The Student Services team is excited to share with you our monthly newsletters for the 2022-2023 academic year! As we continue to look for ways to share important information with our Viking Family, we hope that this newsletter assists you throughout the school year. Our school counselors and social workers look forward to bringing you the latest and greatest from graduation information to college and career highlights. Any questions on what you find here? Please see our contact information at the bottom!

Attention Sophomores and Juniors!

Are you interested in being apart of a vocational program next year? Make sure to fill out the Google Form below to attend the informational session on November 15th at VHS. Please visit PCCTE.org for more information regarding the application process and the different program offerings.

We always recommend students and parents to also attend the Vocational Open Houses on December 6th and January 26th. This is a great way to learn more specifics about the program you are interested in.

If students choose to apply to a vocational program, applications will open on November 11th @ pccte.org. Remember to apply early!

https://forms.gle/HCL4VEtwrSqvmM3A7 - Nov. 15 Informational Session

Students and parents that are interested in learning more about the IB Diploma are encouraged to come to the IB Night on November 17th at 6pm. If you are looking to attend, please contact Mrs. Pickett (lpickett@valpo.k12.in.us) to sign up!

Attention all sophomores - your Fall Meeting will be occurring this month with your assigned counselor. Please look out for a pass and make sure to stop by during your assigned time! We will be reviewing your graduation requirements and post-secondary plans.

Attention all freshmen - your Fall Meeting will be occurring later this month into December with your assigned counselor. Please look out for a pass and make sure to stop by during your assigned time! We will be reviewing your graduation requirements and post-secondary plans.

If you are interested in taking the SAT or ACT at VHS, please register at the below links:

SAT - December 3rd @ VHS - https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration

ACT - December 10th @ Portage HS - https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

Free SAT Prep Available for November and December Testers

Schoolhouse.world, from the founder of Khan Academy, is offering free online tutoring for students who are taking the SAT in November and December. Please make your students aware of this unique opportunity to prepare for the SAT this fall.

• What are the SAT Bootcamps? The Schoolhouse SAT Bootcamps are a four-week long tutoring series and research study to help students prepare for the upcoming SAT. Sessions take place twice a week (75 minutes per session) and students have the flexibility to select the dates & times that best fit their schedule based on the bootcamps available.
• What is covered? Students will learn from a certified peer tutor in a cohort of up to 10 other students throughout the bootcamp. During sessions, students will practice multiple full length SAT practice tests and get personalized support for the most challenging questions & concepts.
• When are they happening? We are currently offering bootcamps to help prepare for the November and December SATs. The November SAT Bootcamp will run from October 8th to November 4th and the December SAT Bootcamp will run from November 5th to December 2nd.
• Why should I participate? These bootcamps are 100% free and have proven highly effective! Students who participated in previous bootcamps experienced a 90+ average score increase across both sections. In addition, learners have reported an increase in content understanding and testing confidence (hear it directly from our learners, Setareh and Kavish).
• How do I sign up? Visit this link to enroll in an SAT Bootcamp! Registrations for the November bootcamp close on October 6th - spots may fill up quickly so sign up soon.

Attention Seniors! Remember to visit your Naviance account and click on "Scholarship Search" for new scholarships.

Scholarships Available on Naviance:

• Elks Most Valuable Student Competition... due 11.14
• Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders... due 11.30
• Driver Education Initiative Award... due 11.30

*Applicants are solely responsible for the directions listed for each scholarship!

Please fill out the form link if you are interested in volunteering on Thursday, November 24th - Thanksgiving morning! This event is through Porter Starke (contact info below).

Amanda Roof with Porter-Starke Services at aroof@porterstarke.org

Community food assistance link:

https://www.findhelp.org/food/food-pantry--valparaiso-in

Tips for lowering holiday stress:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shrink-mindset/202110/7-tips-lower-holiday-stress

Upcoming holiday community events:

https://www.valparaisoevents.com/event

https://www.in.gov/doe/students/graduation-pathways/

https://www.in.gov/doe/files/core-40-and-honors-diploma-summary-class-2016-updated-june-2018.pdf

VHS SCHOOL COUNSELORS

(A - CU) Mr. Dan McKibben - dmckibben@valpo.k12.in.us

(CV - HOL) Mrs. Jessica Kus - jkus@valpo.k12.in.us

(HOM - MILK) Mrs. Sarah Deakin - sdeakin@valpo.k12.in.us

(MILL - SCHV) Mrs. Tori McCaleb - tMcCaleb@valpo.k12.in.us

(SCHW - Z) Mrs. Kari Owney - kowney@valpo.k12.in.us

(V.A.L.E. Students) Ms. Gordana Sormaz - gsormaz@valpo.k12.in.us

VHS SOCIAL WORKERS

(A-L) Ms. Natalie Miller - nmiller@valpo.k12.in.us

(M-Z) Mrs. Jody Kristoff - jkristoff@valpo.k12.in.us