CCR Update
St. Charles East-March 10, 2023
11th Grade Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)
In compliance with federal testing requirements, Illinois will administer a science assessment to students enrolled in a public school district in grades 5, 8 and 11. The assessment will be administered in an online format and is aligned to the Illinois Learning Standards for Science incorporating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which were adopted in 2014. The ISA is a comprehensive exam that includes life, physical, Earth and space sciences with engineering and technological design features embedded in the other science domains. The assessment is divided into three tests of approximately 40 minutes each. St. Charles East will be administering the exam on 3/14/23.
- Session 1: Juniors with a PE Class during periods 5-8 will take the Illinois Science Assessment in the Sports Complex during periods 1-4. Compass students and students w/o an assigned PE period will also take the ISA during session 1.
- Session 2: Juniors with a PE Class during periods 1-4 will take the Illinois Science Assessment in the Sports Complex during periods 5-8.
Session & Section assignments have been emailed to all Juniors and their parents.
For sample questions please go to: https://teach-isa.ileducates.org/practicetest.
Remember to update and charge your Chromebook before test day.
Save The Date
- March 15: Fox Valley College Fair-Kane County Fairgrounds
- May 10: Senior Honors Night-NCAC
- May 22: Graduation-NIU Convocation Center
Did You Miss the Spring Into College Event?
Julie Nelson
Assistant Dean of Admission
Xavier University
630-299-9669
Save the Date for Your Counselor Meetings
- Counselors will be meeting with the Sophomore Class on 3/22 or 3/23 via their English classes to discuss career options and to complete the Strengths Explorer career assessment in Naviance.
- Counselors will be meeting with the Junior Class on 4/26 & 4/27 via their Modern American History/AP US History classes to discuss their postsecondary plans and the college application process.
Seal of Biliteracy
St. Charles CUSD 303 is proud to offer the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy to our students which recognizes high school students who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more other languages. Any student interested in attaining the Seal of Biliteracy (or Commendation toward Biliteracy) should complete the registration form and payment on Pushcoin by March 17. Students who qualify for financial assistance are exempt from the test registration fees.
Es un orgullo para el Distrito Escolar de la Unidad Comunitaria 303 de St. Charles ofrecer a nuestros estudiantes el Sello de Alfabetización Bilingüe, el cual es un reconocimiento para los estudiantes de la preparatoria que han demostrado un alto nivel de dominio del inglés y de otros idiomas. Cualquier estudiante interesado en obtener el Sello de Alfabetización Bilingüe (o el Reconocimiento hacia la Alfabetización Bilingüe) debe completar el formulario de inscripción y realizar el pago a través de PushCoin a más tardar el 17 de marzo. Los estudiantes que califican para recibir ayuda financiera están exentos de pagar las cuotas de inscripción para los exámenes.
Spring PSAT/SAT
All Juniors will be taking the state-sponsored SAT with Essay on April 12, 2023. This is a state and district graduation requirement. The Makeup date for the SAT is April 25, 2023. Juniors who don't take the SAT this spring will have to take it next spring before they graduate.
Sophomores will be taking the state-sponsored PSAT 10 and Freshmen will take the PSAT 9 on April 12th as well. Makeup dates for the PSAT 9 & 10 will be determined after the initial test date. Seniors will have a non-attendance day.
The next step in preparing for your April test date is to link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts, unlocking a free PSAT/SAT study plan. Linking these accounts will give you access to a personalized experience on Official SAT Practice.
More information and resources about testing can be found on the CCR Website’s SAT & ACT Information page. See your counselor with any questions.
College Board Student Search Service
The College Board Student Search Service allows students to connect with a wide range of opportunities to better understand what they want to do after high school. When students join Student Search, they can receive information from colleges and scholarship programs on majors, campus life, and ways to make college more affordable. See the linked flyer for more information.
Important Tip: If you are creating an account or updating an existing account, be sure to use a personal email address instead of your school email address to prevent issues with future access to your account.
FAFSA Graduation Requirement-Update: 74% of the Class of 2023 has met the requirement
P. A. 101-180 requires all Illinois public high school students to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid (Alternative Application) as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. Additionally, high schools are expected to provide students and their families with any support or guidance necessary to comply with the requirement. For students who choose not to file an application, a waiver may be completed by their parent. The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) makes available through their website a FAFSA Nonparticipation Form (English and Spanish) for this purpose. Check out our FAFSA Update for more information.
Compass Academy
Are you looking for a school that offers:
- the chance to join a small learning community?
- a choice and voice in learning activities?
- opportunities to explore career pathways?
- project-based seminars with hands-on learning?
- a flexible schedule with a later start or earlier end to the day?
If any of these criteria match your academic goals or vision for school, Compass Academy could be an excellent option for you. Compass Academy students can choose to attend either part-time or full-time at Compass, and they still have access to courses, sports, activities, and events at St. Charles East/North as well.
If you would like to attend a tour at Compass, please complete this form and someone from Compass will contact you soon.
Job Shadow Program
The City of St. Charles is offering a career pathway job shadow program to St. Charles high school students interested in exploring a career in municipal government. You may schedule up to three different job shadow experiences per school year, during which you can explore work sites, ask questions, see demonstrations, and learn about education and certifications. Students will be responsible for transportation to and from the City. The date, time, and length of the job shadow will be scheduled outside of school hours directly with the City’s job shadow program coordinator. Please return your completed registration form to Mr. Matt Gill in the College & Career Office.
ICATT Apprenticeship Program
Now is the time for high school seniors to apply for the ICATT Apprenticeship Program. Check out the opportunities below to learn more.
ICATT Apprenticeship Program Benefits:
- Earn while you learn & receive a debt-free AAS degree at one of our partner colleges
- 3 or 2 years of coordinated college and work
- Application of skills learned in college to real-world situations
- 2-year job guarantee upon successful completion
Virtual ICATT Apprenticeship Program Info Sessions in 2023
Join us for our upcoming Virtual Info Sessions to learn more about the various opportunities with the ICATT Apprenticeship Program:
March 15, 5:30pm - Register here
Illinois workNet
Young adults 16-24 needing additional assistance gaining work experience, employment, identifying and starting a career, or furthering their educational goals to complete a certificate or credential may contact the Kane, Kendall and Dekalb County Network of Service Providers or Program Manager Suzanne Markin at 630-762-2076/ MarkinSuzanne@countyofkane.org
Illinois State Tuition Waiver Combine
This is an event where High School students conduct a physical assessment and interview to compete for a one-year tuition waiver at any Illinois public university, with only the requirement to attend ROTC 100-level course. This is not a contract to join ROTC.
All Illinois state universities will be represented on March 11th. This is a great opportunity for students to come look into ROTC as an option for college, as a number of active-duty and national guard representatives will be on hand to conduct the interviews.
The event is free to attend and there is no limit on students, the only requirement is to provide your own transportation (parking for a fee is available at UIC). To sign up, send your information (name, HS, and desired schools) to CPT Hernandez-- andreh@uic.edu. Parents are welcome to tour the facility and program too. See the flyer below for more information.
College & Career Events
Upcoming Events:
Date: Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Location: Virtual
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
This presentation is a practical discussion regarding the transition to college; particularly behaviors and characteristics that will help assure the transition is a smooth one. The presentation covers common college resources, essential knowledge/skills, and important logistical information.
College Visits-In Person & Virtual
Virtual campus visits are an excellent way to learn more about prospective colleges and universities. These visits can be a precursor to an in-person visit over the summer or in the fall. Virtual campus tour websites are listed below:
All virtual and in-person meetings will be in the LRC (unless otherwise noted) and students must obtain a pass from the Office of College and Career Readiness at least one day prior to attending. This pass then should be signed by the teacher of the class for that period. While we encourage students to attend these meetings, please note that what is happening in the classroom is more important. Teachers may deny the request to miss class if they feel it is in the student’s best interest to be in attendance.
If you have a conflict with a college visit, please email Patty.Hofer@d303.org for the college rep's contact information.
For Scheduled Virtual Visits: Click the link to enter the live virtual conference with a college rep. For the full listing go to the College Visit page on the CCR Website.
Upcoming Visits:
March 14th @ 7:20/1st period - University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy in St. Louis (MO)
March 14th @ 1:34/8th period - Yale University (CT)
March 15th @ 8:13/2nd period - Saint Mary's College (IN)
March 15th @ 9:09/3rd period - The University of Tampa (FL)
March 15th @ 10:55/5th period - University of Mississippi (MS)
March 15th @ 11:48/6th period - Calvin University (MI)
March 15th @ 1:34/8th period - University of Wisconsin-Stout (WI)
March 16th @ 10:55/5th period - University of Kentucky (KY)
March 22nd @ 9:41/4th Period - Marquette University ( WI)
March 23rd @ 11:48/6th period - Niagara University (NY)
Scholarships
Information for local scholarships and select national scholarships is available in the College and Career Office and through the scholarship listing on the CCR website. This list will continue to grow throughout the school year.
The HardyStrong Memorial Scholarship
The HardyStrong Memorial Scholarship
The HardyStrong Memorial Scholarship will award a $1,000 (renewable up to 4 years) to one or more graduating seniors who will be competing in collegiate athletics. Justin Hardy was an involved and admired member of the STCE community. He continued his basketball career at DIII Washington University in St. Louis, valuing both his sport and his academics. Justin harnessed impressive strength and determination while pursuing his goals and impacting the world after being diagnosed with Stage IV Stomach Cancer. Scholarship recipients will share Justin’s grit and commitment. The scholarship application includes academic information, extracurricular involvement, and a 300-500 word essay reflecting on Justin’s legacy. Scholarship recipients will be announced on Senior Honors Night. Completed applications must be submitted electronically to jacquelinehardy.m@gmail.com and nahardy@iu.edu by March 24th, 2023.
The PTO Senior Awards
The Hull-Miller Memorial Scholarship
The Hull-Miller Memorial Scholarship
The Hull-Miller Memorial Scholarship will award a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior boy and one graduating senior girl who played soccer for the Saints in the 2022-2023 season. The player did not have to play Varsity. No minimum grade point average is required. If you played soccer for the Saints and are graduating, please apply. Applicants must have applied to at least one college, vocational school, or other post high school institution. Each applicant must write one 300–500-word essay (can be handwritten or typed) that explains what being a Saints soccer player means to you and how the relationships you formed as a result of being a part of the program will help you throughout the rest of your life. Scholarship winners will be announced at the Senior Awards Night. The scholarship may be used by the winner for any college-related expenses. The scholarship application must be submitted by Tuesday, April 4, 2023. All parts of the application must be emailed to Clint Hull at hullclint@att.net or mailed to 3725 Deville Lane, St. Charles, IL 60175. If mailed, applications must be postmarked by Tuesday, April 4, 2023.STCE Athletic Booster Scholarship
STCE Athletic Booster Scholarship
The St. Charles East High School Athletic Boosters will award four $1,500 scholarships to graduating seniors from the Class of 2022. Applicants for these scholarships must have participated in a sport or support activity (Marching Band or Sports Medicine) for at least two years. Applicants must rank in the upper one-half of the Senior class at the end of the seventh semester. Applicants must have applied to at least one college, vocational school, or other post high school institution. Applicants will be judged on leadership, character, school and community service, academic achievement, and activities. Applications and support materials must be postmarked by Tuesday, April 4, 2023 or hand-delivered to the Main Office by 2:00 pm on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.Thomas J. McBride Memorial Scholarship
Thomas J. McBride Memorial Scholarship
This is a $1,000 fine arts scholarship opportunity. Interested students can pick up applications in the CCR Office. Please note that applicants must write an essay of no more than 200 words explaining why the applicant should receive this prestigious award. Return completed application materials to the CCR Office by Wednesday, April 5, 2023.Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship
Tyler Brett Caruso Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship was established in memory of Tyler Brett Caruso, a student of St. Charles East High School who died unexpectedly in 2002. Tyler was a student leader, athlete, musician, and community activist. The criteria for the $1,000 scholarship is evidence of exemplary achievements in many of the following areas: academics, athletics, student leadership and school service, music, along with community leadership and service. Students must complete an application and provide a copy of their high school transcript with two letters of recommendation and a completed essay. Please visit the website for more information. Applications are due by April 15, 2023.College & Career Readiness Team
Website: https://sites.google.com/d303.org/stcharleseast--collegecareer/home
Location: 1020 Dunham Road, St. Charles, IL, USA
Phone: 331-228-5538
Twitter: @STCECCR