COUNSELOR CONNECTION
La Canada High School
DAILY LCHS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Can't hear the PA Announcements in class? Did you know that all of the announcements are posted on the school website? Just go to the Student Portal on the upper left corner of the website, then "PA Announcements" on the right gold bar. (Or, you can click here for the link.) Stay informed and never miss an announcement again!
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
NAFSA Annual Conference
NAFSA, the world’s largest association dedicated to international education and exchange, will bring you together with the most diverse and vibrant community of nearly 10,000 learners, leaders and change-makers at the NAFSA’s 2017 Annual Conference & Expo. on May 28 - June 2. Click here for more information and to register:
http://www.nafsa.org/Annual_Conference/Annual_Conference___Expo/
NEW POST: Revolution Prep $250 Gift Card
For many students, summer is the best time to prepare for high-stakes college entrance exams such as the PSAT, SAT, and ACT, catch up on difficult academic subjects, or get ahead in honors or Advanced Placement courses that your child will be taking the upcoming school year. The summer allows students to devote the time they need to achieve superior results with fewer distractions. In an effort to continue to provide families with academic resources, Revolution Prep is giving a gift to every La Canada High School student: A $250 gift card to be used toward any Revolution Prep program, no purchase necessary. Revolution Prep’s tutoring starts as low as $39/hour for their brand new semi-private tutoring program and $129/hour for their private one-on-one tutoring. Revolution's programs are delivered live-online and allow students the opportunity to work with an expert, professional tutor in any academic subject or prepare for any test. This gift card could be used NOW or for a summer or Fall program. In order to take advantage of this offer or to learn more about Revolution Prep’s programs, please contact Revolution Prep Academic Advisor, Jean Stroud at (818) 217-0951 or jean.stroud@revolutionprep.com Redeem coupon by June 30, 2017.
TEST PREP AND TUTORING RESOURCES
With SAT and ACT testing season upon us, the counseling department would like to share a list of test prep and tutoring programs available, both locally and online. Click here for details. Be sure to check back often as discounts and new programs are added regularly!
Stuck on a homework assignment?
The Princeton Review’s new service, Homework Help is there for you! They cover more than 40 subjects including AP classes. Get help with homework, go over a concept you missed in class or prepare for a big exam. Their expert tutors are available 24 hours 7 days a week, and 96% of students report they improved their grades. Start your FREE 60-minute trial today: www.PrincetonReview.com/BetterGrades
Freshman Forum
Follow Link Crew this year!
Instagram: @LCHSlinkcrew / Snapchat: LClinkcrew / Twitter: LCLinkcrew
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcouns to 81010 to join the Freshman Forum Remind 101.
SOPHOMORE SCENE
NEW POST: AP English Language & Composition Preparatory Workshop with Mr. Valassidis
This summer workshop is designed to bridge the gap between the expectations of 10th grade and the demands of AP English Language & Composition. The class will focus on the critical reading, writing, analytical and argumentative skills necessary to be successful in an Advanced Placement English class in rhetoric. Each session will be an intensive introduction to the demands of close reading of formal prose, timed and formal essays, and the intricacies of the multiple choice exam. Click here for more information.
College Visit Road Trip
Are you planning a college visit road trip for summer? Read here for some valuable advice: http://ctcl.org/practical-advice-for-a-college-road-trip/
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @yourcoun to 81010 to join the Sophomore Scene Remind 101.
JUNIOR JUNCTION
UPCOMING ACT TEST AND REGISTRATION DATE
The next ACT is on June 10th Registration deadline is May 5th. Click here to register.
NCAA REGISTRATION FOR ASPIRING COLLEGE ATHLETES
Juniors considering college athletics need to register with the NCAA. See here for directions on how to begin this process and on the steps to ensure eligibility.
Remind 101 Counseling Text Reminders
- If you would like to receive text reminders and valuable information from your counselor this year, text @juniorjun to 81010 to join the Junior Junction Remind 101.
SENIOR STOP
NEW POST: Bard in Berlin still accepting applications!
Are you still seeking options for next fall?
There is another option to consider: May 1st Deadline for Bard College Berlin! Click here for more information.
NEW POST: UC ENTRY LEVEL WRITING EXAM
All students who will enter the University of California as freshmen must demonstrate their command of the English language by fulfilling the Entry Level Writing Requirement (formerly known as Subject A requirement). All future UC students should review the website for details on exemptions and so forth. If you are not exempt, you MUST take the UC Analytical Writing Placement Examination. The exam will be administered the morning of the second Saturday in May, per the guidelines of the UC system, which means the exam will fall on SATURDAY, MAY 13, 2017. The exam is being offered at LCHS. We realize this is the same day as prom but this date is given to us by the UC system and cannot be changed.
Students should check their UC portals to determine whether or not they must test. The UC system reached out to students in early April. Students who have not satisfied the Entry Level Writing Requirement at the time they enroll in their classes must take a writing course designated by their campus.
CREATE YOUR POST-SECONDARY PLANS PENNANT!
Have you decided on which college you are attending? Have you made plans to attend an awesome community college or trade school, or have you made plans to take a GAP year and travel the world? The counseling office wants to know! Starting on May 1st, we would like you to share your school of choice and design your own college pennant. During the week of May 1st - May 5th, you can visit the counseling office before school, break, lunch or after school to create your college pennant. We will display the pennants in the main office as you complete them.
SENIOR PACKETS FOR YEAR-END ACTIVITIES
On Monday, April 3rd, Senior Packets were signed out to all current seniors. This includes 5 graduation tickets, permissions slips, and all senior information pertaining to senior year-end activities and graduation. The packets must be signed out at Mrs. Alequin's desk, before school, at break, and after school only--NOT DURING CLASS HOURS.
GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
GCC gives priority registration for the first year to seniors who complete their application by April 28th. Once you have applied, please follow the instructions for next steps (orientation, placements tests, etc.). Apply online here.
For more information, meet with a GCC representative Thursday’s at lunch in the LCHS Quad on 5/5, 5/12, 5/19.
PASADENA CITY COLLEGE ASSESSMENT CENTER
If you missed the on-site PAWS assessment day at LCHS, please remember that you will need to take your math and English placement tests on campus at PCC. Please see the “Assessment Center” website for more details.
THE PCC PROMISE
Starting in Fall 2017, the PCC Promise is a new program designed to increase college accessibility and affordability in the San Gabriel Valley. Students who meet eligibility requirements receive one year of their PCC education free of tuition. For further details, visit the website at: http://pasadena.edu/student-services/pcc-promise/index.php.
COLLEGES STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Regional Admission Counselors of California (RACC) Application Deadline Report 2017
While the RACC Application Deadline Report is often outdated the moment it is printed, it is still a good starting point and valuable resource if you are planning on submitting last minute college applications. Should you need the most up-to-date information about a particular RACC institution, students should contact the RACC representative listed on the report.
NCAA: HOW TO REQUEST FINAL AMATEURISM CERTIFICATION
Seniors planning to play college athletics may NOW request amateur certification through the NCAA. See attached for directions on how to complete: Instruction sheet
$$ “COLLEGIANCE” CONTEST FROM COLLEGEBOARD $$$
Getting accepted into college is a big deal and CollegeBoard thinks it deserves a big celebration. That's why they created Collegiance—a contest for college-bound students everywhere. Students enter by simply announcing their college decision on Instagram and tagging it with #collegiance. If selected, students win up to $5,000 for college. Visit the website to pledge your Collegiance today!
Important Past Posts:
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
SPARTAN BOOSTER CLUB PRESIDENT'S SCHOLARSHIP
The Spartan Boosters Club President's Scholarship application deadline is fast approaching. The deadline to submit the application is April 21st. To be considered, your application must be complete and submitted by April 21st, 2017 to the Counseling Office or by mail to LCHS Spartan Boosters, P.O. Box 154, La Caňada, California 91012 (postmarked on or before April 21st, 2017):
Please log into your Naviance account, click on the colleges tab then click on the scholarship list to locate and download the application.
UPDATED POST: Click here for current scholarship opportunities with deadlines in March through May. For a more extensive list of scholarship opportunities, check Naviance under Colleges tab, and click on "Scholarship List."
College/Career Resources
2016 UC AND CAL STATE ADMISSIONS STATS
Curious about the admission rates, GPA and test scores from the 2016 UC and Cal State entering classes? Click here for 2016 UC and CSU FRESHMEN ADMISSION STATS
HIGH SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES AT GLENDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Interested in studying abroad over the summer in Bali, Sydney, Ireland, or England? Visit www.glendale.edu/studyabroad to learn about opportunities available through Glendale Community College. Interested in taking Armenian, Japanese, or Italian language classes for college credit? GCC has Foreign Language courses open to high school students. See your counselor or call the GCC Language Arts division (818-240-1000 ext5767) for more information.
Ron Brown Scholar Program
The Ron Brown Scholar Program is accepting applications for the Guided Pathway Support Program. This is a free program designed to help college-bound African American students navigate the admissions process. Current sophomores and juniors must apply online at https://ronbrowngps.fluidreview.com no later than May 31, 2017.
Last Minute Applications
Last minute tips for anyone who may be a little behind on college apps...
http://www.wnyc.org/story/five-tips-completing-last-minute-college-applications
CollegeBoard.org - information available to learn about tools and resources to support students and families throughtout the financial planning process: Financial Aid Essentials
8 Tools & Resources for Writing The Best Scholarship Essays
PARENT ACTION PLAN FOR SOPHOMORE COLLEGE/CAREER PLANNING:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/for-parents/parent-action-plan-10th-grade
COLLEGE PLANNING APP:
Students can now get college planning advice and guidance right from their phones, with the College Board’s CollegeGo mobile app. The app is available for free in the Apple and Google Play stores.The app guides students through the essential steps they need to take in order to find, apply to, and attend the right college for them. The interactive, step-by-step platform uses game, video, and search features to help students plan their college journey.
FAFSA Submission Deadlines:
From the FAFSA Website (www.fafsa.ed.gov)
Deadlines 2017-2018
State Deadline
California - For many state financial aid programs – March 2, 2017 (this is the deadline for FAFSA submission with Cal Grant consideration. Students are encouraged to apply no later than this date).
Federal Deadline
Online applications must be submitted by midnight Central Time, June 30, 2018.
Any corrections or updates must be submitted by midnight Central Time, September 15, 2018.
Students are encouraged to submit early (no later than March 2), as federal deadlines fall far later than the state deadline.
College Deadline
Check with the college(s) you are interested in attending. You may also want to ask your college about its definition of an application deadline - whether it is the date the college receives your FAFSA, or the date your FAFSA is processed. Some colleges will be looking for FAFSA submission as early as October/November. When in doubt, submit early.
Additional Financial Aid Information/Tips:
Cal Grant also requires submission of a school certified GPA by March 2, 2017 (LCHS does this automatically → for more info, see below). For additional community college Cal Grants - deadline September 2, 2017 (date postmarked).
If you are a non-citizen holding a Social Security card issued through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or for some other work authorization, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application found at www.caldreamact.org. Do NOT fill out a FAFSA. Contact the California Student Aid Commission (www.csac.ca.gov) or your financial aid administrator for more information.
Additional forms may be required (such as the CSS Profile → more information below).
Applicants are encouraged to keep a record of their submission by printing out their online FAFSA confirmation page or obtaining proof of mailing the FAFSA.
CSS Profile:
From the CollegeBoard CSS Profile Presentation (http://css.collegeboard.org/)
WHAT is the PROFILE?
The PROFILE is an online application that collects information used by certain colleges and scholarship programs to award institutional aid funds. (All Federal funds are awarded based on the FAFSA, available after Oct. 1 at fafsa.ed.gov.)
Some colleges may require additional information, such as tax returns or an institutional application. If your parents are divorced, some colleges will also require your noncustodial parent to complete the Noncustodial PROFILE.
WHEN do I file the PROFILE?
You may file the PROFILE as early as Oct. 1, 2016. However, you should file no later than two weeks before the EARLIEST priority filing date specified by your colleges or programs. WHO must file the PROFILE? Check your colleges’/programs’ information to determine whether they require the PROFILE. A list of colleges that require the PROFILE from at least some of their applicants can be found by clicking on Participating Colleges, Universities, and Scholarship Programs on the PROFILE Homepage.
COUNSELING CORNER
Free Parent Workshop for Parents of Teenage Daughters
Cliques, Conflicts, and Connections: Cliques, Conflicts and Connections is a free workshop for parents. Learn tips and tools for helping your daughter navigate her social world. Get empowered with resources for your own positive connection with your daughter. http://www.instituteforgirlsdevelopment.com/portfolio/cliques-conflicts-and-connections-2/
When: May 2 and June 27, both Tuesday evenings, 6:30 – 8:00.
Where: Institute for Girls Development: 95 Marengo Avenue #100, Pasadena 91101
RESOURCES:
- La Canada Flintridge Community Prevention Council: www.lcfcpc.com
Dedicated to promoting healthy policies and practices regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in the La Canada Flintridge community and promoting and supporting youth and their families.
- Safe Homes- www.lcfcpc.com/welcome-to-safehomes
- Action Family Counseling- www.Actionfamilycounseling.com
24-hour helpline at (800) FOR-TEEN (800-367-8336)
Supporting La Canada and surrounding areas. Free group meetings open to the community every Monday night at 7:00 p.m. for parents and teens that are dealing with drug and alcohol issues, teen violence, family or school problems, anger management, etc.
Meetings held at Daily High School
220 N. Kenwood St., Glendale, CA 91206
Links to websites are offered for your convenience in accessing related information, but do not constitute an endorsement of the website or its content. LCHS takes no responsibility for the views, content or accuracy of the information presented by an external website.