Chief Points
Class of 2022 - October 30, 2020
Post Secondary Readiness
If there is one thing we have learned...
Usually by this point, I've visited classrooms and held a parent night to talk about post graduation possibilities. Instead we are engaging in everything in a different way. All students in grades 9-12 have been assigned to a Post Secondary Readiness class and are completing lessons in Naviance. Post secondary readiness or "college and career" readiness are requirements from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. We consider this one of the most important things that students can spend time on. Students have had exposure and instruction in this topic for years however, in more recent years, the state has additionally required "artifacts" or "evidence" of the instruction and learning. Thus, the Naviance platform. Naviance is an opportunity for students to learn about what they should be considering and thinking about while collecting that evidence. What you do with that opportunity however is up to you.
I would encourage all students, especially those in 11th grade to take the lessons seriously. This is the main year for juniors to explore and made decisions about your future. By this time next year, college bound students will have already submitted their applications. It isn't all going to apply to all of you. Find those pieces that do and utilize them. Start planning and exploring your future options. The lessons shouldn't be overwhelming or take a lot of time. You are afforded ample to complete these assignments and I would anticipate that you will have extra time during the class period. Below you will find some resources to use to further explore colleges and careers for your future. Please check them out during your post secondary readiness class or on your own time.
Mrs. deQuevedo
School Counselor
HOW TO VISIT COLLEGES
The National Association of College Admission Counseling presents:
It is tough these days to go on college tours. Safety is paramount and many colleges are closed to visitors. That doesn't stop the need for students to research and "see" schools. Virtual college visits are popping up for campuses across the country. The virtual college fair is done on a larger scale and gives students access to hundreds of colleges in one place. If you are tired of reading about college and ready to have a more engaging experience, this is it!
Students can choose from thousands of Zoom sessions offered by more than 600 colleges and universities. They just log in on November 8 to drop in, ask questions, and hear firsthand about majors and programs, financial aid and scholarships, and much more.
For high school juniors, it's the most engaging way to dream about college and start their search. For seniors, it's a chance to narrow their choices and demonstrate interest.
RepVisits
Virtual college visits are continuing throughout November. Upcoming sessions include Misericordia University, Shippensburg University, Penn State University, The University of Scranton, and over 15 others! Please check out the RepVisits Calendar below to see who is coming to visit (virtually). The calendar is being updated daily.
Most sessions are being conducted via Zoom, so if you do not have that application on your computer or mobile device, it might be a good idea to download it ahead of time.
Students can register for these visits right through their Naviance Accounts. Look for the "College Visits" link under "Colleges I'm Thinking About." You can register for as many of these sessions as you'd like, and should receive a confirmation email with all the details once you do. There is also a link to a video HERE or below that walks you through how to do this.
Rutgers U
We also offer a variety of other virtual events, including a weekly Virtual Visit on Wednesday's at 6 PM EST.
Bloomsburg University - "Bloom Talks"
SimpliCollege College Application Bootcamp
By clicking HERE or at the link below, students and families can register for SimpliCollege for free, and access videos, presentations, and tips for applying to college, filling out the FAFSA, and much more! I strongly encourage you to check this out!
Premier Nursing Academy Resources
Click HERE for a Guide to Being a Better Writer.
Click HERE for a Guide to Studying
Click HERE for information about becoming a Nurses Aide
Click HERE for information about Healthcare Career and Education Pathways
Research
$$$$
You should make sure that you invest TIME into your investment before investing MONEY. Take the time to research your options.
What does Naviance Offer?
If you forget your account password email me at ddequevedo@lakelandsd.org and I'll help you to reset it.
To Start...
I strongly encourage you to explore not only on Naviance, but by Googling careers, looking at the O*Net Online Career Database, job shadowing, and any other way you can think of. If you have any questions about your exploration, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Please watch this video. It shows you exactly where to go to explore careers on Naviance.
Testing
SAT/ACT
There have been many questions asked about the SAT. Here are answers to as many of the questions that I can possibly think of. Please feel free to reach out if you have other questions.
- The SAT at Lakeland: After much discussion, the district has decided to cancel its scheduled SAT administration on November 3rd. The district has also decided that there will not be a Lakeland-only SAT administration. Please read more information below about the SAT being optional for many schools for the 2020-2021 application period. For juniors, the SAT isn't usually taken until the spring. We will need to take a wait and see approach for what happens next.
- Test Optional Schools: Please note that many colleges and universities have decided to go test optional for the 2020-2021 application period. This means that you can submit test scores if you would like, or think they will benefit you, or you can choose not to submit if you think it might be a detriment to your application. Institutions are aware of the challenges that students are facing in their attempts to take the SAT, and what that rollercoaster might do to their SAT scores. I strongly encourage you to learn about the application requirements of the schools that you are considering prior to taking the SAT or ACT. Be sure to research each of the schools AND the programs you are interested in there to see if they require a test submission. The more competitive schools and programs are the ones that are requiring these tests. This information can be found on the university's admissions websites, or by calling their office of admissions. Take a look below for a little more information on schools being test optional.
- SAT Cancellations: Many SAT offerings are being cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns. It seems as though information from the College Board is slightly delayed. If you are concerned that your SAT offering has been cancelled, your best bet is to contact the testing site directly.
- Sending Test Scores: An important consideration is that you are given the ability to send your SAT scores to up to four colleges for free if you choose the schools during the application process. I encourage you to use these if you are planning to submit your scores. We cannot send test scores to schools for you. Schools typically only accept score reports that come directly from the test provider. This means that you will have to pay the test provider to send your scores to schools.
- SAT Fee Waiver: If you are eligible for Lakeland's free/reduced lunch program, you are also eligible for an SAT Fee Waiver. This will cover the cost of your SAT registration. If you need a Fee Waiver, please email Mrs. deQuevedo for a code.
Upcoming SAT testing dates and deadlines are:
- November 5th (registration is closed)
- December 5th (registration deadline of November 5th)
- March 13th (registration deadline of February 12th)
- May 8th (registration deadline of April 8th)
Upcoming ACT testing dates and deadlines are:
- December 12th (registration deadline of November 6th)
- February 6th (registration deadline of January 8th)
- April 17th (registration deadline of March 12th)
Graduation Requirements
Know what the requirements are!
- 24 credits
- 20 hours of community service
- Proficiency on Keystone exams in Algebra, Literature and Biology.
The Nitty Gritty of Credits
- 4 English credits
- 3 Mathematics credits
- 3 Science credits
- 3 Social Studies credits
- 2 Arts/Humanities credits
- 1 PE credit
- 1/2 Health credit
- 7 1/2 Elective credits
Keystone Exams
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic:
The government is not requiring any student enrolled in a Keystone Exam trigger course (Algebra I, Biology, English Literature) during the spring of the 2019-20 school year, regardless of their current grade level or expected graduation date, to take the associated Keystone Exam(s).
In accordance with Act 158, statewide graduation requirements take effect with the class of 2022. Act 158 provides five options for meeting graduation requirements: (1) Keystone Proficiency Pathway, (2) Keystone Composite Pathway, (3) Alternate Assessment Pathway, (4) Evidence-Based Pathway, and (5) Career and Technical Education Pathway.
The first two pathways are based solely on Keystone Exam scores. For that reason, all students, including any student enrolled in a Keystone trigger course during the spring of the 2019-20 school year, must have full access to all five options to meet graduation requirements.
To learn more about all of the pathways to meet the statewide graduation requirements, click the button below.
Community Service
In addition to required credits for graduation, students are required to complete 20 hours of community service. The counting period begins in grade 9. This means that students have 4 years to earn the full 20 hours.
Many students are already involved in activities that involve community service. Students who perform community service for NHS, Scouts, Fire/Rescue or similar service organizations can count those same hours for their graduation requirements.
Looking for ideas? Click the link below. Keep in mind that the holidays are coming up and traditionally there are opportunities about to help your fellow man!
The second link is to the volunteer form. If you were involved in volunteer projects such as food distribution during the pandemic, those hours count! Make sure that you fill out the form!
Do not ignore this requirement!!!!
What Is Financial Aid?
FAFSA/PHEAA
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
PHEAA - Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
PHEAA held a financial aid session for Lakeland students on October 22nd. If you missed it, it isn't a problem. I've posted the information provided below! It may seem early to talk about financial aid but it is a good idea to at least start to familiarize yourself with what it is, how to apply and what the process looks like.
Follow Your Path
College isn't for everyone...
Let's talk!
Self Care
- Click the Calm picture for a mindfulness exercise
- Learn the bones with a fun holiday GoNoodle
- Haunted Yoga with Mrs. Caviston!
LHS School Counselors
Mr. Watters - classes of 2021, 2023, 2025 (zwatters@lakelandsd.org)
Email: lhsguidance@lakelandsd.org
Website: http://counselingatlakeland.weebly.com/
Location: 1355 Lakeland Drive, Jermyn, PA, USA
Phone: 570-254-9485
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lhscounselors/?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @ChiefCounseling