ON Student Services Newsletter
May 2022
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May in the United States since 1949. The month is observed with media, local events, and film screenings. Mental Health Awareness Month began in the United States in 1949 and was started by the Mental Health America organization. Wear Green on Friday in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
For more information, resources ways to get involved visit https://nami.org/Get-Involved/Awareness-Events/Mental-Health-Awareness-Month
From Mr. Van Winkle, College Advisor
Decision Day:
Decision Day will take place on Thursday, May 12th during Advisory & A/I (9:33 AM – 11:11 AM) in the South Gym!
This event is meant to celebrate the Class of 2022 and all of your accomplishments! Whether you are planning on attending College, joining the military, going to Trade/Technical school, or joining the workforce, you are invited to attend!
We will have snacks, games, a live DJ, and most importantly: PRIZES! Play games, earn raffle tickets, and enter to win a Roku, LED Strip Lights, a Single Serve Coffee Maker, a hammock, giftcards, and much, much more!
As a reminder, this event is for SENIORS ONLY and NO ONE will be admitted without RSVPing. Make sure to RSVP today: https://forms.gle/44Yv8M59mfFLAZFB8
Senior Scholarship Opportunities:
Make sure to check out Xello for Scholarships, if you are still looking for some help in paying for college. Under the College Planning tab, you will find a section called “Local Scholarships” – Make sure to read eligibility requirements before applying!
FAFSA is OPEN:
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) opened on October 1st! Any college bound students who are eligible should file their FAFSA. Even if you believe that your family makes too much money to be offered anything from the federal government, many colleges require it to be on file for their institutional scholarships so fill it out, regardless!
To begin, the parent helping with the FAFSA AND the student will need an FSA ID. You can each create one here: https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch
Once you have done that, you can file the FAFSA here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
If you have questions, do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Van Winkle! Please email him when you have completed the FAFSA!
Upcoming ACT Dates:
- June 11, 2022 (Last Day to Register: May 6, 2022)
- July 16, 2022 (Last Day to Register: June 17, 2022)
College Rep Visits:
No rep visits for the rest of the school year but be on the lookout for some starting this fall!
Follow Me:
Don’t forget to go follow @OlatheNorthCCC on Twitter and Instagram! I am trying to update both as often as possible to make sure that you all get the most up to date news and information. I will also be having giveaways and Senior/College Spotlights throughout the year! Don’t miss out on the fun – Go follow me TODAY!
ACT Testing Information
Who should take the ACT?
Any student planning on attending a 4-year university. Many schools have waived the ACT scores for the class of 2022 however, it is still required for many scholarships at universities. It is unclear at this time, what will be decided for the class of 2023.
When should I start taking the ACT?
We recommend starting by the end of Sophomore year. The June test is a great test to get started in the process. For an additional $20 students can get a copy of the test booklet and their answers about a month after they take the test. This is a great learning tool to see areas where you need to make improvements. The test information release is offered for the April, June, and December tests.
Most students will take the ACT 3 times. We also recommend being finished by the end of the summer before Senior year in taking the test. The ACT is offered in June, July, September, October, December, and April each year.
What should you do to get ready for the test?
Practice! Research has shown the more you look at the test and prepare the better you will do. We also recommend taking a prep test.
How does a student register for the ACT?
Students will need to register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org. They will need to set up an account to register and pay for an exam. Students on free/reduced lunches can talk to a counselor and use an ACT waiver for 2 free exams. This account will be where students will check their testing location and confirm their registration.
Senior Spotlight
Important Senior Info
GET ANSWERS TO CLASS OF 2022 GRADUATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HERE.
Are you ready for Graduation?
Josten’s orders need to happen ASAP if they haven’t already. You must have: Cap, Gown, Stole, Tassel (Cap/gown can be borrowed). If you have NOT purchased, or need to borrow, you need to see Mrs. Stanley in the office ASAP!
Senior Survey
Each year the Olathe School District requires that every Senior complete a survey to gather info about post-secondary plans. Links below will be sent to your student email and you MUST complete.
English Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X9ZX3ZJ
Spanish Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QP6RBD8
Senior Scholarship Collecting
Each year the Olathe School District compiles scholarship totals for each Senior class.
- Mrs. Parazin will visit English classrooms the week of April 4th-8th to collect your info.
- An email will come out this week with details you need for the visit.
We would love for the Class of 2022 to beat the Class of 2021 totals and the other 4 high schools!
Cap/Gown Distribution - Thursday, May 19th
9:00-11:00 am; Culinary Hall/Football Field
How does it work?
- Grab a donut
- Pay all fees (do this NOW on InTouch)
- Pick up graduation tickets (only needed in the case of of inclement weather)
- Pick up Cap/Gown
- Senior Parade
Scholarship Search Resources:
Scholarship Guidance: https://scholarshipguidance.com/scholarships
Student Scholarship.org: https://studentscholarships.org/2021scholarships.php
College Rep Resource Center
If you are interested in exploring various colleges and connecting with representatives, check out Olathe West's College Rep. Center. College reps provide 2-3 minute videos giving basic information about their schools. From this site, you can connect directly to the college webpages and representatives. Thanks to OW for sharing this great resource!
Transcripts
All official transcripts must be requested through Xello. Please see instructions below:
Xello Student Account Login Directions
Xello Transcript Request Directions
If you have trouble accessing your transcript, please contact Mrs. McQuay in the counseling office.
Olathe School District H.E.L.P. Clinic
View the H.E.L.P. Clinic brochure in English (PDF)
Lea el panfleto acerca del H.E.L.P. Clinic en español (PDF)
Any situation that causes an interruption in the learning process is a serious educational concern. Students who are finding school difficult because of poor study skills, adjustment concerns, or relationships with others can find help through the clinic. Parents who want to learn more effective ways of encouraging and motivating children in school can also turn to the clinic.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is a service provided by the Olathe Public Schools. All services are free of charge to any student enrolled in the Olathe Public Schools, either in a remote environment or onsite.
- Individual and family counseling consists of short-term counseling (six sessions) for students and their families.
- Small group counseling with other grade-level or near grade-level peers serve those who would thrive learning and growing from a group structure. Groups would meet for six sessions.
- Play therapy is a technique where the child's natural means of expression, namely play, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with stress or life difficulties. Play therapy is used effectively at the H.E.L.P. Clinic with children ages 5 to 8 years old. Play therapy may not be used with every child and is available on a limited basis.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is staffed by professional school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and other school-based mental health providers. All clinicians are Olathe Public Schools employees or retired employees who have an active license in school mental health. These accredited and experienced professionals have a sincere interest in assisting students and families to better deal with challenges that impact students' abilities to achieve educational success.
Mill Creek Campus
300 E. Loula Street
Olathe, Kansas
913-780-7049
HelpClinic@olatheschools.org.
Olathe North Student Services Team
Angie Wartick (students with last names A-E): mawartick@olatheschools.org
Nicole Etherton (students with last names F-L): nmetherton@olatheschools.org
Tammie Milke (students with last names M-Q): tmilkeon@olatheschools.org
Carrie Parazin (students with last names R-Z): cnparazin@olatheschools.org
Rachel Gunderson (IEP, KSD, and International Students): rmgunderson@olatheschools.org
Logan Van Winkle (College Advisor): lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org
Molly Askew (Student Wellness Advocate): msaskew@olatheschools.org
Emergency Resources
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255, Text: 741741
Johnson County Resource Connection: https://ims.jocogov.org/rc/default.aspx