Counseling 411
April 2017 (Volume XXXV)
AP Exams
How Do I Get My Scores?
During the month of April, all juniors and designated seniors completed the school administered SAT/MME tests. Completion of these tests is a Livonia Public Schools diploma requirement. Freshmen and sophomores completed the PSAT-9 and PSAT-10.
Scores from these tests should be available in mid- late May. Students can access their scores through their college board account. Please visit https://studentscores.collegeboard.org/home for more information and to access scores. If you have not created a college board account, please see your counselor.
Teach Girls Bravery; Not Perfection
To Work or Not To Work?
Working while in high school has both benefits and drawbacks. If students and their families plan well, taking on a part-time job while still in high school can have numerous benefits and help develop skills necessary for the future. So, what are some of the pros and cons of working while in high school?
Why You Should Start Filling Out Applications:
Time Management- Part of growing up is having a schedule and learning how to manage it. Working while in school may allow your student to understand what it takes to juggle multiple areas such as work, school, sports/activities, family, etc. Accountability and responsibility come into play.
Work Ethic- Do you show up to work on time? Are you trust-worthy to consumers, co-workers or your boss? Are you able to stay focused and demonstrate that you care about the work you are doing? Without ever having a job, students may not even be aware of what positive work ethic looks like or what it is until they are in a job setting.
Greater Appreciation for Money (and earning it!)- The realization that money is earned is an important lesson that many do not learn until they have a job of their own. The value of money may hold more weight if it is earned and not taken for granted. Earning a paycheck will also introduce students to choices surrounding: saving vs. spending, perspective of what "things" are worth and responsibility in dealing with money.
Communication/Interpersonal/Critical Thinking Skills-Being able to effectively communicate (and get along with) bosses, co-workers, and consumers/patrons who may have different viewpoints, come from various backgrounds/walks of life, etc. is integral in most job settings. It's also something that requires exposure and practice. According to an article from Forbes.com, the two key traits that employers are looking for are: effective communication skills and real world critical thinking skills. (https://www.forbes.com/sites/robertfarrington/2014/05/28/the-two-key-traits-employers-need-from-todays-college-graduates/#3118dbc236e2?)
Students need to be able to articulate and problem solve. How do they learn to do this? Experience, opportunity and practice.
Why You May Want To Wait To Work:
Increased Stress- Stress can be both positive and negative. For some, the added stress of a job brings upon negative stress.Students already have a lot to focus on: school, family, sports/activities; so adding in a job often becomes too much for a student to handle. Keeping up with school and studies requires it's fair share of energy and concentration, right? For this reason alone, it's important to assess if taking on an additional responsibility is really worth it. If a job begins monopolizing too much time, schoolwork, sleep and other areas of importance then perhaps working may not be the best decision.
Distraction from Academics- Meeting graduation requirements, earning good grades, completing homework, etc. is often challenging enough for students without adding something else into the mix. For many, school/academics are the primary focus while in high school. The addition of a job becomes a distraction to schoolwork and schoolwork ends up taking a back seat. Students may become too tired or unfocused, lack concentration resulting in low test scores/homework completion, etc.
Enjoy Being a Kid- There's plenty of time to come for being an adult. For many of us, once we start working, we will work for the rest of our lives. Isn't high school the final stepping stone before kids become...(drum beat please) ADULTS?!? Enjoy it while it lasts.
Work Permits
How to obtain a Work Permit:
Work Permits are available in the Counseling Office or on our website. http://stevenson.livoniapublicschools.org/guidance/work_permits/ *There are different forms depending on age of the student; please pay attention to which form is appropriate. Follow the directions carefully (hint: permits must be printed on pink paper (under 16) or yellow paper (ages 16-17).
The State of Michigan has changed the maximum number of work hours for students age 16 and 17 while attending school. Students age 16 and 17 may work up to 24 hours per week (with 30 hours of school classes.)
Minors in the State of Michigan who wish to work must first complete a work permit. This work permit must be completed by the employer, the worker, and then verified by the Superintendent’s designee. The work permit, once signed, is to be kept with the employer for as long as the minor work.
The process is simple.
- All students must have employers complete the middle portion of the form, which includes a job description, location of the business, hours to work, and a signature.
- The student must bring the form in person (with an ID) to the guidance office secretary OR the main office secretary for completion. Since the students are the workers, the students must be present to be issued the work permit. No exception can be made to this State of Michigan requirement.
Livonia Youth Employment
Interested in finding a job but don't know where to look? The city of Livonia Youth Employment Resource Center makes it fast and easy to locate which jobs are available and find the one that's right for you. Whether it's a job in retail, food service, parks and recreation, there is something for everyone! Lists are updated weekly, so check back often!
What Do Current Students Have to Say?
Senior Signing Day
What is your future? Joining a branch of the military? Taking a GAP Year to volunteer or travel? Are you headed out-of-state to college? Or are you staying in-state for college? Have you already secured your dream job? Maybe you will be starting your Apprenticeship. Whatever your destination after graduation will be – we want to celebrate that destination with you during Senior Signing Day 2017.
We will call groups of seniors to J Hall during second hour on May 2nd to place your name on a Destination Board. There will be over 20 Destination Boards in J hall outside the North and South Cafeteria just waiting for you to add your name. Come down, find your board, add your name and enjoy the excitement of success with your peers.
Each senior will be given a white label a day or two before Senior Signing Day and we ask that you write your name on the label and when your group is called please travel to J Hall to place that label on the Destination Board that represents you. As we get closer to May 2nd look for more information about this event in either your second or third hour class. And continue to listen to the morning announcements for information as well.
We are looking forward to celebrating you on Tuesday, May 2nd!!
** Seniors that attend the Career Center during first and second hour be sure to join us immediately after your return from the Career Center. Simply stop by J hall before going to your third hour to put your name on a Destination Board.
***This is a senior only event