Counselor Connection
La Canada High School
The Home Stretch
Motivation
noun |mo·ti·va·tion| \ˌmō-tə-ˈvā-shən\
According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary, motivation is the act or process of giving someone a reason for doing something; the condition of being eager to act or work; or a force or influence that causes someone to do something.
But what does it mean to be “self” motivated? Self-motivated people work from an internal drive to meet their goals, rather than rely on external motivators, such as a teacher, a paycheck, a coach, etc. When we rely upon external motivators, it can sometimes become all too easy to blame others if we do not achieve the goal we set out to achieve, or we might not really try to achieve the goal in the first place (Kevin McMullin from CollegeWise offers up his thoughts on self-motivation HERE). Finding the internal drive to meet goals takes practice and confidence. The more you work on positive thinking about your abilities to meet (or get really close to meeting) your goals, the easier it is to be self-motivated. With the many stressors of your day, it can be hard to stay self-motivated, but the more you seek to work from within, the more meaningful your experiences will become. Self-motivation does not come easily or naturally for everyone, so spend some time practicing goal setting and positive thinking and you’ll gradually get better and better at being self-motivated!
To find out how self-motivated you are and for resources on how to achieve self-motivation, take the self-motivation quiz and explore the resources on the following website:
www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_57.htm
Speaking of stretching...
You’ve made it through the fall semester! Woohoo! Good job! In the spirit of stretching, we thought we’d offer up some rejuvenating stretches you can do at home to help both relax and awaken your spirit. VIRABHADRASANA (Warrior I), STAR POSE, and SAVASANA were moves created by B. K. S. Iyengar, the founder of “Iyengar Yoga.” Iyengar was practically a human pretzel, as seen in this footage from 1977. He would have celebrated his 97th birthday yesterday. For more information on B.K.S. Iyengar, see the special Google page dedicated to this yogi legend.
If you enjoyed these sample moves, you might consider joining Yoga Club at LCHS next semester. The club meets in the MPR during the student lunch hour every Friday.
We are not suggesting that we can all become human pretzels like Iyengar, but we do think that finding some type of physical activity that you enjoy can be a fun and healthy way to spend a few extra minutes of your day. If it is not yoga that you practice over the break, we hope you enjoy whatever activity you participate in!
*Pose descriptions and links retrieved from http://www.yogaoutlet.com/guides
Finals Week Schedule
MON, DEC 14th
Regular Schedule
Periods 0 - 6
TUES, DEC 15th
7:50-9:55 am Period 2 Exam
9:55-10:20 am Break
10:20-12:25 Period 5 Exam
12:25 –12:55 Lunch (not mandatory)
12:55-2:47 Study Period (not mandatory)
WED, DEC 16th
7:50-9:55 am Period 1 Exam
9:55-10:20 am Break
10:20-12:25 Period 6 Exam
12:25 – 12:55 Lunch (not mandatory)
12:55-2:47 Study Period (not mandatory)
THURS, DEC 17th
7:50-9:55 am Period 3 Exam
9:55-10:20 am Break
10:20-12:25 Period 4 Exam
12:25 – 12:55 Lunch (not mandatory)
12:55-2:47 Study Period (not mandatory)
FRI, DEC 18th
Teacher Work Day (No School)
Begin winter break and relaxation!
9th-11th Grade Announcements
The LCHS Student Showcase is coming up: February 4 in the IRC 4:30-6:00
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.
Official ACT
The next official ACT test date that’s open for registration is February 6th
Official SAT (current SAT) and Official SAT II Subject Test
Sign up for the January 23rd SAT exam. This will be the last time the current version is offered.
Are you wanting to learn interesting things from Claremont College students? Splash is a one-day weekend event (February 28th) 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. Ericson 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.
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
Challenge Day Opportunity
Seniors who have not already participated in Challenge Day have received an invitation and permission slip to participate this year. Deadline to submit permission slip and donation is this Thursday, December 17th. Seniors have priority if permission slip is submitted on time.
Last Minute College Apps and/or Changes to Your Naviance List
If you are applying to any last minute colleges, please be sure to tell your counselor PRIOR to3:15 p.m. on Thursday, 12/17, so that he or she can update your Naviance account, assist you with ordering transcripts, and send materials on your behalf. The office will be closed over winter break and counselors and office staff will not be checking email during the holiday, so it is important to inform your counselor of any changes PRIOR to winter break. We suggest informing your teacher recommenders of any changes as well. For tips on last minute college applications, click here: Five Tips For Completing Last Minute Apps
Last Minute Initial Transcripts
For any student who still needs to order INITIAL transcripts, please be sure to submit your request to Mrs. Waas, Registrar, by no later than Thursday, 12/17 at 1:00 p.m. Transcripts are $5 each. Click HERE to print the transcript request form. It is your responsibility to request transcripts.
Looking ahead to Mid-Year Transcripts
The end of the first semester is almost upon us, which means it is almost time for mid-year transcripts. A mid-year transcript is a transcript that includes all of your grades through the first semester of senior year. Schools on the Common Application REQUIRE a mid-year transcript; colleges outside of the Common Application will each have their own individual requirements, and therefore some may require it, some may not. You do not need to send a mid-year transcript to UC or CSU schools unless the school specifically requests it from you. Be sure to check your email and/or application portals DAILY.
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.
If you did not pre-order your mid-year transcripts, the counselors will be taking appointments when we return from winter break in January. Mid-years can be ordered during the window of January 4-15. 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 when we return in January.
Mid-year transcripts will be mailed once grades are finalized after winter break.
I was deferred from Early Action, so now what?
First of all, don't panic! There are some things you can do to stay on the radar at your early action schools, such as drafting a letter of interest, sending additional letters of rec (first check with the school to make sure they will accept them), sending updated test scores, grades and awards earned, visiting the campus to make sure it is still one of your top choices, etc., etc. This is also a good opportunity for you to make sure you are on track with your applications to your back-up schools. It is always good to have a solid "Plan B." While your early action school(s) might have been your top choice, we know you will end up at a school that meets all of your needs, even if it is a "plan B" school! For more tips on what to do when you've been deferred, please review the following links:
- https://www.petersons.com/college-search/waitlist-deferral-college-acceptance.aspx
- http://www.ivywise.com/newsletter_dec14_tips_for_students_who_were_deferred.html
- http://collegeapps.about.com/od/theartofgettingaccepted/tp/deferred.htm
APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)opens on January 1, 2016. www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Application are available online beginning January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 for the 2016-17 academic year. In California the priority filing deadline for both applications is March 2, 2016. Applying after March 2nd may reduce the availability of funding.
Financial Aid Night Part 2: Filling Out Your FAFSA will be on January 12, 2016 @ 6:30 p.m. at LCHS in the IRC and is intended for an audience of seniors and their parents who will be filing a FAFSA for the 2016-17 college term.
The LCHS Student Showcase is coming up: February 4 in the IRC 4:30-6:00
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
Are you wanting to learn interesting things from Claremont College students? Splash is a one-day weekend event (February 28th) 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
Scholarship Links
· http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca Click on the college tab, then click on scholarships. Mrs. Ericson 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.
· Quick scholarship reference sheet
· Financial Aid 411 (from Newsletter #13)
Important Dates:
· Winter Break: Dec. 18 through January 3. School resumes on Monday, January 4th.
· Make sure to submit all supplemental materials to your colleges. Test scores should be sent directly to the colleges from the ACT or SAT websites. Remember: colleges will review your scores and select the highest, therefore you need not stress about which scores to send.
· FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)opens on January 1, 2016. www.fafsa.ed.gov
· Financial Aid Night Part 2: Filling Out Your FAFSA will be on January 12, 2016 @ 6:30 p.m. at LCHS and is intended for an audience of seniors and their parents who will be filing a FAFSA for the 2016-17 college term
· Challenge Day: January 12-14 (no block schedule that week)
PLEASE HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON. SEE YOU IN THE NEW YEAR!
Counseling Corner Resources
LCHS has been talking about "Developmental Assets" including a recent staff training/refresher presented by Wendy Sinnette and Jim Cartnal
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