Viking Voice
Set a Course for Success on Your Vocational Voyage
Winter 2017 Edition
Counselor Chat
Preparation for High School:
Middle School Planning & Activity Timeline
The following lists are designed to help you prepare and plan for a successful high school experience. Remember it takes practice and repetition to build and form new habits and skills.
6th Grade
- Learn to use your planner and make it a habit to record assignments and activities for easy reference.
- Develop organization skills for keeping track of assignments and homework. (Ex. Use a different color notebook and matching folder for each subject or use a large binder divided into sections by subject.)
- Create an effective space to study that allows you to concentrate and focus on studying best, where the materials you need are easily accessible. Use the Study Environment Plan to assist you.
- Learn and develop time management skills. Use this Time Management Activity to determine how you currently use your time and look at ways to develop better time management skills.
- Build good study habits and work to develop study skills by determining how you learn best. Take the Learning Style Inventory to identify how you learn best. Then, check out the study skills tips based on your learning style, which are provided. For more information on learning styles, click here.
- Identify and utilize resources to assist you with your studies. These can include any or all of the following:
- Consult with and ask for assistance from parents/relatives, teachers, fellow students, & your school counselor.
- Look up information and instruction on the area you are studying by using Google or YouTube.
- Go to Khan Academy at https://www.khanacademy.org/.
- Use Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Homework Hotline - A free math and science tutoring service for Indiana students in grades 6-12. Call 877-ASK-ROSE (275-7673) or go to their website at https://askrose.org/.
- Check out more resources at http://blog.learningadvisor.com/15-free-online-study-tools-for-21st-century-learning/.
- Build a Growth Mindset and look at your mistakes and failures as opportunities to learn and grow your skills. (Parents & students grab some popcorn and watch this brief video, Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset. For additional information on a growth mindset, parents watch Carol Dweck's Power of YET TED Talk and students learn the power of "YET" by watching Katie Discovers the Incredible Power of YET!
- Be on time and attend school every day to avoid missing instruction and assignments.
- Get involved in an extracurricular activity and/or engage in a volunteer activity or community service project.
- Begin to explore careers and generate a list of possible options.
- Read and complete activities in the Learn More Magazine. Click here to access this magazine.
7th Grade
- Continue to build good study, time management and organization skills.
- Continue to identify and utilize resources to assist you with your studies. These can include any or all of the following:
- Consult with parents/relatives, teachers, fellow students, & your school counselor.
- Look up information and instruction on the area you are studying by using Google or YouTube.
- Go to Khan Academy at https://www.khanacademy.org/.
- Use Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Homework Hotline - A free math and science tutoring service for Indiana students in grades 6-12. Call 877-ASK-ROSE (275-7673) or go to their website at https://askrose.org/.
- Check out more resources at http://blog.learningadvisor.com/15-free-online-study-tools-for-21st-century-learning/.
- Continue to get involved in extracurricular activities and engage in volunteer activities and community service projects.
- Start thinking about and exploring occupations that interest you and talk to people who engage in these occupations to learn more about occupations of interest to you.
- Job shadow someone who is engaged in the occupation of interest to you. For job shadow tips, go to https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/job-shadowing-tips. For a list of questions to ask when you job shadow, click here.
- Talk to people who have attended a variety of post-secondary or post-high school colleges and programs to learn about their experiences.
- Start to save for your post-secondary education.
- Look into enrichment options that build on your interests, skills and abilities such as after school programs and summer camps.
- Work to improve your reading, writing, and math skills.
- Continue to explore careers and generate a list of possible options.
- Read and complete activities in the Learn More Magazine. Click here to access this magazine.
- Learn if you are eligible and apply for 21st Century Scholars program at http://scholars.in.gov/.
8th Grade
- Continue to build good study, time management and organization skills.
- Continue to identify and utilize resources to assist you with your studies. These can include any or all of the following:
- Consult with parents/relatives, teachers, fellow students, & your school counselor.
- Look up information and instruction on the area you are studying by using Google or YouTube.
- Go to Khan Academy at https://www.khanacademy.org/.
- Use Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Homework Hotline - A free math and science tutoring service for Indiana students in grades 6-12. Call 877-ASK-ROSE (275-7673) or go to their website at https://askrose.org/.
- Check out more resources at http://blog.learningadvisor.com/15-free-online-study-tools-for-21st-century-learning/.
- Continue to get involved in extracurricular activities and engage in volunteer activities and community service projects.
- Begin to think about your high school plan of study and courses you would like to take. Check out courses offered at VHS by clicking here and browsing courses offered by department.
- Review diploma requirements and set your diploma goal.
- Learn about Advanced Placement (AP) courses and other types of courses offered at VHS that can help you prepare for post-secondary options.
- Attend scheduled high school orientation and course scheduling meetings.
- Take an ACT Practice Test or SAT Practice Test to evaluate your English, reading, math and science skills. It's good practice and these scores are not viewed by post-secondary institutions.
- Use Khan Academy to practice and develop academic skills.
- Seek advice of counselors, teachers and parents as good sources of information about high school, colleges and careers.
- Continue to explore careers and generate a list of possible options.
- Read and complete activities in the Learn More Magazine. Click here to access this magazine.
- Complete another Job shadow of someone who is engaged in another occupation of interest to you. For job shadow tips, go to https://www.livecareer.com/quintessential/job-shadowing-tips. For a list of questions to ask when you job shadow, click here.
- Learn if you are eligible and apply for 21st Century Scholars program at http://scholars.in.gov/. The application deadline is June 30, 2018 for current 8th graders.
It is my hope that this timeline and the resources included will equip you with confidence and an understanding of the steps on your path as you journey into your future.
RESOURCES
7 Steps to Succeeding in Middle School
Sign-Up for Trip to College Alerts
The Trip to College Alerts help keep college and career planning on track, one text at a time. The alerts are for parents and students. Students should text the word "grad" plus their high school graduation year to 69979 to receive the Trip to College Alerts, which are free, grade-specific text reminders about test and application deadlines and other great tips for college and career readiness. For parents, text the word "grad" plus your child's high school graduation year to 69979 to receive the Trip to College Alerts.
**Fees may apply depending on your phone service plan.
PSAT 8 Scores & Information Meeting for Parents
Wednesday, Jan 10, 2018, 06:00 PM
Auditorium, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 605 Campbell St., Valparaiso, IN
OR
PSAT 8 scores will be accessible online and score reports will be given to your child during the week of December 11th. If you would like information about your child's PSAT 8 scores and implications for the future, come to one of these meetings to hear more about:
- How the PSAT 8 is aligned with high stakes assessments given in high school.
- How your child can learn which skills he or she needs to address for continued success in high school and college.
- How to identify where your child excels and may want to take higher level courses as well as areas he or she can improve academically.
- Resources available for your child to assist in strengthening academic skills and practice for the PSAT taken in high school.
Please click here to RSVP for this event.
Thursday, Jan 11, 2018, 11:30 AM
FLEX Room, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 1600 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, IN
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:
Here is a list of the upcoming events for 8th grade students and/or parents of 8th grade students:
VHS Counselor Presentation to 8th Grade Students
BFMS - Jan. 17th
TJMS - Jan. 23rd
- High school counselors will discuss the transition from middle school to high school and share information to prepare students for this process.
8th Grade Parent Information Night at VHS at 6:00 pm
BFMS & TJMS - Jan. 24th
- High school counselors will discuss the transition from middle school to high school and share information with parents about this process. Parents should bring their questions about this important milestone in their child's life.
Pre-Scheduling Meeting w/ 8th Grade Students During Advisory
BFMS - Jan. 22th
MS Counselors Pre-Scheduling Meeting w/ 8th Grade Students
TJMS - Jan. 30th
- If you have any questions regarding scheduling after receiving the packet of information, please feel free to contact the building counselors:
- BFMS - 219-531-3020
- TJMS - 219-531-3140
- Or the high school counseling office at 219-531-3070.
VHS Counselors Completing Scheduling with 8th Grade at MS
BFMS - Feb. 7th/9th
TJMS - Feb. 20th/22nd
- VHS academic course placement is based on 8th grade teacher recommendation, standardized test scores and academic performance.
- If you have any questions regarding scheduling after receiving the packet of information, please feel free to contact the building counselors:
- BFMS - 219-531-3020
- TJMS - 219-531-3140
- Or the high school counseling office at 219-531-3070.
VHS Summer School Registration Deadline
BFMS - Feb. 7th/9th
TJMS - Feb. 20th/22nd
- Courses available during summer school are:
- English/Math Lab
- Health
- History
- Introduction to Art
- Cost: $50/course
- Submit a check or money order payable to: VHS
- Deadline: BFMS - Feb. 9th/TJMS - Feb. 22nd (Must be submitted at the time of 8th grade scheduling with the HS Counselors.)
Porter County Career Center Presentation to 8th Grade Students
BFMS - Feb. 5th
TJMS - Jan. 11th
21st Century Scholar Application Deadline for 8th Graders
June 30, 2018
- Learn if you are eligible and apply for the 21st Century Scholars program at http://scholars.in.gov/. The deadline for current 8th graders is June 30, 2018.
Vocational Skill of the Quarter
For more information:
Parents:
Soft Skills: Preparing Kids for Life After School
Top 10 Soft Skills Middle School Students Need to Thrive and How Parents Can Help
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKzQYQNtYts
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mANeBjv_azA
http://www.ncwd-youth.info/sites/default/files/infobrief_issue28_0.pdf
Students:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tiy2LONr050
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70m4KL3hYyc
Now that you have a better understanding of soft skills, ask yourself these questions:
- What are the soft skills that I have developed?
- What soft skills do I need to improve?
- In what ways can I build better soft skills?
- Am I willing to practice and improve my soft skills?
- What can I do to practice and learn these important skills?
- Where can I go and who can help me learn soft skills?
Career Cluster of the Quarter
Architecture & Construction Career Cluster
Is an Architecture & Construction Career right for me?
- Do you like to build and construct things?
- Do you like to work on projects that make a difference?
- Do you like to be creative, plan and organize projects and complete group projects?
- Do you want opportunities to work outdoors?
- Do you want to work with your hands and be more actively engaged in your work?
Architecture & Construction careers involve creating plans and designs for new buildings, constructing houses, bridges, highways and buildings, installing heating, cooling, electrical and other systems within structures and maintaining and repairing existing structures. Careers in this field also involve organizing and planning of construction projects and managing workers involved in construction, maintenance and repair of structures. Other jobs involved in this career cluster include painting, plumbing, carpentry, and landscaping and care of plants and trees on building sites and properties. This career cluster includes many of the Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs of the future. (You can check out the Hoosier Hot 50 Jobs by clicking on the link in the resource list at the bottom of this page.) To identify careers in this cluster, visit the following link and scroll down to the architecture and construction section:
https://www.careerwise.mnscu.edu/careers/clusters.html
As a middle school student, you can explore activities related to this career cluster by engaging in the following types of extracurricular activities:
- Participate in Math or Science Clubs.
- Join Future Farmers of America (FFA).
- Volunteer for the local park district or Habitat for Humanity.
- Do a repair or home improvement project.
- Start a lawn mowing service.
- Job shadow an architect, carpenter, electrician, plumber or painter.
- Plan to join the Gardening or Earth Awareness Clubs at VHS.
Next Issue: I will share information on the Business, Management & Administration career cluster.
Career Connection Corner
Post-Secondary Option:
Certificate Programs/Trade Schools
A certificate program is designed to educate students in a narrow field of study. It takes anywhere from a few months to 18 months to complete these programs, which makes them a great way to quickly enter the job market. These programs are primarily offered at community colleges and career or trade schools but an increasing number of 4-year colleges and universities are beginning to offer them. Admission generally requires a high school diploma or GED but you need to check with the institution you are considering enrolling in for specific admission requirements.
A trade school teaches skills and focuses on subjects specifically related to a particular job and generally involves a plan of study that can be completed in 1-2 years. Learning involves classroom based as well as hands-on learning experiences and on the job training. Therefore, this type of program can also quickly move you into the job market. Admission generally requires a high school diploma or GED but requirements vary by institution. Therefore, check with the institution you are considering enrolling in for specific admission requirements.
CAREERS
The certificate program/trade school career path can lead to the following occupations:
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Career Cluster
Conservationist
Wind Energy & Solar Energy Technicians
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Power Plant, Turbine, Maintenance & Hydroelectric Station Operators
Power Utility Technician
Electric & Electric Engineering Technicians
Energy Management Auditor
STEM Career Cluster
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Mechanic & Operator
Engineering Technician
Web Designer
Health Science Career Cluster
Pharmacy Technician
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)/Paramedic
Licensed Practicing Nurse
Certified Nurse Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technician
Operating Room Technician
Occupational & Physical Therapy Aides
Medical Transcriptionist
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Career Cluster
Vehicle Mechanics & Technicians: Automotive, Diesel, Aviation Maintenance, Marine (Aquatic Vehicle), Industrial Machinery & Heavy Equipment
Auto Body Repairer
Driver: Truck, Tractor Trailer & Commercial
Architecture & Construction Career Cluster
Boilermaker, Welder, Pipefitter & Steamfitter
Heavy Equipment Operator: Rotary Drill, Pile Driver, & Construction Equipment
Construction Manager
Building Trades: Mason, Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber & Building Inspector
Heating, Ventilation & Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Technician
Locksmith
Garden & Landscape Designer
Human Services Career Cluster
Real Estate Agent
Hairdresser, Hairstylist & Cosmetologist
Massage Therapist
Hospitality & Tourism Career Cluster
Restaurant Manger
Travel Agent
Finance Career Cluster
Financial Planner
Law, Public Safety & Security Career Cluster
Court Reporter
Business Management & Administration
Bookkeeper
This is not an exhaustive list of occupations but should give you an idea of the scope of careers available after completing a certificate or trade school program.
CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS/TRADE SCHOOLS
Here is a list of a few nearby certificate programs & trade schools to get you started:
Ivy Tech - Valparaiso & other locations around IN
Universal Technical Institute (UTI) - Lisle, IL
Gateway Technical College - Kenosha, WI
Lincoln College of Technology - Melrose Park, IL & Indianapolis, IN
Michigan Institute of Technology - Lapeer, MI
Parkland College - Champaign, IL
Vincennes University - Vincennes, IN
Ohio Technical College - Cleveland, OH
University of Northwestern Ohio (UNO) - Lima, OH
Stratford Career Institute - Online
RESOURCES
For more information about schools and careers, check out the following links:
Certificate Program Guide - https://www.campusexplorer.com/certificate-programs/
High Paying Certificate Jobs - https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/certifications-that-pay-well.asp#1
Trade School Guide - https://www.trade-schools.net/programs.asp
Highest Paying Trade School Jobs - https://www.trade-schools.net/articles/trade-school-jobs.asp
Next Issue: I will spotlight the 2 yr. & 4 yr. college pathways to careers.
Career & College Websites & Resources
Connect with Melissa Valtierra
Email: mvaltierra@valpo.k12.in.us
Phone: 219-531-3140 6223