During these unprecedented times, now more than ever, we are encouraging us all to stay connected and work together to continue to support one another. We all miss our "normal" routines and seeing our students each day! Please be reminded that the school counselor newsletter will continue to come out monthly, but it's our recommendation to bookmark it and return to it often for new and updated information that will be listed at the top. We are hoping this is a way we can provide you with new and changing information to support our families and students without flooding your inbox! We welcome your questions, comments, and feedback. Stay positive, safe, and continue to wash your hands!! #dragonstogetherapart

BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY SUMMER COURSES - Bucknell has offered for any high school student to take a Bucknell course. In the past, this has been only available to students in the top 20% of their class and only available for juniors and seniors. This is still a free option for rising juniors and seniors in top 20%. Bucknell summer classes will be held online only and run from 5/25 -7/3. The latest we can send student information is May 18th. Contact your counselor for more information and tuition pricing.

BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY COURSES– Bloomsburg offers our high school students summer classes at a 75% discount (approx. $375ish per course). For summer 2020 only, any rising SENIOR (Class of 2021 student) who would like to take a Bloomsburg University course, the course will be listed on the transcript, yet the course cannot be a required credit for graduation.

For the Class of 2023 and 2022, these summer Bloomsburg classes do not count on the high school transcript but could be considered for transferable college credits. This is is a great option for future planning. Please contact zack_b@lasd.us with questions or need more info.

FREE virtual summer camps on a variety of topics and interests.

Evangelical HS Internships - unpaid internships to high school students interested in healthcare careers, including nursing, who meet the following qualifications:

• GPA of 88% or above with strong math, science, and communication skills
• Strong school attendance and punctuality records
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty/coaches
• Successful completion of a personal interview

**Please understand there many be changes to this programming due to COVID-19.**

Dr. Zack is updating the Summer Opportunities webpage here on as changes occur due to COVID-19.

Ms. Reber's May 2nd Update - Great information from Ms. Reber- click the link to listen, but please note the following highlights:

- Advisors will be reaching out during office hours to families the week of May 4th-May 8th

- All assignments for the duration of the year will be listed on teacher platforms - challenge yourself to complete all assignments but students making a "good faith effort" to complete 40-50% of assignments will pass for the year.

- All assignments for students are due May 22nd

- Teachers are finalizing grades week of May 25th

- Transcripts for the 2019-2020 year will list first semester/midterm grades, second semester will only list the course and credit (not pass/fail) with a note this is due to school closure

- Updated class rank is calculated on first semester grades only

- The week of May 15th there will be more communication on materials turn in and locker clean out.

As stated in her update video, the Powerschool portal will remain open until Tuesday, May 5th at 8pm for updates or for students who did not complete their schedule to do so. Please see the website for tutorial on how to enter requests.

Any student who is planning to participate in the Bloomsburg ACE program and you haven't already done so, please contact Mrs. O'Connor at oconnor_e@lasd.us to make sure all paperwork and necessary steps are complete.

The SUN Area Technical Institute application deadline was extended to June 1, 2020. Students may apply after this date, but we will not be guaranteed any openings.

Students that applied to SUN will find out about their acceptance into their program of choice after the June 1st deadline.

Be sure to check out StriveScan which provides FREE virtual presentations for students to explore college opportunities! You can register for upcoming presentations (and view previous events too). Topics will include:
-Experienced college admission officers will share tips on what you need to know
-Your choice of different presentations on a variety of important topics
-450 colleges in 47 states and 13 countries

PHEAA continues to receive great interest in Financial Aid Webinars (April reached maximum capacity) - as a result, PHEAA will be offering additional webinars in May on the following dates from 6-7 pm: May 7, 14 and 21.

As shared in our prior April newsletter, PHEAA will be offering webinars to gain a complete understanding of the financial aid process. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Agency (PHEAA) will be providing an overview of how to apply for all types of financial aid, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which are mandatory for federal student and parent loans. This will also be a great opportunity to have PHEAA representatives answer questions you may have.

Click Here to register for the May 7 webinar from 6-7 pm
Click Here to register for the May 14 webinar from 6-7 pm
Click Here to register for the May 21 webinar from 6-7 pm

If you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact our representative, Tiffanie DeVann at tdevan@pheaa.org

NACAC - National Association of College Admissions Status Update is updating information on the college admissions process due to COVID-19

This site has lots of career info including great videos for information on specific careers. This site covers a wide range of careers from entry level jobs to college and graduate degree positions.

Due to current circumstances, Marine Corps NROTC presentation is available virtually here

In addition, Captain Conn Wiseman, USMC, will conduct a live presentation and Q&A session on the Marine Corps Option NROTC Scholarship at 6:00pm on Thursday, May 7th on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KeystoneMarines/.

Servesafe is administered by the National Restaurant Association and is FREE with registration until May 31st for food safety training and for those interested in the restaurant industry. This is a great resume builder and students can get the essential training every restaurant and foodservice worker needs to keep guests and themselves safe for FREE! This offer includes both the online training and assessment.

We are excited about the AP exams and hope that the students are as well! As you are aware, the AP exams will be given in one week from from May 11 through May 22. The AP exams will be given online on the same day at the same time worldwide. By now, all students should have received communication by CollegeBoard.Students will be able to take exams on any device they have access to. Please see attached for quick version and here to see the full AP exam schedule.

The cost of the exams are $85, and multiple tests can be paid by the same check (checks made out to LASD). Checks should be sent to HS at 545 Newman Road Lewisburg, PA 17837 ATTN: Vicki Fennell. Please contact Mrs. Fennell with questions.

If you wish to wait to make a payment until after the exams are finished, that will be fine. Also, remember there is no cancellation process. If students do not take the exam, it is cancelled without a fee.

In addition, please remember that fee reductions are available. Please email Mrs. Fennell is you need to receive fee reductions at fennell_v@lasd.us.

Great information on schools that accept AP credits from Prompt

The June 6 SATs have been canceled. Beginning in August, the SAT will be given every month through the end of the year: Aug. 29, Sept. 26, Oct. 3, Nov. 7, and Dec. 5. Students can begin registering now. Contact your counselor if you need assistance.

The ACT test is scheduled for June 13th , you must register for this test by May 8th! Please be checking here for updated information on ACT testing.

The NCAA announced several changes to initial eligibility requirements for incoming freshman student-athletes. These alternate standards include, in certain circumstances, the waiving of standardized test scores and senior year coursework. The changes, a response to disruptions caused at high schools nationwide due to the COVID-19 crisis, apply to both Division I and Division II athletes for the upcoming 2020-21 academic year. For more information, see NACAC's webinar in partnership with the NCAA.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

We are working to break the stigma on mental illness, as 1 in 5 people will experience mental illness during their lifetime. Now more than ever, we want promote awareness and self-care. The disruption to our lives and routines is unprecedented. Whether you are a friend, family member, caregiver or medical professional, getting to know a person and treating them with kindness and empathy means far more than just knowing what they are going through. There is often misunderstanding between mental health and mental illness. Mental health is not negative, rather a continuum of cognitive, behavioral and emotional health. Learn more about mental health here. Mental Illness, also referred to as mental health disorders/conditions, impacts mood, thinking and behaviors. Learn more about mental illness here.

Here's some reminder tips for us all:

- make an effort to communicate to families and friends use platforms like FaceTime or Zoom

- limit news to a few times a day from reliable sources

- create a schedule and/or routines

- get moving outside in the fresh air

- using apps like Calm to practice mindfulness

- surround yourself with positive social media and daily encouragement emails such as this site

We are in this together ! We welcome your communication as well : oconnor_e@lasd.us or fennell_v@lasd.us or social worker Jared Curry is also available curry_j@lasd.us .

Important Support Hotlines, Text lines and Call Centers:
Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741-741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQIA youth: 1-866-488-7386

TrevorText: START 678 678

“WARMLINE” - Pennsylvania’s NEW 24/7 Support and Referral Helpline (not crisis, but for struggling with anxiety or other challenging emotions during COVID-19): 1-855-284-2494
Teen Line: 1-800-TLC-TEEN or text TEEN to 839863, Open from 6-10 pm daily and is a teen peer-to-peer support line (not crisis support)

Please see attached information sheet from SAMHSA for tips on social distancing and quarantine and there are LOTS of resources from Mental Health America

Please see the prior newsletters and continue to check back for updated information:

April Newsletter

March Newsletter