HSE COLLEGE & CAREER CORNER
HSE Austin, Issue I, September 16, 2021
Message from Dean of College and Career:
Greetings,
I am Serdar Ozguven, Dean of College and Career at HSE Austin. I want to share our first counselor newsletter of the year. You will find essential information, announcements, and updates on this issue. We will publish periodically to keep you posted on critical timelines.
I have a unique passion and enthusiasm for teaching, counseling, and coordinating in HSE, and it is my honor to serve this community as Dean of College and Career.
You will be seen below our counseling assignments to know who is your child's assigned college and career counselors.
We will work very hard to ensure to give the best college-going experience for our students, parents, and community. Please see the contact information below. Feel free to ask any questions or concerns. I hope to have a great, successful school year for 2021-2022 and look forward to working with all of you.
Serdar Ozguven
512-693-0000 Ext. 22136
Schoolinks for 8-12 Grade Students
Dear all,
We will continue to use the Schoolink Platform for college and career planning. Based on the grade, the students will be assigned to complete monthly activities and assessments and the college and career counselors will be tracking students' completion as well as supporting and guiding.
Where and How to Log in?
Log in with Clever or Sign in with Harmony Gmail account
Parents also can check the child's progress by following the steps below to claim their account.
Please let us know if you need help or assistance.
Wish you all the best and a successful school year!
How to Create an Account and Claim a Student as a Guardian
Dear parent(s) or guardian(s),
Please contact your child assigned college and career counselor for assistance. Here are the steps to follow for creating an account.
1. Accessing Invitation and Claim Code
To create a guardian account (or to login to an existing account), you must have a claim code. If your student's school has enabled guardian accounts, your student will need to provide you with their unique claim code for you to create and link your account.
To learn how students can create the invitation and claim code, go to How to Invite your Guardian as a Student
2. Creating Account or Logging into Existing Account
Visit https://app.schoolinks.com/claim-student as mentioned in the claim instructions. You have two options for login:
This is your first time on SchooLinks: Click Create a Guardian Account. From here, you can use Google or LinkedIn Single Sign-on, or create an account using a phone or email and password.
You've already created an account and need to log in: Click Log in to your Guardian Account. From the Guardian, Alumni and Professional Users tab, you can use the Single-Sign-on you chose during sign up or by using the email/password you signed up with.
3. Claiming a Student
Once you're logged in, enter your student's claim code exactly as it was given. Click Verify Claim Code.
You will see the name of the student you're claiming. Select your relationship to the student and click Save Relationship.
You will see confirmation that you've claimed your student.
You may either click Claim Another Student to repeat the claim process or Continue to Dashboard if you are done claiming students for now.
4. (Optional) Claiming Additional Students
As mentioned above, you may click Claim Another Student during your first claim visit to repeat the claim process for all of your students at once, but you can also return to claim additional students at another time. If you need to claim another student at a later date, you can start the process from the beginning again at: https://app.schoolinks.com/claim-student. This time you will choose Login to your Guardian Account and you will then have the option to enter additional student claim codes.
Upcoming Events, Mark Your Calendar!
COLLEGE APPLICATION BOOT CAMP 9/21 3:30 PM-6:30 PM
Dear parents and students,
HSE will be having a COLLEGE APPLICATION BOOT CAMP this year to help the students to fill out their college applications.
TUESDAY
SEPTEMBER 21, 2021
3:30 pm - 6:30 PM
Please RSVP with the following form, and we can be well prepared. We will be offering Pizza for the attendees. Parents are more than welcome to attend.
We will send the calendar invitation, which made the RSVP as a reminder. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Best Regards,
College and Career Counseling Team
9-12 Grades Parent Nights: Meet with the College & Career Counselors
HSE Austin College and Career Department organize Virtual Parent Night about High School Graduation and College-Career transition for 9- 12 grade students and parents.
You will be meeting with your child's assigned college and counselor and have an opportunity to get answers to your questions.
Please check your email for the Zoom link.
HSE College and Career Department
Get Ready for the SAT SCHOOL DAY OCTOBER 13th
The SAT gives your child a chance to show how ready they are with questions that look a lot like what they’re learning in class. The SAT:
Focuses on vocabulary and math they're already learning in class and that they'll need to succeed in college.
Doesn’t penalize for guessing—your child is free to try every question.
Offers an optional essay.
The SAT is the only test that offers free practice on Khan Academy®. Your child can work at their own pace on the areas they need to improve. It’s a completely personalized way to get ready. And it’s completely free.
https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
Take these simple steps to get ready:
1 CREATE A COLLEGE BOARD ACCOUNT
You'll need a College Board account to view your SAT® scores when they're ready. You can also search for colleges and build a college list. If you don’t have an account yet, create one at collegeboard.org/mysat.
2 DECIDE WHERE TO SEND YOUR SCORES
On or before test day, you can choose which colleges, universities, and/or scholarship programs to send your four free score reports to. Be ready with your list. The SAT is accepted by all U.S. colleges. Learn more at sat.org/send-scores.
3 SIGN UP FOR FREE PRACTICE ON KHAN ACADEMY
Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy® is FREE for all students and the best way to prepare. It includes videos, eight full-length practice tests, and thousands of practice questions with instant feedback. Sign up atsatpractice.org for your personalized study plan.
4 EARN COLLEGE BOARD OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIPS
You could earn a $500 scholarship when you complete one timed mini section or one diagnostic quiz with Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy. To learn more and sign up, visit: cb.org/opportunity.
If you have questions about taking the SAT at your school, speak to your counselor.
Contact College & Career Counselor for any questions.
Good luck!
PSAT on Wed October 13th(8-11 Grades)
Dear parents,
We will be having a PSAT for 8-11 grade students on Wednesday, October 13th. Here are the resources below for the details and guide.
Please contact your child's college and career counselor for any questions or concerns.
STUDENT GUIDES & PREP RESOURCES:
Juniors & Sophomores:
-PSAT/NMSQT-Student Guide (11 Grade)
- PSAT 10 Student Guide(10th Grade)
-PSAT/NMSQT- (10-11 Grades) Study Resource-Khan Academy
8th Grade & Freshman:
-PSAT 8-9 Student Guide (8-9 Grades)
-PSAT Study Resource (8-9 Grades)- Khan Academy
College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program
HSE Austin congratulates Jadicee M. on being selected for the College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program. It is an excellent achievement!! Jadicee has been awarded to College Board National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) 2021-22 Scholar and is recognized for her academic achievements and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT.
We are incredibly proud of all she's accomplished and honor her as part of the HSE Austin family as a National Hispanic Recognition Program winner.
Thank you very much for being an exemplary role model at our school.
YouScience Career Assessment and Individual Guidance for HSE Juniors and Seniors
Learn more about this new platform from the attached flyers and video links.
https://www.youscience.com/uservideo/
https://www.youscience.com/studentvideo/
Let us know if you have any questions.
The New Graduation Requirement: FAFSA/TASFA Application / El nuevo requisito de graduación: Solicitud FAFSA/TASFA
Dear student and parent,
For many students, financial aid makes college after high school a realistic goal. And when higher education feels attainable, students are more likely to pursue it. In 2019, House Bill 3 introduced a new graduation requirement for Texas students. Beginning with the 2021–22 school year, all students need to submit a financial aid application, taking one of the following actions to graduate:
Complete and submit the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA)
Complete and submit the Texas application for state financial aid (TASFA)
Submit a signed opt-out form
Harmony Public Schools will use the GoingMerry platform as a method by which a student must provide proof that he/she completed FAFSA or intends to submit TASFA to meet this graduation requirement. Therefore, each student must start and complete the FAFSA application through the GoingMerry platform.
Going Merry offers a version of the form FAFSA, known as: “FAFSA Made Easier.”
This FAFSA Made Easier form is completely FREE for you to use.
This FAFSA Made Easier form replaces the government version. (You do not need to fill it out on the government website, only on Going Merry.)
Going Merry has strict security protocols, including encryption of all information and safe storage of your personal data. They do NOT sell your data to third parties.
You can see a demo of the FAFSA Made Easier form here.
Going Merry’s FAFSA Made Easier will launch on October 12th. You do not need to do
anything before then and should NOT start your application on the government website (Going Merry’s form replaces the government version and is much easier to use).
You will soon be receiving an email with instructions on how to access your Going Merry account and how to begin filling out the form.
Sincerely,
Your Counselor
El nuevo requisito de graduación: Solicitud FAFSA/TASFA
Estimados estudiantes y padres:
Para muchos estudiantes, la ayuda financiera hace que la universidad después de la escuela secundaria sea una meta realista. Y cuando la educación superior se siente alcanzable, los estudiantes son más propensos a proseguir. En 2019, el Proyecto de Ley 3 de la Cámara de Representantes introdujo un nuevo requisito de graduación para los estudiantes de Texas. A partir del año escolar 2021-22, todos los estudiantes deben presentar una solicitud de ayuda financiera, tomando una de las siguientes medidas para graduarse:
1. Completar y presentar la solicitud gratuita de ayuda federal para estudiantes (FAFSA)
2. Completar y presentar la solicitud de ayuda financiera estatal de Texas (TASFA)
3. Presentar un formulario de exclusión firmado
Las Escuelas Públicas de Harmony utilizarán la plataforma GoingMerry como método por el cual un estudiante debe proporcionar comprobante de que completó FAFSA o tiene la intención de presentar TASFA para cumplir con este requisito de graduación. Por lo tanto, cada estudiante debe iniciar y completar la solicitud de FAFSA a través de la plataforma GoingMerry.
Going Merry ofrece una versión del formulario FAFSA, conocida como: “FAFSA Made Easier.”
● Este formulario FAFSA Made Easier es completamente GRATUITO para su uso.
● Este formulario FAFSA Made Easier reemplaza la versión del gobierno. (No es necesario completarlo en el sitio web del gobierno, solo en Going Merry).
● Going Merry tiene estrictos protocolos de seguridad, incluyendo la encriptación de toda la información y el almacenamiento seguro de tus datos personales. NO venden tus datos a terceros.
● Puedes ver una demostración del formulario FAFSA Made Easier aquí.
FAFSA Made Easier de Going Merry se lanzará el 12 de octubre. No tienes que hacer nada antes de esa fecha y NO debes iniciar tu solicitud en el sitio web del gobierno (el formulario de Going Merry reemplaza la versión del gobierno y es mucho más fácil de usar).
Pronto recibirás un correo electrónico con instrucciones sobre cómo acceder a tu cuenta de Going Merry y cómo comenzar a completar el formulario.
Cordialmente,
Tu consejero
Do you want to become a college ready?
HSE will be offering an in-person TSI administration for current high school students on Saturdays.
A limited spot is available!
Reserve your spot now!
The test will begin from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.
TSI tests will be available through in-person or remote testing.
For In-Person, students will enter the building from the FRONT OFFICE to check-in. The door will be open at 7:50 AM and will CLOSE at 8:00 AM.
If you would like to attend the testing session, please fill out this form.
Juniors, Apply Now!
High School Aerospace Scholars
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars is an authentic STEM learning experience for Texas high school juniors to engage with NASA’s mission and become the next generation of explorers. Like-minded students complete an online curriculum in exploration and discovery. The highest achieving students are invited to attend a five-day virtual experience plus a two-day onsite to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas during the summer. Mentored by NASA scientists and engineers, students work in teams to plan a mission to the Moon and Mars.
Website for more information: http://www.nasa.gov/has
Duration: One year
High School Aerospace Scholars Application
NASA Contact
NASA's Johnson Space Center
2101 NASA Parkway
Houston, TX 77058-3607
Phone: 281-483-4112
E-mail: jsc-has@mail.nasa.gov
Message from ACC for Dual Credit Students
Welcome to the Fall 2021 semester!
My name is Destinee Wells and I’m your Academic Advisor as you take Dual Credit/Early College High School classes with us here at ACC. I am excited to work with you this semester and beyond as we strive to achieve Academic Success! Even in these unprecedented times, I am counting on you to work with me, to make this your best semester yet!
For your convenience, I have created a list of some important links and reminders you may find helpful throughout this journey;
1. Check your ACC email on a regular basis. This is how your professors and I will communicate with you about important updates and reminders. If you need assistance with your email, click here.
2. Log in to Blackboard on a daily basis. This is the platform where you can find course information, assignments, your syllabus, updates and much more! If you need help getting started, click here.
3. Add these important dates to your calendar. There are a few important dates you need to keep in mind as it pertains to your academic calendar, especially since it may not always align up with your High School calendar. For more information, click here.
4. Be clear about your requirements for success as a college student. College-level courses have high expectations and in order to be allowed to continue taking classes with ACC, you need to meet the minimum requirements, find more information here.
5. Always take advantage of the resources offered to you. There will come a point in time where you will need to reach out for assistance, and that is perfectly fine! Please know there are supports in place and resources created to help you be as successful as possible. For more information, click here.
6. Life happens and ACC is here to help with that too. Please don't ever be afraid to reach out for help, be it with me or someone else who creates a safe space for you. Sometimes we have to lean on others to get through varying circumstances, find more information by clicking here.
7. Lastly, please know that I am available to support your academic success needs. Please click here to add yourself to my calendar for a virtual advising session!
Whew, I know that was a lot of information, but bear with me. I want you to be over-prepared and I will always do my best to ensure that happens. You will be hearing from me at varying times throughout the semester, but again always feel free to reach out. If you ever have any questions or need additional support, I am only an email or advising session away!
Best Wishes,
Destinee Wells
ACC Coordinator
High School Programs Advising & Completion
College and High School Relations
An important request for parents of Harmony Public Schools students
Dear Harmony Families, As you are aware, this year every child at Harmony Public Schools is eligible to receive free lunch and breakfast each day from our child nutrition team. Today, however, we are reminding all parents of the need to still submit one of our Harmony forms instead of the application normally associated with qualifying for Free & Reduced Price Meal Programs. Each year, Harmony Public Schools is required to collect and report the socioeconomic status of each student to the Texas Education Agency for purposes of the annual state accountability ratings and for federal reporting. The data collected is used by educational agencies to determine funding which may be used for a variety of programs and educational opportunities. Today, we are asking parents to please complete the online form “Household Income Information” in Skyward. Upon login to Skyward, this form is accessible from the main screen. If you have any questions, please contact the Child Nutrition Assistant at your child's school. Thank you.
Turn College Dreams into an Action Plan
As a reminder, College Board Opportunity Scholarships so you can become eligible for money for college when you complete college planning steps. This is a unique scholarship program where the more effort you put in, the more chances you have to earn scholarships.
https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/?SFMC_cid=EM453226-&rid=47577053
You can digitally complete this form that is attached and track your progress through the 6 steps to completing your journey and eligibility for the $40,000.
Wish you all the best!!
The QuestBridge National College Match
Click on the link for more information and application:
AP Exam Registration
Please contact your AP teacher or Campus AP Coordinator, Mr. Ozguven, for any questions or concerns.
High School Academic Guide & Course Catalog 2021-2022
Here is the link below to have access for our High School Academic Guide & Course Catalog 2021-2022
SCHOLARSHIPS & SEARCH TOOLS
SAT/ACT/TSI PREP RESOURCES
Quick Links:
Harmony School of Excellence Austin
Email: agorman@harmonytx.org
Website: https://hseaustin.harmonytx.org/
Location: 2100 E St Elmo Rd, Austin, TX, USA
Phone: (512)-693-0000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hseaustin/
Twitter: @hseaustin