JHS Counselor Connection
October Edition
Keeping You Informed
In this Issue:
- Filing the FAFSA
- What do you want to be when you grow up - Career Interest Surveys
- Student No Mark-Pass/Fail Grading Update
- Mental Health Minute
- New JHS Virtual Calming Room
- AP Fees Deadline
- Student Picture Day Reminder
- Seniors: Book your senior meeting with your counselor!
- Important Student Deadlines
- PSAT Registration
- Upcoming Virtual College Visits
- Resource Guide: Frequently Asked Questions and Helpful Links at the click of a button
FAFSA
The federal government has a form called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) used to qualify students for financial aid.
This form is sent to each school you list so those schools can award financial aid based on your family's financial situation. State governments may also use the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for state aid. The form needs to be filled out (by you and your parents) every year you want to be considered for financial aid.
The enrollment period opens October 1st, 2020 and awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Our office recommends that you apply as soon as you are able in order to give your student the best chance at receiving aid.
Please use this link to learn more specifics about the FAFSA.
Please reference the below video "7 Easy Steps to the FAFSA. " This helpful checklist will also guide you through the steps required to complete the application.
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up?
The JHS College & Career Planning website (featured below) is also a wonderful resource for students and families to research for guidance on life after high school.
Goshen College: What should I major in?
College Board Major & Career Research Tool
JHS College & Career Planning Website
Topics Include:
* Transcripts
* Apprenticeships
* Military
* Financial Aid- FAFSA
* Scholarships
* Career Planning Resources
* & many more!
Student No Mark-Pass/Fail Grading Update
In the spring semester of 2020, our school district (per The Department of Education) provided students the opportunity to choose a Pass/No Mark as an alternative to a letter grade.
The Department of Education indicated that students who chose to have a NM would have the ability to make up work from the spring in order to move to a P or a letter grade during the fall semester of 2020.
The process outlined below meets the requirements of the Department of Education, and allows JHS the ability to track students who request to move from a NM to a P or letter grade.
The Process
- Make-up work must be completed and turned in no later than Jan. 12, 2021
- Student contacts their current JHS counselor
- Student completes the assignments needed for passing mark
- Make-up work meets the required proficiencies
- Work could be completed during class (if applicable) or before/after school
- Final grade is reported to the JHS Counseling office and the student transcript will be updated accordingly
Please note that students who were marked as QA (Quit Attending) for a DMACC Concurrent (Dual) Enrollment course in the spring semester are not eligible for this process. The student would need to re-enroll in the DMACC course and complete competencies not attained.
Questions should be directed to the JHS Counseling Office at 278.0779 or mindy.johannsen@jdragonmail.us
Mental Health Minute
Grief & Self-Care During the COVID 19 Pandemic:
Register today for the Webinar scheduled for Thursday, October 8th at 6:00 PM
Stress experienced during the COVID 19 pandemic has changed our way of life and forced many to face new challenges. The webinar will provide an overview of the impact that profound personal losses suffered during the COVID 19 pandemic has had on many and suggest strategies that can be utilized to facilitate mourning as well as promote self-care, wellness and resiliency.
Topics Covered
- Understanding Personal Grief & Loss
- COVID 19 & Loss Experiences
- Coping with Grief and Loss
- Grief Complications
- Self-Care, Wellness & Resiliency Strategies
All registrants will be asked to take a short, confidential survey before the webinar. This survey will help us understand and respond to participants’ experiences with loss during these challenging times. The link to the survey will be sent by separate email at the end of September.
Please register ahead of time for this online event using this link:
PRESENTER:
Thomas Demaria, Ph.D., Psychologist, National Center for School Crisis & Bereavement, Coalition to Support Grieving Students
JHS Virtual Calming Room
When you need a break from an Edmentum lesson, want to stop and stretch for a moment, or need access to mental health resources - the JHS Counseling Office is here for you!
We know this has been a challenging year as we experience a global pandemic, social justice issues, and learn a new online curriculum. We are here to continue providing you with academic, social-emotional, and college & career support.
The JHS Virtual Calming Room is a space where you will be able to find helpful tools and resources to cope with the stress of everyday life.
Take some time for yourself and enjoy our new site by clicking here or on the Virtual Calming Room photo on the left!
AP Exams at JHS
Please note: The last day to pay for AP Exams for 1st Semester AP Classes is Friday, October 30th.
Click on this link or the AP Exams photo on the right to learn more specific information.
Smile! Picture Day Reminder
Monday, October 5th, retakes November 30th - purple learners
Thursday, October 8th, retakes December 3rd – gold learners
Online learners with the last name A – K should attend on October 5th from 1:45 – 3:00.
Online learners with the last name L – Z should attend on October 8th from 1:45 – 3:00.
Pictures will be in the Auxiliary gym. Purple and gold learners will be called to the gym by alphabet during the day. Online learners need to enter door #3 on the South side of the gym complex, no parents or guests will be allowed with them.
Attention SENIORS: Have you scheduled your Senior Meeting?
All Seniors are strongly encouraged to schedule their Senior meeting in the month of September with their counselor. Topics covered in this meeting include:
- Career & College Planning
- Transcript Requests
- College Application
- Reviewing High School Coursework
- Financial Aid Information
- How to file the FAFSA
- Scholarship Application
Students will meet with the counselor in person during their scheduled time and parents are welcome to attend via Zoom. Refer to the bottom of the newsletter for information on how to book a meeting with your counselor!
Check out the Senior Student Newsletter that we will update all year long with the most up-to-date info!
Important Student Deadlines
Last Day to Drop a DMACC Dual Enrollment Class without a W on transcript: Friday, October 9th
Last Day to Drop a DMACC Dual Enrollment Class without an F on transcript: Friday, November 6
Last Day to Pay for AP Exams for 1st Semester AP Classes: Friday, October 30th
Last day to Pay for PSAT Exam: Friday, October 9th (See below to register for this exam.)
Preliminary SAT (PSAT) National Merit Scholarship Program
What: Read this Parent & Student Resource Guide for more information.
When: Wednesday, October 14th from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM (arrive by 7:45AM)
Why: Used as a qualifying first-step to be considered for a National Merit Scholarship
Where: JHS (Testing Room/s TBD)
Click here or on the form below register for the PSAT. Payment and registration are due Friday, October 9th @ 3:00PM
Upcoming Virtual College Visits
Every month, we have admissions representatives from colleges in Iowa and around the nation visit JHS. Students can register to meet with these college representatives through their Naviance account. All meetings will now take place via zoom. If you have registered for the visit, you will receive the zoom link 15 minutes BEFORE the scheduled zoom time.
See our entire college visit calendar by clicking here.
Thu October 1, 2020 11:30 AM
Thu October 1, 2020 12:15 PM
Fri October 2, 2020 11:00 AM
Fri October 2, 2020 12:20 PM
Mon October 5, 2020 12:20 PM
Mon October 5, 2020 2:00 PM
Tue October 6, 2020 11:00 AM
Tue October 6, 2020 12:20 PM
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Tue October 6, 2020 2:00 PM
Eastern Connecticut State University
Thu October 8, 2020 11:30 AM
University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Thu October 8, 2020 12:15 PM
Fri October 9, 202011:00 AM
Northwestern University
Fri October 9, 2020 2:00 PM
Fri October 9, 2020 12:20 PM
Tue October 13, 202011:00 AM
Tue October 13, 2020 12:20 PM
Tue October 13, 2020 2:00 PM
Belmont Abbey College
Thu October 15, 2020 11:30 AM
October 15, 2020 12:15 PM
Fri October 16, 2020 11:00 AM
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Mon October 19, 2020 2:00 PM
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Tue October 20, 2020 2:00 PM
Tue October 20, 2020 11:00 AM
Iowa State University
Fri October 23, 2020 11:00 AM
Hofstra University
Fri October 23, 2020 12:20 PM
Simpson College
Mon October 26, 2020 2:00 PM
Indian Hills Community College
Thu October 29, 2020 11:30 AM
Johnston High School Counseling Office
Speaking with one of our counselors is easy and just a click away. Tap on the counselor's name to schedule a time today!
Email: mindy.johannsen@johnston.k12.ia.us
Website: https://www.johnstoncsd.org/school/johnston-high-school/student-resources/counseling/
Location: 6500 Northwest 100th Street, Johnston, IA, USA
Phone: 515-278-0779
Student Last Names Di-Ho (Juniors & Seniors)