Connections Weekly Newsletter
January 26, 2024
Summer Programs
As we have discussed in the classroom with all grades about the advantages of attending a summer program, here are some of the reasons why we recommend them:
- They are a great option to investigate an interest
- It’s a time to “try on” a specific college or a similar college in your plan
- To gain confidence in your success outside of the TCA environment
- Allow families to experience the roller coaster of emotions that may come from trying something new (fear), which leads to confidence (resiliency).
As a mom, I recall my daughter starting a summer program with distress calls of feeling left out and not knowing anyone, to zero calls letting me know she was having fun, to picking her up and hearing her say she didn’t want to leave; she has stayed connected with several of those new friends years later! It’s a roller coaster but the view is incredible!
We highlight some summer programs in the newsletter and save them in Naviance under Enrichment Opportunities. You can also search “summer program, high school student, college, _________ (subject)” to get additional ideas. As students hear me say all the time, “You don’t know if you don't ask.” ALWAYS check if there are scholarships available.
Class of 2024
Mid-year transcripts have been sent to colleges for all seniors who previously requested an initial transcript. If you are requesting a transcript in Naviance for a new scholarship or college application, be sure to click the mid-year transcript box.
Financial aid can be one of the more confusing aspects of the college admission process. Most students hope to receive some form of financial aid to help pay for the high cost of college. SR Financial Aid Letter.docx that will help you understand financial aid awards.
Other FAFSA Resources
2024-25 FAFSA FAQ video about the FAFSA 2024-25 changes
How to Create an Account and Username (FSA ID).
Worksheet: Creating a FSA ID - English
Worksheet: Creating a FSA ID - Spanish
Update from Federal Student Aid
Letters of Recommendation: If you have a February 15 College Application or Scholarship deadline, the Connection’s deadline is January 25, and the teacher recommendation letter deadline is February 1. Here is the HOW TO doc for both letter types. Stop by Connections with any questions or to pick up a request form for Ms. Peters. Click here for a complete list of 2023-24 Application Deadlines.
Classes of 2025, 2026 and 2027
Starting next week, our Connections team will begin working with students in 9th-11th grades on updating their 4-year plan for classes. This is a planning process and IS NOT REGISTRATION. Registration details will come from Mrs. Norman next month. Our team is here to assist with class choice based on interests and plans. We encourage families to review those plans together BEFORE the course registration happens. After Ms. Peters and Mrs. Dahl are in classrooms, plans will be in Naviance>Courses>Manage Course Plans.
Save the Date
At TCA
Monday, January 29, 11:25 – College for Creative Studies
Wednesday, January 31, 10:55/11:25 – Pikes Peak State College: Application Help/Rep Visit
Thursday, February 1, 10:30 – BINGO
Friday, February 2, 10:30 – Career Chat: Mark Reis – Photojournalism. Whether you are interested in a photography career or just an enthusiast, you won’t want to miss award-winning photojournalist Mark Ries talk about his career as the Director of Photography at the CS Gazette for more than 30 years, the ten Olympics Games, six Super Bowls that he has covered and so much more.
Monday, March 4, 10:30-11:20 - TCA Mini-College Fair
In the Community
Saturday, March 2, 9:00-11:30 – RMACAC Spring College Fair, Pine Creek High School
Scholarships, Awards and Other Financial Aid Information
NAU has increased the WUE Merit Scholarships, which also includes the addition of the “WUE Excellence Scholarship” Colorado residents receive the discounted WUE tuition rate, plus a merit scholarship based on their grades from 14 core courses. Students can complete their application at www.nau.edu/apply Click here for more details.
At Ohio Wesleyan University the Dr. Charles Thomas Scholarship is available to all students who work with a college-access program or community-based organization. Deadline to apply is February 15. Note: the priority scholarship deadline was January 15, but OWU is still accepting applications and awarding scholarships.
Enrichment
Discover CSU on Monday, February 19, allows students to learn more about the college application process and what Colorado State University offers. Register here.
Vanderbilt Summer Academy 2024 allows high-achieving students to join peers from around the world and take accelerated courses taught by top scholars, all while living in a residential community on Vanderbilt’s campus.
Champlain College offers residential credit-bearing and noncredit-bearing Pre-College Summer Programs for high school students in various exciting in-demand fields. Explore the programs here.
Great Books Summer Program is designed to create warm and lively learning communities where free inquiry, reason, and civil discourse shape critical thinking skills. They offer the following summer programs: Great Books & Big Ideas; Great Books Writers Workshops at Amherst, Stanford, and online; and Great Books Literary Travel Programs at Edinburgh, Oxford, and Dublin.
Connections Center (Career & College)
Katina Dahl, Career and College Advisor - Freshmen, Sophomores, AP
Jodi Hoffman, Office Manager - Rep Visits, Community Service
Location: 975 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-484-0091 1104