M.A. Counseling Newsletter
September 2020
In This Issue
- Welcome Back
- What We Do
- Meet with a Counselor
- REMIND Texts
- Financial Aid Night for Senior Parents
- Virtual College Fairs
- ACT/SAT Dates
SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges
Optional PSAT for 10th and 11th Graders
- COVID 19 and Mental Health
- How to Set Priorities for the School Year
Wellness Corner
Welcome Back
What We Do
Kristin Overton, M.S., LSC - School Counselor, Last Names: A-K
overtonkristin@minnehahaacademy.net
Christine Paton, M.S., LSC - School Counselor, Last Names: L-Z
patonchristine@minnehahaacademy.net
Academic Advising
Guiding toward an appropriately challenging course load
- Additional support to teachers, parents, and students
- Safe, welcoming and confidential
- Addressing issues around anxiety, depression, and general well-being
- Peer and family relationship challenges
- College fit
- Career/personality inventories
- Counselors visiting various colleges and universities throughout the U.S. to provide firsthand information
Meet with a Counselor
Meetings will be one-on-one and limited to 15 minutes in order to optimize air quality and ensure cleaning measures are followed.
Students will sign up to meet with us via Google Calendar HERE, as well as via their school iPad (see image below for the icon).
*Students who are doing distance learning will sign up via the Google Calendar link as well. Google Meet will be added to the calendar posting so that conversations can happen via video.*
REMIND Texts
Text to the number 81010 with the following in the message portion (based on your student's counselor).
9th Grade:
@24overton or @24paton
10th Grade:
@23overton or @23paton
11th Grade:
@22overton or @22paton
12th Grade:
@21overton or @21paton
Financial Aid Night for Senior Parents
We will be meeting via Zoom at this LINK.
The meeting will be recorded and uploaded the following day on ParentSquare if you are unable to attend.
Virtual College Fairs
On the afternoon of Sunday, September 27 from 12-3 PM, the 24th annual MISP College Fair will be a virtual event. Hosted by the Minnesota Independent School and College Access Partnership, the 2020 fair welcomes students from all member schools and all partnership students to attend the MISP Fair, which we anticipate running for three hours. Our juniors and seniors will be exploring new college options as well as deepening their knowledge of colleges on their lists.
Sunday, September 13th, 11-7 PM
Monday, October 12th, 12-8 PM
Sunday, October 18th, 11-7 PM
Sunday, November 8th, 1pm-9 PM
Log in to NACAC fairs at virtualcollegefairs.org. Visit College websites for “virtual visits” or on youvisit.com. Check for status on in-person visits.
Tuesday, October 6
Meet representatives from Canadian universities, colleges, language schools and high schools and learn about opportunities for studying in Canada!
More details and registration links to each event to follow.
For more details, contact us at educanada@thestudent.world.
ACT/SAT Test Dates
Please note: If you want your child to be considered for merit-based aid, many colleges, even those that are otherwise test optional, may require a test score to be considered for merit-based aid. To learn more contact each college's admissions or financial aid offices.
September 26
October 3
November 7
December 5
September 12
September 13
September 19
October 10
October 17
October 24
October 25
December 12*SEND IN TEST SCORES TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO APPLICATION DEADLINE!*
SAT and ACT Policies and Score Ranges
Compass Education Group has compiled score range data and admission testing policies for popular colleges and universities, public and private, chosen to represent a wide array of four-year postsecondary institutions in the U.S.
The SAT and ACT scores in the table represent the most recently reported scores available. You can use these new ranges to better understand the typical test scores of enrolled students. These scores should not be viewed as cutoffs or qualifying scores.
Additionally the table includes application data, an explanation of relevant test optional (TO) policies – e.g. temporary suspension of the testing requirement, a multi-year trial of TO, or permanently TO – and whether or not merit-based aid is offered based on exam scores. Student-athletes should be aware that they may be required to submit test scores for NCAA eligibility, regardless of whether or not their school has a test optional admissions policy.
Optional PSAT for 10th and 11th Graders
Due to the health and safety of our students and the challenges of social distancing during standardized testing, the PSAT and PSAT/NMSQT will be optional for 10th and 11th graders this year. On Wednesday morning, October 14th, the PSAT will be offered to registered Sophomores, and the PSAT/NMSQT will be offered to registered Juniors. You must register by September 11th if you plan on having your student test at MA on Oct 14th.
If your 10th or 11th grade student is not registered, they will not come to school on Oct 14th. This day is a non school day for 9th graders. Counselors will be available to help 12th graders with college applications on campus from 9-Noon.
Should my 10th grader take the PSAT?
As 10th graders, the PSAT is a practice test. Their results will give feedback on how they may perform on future PSAT/NMSQT or the SAT test. If you decide not to register your student to take the PSAT at Minnehaha, they can access a practice test from home through the College Board Website. If your student would like to practice testing in a formal environment at school, and receive an official score, you can register them here.
Should my 11th grader take the PSAT/NMSQT?
The PSAT/NMSQT is the official route of entry to the National Merit® Scholarship Program. If your student scores in the top 1% of test takers in the state of Minneosota they are eligible for the National Merit Scholarship program. If your student would like to be in consideration for this program, or would like to practice testing in a formal environment at school, and receive an official score, you can register them here. If you decide not to register your student to take the PSAT at Minnehaha, they can access a practice test from home via the College Board Website.
If you have any questions about whether or not you should register your student, please contact the counseling office.
COVID 19 and Mental Health
From the MN Department of Health: As news about the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues, children may have questions for parents and caregivers about the disease. Especially as normal routines change, children may display signs of worry about themselves, their families, and their friends. Certain words and practices can help children cope with their feelings and help guide discussions. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has put together a resource document to help parents and caregivers talk with their children about COVID-19.
How to Set Priorities for the School Year
Strategies for Supporting Learning at Home
Guidelines and strategies from our experts to help families support children of any age with remote learning.
Back-to-School Tips for Kids Who Are Struggling
How resetting expectations and planning ahead can help children with learning challenges.
School Success Kit for Kids With ADHD
Helping kids manage time, stay focused and handle homework.
Wellness Corner
M.A. Counseling Team
Kristin Overton, M.S., LSC - School Counselor, Last Names: A-K
overtonkristin@minnehahaacademy.net
Christine Paton, M.S., LSC - School Counselor, Student Services Manager, Last Names: L-Z
patonchristine@minnehahaacademy.net
Wanda Monroe, M.S., LSC - Non-Public School Counselor
monroewanda@minnehahaacademy.net
Diane Rahm - Registrar and Student Services Administrative Assistant