Student Service Connection
Monthly Newsletter- September- 2020
What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? ~Vincent Van Gogh
INFORMATION IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
- MMSD COVID-19 Updates
- Links to Important Events this month, Daily Schedule, & Calendars
- Infinite Campus and Sending Transcripts
- Student Service Staff
- COMMUNITY RESOURCES
- Academic and Career Planning (College-Career-Community Readiness)
SEPTEMBER STUDENT SERVICE NIGHTS:
September 17th- FRESHMEN FAMILY Q & A WITH COUNSELORS- 6pm- VIRTUAL- Counselors will be available for a Q & A session to explore how to support your freshmen in having a great start to high school. (Freshmen families will receive a HS 101 Presentation in October that will be shared with students)
September 17th- SENIOR FAMILY Q & A WITH COUNSELORS- 7:15pm- VIRTUAL- Counselors will be available to answer questions on post HS planning.
Late September- Counselors will invite Seniors to schedule a 15 minute conference with them virtually to support their post-hs planning.
2020-21 MMSD CALENDAR and STUDENT SCHEDULES UPDATE
SCHEDULES have been reviewed/updated since mid-August, and may not be finalized until September 8th. If you are reaching out to inquire about your 2020-21 schedule or request any changes, our district is now using a standardized process, and Memorial students can use this
Memorial Schedule Change Request Form. Please note that no schedule changes will be made via email or phone request.
Sending Transcripts
it is the student’s responsibility to request them via parchment and send them to their college. Contact your counselor with questions. Find more information about requesting transcripts HERE. All Senior students should make sure they use a personal email to log into their Parchment account. If you are currently using your school email address, please go to your Profile, account and add another email to this account and make your personal email the primary email. School email addresses are deactivated after graduation.
GRADUATED SENIORS: You can still send final transcripts to POST HS Education/Training Sites that are requesting them from you. Order them on parchment.com, and contact Sherry Zander in STUDENT SERVICES with questions.
GRADE REPLACEMENT: If you have RETAKEN any classes to improve your understanding and grade, make sure to see your counselor about requesting any grade replacements on your transcript.
ALL STUDENTS
"It always seems impossible until it's done." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nelson Mandela~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DO YOU NEED HELP with academic, personal, or college & career planning?
Click on your counselor's name to book a time with them for assistance.
Fox Neighborhood:
Kristin Kluge (A-Sn) (also Health and Wellness PATHWAYS COUNSELOR)
Rock Neighborhood:
Wolf Neighborhood:
Wisconsin Neighborhood:
Emily Cochran (A-Sn) (also Information Technology PATHWAYS COUNSELOR)
AVID Students:
ELL Students:
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CHROMEBOOK SUPPORT
~~ Howard W. Newton
Urban League of Greater Madison COVID-19 Workforce Relief & Recovery Initiative
FURLOUGHED? LAID OFF? UNDER-EMPLOYED?
Urban League CAN HELP!
Madison Area Employers Are Hiring!
Click on the flyer below for details.
Contact the Urban League for additional support: (608) 347-4623
14-17 year olds who want a job...
Mental Health
Free Mental Health Apps for your Phone
Mindshift
BellyBioInteractive Breathing
Take a Break! Guided Meditations for Stress Relief
Previdence
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (TBA- Spring Semester)
COLLEGE-CAREER-COMMUNITY READINESS (3CR)
To see how Memorial is helping students to be College-Career-Community Ready, CLICK HERE.
(Formerly referred to as Academic & Career Planning-ACP)
DAILY AGENDA TEMPLATE
FRESHMEN
Explore your interests, creativity, and future paths that seem interesting to you. Visit our Learning Experiences Beyond The Classroom and Career Exploration pages on the JMM Website, and spend some time in Xello to explore your interests, skills, and related paths for the future. Consider exploring Pre-College programs at this link. Check out College Planning: 9th/10th Grade
SOPHOMORES
-Job shadowing someone in a career of interest to you for an hour or two.
-Consider exploring Pre-College programs at this link.
-Wondering about some Work-Based Learning Experience? Click here.
-If you want to get hands-on experience, there are some careers that offer a Youth
Apprenticeship. CLICK HERE to see information about it and applying for next year.
-Explore course options and your 4-year plan in Xello with someone at home!
-Don't forget to explore your interests outside of the classroom as well. Ideas HERE.
-Check out College Planning: 9th/10th Grade
-Considering another education path to your diploma, talk to your counselor about Capital HS, Shabazz, Gateway to College, STEM Academy, Night School, and more...
JUNIORS
-Article on closed campus and EXPLORING COLLEGES during COVID 19
-Continue work on your to do list with your counselor, and attend your JUNIOR CONFERENCE this year
-Register for the ACT HERE. If you feel you are eligible for a tuition fee waiver, see your counselor before school ends.
-If you feel that preparation for the ACT/SAT might be helpful, start with METHOD TEST PREP in Xello
-Check out College Planning: 11th Grade
-If you want to get hands-on experience, there are some careers that offer a Youth
Apprenticeship. CLICK HERE to see information about it and applying for next year.
SENIORS
-Article on closed campus and EXPLORING COLLEGES during COVID 19
-Schedule and do a 15 minute conference with your counselor to inform them of your plans following graduation, and any help you need.
-Complete an application for colleges or training programs after graduation that will help prepare you for your long term careers of interest.
-Make sure to fill out the FAFSA if you plan to attend a college that you'll need financial aid for. Attend a COLLEGE GOAL WI event for help!
-Prepare to write your College Essay. Although your Senior English class will help you write your essay, it's good to generate ideas now on what you can discuss that will help you convey to colleges, scholarships, and jobs- who you are, what is important to you, and activities/actions/evidence of those values.
-Continue to explore careers and visit schools and/or programs of interest if you're not sure about what option is best for you.
-Would you like personalized college application support? Sign up for an opportunity to be a part of a pilot program through the Fair Opportunity Project, a nationally-focused, nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower students to access and afford college, and to access personalized college application support. Apply here!
-Check out College Application Timeline: 12th Grade
SCHOLASTIC Art & Writing Contest
VOLUNTEERING?
Do you have volunteer hours lined up for the summer? Make a copy of this spreadsheet and keep track of your hours!
More job and volunteer opportunities HERE
Job Training and Search Help- Youth Commonwealth
We are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the next round of our VIRTUAL Youth-Business Mentoring Program! Training will be held starting August 17 – 27th (Monday through Thursday for two weeks) from 2:00pm – 3:00pm via Zoom.
This unpaid, two-week training is for 14-17 year olds in the greater Madison area that focuses on pre-employment and financial literacy skills to prepare students for their first job. Upon graduation, they are paired with a mentor who works with them to find paid employment! We work with students and their families to ensure that employment opportunities fit with the needs of the families (transportation, time of day, etc.).
Applications are due by Wednesday, August 12th and can be emailed to Zoua Xiong at zoua@cwd.org. Interested applicants must submit a completed student and parent application in order to be considered-which can be downloaded/printed at THIS LINK.
Experiential Learning Credit
Interested in earning credit for "Experiential Learning" as you work or volunteer? See your counselor with questions. More information HERE.
"I know that luck has a way of happening to people who shoot high, who never sell themselves short" Teri Teachout
RESEARCH PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS
Help your student prepare for college with these resources
Memorial High School has a goal for all of our students to graduate with the skills and abilities to be successful within their college, career, and community. It is never too early to start helping your student prepare for college. Did you know that college can be more affordable than you think? Nationally, $2.6 billion of financial aid went unclaimed in the United States in the 2018-2019 school year.
Check out these resources at Madison Metropolitan School District’s College Planning Website to help support your students in planning. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s counselor for more information. Here are some resources on how to pay for college.
ACT Method Test Prep
Free! Online! Available to all students through your Xello account.
This ACT preparation program is offered through Xello to all MMSD students. It's FREE & students can log-in and start reviewing/practicing for the ACT test which most students start taking in the Winter or Spring of their Junior year. You can access your Xello account from the main Memorial HS Website, scroll to the bottom. Xello is the first link under the blue bar. Log in using your school gmail account (having your school email open in another tab helps speed up the login!)
Experience Madison College
We offer two ongoing events that meet students where they are in their college decision process:
- Experience Madison College: High school students spend a Friday afternoon on campus engaged in hands-on activities, visiting classrooms and meeting instructors.
- Instant Application Station: Students ready to apply can drop in to the campus nearest them for help completing their application. Staff will be available to answer their questions about the entire process.
All of these events include a FREE Madison College application.
HBCU Information
HBCU INFORMATION
Apply now to any number of 55 Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) with the Common Black College Application at www.commonblackcollegeapp.com for only $20.
The second FREE HBCU Facebook Live WORLD WIDE College Fair will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm EST. Register now at www.commonblackcollegeapp.com/collegefair.
These checklists and resources will help you ensure you are well on your way to pursuing your college goals.
MMSD Choosing your College ChecklistMMSD Paying for College Checklist
MMSD College Enrollment Resources
MMSD College Enrollment Checklist
MMSD Choosing Your College Resources
MMSD College Going Resources
Send Your Transcript
Links for:
Video of "How to send your transcript"- (make sure to indicate "Memorial High School" in Madison, WI instead of West HS)
Send Your ACT/SAT/AP Scores
Apply to a University of Wisconsin School
Selective Service
Almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service.
- It's important to know that even though he is registered, a man will not automatically be inducted into the military.
- Registration allows you eligibility for federal student loans and federal jobs/job training.
- Visit the Selective Service website to register
WI Private Colleges
Minnesota Colleges- Public and Private
MMSD COLLEGE BOUND CAMPAIGN- here to help you with your College Application Process
WI Education Fair (WEF) will continue to be a virtual resource for our students and schools. We're expecting nearly 100 colleges, universities, military branches, and specialty schools to participate in the college fair portion. Free to attend. Interested students should REGISTER HERE.
Offering a monthly virtual college fair from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., followed by 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. interactive financial aid presentation brought to you by College Goal Wisconsin.
- Wednesday, 9/16 (Financial Aid 101)
- Wednesday, 10/7
- Sunday, 11/8
- Wednesday, 2/10
- Wednesday, 3/10
- Sunday, 4/11
Virtual College FAIR from NACAC
Another will follow in October. More info HERE.
Sunday, Sep 13, 2020, 12:00 PM
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HBCU College Fairs
Army-ROTC Virtual College Fair
ONLINE COLLEGE VISITS
College Visits can be an important part of the college selection process.
Check out the following resources for exploring a college campus virtually.
Financial AID
What is Federal Financial Aid?
Financial aid from the federal government can help you pay for education expenses at an eligible college or career school. Grants, loans and work-study are types of federal student aid. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for this aid. Types of Federal Aid video is a helpful video that explains the difference between types of federal aid available to students. Additional information about federal student aid can be found on the Federal Student Aid website.
Who Should Apply for Need-Based Financial Aid?
All students should apply for need-based financial aid. Many families mistakenly think they may not qualify for this type of aid based on their income and assets. However, if students choose not to apply for need-based financial aid, they may be closing the door on opportunities that could help pay for college. There are other sources of financial assistance available regardless of need, but most require that the student file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first, starting on October 1st.
How Does A Student Apply For Need-Based Financial Aid?
- The FAFSA is the form used to apply for need-based financial aid. The student must complete the FAFSA to apply for need-based grants, as well as for federal financial aid and other aid from colleges. Students must apply every year.
- The FAFSA4caster is a tool designed to assist families to plan for education beyond high school. Students can receive an estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by entering their information into FAFSA4caster, a simplified version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA4caster also provides guidance on next steps for applying for admission, applying for federal student aid, and paying for education beyond high school. A Spanish version is available.
It's Time to Submit Your College Application Materials!
Send your counselor application materials that must be completed by them before your colleges' deadlines. (like Secondary School Reports, brag sheets for Recommendations, etc.).
COLLEGE GOAL WI
RAISE.ME
Going Merry
Unigo Scholarship Search
Scholarships That Require Less Documentation
1- http://www.dfwinternational.org/
2= https://www.maldef.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-2020_MALDEF_Scholarship_Resource_Guide.pdf
3- https://mydocumentedlife.org/2016/09/12/scholarships-open-to-undocumented-students/
4- https://www.hsf.net/en_US/scholarship
5- https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By5ADZShBREleWM5RzBKTkRsVXFId0Z2Q1ZaZzE4S0EyUWFB
6- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ih-Gk3XkMt7DQGfQEiia35KfyeHCkM-VKoZkhWKi-qQ
More Resources:
MORE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP
If you want to get hands-on experience, there are some careers that offer a Youth Apprenticeship.
Youth Apprenticeship, or YA, is a rigorous one- or two-year elective program for juniors and seniors, that combines academic and technical classroom instruction with mentored, on-the-job training to provide students with industry-established occupational and employability skills. Post-secondary and business partnerships are essential for a successful youth apprenticeship program.
Please note that application to the Youth Apprenticeship program does not guarantee job placement. Full participation in the program and the ability to earn the Youth Apprenticeship certificate requires both on-the-job training and related technical classroom nistruction.
Currently, YA programs are offered in the following areas (click on an individual area to find additional information):
- Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Program
- Architecture & Construction Program
- Arts, A/V Technology & Communications program
- Finance Program
- Health Science Program
- Hospitality, Lodging & Tourism Program
- Information Technology Program
- Manufacturing Program
- Marketing Program
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Program
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Program
CLICK HERE to see information about various programs and how to apply for next year.