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
ARE YOU CONSIDERING TAKING AN AP COURSE NEXT YEAR?
If you are considering any Advanced Placement class next year, you should attend a lunch informational meeting to find out from the teacher of the class what is expected. AP classes are not offered so you can “try them out” nor should they be taken because they offer the extra grade point. Next year, you may not be able to transfer from an AP class to a college preparatory class. This could jeopardize graduation. Please plan far ahead for these courses. Click here for the Advanced Placement Lunch Information Meetings Schedule.
UPDATED POST: COURSE REGISTRATION FOR 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR
Counselors are beginning course registration for the 2017-2018 school year this week with the current eleventh graders. All parents and students will be receiving an e-mail outlining the new course registration process, along with resources to help guide students in their course selections. Here are the grade level dates for class presentations and initial online course requests:
Class presentation: Initial online course selections due
Current 11th: Jan 31 → Feb 5
Current 10th: Feb 13 → Feb 20
Current 9th: Feb 27 → Mar 5
Current 8th: Mar 13 → Mar 19
An individual student/counselor meeting will then take place to review and/or adjust course selections and collect the Course Selection Contract with parent/guardian signatures. Counselors can answer questions and provide further guidance or changes to student requests at these meetings.
Current 11th: Week of Feb 6 - 10
Current 10th: Week of Feb 21 - 24
Current 9th: Week of Mar 6 - 10
Current 8th: Week of Mar 20 - 23
NEW POST: Attention AP Students
AP Exam Sign-Ups will be February 6th – March 24th
Step 1: Print and complete the AP form under “Counseling” on the school website (lchsspartans.net).
Step 2: Take completed form and payment to Mrs. Hicklin in the counseling office before school, after school, lunch and break only – Mrs. Hicklin is not available during class time. Checks should be made out to LCHS-AP Exams. If paying cash, please have exact change.
· Fee is $100 per exam February 6th-February 24th
· Fee increases to $115 from February 27th – March 17th
· Fee increases to $130 from March 20th – March 24th
Tests will take place from May 1st through May 12th.
PRINCETON REVIEW OFFERS SAT AND ACT PREP CLASSES AT LCHS SPRING 2017
Interested in taking SAT or ACT prep courses through Princeton Review this Spring? Princeton Review is offering prep courses at LCHS beginning in February for both the SAT and the ACT. Please click here for schedule of classes, pricing, and LCHS student discount information.
MARINE BIOLOGY SUMMER OPPORTUNITY AT GCC
Dr. Javier Gago from Glendale College will be here on Monday, 2/6/17 from 3-4 PM in room 311 to speak to interested students about the summer Marine Biology program that he conducts in Baja California, Mexico. This is a great way for students to earn college science credit and get a great life long learning experience. Click here for dolphin summer program flier and here for whale summer program information.
CSF Announcement:
The California Scholarship Federation (CSF) is a statewide organization that recognizes academic excellence upon graduation at the high school level. All Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior students with good grades and citizenship are encouraged to apply each semester. (Freshmen may now apply, using their first high school report card grades). To attain full membership and a CSF Gold Seal, a student needs to successfully submit an application at least 4 semesters of high school. One semester must come from senior year.
Now is the time to turn in the application with last semester’s report card! The application is currently available on line only (we are not running off copies to hand out). The are available at lchsspartans.net, through the student portal; click on the CSF app. The applications, along with a xeroxed copy of their last report card,are due to Mrs. Alequin no later than 3pm on Tuesday, Feb 7th.
Seniors: No need to pay your $5 now, unless you are CERTAIN that you will have qualified with your 1st semester grades from this fall. Mr. Spitler will accept $5 cash now if you want to get the payment out of the way. (no checks please!) Your Gold Seal Bearer status will be determined by March 1st. Your $5 will be due by Spring Break.
Questions? Email Mr. Spitler: cspitler@lcusd.net Thank you!
High School Girls STEM Leadership Conference
Unlocking the Mysteries, Making Discoveries
Colorado School of Mines
1600 Maple St.
Golden, CO
Saturday, February 11, 2017
8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Girls 9th-12th Grade
$30 Preregister by January 30th at the following link: https://commerce.cashnet.com/SWE_MEP
FREE REVOLUTIONARY PREP TUTORING FOR LCHS STUDENTS
Revolution Prep wants you to give them a try! They are offering 4 free hours of tutoring to every LCHS student, no purchase necessary. To redeem, you must call the Revolution Prep Academic Advisor liaison, Jean Stroud, by February 14, 2017. Tutoring hours may be used anytime. Tutors are available online for every academic subject, SAT and ACT prep as well as AP test prep, Subject Test prep and more. To claim your 4 free hours, please contact Jean Stroud, Academic Advisor for Revolution Prep, at 818-217-0951 or jean.stroud@revolutionprep.com by February 14, 2017.
NEW POST: Altadena Shriff's Station is seeking young community members (ages 14-21) for their Explorer Program
02-25-16
The Sheriff's Explorer Program has created a volunteer partnership between youths in our community and law enforcement. The explorers, between 14 and 21 years of age, receive extensive training in an academy setting. They then participate in community affairs and non-hazardous law enforcement activities. The explorer program is great for those youth considering a future career in law enforcement or those who just want to get involved and help out. If you are interested in working as a Sheriff's Explorer, click here or contact Deputy Dan Paige of the Altadena Sheriff's Station at (626) 296-2105 or (626) 241-2499.
COLLEGE WORKSHOP NIGHT AT LCHS
Thank you all who attended our recent College Workshop Night! If you weren’t able to make it, or if you missed a particular session, please see some highlights below from some of our presenters:
PSAT RESULTS
PSAT booklets and score reports were distributed on Jan. 12, during the College Workshop Night. If you did not pick up your booklets and reports then, please see Ms. Hays in the Counseling Department for your copy. You can also retrieve your scores through the College Board by following these directions:
1) Look for the email sent by CollegeBoard, which will have a direct link to your CollegeBoard account; or
2) If you didn't receive an email, go to studentscores.collegeboard.org and sign into your CollegeBoard account;
What to do if you don't have a CollegeBoard account: Create one either through the link sent in the CollegeBoard email or through the URL supplied above. Please be sure to use the email that you gave when you registered for the test to simplify the process. If you accidentally provide an email address different from the one you used to sign up for the test, you should be able to retrieve your scores by supplying your name, date of birth, and address. If all else fails, see your school counselor, who can provide you with an access code to retrieve your scores.
In addition to accessing your score, you will be able to see through your CollegeBoard account:
- a detailed narrative of your skill level and areas for improvement
- the questions you got wrong and explanations of the correct answers
- the difficulty level of the questions
- whether you meet initial eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program
- a link to additional practice through the Khan Academy
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.
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: La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce Summer Internship Program Information Meeting
The La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce sponsors a six-week Summer Internship Program for current sophomores and juniors. To learn everything you need to know about this program, please attend the presentation on Wednesday, February 15, in the Auditorium during STEP. Permission slips to attend the presentation will be available from Mrs. Alequin beginning February 6th.
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
NEW POST: La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce Summer Internship Program Information Meeting
The La Canada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce sponsors a six-week Summer Internship Program for current sophomores and juniors. To learn everything you need to know about this program, please attend the presentation on Wednesday, February 15, in the Auditorium during STEP. Permission slips to attend the presentation will be available from Mrs. Alequin beginning February 6th.
USC BOVARD SCHOLARS PROGRAM
USC Bovard Scholars program aims to help high-achieving high school students with financial need gain admission to and succeed at the nation’s top universities. Scholars will receive admission and financial aid guidance, personalized career exploration opportunities, comprehensive test preparation, and leadership development. Many of the Bovard Scholars will be the first in their families to attend college. The program includes an intensive, three-week residential experience during the summer (July 16-August 5, 2017) on USC’s campus at no cost to the students. Students must meet the following eligibility to apply:
- Junior in high school (11th grader) at time of application
- Currently hold a 4.0 GPA or above
- Enrolled in Algebra II, Trigonometry or above
- Demonstrate financial need
- Have taken advanced placement/international baccalaureate courses, if offered
Medical Mentor/Internship Program Opportunity for current Juniors!
Through the 2017 Eve & Gene Black Summer Medical Career Program, students work under the supervision of a health care educator, shadowing various medical professionals (nurse, nutritionist, pharmacist, lab technician, physician and/or medical specialist, etc.) who together provide a range of patient care and services.
Program Dates: There are 2, 3 and 4 week programs available from July 1 - August 4, 2017. See Application on the website under Summer Programs for application, documents, and specific date information.
Submission Instructions and Application Deadline: The original set of required documents and 1 copy of this entire set of documents must be sent by US Mail ONLY and mailed by Wednesday, FEBRUARY 22, 2017.
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
Winter Timeline Reminders (December-February) from LCHS and Campus Explorer.com
Update admissions decisions in Naviance by clicking on the “colleges” tab, then click “colleges i’m applying to,” then click on the pencil icon next to any college to update the admission decision. If there is a college on your list that you no longer plan to apply to, please alert your counselor so that they can remove it from your list.
Schedule your college interviews to finish up the admissions process.
Complete your FAFSA and CSS Profile (if applicable) so you can get the most possible financial assistance for college.
Verify with your counselor that your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and test scores have been sent to your prospective schools.
Send an email or make a phone call to make sure your colleges have received your application. While you’re at it, check to see that they have everything else they need, including your transcripts and financial aid material.
Continue your scholarship search and begin filling out scholarship applications using Naviance and/or outside scholarship databases.
Request that your high school send your first semester grades to every college that you applied to. For questions on sending mid-year transcripts, please scroll to the “Mid-Year Transcript” section below. Schools will continue to track your grades as you finish out your senior year so please avoid senioritis!
If you do not plan to apply to 4-year universities, continue researching your options by using Naviance and by meeting with your counselor. We have resources on community college, trade/vocational schools, Gap year programs and more.
Cash for College Workshop at PCC
The mission of Cash for College is to help low-income and first generation college-goers complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act application so that they can access financial aid for education and career/technical training beyond high school.
PCC is proud to offer this Cash for College workshop this Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Students who successfully complete their financial aid application will be entered to win a scholarship for attending and completing their Financial Aid application at this event.
Multilingual staff available and lunch will be provided for students who pre-register. So make sure you pre-register and print your ticket!
Check-In opens at 8:30 am in the QUAD
Refreshments available during check-in from 8:30 am - 9:00 am.
FAQs
What I need to bring to the event to successfully complete my financial aid application?
Make sure to bring your eventbrite ticket and the following documents:
Checklist of important documents you need to help complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and Chafee for Foster Youth application.
Come to the Cash for College workshop with the following documents you have and that apply to you:
Driver’s license, if you have one
Social Security Card or number, if you have one
Alien registration number, if you have one
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) – yours or your parents’
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) number, if you have one
List of colleges you are interested in attending
NEW THIS YEAR – The FAFSA and CADAA applications will utilize your 2015 tax and income information to apply for 2017-18 student aid. While completing the FAFSA, you will use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to populate your 2015 tax information. No need to bring tax and income information UNLESS YOU HAVE NOT FILED 2015 TAXES.
What are my parking options for getting to and from the event?
Free PCC Campus parking. Lots closest to the Quad are Lot 1, 3 and 10.
Will there be on-site registration?
Yes. On-site registration will be available. Please note that lunch is not guaranteed for on-site registrants. If you want lunch, we highly recommend you pre-register.
Please follow this link to register today!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cash-for-college-at-pasadena-city-college-2017-tickets-30871806404ATTENTION SENIORS PLANNING TO ATTEND PASADENA CITY COLLEGE IN THE FALL OF 2017:
We are excited to partner with Pasadena City College admissions and provide our seniors who plan to attend PCC in the fall of 2017 with two important components to complete as part of the five – step application process. We invite you to attend the PAWS (Pre-Assessment Workshop Session) to help you prepare for the PCC placement exams given in both English and Math. The PAWS workshop is designed to help students place in the correct level of Math and English. During the PAWS workshop you will:
1. Receive important information regarding the test
2. Become familiar with the Ed Ready “look”
3. Receive a free online practice test license
4. Learn about important campus resources
SAVE THE DATE: PART ONE
Pre-Assessment Workshop
Wednesday March 1, 2017
Location: IRC
Time: 7:30AM-8:30AM
In order to attend the workshop, we ask that you log in to Naviance and sign up as you would if you were attending a college visit: Naviance - College Tab - College Visits - then select the PCC PAWS application workshop and sign up.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING TO THE WORKSHOP?
1. Valid Photo ID
2. Lancer Point ID# - this was issued to you when you created your account and completed the first step of the application process on December 1, 2016.
3. A piece of paper
4. Pen or pencil required
5. Attendance copy of Photo ID or computerized version (pictures, etc.) are NOT ACCEPTED due to test publisher requirements.
We look forward to seeing you on March 1st. Please arrive by 7:20AM and go directly to the IRC for check in.
SAVE THE DATE: PART TWO
Assessment Test On Campus at LCHS
Wednesday March 15, 2017
Location: Cafeteria
Time: 7:30AM – 11:00AM
Please join us on March 15, 2017 in the La Canada High School cafeteria as this is YOUR test date. Pasadena City College Assessment Center representatives along with admissions counselors will be here to give you both the English and Math placement exams. The LCHS Counselors will also be present to issue you each a Chrome Book and help assist with the process of getting you set for the exam. Please review the checklist and be prepared for test day. You will need to bring the following on test day:
1. Bring a valid Photo ID (High School ID or Driver’s License) – copies are not accepted
2. Bring your Lancer Point ID # - this is the number you received when you completed the application on December 1, 2016.
3. Bring a valid email address to receive your exam results
4. Bring a pencil or a pen
Doors to the cafeteria will be open at 7:00AM and check in will begin promptly at that time. Please arrive early, so we can check you in, issue you a Chrome Book and be ready for the start of the exam at 7:30AM. The exam will begin at 7:30AM and will take approximately two hours to complete. At the end of the testing session, you will be issued a pass to class. The test is not timed.
Please log in to Naviance and sign up as you would if you were attending a college visit: Naviance - College Tab - College Visits - then select the PCC Assessment and sign up.
We look forward to seeing you on both March 1st and March 15th.
Please see your counselor if you have any questions or need further details.
Certificate Programs (Career & Technical Education) at Pasadena City College!
Your LCHS counselors understand that sometimes, the traditional four-year college path is not the path that works best for all students. Students, who want to develop job skills in a special area of occupational education in a short period of time, can earn an Occupational Skills Certificate at PCC. These programs require 17 units or less and are great options for those who have a very specific career focus or who want to get into the workforce as soon as possible. The following programs are offered at PCC:
Occupational Skills Certificates
Earning an Occupational Skills Certificate develops your job skills in a special area of occupational education in a short period of time. Successful completion may certify that you are prepared with job entry skills leading to a full Certificate of Achievement program, or skills to upgrade or advance in an existing career.
*Certificates with an asterisk were archived at the end of the 2015-2016 Academic Year.
Archaeological Field Work
Biological Technology – Laboratory Skills
Building Construction
Business Administration
Certified Nursing Assistant
Child Development
Commercial Music
CISCO Advanced Network Engineer
CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Preparation
CISCO Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Preparation
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Server Infrastructure Professional
Oracle Database Fundamentals*
Culinary Arts
Design Technology
Digital Media – Foundation
Digitization Skills for Libraries and Cultural Heritage Institutions
Electrical Technology
Emergency Medical Technician I-A
Fashion
Fire Technology – Fire Academy Preparation
Foreign Language
Geotech
Graphic Communications Technology
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Jewelry/Metalworking
Machine Shop Technology
Medical Office Options
Photography-Cinema
Television and Radio
Welding – Basic Welding
Certificates of Achievement
Our Certificates of Achievement give you the knowledge and training you need to enter a specialized career or enhance your skills for advancement in your job. Coursework completed while earning a Certificate can also be applied to an Associate Degree to further increase your employability.
*Certificates with an asterisk were archived at the end of the 2015-2016 Academic Year.
Accounting
Administration of Justice
Anesthesia Technician
Automotive Technology
Biological Technology
Building Construction
Business Administration
Business Information Technology
Child Development
Computer Information Systems
Cosmetology
Culinary Arts
Dental Assisting
Dental Hygiene
Dental Laboratory Technology
Design Technology Mechanical + Manufacturing
Digital Media
Electrical Technology
Fashion
Fire Technology
Gerontology
Graphic Communications Technology
Hospitality Management
Journalism
Library Technology
Machine Shop Technology
Medical Assisting
Nursing
Paralegal Studies
Photography
Product Design
Radiologic Technology
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
Studio Arts
Television and Radio
Video Production
Theater Technology
Welding
(Information retrieved from https://pasadena.edu/academics/degrees-and-certificates/ January 2017)
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
UPDATED POST: Click here for scholarship opportunities with February and March deadlines.
NEW POST: FEATURED SCHOLARSHIP (DUE TOMORROW!)
▶ Southern California Edison: Edison Scholars
Application Deadline: February 1, 2017
Edison International’s $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program. We will award $40,000 scholarships paid over four years to 30 high school seniors planning to major in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) fields at accredited four-year colleges and universities.
Eligibility:
● High school senior must live or attend a high school in Southern California Edison (SCE)’s service area or attend an eligible high school surrounding SCE’s San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station
● Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
● Plan to be a full-time undergraduate student majoring in Mathematics, Engineering, Computer and Information Services, Management Information Systems, Natural Resources and Conservation or Physical Sciences
● Demonstrate financial need
Please visit www.scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars to learn more.
● Edison Scholars spotlight page: Applications Now Open for $1.2 Million Edison Scholars Program
● Download a printable flyer here
Questions or inquiries? Contact by phone at (626) 302-3817 or by email at tami.bui@sce.com
EARNING MONEY FOR COLLEGE DURING HIGH SCHOOL!
There is a new opportunity to start earning money towards college as a freshman, through micro-scholarships for various colleges. The program is called raise.me, which is funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation. There are over 100 colleges that are partnering with this organization and you can follow that college like an Instagram account. It is easy and free to register on raise.me. You can earn money for every A or B you earn, doing community service, earning your Eagle Scout or Gold Award, taking an AP test, etc… Check it out and let your counselor know if you decided to register. When you are a senior and you are accepted to one of the partner schools (that you have been following and earning money for), you can use this money towards college tuition and expenses.
College/Career Resources
USA GAP YEAR FAIRS
Are you considering a Gap Year after high school? USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, interested students and parents, high school college counselors and Gap Year experts. Click here for a list of USA Gap Year Fairs coming to southern California in February!
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
Handouts from the Oct. 12th Financial Aid Night: To download the handouts, please click here.
Financial Aid 411 handout (includes information on FAFSA, Cal Grant, CSS Profile and more)
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
Resources:
From LCF Community Prevention Council: "The Small Book of Big Issues"
Books by Challenge Success and Its Founders
Registration 2017-18
Save the Date Reminder - August 7, 2017 for grades 12-10, August 8, 2017 for grade 9.
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.