Student Service Connection
Monthly Newsletter- May- 2021
Your Memorial STUDENT SERVICE TEAM
So much of getting through COVID as students is a mental game. If you can learn to love yourself now (without the thrills from life's usual activities) and keep your head in the game while taking extra care of yourself and family, you'll be even better at life when we finally are back to normal. We believe in you!
INFORMATION IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
- MMSD COVID-19 Updates
- Links to Important Events this month, Daily Schedule, & Calendars
- Student Service Staff
- Infinite Campus and Sending Transcripts
- COMMUNITY & ACADEMIC RESOURCES
- College-Career-Community Readiness Information (ACP)
SUMMERSCHOOL Registration Continues
Summer school will run Monday-Thursday from June 21 - July 29, 2021 with no school on July 5. Virtual and in-person options are being planned. Be sure to reach out to your child’s counselor to get enrolled in summer school 2021 for credit recovery. Here is the course catalog. Students interested in first-time credit need to complete this form by May 14, 2021. Please note this form does not enroll you/ your child in a first-time credit course, rather it informs us of your interest. If we have more students interested in taking a course than seats available, we will hold a lottery. For students interested in Personal Fitness, priority will be given to students in grades 10-12 who have not yet taken any of the 1.5 required PE credits for high school graduation. Students who have V-PHY4040 recorded on their transcript are not eligible for this summer PE course. Families will receive an email confirmation by early June if these online courses are definitely running and if your child has been offered a seat or placed on a waitlist.
May 5th and 6th- ASPIRE (Practice ACT) for 9th and 10th grade students
JUNIOR CONFERENCES with Counselors- It's not too late!
Competitive Colleges Night
Thursday, May 13, 2021, 06:30 PM
https://madison-k12-wi-us.zoom.us/j/92251911580
Late May- Sophomore Post HS Options Exploration
Time to Consider Summer Learning Experiences
STUDENT SERVICES IS HERE FOR YOU
Continued Individualized SENIOR SUPPORT
Counselors continue to be available for their seniors to help them complete applications to their post hs destinations (I.E.- colleges, apprenticeships, military, Americorps, gap year options, etc.), as well as to complete their FAFSA (free application for federal student aid).
-Don't forget to keep checking XELLO for Local Scholarship Opportunities
-Ask us if you need help interpreting your FINANCIAL AID AWARD LETTERS
-Let us know if you need assistance preparing for MAY 1st COLLEGE DECISION DAY
Important opportunities on 3CR Google Classrooms for each graduating class
Class of 2024- 9th Grade Code: 33n5fbo
Class of 2023- 10th Grade Code: mmvyrla
Class of 2022- 11th Grade Code: hhebfcr
Class of 2021- 12th Grade Code: gtubgns
2020-21 MMSD CALENDAR and STUDENT SCHEDULES UPDATE
ALL STUDENTS
"It always seems impossible until it's done." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nelson Mandela~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
DO YOU NEED HELP with academic, personal, or college & career planning?
Click on your counselor's name to book a time with them for assistance.
Fox Neighborhood:
Kristin Kluge (A-Sn) (also Health and Wellness PATHWAYS COUNSELOR)
Rock Neighborhood:
Wolf Neighborhood:
Wisconsin Neighborhood:
Emily Cochran (A-Sn) (also Information Technology PATHWAYS COUNSELOR)
AVID Students:
ELL Students:
Sending Transcripts
GRADE REPLACEMENT: If you have RETAKEN any classes to improve your understanding and grade, make sure to see your counselor about requesting any grade replacements on your transcript.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CHROMEBOOK SUPPORT
~~ Howard W. Newton
Urban League of Greater Madison COVID-19 Workforce Relief & Recovery Initiative
FURLOUGHED? LAID OFF? UNDER-EMPLOYED?
Urban League CAN HELP!
Madison Area Employers Are Hiring!
Click on the flyer below for details.
Contact the Urban League for additional support: (608) 347-4623
Mental Health
Free Mental Health Apps for your Phone
Mindshift
BellyBioInteractive Breathing
Take a Break! Guided Meditations for Stress Relief
Previdence
Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools (TBA- Spring Semester)
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
DAILY AGENDA TEMPLATE
~~COLLEGE-CAREER-COMMUNITY READINESS (3CR)~~
To see how Memorial is helping students to be College-Career-Community Ready, CLICK HERE.
(Formerly referred to as Academic & Career Planning-ACP)
FRESHMEN
Explore your interests, creativity, and future paths that seem interesting to you. Visit our Learning Experiences Beyond The Classroom and Career Exploration pages on the JMM Website, and spend some time in Xello to explore your interests, skills, and related paths for the future. Consider exploring Pre-College programs at this link. Check out College Planning: 9th/10th Grade
SOPHOMORES
-Job shadowing someone in a career of interest to you for an hour or two.
-Consider exploring Pre-College programs at this link.
-Wondering about some Work-Based Learning Experience? Click here.
-If you want to get hands-on experience, there are some careers that offer a Youth
Apprenticeship. CLICK HERE to see information about it and applying for next year.
-Explore course options and your 4-year plan in Xello with someone at home!
-Don't forget to explore your interests outside of the classroom as well. Ideas HERE.
-Check out College Planning: 9th/10th Grade
-Considering another education path to your diploma, talk to your counselor about Capital HS, Shabazz, Gateway to College, Night School, and more...
JUNIORS
-Visit programs, colleges, and options you are thinking about for after graduation. Evaluate them before making the trip with THIS WORKSHEET
-Article on closed campus and EXPLORING COLLEGES during COVID 19
-Continue work on your to do list with your counselor, and attend your JUNIOR CONFERENCE this year
-Register for the ACT HERE. If you feel you are eligible for a tuition fee waiver, see your counselor before school ends. Limited sites available during COVID.
-If you feel that preparation for the ACT might be helpful, start with METHOD TEST PREP in Xello
-Check out College Planning: 11th Grade
-If you want to get hands-on experience, there are some careers that offer a Youth
Apprenticeship. CLICK HERE to see information about it and applying for next year.
SENIORS
-Article on closed campus and EXPLORING COLLEGES during COVID 19
-Schedule and do a 15 minute conference with your counselor to inform them of your plans following graduation, and any help you need.
-Complete an application for colleges or training programs after graduation that will help prepare you for your long term careers of interest.
-Make sure to fill out the FAFSA if you plan to attend a college that you'll need financial aid for.
-Continue to explore careers and visit schools and/or programs of interest if you're not sure about what option is best for you.
-Check out College Application Timeline: 12th Grade
Experiential Learning Credit
Interested in earning credit for "Experiential Learning" as you work or volunteer? See your counselor with questions. More information HERE.
"I know that luck has a way of happening to people who shoot high, who never sell themselves short" Teri Teachout
RESEARCH PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS
Help your student prepare for college with these resources
Memorial High School has a goal for all of our students to graduate with the skills and abilities to be successful within their college, career, and community. It is never too early to start helping your student prepare for college. Did you know that college can be more affordable than you think? Nationally, $2.6 billion of financial aid went unclaimed in the United States in the 2018-2019 school year. Check out these resources at Madison Metropolitan School District’s College Planning Website to help support your students in planning, and this special COVID-19 Edition. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s counselor for more information. Here are some resources on how to pay for college.
ACT Method Test Prep
Free! Online! Available to all students through your Xello account.
This ACT preparation program is offered through Xello to all MMSD students. It's FREE & students can log-in and start reviewing/practicing for the ACT test which most students start taking in the Winter or Spring of their Junior year. You can access your Xello account from the main Memorial HS Website, scroll to the bottom. Xello is the first link under the blue bar. Log in using your school gmail account (having your school email open in another tab helps speed up the login!)
Experience Madison College
We offer two ongoing events that meet students where they are in their college decision process:
- Experience Madison College: High school students spend a Friday afternoon on campus engaged in hands-on activities, visiting classrooms and meeting instructors.
- Instant Application Station: Students ready to apply can drop in to the campus nearest them for help completing their application. Staff will be available to answer their questions about the entire process.
All of these events include a FREE Madison College application.
April 6th and 14th- UW Information Sessions for Students
Tuesday, April 6 - Virtual Information Session
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Central Time
Hosted via Zoom
Wednesday, April 14 - Admissions Case Study
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Central Time
Hosted via Zoom
COMMON BLACK COLLEGE APPLICATION and HBCU Information
HBCU INFORMATION
Want to know where the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) are? Click HERE to find out. Apply now to any number of 55 HBCUs with the Common Black College Application at www.commonblackcollegeapp.com for only $20.
These checklists and resources will help you ensure you are well on your way to pursuing your college goals.
MMSD Making Your Final College Choice ChecklistMMSD Choosing Your College Resources
MMSD Paying for College Checklist
MMSD College Enrollment Checklist
MMSD College Enrollment Resources
MMSD College Going Resources
Send Your Transcript
Links for:
Video of "How to send your transcript"- (make sure to indicate "Memorial High School" in Madison, WI instead of West HS)
Send Your ACT/SAT/AP Scores
Apply to a University of Wisconsin School
Selective Service
Almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants, who are 18 through 25, are required to register with Selective Service.
- It's important to know that even though he is registered, a man will not automatically be inducted into the military.
- Registration allows you eligibility for federal student loans and federal jobs/job training.
- Visit the Selective Service website to register
WI Private Colleges
Minnesota Colleges- Public and Private
#mmsdcollegebound CAMPAIGN- here to help you with your College Application Process
WI Education Fair (WEF) will continue to be a virtual resource for our students and schools. We're expecting nearly 100 colleges, universities, military branches, and specialty schools to participate in the college fair portion. Free to attend. Interested students should REGISTER HERE.
Offering a monthly virtual college fair from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., followed by 5 p.m. - 6 p.m. interactive financial aid presentation brought to you by College Goal Wisconsin.
- Wednesday, 9/16 (Financial Aid 101)
- Wednesday, 10/7
- Sunday, 11/8
- Wednesday, 2/10
- Wednesday, 3/10
- Sunday, 4/11
HBCU College Fairs
Army-ROTC Virtual College Fair
ONLINE COLLEGE VISITS
College Visits can be an important part of the college selection process.
Check out the following resources for exploring a college campus virtually.
How Colleges Evaluate Character in the Admissions Process
College & Career Information Specifically for LGBTQ Students
Scholarships Specifically for LGBTQ Students:
https://www.hrc.org/resources/scholarshipsLGBTQ- Friendly Colleges and Universities:
https://www.campusprideindex.org/
Campuses that include gender-inclusive housing:
https://www.hrc.org/resources/gender-neutral-housing
Employers that include Gender-Inclusive Workplaces:
Financial AID
What is Federal Financial Aid?
Financial aid from the federal government can help you pay for education expenses at an eligible college or career school. Grants, loans and work-study are types of federal student aid. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for this aid. Types of Federal Aid video is a helpful video that explains the difference between types of federal aid available to students. Additional information about federal student aid can be found on the Federal Student Aid website.
Who Should Apply for Need-Based Financial Aid?
All students should apply for need-based financial aid. Many families mistakenly think they may not qualify for this type of aid based on their income and assets. However, if students choose not to apply for need-based financial aid, they may be closing the door on opportunities that could help pay for college. There are other sources of financial assistance available regardless of need, but most require that the student file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) first, starting on October 1st.
How Does A Student Apply For Need-Based Financial Aid?
- The FAFSA is the form used to apply for need-based financial aid. The student must complete the FAFSA to apply for need-based grants, as well as for federal financial aid and other aid from colleges. Students must apply every year.
- The FAFSA4caster is a tool designed to assist families to plan for education beyond high school. Students can receive an estimated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) by entering their information into FAFSA4caster, a simplified version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA4caster also provides guidance on next steps for applying for admission, applying for federal student aid, and paying for education beyond high school. A Spanish version is available.
UW-Madison- FAFSA FRENZY
It's Time to Submit Your College Application Materials!
Send your counselor application materials that must be completed by them before your colleges' deadlines. (like Secondary School Reports, brag sheets for Recommendations, etc.).
COLLEGE GOAL WI
RAISE.ME
Going Merry
Unigo Scholarship Search
Scholarships That Require Less Documentation
1- http://www.dfwinternational.org/
2= https://www.maldef.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2019-2020_MALDEF_Scholarship_Resource_Guide.pdf
3- https://mydocumentedlife.org/2016/09/12/scholarships-open-to-undocumented-students/
4- https://www.hsf.net/en_US/scholarship
5- https://drive.google.com/open?id=0By5ADZShBREleWM5RzBKTkRsVXFId0Z2Q1ZaZzE4S0EyUWFB
6- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ih-Gk3XkMt7DQGfQEiia35KfyeHCkM-VKoZkhWKi-qQ
More Resources:
MORE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP
If you want to get hands-on experience, there are some careers that offer a Youth Apprenticeship.
Youth Apprenticeship, or YA, is a rigorous one- or two-year elective program for juniors and seniors, that combines academic and technical classroom instruction with mentored, on-the-job training to provide students with industry-established occupational and employability skills. Post-secondary and business partnerships are essential for a successful youth apprenticeship program.
Please note that application to the Youth Apprenticeship program does not guarantee job placement. Full participation in the program and the ability to earn the Youth Apprenticeship certificate requires both on-the-job training and related technical classroom nistruction.
Currently, YA programs are offered in the following areas (click on an individual area to find additional information):
- Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Program
- Architecture & Construction Program
- Arts, A/V Technology & Communications program
- Finance Program
- Health Science Program
- Hospitality, Lodging & Tourism Program
- Information Technology Program
- Manufacturing Program
- Marketing Program
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Program
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Program
CLICK HERE to see information about various programs and how to apply for next year.