Connections Weekly Newsletter

April 21, 2023

AP Exam Terms and Conditions

All current AP students: The 2023 AP Exam Terms and Conditions are now available to be read through this link . Students will need to accept these terms and conditions prior to taking each exam. The College Board will send current AP students email reminders to review these terms and conditions.


With AP exams just over one week away; it’s never too early to start reviewing. The College Board offers study guides and review exams to help you prepare. Here is a link to the College Board resources.

Class of 2023 - Advisor Skip Zickmund

Besides early decision, early action and regular decision deadlines, there is one more very important date to remember in the realm of college applications. It can be easily missed if college-bound teenagers are too forgetful or fail to make the right choice of school on time.


The date? May 1, which is also known as National College Decision Day or simply college decision day. After receiving their acceptance letters, students must finalize their choice of institution of higher education by submitting their enrollment deposit. Many enrollment deposits are non-refundable.
TIP: Once you make your decision, be sure to contact and thank the other colleges that accepted you.


Here is a link to help guide you towards making a final decision.

Class of 2024 - Advisor Skip Zickmund

Rising Seniors Family Night was presented on April 17. We covered topics for current 11th grade students including, but not limited to:

· Career Outlooks

· Using Naviance To Assist In Post Graduation Planning

· Trade & Apprenticeship Programs

· Researching Colleges

· College Visits

· An Overview of The College Application Process


Here is a link to the presentation for families who missed the live presentation.

CLASS OF 2025 - Advisor Joanna Peters

Sophomores attended a guest speaker presentation introducing them to the factors to consider in choosing a college. One of the topics presented by Brian Zaun, San Diego State University, discussed tuition savings for students and families. Here is a presentation about Tuition Reciprocity, Savings, and Exchange programs (let me save you some time: watch 4:54-7:57 and 13.18-15.51)

Click here for other opportunities for tuition savings.


P.S. So proud of this class: the bell for lunch rang but they patiently waited a few minutes for Brian to finish his presentation! Go Titans!

CLASS OF 2026 - Advisor Joanna Peters

This is the last chance to review your Freshman Checklist

Save The Date: PSAT/NMSQT Exam - Next Year

The PSAT/NMSQT Exam at TCA will be Thursday, October 5 from 8:00 -11:45am. This is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying exam for juniors and is a PSAT/NMSQT practice exam for sophomores. The payment and registration deadline is September 8. Note: this is on the Thursday morning of Parent/Teacher Conferences BEFORE Fall Break. It has historically been scheduled by College Board during Fall Break.

Career & College Visits

At TCA

Next Week in Connections, Room 1104

* Tuesday, 4/25 10:30, BINGO Blast – Last one of the Year
* Friday, 4/28 10:30, Career Chat: Andrew Bauer/TCA Grad - Graphic Designer Learn about design careers creating visual concepts using computer software or by hand in industries including advertising, marketing, publishing and more.


In the Community

AIGA & AAF 2023 Student & Young Professional Portfolio Review will be on Saturday, April 29 from 11:30 - 3:30 at Pikes Peak State College Downtown Campus. Industry professionals will provide one-on-one critiques of student work and offer tips for succeeding in the industry. REGISTER HERE


Apprenticeship Fair on April 29th from 10am-12pm at Montbello High School, 5000 Crown Blvd, Denver, CO 80239. Come to learn about what an apprenticeship is, how to start your career, and get needed resources. This is an in-person event. No resumes required. Please RSVP ahead of time by registering here.


West Point Admissions Information Meeting presented by CPT Kelechi Odocha, the West Point Admissions officer for Colorado, will be on Tuesday, May 9 at 5:30PM at the downtown Colorado Springs Penrose Library, 20 N Cascade.


Virtual

Save the Date for Spring 2023 NACAC Virtual College Fairs on April 23. Register here.


First-Generation Virtual College Fair 2023, Wednesday April 26 from 10am-12pm and 4:30pm-6:30pm. This is an engaging forum for students and their families so they can explore the many available college options and learn from experts on how to make the most of the college experience.


Next Steps: Preparing for your Future as an NCAA Student-Athlete - Sunday, April 30 from 4:30-5:30. High school student-athletes focused on playing their sport at the NCAA level won't want to miss this informative hour with the Eligibility Center staff. Parents/families/advocates are encouraged to join! Click here to register.


2023 Virtual Statewide Outdoor Recreation Job Fair on May 4 from 2-6pm. This fair is open to anyone seeking competitive employment in the field of recreation within the state of Colorado.


The 2023 Young Adult Job Fair will be Wednesday, May 10 from 12-4pm at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center at 1675 Garden of the Gods Road. If you are interested in attending, please create or update your ConnectingColorado.com account before attending the Job Fair.

Enrichment Opportunities

For a limited time, learn the basics of technical drawing for free.


If you are a female interested in working with clean energy, save this summer internship opportunity in Northern Colorado. This organization would be a great connection for you!


Do you have questions about the WestPoint Candidate Fitness Assessment? Click here for more information. Here's an 8-step guide to applying to West Point,


Interested in the basics about your car but not sure where to start? Check out this workshop.


Love math? Check out these opportunities.


Athletes: If you are considering competing athletically in college, you (potential student-athletes) can register at PlayNAIA and/or NCAA Clearinghouse as early as the end of your junior year.


Camp Business at Drexel University teaches students the basics of business, including finance, management, accounting, the stock market and financial technology. Deadline to apply is May 1.


Wings Over the Rockies is hosting an Exploration of Flight to learn all about the Teacher Flight Pathway Program on Saturday, April 29 from 10-2. This event will include Wings Over the Rockies’ airplanes, hands-on activities, drone soccer and drone flying demonstrations.


Quick turnaround: If you would like to apply for an opportunity to attend the Rocky Mountain Youth Leadership Foundation, stop by Connections and talk with Ms. Peters. The Rocky Mountain Youth Leadership Conference is a five-day, college-like experience that provides education in leadership, patriotism, and the free-enterprise system.

Scholarships and More

Utah State University will offer $200 grants for college supplies to new domestic undergraduate students for the Fall 2023 semester. See the FAQ page for more information.


Interested in behavioral healthcare? Watch the news for rural grants that may be available to you in the future.

Career Focus - Sound/Lighting Tech or Music Entrepreneur

Interested in becoming a sound technician, lighting technician, or music entrepreneur? Want to learn more? Check out these short videos from the recent CMA awards.

College Spotlight

Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) was founded on a philosophy of building the knowledge, character, and values of young people by introducing them to a personalized and transformative collegiate experience. Although the member colleges approach this challenge with varying perspectives, institutional missions, and pedagogical strategies, a student-centered mission is common to all campuses.

Connections Center (Career & College)

Joanna Peters, Director - 9th & 10th Grades, PSAT/NMSQT, Scholarships

Skip Zickmund, Assistant Director - 11th & 12th Grades, AP

Jodi Hoffman, Office Manager - Rep Visits, Community Service