Counselor Connection
La Canada High School
Challenge Day Challenges LCHS to Be the Change!
Over the past three years all LCHS students have been invited to participate in the national "Challenge Day" program. Last week we had nearly 300 staff and students attend one of these day-long workshops. A huge thank you to all those who helped make it happen.
Let's keep Challenging Ourselves to Be the Change keeping in mind how we "notice, choose and act"
LCHS Students in Action!
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
http://www.lcspartan.com/lctv.html
The student voice of La Cañada High School. Check out www.thelclens.com for a community perspective of the student, by the student, and for the student. Contributions and ideas are welcome and all students are encouraged to get involved and share their perspective.
9th-11th Grade Announcements
Interested in finding out about possible careers in the field of Forestry and Firefighting? At lunch this Thursday January 21st, please join us in the quad area as there will be special guests from the US Forest Service available on hand to speak to our students regarding careers in the US Forest Service. Jennifer Hanson who is a Forestry Tech/Senior Firefighter E-311 will be on campus.
CSF Announcement:
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide organization that recognizes academic excellence upon graduation at the high school level. All students with good grades and citizenship are encouraged to apply each semester. To attain full membership and a CSF Gold Seal, a student needs to successfully submit an application at least 4 semesters of high school. One semester must come from senior year.
Now is the time to turn in the application with last semester’s report card! The application is currently available online only (we are not running off copies to hand out). They are available at lchsspartans.net, through the student portal; click on the CSF app. The applications, along with a copy of the student's last report card, are due to Mrs. Alequin no later than 3 pm on Wednesday, February 10th.
Questions? Email Mr. Spitler: cspitler@lcusd.net Thank you!
Thank you for attending a wonderful NCAA Information Night presentation put on by the LCHS counseling department. The presentation and handouts are available in the counseling section of the LCHS website. Here is a direct link in case you were not able to join us and want to learn more about the NCAA eligibility process.
http://www.lchsspartans.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=359200&type=d&pREC_ID=778738
The LCHS Student Showcase is coming up: February 4 in the IRC 4:30-7:00
FOUR great reasons to go:
1) you can support your fellow LCHS students and mentors
2) you can find out about the inspirational projects and opportunities available to LCHS students
3) you can practice and promote your own (or your group's) presentation (during STEP classes in January "Showcase" student ambassadors will be circulating through STEP classes giving information on registering, or students can ask their STEP teachers for a pass to Room 323 throughout January to get registered)
4) you can "shmooze" with other interested students, teachers, parents, school board and chamber of commerce members in the community
Presentation topics from the past have been: Astronomy Institute, Biotechnology Institute, Medical Institute, Yosemite Institute, Fashion Design, Business, Architecture, “Teach Science Labs” Institute, and Independent Projects for first semester of 2015-16 school year.
New Presentation topics: This year, we are inviting presentations from ASB leadership, TEDx talks, Engineering Club, Sports Medicine, Equestrian Club, Culinary Arts, Drama/Theater, Choral Music, Jazz Band, Drum Line, Art Portfolios, Yearbook, LIterary Arts Publication, Debate, Graphic Arts, Photography, Day of Code, and Computer Science topics.
For more information, click here or email Patty Compeau: pcompeau@lcusd.net
Please be advised that the PSAT results night event on January 7th has been rescheduled for February 9th at 6:30pm in the LCHS theater. Due to the changes in the testing format, The College Board is delaying the distribution of test results to ensure the accuracy of the scores for this new test. We look forward to having you and your student join us on February 9th to receive your score report, analysis and interpretation of scores, next steps for students, and a question and answer session with Princeton Review. Please join us for The Princeton Review PSAT score results night on February 9th at 6:30pm in the auditorium. Please note this is a change in date. We apologize for any inconvenience. Students will receive score packets and a breakdown of what those scores mean. We look forward to seeing you on February 9th.
$200 Credit on Revolution Prep Tutoring!
Revolution Prep offers private tutoring in all academic subjects, PSAT, SAT & ACT tests, as well as live online group courses for the SAT & ACT.
Benefits of Working with Revolution Prep:
- Professional, full-time tutors
- All private tutoring and classes use an Interactive web platform that allows the student to work face to face with the tutor and use a shared whiteboard.
- Tutors and students are matched based on needs, personalities and interests, not on geography
- Families receive regular video updates from their tutor on their student’s progress.
- Private tutoring times and dates are flexible, so perfect for the busy student!
- Tutors start at just $99/hour ($69 with membership)
$200 credit must be applied to a full-length program (SAT or ACT class or minimum 10 hour tutoring package) and expires 2/29/16. Offer available to any La Canada High School or 7/8 student.
Are you wanting to learn interesting things from Claremont College students? Splash is a one-day weekend event (February 27th) where you will come to Harvey Mudd College and take some super-cool classes of your choosing taught by students from the Claremont Colleges. The 2015 course catalog can be found here. Link for further information: https://claremont.learningu.org/learn/index.html
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.
Summer Opportunities at Prestigious Colleges?
Thinking of summer learning opportunities? Start here for some of our archived summer program information (some application deadlines start as soon as January): Summer Programs for High School Students
SAT and ACT Prep Opportunities Click here for a list of local options and La Canada student discounts.
FYI: Mark your summer calendar! The counseling department has confirmed our fall registration dates. Incoming seniors, juniors, and sophomores will register on Monday, August 8th. Incoming seniors will register from 8:00-10:00 am, incoming juniors will register from 10:30 am-12:30 pm, and sophomores will register from 1:00-3:00 pm. Incoming freshman will register on Tuesday, August 9th @ 8:00-10:00 am.
Senior Stop
Interested in finding out about possible careers in the field of Forestry and Firefighting? At lunch this Thursday January 21st, please join us in the quad area as there will be special guests from the US Forest Service available on hand to speak to our students regarding careers in the US Forest Service. Jennifer Hanson who is a Forestry Tech/Senior Firefighter E-311 will be on campus.
CSF Announcement:
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide organization that recognizes academic excellence upon graduation at the high school level. All students with good grades and citizenship are encouraged to apply each semester. To attain full membership and a CSF Gold Seal, a student needs to successfully submit an application at least 4 semesters of high school. One semester must come from senior year.
Now is the time to turn in the application with last semester’s report card! The application is currently available online only (we are not running off copies to hand out). They are available at lchsspartans.net, through the student portal; click on the CSF app. The applications, along with a copy of the student's last report card, are due to Mrs. Alequin no later than 3 pm on Wednesday, February 10th.
Qualifying Seniors must pay $5 directly to Mr. Spitler in Rm. 114 in order to receive their cord and seal from CSF. If you feel comfortable attaching a 5 dollar bill to the application, that is fine. I will collect applications at least once a day. Thank you!
Questions? Email Mr. Spitler: cspitler@lcusd.net Thank you!
Cal Grant UPDATE!!
LCHS is happy to announce that we will be electronically sending the GPA’s for all students this year, so there is no longer a need to submit the Cal Grant GPA verification form. Yay!
What is Cal Grant? Cal Grant is State based aid. It requires the filing of the FAFSA in order for families to be considered. Students must list an eligible in-state (California) college on their FAFSA application to trigger Cal Grant review. The order in which you list the colleges will not impact your eligibility for state aid. Please note that LCHS encourages ALL families to submit a FAFSA.
What deadlines should I mark on my calendar?
March 2: The most important deadline for Cal Grants is March 2. Be sure you submit your FAFSA and your verified Cal Grant GPA (LCHS will do this automatically for ALL students) by the March 2 Cal Grant application deadline.
September 2: If you’ll be attending a California Community College in the fall and missed the March 2 deadline, you have a second deadline of September 2. There are only a limited number of awards available for those who apply in the fall, so try to meet the March 2 deadline.
Keep in mind that your college may have earlier deadlines for its financial aid programs, so be sure to check with each college you’re considering. Also, deadlines for private scholarships may be earlier in the year.
Don’t procrastinate! Start your FAFSA today! www.fafsa.ed.gov
Cash For College
January 30, 2016
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pasadena City College
Creveling Lounge
Cash for College Workshops provide FREE, one-on-one financial aid assistance to families completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Cal Grant GPA Verification form and/or the California Dream Act Application (for eligible AB540 students).
These forms must be completed by March 2 to receive priority consideration for state and federal financial aid, including: grants, loans and work-study opportunities, if eligible.
Please bring the following financial documents:
✓ You and your parents’ federal income tax returns from 2015 (if filed)
✓ You and your parents’ W-2 forms, pay check stubs or any records of earned income
✓ Current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds or other investments
For more information, please call (626) 585-7401or visit our website at www.pasadena.edu/cashforcollege
Mid-Year Transcripts
When will my mid-year be sent? Transcripts were finalized on Tuesday, Jan 19th. Mid-year transcripts will be processed and sent from January 21 through the 31st. Colleges are aware that mid-year grades cannot be delivered until they have been finalized and sent by the high school, so do not fret about a deadline that comes up before the end of January. They will wait patiently for the md-year to arrive. If you have concerns, you may see your counselor. Please keep in mind that once your counselor sends your mid-year through Naviance, it can take the college anywhere from 1-4 weeks to process the document. To check whether or not your mid-year has been sent, log-in to Naviance, go to the College Tab and look for the words “mid-year submitted” next to your colleges, beginning on Monday January 26.
What is a mid-year transcript? A mid-year transcript is a transcript that includes all of your grades through the first semester of senior year. All colleges on the Common Application REQUIRE a mid-year transcript. Colleges using their own institutional applications will each have their own individual requirements, and therefore some may require a mid-year, some may not. It is your responsibility to research specific university requirements. If you have applied to Cal State Universities, now is the time to check your CSU Mentor portals to check whether or not specific campuses require you to send a mid-year. If they do, you should see your counselor to request a mid-year be sent to those CSU schools in addition to the Common App schools (and any non-Common App schools) on your list (if applicable). FYI, the UCs do not require mid-years.
Some seniors pre-ordered mid-year transcripts during the college meeting with their counselor, and therefore transcripts for these students will automatically be sent to the colleges in their Naviance list. No further action is required unless you need to add schools to the list of mid-year recipients.
If you did not pre-order your mid-year transcripts, you should see your counselor ASAP by doing a walk-in during non-class hours or by making an appointment using the clipboards on Mrs. Erickson’s desk in the front office. Mid-years can be ordered NOW. Mid-year transcripts are $5 each, payable by cash or check made out to LCHS. The transcript request form can be found HERE.
If you are unsure as to whether or not to send a mid-year, please refer to the website for the college in question and/or check your application portal. If you cannot remember if you ordered mid-year transcripts, please email your counselor or make an appointment ASAP.
OCCUPATIONAL SKILLS CERTIFICATES @ PCC
Your LCHS counselors understand that sometimes, the traditional four-year college path is not the path that works best for all students. Students, who want to develop job skills in a special area of occupational education in a short period of time, can earn an Occupational Skills Certificate at PCC. These programs require 17 units or less and are great options for those who have a very specific career focus or who want to get into the work force as soon as possible. The following programs are offered at PCC
Accounting — Cashier
Archaeological Field Work
BIT — Executive Assistant
BIT — Office Applications Specialist I
BIT — Office Applications Specialist II
BIT — Office Assistant
Biologic Technology — Laboratory Skills
Business Administration — Customer Service
Business and Computer Technology — E-Commerce
Building Construction — Cabinetmaking and Millwork
Building Construction — Construction Law
Child Development — Instructional Assistant
Child Development — Music and Movement Education for Young Children
Child Development — School Age Instructional Assistant
Child Development — Special Education Assistant
Computer Information Systems — CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Preparation
Computer Information Systems — CISCO Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Preparation
Computer Information Systems — E-Commerce
Computer Information Systems — Interactive Software Development
Computer Information Systems — Oracle Database Fundamentals
Culinary Arts — Baking and Pastry
Culinary Arts — Catering
Culinary Arts — Kitchen Assistant
Design Technology Pathway
Design Technology — CAD Designer - Architecture/Engineering/Construction
Design Technology — CAD Modeling and Animation - Architecture / Engineering /
Construction
Design Technology — CAD Technician - Architecture / Engineering / Construction
Design Technology — CAD Technician - Mechanical Design and Manufacturing
Digitization Skills for Libraries and Cultural Heritage Institutions
Electrical Technology — Basic Photovoltaic Design and Installation
Electrical Technology — Applied Circuits
Electronic Technology — Basic Digital Technician
Emergency Medical Technician 1-A
Fashion — Custom Clothing
Fashion — Fashion Marketing
Fashion — Historical Costume Making
Fire Technology — Fire Academy Preparation
Graphic Communications Technology — Apparel Graphics and Printing
Graphic Communications Technology — Electronic Prepress
Graphic Communications Technology — Screen Printing for Small Business
Industrial Fabricator
Interior Design
Machine Shop Technology — Manufacturing Technology I (See 2013-2014 Catalog or prior year)
Machine Shop Technology — Manufacturing Technology II
Medical Assisting — Medical Office Receptionist
Medical Assisting — Medical Office Transcription
Nursing — Certified Nursing Assistant
Photography — Cinema - Cinematography
Photography — Cinema Production / Filmmaking
Photography — Foundation in Photography
Photography — Portrait Photography
Television and Radio — Audio Production
Television and Radio — Broadcast Journalism
Television and Radio — Media Programming and Management
Television and Radio — Radio Broadcast Operations
Television and Radio — Radio Production
Television and Radio — Television Post Production
Television and Radio — Television Production
Television and Radio — Video Operations
Television and Radio — Writing for Film, Television and Radio
Welding — Basic Welding
For more information, visit the website: http://www.pasadena.edu/cte/osc.cfm
Thank you for attending a wonderful NCAA Information Night presentation put on by the LCHS counseling department. The presentation and handouts are available in the counseling section of the LCHS website. Here is a direct link in case you were not able to join us and want to learn more about the NCAA eligibility process.
http://www.lchsspartans.net/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=359200&type=d&pREC_ID=778738
Counseling Corner Resources
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
- These short video segments featuring Denise Pope and Madeline Levine are based on current research and offer practical strategies to parents on topics such as How Parents and Kids Define Success Differently, Increased Stress in Kids, Developing Self Regulation, Finding the Best Fit College and many more click here