Counselor Connection
La Canada High School
Daily PA 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. Click here for the link. Stay informed and never miss an announcement again!
Continuing to notice, choose and act after Challenge Day, here's this week's Challenge:
Quote of the week:
“Labels are for jars, not people.”
–Source Unknown
Challenge of the week:
Notice any labels you use today, either on yourself or others. Are your labels creating connection or separation? Are you looking through eyes of love or judgment? The choice is yours.
LCHS Students in Action!
Spartan News!
Make sure to check out the Spartan Newspaper´s newest video broadcast outlet, LCTV!Every week we will provide highlights of everything Spartan--from sports teams to clubs to school events, we´ve got you covered. If you would like to be featured in one or more of our videos, please contact lchsspartan@gmail.com
9th-10th Grade Announcements
Report cards were distributed during second period yesterday! Please be sure to reach out to your teachers if you have any concerns or questions about your second semester progress.
LCF Sister Cities Association Opportunity
The City of La Cañada Flintridge recently partnered with the newly-formed LCF Sister Cities Association to offer local high school students a fantastic opportunity to learn about international affairs and citizen diplomacy. Four students will be selected to represent the City of La Cañada at the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. this summer from July 13-16, 2016. The selected students will experience a unique opportunity to represent our community, learn about different cultures, make new friends from around the world, and develop leadership skills. Applicants must be a resident of LCF and currently in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school. For more information on the leadership summit, please see: www.sistercities.org/YLS Applications to become a student member of the LCF Sister Cities Association and the Application to Represent LCF at the International Youth Leadership Summit are available at LCF City Hall and at the LCHS Counselors’ Offices. If you are interested in participating in the Sister Cities program, please review both documents with your parents. The deadline to submit the Youth Leadership Summit Application is TODAY Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 5:00 pm. The application may be submitted in person or mailed to the City Clerk at 1327 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. You may also submit the application by mail to the address on the application form. If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Schwartz at vschwartz2@icloud.com. Click here for specific information and application.
Career Technical Education Opportunities
This year the CTE Transitions and Verdugo Creative Technologies Consortium (VCTC) grants are hosting CTE/STEM Day at Glendale Community College on Thursday April 7, 2016, in Plaza Vaquero from 10:30 am-1 pm and 3:30 pm-6 pm. We are including a special Media industry panel to give students an opportunity to learn about careers in media. This is a great opportunity for K-12 students to meet and listen to a writer, producer, editor, and a marketer. This portion is scheduled to begin at 9am-10:30am in the Student Center. A light morning snack and refreshments will be served at 8:30 am. Click here for for more information.
UCSB Spring Insight Open House
The UCSB Spring Insight Open House is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 9am - 3pm PST. During Spring Insight, the UCSB campus welcomes visitors for a full day of events including faculty lectures, informational presentations, campus tours, tabling by student organizations and much more. Spring Insight is an excellent way for students to meet faculty and staff while getting a true taste of UCSB. Register now!
STEM Summer Opportunity for female sophomores and juniors
Montana Tech will be hosting the MINES (Making Innovations in Engineering and Science) again this summer. The camp will run from June 19th through June 24th, 2016.
This week long camp introduces young women to a variety of careers in the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They will participate in hands on experiments, field trips and lab based activities.If you know a high school sophomore or junior that would benefit from this amazing opportunity please view the tentative agenda, dates and costs at www.mtech.edu/mines-camp.
The deadline for applications is Friday April 15th, 2016, and the camp is expected to fill with young ladies from across the country.
OFFICIAL TESTING
-Register for May 7th (Redesigned SAT) by April 26th at collegeboard.org-April 9th ACT test is closed for registration. See actstudent.org for dates and info for upcoming tests
GREATER LOS ANGELES National College Fair
Find your perfect college with one stop shopping at the National Spring College Fair, hosted by NACAC, the National Association for College Admission Counseling!
- When: Thursday, April 28, 2016
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Where: Pasadena Convention Center
Free to Students and Parents! The list of schools attending each fair is available online at:http://bit.ly/NCFExhibitorSearch
At the fair, students will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with college representatives who can answer questions. There will also be a variety of workshops on topics including: Making College Affordable One Family at a Time; 40 College Application Tips in 40 Minutes; How to Write an Amazing College Essay; Choosing a College Major; Student-Athletes; and much more!
Register today at www.gotomyncf.com
Click here to view the College Fair Newsletter: click here
Second Annual Latinas in STEM 101 Conference
GCC’s 2nd Annual Latinas in STEM 101 Conference is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 30 from 8am to 3pm. The conference is designed for ANY interested female middle and high school students who may be considering STEM careers. Click here for more information.
Glendale Community College Baja Summer Program/College Transfer Credit Opportunity
Click here for information on how high school students can earn college credit while taking a field study Marine Biology course in Baja, California, Mexico.
Anthony Portantino for State Senate District 25 2016 Internship Program
Come join our Internship Program! The 2016 Internship with Anthony Portantino for State Senate offers a unique opportunity to learn the inner workings of a campaign, the ins and outs of community organizing, and the chance to meet key figures at both the community and state level. If you have an interest in community service and want to make a difference in the 2016 election, this is the internship for you! Interns will learn how to build a grassroots political organization and how to leverage political action into electoral and legislative victories, gaining valuable real-world experience in a high-profile political operation. This is a fantastic opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to get involved with outreach in their own neighborhoods while adding to their resume and network! Click here for more information.
High School Academy at Woodbury University Summer Opportunity
Offered to high school students entering their junior or senior years, this intensive program is offered for college credit (2-3 units) and allows students to explore Woodbury’s various disciplines.
Summer 2016 courses include:
Animation: Introduction to Animation
Architecture: Design Lab: Introduction to Architecture
Communication: Public Speaking
Design Foundation: Drawing Fundamentals & Beyond
Fashion Design: Introduction to Fashion Design
Filmmaking: Introduction to Production
Game Art & Design: Introduction to Game Design
Graphic Design: Introduction to Photoshop
Professional Writing: Writing by Imitations: An Introduction to Professional Writing
Psychology: Introduction to Psychology
For descriptions and specific class times, download the flyer .
Summer Programs
Thinking of summer learning opportunities? Please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca. Click on the College tab, then click on Enrichment Programs to see a full listing of programs available. Deadlines are quickly approaching! Some tips from Collegewise for families considering summer program invitations
Scholarship and Financial Aid
For scholarship and other financial aid opportunities, please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca Click on the college tab, then click on scholarships. Mrs. Erickson will also keep hard copies of any local scholarships on file in the counseling office. She is available in the front office between the hours of Noon-3:45 p.m.
SAT and ACT Prep Opportunities Click here for a list of local options and La Canada student discounts.
JUNIOR JUNCTION
Report cards were distributed during second period yesterday! Please be sure to reach out to your teachers if you have any concerns or questions about your second semester progress.
LCF Sister Cities Association Opportunity
The City of La Cañada Flintridge recently partnered with the newly-formed LCF Sister Cities Association to offer local high school students a fantastic opportunity to learn about international affairs and citizen diplomacy. Four students will be selected to represent the City of La Cañada at the Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. this summer from July 13-16, 2016. The selected students will experience a unique opportunity to represent our community, learn about different cultures, make new friends from around the world, and develop leadership skills. Applicants must be a resident of LCF and currently in their freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school. For more information on the leadership summit, please see: www.sistercities.org/YLS Applications to become a student member of the LCF Sister Cities Association and the Application to Represent LCF at the International Youth Leadership Summit are available at LCF City Hall and at the LCHS Counselors’ Offices. If you are interested in participating in the Sister Cities program, please review both documents with your parents. The deadline to submit the Youth Leadership Summit Application is TODAY Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 5:00 pm. The application may be submitted in person or mailed to the City Clerk at 1327 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. You may also submit the application by mail to the address on the application form. If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Schwartz at vschwartz2@icloud.com. Click here for specific information and application.
Career Technical Education Opportunities
This year the CTE Transitions and Verdugo Creative Technologies Consortium (VCTC) grants are hosting CTE/STEM Day at Glendale Community College on Thursday April 7, 2016, in Plaza Vaquero from 10:30 am-1 pm and 3:30 pm-6 pm. We are including a special Media industry panel to give students an opportunity to learn about careers in media. This is a great opportunity for K-12 students to meet and listen to a writer, producer, editor, and a marketer. This portion is scheduled to begin at 9am-10:30am in the Student Center. A light morning snack and refreshments will be served at 8:30 am. Click here for for more information.
UCSB Spring Insight Open House
The UCSB Spring Insight Open House is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 9am - 3pm PST. During Spring Insight, the UCSB campus welcomes visitors for a full day of events including faculty lectures, informational presentations, campus tours, tabling by student organizations and much more. Spring Insight is an excellent way for students to meet faculty and staff while getting a true taste of UCSB. Register now!
LCHS SBAC Testing for all juniors next week!
Monday April 11th - Thursday April 14th. Bring your earbuds! Please report to the specified locations listed below at the beginning of school each day:
A – Bor Report to Room 310
Bow – Corb Report to Room 306
Corn – G Report to Room 218
H – Kim, H. Report to Room 228
Kim, J – Lin Report to Auditorium Foyer
Lit – Oh, B. Report to IRC iMac Lab
Oh, D. – Ro Report to IRC Downstairs
Ru – Tr Report to IRC Chromebox Lab
Tu – Z Report to IRC Tables
STEM Summer Opportunity for female sophomores and juniors
Montana Tech will be hosting the MINES (Making Innovations in Engineering and Science) again this summer. The camp will run from June 19th through June 24th, 2016.
This week long camp introduces young women to a variety of careers in the STEM fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. They will participate in hands on experiments, field trips and lab based activities.If you know a high school sophomore or junior that would benefit from this amazing opportunity please view the tentative agenda, dates and costs at www.mtech.edu/mines-camp.
The deadline for applications is Friday April 15th, 2016, and the camp is expected to fill with young ladies from across the country.
OFFICIAL TESTING
-Register for May 7th (Redesigned SAT) by April 26th at collegeboard.org-April 9th ACT test is closed for registration. See actstudent.org for dates and info for upcoming tests
GREATER LOS ANGELES National College Fair
Find your perfect college with one stop shopping at the National Spring College Fair, hosted by NACAC, the National Association for College Admission Counseling!
- When: Thursday, April 28, 2016
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Where: Pasadena Convention Center
Free to Students and Parents! The list of schools attending each fair is available online at:http://bit.ly/NCFExhibitorSearch
At the fair, students will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with college representatives who can answer questions. There will also be a variety of workshops on topics including: Making College Affordable One Family at a Time; 40 College Application Tips in 40 Minutes; How to Write an Amazing College Essay; Choosing a College Major; Student-Athletes; and much more!
Register today at www.gotomyncf.com
Click here to view the College Fair Newsletter: click here
Second Annual Latinas in STEM 101 Conference
GCC’s 2nd Annual Latinas in STEM 101 Conference is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 30 from 8am to 3pm. The conference is designed for ANY interested female middle and high school students who may be considering STEM careers. Click here for more information.
Pasadena Tournament of Roses Student Ambassadors Program 2016-2017
Are you interested in earning community service hours?
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Student Ambassadors Program gives rising seniors the opportunity to work alongside tournament members and other volunteers for a minimum of 40 community service hours in preparation for the 2016-2017 Rose Parade. Activities include public interaction at float decorating venues, assisting Rose Parade band members at Bandfest and during the Parade, acting as ushers in the Tournament Grandstands on Rose Parade morning and interacting with the public at the Post Parade float viewing venue.
Eligibility requirements:
- Maintaining at least a 2.0 (“C”) grade point average in both the current and previous academic year
- Must be at least 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2016 and not older than 19 years of age before January 4, 2017 (exceptions will be considered, if requested by the student’s school)
- Completing and submitting the Student Ambassador Agreement and other related application materials
- Selected candidates must serve one year from June 2016 to June 2017 and be available to serve at least 40 volunteer hours between December 26, 2016 and January 4, 2017 (Candidate must be available for assignment on Parade Day (January 2, 2017)
- Candidates must attend all scheduled training meetings and other scheduled events; no mandatory activities or events are scheduled during school hours
- Candidates must provide their own transportation to and from all meetings, events and Tournament-related activities
If you are interested in this opportunity, please inform your counselor by April 29th.
Glendale Community College Baja Summer Program/College Transfer Credit Opportunity
Click here for information on how high school students can earn college credit while taking a field study Marine Biology course in Baja, California, Mexico.
Junior College and Career Presentation
Thank you to all juniors who attended the Naviance College and Career Junior Project Presentation. If you were not able to attend, please click here to see a copy the presentation given by the counseling department. Also, please see Mrs. Erickson in the counseling office between the hours of 12-3 p.m. to pick up your Junior Project task list in preparation for your senior year.
Anthony Portantino for State Senate District 25 2016 Internship Program
Come join our Internship Program! The 2016 Internship with Anthony Portantino for State Senate offers a unique opportunity to learn the inner workings of a campaign, the ins and outs of community organizing, and the chance to meet key figures at both the community and state level. If you have an interest in community service and want to make a difference in the 2016 election, this is the internship for you! Interns will learn how to build a grassroots political organization and how to leverage political action into electoral and legislative victories, gaining valuable real-world experience in a high-profile political operation. This is a fantastic opportunity for students or recent graduates looking to get involved with outreach in their own neighborhoods while adding to their resume and network! Click here for more information.
High School Academy at Woodbury University Summer Opportunity
Offered to high school students entering their junior or senior years, this intensive program is offered for college credit (2-3 units) and allows students to explore Woodbury’s various disciplines.
Summer 2016 courses include:
Animation: Introduction to Animation
Architecture: Design Lab: Introduction to Architecture
Communication: Public Speaking
Design Foundation: Drawing Fundamentals & Beyond
Fashion Design: Introduction to Fashion Design
Filmmaking: Introduction to Production
Game Art & Design: Introduction to Game Design
Graphic Design: Introduction to Photoshop
Professional Writing: Writing by Imitations: An Introduction to Professional Writing
Psychology: Introduction to Psychology
For descriptions and specific class times, download the flyer .
Summer Programs
Thinking of summer learning opportunities? Please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca. Click on the College tab, then click on Enrichment Programs to see a full listing of programs available. Deadlines are quickly approaching! Some tips from Collegewise for families considering summer program invitations
Scholarship and Financial Aid
For scholarship and other financial aid opportunities, please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca Click on the college tab, then click on scholarships. Mrs. Erickson will also keep hard copies of any local scholarships on file in the counseling office. She is available in the front office between the hours of Noon-3:45 p.m.
SAT and ACT Prep Opportunities Click here for a list of local options and La Canada student discounts.
Special Announcement: UC is revamping the personal statement section of the admission application.
After almost 10 years, UC is changing the personal statement section of its undergraduate admissions application, replacing the current two personal statement prompts with short-answer questions that students can choose from. The new questions, now called personal insight questions, aim to give applicants a greater say in the kind of information they share with the University. For Personal Insight Questions Worksheet, please click here.
Senior Stop
The colleges said yes! Now what? The National Reply Date is May 1st, so you still have a bit of time to review your options. If you did not receive adequate financial aid information with your acceptance letter, pick up the phone and give the university a call to request that information. CollegeBoard suggests coming up with a list of questions still have about the colleges and seeking the answers to those by reaching out to people who work at the college, current students at the college or the college’s official website. For more tips and strategies, please review the following articles:
http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/breakdown/Pages/Deciding.aspx
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/making-a-decision/you-got-accepted-now-what
For some thoughts on dealing with colleges that said “no,” CollegeWise offers some insightful suggestions to help you manage through that situation as well:
http://wiselikeus.com/collegewise/2010/04/appealing_college_rejections.html
Colleges Still Accepting Applications
There are a great many colleges and universities who are still accepting applications for fall admission. This is a great resource for those of you who thought you missed the boat or who are looking for another option to add to your list now that admission decisions are starting to roll in.
College Simply
1. http://www.collegesimply.com/guides/application-deadlines/
Common App’s Search by Deadline
1. http://www.commonapp.org/
2. Click “Explore Colleges”
3. Click “Browse all colleges”
4. “Deadline: On or After” < select today’s date
5. Click “Search”
Universal College App’s Still Accepting Applications
1. https://www.universalcollegeapp.com/accepting
2. Click “Fall”
NACAC’s College Openings Update:
1. http://www.nacacnet.org/research/research-data/College-Openings/Pages/College-Openings-Results.aspx
2. This typically goes live the first week of May.
Rolling Admission Colleges:
1. In general, these are schools accepting students throughout the year until their class is full.
2. http://bfy.tw/4yE3
Local community colleges:
1. Pasadena City College: https://www.pasadena.edu/apply-now/
2. Glendale Community College: http://glendale.edu/index.aspx?page=566
3. California Community College Database: http://californiacommunitycolleges.cccco.edu/alphalist.aspx
Gap Year Programs
For some students, college is not necessarily the right choice immediately following graduation. These students might be ready, but feel there is something else they want to do before heading off to college. Students such as these may want to consider a “Gap Year.” Why take a Gap Year? “A life-changing gap year experience can be the answer for a teen who asks, ‘What should I do after high school?’ Learning a new language, volunteering in another country, earning college credit while studying abroad, and more—there are hundreds of gap year programs out there.” -TeenLife.com.
Some students may want to spend a year expressly devoted to service. What is a service year? “A service year is a paid, full-time position for young Americans looking to improve people’s lives and make a lasting impact in communities across the country. From fighting poverty to working with kids to responding to natural disasters — a service year is a meaningful and fulfilling way to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our nation.” -Service Nation. Students who want more information on spending a year in service are encouraged to request more information from Service Nation using the website below. Signing-up will not obligate you to Service Nation in any way.
When pursuing a Gap year, it is recommended that students still apply to colleges in the senior year of high school, but then ask the college if they can defer admissions for a semester or a year, depending on the Gap Year program. What if you did not apply to college but want to do a Gap Year? That is okay too, just be prepared to spend some of your Gap Year time exploring colleges and preparing applications.
For more information on Gap year programs, please review the following websites:
General Information http://www.nacacnet.org/studentinfo/articles/pages/gap-year-.aspx
Service Nation www.serviceyr.org
TeenLife https://www.teenlife.com/category/gap-year/
SCHOLARSHIPS
La Canada Teachers Association (LCTA) Scholarships (DUE APRIL 8, which is THIS FRIDAY!)
LCTA is proud to provide scholarships to our wonderful LCHS students. Applications are available online on Naviance (go to the colleges tab, then click scholarship list). Some are also available from Mr. Kauffman, Mr. Eick, Mr. Stone, or Dr. Brookey. Several of these scholarships are related to the performing and visual arts. Please read the descriptions on Naviance. Applications are due to Mrs. Hicklin in the office by NO LATER THAN APRIL 8, 2016. If you have questions about any of these scholarships, please contact Mrs. Bozzani at lbozzani@lcusd.net
LCTA Scholarship List:
The Jeanne Maus Memorial Scholarship
The Fred Stuhr Memorial Scholarship
The Dorothy Griffin Memorial Scholarship
The Marjorie Pursel Memorial Scholarship
The Patrick Rappleye Memorial Scholarship
The Ryder Buck Memorial Scholarship
The Steven R. Orr Memorial Scholarship
The Future Teachers Scholarship
Upcoming scholarships from Naviance for April 7th through April 10:
4/7
Knights of Vartan
4/8 (LCTA Scholarship Deadline)
Dorothy Griffin Memorial Scholarship
Fred Stuhr Memorial Scholarship
Future Teacher Scholarship
Jeanne Maus Memorial Scholarship
Marjorie Pursel Memorial Scholarship
Pasadena Foothills Association of Realtors Scholarship
Patrick Rappleye Memorial Scholarship
Ryder Buck Memorial Scholarship
Steven R. Orr Memorial Scholarship
4/10
CATA Scholarship
For applications to these scholarships or to look up more scholarships, please visit http://connection.naviance.com/lchsca, click on the colleges tab, then click on scholarship list. Mrs.Erickson will also keep hard copies of any local scholarships on file in the counseling office. She is available in the front office between the hours of Noon-3:45 p.m.
Scholarships OUTSIDE of Naviance
There are many search engines available. The first and most important item to note is that applying for scholarships should NEVER cost you money. If you come across a site that requires a fee, move on to the next. You should never have to pay for free money. Applying for scholarships WILL require work on your part, however. Some will require lengthy applications and some will require essays, but remember, the more scholarships you apply for, the more chances you have at free money! Some site to consider:
Cappex: https://www.cappex.com/scholarships/
FastWeb: www.fastweb.com
Finaid: http://www.finaid.org/
Scholarships.com: https://www.scholarships.com/main.aspx
Counseling Corner Resources
For anyone who missed "District Response Team Presents: Supporting Student Mental Health" held March 10th at 6:30pm (LCHS Auditorium), an overview of the topics and resources presented is available by clicking here (and also handouts and more handouts)
Collegewise Tips for Students to Consider When Preparing for College
- What is a successful college education?
- 5 traits of students who stand out:
- Asking too much from activities:
http://wiselikeus.com/collegewise/2016/03/asking-too-much-from-activities.html
Tweet! Tweet!
- Click here for La Canada Flintridge Community Prevention Council resources available
The LCHS Counseling Department is on Twitter! Come follow us for important reminders, announcements, and upcoming events. Our Twitter handle is @LCcounselors