The Counselor CARE-ier
January 2024
Welcome Back!
We hope that everyone had a joyous holiday season and found some much deserved relaxation and fun. The spring semester is well on its way and we are off to a busy start. All parents and students should have received a PowerSchool (PS) copy of their spring schedule and their transcript with last semester grades. Please ensure that your student has access to all of their classes (should match their PS schedule). If you have any questions specific to a class, please refer all questions to the teacher. Anything else academically related can be referred to your grade level counselor. We hope you have a fantastic semester and are here to support you however we can.
Community Resources
Free Tax Help for Lower Income Households
Pikes Peak United Way is offering the IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance(VITA). VITA is a free tax preparation program that families earning less than $60,000 can use to file their taxes. Appointments are on a first come first serve basis and will be available through Monday, April 15, 2024. VITA services can be reached by calling 2-1-1 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Sunny Side Market
A new kind of food pantry. At Sunny Side Market, the “shopping” experience is just like any other grocery store—with shopping baskets, checkout lanes and an abundance of fresh fruits, pantry stables and hearty breads. The only difference: it’s all free. You must enroll before shopping. Check it out here!
Owner Occupant Rehabilitation Program
Career & College
Concurrent Enrollment Application Now Open for Fall 2024 Semester
Is your student interested in taking FREE college classes while in high school? Through concurrent enrollment (CE), qualified students can begin taking college classes while in high school and earn credit toward high school graduation requirements while getting a head start working on their college degree. High school students (9-12th grade) who meet eligibility requirements may apply to concurrent enrollment. Concurrent enrollment opportunities arise every semester so if your student isn't ready just yet, they can apply in a future semester. Please watch the informational video below for specific information and the steps for application for the Fall 2024 semester.
Special Program Showcase
In the December newsletter we shared information about our upcoming Special Programs Showcase. This is to serve as a reminder that the Special Programs Showcase is today, Wednesday, January 24th at 6:00 pm on our campus. If your student is interested in learning more about Aerolab, D49 Construction, D49 Culinary, Career Start or ISSA Hair, Skin, or Nail School, this is the event you want to attend! Hope to see you there!
Upcoming Events
D49 and the faculty/staff at Springs Studio for Academic Excellence are always working hard to provide our students with a variety of amazing opportunities for career exploration and educational advancement. Here are a few upcoming opportunities for our students:
- Career Start Visit Day - Friday, February 9th from (8:30 - 12:15 pm). For those students who will be 11th or 12th graders next year and are interested in participating in Career Start during the 2024-25 school year. Students will be bussed to the PPSC campus so they can visit their top two program choices and learn more about this fantastic opportunity. Interested students should reach out to Mrs. Swann (katy.swann@d49.org) ASAP to get added to the list & pick up a permission slip.
- D49 Construction & D49 Culinary Program Visit Day- Tuesday, February 13th (8:30 - 11:00 am) For any high school student (9th-12th grade during the 2024-25 school year) who would like to learn more about these two district programs. Students will be bussed to the Falcon Legacy campus where they can learn more about these programs, see first-hand the work that is being done, hear from the instructors, and hear from current students about their experiences. Interested students should reach out to Mrs. Swann (katy.swann@d49.org) ASAP to get added to the list & pick up a permission slip.
- Air Force Academy Aeronautical Engineering Division Site Visit- Thursday, February 22nd (9:15 am - 12:45 pm). This is open to any high school student who has not attend this event previously. Students will be bussed to the USAFA for this event where they will learn about aircraft design and have the opportunity to test their flying skills in a flight simulator. Students need to turn in a signed permission slip to reserve a spot (space is limited). Interested students should reach out to Mr. Masino (michael.masino@d49.org) to obtain a permission slip.
- Career Development Club Meeting- Wednesday, February 24th from 11:15 - 11:45 am. Open to all high school students interested in career exploration and development. This is a peer lead group who meets at least once a month during lunch. If your student is interested in joining this group, they can reach out to Mr. Mike Masino (michael.masino@d49.org) our Choice & Success Advisor for more specifics, a list of meeting dates, and a permission form.
Class of 2024 News
Senior To-Do List Items are due Feburary 16th!
Wow! Only one semester to go and it will go F-A-S-T!!!! Don't forget... all of the items on your Senior To-Do list are due by February 16th. Seniors not completing all of these items by the deadline will have mandatory in-building days until the items are completed (Mrs. Swann will reach out to those directly who will be required to come in). Here is that list for you just one last time:
YouScience:
Completion of the YouScience Aptitude Assessment is part of an ICAP graduation requirement. If you haven't completed your YouScience assessment, please do so ASAP. If you have any questions about this please reach out to Mr. Masino (michael.masino@d49.org).
Class of 2024 Remind Group:
Text @SSAE2024 to 81010
The parent and the student should join
Senior Portraits:
Download the photo file you wish to use, and title the file with your student's first and last name. Use the following link to upload your senior portrait. The password is 23-24Yetis! https://books.yearbooks.me/ca/xrj4s6dh6gnr4j5ykhktkhwjrhusccu5r
Senior Quotes:
Seniors may choose one quote to go under their senior portrait in the yearbook. Quotes will be reviewed. Submit your quote here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdysSkV8zLQ2Yr3xwdUM5NN2in8blzxfVenKc81HGm3UnhKBg/viewform
Senior Yearbook Dedications:
As a senior parent, you may purchase a senior dedication page in the yearbook. You may include memories, baby pictures, special words of recognition or encouragement, etc. Limited space is available. If you are interested in purchasing a dedication page, please email madison.hill@d49.org for further instructions.
Orders will be accepted and placed on a first-come, first-served basis
Half-page for $30
Full page for $60
Senior Slide Show Pictures:
Please upload 3-4 photos
Should be a variety of life stages
The slide show will be shown at the graduation ceremony
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScApqtxgLLeFtgopl6OuWJhOdbiNE6E483o-nETyVg7XWrf7A/viewform
Order Cap & Gown (& Senior Gear):
- Provide your contact and sizing information for your cap & gown HERE. This information will ensure your gown fits appropriately! PLEASE do this ASAP! Please note providing this information does NOT constitute placing an order.
- Place your order at Highschool.herffjones.com. Your school’s official announcements, gowns, senior apparel, and rings can only be purchased at this link. (cap & gowns will be distributed to you at senior breakfast; all other items will be shipped to you directly). Look at Graduation A-La-Carte if you are looking for individual items rather than packages. Our school name is listed as Springs Studio (SSAE).
FAFSA & Scholarships
FAFSA Application is open now! If you are headed off to college in the fall semester, be sure to fill out your FAFSA application now. Your college may offer FAFSA workshops, however, if they do not, be sure to utilize the financial aid office at your chosen college/university for support. There are many new changes to FAFSA this year making it easier than in years passed. Don't know where to start? Check out the Federal Student Aid website for a step-by-step guide.
Social Emotional Resources
Managing & Understanding Intense Emotions & Feelings
It is important for teens to learn about the connections between feelings, thoughts, and behaviors and how they can change their own thinking patterns to make them more helpful. The should also learn to recognize and manage intense emotions without giving in to the urge to act in impulsive ways that can make problems bigger. Check out this video & attached resources from the Child mind Institute (childmind.org).