Almond College & Career News

March 13, 2023

Welcome to March Madness and Happy St. Patrick's Day week!!


Snow has started melting again and days are getting longer. Which also means we are only 9 days from spring break and 10 more weeks of second semester?!?!? But who's counting :)


Take spring break week to pause, rejuvenate, spend time with family or friends, make up missing work to get caught up in your classes, maybe even take a drive for a college visit or pop into a virtual college tour. Make the most of your week off!


Lots of great events, workshops, college visits, college fairs, and deadlines approaching, so check all these out below!


JUNIORS:

Great job attending our college visits in the CCC so far! Spring break is an excellent opportunity to see a variety of campuses (small, medium, large, college town, suburban, rural, urban, etc...). If you have the chance, schedule a few visits with the college's admissions office to gauge which type of institutions you like best. Scroll down to see our upcoming visits coming to the CCC. Full schedule is in Maia Learning under Events.


Reminder...April 12th is our state SAT test at WTHS. All junior students are registered to take the assessment and is considered an official SAT for college admission purposes. For preparation tips visit https://www.khanacademy.org/SAT or click HERE for additional test prep suggestions.


SENIORS:

Hopefully the luck of the Irish will help our Seniors land scholarship dollars with their application submissions last Friday and send you all sailing into spring break smoothly next week!


Notifications of scholarship and award invitations will be emailed to student WTHS email accounts by the end of April/early May.


Understanding your Financial Aid Award Letter Workshop for Seniors

Need help understanding the information on your financial aid award letters or want to learn about the process and terminology? Plan to attend our workshop on Monday, March 20th with an ISAC rep to learn more and answer your questions. Please attend during the “A” portion of your lunch period in the College and Career Center.


Financial Aid Award Letter Appeal Process

Check out this helpful tip sheet to navigate if your family plans to circle back to the institution's financial aid office if there is new information or comparable financial aid offers to share.


Ready to Declare your Destination?

As seniors make their decisions about their plans for next year, we want to celebrate you! Send a DM to @bluedevilseniors with your first and last name, a photo of yourself, your intended college name, major/minor, any sports/instruments that you will be continuing at college (if applicable) or other non-college plans you have. No Instagram? No problem! Just email that information and a photo of yourself to Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net). We will post your information to Instagram and create a slideshow to highlight your plans!


College of Lake County

Planning to enroll full-time at CLC after high school? You will want to learn about the thousands of dollars CLC provides to students by attending Miss Meadowcroft's CLC Scholarships Workshop on Thursday, March 23rd during the "A" portion of your lunch period. Bring your Chromebook and CLC username & password to the College and Career Center.


For BOTH Juniors and Seniors:


ASVAB Test

WTHS is hosting the ASVAB again for interested WTHS Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors on Saturday, March 18 at 9:00 a.m. at the Almond Campus. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery assesses a student's ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs. It produces Career Exploration Scores that can aid in the exploration of a wide variety of career options. This would be a great test to take if you are unsure what you’d like to do in the future. The ASVAB is offered at no cost to you and there is no military obligation just by taking the test. Interested students can sign-up in the Student Services with Mrs. Maggiore (Almond) by March 15.


Looking for a Job?

See the Career Opportunities section below for local opportunities for high school students or check our Job Board often! We will continue to add more in the coming weeks!


We are here to help answer your questions, so students, please check your email often, follow us on Instagram or Facebook (@wthsccc), watch for text reminders or reach out to your counselor, Ms. Hartley or myself if you have any questions. We are glad to help! Here is the contact information for Student Services.


Have a great week and even better spring break!


Mrs. McGahan, Post-Secondary Counselor

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Need to meet with a Counselor?

Need to meet with a Counselor?

If you would like to make an appointment to meet with your Almond Campus Counselor please email them or stop down to Student Services in the main office to submit a request form. If you would like to meet with Mrs. McGahan, please scan the QR code to the right or click HERE. Book an appointment during your free period.
Need to meet with a Counselor?
Blue Devil Senior Shout Outs!

Blue Devil Senior Shout Outs!

Seniors! We need your help to honor you for our National Declaration Day festivities! When you are ready to commit or finalize your plans for after high school, send a DM @bluedevilseniors or email Mrs. McGahan cmcgahan@wths.net with your first & last name, photo, intended college & major or career plan, or other plans you have after high school. We look forward to celebrating you! Click HERE for the growing list of declarations!
Blue Devil Senior Shout Outs!
Parent Speaker Series

Parent Speaker Series

WTHS has partnered with Glenbard Parent Series through Glenbard Township High School District 87 to provide access to a distinguished speaker series dedicated to presenting relevant, high-profile authors, educators and clinicians for parents and community members.

Topics include mental health, life skills, support for parents and more!


  • These high-caliber presenters offer practical research-based knowledge, strategies, and personal experience to support students’ engaged learning, and well-being
  • All programs are free and open to the public
  • Many events are presented at both noon and 7pm, and offered in multiple languages via Zoom. Access links are available on their website below.
  • You can access the schedule for the remainder of the year here:


    • Upcoming Speakers

    • Jessica Minahan

    • Tue, Mar 14 @ 12:00 pm CDT - 2:00 pm CDT and 7:00 pm CDT - 9:00 pm CDT

      Practical Strategies for Reducing Anxiety and Challenging Behavior in Students


    • Dr. Lourdes Ferrer-Allen

      Thu, Mar 16 @ 6:00 pm CDT - 8:00 pm CDT

      La preparación para la excelencia: Una academia para padres/Grooming for Excellence: A Part Academy


    • Young Adult Author Fred Aceves with Alex Timchak, MD

      Tue, Mar 21 @ 12:00 pm CDT - 1:00 pm CDT and @ 7:00 pm CDT - 8:00 pm CDT The New David Espinosa


    • Liz Fosslien - Distinguished Glenbard Alumna

      Tue, Apr 4 @ 7:00 pm CDT - 8:00 pm CDT

      BIG Feelings: How to Be Okay When Things Are Not Okay


    • Rosalind Wiseman

      Tue, Apr 11 @ 12:00 pm CDT - 1:00 pm CDT @ 7:00 pm CDT - 8:00 pm CDT

      Supporting Our Kids Through the Inevitable Ups and Downs of Teen Relationships

Parent Speaker Series
Are you a First Generation College Student?

Are you a First Generation College Student?

If you're planning to attend college and neither of your parents completed a college degree, then YOU are considered “First-Generation” or “First-Gen!” Did you know many of our Warren teachers are first-gen? Other more well-known first-gen college graduates include Michelle Obama, Ben Carson, Sonia Sotomayor, Oprah Winfrey, Elizabeth Warren and Bill Clinton. Over 40% of students entering college are first-gen (National Center for Education Statistics). All first-gen Almond students are invited to join our first-gen club "I'm First". Please email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net) if you are first-gen and would like college and career info!
Are you a First Generation College Student?

College Information and Upcoming Events

College Rep Visits to the Almond Campus

College Reps will continue to visit with our Almond Campus students starting this week! Meeting with these reps is an excellent way to gather information about your college of interest, answer questions you may have and make that personal connection. Juniors and Seniors are welcome to attend in the College and Career Center!


Students can view the upcoming college visits in Maia Learning --> Events.


Students are expected to sign-up in Maia Learning one school day prior by clicking on Actions --> Attend.


*See a college description of the institution to determine which school may be the ideal for you to visit.


**Students are allowed to attend 3 college visits per semester if they are missing an academic class. You must be passing the academic class during the college visit you are attending. Students attending during a lunch or study hall period will not count towards the 3 visits. If you are not able to attend, but would like the information from the institution, please email Mrs. McGahan (cmcgahan@wths.net).


Tuesday, March 14th

  • Period 4: Carthage College, Carroll University, St. Norbert College
  • Period 7: UW-Stout


Monday, March 20th

  • Period 2: Western Illinois University Application Drive & Visit


Thursday, March 23rd

  • Period 2: DePaul University, Xavier University, Marquette University
  • Period 7: University of Illinois Chicago, Illinois State University


Tuesday, April 4th


  • Period 4: University of Missouri-Columbia


Thursday, April 6th


  • Period 2: University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
  • Period 4: University of Mississippi & University of Alabama
  • Period 7: University of Colorado-Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, University of Northern Colorado
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Seniors! Thinking of Applying to a 4 year college?

Seniors! Thinking of Applying to a 4 year college?

If you haven’t submitted your college application yet but are still hoping to, let’s get it started! Western Illinois University will be in the CCC on Monday, March 20th during 2nd period to provide application decisions on the spot! Bring your Chromebook and Social Security number (if applicable) and report at the beginning of the period.

Seniors! Thinking of Applying to a 4 year college?
CLC: Resources and Upcoming Events

CLC: Resources and Upcoming Events

WWTHS is fortunate to have Ms. Quinnlyn Meadowcroft, our CLC College Career Navigator, housed in the Almond College and Career Center to assist all students. Whether you are exploring your options, thinking of taking one class or enroll full-time at CLC after high school, Ms. Meadowcroft will be your point-person every step of the way.


**Friday, March 17th: English Placement (for students who have applied and scored below 470 on the English portion of the April, '22 SAT)

**Thursday, March 23rd: Scholarship Workshop (open to all students to learn about available CLC scholarships)

  • Click HERE to learn about CLC Enrollment Steps
  • Click HERE to learn about CLC Proficiencies, Prerequisites and Placement Testing


Feel free to contact Ms. Meadowcroft should you have any questions about CLC or how to enroll (qmeadowcroft1@clcillinois.edu). Or schedule an appointment with her HERE.

CLC: Resources and Upcoming Events
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Financial Aid Award Letter Tools from College Covered/Discover

  • Award Letter Comparison Tool – This simple tool compares up to five award letters side-by-side and helps students understand the actual cost of attendance for each school.
  • Breaking Down Your Award Letter – In this sample award letter, each section is clearly explained to help students make sense of their financial aid offers.
  • Negotiating for More Financial Aid – Your students may not know financial aid can be negotiable. Here are six effective phrases they can use when negotiating with a school.
Looking for Local Scholarships?

Looking for Local Scholarships?

We are starting to receive regular scholarship opportunities in our inbox each week. To access the growing list, log onto Maia Learning. Under Financial Plan --> Local Scholarships. The list will continue to grow until spring break, so check often!


If you need to request a transcript for a scholarship, please complete this FORM. You may pick-up transcripts from Mrs. Maggiore in Student Services in the main office.

Looking for Local Scholarships?

Waukegan Police & Fire Memorial Fund Scholarship

The Waukegan Police and Fire Memorial Fund Scholarship is awarding 2 $500 scholarships to high school seniors who would like to pursue a career as a first responder. Applicants must reside in the City of Waukegan, plan to major in criminal justice, fire science or EMS and attend an accredited 2 or 4-year college/university. Students must also have a minimum 2.5 GPA. Deadline to apply is May 15th. Click HERE for the application.
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UIUC Upcoming Visit Opportunities

UIUC Upcoming Visit Opportunities

The University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is hosting several visit opportunities for high school families this spring. Click HERE to view the complete list divided by College of interest.
UIUC Upcoming Visit Opportunities
NACAC Virtual College Fairs

NACAC Virtual College Fairs

NACAC’s upcoming series of Virtual College Fairs continues on March 19th and April 23rd. These virtual event are designed to help students connect with college admissions officers and ask important questions about the application process. These sessions support all students, including seniors who have not yet applied. Students can prepare ahead of time by tagging the Zoom sessions they want to attend. Sign up to attend: https://www.nacacfairs.org/attend/attend-virtual-college-fairs/.
NACAC Virtual College Fairs
U.S. Military Reps to Visit Almond Cafeteria

U.S. Military Reps to Visit Almond Cafeteria

For students interested in learning more about the U.S. Military, representatives from the following branches will be located at the front of the Almond Cafeteria. Stop by their table to receive additional information!



Army Reserve – 3rd Tuesday of the month

Army – 2nd Tuesday of the month

Navy – 4th Tuesday of the month

Marines – 3rd Thursday of the month

Air Force - 4th Thursday of the month

U.S. Military Reps to Visit Almond Cafeteria
Thinking of a Career in Education?

Thinking of a Career in Education?

The Golden Apple Scholarship Application is now open! High school students graduating in 2023 or first- and second-year college students can apply to become a Scholar by clicking here. Applications close on April 1, 2023.
Thinking of a Career in Education?
Lake County Maker Faire, April 15th

Lake County Maker Faire, April 15th

This one-day workshop from 10am-2pm on Saturday, April 15th. While admission to the Maker Faire is FREE, registration will assist with planning. So…if you want to learn to 3D print, watch robots in action, laser something, write Arduino code, make creations with items around home, and have a really great time… pre-register this spring. This event is hosted by College of Lake County:

https://lakecounty.makerfaire.com/

Lake County Maker Faire, April 15th
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10 Suggestions For Making Your College Decision

10 Suggestions For Making Your College Decision

As seniors receive their college acceptances, many students look for means to help narrow their list. Here are a few suggestions to help! Especially if your family is not able to visit the campus this winter. As always, contact your counselor or a post-secondary counselor for assistance!
10 Suggestions For Making Your College Decision
Class of 2024: Want to learn how to apply to college?

Class of 2024: Want to learn how to apply to college?

Then plan to register and attend College Knowledge this summer, 2023!


This comprehensive, 2 day, 2 1/2 hour workshop in the Almond Campus College and Career Center will walk you through the entire process and you will leave feel relieved about how simplistic the process is!

  • A binder of information will be distributed to each student including information about admissions, financial aid, scholarships, college search, Maia Learning, Common App, Coalition App, and more!
  • We will host Illinois State University to complete a live application to see what the applications are all about.
  • An English teacher will provide an introduction to the Common App essay prompts and essay writing in general.
  • A college-student panel of WTHS alumni will return to share their insight about the process and college life.
  • All for FREE!
  • Sign-up for one of our 4 sessions today to lock in your spot!
  • Session 1: June 5-6...9:45-12:15
  • Session 2: June 5-6...12:45-3:15
  • Session 3: June 7-8...9:45-12:15
  • Session 4: June 7-8...12:45-3:15

Class of 2024: Want to learn how to apply to college?

Career/Job Opportunities

Looking to jump into full-time work after high school, maybe even earn a college degree for free?

Looking to jump into full-time work after high school, maybe even earn a college degree for free?

    • Check out the Learn while Earn jobs to earn anywhere from $15-27/hour starting pay with just a HS diploma!
Looking to jump into full-time work after high school, maybe even earn a college degree for free?
Teen Opportunities at the Anti-Cruelty Society

Teen Opportunities at the Anti-Cruelty Society

The Anti-Cruelty Society, in partnership with The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, offers a unique program for high school students with a serious interest in veterinary medicine or animal science related careers. This academic opportunity introduces students to the many areas of science that they will encounter in veterinary school using a college lecture format. The virtual program explores topics such as veterinary school admissions, challenges and thrills of being a veterinarian, and how clinical science is used to diagnose and treat injury and disease in a variety of animals.


Application deadline is June 4th.


To learn more and to apply: https://anticruelty.org/veterinary-mentoring-program


Click HERE for additional volunteer and virtual opportunities in working with animals.

Teen Opportunities at the Anti-Cruelty Society
Local Job Board

Click on this button to learn about local job openings in Lake County!

Lake County Sheriff Explorer Post Program

Lake County Sheriff Explorer Post Program

This program is open to any 14 to 21-year-old interested in learning more about law enforcement careers. Students will help the community as well as learn about careers in law enforcement and learn foundational policing skills. For additional information see their website.
Lake County Sheriff Explorer Post Program
Virtual Career Fair

Virtual Career Fair

Click HERE to access and explore 170+ careers with videos and information. By participating, you will gain a better understanding of the variety of industries and positions. Some employers may also have possible internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing and/or employment opportunities for our students! For those of you who may not know what you want to do, there’s a career assessment included that will help you narrow down a career cluster to further research. At the end, please complete the exit survey to reflect and provide feedback so we can continue to assist you with your post-high school plans.
Virtual Career Fair

General Resources

Support Services are Available

Support Services are Available

WTHS has in-person Study Tables on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:20-3:00 p.m. in the Almond Campus Library for English, Math, Science and Social Studies. Students who need bus transportation home are able to take the shuttle from Almond to O'Plaine and take the O'Plaine busses home.


For a list of our WTHS academic tutors, please click HERE.

Support Services are Available
Maia Learning: Our College and Career Planning Tool

Maia Learning: Our College and Career Planning Tool

Maia Learning is a college and career readiness platform that engages students in planning their futures. It allow students to develop profiles, explore careers that fit those profiles, and build academic, college, and career plans. It helps them manage college applications, and build portfolios that will gain them admission. It helps counselors manage student progress, and keeps families involved in the process.


Click here for a brief tutorial on accessing Maia Learning or click here for a shared folder which houses several helpful video tutorials and resources on the college search and application process.

Maia Learning: Our College and Career Planning Tool
WTHS Post-Secondary Planning Guide

This comprehensive guide encompasses the entire post-secondary planning process. Key features include a four-year timeline, tips for the college search and application process, how to navigate financial aid and scholarships and more!

Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource

Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource

The Paying for College Resource delivers free, easy to understand information and resources, so your family is confident you have everything you need to figure out how to pay for school.

Sallie Mae Paying for College Resource
Wondering if your interested college has test-optional admissions?

Wondering if your interested college has test-optional admissions?

To date, www.fairtest.org as published over 1,800 colleges and universities which are allowing Fall 2022 applicants to apply test-optional. Many institutions are stating students are at no disadvantage of applying test-optional. But it is good diligence on your part to verify the institution will still distribute merit, academic scholarships, be considered for direct-entry, competitive majors and Honors College consideration.
Wondering if your interested college has test-optional admissions?
Videos from College Reps to Enhance Your College Search

The Chicago Area Regional Representatives organization compiled helpful videos for students to navigate through the college search and application process. Hear first-hand tips from college reps!

Previous Almond Newsletters


For previous info and opportunities shared, visit newsletters below.

  • Click here to reference the February 26, 2023 issue
  • Click here to reference the February 12, 2023 issue
  • Click here to reference the January 29, 2023 issue
  • Click here to reference the January 15, 2023 issue
  • Click here to reference the December 4, 2022 issue
  • Click here to reference the November 20, 2022 issue
  • Click here to reference the November 4, 2022 issue
  • Click here to reference the October 23, 2022 issue
  • Click here to reference the October 9, 2022 issue
  • Click here to reference the September 25, 2022 issue
  • Click here to reference the September 11, 2022 issue
  • Click here to reference the August 30, 2022 issue
Mrs. McGahan

Mrs. McGahan

Mrs. McGahan
Almond Post-Secondary Counselor


Instagram @wthsccc

(847) 548-6709

cmcgahan@wths.net (847) 548-6709 d121.org/Page/313
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