Class of 2021 Senior Newsletter #3
Third Edition, October 6th, 2020
A New Adventure Awaits
Welcome to October! It is super hard to believe that we are already over a month into this crazy year. I truly hope it is off to a good start for all of you. I have been in touch with many of you to help with college applications, job searches, and lots more too. I can't tell you how much I enjoy being able to talk with you all and get to know you a little bit more.
Starting next week, we will all begin a wild new chapter of the school year. While we are all still curious what exactly it will look like, we will tackle this new Hybrid adventure together! After only getting to experience Lakeland in person for a couple of months, I am so excited to see some of you walk the halls again - however different it may be.
Remember - different can be very scary, but it can also be very rewarding! I encourage you to keep your minds as open as possible and enjoy everyday. It won't be what you're used to, or what you all had hoped for, but it is something. Take it as it comes and you'll get a lot out of it. I promise!
If you are nervous (like I am), just remember that I am here to help. There's a ton going on - school, college applications, football season, baseball playoffs (okay, maybe I'm the only one who cares about that one), and so much more. It can be so overwhelming, but I want you to know that you are not alone. I am here to help you in any possible way I can.
Pop into the office, email me, or schedule a time through OnceHub. I am more than happy to talk about whatever is on your mind.
Now, to the news of the day. In this newsletter, you will find:
- LOTS of announcements, particularly about: FAFSA, College application and exploration resources, accepted students procedures, community service hours, the senior profile, SAT/ACT testing, and more!
- New Scholarships and Opportunities!
- More info on the College Application Process at Lakeland
Remember, I AM HERE FOR YOU. You've always got a resource, you just have to reach out.
All my best,
Mr. Watters
Announcements
FAFSA & Financial Aid
You can register for the 6:00 PM presentation by clicking HERE or by following the link below.
You can register for the 7:00 PM workshop by clicking HERE or by following the link below.
Below is also a link to last year's financial aid presentation from PHEAA, a link to the PA Student Aid Guide for 2020-2021, and a FAFSA checklist. Keep in mind that you should fill out the FAFSA as soon as you can so that you can give yourself the opportunity to qualify for the most financial aid possible.
A New FAFSA Tool
SimpliCollege College Application Bootcamp
By clicking HERE or at the link below, students and families can register for SimpliCollege for free, and access videos, presentations, and tips for applying to college, filling out the FAFSA, and much more! I strongly encourage you to check this out!
Keystone Virtual College Exploration
Click HERE or on the link below to view the full schedule of panel sessions and individual information sessions from now through November 8th. This is FREE for all students and parents in Pennsyvania!
College Acceptances
If you receive an acceptance letter, you can submit that to the counseling office a couple of different ways:
- You can bring the acceptance letter directly to Mrs. Shollock in the counseling office. She can make a copy for you if you need it, and will file it.
- You can take a picture of the letter, or forward a copy of the letter via email to Mrs. Shollock at ashollock@lakelandsd.org.
We want to know where you get in, and you deserve to be recognized for your accomplishments! Please get that information to us as it comes in, and let Mr. Watters know if you have any questions.
The Senior Profile
The Senior Profile has been assigned to students through Mr. Watters's Google Classroom. Because I haven't gotten the chance to know you well, I would like to have this to write a strong, accurate recommendation for you. For any student who wants or needs a letter from me, this is required.
*****Please note, the CommonApp requires a counselor recommendation.*****
You can choose to omit my comments from this recommendation, but that could hurt your chances of acceptance. If you do not want this to be omitted from the CommonApp, please fill out the Senior Profile and submit it to me via Google Classroom. Because I haven't gotten the chance to know you well, I would like to have this to write a strong, accurate recommendation for you.
Transcript Requests
RepVisits
Virtual college visits are continuing throughout October and November. Upcoming sessions include Misericordia University, Shippensburg University, Penn State University, The University of Scranton, and over 15 others! Please check out the RepVisits Calendar below to see who is coming to visit (virtually). The calendar is being updated daily.
Most sessions are being conducted via Zoom, so if you do not have that application on your computer or mobile device, it might be a good idea to download it ahead of time.
Students can register for these visits right through their Naviance Accounts. Look for the "College Visits" link under "Colleges I'm Thinking About." You can register for as many of these sessions as you'd like, and should receive a confirmation email with all the details once you do. There is also a link to a video HERE or below that walks you through how to do this.
If you have any questions, let Mr. Watters know!
Premier Nursing Academy Resources
Click HERE for a Guide to Being a Better Writer.
Click HERE for a Guide to Studying
Click HERE for information about becoming a Nurses Aide
Click HERE for information about Healthcare Career and Education Pathways
Community Service Hours
Testing
There have been many questions asked about the SAT. Here are answers to as many of the questions that I can possibly think of. Please feel free to reach out if you have other questions.
- The SAT at Lakeland: After much discussion, the district has decided to cancel its scheduled SAT administration on November 3rd. The district has also decided that there will not be a Lakeland-only SAT administration. Please read more information below about the SAT being optional for many schools for the 2020-2021 application period.
- Test Optional Schools: Please note that many colleges and universities have decided to go test optional for the 2020-2021 application period. This means that you can submit test scores if you would like, or think they will benefit you, or you can choose not to submit if you think it might be a detriment to your application. Institutions are aware of the challenges that students are facing in their attempts to take the SAT, and what that rollercoaster might do to their SAT scores. I strongly encourage you to learn about the application requirements of the schools that you are considering prior to taking the SAT or ACT. Be sure to research each of the schools AND the programs you are interested in there to see if they require a test submission. The more competitive schools and programs are the ones that are requiring these tests. This information can be found on the university's admissions websites, or by calling their office of admissions.
- SAT Cancellations: Many SAT offerings are being cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. It seems as though information from the College Board is slightly delayed. If you are concerned that your SAT offering has been cancelled, your best bet is to contact the testing site directly.
- Sending Test Scores: An important consideration is that you are given the ability to send your SAT scores to up to four colleges for free if you choose the schools during the application process. I encourage you to use these if you are planning to submit your scores. We cannot send test scores to schools for you. Schools typically only accept score reports that come directly from the test provider. This means that you will have to pay the test provider to send your scores to schools.
- SAT Fee Waiver: If you are eligible for Lakeland's free/reduced lunch program, you are also eligible for an SAT Fee Waiver. This will cover the cost of your SAT registration. If you need a Fee Waiver, please email Mr. Watters for a code.
Upcoming SAT testing dates and deadlines are:
- November 5th (registration deadline of October 7th; late registration deadline of October 27th)
- December 5th (registration deadline of November 5th)
- March 13th (registration deadline of February 12th)
- May 8th (registration deadline of April 8th)
Upcoming ACT testing dates and deadlines are:
- October 10th (registration is closed)
- October 17th (registration is closed)
- October 24th (registration is closed)
- October 25th (registration is closed)
- December 12th (registration deadline of November 6th)
- February 6th (registration deadline of January 8th)
- April 17th (registration deadline of March 12th)
For Students Who Do Not Want To Go To College
A Message from Mrs. Graham:
Cap and gown money will be collected on Wednesdays from 11:00AM - 11:30AM (during September and October) in the Main Office by Mrs.Graham. The cost is $25 and is due no later than October 30, 2020. Please place a check (payable to Lakeland Activity Fund) or cash in an envelope ALONG with your full name, height and weight. You may also choose to mail payment to:
Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School
ATTN: Leslie Graham
1355 Lakeland Drive
Scott Township, PA 18433
If you have any questions or concerns please email Mrs Graham (the Senior Class Advisor) at lgraham@lakelandsd.org.
Scholarships & Opportunities
Horatio Alger Scholarship
This year's application is now open for the Horatio Alger Scholarship for high school seniors. Only one application is needed for our National, State and Targeted scholarships ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
Criteria:
- Critical financial need ($55,000 or less adjusted gross income per family)
- Integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
- Minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0
- Participation in community service
- United States citizenship
Application deadline: October 25th, 2020.
NASSP Prudential Spirit of Community Awards
Anyone who has volunteered in any way over the past year can apply. The student application deadline is November 10, 2020.
You can learn more about the award, and access the application by clicking HERE, or on the button below.
Marywood University EOC Scholarship
Marywood University presents its Educators on Campus (EOC) Scholarship for 2021 graduates. This scholarship does not guarantee admission to Marywood University. Please click HERE or at the link below to apply for $1,000 per year in scholarships to Marywood University. This scholarship will be awarded to the top 100 applicants.
WiseGeek Women In STEM Scholarship
WiseGeek is awarding a $500 Women in STEM Scholarship and would love to receive applicants from Lakeland Junior-Senior High School.
Here are some details:
- Scholarship Name: WiseGeek Women in STEM Scholarship
- Eligibility: Female high school students who are planning to pursue a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math.
- Amount: $500
- Additional Information: No Essay Required!
- Apply HERE or at the link below.
Application Deadline: December 31st, 2020.
WiseGeek Nursing Appreciate Scholarship
WiseGeek is awarding a $500 Nursing Appreciation Scholarship, and would love to receive applicants from Lakeland Junior-Senior High School.
- Scholarship Name: WiseGeek Nursing Appreciation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students aspiring to pursue a career in nursing
- Amount: $500
- Additional Information: No Essay Required!
- Apply HERE or at the link below.
Application Deadline: December 31st, 2020
Nikhil Desai "Perspective" Scholarship
Bold.org has announced the Nikhil Desai "Perspective" Scholarship. This is particularly designed for students who have had unique experiences shift their perspectives on life. The scholarship is for $1,000.
Application Deadline: February 1, 2021.
Army ROTC Scholarships
Army ROTC provides full tuition and fees (or $10K for room and board) scholarships to over 2000 high school students each year. In addition to the tuition and fees, the scholarship pays $1200 annually for books and a stipend of $420 per months (for up to 10 months a year).
Cybersecurity schools
Naviance Scholarship Search
For now, you can start getting familiar with scholarships by looking through the Scholarship Search tab in Naviance.
Please watch this video. It walks you through how to access Scholarships through Naviance.
The College Application Process
Below you will find all of the college application information that has been shared in the first two newsletters. Please utilize this information to help you navigate through the college application process.
As always, if you have any questions about any of it, email me and we can set up a time to talk through things!
Seniors and Naviance Presentation
This is the presentation that I went through in all senior English classes. Feel free to use it if it will help you navigate the college application process. As always, please reach out with any questions you might have. You can access the presentation by clicking on the link below.
The CommonApp
You can create a CommonApp account here: COMMONAPP WEBSITE
What You'll Need to Complete The CommonApp
CommonAPP/Naviance Matching
You will need to match your CommonApp account with Naviance in order to get transcripts sent to the schools you are applying to.
Please watch this video. It walks you through how to create a CommonApp Account, and how to match your CommonApp and Naviance accounts:
CREATING A COMMONAPP ACCOUNT AND MATCHING NAVIANCE WITH THE COMMONAPP
The CommonApp and Transcripts
The CommonApp and Letters of Recommendation
Naviance
Ahh, speaking of Naviance!...
If you forget your account password, there is a link on the Naviance Student main page that you can click to reset your account. If you have forgotten the email address you used to register, or just can't get logged in, let me know and I will get it taken care of.
Transcripts on Naviance
If you apply to a college, that college will require a copy of your high school transcript in order to be accepted. You will need to request to send a transcript to that college through Naviance.
Please watch this video. It walks you through how to request a transcript on Naviance. REQUESTING A TRANSCRIPT ON NAVIANCE
A plea from Mr. Watters - please only request transcripts be sent to schools that you have already applied to. This will lighten my load a bit and help me get transcripts out to schools a little quicker.
Letters of Recommendation on Naviance
If you are applying to college, you must request a Letter of Recommendation right on Naviance. This will allow your teachers to communicate directly with the college, and ensure that the college will receive the letter.
Please watch this video. It walks you through how to request a Letter of Recommendation through Naviance.
REQUESTING A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION ON NAVIANCE
*** It is important to note that you should always ask your teacher for a Letter of Recommendation before you submit the request on Naviance. Your teachers will be getting many requests, and good letters take time to write. It would be very beneficial for you to ask teachers for Letters of Recommendation soon to give them plenty of time to write them. ***
*** Some teachers will also want more information from you so that they can write the best letter possible. This will be the case for me as well, especially since I have not had much time to get to know you. Keep reading to find out what that looks like. ***
Senior Profiles
It is good practice to have a document ready to give anyone you ask for a Letter of Recommendation. This should include accomplishments, activities, work, personal qualities, and anything else you think has helped make you who you are today.
The counseling department has created a Senior Profile document to help guide those thoughts and self-reflective activities. There are lots of questions that are meant to make you think about yourself, and reflect on where you have been and where you plan to go. You are not required to answer every single question, but you should include as much information as possible so that your recommender can write you the best letter possible.
*****Please note, the CommonApp requires a counselor recommendation.*****
You can choose to omit my comments from this recommendation, but that could hurt your chances of acceptance. If you do not want this to be omitted from the CommonApp, please fill out the Senior Profile and submit it to me via Google Classroom. Because I haven't gotten the chance to know you well, I would like to have this to write a strong, accurate recommendation for you.
If you follow the link below, you will be able to make a copy of the Senior Profile sheet. You can complete this right in Google Docs, or print it out and jot down your thoughts. There is also an assignment created in my Google Classroom where you can submit your Senior Profiles to me. I will use them to write any letters for you, and can distribute them to teachers if you ask me to.
If you have any questions about the Senior Profile, please don't be afraid to ask!
The "Explore" Option on Naviance
I strongly encourage you to explore not only on Naviance, but by Googling careers, looking at the O*Net Online Career Database, job shadowing, and any other way you can think of. If you have any questions about your exploration, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Please watch this video. It shows you exactly where to go to explore careers on Naviance.
AND BREATHE!
For those of you who are curious, at this point those taking the college route should have at completed at least an application or two, and started requesting transcripts. Those looking to apply Early Decision or Early Action should be mindful of upcoming due dates - many schools set those dates at October 15th. There is no one size fits all model for this process, but you should be keeping on top of things as best you can.
Please, please, please do not be afraid to reach out and ask me for help. This is all super overwhelming, and it might be more overwhelming as we re-enter the school building. Remember - you do not have to go through it alone! I might not have all the answers, but I promise to always do whatever I can to find the ones I don't. I am here for you through it all.
Until next time,
Mr. Watters
Past Senior Newsletters
Lakeland School Counseling Office
Classes of 2022, 2024, & 2026
Make an appointment: https://go.oncehub.com/MrsdeQuevedo
Mr. Watters - zwatters@lakelandsd.org
Classes of 2021, 2023, & 2025
Make an appointment: https://go.oncehub.com/MrWatters
Please note that Mrs. DeQuevedo and Mr. Watters are not in the school building everyday, so it may take time to return phone calls. Email is the best option to contact if needed.
Email: lhsguidance@lakelandsd.org
Website: http://counselingatlakeland.weebly.com/
Location: 1355 Lakeland Drive, Jermyn, PA, United States
Phone: 570-254-9485
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lhscounselors/
Twitter: @chiefsguidance