Guidelines
Chi-Hi Student Services Department - March 2024
Statewide ACT Testing for Juniors - March 20th
The ACT Test will be administered to all Juniors as part of our state assessment on Wednesday, March 20th. It is very important that you arrive no later than 8:20 am as testing will begin promptly at 8:25 am. Students will not be admitted once testing begins. It is also important to note that ACT rules state that students should not be participating in athletic practices the morning of the ACT.
Important Information For ACT Testing (March 20th)
- Testing will be electronic again this year. Students should make sure to bring a fully charged chromebook.
- Students should also bring sharpened number 2 pencils with good erasers (no mechanical pencils or ink pens) and an ACT approved calculator
- All other personal items (such as backpacks, coats, etc) are not allowed in the testing room
- Absolutely no electronic devices are allowed in the testing room. This includes cell phones, smart watches, fitness bands, watches with alarms, etc.
Benefits of taking the ACT
The ACT simply gives feedback on college readiness. If scores in an area suggest that the student is not college ready, there may still be time to address those areas through their high school coursework. Most students have been preparing all along for the ACT with the high school classes they have taken. Additionally, universities may require a score for admissions. Those that were test-optional, did so because of covid. Some universities have not made a decision on ACT requirements for admissions for fall 2025 - current juniors. Even last year, some out-of-state schools required the ACT for admissions. Additionally, ACT scores may be used in scholarships and other academic awards.
For ACT test taking tips and a free ACT practice exam, click this link: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/state-and-district-solutions/act-info-for-examinees.html
Please note: 9th, 10th, and 12th graders will have an asynchronous learning day.
Chi-Hi Scholarship News
Attention Seniors!
Scholarship information is updated regularly, and applications are available on the Student Services website at https://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/schools/high/services/scholarships.cfm or by clicking this link: 23-24 Chi Hi Scholarship Postings
Please email questions or concerns to Liz Pukrop at scholarships@chipfalls.org
Pre-ACT Testing
Freshman and Sophomore students will be taking the Pre-ACT test (formally Aspire) on April 17th. Students will be testing in their TA's. Stay tuned as more detailed information will be emailed to parents directly.
Post-Secondary Planning
Attention Juniors!
This is a good time for juniors to continue to think about what they want to do after high school. There are a number of options including 4 year colleges/universities, 2 year colleges, technical colleges, special training programs, military service, or entering the workforce. Invest the time to think, gather information, weigh choices, and make early plans. It can sometimes feel so overwhelming that students avoid the whole topic. Don’t let it stress you out! Each option has its strengths and weaknesses so be honest with yourself as you go through this process.
Have you considered going to a UW Branch (Two-Year) Campus?
Wisconsin has 13 two-year colleges which are now branch campuses to the four-year institutions. UW-Eau Claire Barron County is closest in proximity and is a branch campus of UW-Eau Claire. Students begin at a two-year branch campus for many different reasons: class sizes are smaller, academic help and support is readily available, and tuition costs less. They also offer a guaranteed transfer program which means that if a student maintains a 2.0 or higher GPA, they are guaranteed acceptance at a UW four-year campus (UW-Madison requires a 2.8). Many of the UW branch campuses offer athletics, music, and drama activities. They do not typically offer on-campus housing, though there is rental housing available in Rice Lake that serves students at UW-Eau Claire Barron County and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College. UW branch campuses might require an ACT score, though they don’t weigh the score in admission decisions (many colleges are test-optional through 2025 due to Covid-19). The primary criteria is that students have a class rank in the top 75% of their class. For more information visit: www.uwc.edu.
4 Year Colleges/Universities
The Bachelor’s or 4 year degree is designed to help you become more “well rounded.” In addition to your major or program of choice, you will take approximately two years of “general studies.” The other two years will be spent in classes that pertain to your major. Public and private universities tend to look for the same thing in admission candidates and are going to make admission decisions on GPA/class rank, ACT scores, and rigor of high school schedule. When decisions get more difficult they may consider additional factors like co-curricular, community involvement, or challenges that students have dealt with and overcome. Spring of the student's junior year is a great time to visit colleges. This allows you to tour campuses, ask questions, and get a general feel for the college and the experience. Can you see yourself living in that community for the next four-five years? Websites and virtual tours are a start, but there is no substitute for getting on campus. Students can begin applying in the fall of their senior year.
Private four year colleges offer the same kind of overall experience, but there are subtle differences. Many private schools offer smaller classes, better teacher to student ratios, even the opportunity to have unique experiences or engage in research earlier in your college career. Private schools may cost more, but they may also be able to offer more financial help to you in the form of scholarships. Therefore, don’t rule them out SOLELY based on cost.
In your college search, it’s always a good idea to identify your priorities and discuss as a family the pros and cons of the different options. If you’re looking for an internet-based search program, Xello (link on Student Services website) is a good place to start. Your username and password are the same ones you use as your school log in. If you are having trouble logging in, you may need to put CFA– in front of your username.
Technical Colleges.....A lot to offer
Technical colleges provide affordable, career-oriented programs, which enable students to begin their careers after only one or two years of college. Typically, class sizes are small and instructors have worked, or are working, in a related career field. Technical colleges also offer students short-term training in a wide variety of career fields as well as a University Transfer option for students looking to take general studies courses and transfer to a university. Career-oriented programs vary greatly and are designed to prepare students for specific careers. In these programs, students spend most of their class time in a job-related setting where they receive hands-on training from experienced instructors. Technical colleges enroll on a first come-first served basis. Many programs have limited capacities, so once they are full, applicants go on a waiting list. Popular programs fill quickly. Therefore, it is best to apply early. Juniors can begin applying on May 1. Many technical college programs are open access; meaning no entrance exams or scores are required for admission. However, some programs have GPA and/or ACT score requirements. Additionally, some programs may have specific coursework requirements. Program requirements for CVTC can be found at: https://www.cvtc.edu.
A representative from CVTC is in Student Services every Thursday, from 10:30am - 12:30pm. Students are welcome to stop by and ask questions during this time - no appt. required.
Military Service
Some students may prefer to join the military after high school. Military service offers the opportunity to serve our country along with the chance for travel and growth. You will also receive educational training while in the military and you can qualify for education benefits once you return to the private sector. There are strict rules and there is always an element of risk. Students interested in learning more can meet with a recruiter at the high school. Military recruiters visit the high school monthly.
Job Shadow Program
Chippewa Falls High School collaborates with CESA 10 to offer job shadow experiences for our students. Job shadows allow sophomore, junior and senior students the opportunity to spend time with someone on-the-job as a means of career exploration. Job shadows vary, but most last six hours. All job shadows must be approved by a parent/guardian and students must have their own transportation. Students interested should contact their school counselor.
What is ECCP and SCN?
Deadline to Apply:
- October 1 (for spring semester)
Students interested in earning college credit while in high school should reach out to their school counselor.
Discover Mayo Clinic High School Webinar Series
This series offers high school student's opportunities to explore careers and education pathways while engaging with professionals to learn more about healthcare.
For more information and registration, visit the newly designed website at https://connect.employees.mayo.edu/page/mayo-clinic-career-webinars/tab/high-school-webinars/#ch-tab-navigation
Summer Educational Opportunity for Students!
The John Hopkins University is offering a virtual summer program to students interested in global health and medicine. This international conference is open to students in grades 9-12. Students will learn about issues in global health, public health and medicine through world-class lectures from leaders in these fields, develop connections with like-minded exceptional students, and share their own work and ideas on global health-related topics at the international scale.
For more information and to apply, click this link The Global Health Leaders Conference
Youth Apprenticeship
The Wisconsin Youth Apprenticeship program integrates school-based and work-based learning. Participants will continue taking high school or technical college courses while working as an apprentice at a participating local business. This program is open to all high school juniors and seniors with a career goal, positive attendance record, and who are on track for graduation.
Benefits to Students:
Build a resume for your career portfolio, and/or college scholarship applications
Receive paid on-the-job training while earning high school credits
Develop strong academic, technical and employability skills in a chosen career field
Earn a recognized skills certificate of occupational proficiency from the State of Wisconsin
Develop a network of contacts in your field
For more information, please visit the Career Based Learning Information page that is a part of our online coursebook at https://sites.google.com/chipfalls.org/career-based-learning/youth-apprenticeship-ya?authuser=0
Resource Spotlight
Love Is Respect.org
This month's resource spotlight is loveisrespect.org!
Have questions about your relationships? Or wondering what a relationship is? This website can answer your questions as well as teach you about setting boundaries and sticking to them.
Want to know if your relationship is healthy? Take the quiz on the site! Lots of resources and ways to support yourself and others.
Chi-Hi Student Services Calendar of Events
Below is a listing of events that the Student Services Department helps coordinate and/or promote. More specific information will be communicated through Infinite Campus notifications and/or in grade-level newsletters.
March-April - Sophomore Conferencing
March 20 - ACT (State) Testing
March 27 - ACT (State) Testing Make-up date
March 28 - Last day of 3rd Quarter, Early Graduation for qualifying seniors
April 17 - Pre-ACT Testing (grades 9 & 10)
April 2 - First day of 4th Quarter
April 5 - Last day to add/change a 4th quarter class
April 13 - ACT (National Test Date)
May 6-17 - AP Testing
May 15 - Senior Scholarship Night
May 24 - Graduation
May 30 - Last day of school
June 8 - ACT (National Test Date)
How to Schedule an Appointment
Once the school year begins, students can schedule an appointment to see student services staff through google calendar. A link to their calendars is available on Student Services website: https://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/schools/high/services/schedule-an-appointment.cfm
Looking for Affordable Internet?
Click the link to learn more!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/167BVjD59ex3MhR1S0wj1mVLBSe_v4XiM/view?usp=sharingGraduation - Honor Cords
Honor cords for graduation are awarded based on the following GPA guides after the second quarter of the senior year:
- Gold - 4.0
- Silver - 3.9 to 3.99
- White - 3.75 to 3.89
To view your current GPA, access your transcript on the Infinite Campus Student Portal under Documents.
Chi-Hi Student Services Office
Website: https://cfsd.chipfalls.k12.wi.us/high/services/
Location: 735 Terrill Street, Chippewa Falls, WI, USA
Phone: 715-726-2406 - 1179