ON Student Services Newsletter
November 2022
NATIONAL STRESS AWARENESS DAY
National Stress Awareness Day on the first Wednesday in November aims to identify and reduce the stress factors in your life.
Everyone has stress. Some stress is good for us. It helps us to respond to changes in life. Stress is our body’s way of protecting itself from harm. However, too much stress causes harm to our health and relationships.
Identifying the stressors impacting our physical and mental health is important. Sometimes, health problems are the cause. But our health can also be affected by external stressors such as physical abuse, stressful work environments, financial stress, or other family health issues.
Once we identify the causes of stress in our lives, we can begin to eliminate or reduce stress. Some tools that help with stress include:
- Develop coping skills for anxiety.
- Identify and let go of the things you cannot change.
- Exercise to help us to let go of built-up anxiety.
- Eating a balanced diet fuels our bodies so we’re able to better cope with the stress.
HOW TO OBSERVE #StressAwarenessDay
Develop a routine to help you lessen your tension. Go for a walk, do some deep breathing, get some exercise or a massage, or take a long, relaxing bath. If you’re struggling with the amount of stress in your life, seek help. You can speak to your doctor or check with your employer for an assistance program designed to help employees balance their life. Post your ideas using #StressAwarenessDay on social media.
2nd Semester Shortened Schedules (Seniors Only)
Seniors who are interested in 1-2 hours of early release or last start for 2nd semester can pick up an application from Mrs. McQuay in the front office beginning 11/1.
- Credit deficient students will not be eligible for a shortened schedule.
- Students playing a spring sport may only do late start.
- Students in 21st Century Programs should check with their program facilitators before applying for a shortened schedule
Please reach out to your counselor if you have any questions!
OATC Information and Enrollment
OATC offers two-year career and technical education programs to 11th and 12th grade students enrolled in the Olathe School District. All programs focus on today’s high-demand career fields and help prepare students for the world of work or post-secondary training by combining student interest and learning through hands-on experiences, industry-standard resources and equipment, and real-world partnerships fusing academic and technical skills, knowledge and the training necessary for future careers.
To find out more, check out the following PowerPoint for information on OATC programs as well as the Olathe North OATC tour and application process: ON OATC Presentation 2022-23.pdf.
Important Dates:
10/24: OATC Application goes live at 8:00am
10/27: OATC Student Panel (sign up by 10/26)
11/3: OATC Open House for parents and students (see flier below)
11/4: Olathe North OATC tour (sign up by 11/1)
12/13: OATC applications are due at midnight
1/13: OATC program notifications are sent via link
Sign up for the OATC tour and student panel here (10th and 11th grade students only)
AP Test Registration Info
The deadline to register and pay for AP Exams is Nov 1st. This is a 2 Step Process:
- Students MUST indicate (with a “Yes” or “No”) on their College Board account whether they intend to take the AP Exam(s) in May.
- Parents must log in to TouchBase to pay for each exam their student is taking; cost is $102 per exam
For more information, including links and testing dates, visit the ON Counseling website: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/9587
Email Ms. Etherton with questions: nmetherton@olatheschools.org
ACT Testing Information
Who should take the ACT?
Any student planning on attending a 4-year university. Many schools have waived the ACT scores for the class of 2022 however, it is still required for many scholarships at universities. It is unclear at this time, what will be decided for the class of 2023.
When should I start taking the ACT?
We recommend starting by the end of Sophomore year. The June test is a great test to get started in the process. For an additional $20 students can get a copy of the test booklet and their answers about a month after they take the test. This is a great learning tool to see areas where you need to make improvements. The test information release is offered for the April, June, and December tests.
Most students will take the ACT 3 times. We also recommend being finished by the end of the summer before Senior year in taking the test. The ACT is offered in June, July, September, October, December, and April each year.
What should you do to get ready for the test?
Practice! Research has shown the more you look at the test and prepare the better you will do. We also recommend taking a prep test.
How does a student register for the ACT?
Students will need to register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org. They will need to set up an account to register and pay for an exam. Students on free/reduced lunches can talk to a counselor and use an ACT waiver for 2 free exams. This account will be where students will check their testing location and confirm their registration.
College Planning Night Presentation
Students that are planning to go to college after they graduate from Olathe North should check out this presentation about beginning your post high school planning. It is never too early to start thinking about the education and career that will be in your future. If you have questions, please email your counselor for help.
Do you need to take the Accuplacer test?
Accuplacer refers to a testing system that can be used to determine if post-secondary students have the skills and knowledge needed to start taking college-level courses, regardless of whether they're enrolling in a career-training or traditional college program. The purpose of the Accuplacer tests is to evaluate the mathematics, reading and writing skills of test-takers. Some individuals may also take the Accuplacer tests during high school to determine if they are ready to pursue postsecondary studies or to identify areas where they need to improve to be ready for college.
Many students who are going to a 2-year university take this test in place of the ACT or SAT. It can also be used when enrolling in College Now clases.
JCCC Testing Services offers the ACCUPLACER placement test through scheduled on-campus appointments. The test is not timed, and there is no charge.
STEPS TO TAKING THE ACCUPLACER:
- Enroll at JCCC and get a JCCC ID number: https://www.jccc.edu/admissions/enrollment/.
- Once you have enrolled at JCCC, you will be informed about when you need to take the Accuplacer test. You can schedule a test at https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/testing-centers/testing/.
- Accuplacer study materials can be found here: https://studentportal.accuplacer.org/#/home.
- Show up for your scheduled appointment with your JCCC ID a current official photo ID. Score reports are available immediately after testing. You are allowed one retest during the dates specified by Testing Services.
For further information regarding scheduling or testing, you may contact Testing Services by email at testingservices@jccc.edu or by phone at 913-469-4439.
From Mr. Van Winkle, College Advisor
College Rep Visits
Throughout the year, Olathe North will be hosting several representatives from different Colleges/Universities. They will meet with students, give some information about their school, answer questions, and maybe even bring some college swag!
Visits will be taking place during A/I on Mondays/Tuesdays/Fridays. You will receive an email the day before which will act as your pass to attend the visit!
- November 1, 2022 – Truman State University
- November 4, 2022 – University of Nebraska – Lincoln
- November 7, 2022 – Iowa State University
- November 8, 2022 – Washburn University
- November 11, 2022 – University of Saint Mary
- November 14, 2022 – Fort Hays State University
- November 15, 2022 – Central Methodist University
- November 18, 2022 – University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC)
- November 29, 2022 – Neosho County Community College
To sign up for any of these Rep Visits, fill out this Google Form or use the QR code on the flyer!
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Van Winkle via email (lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org), phone call, or stopping by his office.
Senior Spotlight
FAFSA is OPEN:
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opened up on October 1st! Any college bound students who are eligible should file their FAFSA. Even if you believe that your family makes too much money to be offered anything from the federal government, many colleges require it to be on file for their institutional scholarships so fill it out, regardless!
To begin, the parent helping with the FAFSA AND the student will need an FSA ID. You can each create one here: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
Once you have done that, you can file the FAFSA here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Van Winkle!
FAFSA Frenzy:
Need help filing your FAFSA? Come to Olathe North on Tuesday, November 1st and receive help from myself and representatives from the Hispanic Development Fund, Johnson County Community College, and UMKC! The event will take place from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with spots available at the top of every hour! This event is for Seniors and Senior Families! If only the student or parent can attend, that is perfectly okay! You will just need to bring this stuff with you:
- Your school-issued laptop
- Your 2021 tax forms (Form 1040)
- Your parents' 2021 tax forms
- Social Security Number* (SSN not required for parents, but student must be a citizen or permanent resident)
Make sure to register for the event right HERE!
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Van Winkle via email (lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org), phone call, or stopping by his office.
November Scholarship Opportunities
Underdog Scholarships - $5,000 - 6 Awards (deadline: December 6, 2022)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must demonstrate a record of community or volunteer service.
Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/19214/underdog-scholarships.
Thiel High School Fellowship - $100,000 – 30 Awards (deadline: December 31, 2022)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be interested in designing and building things.
Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/14065/thiel-fellowship.
Ron Brown Scholarships Program - $40,000 – 50 Awards (deadline: January 9, 2022)
To be eligible for the scholarship a student must be black/African American, participate in community service activities, and have a demonstrated financial need.
Applications can be found by going to: https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/9535/ron-brown-scholarships-program.
Scholarship Search Resources:
Scholarship Guidance: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships
Student Scholarship.org: https://studentscholarships.org/2021scholarships.php
You can go to college — BigFuture can help you get there.
Betting ready for college? Count on BigFuture to help out. BigFuture is the College Board’s free college planning tool, designed to support students like you from your first thoughts about college to your first day on campus. BigFuture will help you:
- Handle the college planning process.
- Find the college where you’ll thrive.
- Take a look at your interests and career options.
- Make informed choices.
- Discover your big future.
Check it out here: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/.
Transcripts
All official transcripts must be requested through Xello. Please see instructions below:
Xello Student Account Login Directions
Xello Transcript Request Directions
If you have trouble accessing your transcript, or if you would like an unofficial copy for yourself, please contact Mrs. McQuay in the counseling office.
Olathe School District H.E.L.P. Clinic
Any situation that causes an interruption in the learning process is a serious educational concern. Students who are finding school difficult because of poor study skills, adjustment concerns, or relationships with others can find help through the clinic. Parents who want to learn more effective ways of encouraging and motivating children in school can also turn to the clinic.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is a service provided by the Olathe Public Schools. All services are free of charge to any student enrolled in the Olathe Public Schools, either in a remote environment or onsite.
- Individual and family counseling consists of short-term counseling (six sessions) for students and their families.
- Small group counseling with other grade-level or near grade-level peers serve those who would thrive learning and growing from a group structure. Groups would meet for six sessions.
- Play therapy is a technique where the child's natural means of expression, namely play, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with stress or life difficulties. Play therapy is used effectively at the H.E.L.P. Clinic with children ages 5 to 8 years old. Play therapy may not be used with every child and is available on a limited basis.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is staffed by professional school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and other school-based mental health providers. All clinicians are Olathe Public Schools employees or retired employees who have an active license in school mental health. These accredited and experienced professionals have a sincere interest in assisting students and families to better deal with challenges that impact students' abilities to achieve educational success.
Check out the H.E.L.P. Clinic website for more information: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/3522
Olathe North Student Services Team
Rachel Gunderson (students with last names A-D): rmgunderson@olatheschools.org
Nicole Etherton (students with last names E-Li): nmetherton@olatheschools.org
Tammie Milke (students with last names Lo-Ri): tmilkeon@olatheschools.org
Carrie Parazin (students with last names Ro-Z): cnparazin@olatheschools.org
Logan Van Winkle (College Advisor): lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org
Molly Askew (Student Support Liaison): msaskew@olatheschools.org