Almond College & Career News

February 12, 2023

Happy Valentine's Day weekend! I hope you are enjoying this wonderful warmer weather with your loved ones and have fun watching the Super Bowl (or commercials) to cheer your favorite team tonight!


JUNIORS


College Visits

Spring break week or non-attendance days like February 20 or March 6 is a great time to visit colleges of interest. To visit on-campus, register with the Admissions Office on their website in advance. Physically seeing a campus and the surrounding community can be helpful to make a good first impression to see if you want to narrow your college search based on the college's key factors. If you are able to, take a drive and see some schools in the coming weeks! Students are able to receive 3 no-count college visit absence days per school year. Please contact your counselor or Mrs. McGahan if you have questions about this process.


SENIORS:


Scholarships

We hosted our annual Senior Local iHeart Scholarships Workshop on Friday, February 10th for our Senior students. For those who were not able to attend, please review the information HERE to learn about how to apply for our WTHS specific scholarships! Lots of local donors want to award scholarship money to you!! All WTHS scholarships are due to Mrs. Maggiore in Student Services by March 9th.


Other suggestions for scholarships include the colleges you have been admitted to for their university specific scholarships, employers, community organizations, places to eat/shop and national websites like www.goingmerry.com or www.cappex.com.


Finalizing your next steps

As senior students begin to receive admissions decisions, financial aid offers and move towards their final steps, feel free to contact your counselor or myself if you would like additional consult. Scheduling in-person college visits again, connecting with current students and getting your questions answered with the college personnel will help bridge students towards decisions. Best of luck as we near the final phase of the process!


Deferred or waitlisted on your admission decision?



Denied admission?


  • This article will help understand the emotions that you may be experiencing. Key point is there is always another choice and avenue you can take.


Blue Devil Seniors Instagram

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!


For BOTH Juniors and Seniors:

College Tour Videos

Wanting to see college campuses but your schedule is tight? Check out these College Tour Episodes for several institutions nationwide!


College Visits at WTHS

Colleges are returning to the Almond Campus starting the end of February to meet with interested juniors or senior students! Log into Maia Learning (www.maialearning.com) and click on Events to view our upcoming visits to the College and Career Center. Students are able to attend 3 college visits (miss 3 academic classes) per semester in the CCC to meet with college reps. Students who attend will sign-in and be excused from class.


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!


Have a great week!


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?
Free Virtual College Fair, February 13-18

Free Virtual College Fair, February 13-18

A free, virtual college fair for the Midwest Region of The United States is this week, Feb. 13th-18th. Students can log in any time during that week and get information from many colleges. There is a question and answer section for students to get answers directly from college reps during the week. Students can register and learn more by visiting www.collegefairsonline.com Each student that participates is entered to win a $300 scholarship.
Free Virtual College Fair, February 13-18
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

    • Gina Biegel

    • Wed, Feb 15 @ 12:00 pm CST - 1:00 pm CST and 7:00 pm CST - 8:00 pm CST

    • Take in the Good: Skills for Staying Positive, Reducing Stress and Living Your Best Life


    • Ana Mandujano, YWCA Educator

      Thu, Feb 16 @ 6:00 pm CST - 7:00 pm CST in Spanish

    • Relaciones Actuales entre Adolescentes/Teen Relationships Today


    • Josh Shipp

      Thu, Feb 23 @ 12:00 pm CST - 1:00 pm CST and 7:00 pm CST - 8:00 pm CST

      The Grownup’s Guide to the Human Teenager: How to Decode Their Behavior and Develop Their Trust


    • Dr. Devorah Heitner

      Tue, Mar 7 @ 12:00 pm CST - 1:00 pm CST and 7:00 pm CST - 8:00 pm CST

      Growing Up Public: Helping Kids Navigate On-Line Privacy and Reputation

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

CLC: Resources and Upcoming Events

CLC: Resources and Upcoming Events

WTHS 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, February 17th: CLC Math Placement Practice Test (for invited students who have submitted an enrollment application and require a placement test)

  • 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
Abbott Maintenance Internship Informational Session, February 21

Abbott Maintenance Internship Informational Session, February 21

Abbott is offering a new maintenance internship starting next school year. Interested students are welcome to come to the Almond CCC on Tuesday, February 21st during 7th period to learn more!
Abbott Maintenance Internship Informational Session, February 21
FREE SAT/ACT Practice Test at Warren Newport Library, 3/4

FREE SAT/ACT Practice Test at Warren Newport Library, 3/4

The Warren Newport library is hosting a free, practice ACT on March 4th in collaboration with Huntington Learning. Click HERE for more information and to register. Registration opens February 18th.
FREE SAT/ACT Practice Test at Warren Newport Library, 3/4
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?
NACAC Virtual College Fairs

NACAC Virtual College Fairs

NACAC’s upcoming series of Virtual College Fairs kicks off on February 19th! Other dates include 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
Click here to register for our February 23rd workshop!

February 23rd is our final evening financial aid workshop for interested families! We can discuss any and all financial aid related questions!

College Board's Big Future Program offers Real Talk: HBCU Edition

College Board's Big Future Program offers Real Talk: HBCU Edition


Black students and their families have the opportunity to connect with Black admissions reps at Real Talk: HBCU Edition on March 1 and 2. This two-night event will be an opportunity to compare colleges, receive advice on standing out during the admissions process, get information on special scholarships that can make college more affordable, and have top questions answered in real time. For additional information and to register, click HERE.


Night 1 on Wednesday, March 1, at 6 p.m. CST, features:

  • Dillard University
  • Fayetteville State University
  • Florida A&M University
  • Morgan State University
  • Tuskegee University


Night 2 on Thursday, March 2, at 6 p.m. CST, features:

  • Bethune-Cookman University
  • Claflin University
  • Morehouse College
  • Norfolk State University
  • Tennessee State University
  • Texas Southern University

College Board's Big Future Program offers Real Talk: HBCU Edition
NIU Business Olympics

NIU Business Olympics

NIU Business Olympics will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, with multiple competitions for high school and community college students. The top teams will have the opportunity to bring home prize money. Learn more about the official rules and to register by March 3rd.

NIU Business Olympics
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
UIUC Grainger School of Engineering Design Competition

UIUC Grainger School of Engineering Design Competition

Engineering Open House is an annual student run event that showcases the best talent from the Grainger School of Engineering. For more details, visit https://eohillinois.org.


This year, the EOH High School Design Competition will be held on Friday, March 31st, 2023.


The theme for this year is ‘Roller Coasters’. The team that designs a roller coaster that keeps a ball rolling on it for the longest time wins. There will be teams of 3-5 students.


Click on the Registration Document for additional information. Deadline to register is early March.

UIUC Grainger School of Engineering Design Competition
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?
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

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 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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