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
LCHS N.G.S.S. Parent Night - February 28
We are excited to have LCHS NGSS Parent Night on February 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office Board Room. At this meeting you will learn about Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and their impact on Science instruction in our classrooms. Our guest speaker from the K-12 Alliance at WestEd is an expert on the NGSS and is training our teachers how to implement these standards in their classrooms. If you wish to attend, please RSVP at imcfeat@lcusd.net so we can plan accordingly.
Youth Financial Literacy Workshop
Join the City of La Canada Flintridge Youth Council for a free financial literacy workshop! All 9th-12th grade students and families welcome to attend! Workshop is on Thursday, March 9th from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Click here for more information. Deadline to sign up is March 1st.
UPDATED POST: UPCOMING ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINES
The next ACT test takes place on April 8th, and the registration deadline is March 3rd. Click here to register.
NEW POST: College Admissions Today: Fact vs Fiction, presented by Paul Kanarek, CEO Collegewise
March 9, 6:00pm LCHS Auditorium - All LCHS 9-12 students and families invited! Our guest speaker Paul Kanarek is considered to be one of the world’s foremost experts on testing and admissions. He has been widely quoted in all the major papers, has appeared on multiple television shows, and has spoken about US college admissions all over the world. Before he became the CEO of Collegewise, he founded The Princeton Review in California in 1983. Mr. Kanarek’s talks are lively, insightful and inspiring. In College Admissions Today: Fact vs Fiction, Mr. Kanarek will debunk some of the more painful mythology surrounding college admissions, while also being entertaining and informative.
NEW POST: MOCK ACT AND SAT OFFERED AT LCHS
Take a practice SAT or ACT test here at LCHS for only $20. The Princeton Review, in partnership with La Canada High School, is offering a practice test fundraiser on March 18th, 2017 on campus at La Canada High School. Click here for details.
COURSE REGISTRATION FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Counselors have begun the course registration for the 2017-2018 school year. All parents and students will receive an e-mail outlining the new course registration process, along with resources to help guide students in their course selections. Here are the grade level dates for class presentations and initial online course requests:
Class presentation: Initial online course selections due
Current 11th: Jan 31 → Feb 5
Current 10th: Feb 13 → Feb 20
Current 9th: Feb 27 → Mar 5
Current 8th: Mar 13 → Mar 19
An individual student/counselor meeting will then take place to review and/or adjust course selections and collect the Course Selection Contract with parent/guardian signatures. Counselors can answer questions and provide further guidance or changes to student requests at these meetings.
Current 11th: Week of Feb 6 - 10
Current 10th: Week of Feb 21 - 24
Current 9th: Week of Mar 6 - 10
Current 8th: Week of Mar 20 - 23
Attention AP Students
AP Exam Sign-Ups will be February 6th – March 24th
Step 1: Print and complete the AP form under “Counseling” on the school website (lchsspartans.net).
Step 2: Take completed form and payment to Mrs. Hicklin in the counseling office before school, after school, lunch and break only – Mrs. Hicklin is not available during class time. Checks should be made out to LCHS-AP Exams. If paying cash, please have exact change.
· Fee is $100 per exam February 6th-February 24th
· Fee increases to $115 from February 27th – March 17th
· Fee increases to $130 from March 20th – March 24th
Tests will take place from May 1st through May 12th.
NEW POST: "Water is Life" Student Art Contest
Foothill Municipal Water District (located in La Cañada Flintridge, CA) is sponsoring its 6th annual K-12 student art contest this year.
Deadline for entries is Monday, April 3, 2016 and must be submitted to 4536 Hampton Road, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. Click here for more information.
NEW POST: 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
Altadena Shriff's Station is seeking young community members (ages 14-21) for their Explorer Program
02-25-16
The Sheriff's Explorer Program has created a volunteer partnership between youths in our community and law enforcement. The explorers, between 14 and 21 years of age, receive extensive training in an academy setting. They then participate in community affairs and non-hazardous law enforcement activities. The explorer program is great for those youth considering a future career in law enforcement or those who just want to get involved and help out. If you are interested in working as a Sheriff's Explorer, click here or contact Deputy Dan Paige of the Altadena Sheriff's Station at (626) 296-2105 or (626) 241-2499.
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.
Freshman Forum
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
NEW POST: COURSE REGISTRATION FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Tenth graders were visited by the school counselors on Monday, February 13th to begin the course registration process for next school year. Students will request courses online this year through the Aeries Student Portal. The online portal is open until Monday, February 20th. Then, all sophomores will meet individually with counselors between February 21-24 in the IRC to return the signed Course Selection Contract and to confirm course selections, make changes, or fix errors.
La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce Summer Internship Program Information Meeting
The La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce sponsors a six-week Summer Internship Program for current sophomores and juniors. To learn everything you need to know about this program, please attend the presentation TOMORROW, Wednesday, February 15, in the Auditorium during STEP. Permission slips to attend the presentation will be available from Mrs. Alequin beginning February 6th.
NEW POST: Grades vs Rigor
Next week the counselors will begin assisting sophomores with their course selection. In choosing the right fit, consider this blog post from the University of Georgia admission office:
http://ugaadmissions.blogspot.com/2014/04/grades-vs-rigor-or-what-should-my-child.html
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
La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce Summer Internship Program Information Meeting
The La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce sponsors a six-week Summer Internship Program for current sophomores and juniors. To learn everything you need to know about this program, please attend the presentation on TOMORROW, Wednesday, February 15, in the Auditorium during STEP. Permission slips to attend the presentation will be available from Mrs. Alequin beginning February 6th.
USC BOVARD SCHOLARS PROGRAM
USC Bovard Scholars program aims to help high-achieving high school students with financial need gain admission to and succeed at the nation’s top universities. Scholars will receive admission and financial aid guidance, personalized career exploration opportunities, comprehensive test preparation, and leadership development. Many of the Bovard Scholars will be the first in their families to attend college. The program includes an intensive, three-week residential experience during the summer (July 16-August 5, 2017) on USC’s campus at no cost to the students. Students must meet the following eligibility to apply:
- Junior in high school (11th grader) at time of application
- Currently hold a 4.0 GPA or above
- Enrolled in Algebra II, Trigonometry or above
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have taken advanced placement/international baccalaureate courses, if offered
Medical Mentor/Internship Program Opportunity for current Juniors!
Through the 2017 Eve & Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, students work under the supervision of a health care educator, shadowing various medical professionals (nurse, nutritionist, pharmacist, lab technician, physician and/or medical specialist, etc.) who together provide a range of patient care and services.
Program Dates: There are 2, 3 and 4 week programs available from July 1 - August 4, 2017. See Application on the website under Summer Programs for application, documents, and specific date information.
Submission Instructions and Application Deadline: The original set of required documents and 1 copy of this entire set of documents must be sent by US Mail ONLY and mailed by Wednesday, FEBRUARY 22, 2017.
NEW POST: 2017-2018 Common Application Prompts Announced
The Common Application has announced the essay prompts for the 2017-2018 season. There are prompts that are exactly the same as last year, some changes, some similarities, and a few more options. High school juniors with their sights on college can start thinking about what they want to share with colleges. However, they will not be able to submit their applications until late summer when the 2017-2018 application cycle opens. Click here for more information.
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: Upcoming college visits:
February 24th: Pasadena City College - 10:00AM - in the College and Career Resource Center. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions and guide students in the Community College process.
February 24th: Glendale Community College - 12:00PM. There will be a table outside set up during the 9-12 student lunch hour. Please stop by, meet the representatives and find out information about our local Community College.
NEW POST: Jostens Senior Packet
Attention all Seniors: Please pick up a Jostens Senior packet for your cap, gown and announcements from your English teacher. If you are a senior and are not in an English class, please come and see Mrs. Alequin to get your senior packet. Jostens will be on our campus taking your orders on Tuesday, February 28th and Wednesday, March 1st at lunch in the quad. Graduation is right around the corner!
NEW POST: GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: From High School to Glendale Community College and Beyond
How do you envision your future? As you finish high school, you are at a point where you need to map out the next stages of your life. Developing a vision for your future will help you answer questions about who you want to be, where you will go, and how you plan to get there. Glendale Community College (GCC) can sharpen your vision by getting you started on a path that includes many avenues to satisfy your intellectual curiosity and prepare you for what lies ahead. Glendale Community College also has a vision. “We strive to be the Greater Los Angeles Region’s premier learning community where all students achieve their informed educational goals through outstanding instructional and student services, a comprehensive community college curriculum, and educational opportunities found in few community colleges.” Guided by this vision, GCC helps high achievers and late bloomers alike successfully transition from high school to college and beyond. There are some specific benefits available to LCHS students interested in pursuing their education at GCC. Two of the most important benefits include the ECAP program and priority registration.
What does ECAP stand for?
Early College Acceptance Program
More info: www.glendale.edu/ECAP
What are the advantages of ECAP?
Application workshops conducted by GCC Outreach Services on-site at your high school held either during school, lunch or after school
Free assessment test study guides and advice
Free assessment test preparation classes at Glendale’s Garfield Campus
Access to GCC staff for any questions you might have
Priority Registration for fall 2017: What are the steps involved?
Step 1 ➔ Apply to Glendale Community College for Fall 2017 semester NOW at www.glendale.edu/APPLY.
Step 2 ➔ Take your Math and English or ESL Assessment Tests. Assessment tests are available at GCC beginning February 27 in SF112. Visit www.glendale.edu/Assessment for testing schedule and sample tests. Be sure to review sample tests prior to taking assessment tests. The Assessment staff will make an appointment for you to attend a New Student Advising Workshop once your assessments are complete.
Step 3 ➔ Attend your New Student Advising Workshop and complete the online orientation. A counselor will help you develop your required abbreviated Student Educational Plan (SEP). Note: You may also complete the Online Orientation on your own.
If you complete all three steps by April 28th, you will receive priority registration! You can then move on to the last step:
Step 4 ➔ Register for fall 2017 classes at GCC. Your registration date and time will be posted to your MyGCC account on May 8 (www.glendale.edu/MyGCC). Priority registration begins on May 22.
If you DO NOT complete all the steps above by April 28, you will register during open registration beginning on June 12. It is to your benefit to complete the steps early!
For more information or to have your questions answered, be sure to look for the GCC reps on campus at LCHS in the lunch area on the following dates:
February 24
March 10
March 24
April 21
May 5
- May 12
ATTENTION SENIORS PLANNING TO ATTEND PASADENA CITY COLLEGE IN THE FALL OF 2017:
We are excited to partner with Pasadena City College admissions and provide our seniors who plan to attend PCC in the fall of 2017 with two important components to complete as part of the five – step application process. We invite you to attend the PAWS (Pre-Assessment Workshop Session) to help you prepare for the PCC placement exams given in both English and Math. The PAWS workshop is designed to help students place in the correct level of Math and English. During the PAWS workshop you will:
1. Receive important information regarding the test
2. Become familiar with the Ed Ready “look”
3. Receive a free online practice test license
4. Learn about important campus resources
SAVE THE DATE: PART ONE
Pre-Assessment Workshop
Wednesday March 1, 2017
Location: IRC
Time: 7:30AM-8:30AM
In order to attend the workshop, we ask that you log in to Naviance and sign up as you would if you were attending a college visit: Naviance - College Tab - College Visits - then select the PCC PAWS application workshop and sign up.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE WORKSHOP?
1. Valid Photo ID
2. Lancer Point ID# - this was issued to you when you created your account and completed the first step of the application process on December 1, 2016.
3. A piece of paper
4. Pen or pencil required
5. Attendance copy of Photo ID or computerized version (pictures, etc.) are NOT ACCEPTED due to test publisher requirements.
We look forward to seeing you on March 1st. Please arrive by 7:20AM and go directly to the IRC for check in.
SAVE THE DATE: PART TWO
Assessment Test On Campus at LCHS
Wednesday March 15, 2017
Location: Cafeteria
Time: 7:30AM – 11:00AM
Please join us on March 15, 2017 in the La Canada High School cafeteria as this is YOUR test date. Pasadena City College Assessment Center representatives along with admissions counselors will be here to give you both the English and Math placement exams. The LCHS Counselors will also be present to issue you each a Chrome Book and help assist with the process of getting you set for the exam. Please review the checklist and be prepared for test day. You will need to bring the following on test day:
1. Bring a valid Photo ID (High School ID or Driver’s License) – copies are not accepted
2. Bring your Lancer Point ID # - this is the number you received when you completed the application on December 1, 2016.
3. Bring a valid email address to receive your exam results
4. Bring a pencil or a pen
Doors to the cafeteria will be open at 7:00AM and check in will begin promptly at that time. Please arrive early, so we can check you in, issue you a Chrome Book and be ready for the start of the exam at 7:30AM. The exam will begin at 7:30AM and will take approximately two hours to complete. At the end of the testing session, you will be issued a pass to class. The test is not timed.
Please log in to Naviance and sign up as you would if you were attending a college visit: Naviance - College Tab - College Visits - then select the PCC Assessment and sign up.
We look forward to seeing you on both March 1st and March 15th.
Please see your counselor if you have any questions or need further details.
Career Education
As you begin thinking about what your future holds, you might be wondering if your intended career field requires a license or certification. Some jobs require specialized training/certification above and beyond the bachelor’s degree, while others will require the certificate only, without the need for an undergraduate degree. Still others will require an advanced degree, such as a master’s in addition to certifications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has extensive data on this topic. Salaries, projected job growth and type of education/certification needed for a wide variety of jobs is just part of the wonderful data that can be found on the website. For more information, please review the following article and explore the website: https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/article/print/will-i-need-a-license-or-certification.htm
“Undecided.”
Choosing a major can seem like a daunting task. If you have not selected a major, don’t worry! The most common major at the vast majority of college campuses is “undecided,” so you are in good company! Many colleges will offer summer orientations that will help you locate resources on campus that can help you decide. Additionally, many colleges offer freshman seminar-type courses that are designed to help “the undecided” find their passion. As you embark upon this next phase of your life, start to use the tools around you to explore your interests, as they could very well lead you to a college major! CollegeBoard provides a wonderful free tool to help you get started: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers. This is also a good time to review your “Strengths Explorer” results in Naviance and view the “Road Trip Nation” videos in the “Careers” tab for more inspiration: https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=lchsca
Winter Timeline Reminders (December-February) from LCHS and Campus Explorer.com
Update admissions decisions in Naviance by clicking on the “colleges” tab, then click “colleges i’m applying to,” then click on the pencil icon next to any college to update the admission decision. If there is a college on your list that you no longer plan to apply to, please alert your counselor so that they can remove it from your list.
Schedule your college interviews to finish up the admissions process.
Complete your FAFSA and CSS Profile (if applicable) so you can get the most possible financial assistance for college.
Check the scholarship section of this newsletter and check the scholarship section of Naviance EVERY WEEK!
Verify with your counselor that your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores have been sent to your prospective schools.
Send an email or make a phone call to make sure your colleges have received your application. While you’re at it, check to see that they have everything else they need, including your transcripts and financial aid material.
Request that your high school send your first semester grades to every college that you applied to. For questions on sending mid-year transcripts, please scroll to the “Mid-Year Transcript” section below. Schools will continue to track your grades as you finish out your senior year so please avoid senioritis!
If you do not plan to apply to 4-year universities, continue researching your options by using Naviance and by meeting with your counselor. We have resources on community college, trade/vocational schools, Gap year programs and more.
MID-YEAR TRANSCRIPTS
When will my mid-year be sent?
Report cards were distributed to students on January 17th. Mid-year transcripts were processed and sent between January 23-31 for all students who requested and paid for mid-years. If you need to send any additional mid-year reports, please see your counselor ASAP.
Please keep in mind that once your counselor sends your mid-year through Naviance, it can take the college anywhere from 1-5 weeks to process the document. To check whether or not your mid-year has been sent, login to Naviance, go to the College Tab and look for the words “mid-year submitted” next to your colleges beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 31. It is suggested that you also check your college portals at least once a week. Mid-year transcripts are $5 each, payable by cash or check made out to LCHS. The transcript request form can be found HERE. Remember, this form MUST be signed by your counselor before submitting your payment to Mr. Reda Hanna, our new Registrar (now known as the Student Information System Specialist).
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
UPDATED POST: Click here for current scholarship opportunities with deadlines in February 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
NEW POST: LOCAL COLLEGE FAIR OPPORTUNITIES IN APRIL
Free California Out-of-State & International (COSI) College Fairs in Southern CA in April 2017
USA GAP YEAR FAIRS
Are you considering a Gap Year after high school? USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, interested students and parents, high school college counselors and Gap Year experts. Click here for a list of USA Gap Year Fairs coming to southern California in February!
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
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.