BCPS has created step by step directions for setting up a parent schoology account. Please see this link for more details.

https://www.bcps.org/tech_support/creating_a_parent_account_for_focus__schoology

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is open for the 2022-2023 school year. If you are planning to go to CCBC, trade school or a four year college you need to complete the FAFSA asap! You will need your parents tax information for 2020.

http://www.fafsa.gov

Class of 2022,

The counselors enjoyed presenting in your English classes last month. We hope this presentation assisted you in solidifying your plans for after high school. In October and November we are focused on supporting seniors in applying to four year colleges.

To support you, every Wednesday after school we offer a college application help session from 2:30- 3:30pm in the library. In this space we are able to assist with college applications, requesting teacher letters of recommendation, editing college essays and helping with financial aid. We have also added a VIRTUAL HELP SESSION every Tuesday night from 6-730pm. The google meet nickname is PHSCOLLEGE.

Attached you will find the college timeline to see if you are on track with your application process. Please email Ms. Serico with any questions about applying to 4 year colleges- lserico@bcps.org

Students in grades 9-11 will take Preliminary SAT, also known as the PSAT/NMSQT® (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test), is a practice version of the SAT exam.If you earn a high score on the PSAT your junior year, you could qualify to receive a National Merit Scholarship—$180 million dollars in merit scholarships are awarded to students each year. The PSAT is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and tests your skills in reading, writing, and math. Unlike the SAT, the highest score possible on the PSAT is 1520.

What will seniors be doing on PSAT Day?

Parkville is encouraging seniors to use this day as a Post Secondary Exploration Day. Seniors can schedule independent college tours or info sessions (virtual or in person). If they provide proof of attending a virtual or in person tour/info session their absence will be excused. Below you will find list of links to sign up for local college tours and info sessions.

If students choose to come to school, we will have a 3 hour college application help session available in the cafeteria. Students can get support completing the common app, editing their college essay, and applying for FAFSA/scholarships. Throughout the AM we will also be playing virtual college tours and info sessions for students to view.

Lastly, seniors in need of service learning hours (as part of their graduation requirements) will receive a schoology message next week inviting them to sign up participate in an on campus service experience on PSAT day. Students may also sign up for independent service projects. Here is a great search engine for finding independent service opportunities:

http://www.volunteermatch.org

Interested in pursuing a trade and want to start working right after high school? Check out this union!

http://www.getpiping.com

Did you know that BCPS students are eligible to take reduced price or FREE courses at CCBC during high school?

CCBC will offer an ECAP information session for 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th grade students and parents on Wednesday, October 20th at 5pm. These sessions will highlight the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school, tuition waivers, required documentation, and how to apply to CCBC. We highly encourage your high school students and parents to attend.

We strongly encourage students to register for this session at www.ccbcmd.edu/infosessions.

Upward Bound is a nationwide, federally funded educational program, authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965, for high school students. The Upward Bound Program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County was initiated in 1989. The Program’s design promotes the development and enhancement of students’ basic skills, academic and cultural enrichment, and the motivation necessary to matriculate at and graduate from college. To ensure students’ complete development, participation in program activities is mandatory.

Upward Bound serves students who have demonstrated academic potential and who meet the income and first generation to obtain a four-year college degree criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. The Program provides students and their parents with an opportunity to invest in students’ futures and thus realize their potential and goals. Students must attend Parkville, Chesapeake, Overlea, Kenwood, Patterson and Coppin Academy High Schools.

Students in grades 9-11 may apply by completing the attached application. Email Brittany Walker: brittanylwlkr@gmail.com for more information.

Upward Bound is an intensive enrichment program that enhances the academic and personal growth of low-income and potential first-generation college students. The program is designed to help students with academic enrichment and career exploration.

Partnerships with targeted schools assist with program goals. Our target schools are: Chesapeake, Dundalk, Kenwood, Parkville, and Patapsco High Schools.

Are you Eligible?

• Rising 9th through 11th grade Baltimore County Public School students.
• Potential first generation college student — Neither parent has a bachelor's degree.
• Income Eligible — Eligible for a Pell Grant or 150% of federal government poverty level.

Upward Bound provides academic instruction in a variety of subjects. Tutoring, counseling, mentoring, cultural enrichment, work-study programs, education or counseling services are designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students.

Programming includes:

• Financial aid workshops
• College survival skills workshops
• Career exploration through career academies
• Academy of Arts Communications and Entertainment
• STEM Academy
• Business Academy
• Ninth Grade Success Academy
• Academy and Career-Based Projects and Lecture Series
• Internships/Externships Shadowing
• Grade level specific Seminars
• Early College Access planning and support
• Parent Workshops

Link to apply below: