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
CHALLENGE SUCCESS PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT presented by Stanford's Denise Pope is TONIGHT (January 17th, 6:30 p.m) in the LCHS Auditorium. See details below.
UPDATED POST: Foothill Selpa presents
"From High School to College: A Whole New Ball Game" by Tina Anderson-Wahlberg, Director of Disabled Students Programs and Services
Who should attend? Parents with 8th through 12th grade students receiving special education services and who are interested in attending college.
Where: Glendale Community College Student Center, Room 212
1500 Verdugo Road, Glendale Ca 91208- Click here for a map and parking permit for this event.
When: January 26, 2017 7:00-8:30 pm
Questions, call Norma Hidalgo (818) 241-3111 ext 1510
NEW POST: LCHS CLUB APPLICATION AND RENEWAL INFORMATION
Hi Spartans! Club applications and renewals are now available for the second semester. We strongly encourage you to form a club and get involved with the school! Clubs are a great opportunity to meet new people, and to pursue your own passions. Applications due by January 27th 3pm to Room 125.
Second Semester LCHS Club Renewal Form
2016-2017 La Canada High School Club Application
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.
NEW POST: 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.
NEW POST: 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!
NEW POST: 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
NEW POST: 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
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
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
NEW POST: 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:
NEW POST: 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
NEW POST: 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)
MID-YEAR TRANSCRIPTS
When will my mid-year be sent?
Report cards will be distributed to students on January 17th. Mid-year transcripts will be processed and sent between January 23-31.
Colleges are aware that mid-year grades cannot be delivered until they have been finalized and sent by the high school, so do not fret about a deadline that comes up before the end of January. They will wait patiently for the mid-year to arrive. If you have concerns, you may see your counselor.
Please keep in mind that once your counselor sends your mid-year through Naviance, it can take the college anywhere from 1-5 weeks to process the document. To check whether or not your mid-year has been sent, login to Naviance, go to the College Tab and look for the words “mid-year submitted” next to your colleges beginning on Tuesday, Jan. 31. It is suggested that you also check your college portals at least once a week.
What is a mid-year transcript, anyway?
A mid-year transcript is a transcript that includes all of your grades through the first semester of senior year. All colleges on the Common Application REQUIRE a mid-year transcript. Colleges using their own institutional applications will each have their own individual requirements, and therefore some may require a mid-year, some may not. It is the STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY to research specific university requirements. If you have applied to Cal State Universities, now is the time to check your CSU Mentor portals to check whether or not specific campuses require you to send a mid-year. The UCs do not require mid-years unless specifically requested. The community college system will require a transcript at a later date, if at all (typically just a final transcript, as is also the case for the UC and CSU systems). For all other post-secondary school types, please inquire with the institution directly.
Did I already pay for my mid-year transcripts?
The vast majority of seniors pre-paid for mid-year transcripts during the college meeting with their high school counselor, and therefore transcripts for these students will automatically be sent to the colleges in their Naviance list. No further action is required unless you need to add to or edit your list of colleges.
What if I didn’t order mid-years or if I’m still confused?
If you did not pre-order or pre-pay for your mid-year transcripts, the counselors will be taking appointments in January. Mid-years can be ordered during the window of January 11th through 31st. Mid-year transcripts are $5 each, payable by cash or check made out to LCHS. The transcript request form can be found HERE. Remember, this form MUST be signed by your counselor before submitting your payment to Mr. Reda Hanna, our new Registrar (now known as the Student Information System Specialist)
If you cannot remember if you pre-paid for mid-year transcripts or if you need further assistance, please see your counselor ASAP.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Jeff Krosnoff Scholarship - Four-year college bound California high school seniors with excellent academic credentials who have demonstrated a breadth of interests, a driving desire to succeed in their chosen endeavors, outstanding community citizenship and the ability to share their experiences through the written word. Applicants should have a cumulative grade point average in grades 9-12 of at least 3.0. And complete the application and essay. Don't write what you think we want to hear. We'll know. Be honest and forthcoming. http://www.jeffkrosnoffscholarship.com/Scholarship.htm Application deadline January 18, 2017.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities scholarship application process is open. RMHC scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate - financial need, academic achievement, leadership and community service. Students can apply online at www.rmhc.org/rmhc-us-scholarships . Application deadline–Jan. 18, 2017. The awards are in four categories –
- RMHC/HACER Awards – applicant must have at least one parent of Hispanic/Latino heritage and demonstrate excellence in academics and a financial need to pursue a higher education.
- RMHC African-American Future Achievers – applicant must have at least one parent of African American or Black Caribbean heritage and submit an essay describing their community service and leadership abilities and how their future endeavors will benefit society.
- RMHC Asia Scholarship Program – applicant must be of Asian-Pacific heritage and submit an essay detailing their leadership skills and community service, along with a letter of recommendation from a nonprofit community-based organization.
- RMHC Scholars – open to all graduating seniors who demonstrate excellence in academics, character, leadership, and financial need.
Union Plus Scholarship Program – is offering grants ranging from $500 - $4000 to assist union members and their children to attend college or trade/technical school. Applicants are evaluated based on academic ability, social awareness, financial need and content of essay. A min. 3.0 GPA is recommended. Students apply online www.unionplus.org/college-education-financing/union-plus-scholarship. Application deadline-Jan. 31, 2017
NEW POST: Click here for additional scholarship opportunities with February and March deadlines.
Check out Naviance for more information on these and many other scholarships available.
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
Stanford Message from Dean Rick Shaw
Click here for the 2017-2017 Stanford admissions counseling office newsletter, which includes an article from Dean Rick Shaw about admissions.
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.