Counselor Connection
La Canada High School
Daily PA 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. Click here for the link. Stay informed and never miss an announcement again!
Continuing to notice, choose and act after Challenge Day, here's this week's Challenge:
Quote of the week:
“When you realize nothing is lacking, the whole world belongs to you.”
–Lao Tzu
According to Chinese tradition, Lao Tzu lived in the 6th century. He was a philosopher of ancient China and is a key figure in Taoism. Lao Tzu or Laozi literally means “Old Master.”
Challenge of the week:
Take time to appreciate the good things in your life.
LCHS Students in Action!
Club Spotlights of the Week
Club Food for Thought is a conglomeration of foodies who want to try a variety of cuisines from different cultures. The main goal of this club is to expand the tastebuds of La Canada students by providing a venue where they can gather together and feast. We go to restaurants of different ethnicities once a month and meet in Ms. Kim's room, room 209, every other Wednesday to choose our next destination and plan fundraisers for helping those who cannot afford food themselves. We will be serving at the Ronald McDonald house during the summer and finish off our academic year with a huge potluck. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, 4/20. Please message Elizabeth Lee or join or Facebook page Club Food for Thought of you have any questions!
This weekend, La Canada’s Model United Nations team (MUN) competed at the prestigious Gahr High School Security Council Competition. By the end of the day, Charlie Lea, Chris Morillo, Diya Razdan, Fatima Shirazi, took top honors as the best delegate in their respective committees. MUN is an activity that encourages leadership, public speaking skills, and problem solving. Students are encouraged to discover more about the international community and real world issues. If you are interested, come to bi-monthly Monday meetings at lunch in Ms Hong’s room, room 317, or talk to Co-Presidents Chris Morillo and Charlie Lea.
Spartan News!
Make sure to check out the Spartan Newspaper´s newest video broadcast outlet, LCTV!Every week we will provide highlights of everything Spartan--from sports teams to clubs to school events, we´ve got you covered. If you would like to be featured in one or more of our videos, please contact lchsspartan@gmail.com
9th-10th Grade Announcements
STEM Summer Opportunity for female sophomores and juniors
Montana Tech will be hosting the MINES (Making Innovations in Engineering and Science) again this summer. The camp will run from June 19th through June 24th, 2016.
This week long camp introduces young women to a variety of careers in the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They will participate in hands on experiments, field trips and lab based activities.If you know a high school sophomore or junior that would benefit from this amazing opportunity please view the tentative agenda, dates and costs at www.mtech.edu/mines-camp.
The deadline for applications is Friday April 15th, 2016, and the camp is expected to fill with young ladies from across the country.
Upcoming Free College Admissions Seminars:
"How to Find the Right Colleges for You"
- April 19th, 2016 @7:00-8:00 p.m.
- Armory Center for the Arts 145 N. Raymond Avenue Pasadena , CA
There are over 2,000 four-year colleges in the United States for students to consider. How can families identify those schools at which their student will be happiest and most successful? This seminar will teach attendees how to be savvy college shoppers.We’ll share ways to recognize what types of colleges might be good fits, discuss how to evaluate the many factors that need to be considered like size, location and majors, and share some of the college insights we’ve learned from our former Collegewise kids who are now flourishing at their chosen colleges. We’ll even discuss how to visit colleges, a college planning ritual that sounds easy but can sometimes be as stressful as full-contact karate. RSVP here or Click here for more information.
"Harvard, Berkeley, or Bust"
- April 23rd, 2016 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m.
- Armory Center for the Arts 145 N. Raymond Avenue Pasadena , CA
Collegewise counselor, and former USC admissions officer, Chris Tokuhama joins Patti Winkel for this special seminar to offer families insights into highly selective college admissions.
Grades, test scores, and impressive activities alone won’t get a student admitted to schools that reject almost all of their applicants. So how do students who get accepted to the Ivy Leagues, Stanford, Northwestern and the rest of the nation’s most selective colleges set themselves apart from the rest of the applicant pool? We’ll show you at this seminar. We’ll also reveal some Collegewise strategies to improve a student’s chances of admission at the most selective schools. While we don’t believe that prestigious colleges are necessarily better colleges, we want students who are interested in these schools to have straight answers about what it will really take to have a shot at getting in. For more information, contact pattiw@collegewise.com or Click here for more information
OFFICIAL TESTING
-April 9th ACT test is closed for registration. See actstudent.org for dates and info for upcoming tests
GREATER LOS ANGELES National College Fair
Find your perfect college with one stop shopping at the National Spring College Fair, hosted by NACAC, the National Association for College Admission Counseling!
- When: Thursday, April 28, 2016
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Where: Pasadena Convention Center
Free to Students and Parents! The list of schools attending each fair is available online at:http://bit.ly/NCFExhibitorSearch
At the fair, students will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with college representatives who can answer questions. There will also be a variety of workshops on topics including: Making College Affordable One Family at a Time; 40 College Application Tips in 40 Minutes; How to Write an Amazing College Essay; Choosing a College Major; Student-Athletes; and much more!
Register today at www.gotomyncf.com
Click here to view the College Fair Newsletter: click here
Second Annual Latinas in STEM 101 Conference
GCC’s 2nd Annual Latinas in STEM 101 Conference is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 30 from 8am to 3pm. The conference is designed for ANY interested female middle and high school students who may be considering STEM careers. Click here for more information.
Glendale Community College Baja Summer Program/College Transfer Credit Opportunity
Click here for information on how high school students can earn college credit while taking a field study Marine Biology course in Baja, California, Mexico.
High School Academy at Woodbury University Summer Opportunity
Offered to high school students entering their junior or senior years, this intensive program is offered for college credit (2-3 units) and allows students to explore Woodbury’s various disciplines.
Summer 2016 courses include:
Animation: Introduction to Animation
Architecture: Design Lab: Introduction to Architecture
Communication: Public Speaking
Design Foundation: Drawing Fundamentals & Beyond
Fashion Design: Introduction to Fashion Design
Filmmaking: Introduction to Production
Game Art & Design: Introduction to Game Design
Graphic Design: Introduction to Photoshop
Professional Writing: Writing by Imitations: An Introduction to Professional Writing
Psychology: Introduction to Psychology
For descriptions and specific class times, download the flyer .
Summer Programs
Thinking of summer learning opportunities? Please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca. Click on the College tab, then click on Enrichment Programs to see a full listing of programs available. Deadlines are quickly approaching! Some tips from Collegewise for families considering summer program invitations
Scholarship and Financial Aid
For scholarship and other financial aid opportunities, please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca Click on the college tab, then click on scholarships. Mrs. Erickson will also keep hard copies of any local scholarships on file in the counseling office. She is available in the front office between the hours of Noon-3:45 p.m.
SAT and ACT Prep Opportunities Click here for a list of local options and La Canada student discounts.
JUNIOR JUNCTION
STEM Summer Opportunity for female sophomores and juniors
Montana Tech will be hosting the MINES (Making Innovations in Engineering and Science) again this summer. The camp will run from June 19th through June 24th, 2016.
This week long camp introduces young women to a variety of careers in the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They will participate in hands on experiments, field trips and lab based activities.If you know a high school sophomore or junior that would benefit from this amazing opportunity please view the tentative agenda, dates and costs at www.mtech.edu/mines-camp.
The deadline for applications is Friday April 15th, 2016, and the camp is expected to fill with young ladies from across the country.
Upcoming Free College Admissions Seminars:
"How to Find the Right Colleges for You"
- April 19th, 2016 @7:00-8:00 p.m.
- Armory Center for the Arts 145 N. Raymond Avenue Pasadena , CA
There are over 2,000 four-year colleges in the United States for students to consider. How can families identify those schools at which their student will be happiest and most successful? This seminar will teach attendees how to be savvy college shoppers.We’ll share ways to recognize what types of colleges might be good fits, discuss how to evaluate the many factors that need to be considered like size, location and majors, and share some of the college insights we’ve learned from our former Collegewise kids who are now flourishing at their chosen colleges. We’ll even discuss how to visit colleges, a college planning ritual that sounds easy but can sometimes be as stressful as full-contact karate. RSVP here or Click here for more information
"Harvard, Berkeley, or Bust"
- April 23rd, 2016 @ 10:00-11:00 a.m.
- Armory Center for the Arts 145 N. Raymond Avenue Pasadena , CA
Collegewise counselor, and former USC admissions officer, Chris Tokuhama joins Patti Winkel for this special seminar to offer families insights into highly selective college admissions.
Grades, test scores, and impressive activities alone won’t get a student admitted to schools that reject almost all of their applicants. So how do students who get accepted to the Ivy Leagues, Stanford, Northwestern and the rest of the nation’s most selective colleges set themselves apart from the rest of the applicant pool? We’ll show you at this seminar. We’ll also reveal some Collegewise strategies to improve a student’s chances of admission at the most selective schools. While we don’t believe that prestigious colleges are necessarily better colleges, we want students who are interested in these schools to have straight answers about what it will really take to have a shot at getting in. For more information, contact pattiw@collegewise.com or Click here for more information
OFFICIAL TESTING
-Register for May 7th (Redesigned SAT) by April 26th at collegeboard.org-April 9th ACT test is closed for registration. See actstudent.org for dates and info for upcoming tests
GREATER LOS ANGELES National College Fair
Find your perfect college with one stop shopping at the National Spring College Fair, hosted by NACAC, the National Association for College Admission Counseling!
- When: Thursday, April 28, 2016
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Where: Pasadena Convention Center
Free to Students and Parents! The list of schools attending each fair is available online at:http://bit.ly/NCFExhibitorSearch
At the fair, students will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with college representatives who can answer questions. There will also be a variety of workshops on topics including: Making College Affordable One Family at a Time; 40 College Application Tips in 40 Minutes; How to Write an Amazing College Essay; Choosing a College Major; Student-Athletes; and much more!
Register today at www.gotomyncf.com
Click here to view the College Fair Newsletter: click here
Second Annual Latinas in STEM 101 Conference
GCC’s 2nd Annual Latinas in STEM 101 Conference is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 30 from 8am to 3pm. The conference is designed for ANY interested female middle and high school students who may be considering STEM careers. Click here for more information.
Pasadena Tournament of Roses Student Ambassadors Program 2016-2017
Are you interested in earning community service hours?
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Student Ambassadors Program gives rising seniors the opportunity to work alongside tournament members and other volunteers for a minimum of 40 community service hours in preparation for the 2016-2017 Rose Parade. Activities include public interaction at float decorating venues, assisting Rose Parade band members at Bandfest and during the Parade, acting as ushers in the Tournament Grandstands on Rose Parade morning and interacting with the public at the Post Parade float viewing venue.
Eligibility requirements:
- Maintaining at least a 2.0 (“C”) grade point average in both the current and previous academic year
- Must be at least 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2016 and not older than 19 years of age before January 4, 2017 (exceptions will be considered, if requested by the student’s school)
- Completing and submitting the Student Ambassador Agreement and other related application materials
- Selected candidates must serve one year from June 2016 to June 2017 and be available to serve at least 40 volunteer hours between December 26, 2016 and January 4, 2017 (Candidate must be available for assignment on Parade Day (January 2, 2017)
- Candidates must attend all scheduled training meetings and other scheduled events; no mandatory activities or events are scheduled during school hours
- Candidates must provide their own transportation to and from all meetings, events and Tournament-related activities
If you are interested in this opportunity, please inform your counselor by April 29th.
Glendale Community College Baja Summer Program/College Transfer Credit Opportunity
Click here for information on how high school students can earn college credit while taking a field study Marine Biology course in Baja, California, Mexico.
Junior College and Career Presentation
Thank you to all juniors who attended the Naviance College and Career Junior Project Presentation. If you were not able to attend, please click here to see a copy the presentation given by the counseling department. Also, please see Mrs. Erickson in the counseling office between the hours of 12-3 p.m. to pick up your Junior Project task list in preparation for your senior year.
Anthony Portantino for State Senate District 25 2016 Internship Program
Come join our Internship Program! The 2016 Internship with Anthony Portantino for State Senate offers a unique opportunity to learn the inner workings of a campaign, the ins and outs of community organizing, and the chance to meet key figures at both the community and state level. If you have an interest in community service and want to make a difference in the 2016 election, this is the internship for you! Interns will learn how to build a grassroots political organization and how to leverage political action into electoral and legislative victories, gaining valuable real-world experience in a high-profile political operation. This is a fantastic opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to get involved with outreach in their own neighborhoods while adding to their resume and network! Click here for more information.
High School Academy at Woodbury University Summer Opportunity
Offered to high school students entering their junior or senior years, this intensive program is offered for college credit (2-3 units) and allows students to explore Woodbury’s various disciplines.
Summer 2016 courses include:
Animation: Introduction to Animation
Architecture: Design Lab: Introduction to Architecture
Communication: Public Speaking
Design Foundation: Drawing Fundamentals & Beyond
Fashion Design: Introduction to Fashion Design
Filmmaking: Introduction to Production
Game Art & Design: Introduction to Game Design
Graphic Design: Introduction to Photoshop
Professional Writing: Writing by Imitations: An Introduction to Professional Writing
Psychology: Introduction to Psychology
For descriptions and specific class times, download the flyer .
Summer Programs
Thinking of summer learning opportunities? Please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca. Click on the College tab, then click on Enrichment Programs to see a full listing of programs available. Deadlines are quickly approaching! Some tips from Collegewise for families considering summer program invitations
Scholarship and Financial Aid
For scholarship and other financial aid opportunities, please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca Click on the college tab, then click on scholarships. Mrs. Erickson will also keep hard copies of any local scholarships on file in the counseling office. She is available in the front office between the hours of Noon-3:45 p.m.
SAT and ACT Prep Opportunities Click here for a list of local options and La Canada student discounts.
Special Announcement: UC is revamping the personal statement section of the admission application.
After almost 10 years, UC is changing the personal statement section of its undergraduate admissions application, replacing the current two personal statement prompts with short-answer questions that students can choose from. The new questions, now called personal insight questions, aim to give applicants a greater say in the kind of information they share with the University. For Personal Insight Questions Worksheet, please click here.
Senior Stop
Test Stress
As the campus is abuzz with juniors taking SBAC exams, we thought this would be a good time to insert some strategies for seniors as you get closer and closer to AP exam territory and your final-final high school exams. Tests will always create a certain amount of “healthy stress,” but there are ways to combat your nerves when things start to get a little more tense. We want you to all remember to simply breathe. Breathing can release a large amount of tension from your body and help slow things down a bit. It is also important to come to school well rested on exam days (and everyday, for that matter). A good nights sleep can help you to remain focused and on-task throughout the day, therefore staying up all night for a cram session is more than likely not the best way to tackle an exam. There are many other strategies you can try and we encourage you to do whatever works best for you. For more tips and strategies, please read the following article from StudyPoints.com: http://www.studypoint.com/ed/test-taking-anxiety/
Upcoming scholarships from Naviance for April 12-30:
4/14
Signet Essay Contest
4/22
2016 Student-View Scholarship Program
4/27
O. Warren Hillgren Memorial Scholarship
4/29
LCHS PTSA Senior Scholarship
4/30
Community Scholarship Foundation Scholarship
Crescenta-Canada Lions Club Scholarship
Jack C. Mathews Scholarship Fund
Los Angeles Federal Credit Union Scholarship
Spartan Boosters President's Scholarship
For applications to these scholarships or to look up more scholarships, please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca, click on the colleges tab, then click on scholarship list. Mrs.Erickson will also keep hard copies of any local scholarships on file in the counseling office. She is available in the front office between the hours of Noon-3:45 p.m.
Scholarships OUTSIDE of Naviance
There are many search engines available. The first and most important item to note is that applying for scholarships should NEVER cost you money. If you come across a site that requires a fee, move on to the next. You should never have to pay for free money. Applying for scholarships WILL require work on your part, however. Some will require lengthy applications and some will require essays, but remember, the more scholarships you apply for, the more chances you have at free money! Some site to consider:
Cappex: https://www.cappex.com/scholarships/
FastWeb: www.fastweb.com
Finaid: http://www.finaid.org/
Scholarships.com: https://www.scholarships.com/main.aspx
Counseling Corner Resources
LCUSD Parent Ed Night: Positive Communication Modeling For Our Children
4/20/2016, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: La Canada Unified School District, 4490 Cornishon Ave, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011, United States
Guest Presenter Marc Purchin
Collegewise Tips for Students to Consider When Preparing for College
- What is a successful college education?
- 5 traits of students who stand out:
- Asking too much from activities:
http://wiselikeus.com/collegewise/2016/03/asking-too-much-from-activities.html
Tweet! Tweet!
- Click here for La Canada Flintridge Community Prevention Council resources available
The LCHS Counseling Department is on Twitter! Come follow us for important reminders, announcements, and upcoming events. Our Twitter handle is @LCcounselors