Fall LAHS Counselor Newsletter
Fall 2020
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hello LAHS Students and Families,
We would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving! This year's Thanksgiving will look quite different in the pandemic, yet we do hope you stay safe and well as you celebrate the holidays. We would like to extend our appreciation to the dedication and hard work to ALL who made our transition to remote learning successful. We hope you bookmark our newsletter as we will continue to update with important news and information. We wish you all the best this holiday season and hope you spread kindness and gratitude.
-the LAHS Guidance Office :)
Class of 2021
Please to continue to be in touch with Mrs. O'Connor oconnor_e@dragon.k12.pa.us and Mrs. Fennell fennell_v@dragon.k12.pa.us regarding your future plans. We are here to support you, but your communication helps bring attention to important deadlines. The upcoming deadlines of December 1st and January 1st are on the holiday breaks, so please communicate with advance notice for office materials.
Tip - Take advantage of online options like zooms with admissions staff - this is very beneficial in showing your interest!
We would love to zoom, phone call or email if you need anything!
Recording of Virtual Finacial Aid Night
Confused about the FAFSA ?
If you missed the virtual Financial Aid Night presentation conducted by PA Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) on 11/23- NO PROBLEM. This presentation was recorded and ready for you to review at a time that is best for you.
https://pheaaconf.webex.com/pheaaconf/lsr.php?RCID=658a6e137d0a4de8ab93a74d00df2329
Password to view the recording: PgTM36Py
The slides are attached.
This provides an early understanding of the financial aid process. Participants will gain an understanding of the types and sources of aid available to help cover the cost of attendance at post-secondary schools. Students and families will also learn how to apply for financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), which is required to determine eligibility for most student aid programs, such as the Pennsylvania State Grant, Federal Pell Grant, institutional awards, and federal student and parent loans.
As special THANKS to our PHEAA rep Tiffanie DeVan for this helpful and informative webinar. In the video she does encourage you to contact her with specific questions.
LAHS PHEAA rep (and presenter): Tiffanie DeVan tdevan@pheaa.org
Scholarship information
SATs
LAHS plans to give the December 5th SAT with extra mitigation efforts in place. Late registration ends Nov. 24th.
March 13, 2021- registration opens February 12th
May 8, 2021- registration opens April 8th
June 5, 2021- registration opens May 6th
Please note many/most colleges and universities are SAT optional for the next application cycles. We recommend visiting College and university websites for each school policy/information.
PSAT Information
When can you expect your results?
Students will get 2020 PSAT/NMSQT October scores on December 7–8. Students, please look for an email from College Board sent to the email that you registered when you took the test. Remember that you will receive your actually test booklet once the results are available so you. This will allow you to look at the questions your missed and analyze your results.
We are hoping to offer the PSAT 10 to tenth grades in the spring.
AP Registration
For students that registered in the Fall, they will not be penalized if they decide in the spring not to participate in AP testing. The cost of each exam is $95. Fee reductions/waivers are available by contacting Mrs. Fennell at fennell_v@lasd.us
Pennsylvania Govenor's School for the Sciences application due Jan. 31st
The Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University is now accepting applications from high school juniors for the summer 2021 program.
PGSS is an intensive, five-week summer residential program, which emphasizes cooperative learning and hands-on laboratory research, for 56 talented high school juniors pursuing careers in science and mathematics.
The program offers an enrichment experience in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The goal of the program is to encourage Pennsylvania’s youth to pursue careers in STEM-related fields.
Accepted applicants will receive a full scholarship to the program.
Awarded scholarships will cover the costs of housing, meals and all instructional materials. Families are responsible for transportation to and from the university, personal items and spending money. Students must commit to living on campus at Carnegie Mellon University throughout the duration of the program (unless virtual)
Details – Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Sciences
When:
July 4, 2021 to August 6, 2021
Where:
TBA: either via Zoom or on the campus of Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
Who May Apply:
The program is open to high school juniors at time of application who attend a public, nonpublic, and private school or are home schooled.
Deadline to Apply:
Completed applications must be emailed per instructions on the website http://sciences.pa-gov-schools.org no later than January 31, 2021. Applications emailed after this date and time will be disqualified.
For additional information about the program and to complete an application, visit http://sciences.pa-gov-schools.org
New SUN Area Technical Institute Promo Video
Please see the new promotional video for SUN Area Technical Institute here.
Students attend SUN Area Technical Institute in their senior year. In addition to the many industry standards and certifications offered, students can earn college credits from Pennsylvania College of Technology and advanced placement credits from Harrisburg Community College, Lackawanna College, Triangle Tech, and University of Northwestern Ohio.
**We do have application forms for the 2021-22 school year, so if your plan is to attend SUN Area Technical Institute next year, please contact the guidance office for an application. **
Career Meetings
Dr. Brenda Zack has been holding individual meetings with all juniors. All junior year students are asked to make an appointment with Dr. Zack at a time that is convenient for the student. During these meetings Dr. Zack and the student will discuss options for their senior year, student’s career thoughts, and post high school graduation plans. Dr. Zack will offer advice for helping students reach their goals and discuss next steps.
Any future guest speakers opportunities will be communicated to students.
Words of advice
Class of 2024:
Your official academic record starts now. Healthy study habits start now! We encourage you to get involved where you can and explore any and all interests. Identify ways to relieve stress that work for you. Get to know staff - mentors are essential to supporting you for your HS career.
Class of 2023:
Set some goals that are achievable. Get some sleep- the typical 15 year old brain needs 8-10 hours a sleep to function at 100%! Start thinking about future career interests. Log into Naviance and start using the career/college tools. Consider taking the PSAT in the winter. You may also consider getting a part-time job- working papers are available in the front office.
Class of 2022:
As you know - Junior year is a big year!! We recommend all juniors take the SAT or ACT once in your junior year. Do your best to involve yourself with activities that interest you. We know it’s hard with COVID restrictions, but there are many “virtual” offerings online. Take advantage of the fact that colleges visits and chats with admissions reps. can happen virtually. Some campuses are opening up and are allowing visits, so it’s best to check with the individual schools and take advantage of any opportunity to explore.
Class of 2021:
Even though you are thinking ahead to your future, don’t slack off! Senior grades are important too!! Seek out assistance from mentors including school counselors, teachers, and family- they want to help you! Be aware of deadlines and remember your deadline is for you. Your recommenders will have some additional time if needed, but do your best to give them reminders and follow up on any written requirements they may have for you. Don’t forget the FAFSA, consider this your “insurance policy” on college! Ask questions!!Naviance Info., Common App
If you are looking for Common App/Naviance help please see our summer newsletter with this information: 2020 Summer Information
**Class of 2021, Class of 2022, and Class of 2023 can access Naviance.**
Lewisburg Area HS Guidance
Email: oconnor_e@dragon.k12.pa.us
Website: www.lasd.us
Location: 545 Newman Road, Lewisburg, PA, USA
Phone: 570-522-3225