COUNSELOR CONNECTION
La Canada High School
DAILY LCHS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Can't hear the PA Announcements in class? Did you know that all of the announcements are posted on the school website? Just go to the Student Portal on the upper left corner of the website, then "PA Announcements" on the right gold bar. (Or, you can click here for the link.) Stay informed and never miss an announcement again!
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARE YOU CONSIDERING TAKING AN AP COURSE NEXT YEAR?
If you are considering any Advanced Placement class next year, you should attend a lunch informational meeting to find out from the teacher of the class what is expected. AP classes are not offered so you can “try them out” nor should they be taken because they offer the extra grade point. Next year, you may not be able to transfer from an AP class to a college preparatory class. This could jeopardize graduation. Please plan far ahead for these courses. Click here for the Advanced Placement Lunch Information Meetings Schedule.
UPCOMING SAT AND ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINES
The next SAT test date is March 11th, and the registration deadline is February 10th. Click here to register.
The next ACT test takes place on April 8th, and the registration deadline is March 3rd. Click here to register.
High School Girls STEM Leadership Conference
Unlocking the Mysteries, Making Discoveries
Colorado School of Mines
1600 Maple St.
Golden, CO
Saturday, February 11, 2017
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Girls 9th-12th Grade
$30 Preregister by January 30th at the following link: https://commerce.cashnet.com/SWE_MEP
COURSE REGISTRATION FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Counselors have begun the course registration for the 2017-2018 school year. All parents and students will receive an e-mail outlining the new course registration process, along with resources to help guide students in their course selections. Here are the grade level dates for class presentations and initial online course requests:
Class presentation: Initial online course selections due
Current 11th: Jan 31 → Feb 5
Current 10th: Feb 13 → Feb 20
Current 9th: Feb 27 → Mar 5
Current 8th: Mar 13 → Mar 19
An individual student/counselor meeting will then take place to review and/or adjust course selections and collect the Course Selection Contract with parent/guardian signatures. Counselors can answer questions and provide further guidance or changes to student requests at these meetings.
Current 11th: Week of Feb 6 - 10
Current 10th: Week of Feb 21 - 24
Current 9th: Week of Mar 6 - 10
Current 8th: Week of Mar 20 - 23
NEW POST: LCHS N.G.S.S. Parent Night - February 28
We are excited to have LCHS NGSS Parent Night on February 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office Board Room. At this meeting you will learn about Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and their impact on Science instruction in our classrooms. Our guest speaker from the K-12 Alliance at WestEd is an expert on the NGSS and is training our teachers how to implement these standards in their classrooms. If you wish to attend, please RSVP at imcfeat@lcusd.net so we can plan accordingly.
Attention AP Students
AP Exam Sign-Ups will be February 6th – March 24th
Step 1: Print and complete the AP form under “Counseling” on the school website (lchsspartans.net).
Step 2: Take completed form and payment to Mrs. Hicklin in the counseling office before school, after school, lunch and break only – Mrs. Hicklin is not available during class time. Checks should be made out to LCHS-AP Exams. If paying cash, please have exact change.
· Fee is $100 per exam February 6th-February 24th
· Fee increases to $115 from February 27th – March 17th
· Fee increases to $130 from March 20th – March 24th
Tests will take place from May 1st through May 12th.
PRINCETON REVIEW OFFERS SAT AND ACT PREP CLASSES AT LCHS SPRING 2017
Interested in taking SAT or ACT prep courses through Princeton Review this Spring? Princeton Review is offering prep courses at LCHS beginning in February for both the SAT and the ACT. Please click here for schedule of classes, pricing, and LCHS student discount information.
FREE REVOLUTIONARY PREP TUTORING FOR LCHS STUDENTS
Revolution Prep wants you to give them a try! They are offering 4 free hours of tutoring to every LCHS student, no purchase necessary. To redeem, you must call the Revolution Prep Academic Advisor liaison, Jean Stroud, by February 14, 2017. Tutoring hours may be used anytime. Tutors are available online for every academic subject, SAT and ACT prep as well as AP test prep, Subject Test prep and more. To claim your 4 free hours, please contact Jean Stroud, Academic Advisor for Revolution Prep, at 818-217-0951 or jean.stroud@revolutionprep.com by February 14, 2017.
NEW POST: Youth Financial Literacy Workshop
Join the City of La Canada Flintridge Youth Council for a free financial literacy workshop! All 9th-12th grade students and families welcome to attend! Workshop is on Thursday, March 9th from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Click here for more information. Deadline to sign up is March 1st.
Altadena Shriff's Station is seeking young community members (ages 14-21) for their Explorer Program
02-25-16
The Sheriff's Explorer Program has created a volunteer partnership between youths in our community and law enforcement. The explorers, between 14 and 21 years of age, receive extensive training in an academy setting. They then participate in community affairs and non-hazardous law enforcement activities. The explorer program is great for those youth considering a future career in law enforcement or those who just want to get involved and help out. If you are interested in working as a Sheriff's Explorer, click here or contact Deputy Dan Paige of the Altadena Sheriff's Station at (626) 296-2105 or (626) 241-2499.
COLLEGE WORKSHOP NIGHT AT LCHS
Thank you all who attended our recent College Workshop Night! If you weren’t able to make it, or if you missed a particular session, please see some highlights below from some of our presenters:
PSAT RESULTS
PSAT booklets and score reports were distributed on Jan. 12, during the College Workshop Night. If you did not pick up your booklets and reports then, please see Ms. Hays in the Counseling Department for your copy. You can also retrieve your scores through the College Board by following these directions:
1) Look for the email sent by CollegeBoard, which will have a direct link to your CollegeBoard account; or
2) If you didn't receive an email, go to studentscores.collegeboard.org and sign into your CollegeBoard account;
What to do if you don't have a CollegeBoard account: Create one either through the link sent in the CollegeBoard email or through the URL supplied above. Please be sure to use the email that you gave when you registered for the test to simplify the process. If you accidentally provide an email address different from the one you used to sign up for the test, you should be able to retrieve your scores by supplying your name, date of birth, and address. If all else fails, see your school counselor, who can provide you with an access code to retrieve your scores.
In addition to accessing your score, you will be able to see through your CollegeBoard account:
- a detailed narrative of your skill level and areas for improvement
- the questions you got wrong and explanations of the correct answers
- the difficulty level of the questions
- whether you meet initial eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program
- a link to additional practice through the Khan Academy
TEST PREP AND TUTORING RESOURCES
With SAT and ACT testing season upon us, the counseling department would like to share a list of test prep and tutoring programs available, both locally and online. Click here for details.
Freshman Forum
Follow Link Crew this year!
Instagram: @LCHSlinkcrew / Snapchat: LClinkcrew / Twitter: LCLinkcrew
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcouns to 81010 to join the Freshman Forum Remind 101.
SOPHOMORE SCENE
La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce Summer Internship Program Information Meeting
The La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce sponsors a six-week Summer Internship Program for current sophomores and juniors. To learn everything you need to know about this program, please attend the presentation on Wednesday, February 15, in the Auditorium during STEP. Permission slips to attend the presentation will be available from Mrs. Alequin beginning February 6th.
NEW POST: Grades vs Rigor
Next week the counselors will begin assisting sophomores with their course selection. In choosing the right fit, consider this blog post from the University of Georgia admission office:
http://ugaadmissions.blogspot.com/2014/04/grades-vs-rigor-or-what-should-my-child.html
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcoun to 81010 to join the Sophomore Scene Remind 101.
JUNIOR JUNCTION
La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce Summer Internship Program Information Meeting
The La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce sponsors a six-week Summer Internship Program for current sophomores and juniors. To learn everything you need to know about this program, please attend the presentation on Wednesday, February 15, in the Auditorium during STEP. Permission slips to attend the presentation will be available from Mrs. Alequin beginning February 6th.
USC BOVARD SCHOLARS PROGRAM
USC Bovard Scholars program aims to help high-achieving high school students with financial need gain admission to and succeed at the nation’s top universities. Scholars will receive admission and financial aid guidance, personalized career exploration opportunities, comprehensive test preparation, and leadership development. Many of the Bovard Scholars will be the first in their families to attend college. The program includes an intensive, three-week residential experience during the summer (July 16-August 5, 2017) on USC’s campus at no cost to the students. Students must meet the following eligibility to apply:
- Junior in high school (11th grader) at time of application
- Currently hold a 4.0 GPA or above
- Enrolled in Algebra II, Trigonometry or above
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have taken advanced placement/international baccalaureate courses, if offered
Medical Mentor/Internship Program Opportunity for current Juniors!
Through the 2017 Eve & Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, students work under the supervision of a health care educator, shadowing various medical professionals (nurse, nutritionist, pharmacist, lab technician, physician and/or medical specialist, etc.) who together provide a range of patient care and services.
Program Dates: There are 2, 3 and 4 week programs available from July 1 - August 4, 2017. See Application on the website under Summer Programs for application, documents, and specific date information.
Submission Instructions and Application Deadline: The original set of required documents and 1 copy of this entire set of documents must be sent by US Mail ONLY and mailed by Wednesday, FEBRUARY 22, 2017.
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @juniorjun to 81010 to join the Junior Junction Remind 101.
SENIOR STOP
NEW POST: Upcoming college visits:
February 9th: Pasadena City College - 12:15PM. There will be a table outside set up during the 9-12 student lunch hour. Please stop by, meet the representatives and find out information about our local Community College.
February 24th: Pasadena City College - 10:00AM - in the College and Career Resource Center. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions and guide students in the Community College process.
February 24th: Glendale Community College - 12:00PM. There will be a table outside set up during the 9-12 student lunch hour. Please stop by, meet the representatives and find out information about our local Community College.
New Post: National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week 2017, "School Counseling: Helping Students Realize Their Potential," will be celebrated from Feb. 6-10, 2017, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. National School Counseling Week is always celebrated the first full week in February.The LCHS school counseling staff, like everyone in our school, is here to make a difference in your life. We want to help you reach your full potential and be successful in school and life. Every day, you face challenges that can be barriers to future success. We can help you deal with these challenges. We are here to help you deal with the challenges and frustrations that keep you from being the best you can be. That’s what school counselors do. We help you build the future you want. Thank you for celebrating National School Counseling Week with us. Have a terrific and safe week!
New Post: Career Education
As you begin thinking about what your future holds, you might be wondering if your intended career field requires a license or certification. Some jobs require specialized training/certification above and beyond the bachelor’s degree, while others will require the certificate only, without the need for an undergraduate degree. Still others will require an advanced degree, such as a master’s in addition to certifications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has extensive data on this topic. Salaries, projected job growth and type of education/certification needed for a wide variety of jobs is just part of the wonderful data that can be found on the website. For more information, please review the following article and explore the website: https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/article/print/will-i-need-a-license-or-certification.htm
New Post: “Undecided.”
Choosing a major can seem like a daunting task. If you have not selected a major, don’t worry! The most common major at the vast majority of college campuses is “undecided,” so you are in good company! Many colleges will offer summer orientations that will help you locate resources on campus that can help you decide. Additionally, many colleges offer freshman seminar-type courses that are designed to help “the undecided” find their passion. As you embark upon this next phase of your life, start to use the tools around you to explore your interests, as they could very well lead you to a college major! CollegeBoard provides a wonderful free tool to help you get started: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers. This is also a good time to review your “Strengths Explorer” results in Naviance and view the “Road Trip Nation” videos in the “Careers” tab for more inspiration: https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=lchsca
Sleep
Sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. Teens often find themselves distracted by projects, homework or electronic devices during their normal sleeping times, which could potentially lead to sleep problems and maybe even lower grades. Please encourage your teen to not only just turn the lights out, but to turn off the electronic devices off as well. The Stanford Challenge Success model suggests that teens need 9.25 hours each night. Easier said than done, we know, but the more we all promote healthy sleep habits, the more informed your teen will be!
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000872.htm
ATTENTION SENIORS PLANNING TO ATTEND PASADENA CITY COLLEGE IN THE FALL OF 2017:
We are excited to partner with Pasadena City College admissions and provide our seniors who plan to attend PCC in the fall of 2017 with two important components to complete as part of the five – step application process. We invite you to attend the PAWS (Pre-Assessment Workshop Session) to help you prepare for the PCC placement exams given in both English and Math. The PAWS workshop is designed to help students place in the correct level of Math and English. During the PAWS workshop you will:
1. Receive important information regarding the test
2. Become familiar with the Ed Ready “look”
3. Receive a free online practice test license
4. Learn about important campus resources
SAVE THE DATE: PART ONE
Pre-Assessment Workshop
Wednesday March 1, 2017
Location: IRC
Time: 7:30AM-8:30AM
In order to attend the workshop, we ask that you log in to Naviance and sign up as you would if you were attending a college visit: Naviance - College Tab - College Visits - then select the PCC PAWS application workshop and sign up.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE WORKSHOP?
1. Valid Photo ID
2. Lancer Point ID# - this was issued to you when you created your account and completed the first step of the application process on December 1, 2016.
3. A piece of paper
4. Pen or pencil required
5. Attendance copy of Photo ID or computerized version (pictures, etc.) are NOT ACCEPTED due to test publisher requirements.
We look forward to seeing you on March 1st. Please arrive by 7:20AM and go directly to the IRC for check in.
SAVE THE DATE: PART TWO
Assessment Test On Campus at LCHS
Wednesday March 15, 2017
Location: Cafeteria
Time: 7:30AM – 11:00AM
Please join us on March 15, 2017 in the La Canada High School cafeteria as this is YOUR test date. Pasadena City College Assessment Center representatives along with admissions counselors will be here to give you both the English and Math placement exams. The LCHS Counselors will also be present to issue you each a Chrome Book and help assist with the process of getting you set for the exam. Please review the checklist and be prepared for test day. You will need to bring the following on test day:
1. Bring a valid Photo ID (High School ID or Driver’s License) – copies are not accepted
2. Bring your Lancer Point ID # - this is the number you received when you completed the application on December 1, 2016.
3. Bring a valid email address to receive your exam results
4. Bring a pencil or a pen
Doors to the cafeteria will be open at 7:00AM and check in will begin promptly at that time. Please arrive early, so we can check you in, issue you a Chrome Book and be ready for the start of the exam at 7:30AM. The exam will begin at 7:30AM and will take approximately two hours to complete. At the end of the testing session, you will be issued a pass to class. The test is not timed.
Please log in to Naviance and sign up as you would if you were attending a college visit: Naviance - College Tab - College Visits - then select the PCC Assessment and sign up.
We look forward to seeing you on both March 1st and March 15th.
Please see your counselor if you have any questions or need further details.
Winter Timeline Reminders (December-February) from LCHS and Campus Explorer.com
Update admissions decisions in Naviance by clicking on the “colleges” tab, then click “colleges i’m applying to,” then click on the pencil icon next to any college to update the admission decision. If there is a college on your list that you no longer plan to apply to, please alert your counselor so that they can remove it from your list.
Schedule your college interviews to finish up the admissions process.
Complete your FAFSA and CSS Profile (if applicable) so you can get the most possible financial assistance for college.
Check the scholarship section of this newsletter and check the scholarship section of Naviance EVERY WEEK!
Verify with your counselor that your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores have been sent to your prospective schools.
Send an email or make a phone call to make sure your colleges have received your application. While you’re at it, check to see that they have everything else they need, including your transcripts and financial aid material.
Request that your high school send your first semester grades to every college that you applied to. For questions on sending mid-year transcripts, please scroll to the “Mid-Year Transcript” section below. Schools will continue to track your grades as you finish out your senior year so please avoid senioritis!
If you do not plan to apply to 4-year universities, continue researching your options by using Naviance and by meeting with your counselor. We have resources on community college, trade/vocational schools, Gap year programs and more.
MID-YEAR TRANSCRIPTS
When will my mid-year be sent?
Report cards were distributed to students on January 17th. Mid-year transcripts were processed and sent between January 23-31 for all students who requested and paid for mid-years. If you need to send any additional mid-year reports, please see your counselor ASAP.
Please keep in mind that once your counselor sends your mid-year through Naviance, it can take the college anywhere from 1-5 weeks to process the document. To check whether or not your mid-year has been sent, login to Naviance, go to the College Tab and look for the words “mid-year submitted” next to your colleges beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 31. It is suggested that you also check your college portals at least once a week. Mid-year transcripts are $5 each, payable by cash or check made out to LCHS. The transcript request form can be found HERE. Remember, this form MUST be signed by your counselor before submitting your payment to Mr. Reda Hanna, our new Registrar (now known as the Student Information System Specialist).
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
UPDATED POST: Click here for current scholarship opportunities coming up in February and March. For a more extensive list of scholarship opportunities, check Naviance under Colleges tab, and click on "Scholarship List."
EARNING MONEY FOR COLLEGE DURING HIGH SCHOOL!
There is a new opportunity to start earning money towards college as a freshman, through micro-scholarships for various colleges. The program is called raise.me, which is funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. There are over 100 colleges that are partnering with this organization and you can follow that college like an Instagram account. It is easy and free to register on raise.me. You can earn money for every A or B you earn, doing community service, earning your Eagle Scout or Gold Award, taking an AP test, etc… Check it out and let your counselor know if you decided to register. When you are a senior and you are accepted to one of the partner schools (that you have been following and earning money for), you can use this money towards college tuition and expenses.
College/Career Resources
USA GAP YEAR FAIRS
Are you considering a Gap Year after high school? USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, interested students and parents, high school college counselors and Gap Year experts. Click here for a list of USA Gap Year Fairs coming to southern California in February!
Last Minute Applications
Last minute tips for anyone who may be a little behind on college apps...
http://www.wnyc.org/story/five-tips-completing-last-minute-college-applications
CollegeBoard.org - information available to learn about tools and resources to support students and families throughtout the financial planning process: Financial Aid Essentials
8 Tools & Resources for Writing The Best Scholarship Essays
PARENT ACTION PLAN FOR SOPHOMORE COLLEGE/CAREER PLANNING:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/for-parents/parent-action-plan-10th-grade
COLLEGE PLANNING APP:
Students can now get college planning advice and guidance right from their phones, with the College Board’s CollegeGo mobile app. The app is available for free in the Apple and Google Play stores.The app guides students through the essential steps they need to take in order to find, apply to, and attend the right college for them. The interactive, step-by-step platform uses game, video, and search features to help students plan their college journey.
FAFSA Submission Deadlines:
From the FAFSA Website (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Deadlines 2017-2018
State Deadline
California - For many state financial aid programs – March 2, 2017 (this is the deadline for FAFSA submission with Cal Grant consideration. Students are encouraged to apply no later than this date).
Federal Deadline
Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2018.
Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 15, 2018.
Students are encouraged to submit early (no later than March 2), as federal deadlines fall far later than the state deadline.
College Deadline
Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline - whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA, or the date your FAFSA is processed. Some colleges will be looking for FAFSA submission as early as October/November. When in doubt, submit early.
Additional Financial Aid Information/Tips:
Cal Grant also requires submission of a school certified GPA by March 2, 2017 (LCHS does this automatically → for more info, see below). For additional community college Cal Grants - deadline September 2, 2017 (date postmarked).
If you are a non-citizen holding a Social Security card issued through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or for some other work authorization, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application found at www.caldreamact.org. Do NOT fill out a FAFSA. Contact the California Student Aid Commission (www.csac.ca.gov) or your financial aid administrator for more information.
Additional forms may be required (such as the CSS Profile → more information below).
Applicants are encouraged to keep a record of their submission by printing out their online FAFSA confirmation page or obtaining proof of mailing the FAFSA.
CSS Profile:
From the CollegeBoard CSS Profile Presentation (http://css.collegeboard.org/)
WHAT is the PROFILE?
The PROFILE is an online application that collects information used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid funds. (All Federal funds are awarded based on the FAFSA, available after Oct. 1 at fafsa.ed.gov.)
Some colleges may require additional information, such as tax returns or an institutional application. If your parents are divorced, some colleges will also require your noncustodial parent to complete the Noncustodial PROFILE.
WHEN do I file the PROFILE?
You may file the PROFILE as early as Oct. 1, 2016. However, you should file no later than two weeks before the EARLIEST priority filing date specified by your colleges or programs. WHO must file the PROFILE? Check your colleges’/programs’ information to determine whether they require the PROFILE. A list of colleges that require the PROFILE from at least some of their applicants can be found by clicking on Participating Colleges, Universities, and Scholarship Programs on the PROFILE Homepage.
COUNSELING CORNER
Resources:
From LCF Community Prevention Council: "The Small Book of Big Issues"
Books by Challenge Success and Its Founders
Registration 2017-18
Save the Date Reminder - August 7, 2017 for grades 12-10, August 8, 2017 for grade 9.
Links to websites are offered for your convenience in accessing related information, but do not constitute an endorsement of the website or its content. LCHS takes no responsibility for the views, content or accuracy of the information presented by an external website.