ON Student Services Newsletter
December 2020
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Late Start/Early Release
SENIORS: If you would like to have 1-2 hours of early release or late start 2nd semester, you will need to apply by December 11. This includes students who have early release or late start 1st semester. To apply, fill out the form here, and make sure that your parent or guardian returns the form to your counselor by email before the deadline.
The Olathe Advanced Technical Center is now accepting applications for next year’s programs. This year we will be doing a virtual tour instead of in person. After you have taken the tour, fill out the online application for 2021-2022 school year. Take your time and be thorough when answering questions and remember there are 5 high schools vying for a spot at OATC. There is limited space and some programs fill up faster than others, so don’t delay.
VIRUAL TOUR
Below you will find the link for the OATC Virtual Tour. There are 122 slides. Some will explain the application process, and some can be skipped so you view only the program(s) you are interested in applying to.
APPLICATION
The applications are now open with the link below and can also be found on the OATC home page.
Applications will remain "live" until midnight of December 15th, 2020.
From Ms. Taylor, College Advisor
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- The 2021-2022 FAFSA is now open!
- What is the FAFSA?
- FAFSA Steps
- FSA ID Steps
- FAFSA Document Checklist
Scholarship Info:
- TEST-OPTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS- K-State, KU and many other colleges are providing scholarships to students without an ACT or SAT score.
- OPS Foundation Scholarships- NOW OPEN! bit.ly/opsscholarships
- bit.ly/onscholarships2020
- Bigfuturecollegeboard.org
- Olatheschools.org/scholarships
- Hdfkc.org/scholarships
- Collegegreenlight.com
December Senior Newsletter: https://sites.google.com/view/onccc/newsletter
Schedule Virtual Meeting with Ms. Taylor: bit.ly/ONCCC
College Rep Resource Center
If you are interested in exploring various colleges and connecting with representatives, check out Olathe West's College Rep. Center. College reps provide 2-3 minute videos giving basic information about their schools. From this site, you can connect directly to the college webpages and representatives. Thanks to OW for sharing this great resource!
Scholarship Corner
Edison Scholars Program- $40,000-30 Awards (Deadline: December 14, 2020)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be a high school senior with at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA, plan to pursue studies in the STEM fields at a four-year accredited college or university and show financial need. Eligible STEM majors include computer and information systems, engineering, engineering technology, management information systems, mathematics, natural resources and conservation and physical sciences.
Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/13965/edison
You Deserve It Scholarship-$1,000-1 Award (Deadline: December 29, 2020)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a resident of any of the 50 United States, District of Columbia or US Territories.
- Be 16 years of age or older and be enrolled in college or registered in a high school.
Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/15589
CC Bank’s Young Scholars Scholarship-$2,000-5 Awards (Deadline: December 31, 2020)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a US resident under the age of 30 that carries a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarhips.org/scholarship/13729
Ron Brown Scholarships Program-$40,000-10 awards (Deadline: January 9,2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be U. S. citizens or permanent residents, Black/African American and current high school seniors.
- Demonstrate academic achievement, leadership ability and participate in community service activities.
Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9535
Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship-$5,000-39 Awards (Deadline: January 15, 2021)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must:
- Be a high school senior who is a US citizen and planning a career of service to the US in local, state, or federal government.
Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/10091
December Virtual Rep. Visits
Pre-register for a Virtual Visit here.
12/8- The University of Alabama
12/9- Park University
12/10- Friends University
12/15- Northwest Missouri State University
12/16- Baker University
12/17- Salve Regina University
Rep Visits will be from 3:15-4:00pm.
ACT Tip of the Month
ORDER YOUR ATTACK
Remember that every question is worth the same amount. Questions are not arranged in order of difficulty. If you do not understand a question, then skip it and come back later if time allows. Do not let a question you understand freak you out. Circle it and move on. Confidence is very important on the ACT. This is particularly important on the math test.
ACT Prep Winter Opportunity
If you are taking the ACT in February, including the free ACT offered to Juniors, please consider doing some prep before you take the test. Research shows that preparing for the test can raise your composite score 3 points and sometimes more! Remember-the more practice you do the more comfortable you will be on test day.
ACT Prep, Inc. is hosting a virtual prep class for Olathe North students January 4th and 5th from 8:30-11:30 both days. They are offering $20 off the class (class would be $75 normally $95) if you register by December 21st. This is a great opportunity since school does not start until January 6th.
Register at: http://actprep.info/olathenorth
We are hoping to host a free ACT prep class to North students in February, but due to COVID restrictions we are waiting to schedule. More information to come after break.
ACT Testing Information
Who should take the ACT?
Any student planning on attending a 4-year university. Many schools have waived the ACT scores for the class of 2021 however, it is still required for many scholarships at universities. It is unclear at this time, what will be decided for the class of 2022.
When should I start taking the ACT?
We recommend starting by the end of Sophomore year. The June test is a great test to get started in the process. For an additional $20 students can get a copy of the test booklet and their answers about a month after they take the test. This is a great learning tool to see areas where you need to make improvements. The test information release is offered for the April, June, and December tests.
Most students will take the ACT 3 times. We also recommend being finished by the end of the summer before Senior year in taking the test. The ACT is offered in June, July, September, October, December, and April each year.
What should you do to get ready for the test?
Practice! Research has shown the more you look at the test and prepare the better you will do. We also recommend taking a prep test.
How does a student register for the ACT?
Students will need to register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org. They will need to set up an account to register and pay for an exam. Students on free/reduced lunches can talk to a counselor and use an ACT waiver for 2 free exams. This account will be where students will check their testing location and confirm their registration.
Transcripts
All official transcripts must be requested through Xello. Please see instructions below:
Mental Health Minute
The H.E.L.P. Clinic's goal is to support Olathe parents and students with the education and training opportunities that will have a positive impact on the quality of a student's educational experiences and life, and Help Each Live Productively.
View the H.E.L.P. Clinic brochure in English (PDF)
View the H.E.L.P. Clinic brochure in Spanish (PDF)
Any situation that causes an interruption in the learning process is a serious educational concern. Students who are finding school difficult because of poor study skills, adjustment concerns, or relationships with others can find help through the clinic. Parents who want to learn more effective ways of encouraging and motivating children in school can also turn to the clinic.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is a service provided by the Olathe Public Schools. All services are free of charge to any student enrolled in the Olathe Public Schools, either in a remote environment or onsite.
- Individual and family counseling consists of short-term counseling (six sessions) for students and their families.
- Small group counseling with other grade-level or near grade-level peers serve those who would thrive learning and growing from a group structure. Groups would meet for six sessions.
- Play therapy is a technique where the child's natural means of expression, namely play, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with stress or life difficulties. Play therapy is used effectively at the H.E.L.P. Clinic with children ages 5 to 8 years old. Play therapy may not be used with every child and is available on a limited basis.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is staffed by professional school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and other school-based mental health providers. All clinicians are Olathe Public Schools employees or retired employees who have an active license in school mental health. These accredited and experienced professionals have a sincere interest in assisting students and families to better deal with challenges that impact students' abilities to achieve educational success.
Enrollment information is available in the brochure mentioned above.
The clinic is located in the Mill Creek Campus, 300 E. Loula Street, Olathe, Kansas. The phone number is 913-780-7049 and the email is HelpClinic@olatheschools.org.
Olathe North Student Services Team
Angie Wartick (Last Names A-E): mawartick@olatheschools.org
Nicole Etherton (Last Names F-L): nmetherton@olatheschools.org
Tammie Milke (Last Names M-Q): tmilkeon@olatheschools.org
Carrie Parazin (Last Names R-Z): cnparazin@olatheschools.org
Rachel Gunderson (IEP, KSD, and International Students): rmgunderson@olatheschools.org
Brionna Taylor (College Advisor): bstaylor@olatheschools.org
Molly Askew (Student Wellness Advocate): msaskew@olatheschools.org
Erin Davis (School Psychologist): edavison@olatheschools.org
Matt Sidarous (School Psychologist): msidarouson@olatheschools.org
Kelley Hull (Social Worker): kfhull@olatheschools.org
Ben Mustain (Social Worker): Bmmustain@olatheschools.or
Emergency Resources
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255, Text: 741741
Johnson County Resource Connection: https://ims.jocogov.org/rc/default.aspx