M.A. Counseling Newsletter
October 2019
In This Issue
- Upcoming Events
- Conferences
- Practice ACT with Breakaway Test Prep
- PSAT Testing Day
- FMSC Volunteer Day
- NACCAP Christian College Fairs
- FAFSA and CSS Profile
- Free Application Opportunities for Minnesota Colleges & Universities
- Upcoming College Application Deadlines
- Family Media Agreement
- Wellness Corner
Upcoming Events
- Conferences - Thursday, October 3rd from 2-8PM and Friday, October 4th from 8 AM-4 PM.
- Practice ACT with Breakaway Prep - Saturday Oct 5th at Minnehaha Academy Upper School.
- PSAT Testing - 10th and 11th graders Oct 16th 8:30 AM-12:00 PM.
- FMSC Volunteer Day - 9th graders Oct 16th 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM.
- NACCAP Christian College Fairs - Monday, Oct 21st and Tuesday Oct 22nd
- Junior Parent Night - Tuesday, November 12 - 6:30-7:30 PM - Campus Room
- Sophomore Parent Night - Monday, February 10 - 6:30-7:30 PM - Campus Room
- ACT Exam (for juniors) - Saturday, February 8 at Minnehaha Academy Upper School - Register here.
Counselors are Available for Conferences!
If you have concerns about your student that you would like to discuss with their counselor, sign up for a conference time slot in the same way you would with teachers. Students with last names A-K Wanda Monroe (for Kristin Overton) and L-Z Christine Paton
Here is the link: https://pickatime.com/MinnehahaUpperSchool/Fall_Conf
Practice ACT with Breakaway Test Prep
Breakaway Test Prep and Minnehaha Academy are teaming up once again to offer a full-length, proctored practice ACT this Fall. Practice tests are an invaluable component of the test prep process. Taking a full-length test gives students critical experience dealing with the pressure of the test situation while getting practice on all sections of a test in a classroom full of their peers. Students that take the time to sit for a practice test prior to taking an actual ACT show dramatically stronger results than students that sit down cold on test-day.
The practice test will take place on October 5th, 2019, at the Minnehaha Academy Upper School campus. Room information will be sent a few days prior to test-day to all registrants. The practice test will begin at 9:00am sharp and will be completed by 12:05pm. Students must arrive on test-day by 8:45am. Students should bring #2 pencils and a calculator. Results will be made available the same day.
To register your student for the October 5th practice test, please use the sign-up form below. There is no cost to attend the practice test. You will receive a confirmation email after signing up. if you should have any questions about the practice test or test-prep, please contact Breakaway’s Education Director, Matt McManus, via email at matt@breakawaytestprep.com or at 612-578-9995 (text or call).
Sign up today! http://www.breakawaytestprep.com/minnehaha-practice-act
PSAT Testing Day - October 16th
The 9th graders will participate in a volunteer day at Feed My Starving Children.
For our seniors, the counselors will be available in the Campus Room to help them work on college application completion. Teachers will also be available to review and give feedback on student's college essays. Mrs. Paton will bring donuts!
Feed My Starving Children for 9th graders
NACCAP Christian College Fairs
Monday, Oct. 21st, Southwest Christian High School - 6:30-8:30
Tuesday, Oct 22nd, New Life Academy - 6:30-8:30
https://www.naccap.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1223523&group=
FAFSA and CSS Profile: October 1st
Free Application Opportunities for Minnesota Colleges & Universities
October is College Knowledge Month in Minnesota!
Here is a link to all of the Minnesota Colleges and Universities that offer free applications during the month of October and throughout the year:
Upcoming College Application Deadlines
If your students is applying Early Decision, which is a binding decision, be sure they connect with their counselor to receive and sign the ED form. Parents must also sign the form and return to the counseling office.
Family Media Agreement
As parents it is often challenging to manage the technology use of our teens, even under our own roof. Truth-be-told they do not remember a time without a smartphone or tablet; it is woven into their dailiness of life like never before. Although connection to peers is a foundation of adolescent development, it is imperative that as parents you feel confident when setting healthy boundaries around technology. Common Sense Media has a fantastic Family Media Agreement worth checking out.
Wellness Corner
Proverbs 3: 5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your path.
Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor had an opportunity few brain scientists would wish for: One morning, she realized she was having a massive stroke. As it happened -- as she felt her brain functions slip away one by one, speech, movement, understanding -- she studied and remembered every moment. This is a powerful story about how our brains define us and connect us to the world and to one another.
M.A. Counseling Team and Services
WHO WE ARE:
Mike DiNardo, Vice Principal/Director of Counseling
Kristin Overton, College & Guidance Counselor (Last Names A-K) overtonkristin@minnehahaacademy.net
Christine Paton, College & Guidance Counselor (Last Names L-Z) patonchristine@minnehahaacademy.net
Wanda Monroe, Non-Public Counselor
monroewanda@minnehahaacademy.net
Diane Rahm, Counseling Office Assistant, Registrar
rahmdiane@minnehahaacademy.net
WHAT WE DO:
Academic Advising
Guiding toward an appropriately challenging course load
- Additional support to teachers, parents, and students
- Safe, welcoming and confidential
- Addressing issues around anxiety, depression, and general well-being
- Peer and family relationship challenges
- College fit
- Career/personality inventories
- Counselors visiting various colleges and universities throughout the U.S. to provide firsthand information