College and Career Newsletter
Visalia Unified/ February 2021
Over the years, counselors and learning directors are asked by parents what they need to do to ensure their child has a chance at their dream college. Eager and well-meaning, parents frantically researching prep programs, tutoring, and an extensive list of interventions. So what is the secret to opening those academic doors?
Each year, juniors in high school have the option to take the PSAT. Think of the PSAT as a warm-up for the SAT. Those juniors that score in the 97th percentile or above are entered into the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. This can result in sizable scholarship possibilities and additional points in the college application process for some of the distinguished private universities. What is the one common factor of the VUSD students that have accomplished this honor: a love of reading. Not just love, but a passion that results in them devouring book after book starting as a young child.
Having a ferocious appetite for reading cuts through economic barriers and opens students to so many possibilities. A Mt. Whitney alumnus, a child of immigrants, is a prime example. In her father’s wisdom, he encouraged her as a young child to read and read some more. And she did just that. When it was time to take the PSAT, she scored in the top two percent, and no, she didn’t complete any prep programs to prepare for that moment. The Ivy League schools took notice and wrote to her, asking for her to consider applying. She proudly accepted admission, and a full scholarship, to Harvard. Her story is not unique. The gift of reading is a driving force behind students’ success stories.
The love of reading starts with parents reading to their children. This, in turn, becomes a love of books that turns to a lifetime adventure of reading. Reading proficiency helps in every academic area, especially in writing. Visalia Unified wants to make sure to support your child’s love of reading by offering them access to the Visalia Learning Center. The director, Valarie Seita, and her staff are continuing to ensure that students can stay well supplied in books despite the pandemic. Please take a moment to see all they have to offer by visiting http://bit.ly/363GP1f and http://bit.ly/3sOuyrg.
Best wishes,
Paige Loverin, MA, PPS
Visalia Unified College and Career Readiness
Ignite Your Curiosity
Ignite Your Curiosity is a monthly series of webinars for students and parents to hear from various industry leaders. Each month a new industry themed panel will help your child explore career possibilities.
This month's theme is Agriculture. Join us on Monday, February 22, at 6:oo PM.
To join us for the event Click Here to register. The week before the event, an email containing the webinar link will be sent out. To view the previous Ignite Your Curiosity event on STEM Click Here.
Ignite Your Curiosity: Elementary Edition
To register for the event CLICK HERE. After you register for the event you will receive an email containing the webinar link. If you missed December's event, CLICK HERE.
Do you know how to choose a career?
Linked Learning Academy Applications are Due February 22!
To view the 2021Linked Learning Handbook, which contains details on each of our academies, please Click Here.
If you missed our parent webinar on the Linked Learning Academies, Click Here
Take a look at the most common questions and answers that parents have regarding their child joining an academy by Clicking Here!
Space is limited and is chosen through a lottery. Linked Learning Applications for the 2021/2022 school year opened on January 20 and close on February 22. To view the application Click Here.
Transitioning to High School
Big Future Days
College Board is hosting virtual events for high school students to connect directly with college admissions representatives and take action on the most important steps for college.
What to Expect:
- Explore colleges in a way that’s not overwhelming, and show them you're interested.
- Take action on key college planning steps like searching for colleges and exploring careers and majors.
- Listen, learn, and participate in live Q&A and online chat with admissions representatives and current students who have been through it all.
- Download college planning resources, and drop in with questions for a college adviser.
Big Future Days takes place on Saturday, February 6. To register for the event, Click Here.
Senior College Acceptance Letters
COS's Access and Ability Office Transition Night
High School Seniors with IEPs/504s, along with your parents, are invited to COS's Access and Ability Office Virtual Transition Night on Wednesday, February 10th at 6:00 pm.
This Virtual Transition Night is for high school seniors who may need extra support in college (and their families), as well as any interested high school staff or counselors. Click Here to register for the event.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Tip of the Month
NOW ACCEPTING ONLINE APPLICATIONS
for the COLLEGE NIGHT SCHOLARSHIP!
The Tulare County College Night Scholarship is
designed to reward students who demonstrate both
academic and personal success.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 5, 2021
Click Here for the application.
High School Scholarship Links
Seniors: It is starting to look like scholarship season, now is the time, if you haven’t already, to join your school’s scholarship Remind app and follow the scholarship webpage. Also, visit VUSD’s College and Career website to explore the scholarship search engines on the Senior 2021 page. CLICK HERE
Redwood: Scholarship Page for current scholarship opportunities: https://sites.google.com/a/vusd.us/redwood/products-services
Join the RHS Scholarship Remind: Text @RHSSS2021 to 81010
Golden West: Scholarship website: https://ca02205931.schoolwires.net/Page/12375
Remind: @GWscholar to 81010
El Diamante: Scholarship Webpage: https://www.canva.com/design/DAEJGkfoFKI/3SOK5zL5v6wuDf1ceDoPFQ/view
Remind Link: https://www.remind.com/join/2021miners Text Classof2021 to 81010
Mt. Whitney: Scholarship Page: https://sites.google.com/vusd.us/mwscholarships/home
Remind Link: text @mwscholars to 81010
VCIS: Scholarship Page: VCIS Scholarships
Remind for the class of 2021
@a-m2021
@n-z2021
VTEC: Scholarships can be accessed through our Schoology Course Page for Seniors or by visiting our scholarship website https://www.vusd.org/domain/3959
National School Counselor Week
Our school counselors aren't always recognized for their dedication to their students. They work quietly behind the scenes making magic happen for our students, parents, and faculty. Although the scheduler of classes is what most people associate with school counselors, there is so much more they do for the support of their students. They are often the lifeline for kids in crisis, they are the ear that teachers lean on when frustrated, and they advocate for changes they know will benefit their students. If you have a moment, please send a quick email to your favorite counselor saying thank you.
Staying in Touch
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VUSDCCR/
VUSD College & Career Newsletter: https://sites.google.com/vusd.us/vusd-ccr/college-career-readiness/college-and-career-newsletter
VUSD College & Career Website: https://sites.google.com/vusd.us/vusd-ccr/
VUSD College & Career Readiness Phone Number: 559-730-7510