The Guidance Gazette
April 2024
Master Schedule & Graduation Pathways
Graduation Pathways
Please note that class options are changing for next year. We will be offering two full Concentrator pathways (Agri-Science and Business Management). Several sophomores will need to choose a pathway and stick with it to qualify to graduate. All freshmen will need to choose a full year Principles class and will be able to determine if they need to continue on that Pathway after sophomore year.
There are SO MANY details in these changes. Ask any questions you may have! Information was emailed home on March 22 and presented to students with the MAP of classes.
Master Schedule
Current freshmen and juniors have the deadline of 4/9.
Current sophomores have the deadline of 4/11.
We do not have all of the necessary teachers to make a schedule work right now, please join us in prayer over that!
All schedule forms need to be signed by a parent. Please feel free to request a meeting with Mrs. R and your student if you have questions and would like to chat over options.
Next Level Programs of Study (NLPS)
NLPS & CTE
Next Level Programs of Study is how the state of Indiana is structuring education to provide exploration and preparation for a future career.
CTE stands for Career and Technical Education. Classes are transitioning to CTE in order to meet NLPS requirements.
Graduation Pathways bucket #3 is an area we're diligently working to improve. As a result, we're working on offering two Concentrator pathways next year. These Concentrator pathways will be a requirement for some students but not all. These pathways will consist of CTE courses over the course of 3 years and can tie into an internship their senior year. More information was presented to students before Spring Break and emailed to students and parents on March 22. Check out the state's CTE guide if you're interested in learning more!
Field Trips
Career Exploration Opportunities
In May, there are three local opportunities that students can choose to attend. It will be an optional field trip and students will be responsible for all missed work. Sign Ups are outside room 25A.
1. Friday May 10: Spring Open House at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer. They offer a variety of new programs including Certified Nursing Assistant, Veterinary Assistant, Medical Assistant, Cyber Security, Networking Technology and more. The Open House is a chance to get to see their classrooms, meet teachers, and talk with graduates from the programs.
2. Friday May 10: Aviation Career Day at Jasper County Airport to explore aviation careers and experience aviation related STEM demonstrations.
3. Tuesday May 14: Inspiring Teachers for Tomorrow Event at Valpo University. Students interested in the career of education can attend this event with a keynote speaker, break outs, and information about Valpo's Education programs.
FAFSA- DUE APRIL 15
FAFSA Requirement
The FAFSA is required for seniors as a graduation requirement now. No, that is not a school decision.
Rather, it passed during the 2023 Indiana General Assembly legislative session. It's the Senate Enrolled Act 167-2023 which requires high school seniors to file the FAFSA or affirmatively opt out of filing by April 15.
The FAFSA is more than getting qualified for financial aid for associate and bachelor degree college programs. It also helps students receive funding for certificate training and apprenticeships through programs like Next Level Jobs.
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education released the FAFSA Waiver as well as details for high schools on how to proceed to assist families with the waiver if they choose to not file the FAFSA. I've attached the waiver for if that is the best choice for your family.
Please note that a parent/guardian needs to sign this waiver OR a student signs it if they are an emancipated minor or is at least 18 years old.
Waivers need to be completed and turned in by April 15.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
'23-24 Testing
SAT & ACT dates
The SAT has replaced the ISTEP requirement for HS'ers so all juniors took the SAT courtesy of the state of Indiana on Monday March 11. It was set up much like the PSAT taken this past October: shorter timeframe, reduced and consolidated questions, and taken online. Results will be available for students through their CollegeBoard account on April 4. Thank you!
SAT dates (Saturdays): REGISTER HERE, Study materials HERE.
May 4, 2024
June 1, 2024
ACT dates (Saturdays): REGISTER HERE, Tips and study materials HERE.
April 13, 2024
June 8, 2024 (hosted at DMCHS)
July 13, 2024
Career Days
Career Day Requests- timing is important!
Juniors and Seniors each have 4 days to use for Career or College Preparation. You may use it for a variety of reasons: college visits, trade shows, job fairs, job shadowing. You do not have to use them all. They do not roll over. They do not count against your absences count for exam voucher eligibility.
All requests need to be received in Mrs. Rodriquez's office by 7:50 am two full days PRIOR to your absence. If not, it counts as an unexcused absence and does count towards your voucher eligibility.
So always complete your form early! Copies are available outside the Guidance office (room 25A) and the link to the PDF is below as well as on the Guidance part of the website. Need ideas or have questions about how to use these days? Stop by or email Mrs. Rodriquez.
School work Help
Ask Rose
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s AskRose Homework Help is a free math and science tutoring service for Indiana students and other students in grades 6-12. Students can call 877-ASK-ROSE, email, screenshare, or chat live with a friendly tutor to work through and better understand homework assignments.
Connection Center Homework Help
Homework Help is on TUESDAYS ONLY. It's from 5-7. Free tutoring is available. There are trained HS teachers that can help explain and support homework completion and prepare for tests. Just bring your homework!
Address is 1317 15th St. SE, DeMotte.
Opportunities
Senior Service Challenge
Seniors- don't forget to log your hours for the ways you serve if you want to participate in the Senior Service Challenge. You can earn an award and cords to wear at graduation with 40+ individual hours AND your pool of hours as a class can put us in the competition to have the trophy return to our school and win a pizza party.
Adulting 101 Class Schedule
Michigan State University Extension's Adulting 101 programs help teenagers and young adults demystify the obscure reality of being an “adult” through engaging educational sessions. Each FREE session is packed full of important life skills and tools necessary to live independently!
Cost: FREE
Register Here: https://events.anr.msu.edu/Adulting2024/
Financial Aid Resources
FAFSA Details
The FAFSA is open!
See the links below for helpful resources.
FAFSA FYIs
FAFSA update- file soon! FSA started processing FAFSAs finally last week. Be sure your status when you log in at studentaid.gov says “Processed” by April 15. Many will say “In review” right now, and that’s ok. You have items to finish if it says “Draft, In Progress, Action Required, or Closed.”
The sooner you file, the sooner colleges can put together your financial aid offer. The sooner you have all of your financial aid offers, the sooner you can begin to compare offers and make the best decisions for your families.
Money that is available through FAFSA is limited. Once the FAFSA money is gone, it's gone. It's a "first come, first served" kind of situation. The Indiana deadline for filing the FAFSA is April 15, but don't wait!
Federal student loans are only available through FAFSA. If you are planning to use federal student loans at all, you must file the FAFSA. Also, most colleges and universities don't like to give out scholarship money unless you have a FAFSA on file.
The FAFSA gives access to more than just college money. It’s a qualifier to get apprenticeships and paid on the job training for great paying workforce jobs through Next Level Jobs!
InvestEd
InvestEd is a wonderful resource helping Indiana students connect the dots for post HS plans including FAFSA help!
Check out their many tools and resources including the FAFSA Checklist, College Cost Comparison Worksheet, and their $1k Scholarship Giveaway!
Scholarships
Braces for All Ages
Dr. Brenda is offering a $500 college scholarship to a senior HS student who:
1. Is a current or former full treatment patient of Braces for All Ages
2. Is College Bound as a HS Senior
3. Is planning to study in the medical/dental field
You need to write a 500 word essay explaining your accomplishments and goals. Then fax it to 219-762-3870 or email to bfaameadow@gmail.com by July 1, 2024. The winner will be chosen by August 4. Please put in the subject line "Scholarship Submission 2024"
Michelle Keys Memorial Scholarship
The Jasper County Sheriff Reserve Deputies Association is pleased to
announce that we have created a memorial scholarship that will be available
to students that reside in Jasper County. We will be awarding two, $500
scholarships to graduating seniors that are the son/daughter of a law
enforcement officer, dispatcher, corrections officer, or court security.
Deadline: April 26.
Mike Rowe Works Foundation Scholarship
The next scholarship cycle will launch in 2024. THE SHORT VERSION IS, YOU’LL HAVE TO:
- Enroll in an approved program.
- Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
- Answer 4 questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
- Make a video.
- Have 2 solid references from a teacher or boss.
- Verify your school costs.
- Provide high school or college transcript.
- Send your most recent 1040 tax form.
Check out this site to see the full program guidelines and approved programs.
Ed Bahler Sr. Innovation and Construction Scholarship
- A scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded to a successful candidate. (This can be renewed for up to three additional years if you maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA.)
- Candidate must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
- Candidate must be a 2024 graduating senior or a college student who was awarded a scholarship the prior year from FBi Buildings, Inc.
- This Scholarship will only be applied to the Building Construction Management (BCM) and School of Agriculture Engineering, Design (CAD), Sales, Marketing, and Engineering.
- Scholarships may be applied toward tuition or course fees in the states of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, or Wisconsin.
- Candidates must complete and submit the Application by April 5, 2024, along with the following documents:
- Write a one-page essay on the following topic:
- Why do you feel you are a good candidate for this scholarship?
- (1) Letter of Recommendation
- Current Transcript (High School & Post-Secondary, if appropriate) with G.P.A.
- Optional - Copy of Letter of Acceptance from the college you will be attending.
- Application and details located HERE
Franciscan Health Crown Point Medical Staff Health Care Provider Scholarship
TERMS OF SCHOLARSHIP:
$1,000.00 - renewable for one year with proof of GPA and continued enrollment.
DIRECTIONS FOR COMPLETION:
1. Meet the following eligibility requirements:
a) Applicant must have or be nearing completion of a high school diploma or GED and be
applying for post high school education in a health care related field.
b) Applicant must have a Crown Point mailing address or address within Franciscan Health Crown
Point primary service area (Southern Lake, Northern Newton and Jasper, Western Porter
counties).
c) Applicant must plan to use the scholarship at an accredited college or university or at a technical
or vocational school.
d) Applicant must plan to enroll as a full-time or part-time student for the upcoming school year.
2. The Guidance Department of applicant’s high school must complete section III of this application if
applicable. Transcripts must be provided.
3. Attach Essay from Section VII to application.
4. Direct any questions to Cathy Duda, Medical Staff Coordinator, at 219-757-6156 or email
cathleen.duda@franciscanalliance.org.
5. The application must be submitted to the Medical Staff Office by Friday, April 26, 2024.
Any late applications will not be accepted.
DeMotte Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
OBJECTIVE:
To establish a college scholarship fund from the DeMotte Chamber of Commerce. The scholarship will be available to any qualifying High School senior in pursuit of a higher education with a major in any business-related field. Deadline to submit this form is May 1, 2024.
CRITERIA:
- One $1000 scholarship will be awarded.
- Candidates must be a student of KV High School or DeMotte Christian High School.
- Candidate must show history of maintaining a cumulative grade point average of a C or above and must be a 2024 graduating senior.
- This scholarship will only be applied to recognized Indiana trade schools, colleges, or universities.
- Proof of college acceptance is required and must be presented to DeMotte Chamber of Commerce before scholarship funds are dispersed to the college in the student’s name/student ID number.
- This scholarship may be applied toward educational expenses.
- Submit a paragraph explaining why you chose a business-related major.
Indiana Farm Bureau Ag Impact Scholarships
Indiana Farm Bureau cares about the future of our farming communities and those who will be - and are already - involved in the agricultural industry. We sponsor or co-sponsor several scholarships for college-bound youth, current college students and individuals seeking to enhance their careers in agriculture. We also give grants to members and county Farm Bureaus seeking to extend their education outreach in their communities.
Many of the county and district scholarships are now included in our online application. These will auto-populate as options to apply for based on location of the applicant. Simply complete the Online Scholarship Portal button listed below to see all the scholarships available to you. Some counties have not yet opted into the online option, but those applications are still available here. There are EIGHT programs to check out on this page!
New this year! Indiana Farm Bureau offers the Ag Impact Scholarship. Three recipients each will receive a $2,000 scholarship. The scholarship is designed to focus on the applicants’ current involvement, future commitment, and potential impact on agriculture, as well as academic and career potential
Ivy Tech: Presidential Honors College Scholarship
Starting this year, students who apply to and are accepted into the Honors College may also apply for this substantial scholarship which awards students $3,000 per year, renewable for up to two years!
We hold weekly virtual Info Sessions for students - see registration links on our website.
For 2024 graduates enrolling in Ivy Tech this fall, students must apply for the Presidential Honors College Scholarship by June 30, 2024.
Honors College Benefits:
Small Virtual Courses
Enhanced Honors Curriculum
Student Research Opportunities
Cohort of likeminded peers
Dedicated honors faculty and honors Advising Staff
Excellent Transfer Outcomes including H+H Transfer Agreement with Ball State Honors College and others
For student testimonials and additional information about this high-impact program, please visit www.ivytech.edu/honors.
Scholarship Help
Here is a Scholarship Search help sheet that could help some of you.
Also, Going Merry is a great resource to get connected to scholarships that fit you!
Jim and Betty Dye Scholarship Info
Indiana Scholarships
Check out these Indiana Scholarships from the Learn More Indiana site!
Career Exploration Resources
Loper
Loper is a free mobile app built to help Gen Z navigate their post-secondary options. As students explore on the app, they match with best-fit schools and see content relevant to interests they express on the app, helping them break through the generalized mailers and emails flooding their inboxes today. Loper better engages students through a dating-app style interface that powers personalized content, making educational exploration accessible, transparent, and easy.
You can learn more about how hundreds of counselors use Loper’s free platform to promote discovery and research with their students here,
Exploring Career and Major Options
As you begin your major and career exploration, there are many online tools available. Spending the time to work through these tools will help you narrow down your career and major choices. Remember to take it a few times, your interest always change, and you may have something new show up that you hadn’t considered before!
Education Planning Guide
The INvestEd Education Planning Guide goes step by step through the planning and paying process. From how to choose a career, research important details, & how to minimize student loan debt. Our contact info is throughout the guide as the INvestEd team is always happy to answer your questions!
Indiana Career Explorer
Here is a great resource to help you complete skills and interests surveys and get feedback on aligning career clusters. This tool is what we use in our Prep for College & Careers class!
NextLevel Jobs
Take advantage of free job training for Hoosiers in one of Indiana’s high-demand job fields. The Workforce Ready Grant provides tuition-free training in high-paying, in-demand industries. The Employer Training Grant provides reimbursements for employers (up to $50,000) to train employees in high-growth fields.
This is one PRIME EXAMPLE of why you need to complete the FAFSA. Your results from the FAFSA can qualify you for this opportunity! More Info HERE.
Find a Career through LearnMore Indiana
Need to work on your career research? THIS LINK can help you get started on your exploration!