Student Service Connection
Monthly Newsletter- July-August Issue
Summer College Transition Help for Graduating Seniors
AUGUST REGISTRATION DATES FOR JMM
All School- August 15th- 11am-6:30pm, August 18th- 7:30am-1pm
AFTER SUMMERSCHOOL ENDS FOR YOU....
SEPTEMBER PARENT NIGHT PREVIEW
September 19th- Freshmen Parent Night- 7pm in Auditorium- Learn how to support your freshmen in having a great start to high school.
September 25th- Go To School Night- 6:30-8:30pm
September 28th- Financial Aid Night- 7pm- Learn about completing the Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA), and other initial steps in funding your student's next level of education after high school.
ALL STUDENTS
Academic-Career Planning (ACP) and Advisory Information
To see what's happening with ACP, CLICK HERE.
DO YOU NEED HELP with academic, personal, or college & career planning?
Click on your counselor's name to book a time with them for assistance.
Fox Neighborhood:
Rock Neighborhood:
Wolf Neighborhood:
Wisconsin Neighborhood:
AVID Students:
Len Mormino (students)
ELL Students:
TIPS FOR NEW COLLEGE PARENTS
- Choose your closing words - Psychology instructor at Emory University says, "Whatever wisdom you have to offer, whether it is ‘I love you,’ ‘I’m behind you,’ ‘I’m proud of you,’ say it. Your children will remember your messages and hold on to them."
- Don't change their room (at least not before talking to them) - Coming back to a place that is familiar and feels like home (even if it it decorated with one direction posters or high school sports trophies) is exactly what they will be looking forward to on their first break.
- Be patient - You don't become a college student over night. It may take months for your child to learn how to navigate life on their own.
- Provide support, but don't rush to save the day - Though your college student will come to you with many problems and anxieties, they often need a listening ear more than someone to call the school trying to solve everything.
- Send them care packages - Nothing is more exciting than going to the mail box and actually having mail. Packages with baked goods, energy drinks, coloring books, ramen noodles and a few bucks will definitely make their day!
***Read more at 8 Things to Remember If You Have A Kid Starting College
---------------Learning Experiences Beyond The Classroom-----------------
FRESHMEN
-Don't forget to explore your interests outside of the classroom as well. Ideas HERE.
SOPHOMORES
-This is a great year to consider job shadowing someone in a career of interest to you for an hour or two.
-Consider exploring Pre-College programs at this link.
-Explore course options and your 4-year plan in Career Cruising with someone at home!
-Don't forget to explore your interests outside of the classroom as well. Ideas HERE.
JUNIORS
Juniors, you still have time to raise your score on the ACT and SAT by taking them again in June. If you missed registration, there is the possibility to Walk-On for an additional charge. This is a great time of year to take these tests, fresh with your 3rd full year of knowledge from classes in high school.
PLANNING TO GET A START ON COLLEGE APPS OVER THE SUMMER?
- Do not use school email for ANY matters related to life after high school. Examples: college apps, parchment account, ACT, FAFSA, scholarship applications, etc **School Email is deactivated soon after graduation.
- Complete the Activity Sheet (Shared w/ you by your counselor in an email following your Junior Conference. Share w/ the teacher you would like to write you a letter of recommendation and to reference for college and scholarship application essays)
- Work on Application Essays - this is often the hardest and most critical piece of your application! Fresh off the press: The UW System essay prompts
- Study for the ACT if you need to retake it (Aug 4th is the deadline for the Sept 9th test). Log into Career Cruising>My Plan>Method Test Prep
- Join the UW System Texting Campaign to receive text messages that assist with the transition to your senior year. Topics include:
- Choosing a rigorous senior year schedule
- Taking the ACT/SAT
- Making the most of summer
- Visiting campuses
- Applying for admission
- And more!
Join by texting PREPARE to 99000.
SENIORS
-No plans after graduation? It's still okay to contact your counselor with questions.
FINAL TO DO LIST
- Stay on top of your graduation status until the very end - surprises with grades are difficult for everyone to deal with. Attend every day and stay on top of your work
- Export your Google data (docs, emails, etc) with Google Takeout. by transferring files to another Google account or downloading on a home computer. Your account will be deactivated shortly after graduation
- Set up a bank account
- Get a job
- Send your final transcript: Log into Parchment TODAY. To send your final transcript to your college (click "Hold for Grades"). Also, double check that you have a personal email listed (not your high school email - this will become deactivated soon after you graduate). COLLEGES CAN WITHHOLD FINANCIAL AID AND/OR ADMISSIONS IF YOU DO NOT SEND YOUR FINAL TRANSCRIPT.
- Complete the FAFSA: If you have not completed the FAFSA, this should be your top priority. Students who delay may miss out on valuable financial aid for college. Madison College offers FREE Workshops (Click Submit>Register) to anyone regardlessof whether they are attending Madison College in the fall. 3 things to remember:
- First step: Parent/Guardian AND Student must create their own FSAID
- Second step: Complete the FAFSA application
- Enter parent/guardian 2015 tax information into the FAFSA application.
- Confirm your Enrollment
- Attending Madison College? Sign up for a College Success Session! Make sure you are ready when you walk in the door and earn credit in the process.
- Sign up for your Orientation, Advising & Registration Session. This is the time that you typically sign up for classes. Don't delay, classes fill up quickly!
- Sign up to receive text reminders over the summer to make sure you are ready to hit the ground running in the fall. Parents/Guardians encouraged to sign up as well.
- Take your Placement Exams: If you are planning to attend a UW System school, this is a requirement.
- Secure Housing & Choose a Meal Plan: Refer to your campus' website for details. Submit down payments by the deadline.
- Ensure that your AP scores will be sent to your college of choice. Log in to your AP account on July 7th to double-check.
- Other tips to get ready for college are highlighted in a good article at this link.
GOING TO COLLEGE? READ UP!
"I know that luck has a way of happening to people who shoot high, who never sell themselves short" Teri Teachout
Send Your Transcript
Links for:
Video of "How to send your transcript"- (make sure to indicate "Memorial High School" in Madison, WI instead of West HS)
Send Your ACT Score
Apply to a University of Wisconsin School
Selective Service
Almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service.
- It's important to know that even though he is registered, a man will not automatically be inducted into the military.
- Registration allows you eligibility for federal student loans and federal jobs/job training.
- Visit the Selective Service website to register
WI Private Colleges
Minnesota Colleges- Public and Private
It's Time to Submit Your College Application Materials!
Send your counselor application materials that must be completed by them before your colleges' deadlines. (like Secondary School Reports, brag sheets for Recommendations, etc.).
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(anyone wishing to apply for financial aid with a college or university will usually need to fill out this government form Senior Year)