ON Student Services Newsletter
October 2022
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Wear Orange on October 19th!!!
Unity Day Against Bullying
Unity Day fosters the belief that all youth should be safe from bullying and encourages everyone to wear the color orange in support of bullying prevention. On Wednesday, October 19th, students and staff are invited to join us in a unified show of support by wearing orange. Join us as we unite for kindness, courage, and inclusion, to prevent students from being bullied.
AP Test Registration Info
The deadline to register and pay for AP Exams is Nov 1st. This is a 2 Step Process:
- Students MUST indicate (with a “Yes” or “No”) on their College Board account whether they intend to take the AP Exam(s) in May.
- Parents must log in to TouchBase to pay for each exam their student is taking; cost is $102 per exam
For more information, including links and testing dates, visit the ON Counseling website: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/9587
Email Ms. Etherton with questions: nmetherton@olatheschools.org
ACT Testing Information
Who should take the ACT?
Any student planning on attending a 4-year university. Many schools have waived the ACT scores for the class of 2022 however, it is still required for many scholarships at universities. It is unclear at this time, what will be decided for the class of 2023.
When should I start taking the ACT?
We recommend starting by the end of Sophomore year. The June test is a great test to get started in the process. For an additional $20 students can get a copy of the test booklet and their answers about a month after they take the test. This is a great learning tool to see areas where you need to make improvements. The test information release is offered for the April, June, and December tests.
Most students will take the ACT 3 times. We also recommend being finished by the end of the summer before Senior year in taking the test. The ACT is offered in June, July, September, October, December, and April each year.
What should you do to get ready for the test?
Practice! Research has shown the more you look at the test and prepare the better you will do. We also recommend taking a prep test.
How does a student register for the ACT?
Students will need to register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org. They will need to set up an account to register and pay for an exam. Students on free/reduced lunches can talk to a counselor and use an ACT waiver for 2 free exams. This account will be where students will check their testing location and confirm their registration.
Do you need to take the Accuplacer test?
Accuplacer refers to a testing system that can be used to determine if post-secondary students have the skills and knowledge needed to start taking college-level courses, regardless of whether they're enrolling in a career-training or traditional college program. The purpose of the Accuplacer tests is to evaluate the mathematics, reading and writing skills of test-takers. Some individuals may also take the Accuplacer tests during high school to determine if they are ready to pursue postsecondary studies or to identify areas where they need to improve to be ready for college.
Many students who are going to a 2-year university take this test in place of the ACT or SAT. It can also be used when enrolling in College Now clases.
JCCC Testing Services offers the ACCUPLACER placement test through scheduled on-campus appointments. The test is not timed, and there is no charge.
STEPS TO TAKING THE ACCUPLACER:
- Enroll at JCCC and get a JCCC ID number: https://www.jccc.edu/admissions/enrollment/.
- Once you have enrolled at JCCC, you will be informed about when you need to take the Accuplacer test. You can schedule a test at https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/testing-centers/testing/.
- Accuplacer study materials can be found here: https://studentportal.accuplacer.org/#/home.
- Show up for your scheduled appointment with your JCCC ID a current official photo ID. Score reports are available immediately after testing. You are allowed one retest during the dates specified by Testing Services.
For further information regarding scheduling or testing, you may contact Testing Services by email at testingservices@jccc.edu or by phone at 913-469-4439.
ASVAB Testing for Olathe Juniors and Seniors
Are you a junior or senior student that might have an interest in the military? Then the ASVAB test administered by the military on Wednesday, October 12 may be a good choice for you to take on the National Assessment Day at Olathe North! There is NO COST to the student and there is NO OBLIGATION to the military. The reports provide great information about you and your strengths and can provide valuable insight to possible career choices in your future. Take it at Olathe North in an environment where you are comfortable.
Sign-ups have started and will end soon so register today! There are limited number of slots available so sign up now. If you register and decide to take another test and wish to change, send Mr. Tarwater an email to make the change: jtarwateron@olatheschools.org.
Link to sign up for the ASVAB test on the October 12 testing day:
Senior Spotlight
From Mr. Van Winkle, College Advisor
FAFSA is OPEN!
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opens up on October 1st! Any college bound students who are eligible should file their FAFSA. Even if you believe that your family makes too much money to be offered anything from the federal government, many colleges require it to be on file for their institutional scholarships so fill it out, regardless!
To begin, the parent helping with the FAFSA AND the student will need an FSA ID. You can each create one here: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
Once you have done that, you can file the FAFSA here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Van Winkle!
October 3rd – October 7th will be COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK! The week’s schedule is as follows:
- Monday, October 3rd: Rockhurst University College Rep Visit (10:30 AM – 11:10 AM in the Front Office) – Sign up HERE to attend!
- Tuesday, October 4th: Johnson County Community College Rep Visit (10:30 AM – 11:10 AM in the Front Office) – Sign up HERE to attend!
- Wednesday, October 5th: FAFSA Completion Night (5:00-8:00 PM at Olathe South High School) – SENIOR FAMILIES, you can register HERE to schedule a time to attend this event at Olathe South.
- Thursday, October 6th: College Application Workshop (10:18 AM – 11:18 AM in the Library) – SENIORS, sign up HERE so Mr. Van Winkle can get you a pass to attend!
- Friday, October 7th: FAFSA FRIDAY (8:00 AM-4:00 PM in Mr. Van Winkle’s Office, by phone, or via Zoom) – SENIOR FAMILIES, make sure to sign up HERE, as this is by appointment only. Please note that if the day no longer has openings when you try to schedule, Mr. Van Winkle is happy to meet with you any other day, at your convenience.
COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK
CALLING ALL SENIORS!
October 3rd – October 7th will be COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK! During this week, Mr. Van Winkle will be holding several events to help you get ready for College! The week’s schedule is as follows:
- Monday, October 3rd: Rockhurst University College Rep Visit (10:30 AM – 11:10 AM in the Front Office) – A representative from Rockhurst University will be at Olathe North to share about their school, including the majors, scholarships, and opportunities they have to offer. Sign up HERE to attend!
- Tuesday, October 4th: Johnson County Community College Rep Visit (10:30 AM – 11:10 AM in the Front Office) – A representative from Johnson County Community College will be at Olathe North to share about their school, including the programs, scholarships, and opportunities they have to offer. Sign up HERE to attend!
- Wednesday, October 5th: FAFSA Completion Night (5:00-8:00 PM at Olathe South High School) – If you and your parents are nervous about filling out the FAFSA, you can register HERE to schedule a time to attend this event at Olathe South. Experts will be on hand to help walk you through the whole process.
- Thursday, October 6th: College Application Workshop (10:18 AM – 11:18 AM in the Library) - If you need help with an essay, resume, or application, come to this workshop where Mr. Van Winkle will be available to answer all of your questions! If you don’t have any questions, that’s okay! It will also be a great opportunity if you just need a quiet time and place to focus on your applications. Sign up HERE so Mr. Van Winkle can get you a pass to attend!
- Friday, October 7th: FAFSA FRIDAY (8:00 AM-4:00 PM in Mr. Van Winkle’s Office, by phone, or via Zoom) – Filling out the FAFSA can be a confusing process. That’s why Mr. Van Winkle has set aside an entire day to help you and your family with any questions you have. We do not have school this day but Mr. Van Winkle is happy to have you in his office, chat over the phone, or speak with you on Zoom about all of your FAFSA needs. Just make sure to sign up HERE, as this is by appointment only. Please note that if the day no longer has openings when you try to schedule, Mr. Van Winkle is happy to meet with you any other day, at your convenience.
If you have any questions about the schedule, please contact Mr. Van Winkle at lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org!
Kansas CTE Scholars
On Friday, September 9th, any Senior currently enrolled in a Career & Technical Education (CTE) course(s) this semester was invited to hear a presentation on information about the process for applying for Kansas CTE Scholar. This annual award recognizes students who have indicated a well-rounded demonstration of knowledge and skill according to their experiences within Career and Technical Education. Achievement by senior students indicates academic achievement, CTE knowledge with excellence, community engagement through leadership demonstration, documentation of skill attainment and ability to verbal their career vision. Any Senior who meets the criteria and applies to be a KS CTE Scholar will receive the award and recognition. In addition to statewide recognition and a graduation cord, Olathe's Class of 2023 will receive a full ride scholarship to JCCC (up to 15 hrs per semester & books) for two years! Last year over 70 Seniors in Olathe were awarded this honor, we are looking forward to doubling that this year. This is the final year for the JCCC scholarship, and we are hoping students take advantage of this amazing opportunity! It is a great personal marketing tool! For more information or questions, please reach out to your student's counselor, CTE teacher or our district Career Pathway Facilitators.
- Amy Nail: annail@olatheschools.org
- Emily Schmidt: eeschmidt@olatheschools.org
Seniors can join a CTE Scholar Google Classroom where they can upload and track the requirements for the recognition using this link: Google Classroom Link
Below you will find a copy of the checklist and presentation detailing the requirements along with the attached logs/forms needed for tracking community service OR civic engagement project and work-based learning hours.
Free WorkKeys test for SENIORS
On Wednesday, October 12, seniors at Olathe North (that did NOT take it last year) are offered the opportunity to take an OPTIONAL, but Free WorkKeys test during the National Testing Day. SIGNUPS END THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15!
The WorkKeys on October12: ACT WorkKeys® assessments measure foundational skills required for success in the workplace, and help measure the workplace skills that can affect job performance. Individuals who successfully complete the three WorkKeys assessments—Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents—earn the WorkKeys National Career Readiness Certificate® (WorkKeysNCRC®). A student planning on going into a post-secondary training such as a technical school, going into the workplace, or going into the military likely will not need to take the ACT. They might see a bigger benefit to take the ACT WorkKeys.
Want to sign up for the WorkKeys? Go to the link below.
https://forms.gle/fP3yA4pkhB85W8C68
If you have questions regarding WorkKeys testing, contact Jim Tarwater: jtarwateron@olatheschools.org or in room 216 at ONHS.
Scholarship Search Resources:
Scholarship Guidance: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships
Student Scholarship.org: https://studentscholarships.org/2021scholarships.php
You can go to college — BigFuture can help you get there.
Betting ready for college? Count on BigFuture to help out. BigFuture is the College Board’s free college planning tool, designed to support students like you from your first thoughts about college to your first day on campus. BigFuture will help you:
- Handle the college planning process.
- Find the college where you’ll thrive.
- Take a look at your interests and career options.
- Make informed choices.
- Discover your big future.
Check it out here: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/.
Transcripts
All official transcripts must be requested through Xello. Please see instructions below:
Xello Student Account Login Directions
Xello Transcript Request Directions
If you have trouble accessing your transcript, or if you would like an unofficial copy for yourself, please contact Mrs. McQuay in the counseling office.
Olathe School District H.E.L.P. Clinic
Any situation that causes an interruption in the learning process is a serious educational concern. Students who are finding school difficult because of poor study skills, adjustment concerns, or relationships with others can find help through the clinic. Parents who want to learn more effective ways of encouraging and motivating children in school can also turn to the clinic.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is a service provided by the Olathe Public Schools. All services are free of charge to any student enrolled in the Olathe Public Schools, either in a remote environment or onsite.
- Individual and family counseling consists of short-term counseling (six sessions) for students and their families.
- Small group counseling with other grade-level or near grade-level peers serve those who would thrive learning and growing from a group structure. Groups would meet for six sessions.
- Play therapy is a technique where the child's natural means of expression, namely play, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with stress or life difficulties. Play therapy is used effectively at the H.E.L.P. Clinic with children ages 5 to 8 years old. Play therapy may not be used with every child and is available on a limited basis.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is staffed by professional school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and other school-based mental health providers. All clinicians are Olathe Public Schools employees or retired employees who have an active license in school mental health. These accredited and experienced professionals have a sincere interest in assisting students and families to better deal with challenges that impact students' abilities to achieve educational success.
Check out the H.E.L.P. Clinic website for more information: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/3522
Olathe North Student Services Team
Rachel Gunderson (students with last names A-D): rmgunderson@olatheschools.org
Nicole Etherton (students with last names E-Li): nmetherton@olatheschools.org
Tammie Milke (students with last names Lo-Ri): tmilkeon@olatheschools.org
Carrie Parazin (students with last names Ro-Z): cnparazin@olatheschools.org
Logan Van Winkle (College Advisor): lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org
Molly Askew (Student Support Liaison): msaskew@olatheschools.org