May 4-15 AP Exam Weeks – AP exams for students enrolled in AP classes, 10th, 11th & 12th PLEASE SEE NOTE ABOVE REGARDING AP EXAMS
May 19 Awards Ceremony – (By invitation), 11th and 12th *
May 28 Scholarship Night – (By invitation), 12th *
June 6 SAT & Subject test date – Registration deadline May 8 (Subject Tests may be recommended for students who are excelling in AP World History, Algebra 2H, and/or Chemistry H; please consult your counselor to determine if Subject Tests are recommended) (Optional), 10th and 11th *
June 13 ACT test date – Registration deadline May 8; not administered at Fox Lane (Optional), 11th *
* Stay tuned for updates on future events
The Fox Lane High School Guidance Department
Counselors:
Kristin Brown, 241-6191
Karen Deitch,241-6190
Lisa Dunne, 241-6092
Greg Fedorczak (Hillside), 241-1106
Jen Hickey, 241-6071
Rori Mackie (Coschigano), 241-6081
Steve Marcisz (Coordinator), 241-6053
Jessica Mineo, 241-6169
Stephanie Salazar, 241-6180
Website: https://www.bcsdny.org/domain/120
Location: Fox Lane High School, South Bedford Road, Bedford, NY, United States
Phone: (914) 241-6082
Twitter: @flhs_guidance