COUNSELOR CONNECTION
La Canada High School
DAILY LCHS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Can't hear the PA Announcements in class? Did you know that all of the announcements are posted on the school website? Just go to the Student Portal on the upper left corner of the website, then "PA Announcements" on the right gold bar. (Or, you can click here for the link.) Stay informed and never miss an announcement again!
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW POST: Third Quarter Report Cards
Third quarter report cards were delivered to students today (April 4th) during second period.
NEW POST: La Cañada High School 7-12 OPEN HOUSE
La Cañada High School's Open House for grades 7-12 is this Thursday, April 6th, with presentations beginning at 6:00 p.m. Click here for the evening's schedule.
LCHS ATHLETIC OPEN HOUSE
Aimed at new families to the high school, so incoming 8th graders and anyone who will have a new 10-12th grader. Event takes place from 6-6:30 in the NORTH GYM this Thursday, April 6th. We will introduce the coaching staff, Positive Coaching Alliance and Core Values and then the coaches will do a meet and greet for the reminder of the 30 minutes. This is the only time that incoming freshman and their parents can speak with the coaches until after 8th grade Promotion.
NEW POST: JUNIOR CLASS SILENT AUCTION
Support the Junior Class and stop by their silent auction in front of the auditorium during Open House. There will be various items from local businesses and all proceeds help pay for Prom!"
Challenge Success: Building Your Path:
This Saturday, April 8th, we will have guest speakers on campus for a full day, meeting with students, sharing their careers choices, and providing much-needed perspective to our students. There are already many students coming for the day, and it promises to be an excellent time for all. Click here for more information: https://buildingyourpath2017.sched.com/
NEW POST: EVERY 15 MINUTES PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
On Wednesday, April 12th, La Canada High School is hosting an information meeting for parents about the Every 15 Minutes program happening at LCHS on April 13th and 14th. "Every 15 Minutes" is a two day program that challenges students to think about drinking, driving, personal safety, the responsibility of making mature decisions, and the impact of their decisions. Details for parent information night:
April 12th
6:00-7:00 p.m.
LCHS Auditorium
Click here for more details about the program and the evening presentation: Every 15 Minutes Parent Information Night
NEW POST: SPARTAN NEWSPAPER APPLICATIONS READY
If you are interested in participating in the Spartan Newspaper during the 2017-2018 school year, please pick up an application from Mr. Powers in room 203. Applications are due by Friday, April 14th.
NEW POST: SAT SUBJECT TEST OVERVIEW & REVOLUTION PREP DISCOUNT OFFER
If your child is planning to take AP or SAT Subject Tests this spring, please see the attached offer from Revolution Prep to help your child get prepared for these high-stakes exams. Revolution Prep is offering $100 off any AP or SAT Subject Test preparation program when you enroll by April 15th. In addition, Revolution Prep has created a helpful SAT Subject Test Overview guide for students: SAT Subject Test Overview Packet
NEW POST: SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE SPRING COLLEGE FAIR
April 19, 2017
Hilton Pasadena,168 South Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena, CA.
7 p.m.to 9 p.m.
If you have a specific focus for college applications that includes the southeast, then this fair, being held a day prior to the national fair, may be right for you! The event is FREE and open to ALL high school students and their families. Each university will give an individual presentation during the college fair.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) includes the following 14 universities:University of Alabama; University of Arkansas; Auburn University; University of Florida; University of Georgia; University of Kentucky; Louisiana State University; University of Mississippi; Mississippi State University; University of Missouri; University of South Carolina; University of Tennessee; Texas A&M University; Vanderbilt University
NEW POST: NACAC NATIONAL SPRING COLLEGE FAIR
April 20, 2017
Pasadena Convention Center, Exhibit Hall A & B, 300 E Green Street, Pasadena, CA.
Morning hours: 9 a.m. to noon.
Evening hours: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Take a big step in your college search by attending the NACAC Spring College Fair. This event is FREE for students and parents! Learn about topics like financial aid and other college admission related information. The list of schools attending each fair is available online at http://bit.ly/NCFExhibitors, and includes such schools as: Arizona State University; California College of the Arts; Cal Tech; CSU; UC; Loyola Marymount; Northeastern University; Texas Christian University; University of Oregon; University of Southern California; and many more!
Register today at www.nacacfairs.org/ncfstudentregistration. Registration provides students with a barcode that can be scanned by admissions representatives so that your information is sent directly to the schools you are considering. All juniors are strongly encouraged to attend this informative event.
TEST PREP AND TUTORING RESOURCES
With SAT and ACT testing season upon us, the counseling department would like to share a list of test prep and tutoring programs available, both locally and online. Click here for details. Be sure to check back often as discounts and new programs are added regularly!
OMEGA YEARBOOK STAFF APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Interested in becoming a part of the Omega Yearbook staff next school year? Click here to apply! https://goo.gl/forms/6Gj4tHAHEhgnGDUL2
Stuck on a homework assignment?
The Princeton Review’s new service, Homework Help is there for you! They cover more than 40 subjects including AP classes. Get help with homework, go over a concept you missed in class or prepare for a big exam. Their expert tutors are available 24 hours 7 days a week, and 96% of students report they improved their grades. Start your FREE 60-minute trial today: PrincetonReview.com/BetterGrades
Freshman Forum
NEW POST: LCHS COLLEGE FAIR
Curious about colleges outside of California? Come learn more at the LCHS College Fair on Thursday, April 13th at 8:00 pm in the Cafeteria. Start exploring the different majors and programs colleges and universities offer and what kind of students they are looking for. This event is free and no reservations are required.
Follow Link Crew this year!
Instagram: @LCHSlinkcrew / Snapchat: LClinkcrew / Twitter: LCLinkcrew
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcouns to 81010 to join the Freshman Forum Remind 101.
SOPHOMORE SCENE
LCHS PEER TUTORING PROGRAM IS LOOKING FOR TUTORS!
Interested in volunteering here at LCHS during fourth quarter? The LCHS Peer Tutoring Program is looking for committed volunteers to continue the great work of this new program on our campus. If you are interested, please apply here: 2017 LCHS Peer Tutor Application and come to an informational meeting during STEP on Wednesday, April 5th or Thursday, April 6th.
NEW POST: LCHS COLLEGE FAIR
Curious about colleges outside of California? Come learn more at the LCHS College Fair on Thursday, April 13th at 8:00 pm in the Cafeteria. Start exploring the different majors and programs colleges and universities offer and what kind of students they are looking for. This event is free and no reservations are required.
College Visit Road Trip
Are you planning a college visit road trip for summer or spring break? Read here for some valuable advice: http://ctcl.org/practical-advice-for-a-college-road-trip/
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcoun to 81010 to join the Sophomore Scene Remind 101.
JUNIOR JUNCTION
LCHS PEER TUTORING PROGRAM IS LOOKING FOR TUTORS!
Interested in volunteering here at LCHS during fourth quarter? The LCHS Peer Tutoring Program is looking for committed volunteers to continue the great work of this new program on our campus. If you are interested, please apply here: 2017 LCHS Peer Tutor Application and come to an informational meeting during STEP on Wednesday, April 5th or Thursday, April 6th.
NEW POST: UPCOMING SAT AND ACT TEST AND REGISTRATION DATES
The next SAT is on May 6th. Registration deadline is April 6th. Click here to register.
The next ACT is on June 10th Registration deadline is May 5th. Click here to register.
NEW POST: CASE STUDIES EVENING PROGRAM & MINI COLLEGE FAIR AT LCHS
Juniors, please RSVP for the Case Studies evening program on April 13th for you and/or your parents. You received an email from the Counseling Office before break. Inside the email is a Google Form for you to complete to obtain further information and instructions. At the Case Studies Program, learn from the actual admissions officers who will read your file in the fall on how they evaluate the different parts of the Common Application - from your personal essay to your extracurricular activities to your academic record. Afterward there is mini-college fair to talk to representatives from all the different colleges participating. Remember that your RSVP must be submitted by this Friday, April 7th. Please use this link to RSVP: https://goo.gl/forms/HWgxf3shsUBFDQcn1
NEW POST: BOYS STATE CONFERENCE
ATTENTION JUNIOR Boys! Boys’ STATE is looking for young men from La Canada High School to attend the Boy’s State Conference in Sacramento on June 17th-24th. If you are interested, please read the following instructions:
Boys’ State Nomination Consideration: American Legion Boys' State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for U.S. high school students. A participatory program in which students become part of the operation of local, county and state government, Boys’ State was founded in 1935 to counter the socialism-inspired Young Pioneer Camps. At Boys' State, participants learn the rights, privileges and responsibilities of franchised citizens. The training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys' State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, choruses and recreational programs.
For more information see link: https://www.legion.org/boysnation/stateabout
Please read carefully:
Students being considered as delegates to attend California Boys' State should be one of the most outstanding students in their junior class. To be considered for nomination by the LCHS Counseling Department, students must have a minimum cumulative 3.5 academic GPA, participate in extracurricular or interscholastic athletics, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, and high moral character. If you meet the aforementioned criteria and would like to be considered for nomination for a Boys’ State Commission interview, please submit a resume and a brief statement (½ page) about what you hope to gain from this experience no later than 4/12/17 to the counseling department.
Candidates will be contacted by The American Legion 20th District to set up an interview time. Then if selected by the committee you will attend the Boys’ State Conference held at CSU Sacramento on June 17- June 24th.
* Please check you calendar prior to submitting a request for nomination.
PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES STUDENT AMBASSADORS PROGRAM
The Student Ambassadors Program is sponsored by the Tournament of Roses to promote volunteerism among high school students, specifically rising seniors. Students are given the opportunity to work alongside Tournament Members for a minimum of 40 community service hours assisting with a variety of events and activities related to the Rose Parade. Activities include interacting with the public at Tournament of Roses events including float decorating venues, assisting band members at Bandfest, during the Parade as ushers in the official Grandstands and float island helpers at the Post Parade float viewing venue. If you are interested in this opportunity, please inform your counselor by April 14th.
NEW POST: NCAA REGISTRATION FOR ASPIRING COLLEGE ATHLETES
Juniors considering college athletics need to register with the NCAA. See here for directions on how to begin this process and on the steps to ensure eligibility.
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @juniorjun to 81010 to join the Junior Junction Remind 101.
SENIOR STOP
UPDATED POST - SENIOR PACKETS FOR YEAR-END ACTIVITIES
On Monday, April 3rd, Senior Packets were signed out to all current seniors. This includes 5 graduation tickets, permissions slips, and all senior information pertaining to senior year-end activities and graduation. The packets must be signed out at Mrs. Alequin's desk, before school, at break, and after school only--NOT DURING CLASS HOURS.
LCHS PEER TUTORING PROGRAM IS LOOKING FOR TUTORS!
Interested in volunteering at LCHS during fourth quarter? The LCHS Peer Tutoring Program is looking for committed volunteers to continue the great work of this new program on our campus. If you are interested, please apply here: 2017 LCHS Peer Tutor Application and come to an informational meeting during STEP on Wednesday, April 5th or Thursday, April 6th.
GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GCC gives priority registration for the first year to seniors who complete their application by April 28th. Once you have applied, please follow the instructions for next steps (orientation, placements tests, etc.). Apply online here.
For more information, meet with a GCC representative Thursday’s at lunch in the LCHS Quad on 4/21, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19.
PASADENA CITY COLLEGE ASSESSMENT CENTER
If you missed the on-site PAWS assessment day at LCHS, please remember that you will need to take your math and English placement tests on campus at PCC. Please see the “Assessment Center” website for more details.
NEW POST - THE PCC PROMISE
Starting in Fall 2017, the PCC Promise is a new program designed to increase college accessibility and affordability in the San Gabriel Valley. Students who meet eligibility requirements receive one year of their PCC education free of tuition. For further details, visit the website at: http://pasadena.edu/student-services/pcc-promise/index.php.
NEW POST - COLLEGES STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Regional Admission Counselors of California (RACC) Application Deadline Report 2017
While the RACC Application Deadline Report is often outdated the moment it is printed, it is still a good starting point and valuable resource if you are planning on submitting last minute college applications. Should you need the most up-to-date information about a particular RACC institution, students should contact the RACC representative listed on the report.
NEW POST - NCAA: HOW TO REQUEST FINAL AMATEURISM CERTIFICATION
Seniors planning to play college athletics may NOW request amateur certification through the NCAA. See attached for directions on how to complete: Instruction sheet
NEW POST - $$ “COLLEGIANCE” CONTEST FROM COLLEGEBOARD $$$
Getting accepted into college is a big deal and CollegeBoard thinks it deserves a big celebration. That's why they created Collegiance—a contest for college-bound students everywhere. Students enter by simply announcing their college decision on Instagram and tagging it with #collegiance. If selected, students win up to $5,000 for college. Visit the website to pledge your Collegiance today!
Important Past Posts:
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
NEW POST: SPARTAN BOOSTER CLUB PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARSHIP
The Spartan Boosters Club President's Scholarship application deadline is fast approaching. The deadline to submit the application is April 21st. To be considered, your application must be complete and submitted by April 21st, 2017 to the Counseling Office or by mail to LCHS Spartan Boosters, P.O. Box 154, La Caňada, California 91012 (postmarked on or before April 21st, 2017):
Please log into your Naviance account, click on the colleges tab then click on the scholarship list to locate and download the application.
UPDATED POST: Click here for current scholarship opportunities with deadlines in March through May. For a more extensive list of scholarship opportunities, check Naviance under Colleges tab, and click on "Scholarship List."
EARNING MONEY FOR COLLEGE DURING HIGH SCHOOL!
There is a new opportunity to start earning money towards college as a freshman, through micro-scholarships for various colleges. The program is called raise.me, which is funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. There are over 100 colleges that are partnering with this organization and you can follow that college like an Instagram account. It is easy and free to register on raise.me. You can earn money for every A or B you earn, doing community service, earning your Eagle Scout or Gold Award, taking an AP test, etc… Check it out and let your counselor know if you decided to register. When you are a senior and you are accepted to one of the partner schools (that you have been following and earning money for), you can use this money towards college tuition and expenses.
College/Career Resources
2016 UC AND CAL STATE ADMISSIONS STATS
Curious about the admission rates, GPA and test scores from the 2016 UC and Cal State entering classes? Click here for 2016 UC and CSU FRESHMEN ADMISSION STATS
LOCAL COLLEGE FAIR OPPORTUNITIES IN APRIL
Free California Out-of-State & International (COSI) College Fairs in Southern CA in April 2017
HIGH SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES AT GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Interested in studying abroad over the summer in Bali, Sydney, Ireland, or England? Visit www.glendale.edu/studyabroad to learn about opportunities available through Glendale Community College. Interested in taking Armenian, Japanese, or Italian language classes for college credit? GCC has Foreign Language courses open to high school students. See your counselor or call the GCC Language Arts division (818-240-1000 ext5767) for more information.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is accepting applications for the Guided Pathway Support Program. This is a free program designed to help college-bound African American students navigate the admissions process. Current sophomores and juniors must apply online at https://ronbrowngps.fluidreview.com no later than May 31, 2017.
Last Minute Applications
Last minute tips for anyone who may be a little behind on college apps...
http://www.wnyc.org/story/five-tips-completing-last-minute-college-applications
CollegeBoard.org - information available to learn about tools and resources to support students and families throughtout the financial planning process: Financial Aid Essentials
8 Tools & Resources for Writing The Best Scholarship Essays
PARENT ACTION PLAN FOR SOPHOMORE COLLEGE/CAREER PLANNING:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/for-parents/parent-action-plan-10th-grade
COLLEGE PLANNING APP:
Students can now get college planning advice and guidance right from their phones, with the College Board’s CollegeGo mobile app. The app is available for free in the Apple and Google Play stores.The app guides students through the essential steps they need to take in order to find, apply to, and attend the right college for them. The interactive, step-by-step platform uses game, video, and search features to help students plan their college journey.
FAFSA Submission Deadlines:
From the FAFSA Website (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Deadlines 2017-2018
State Deadline
California - For many state financial aid programs – March 2, 2017 (this is the deadline for FAFSA submission with Cal Grant consideration. Students are encouraged to apply no later than this date).
Federal Deadline
Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2018.
Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 15, 2018.
Students are encouraged to submit early (no later than March 2), as federal deadlines fall far later than the state deadline.
College Deadline
Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline - whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA, or the date your FAFSA is processed. Some colleges will be looking for FAFSA submission as early as October/November. When in doubt, submit early.
Additional Financial Aid Information/Tips:
Cal Grant also requires submission of a school certified GPA by March 2, 2017 (LCHS does this automatically → for more info, see below). For additional community college Cal Grants - deadline September 2, 2017 (date postmarked).
If you are a non-citizen holding a Social Security card issued through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or for some other work authorization, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application found at www.caldreamact.org. Do NOT fill out a FAFSA. Contact the California Student Aid Commission (www.csac.ca.gov) or your financial aid administrator for more information.
Additional forms may be required (such as the CSS Profile → more information below).
Applicants are encouraged to keep a record of their submission by printing out their online FAFSA confirmation page or obtaining proof of mailing the FAFSA.
CSS Profile:
From the CollegeBoard CSS Profile Presentation (http://css.collegeboard.org/)
WHAT is the PROFILE?
The PROFILE is an online application that collects information used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid funds. (All Federal funds are awarded based on the FAFSA, available after Oct. 1 at fafsa.ed.gov.)
Some colleges may require additional information, such as tax returns or an institutional application. If your parents are divorced, some colleges will also require your noncustodial parent to complete the Noncustodial PROFILE.
WHEN do I file the PROFILE?
You may file the PROFILE as early as Oct. 1, 2016. However, you should file no later than two weeks before the EARLIEST priority filing date specified by your colleges or programs. WHO must file the PROFILE? Check your colleges’/programs’ information to determine whether they require the PROFILE. A list of colleges that require the PROFILE from at least some of their applicants can be found by clicking on Participating Colleges, Universities, and Scholarship Programs on the PROFILE Homepage.
COUNSELING CORNER
April 12th Every 15 Minutes Parent Information Night - click for invitation and details
NEW POST: FREE SIX-WEEK PARENTING WORKSHOP WITH MFT LIDA SISKIND ON "THE TEEN BRAIN" hosted by LCUSD
For parents of students ages 12-17 years old: Talkin' With Your Teens: Getting it right before the going gets rough.
Dates: April 13, April 20, April 27, May 4, May 11, May 18
Time: Thursdays 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Location: La Canada Unified School District (Professional Development Room)
RSVP to Frinna DelaCruz (818) 952-8397
Resources:
From LCF Community Prevention Council: "The Small Book of Big Issues"
Books by Challenge Success and Its Founders
Registration 2017-18
Save the Date Reminder - August 7, 2017 for grades 12-10, August 8, 2017 for grade 9.
Links to websites are offered for your convenience in accessing related information, but do not constitute an endorsement of the website or its content. LCHS takes no responsibility for the views, content or accuracy of the information presented by an external website.