Freshmen Monthly News
MD Guidance & Counseling - October 2017
9th Grade Monarchs
This month, we have our All School Annual Testing Day on Wednesday October 11th, when you will be taking the Practice PSAT 8/9.
Read on to find out more and see our other reminders!
Practice PSAT 8/9
Mater Dei’s Annual Testing Day is Wednesday, October 11th, which is a minimum day.
The freshmen will take the Practice PSAT 8/9 in their homerooms. On the day of the test, please plan to arrive at school early so you have time to check your classroom location at the LeVecke. The counselors visited your English classrooms last month to share this information.
The PSAT 8/9 tests the same skills and knowledge as the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT—in a way that makes sense for ninth graders. It measures what you're already learning, shows whether you're on track for college, and lets you know where you need the most improvement.
This practice test is just practice--no schools will receive your scores. It is meant to introduce you to the structure of the test, provide a gauge of how you would score, and show your areas of strength and improvement. Doing your best will help you prepare for your official college admissions testing. The counselors will be returning your scores in January.
Please bring number 2 pencils, an eraser, and a calculator. You may also bring a watch (not a smartwatch) to help you with keeping track of time. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep and try your best!
Office Hours
The Guidance Office is a quiet space for peer tutoring this year. It is also a time you can meet with your counselor.
Get Involved
High school is a great time to explore your interests, discover your talents, build your skills, and learn to lead! Colleges are looking for well-rounded individuals who demonstrate involvement & leadership.
Join clubs or an athletic program, or participate in one of MD's volunteer opportunities. Click here for all our clubs. We have Social, Humanitarian/Awareness, Educational, Sports, and Honors Clubs as well as Academic Teams.
Excel in Classes
* Regularly check Blackboard and Aeries
* Build a habit of turning things in on time and complete, check your grades to see your progress
* Visit your teachers during Office Hour--Ask a question if there is anything you need! (Our teachers are awesome but they still haven't mastered reading your minds...)
* Try the Academic Assistance Program (AAP), free after school tutoring
Serve the Community
As a reminder, your first 10 hours of Christian Service must be completed and turned into Mrs. Hopkins, in the Campus Ministry office, by Monday November 27, 2017. Here is a link to our Christian Service Program webpage, which includes FAQs and upcoming opportunities.
If you love to serve, Mater Dei honors students who complete 400+ hours by their senior year with a Christian Service Program Cord.