COUNSELOR CONNECTION
La Canada High School
DAILY LCHS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Can't hear the PA Announcements in class? Did you know that all of the announcements are posted on the school website? Just go to the Student Portal on the upper left corner of the website, then "PA Announcements" on the right gold bar. (Or, you can click here for the link.) Stay informed and never miss an announcement again!
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
LCHS N.G.S.S. Parent Night - February 28
We are excited to have LCHS NGSS Parent Night TONIGHT February 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the District Office Board Room. At this meeting you will learn about Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and their impact on Science instruction in our classrooms. Our guest speaker from the K-12 Alliance at WestEd is an expert on the NGSS and is training our teachers how to implement these standards in their classrooms. If you wish to attend, please RSVP at imcfeat@lcusd.net so we can plan accordingly.
UPCOMING ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINES
The next ACT test takes place on April 8th, and the registration deadline is March 3rd. Click here to register.
Youth Financial Literacy Workshop
Join the City of La Canada Flintridge Youth Council for a free financial literacy workshop! All 9th-12th grade students and families welcome to attend! Workshop is on Thursday, March 9th from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Click here for more information. Deadline to sign up is March 1st.
College Admissions Today: Fact vs Fiction, presented by Paul Kanarek, CEO Collegewise
March 9, 6:00pm LCHS Auditorium - All LCHS 9-12 students and families invited! Our guest speaker Paul Kanarek is considered to be one of the world’s foremost experts on testing and admissions. He has been widely quoted in all the major papers, has appeared on multiple television shows, and has spoken about US college admissions all over the world. Before he became the CEO of Collegewise, he founded The Princeton Review in California in 1983. Mr. Kanarek’s talks are lively, insightful and inspiring. In College Admissions Today: Fact vs Fiction, Mr. Kanarek will debunk some of the more painful mythology surrounding college admissions, while also being entertaining and informative.
MOCK ACT AND SAT OFFERED AT LCHS
Take a practice SAT or ACT test here at LCHS for only $20. The Princeton Review, in partnership with La Canada High School, is offering a practice test fundraiser on March 18th, 2017 on campus at La Canada High School. Click here for details.
COURSE REGISTRATION FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Counselors have begun the course registration for the 2017-2018 school year. All parents and students will receive an e-mail outlining the new course registration process, along with resources to help guide students in their course selections. Here are the grade level dates for class presentations and initial online course requests:
Class presentation: Initial online course selections due
Current 11th: Jan 31 → Feb 5
Current 10th: Feb 13 → Feb 20
Current 9th: Feb 27 → Mar 5
Current 8th: Mar 13 → Mar 19
An individual student/counselor meeting will then take place to review and/or adjust course selections and collect the Course Selection Contract with parent/guardian signatures. Counselors can answer questions and provide further guidance or changes to student requests at these meetings.
Current 11th: Week of Feb 6 - 10
Current 10th: Week of Feb 21 - 24
Current 9th: Week of Mar 6 - 10
Current 8th: Week of Mar 20 - 23
Attention AP Students
AP Exam Sign-Ups will be February 6th – March 24th
Step 1: Print and complete the AP form under “Counseling” on the school website (lchsspartans.net).
Step 2: Take completed form and payment to Mrs. Hicklin in the counseling office before school, after school, lunch and break only – Mrs. Hicklin is not available during class time. Checks should be made out to LCHS-AP Exams. If paying cash, please have exact change.
· Fee is $100 per exam February 6th-February 24th
· Fee increases to $115 from February 27th – March 17th
· Fee increases to $130 from March 20th – March 24th
Tests will take place from May 1st through May 12th.
"Water is Life" Student Art Contest
Foothill Municipal Water District (located in La Cañada Flintridge, CA) is sponsoring its 6th annual K-12 student art contest this year.
Deadline for entries is Monday, April 3, 2016 and must be submitted to 4536 Hampton Road, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011. Click here for more information.
OMEGA YEARBOOK STAFF APPLICATIONS FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Interested in becoming a part of the Omega Yearbook staff next school year? Click here to apply! https://goo.gl/forms/6Gj4tHAHEhgnGDUL2
Stuck on a homework assignment?
The Princeton Review’s new service, Homework Help is there for you! They cover more than 40 subjects including AP classes. Get help with homework, go over a concept you missed in class or prepare for a big exam. Their expert tutors are available 24 hours 7 days a week, and 96% of students report they improved their grades. Start your FREE 60-minute trial today: PrincetonReview.com/BetterGrades
TEST PREP AND TUTORING RESOURCES
With SAT and ACT testing season upon us, the counseling department would like to share a list of test prep and tutoring programs available, both locally and online. Click here for details.
Freshman Forum
UPDATED POST: 2017-2018 COURSE REGISTRATION
Ninth graders were visited by the counselors on Monday, February 27th during English classes to introduce course selection and registration for the 2017-2018 school year. The online Aeries Student portal is currently open for online course requests and will close on March 5th. All ninth graders will be meeting with their counselors next week during English classes to confirm course requests and to finalize schedules.
Follow Link Crew this year!
Instagram: @LCHSlinkcrew / Snapchat: LClinkcrew / Twitter: LCLinkcrew
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcouns to 81010 to join the Freshman Forum Remind 101.
SOPHOMORE SCENE
NEW POST: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Chamber of Commerce Summer Internship Program Application and Information is available under the Scholarship List in your Naviance account. The paid Internship runs for six weeks and is a terrific opportunity for students to learn about career opportunities and the world of work. The Application is due by March 15.
NEW POST: PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES STUDENT AMBASSADORS PROGRAM
The Student Ambassadors Program is sponsored by the Tournament of Roses to promote volunteerism among high school students. Students are given the opportunity to work alongside Tournament Members for a minimum of 40 community service hours assisting with a variety of events and activities related to the Rose Parade. Activities include interacting with the public at Tournament of Roses events including float decorating venues, assisting band members at Bandfest, during the Parade as ushers in the official Grandstands and float island helpers at the Post Parade float viewing venue. Click here for more information. Deadline for applying is April 28th, 2017.
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcoun to 81010 to join the Sophomore Scene Remind 101.
JUNIOR JUNCTION
NEW POST: JUNIOR COLLEGE/CAREER LAUNCH
All juniors must plan to attend school on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at 7:30 am. This is typically a late start date, but counselors will be meeting with juniors at this presentation to go over the college application process, receive Naviance instructions, and to discuss finding a career interest. Room assignments are forthcoming in future communications.
NEW POST: CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The Chamber of Commerce Summer Internship Program Application and Information is available under the Scholarship List in your Naviance account. The paid Internship runs for six weeks and is a terrific opportunity for students to learn about career opportunities and the world of work. The Application is due by March 15.
NEW POST: NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR AT PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER
Kick off your college search by attending a national college fair on April 20, 2017. Held at the Pasadena Convention Center, admission representatives from colleges across the country will be on hand to encourage you to learn more about their institutions and to help you sort through the qualities you’re looking for in a college.
Use your visit to:
Explore your options. Typically representatives from 175 to 400 colleges attend. The schools are located throughout the US, and from around the globe.
Ask questions. What’s college life like? What majors are popular on campus? Chatting with representatives from a variety of colleges can help you cement your own preferences.
Gather information. Pick up brochures and other materials about the schools that interest you. Ask admission reps to scan your barcode—an easy way to help colleges follow up with you after the fair.
To get a barcode, you must register here in advance. Fair is free and open to the public from 9 am to noon, and 6 pm to 8:30 pm.
NEW POST: PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES STUDENT AMBASSADORS PROGRAM
The Student Ambassadors Program is sponsored by the Tournament of Roses to promote volunteerism among high school students. Students are given the opportunity to work alongside Tournament Members for a minimum of 40 community service hours assisting with a variety of events and activities related to the Rose Parade. Activities include interacting with the public at Tournament of Roses events including float decorating venues, assisting band members at Bandfest, during the Parade as ushers in the official Grandstands and float island helpers at the Post Parade float viewing venue. Click here for more information. Deadline for applying is April 28th, 2017.
2017-2018 Common Application Prompts Announced
The Common Application has announced the essay prompts for the 2017-2018 season. There are prompts that are exactly the same as last year, some changes, some similarities, and a few more options. High school juniors with their sights on college can start thinking about what they want to share with colleges. However, they will not be able to submit their applications until late summer when the 2017-2018 application cycle opens. Click here for more information.
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @juniorjun to 81010 to join the Junior Junction Remind 101.
SENIOR STOP
UPDATED POST: Jostens Senior Packet
Attention all Seniors: Please pick up a Jostens Senior packet for your cap, gown and announcements from your English teacher. If you are a senior and are not in an English class, please come and see Mrs. Alequin to get your senior packet. Jostens will be on our campus taking your orders tomorrow, March 1st, at lunch in the quad. Graduation is right around the corner!
IMPORTANT POST: ATTENTION PASADENA CITY COLLEGE APPLICANTS
Two important events are happening soon! Please read the information below and register to attend both workshops.
1. PAWS PRE-ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP (PLACEMENT TEST PREP)
When: TOMORROW, Wednesday, March 1!
Location: IRC
Time: 7:30AM-8:30AM
We invite seniors to attend the PAWS (Pre-Assessment Workshop Session) to help you prepare for the PCC placement exams given in both English and Math.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE WORKSHOP?
Valid Photo ID
Lancer Point ID# - this was issued to you when you created your account and completed the first step of the application process on December 1, 2016.
A piece of paper
Pen or pencil required
Attendance copy of Photo ID or computerized version (pictures, etc.) are NOT ACCEPTED due to test publisher requirements.
Please arrive by 7:20AM and go directly to the IRC for check in.
To Register: Log into Naviance and sign up as you would if you were attending a college visit: Naviance - College Tab - College Visits - then select the PCC PAWS application workshop and sign up.
2. PAWS ASSESSMENT (ENGLISH AND MATH PLACEMENT EXAMS)
When: Wednesday March 15, 2017
Location: Cafeteria
Time: 7:30AM – 11:00AM
Pasadena City College Assessment Center representatives along with admissions counselors will be here to administer both the English and Math placement exams. The LCHS Counselors will also be present to issue you each a Chromebook and help assist with the process of getting you set for the exam. Please review the checklist and be prepared for test day.
You will need to bring the following on test day:
Bring a valid Photo ID (High School ID or Driver’s License) – copies are not accepted
Bring your Lancer Point ID # - this is the number you received when you completed the application on December 1, 2016.
Bring a valid email address to receive your exam results
Bring a pencil or a pen
Doors to the cafeteria will be open at 7:00AM and check in will begin promptly at that time. Please arrive on time.
The exam will begin at 7:30AM and will take approximately two hours to complete. At the end of the testing session, you will be issued a pass to class. The test is not timed.
To Register: Please login to Naviance and sign up as you would if you were attending a college visit: Naviance - College Tab - College Visits - then select the PCC Assessment and sign up.
NEW POST: GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE APPLICATION WORKSHOP
On March 10th, GCC admissions representatives will be providing application support for any student who plans to attend GCC next fall 2017. Students who are interested in attending GCC for fall 2017 are encouraged to join the admissions counselors on this date to complete their application. Please sign up in Naviance if you are interested by doing the following steps:
- Log in to your Naviance account
Click on the Colleges Tab
Click on view all upcoming college visits
Sign Up on March 10th Glendale Community College visit
Admissions representatives will be outside in the Quad area to meet with students
The application will be completed in the CCRC – the College and Career Center located in the main office building. The application takes about 30 minutes to complete. Students are encouraged to complete this process to ensure meeting the priority deadline of April 28th.
NEW POST: ADMITTED STUDENT DAYS
You have been admitted to college! Go you! Now is the time where you may be receiving a multitude of invites to admitted student receptions or admitted student campus visits. These events are designed to help students gather more specific information about the campuses, get to know other prospective students and to help the student (and parents) get an overall better sense of what life as a student will look like at each particular campus. At these events, the campus will to some degree try and “woo” you so that you might select their campus as your first choice, but please do not let this deter you from attending, as the benefits of receiving important information far outweigh any “wooing” that may or may not take place. Colleges know that making a decision can be difficult, so these events are there to help you get any last minute information you might need. Be sure to talk with other prospective students to get their take on the campus. Ask specific questions about your intended major. Talk with student ambassadors from the campus and any faculty who might be present. If the event is on campus, spend an extra day or so getting to know the surrounding area as well. Dine at local restaurants, look for the local mall and nearby movie theaters, test-drive the public transportation, etc. Ultimately, the campuses want you to find your right fit every bit as much as you do. If there is an event you cannot attend, do not fret, as you are still able to visit the campus on your own time if you have any remaining questions. For additional tips on how to make the best of these admitted student events, please see the following article: admitted student days
UPDATED POST: UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
Glendale Community College 3/10/17 12:15 PM Outside the ASB room
Glendale Community College 3/24/17 12:00 PM Outside the ASB room
Pasadena City College 4/6/17 12:00 PM Outside table set out at lunch
Pasadena City College 4/19/17 10:00 AM College and Career Center in Main Office
Glendale Community College 4/21/17 12:00 PM Outside the ASB room
Glendale Community College 5/5/17 12:00 PM Outside the ASB room
Glendale Community College 5/12/17 12:00 PM Outside the ASB room
Glendale Community College 5/19/17 12:15 PM Outside the ASB room
GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE: From High School to Glendale Community College and Beyond
How do you envision your future? As you finish high school, you are at a point where you need to map out the next stages of your life. Developing a vision for your future will help you answer questions about who you want to be, where you will go, and how you plan to get there. Glendale Community College (GCC) can sharpen your vision by getting you started on a path that includes many avenues to satisfy your intellectual curiosity and prepare you for what lies ahead. Glendale Community College also has a vision. “We strive to be the Greater Los Angeles Region’s premier learning community where all students achieve their informed educational goals through outstanding instructional and student services, a comprehensive community college curriculum, and educational opportunities found in few community colleges.” Guided by this vision, GCC helps high achievers and late bloomers alike successfully transition from high school to college and beyond. There are some specific benefits available to LCHS students interested in pursuing their education at GCC. Two of the most important benefits include the ECAP program and priority registration.
What does ECAP stand for?
Early College Acceptance Program
More info: www.glendale.edu/ECAP
What are the advantages of ECAP?
Application workshops conducted by GCC Outreach Services on-site at your high school held either during school, lunch or after school
Free assessment test study guides and advice
Free assessment test preparation classes at Glendale’s Garfield Campus
Access to GCC staff for any questions you might have
Priority Registration for fall 2017: What are the steps involved?
Step 1 ➔ Apply to Glendale Community College for Fall 2017 semester NOW at www.glendale.edu/APPLY.
Step 2 ➔ Take your Math and English or ESL Assessment Tests. Assessment tests are available at GCC beginning February 27 in SF112. Visit www.glendale.edu/Assessment for testing schedule and sample tests. Be sure to review sample tests prior to taking assessment tests. The Assessment staff will make an appointment for you to attend a New Student Advising Workshop once your assessments are complete.
Step 3 ➔ Attend your New Student Advising Workshop and complete the online orientation. A counselor will help you develop your required abbreviated Student Educational Plan (SEP). Note: You may also complete the Online Orientation on your own.
If you complete all three steps by April 28th, you will receive priority registration! You can then move on to the last step:
Step 4 ➔ Register for fall 2017 classes at GCC. Your registration date and time will be posted to your MyGCC account on May 8 (www.glendale.edu/MyGCC). Priority registration begins on May 22.
If you DO NOT complete all the steps above by April 28, you will register during open registration beginning on June 12. It is to your benefit to complete the steps early!
For more information or to have your questions answered, be sure to look for the GCC reps on campus at LCHS in the lunch area in the upcoming weeks!
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
UPDATED POST: Click here for current scholarship opportunities with deadlines in February through May. For a more extensive list of scholarship opportunities, check Naviance under Colleges tab, and click on "Scholarship List."
EARNING MONEY FOR COLLEGE DURING HIGH SCHOOL!
There is a new opportunity to start earning money towards college as a freshman, through micro-scholarships for various colleges. The program is called raise.me, which is funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. There are over 100 colleges that are partnering with this organization and you can follow that college like an Instagram account. It is easy and free to register on raise.me. You can earn money for every A or B you earn, doing community service, earning your Eagle Scout or Gold Award, taking an AP test, etc… Check it out and let your counselor know if you decided to register. When you are a senior and you are accepted to one of the partner schools (that you have been following and earning money for), you can use this money towards college tuition and expenses.
College/Career Resources
HIGH SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES AT GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Interested in studying abroad over the summer in Bali, Sydney, Ireland, or England? Visit www.glendale.edu/studyabroad to learn about opportunities available through Glendale Community College. Interested in taking Armenian, Japanese, or Italian language classes for college credit? GCC has Foreign Language courses open to high school students. See your counselor or call the GCC Language Arts division (818-240-1000 ext5767) for more information.
LOCAL COLLEGE FAIR OPPORTUNITIES IN APRIL
Free California Out-of-State & International (COSI) College Fairs in Southern CA in April 2017
USA GAP YEAR FAIRS
Are you considering a Gap Year after high school? USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, interested students and parents, high school college counselors and Gap Year experts. Click here for a list of USA Gap Year Fairs coming to southern California in February!
Last Minute Applications
Last minute tips for anyone who may be a little behind on college apps...
http://www.wnyc.org/story/five-tips-completing-last-minute-college-applications
CollegeBoard.org - information available to learn about tools and resources to support students and families throughtout the financial planning process: Financial Aid Essentials
8 Tools & Resources for Writing The Best Scholarship Essays
PARENT ACTION PLAN FOR SOPHOMORE COLLEGE/CAREER PLANNING:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/for-parents/parent-action-plan-10th-grade
COLLEGE PLANNING APP:
Students can now get college planning advice and guidance right from their phones, with the College Board’s CollegeGo mobile app. The app is available for free in the Apple and Google Play stores.The app guides students through the essential steps they need to take in order to find, apply to, and attend the right college for them. The interactive, step-by-step platform uses game, video, and search features to help students plan their college journey.
FAFSA Submission Deadlines:
From the FAFSA Website (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Deadlines 2017-2018
State Deadline
California - For many state financial aid programs – March 2, 2017 (this is the deadline for FAFSA submission with Cal Grant consideration. Students are encouraged to apply no later than this date).
Federal Deadline
Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2018.
Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 15, 2018.
Students are encouraged to submit early (no later than March 2), as federal deadlines fall far later than the state deadline.
College Deadline
Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline - whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA, or the date your FAFSA is processed. Some colleges will be looking for FAFSA submission as early as October/November. When in doubt, submit early.
Additional Financial Aid Information/Tips:
Cal Grant also requires submission of a school certified GPA by March 2, 2017 (LCHS does this automatically → for more info, see below). For additional community college Cal Grants - deadline September 2, 2017 (date postmarked).
If you are a non-citizen holding a Social Security card issued through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or for some other work authorization, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application found at www.caldreamact.org. Do NOT fill out a FAFSA. Contact the California Student Aid Commission (www.csac.ca.gov) or your financial aid administrator for more information.
Additional forms may be required (such as the CSS Profile → more information below).
Applicants are encouraged to keep a record of their submission by printing out their online FAFSA confirmation page or obtaining proof of mailing the FAFSA.
CSS Profile:
From the CollegeBoard CSS Profile Presentation (http://css.collegeboard.org/)
WHAT is the PROFILE?
The PROFILE is an online application that collects information used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid funds. (All Federal funds are awarded based on the FAFSA, available after Oct. 1 at fafsa.ed.gov.)
Some colleges may require additional information, such as tax returns or an institutional application. If your parents are divorced, some colleges will also require your noncustodial parent to complete the Noncustodial PROFILE.
WHEN do I file the PROFILE?
You may file the PROFILE as early as Oct. 1, 2016. However, you should file no later than two weeks before the EARLIEST priority filing date specified by your colleges or programs. WHO must file the PROFILE? Check your colleges’/programs’ information to determine whether they require the PROFILE. A list of colleges that require the PROFILE from at least some of their applicants can be found by clicking on Participating Colleges, Universities, and Scholarship Programs on the PROFILE Homepage.
COUNSELING CORNER
Resources:
From LCF Community Prevention Council: "The Small Book of Big Issues"
Books by Challenge Success and Its Founders
Registration 2017-18
Save the Date Reminder - August 7, 2017 for grades 12-10, August 8, 2017 for grade 9.
Links to websites are offered for your convenience in accessing related information, but do not constitute an endorsement of the website or its content. LCHS takes no responsibility for the views, content or accuracy of the information presented by an external website.