Student Service Connection
Monthly Newsletter- October- 2020
Your Memorial STUDENT SERVICE TEAM
What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? ~Vincent Van Gogh
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 & ACAEMIC RESOURCES
- College-Career-Community Readiness Information (ACP)
October 1st- VIRTUAL FINANCIAL AID NIGHT- 7pm
Senior parents and students, financial aid night is fast approaching. Please take time to view THIS VIDEO at your convenience before October 1st and prepare any questions that you may have regarding the topic discussed: financial aid for education and training after high school. At Financial Aid night on October 1, 2020 at 7:00 p.m., we will hold a question & answer session on a zoom meeting to provide you the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have with Ms. Katie Sprunger, the financial aid advisor who produced this video. Spanish translation will be provided for the zoom meeting.
Please contact Mr. Vang at yvang2@madison.k12.wi.us with information below if there are any questions about financial aid night.
Scholarship Night- Virtual
Thursday, Oct 15, 2020, 07:00 PM
undefined
Wednesday Nights in October- Get help with YOUR FAFSA at COLLEGE GOAL WI
Post HS Options Night- Great for Juniors, and all grade levels!
Thursday, Oct 22, 2020, 06:30 PM
undefined
AP Exam Registration Deadline- October 30th, 2020
Registration for Spring 2021 AP exams is open now through October 30th, 2020. Specific information regarding MMSD's AP exam registration process, fee payment, and important AP updates can be found at mmsd.org/ap.
La inscripción o registro para los exámenes AP (colocación avanzada) de la primavera del 2021 está abierta desde ahora hasta el 30 de octubre. Si necesita información más detallada acerca del proceso de inscripción, cuotas y actualizaciones importantes de estas evaluaciones. Usted puede obtenerlas en el siguiente sitio electrónico mmsd.org/ap.
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
14-17 year olds who want a job...
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, STEM Academy, Night School, and more...
JUNIORS
-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.
-If you feel that preparation for the ACT/SAT 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. Attend a COLLEGE GOAL WI event for help!
-Prepare to write your College Essay. Although your Senior English class will help you write your essay, it's good to generate ideas now on what you can discuss that will help you convey to colleges, scholarships, and jobs- who you are, what is important to you, and activities/actions/evidence of those values.
-Continue to explore careers and visit schools and/or programs of interest if you're not sure about what option is best for you.
-Would you like personalized college application support? Sign up for an opportunity to be a part of a pilot program through the Fair Opportunity Project, a nationally-focused, nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower students to access and afford college, and to access personalized college application support. Apply here!
-Check out College Application Timeline: 12th Grade
SCHOLASTIC Art & Writing Contest
VOLUNTEERING?
Do you have volunteer hours lined up for the summer? Make a copy of this spreadsheet and keep track of your hours!
More job and volunteer opportunities HERE
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. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s counselor for more information. Here are some resources on how to pay for college.
BADGER PRE-COLLEGE
Badger Precollege is excited to announce our new online program for high school students, beginning this fall. College Ready @ Badger Precollege is a holistic program that combines broad college readiness experience with an exploration of analytical skills to help prepare students for college success.
Live online classes will meet November 2–20 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons from 4–5:30 p.m. Students choose from one of three program tracks:
- Introduction to Data Analysis
- Analytical Writing
- Analytical Reasoning
Alongside each track, students learn about college admissions, financial aid, choosing a major and self‑advocacy. It’s all designed to help them hone the skills they’ll need to succeed in college.
Registration is now open and will be filled on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Register early to get the track you want! Any student in grade 9‑12 is welcome to apply. Scholarships are available to qualifying students.
We look forward to meeting your student online in November.
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.
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 Choosing your College ChecklistMMSD Paying for College Checklist
MMSD College Enrollment Resources
MMSD College Enrollment Checklist
MMSD Choosing Your College 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.
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.