Champe Counseling - January
TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM @JCHSCOUNSELING
Remind
Don't forget to sign up for Remind! Text to 81018
Class of 2018 text @2018JCHS
Class of 2019 text @2019JCHS
Class of 2020 text @2020JCHS
Class of 2021 text @2021JCHS
JCHS Counseling Team
Christi Campbell, Director of Counseling
Danielle Coniglio, School Counselor A-Cap
Kelsey Buchanan, School Counselor Caq-F
Andrew Tafaro, School Counselor G-Ka
Ellie Leatherwood, School Counselor Kb-Me
Derek Forster, School Counselor Mf-Rah
Maria Porto, School Counselor Rai-Sta
Sue Pangman, School Counselor Ste-Z
Vanessa Keller, Career Center Assistant
Rita Giampaoli, Administrative Assistant
Sabra Gravatte, Administrative Assistant
Website: https://www.lcps.org/domain/11643
Location: 41535 Sacred Mountain Street, Aldie, VA, United States
Phone: 703-722-2687
Twitter: @JCHSCounseling
CALENDAR OF IMPORTANT EVENTS
January
2 - First day back after winter break
2 - January 15 college application deadline for counselors
2 - Spirit Week - Pajama Day
3 - Spirit Week - Human Trafficking Awareness Day (wear black)
4 - Spirit Week - Superhero vs Villain Day
5 - Spirit Week - Class color
5 - Winter Pep Rally
9-10 - Sophomore College/Career Lesson in Advisory
11 - Curriculum Night and Academic Fair, 7pm
12 - ASVAB Testing at John Champe
15 - MLK Holiday
16-18 - Signs of Suicide in HPE9 for all 9th graders
18 - February 1 college application deadline for counselors
19 - Elective fair for students during the day
22-23 - Registration video and online course selection in Advisory
26 - End of 1st Semester
29 - Moveable Student Holiday
Course Selections for 2018-2019
If students and parents decide to go against a teacher's recommendation this will be discussed during the individual meeting with their counselor.
Below is information and important dates you need to be aware of.
- January 11, 7:00PM - Curriculum Night and Academic Fair
- January 19 - Elective Fair during the school day for all students
- January 21 - Teacher course recommendations for 2018-2019 will be live in Student/Parent Vue
- January 22-23 - Registration videos in Advisory and online registration through Student Vue in the library during Advisory
- January 25-26 - Rising 9th grade registration with Mercer Middle School
- February 5-14 - Individual Academic Counseling with counselors through Advisory. If your child does not have an Advisory they will be pulled by their counselor during another block.
Monroe Advanced Technology Academy (MATA)
MATA is part of Loudoun County Public Schools and is currently located in Leesburg, Virginia but will open in the Academies of Loudoun Fall 2018. MTC offers course electives as an instructional extension of all county high schools.
The MATA application will open this month. The application can be found on the Academies of Loudoun website https://webinter.lcps.org/AcademiesOfLoudounAdmissionPortal/LoginStudent. A few things to know about the MTC application process:
All dual enrollment (DE) courses require VPT testing or PSAT cut scores. See your counselor during registration to see if you are prequalified with your PSAT score or if you need to sign up for VPT testing.
The criteria the selection committee looks at is test scores, course rigor, attendance, discipline, counselor recommendation, the application itself, and GPA.
For more information visit their website
https://www.lcps.org/domain/23880 or https://www.lcps.org/mtc.
IF YOU ARE TAKING AN AP COURSE PLEASE READ.
In the spring, students are encouraged to take the nationally standardized AP examinations issued by the College Board. AP classes are weighted by 1.0 in the grade point average calculation process if the student passes the course. Colleges may award academic credit and/or special class placement if a student earns a qualifying score on the exam. Students are not required to take the exam to earn the 1.0 weighting, however, the student would not be eligible for college credit by not taking the exam.
As you and your child plan for the school year, we want to remind you of several important items. Students and/or their parents/guardians pay the costs of the AP examinations. Each exam is $85.00, and this cost must be paid by March 1, 2018. Per the College Board, there is a fee of $50 per exam for payments not made on time. Since AP exams are optional, enrollment in the class does NOT constitute ordering an exam.
ALL STUDENTS must indicate through our online registration portal the exams they are taking AND the ones they are registered in but do not wish to sit for the exam. Register online at http://tinyurl.com/ChampeAPExamRegistration by March 1, 2018. Payment can be made online through the payment portal http://tinyurl.com/JCHSAPfees or via cash or check (made payable to JCHS) to the Office of School Counseling.
If a family needs to arrange for a payment plan or anticipates difficulty in paying for the exam, the family should speak confidentially with the school principal or director of school counseling. Please feel free to email Christi Campbell at Christi.Campbell@lcps.org. If your child receives free or reduced lunch, these exam fees are covered by LCPS. If a student on free or reduced lunch indicates they would like to test but does not sit for the exam, they will be charged a fee of $15 for an unused exam.
The dates of the AP exams are below. This schedule is the specific dates of individual AP exams scheduled for May 7 through May 18, 2018. Please make every effort to schedule vacations, appointments, or other activities on dates that do not conflict with the testing dates. Make-up testing is permitted for verified emergencies only.
Please take the time to read the College Board’s Bulletin for AP Students and Parents. https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/digitalServices/pdf/ap/ap-bulletin-students-parents.pdf
If you have questions about AP exams, please contact your child’s school counselor. We wish your child a successful academic experience.
Academic Support at JCHS
Every block faculty-selected peer mentors are available in room 1312. Students can go during advisory with a pass. Passes are available every morning in room 1312.
Teachers are available before or after school. Students are encouraged to be proactive in talking with their teachers about areas of weakness and assistance needed.
Is your child struggling in Math? The math department has set up many support systems. For more information please see their online guide at http://www.lcps.org/Page/185156
Social Studies has established a VISION page for help. The Directions for how to get there and enroll can be found at http://www.lcps.org/Page/144068
Science also has posted resources online at http://www.lcps.org/Page/179637.
SOURCES OF STRENGTH
#Trustedadult
Putting things into words often helps. Sometimes it’s just good to say what’s on your mind. Talking to someone could make you feel like you don’t have to deal with it on your own.
College Planning for January
9th & 10th Grade
- Check your PSAT score online
- Link your scores with Khan Academy and begin looking at the descrepancies.
11th Grade
Start/continue your college search.
This includes attending college fairs and college financial aid sessions. Start to think about visiting some college campuses to see which ones suit you. Continue to research colleges through their websites, college fairs, admissions representatives and applications, books, and college guides. By doing this, you will get an idea of what's required and take the mystery out of the process.You may want to research military academies and colleges. Review websites and meet with military representatives when they visit your school or visit the schools. Most military academies and colleges start the admissions process earlier than traditional colleges and universities. You may need to take the ASVAB test as part of the admissions process.
Register for the SAT/ACT
12th Grade
- Keep a watch out for scholarship applications and make notes of the deadlines. Getting an early start completing them.
- Do not let senioritis get a grip on you this semester, finish strong on your last semester of high school.
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PSAT Scores are IN!!!
The College Board released PSAT scores December 13. All 9th-11th grade students who were present on October 11th, took the PSAT. All 9th grade students took the PSAT 9 and 10th/11th grade students took the PSAT/NMSQT.
More than ever before, the PSAT supports students on their path to college readiness. Like all of the assessments in the SAT Suite, the PSAT offers scores and reports that provide insightful information about individual student performance on the assessment, including a predicted SAT score and their progress toward the college readiness benchmarks.
Students have two options for accessing their PSAT scores:
- Through your College Board account (best method)
- Viewing your paper score report (not available until January, once received they will be distributed to students, along with your test book)
To access your scores online, log in to an existing College Board account or create a new one at http://studentscores.collegeboard.org. Once students have set up their College Board account, they will need to log in to the account to access score information. Students should enter their username and password. They will be redirected to their SAT Suite of Assessments score reporting portal, with their most recent test showing first.
If your most recent test is missing, you can use the "Missing Scores" link to update your personal information and provide your access code (will be provided on paper score reports in January) or student ID that will match your scores to your account.
To understand more about how to read your PSAT score report online and learn how ready you are for college, please watch this helpful video created by the College Board, Understanding Your PSAT Score Report. In addition, below you will find two handouts for Understanding Your PSAT Score Report. One is for the PSAT 9 and the other is for the PSAT/NMSQT.
Now that you have your PSAT scores, you can link your College Board and Khan Academy accounts to access FREE, personalized practice on Khan Academy. By following three simple steps, you'll be able to start practicing for the SAT with a focus on the areas you need the most help. Watch this video to learn how to link your College Board account with Khan Academy for FREE SAT Prep.
The PSAT is much more than a test. We hope you will utilize your results as you prepare for your future.
Upcoming College Application Deadlines
For additional information, please refer to our JCHS website https://www.lcps.org/Page/82871
January 15 college deadline - due to counselor on January 2
February 1 college deadline - due to counselor on January 18
February 15 college deadline - due to counselor on February 1
March 1 and beyond college deadline - due to counselor on February 14
ACT and SAT
ACT
Test date - February 10, register by January 12
Test date - April 14, register by March 9
Test date - June 9, register by May 4
Test date - July 14, register by June 15
FREE ACT STUDY GUIDE: https://www.mometrix.com/academy/act-study-guide/
SAT
Test date - March 10, register by February 9
Test date - May 5, register by April 6
Test date - June 2, May 3
SAT Prep with Huntington Learning Center
Huntington Learning Center and the PTSA have teamed up to offer SAT Prep Courses at JCHS. The cost is $895 and includes the 35 hour course with two proctored SAT tests and all materials. All proceeds go the PTSA. Funds raised go toward technology for our classrooms. To register click here
Huntington will also offer an ACT Practice Test at JCHS February 17, 2018 at 9:00am. The cost of this test is $15.00. To Register click here.
Revolution Test Prep Webinars
ACT Prep at JCHS pg 1
ACT Prep at JCHS pg 2
Scholarship information! Late fall/winter is peak scholarship time and we want to pass along some important information and links:
The JCHS scholarship page lists local opportunities geared towards JCHS students: https://www.lcps.org/Page/116832
The LCPS scholarship page contains an extensive list of scholarship opportunities open to students throughout the district: https://www.lcps.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=1914
Both scholarship pages will be updated throughout the winter as new opportunities arise, so we encourage you to check back frequently.
How to Apply for Scholarships:
- Read the scholarship requirements and select scholarships for which you qualify
- Check for links to applications on the Loudoun County Public Schools website or the individual School Counseling website. If the application is not available online, request it from the Career Center/School Counseling Office
- Neatly and completely provide the information requested on the application. Type, word process, or print.
- Proofread. Check for spelling and grammatical errors.
- Submit the completed application with any other information that is required prior to the due date.
- Follow the JCHS School Counseling office's procedures for obtaining a transcript. Unless otherwise stated, each application requires a transcript.
Additional Scholarship Links:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search
THINGS THAT HAVE COME ACROSS OUR DESK
Janelia-LCPS Summer Internship Program
About Janelia
Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) is a science philanthropy whose mission is to advance biomedical research and science education for the benefit of humanity. We empower exceptional scientists and student to pursue fundamental questions about living systems. Opened in 2006, HHMI's Janelia Research Campus is a pioneering research center in Ashburn, VA, where scientists pursue biology's most challenging problems in a uniquely innovative and collaborative atmosphere. Janelia researchers are dedicated to understanding the function of neural circuits and developing synergistic imaging technology.
Program Information
The Janelia-LCPS Summer Internship Program will offer high school students attending Loudoun County Public Schools the opportunity to spend 8 weeks at Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Janelia Research Campus, performing research using state-of-the-art technology and methods to answer questions in biology and computational science under the guidance of group leaders, scientists and engineers. Selected students will have the opportunity to attend seminars by Janelia researchers, as well as to participate in journal clubs and other events.
In 2018 the program will run from June 18th to August 10th. Please note that this is a full-time paid internship to which you will be dedicating 40 hours per week, and therefore it is expected that you will not undertake other organized activities that conflict with the program and will plan vacations around the internship dates. Students selected will be responsible for their own housing, food, and travel to and from Janelia.
Eligibility
We accept applications for students attending an LCPS high school who are in good academic standing and will be 16 years old by June 13, 2018.
We are looking for students with strong biology and computational background who have demonstrated a high level of academic standard and have experience in scientific research. Projects are expected to cover a wide variety of topics including machine learning algorithms, data annotation, reconstruction of neural networks, animal behavior and optogenetics.
Application Materials
For full consideration, applications must be received before 5 pm on January 31, 2018. The application materials (Resume, statement of purpose, and description of activities) must be emailed as a single, combined PDF document to science@lcps.org. The file must be named with the student’s last name and LCPS student number, e.g. Smith12345. Include “Janelia-LCPS Summer Internship Program” in the subject line of the email.
- An up-to-date resume. The resume must include the LCPS student ID number.
- A 250-300 word statement of purpose. The statement of purpose should briefly describe your reasons for applying to the program.
- In 500 words or less, please describe any activities in or beyond the classroom that show potential for leadership in science and mathematics, for example:
- Participation in mathematics, science, and engineering competitions.
- Completion of scientific or engineering projects.
- Experience coding in Python, MATLAB, C, C++, or other languages.
- Completion of university-level coursework.
- Experience conducting original scientific research.
- One letter of recommendation from a math or science teacher. Only one letter of recommendation will be accepted. The letter should be from a teacher who has taught you in an academic class in high-school and who can talk about how you interact with your peers and classmates, how well prepare you are for your classes, the level of engagement in the classroom as well as your dedication to school activities. The letter of recommendation must be submitted directly by the teacher to science@lcps.org with the subject line “Letter of Recommendation for Applicant Last Name, Applicant First Name”, and must include the student’s LCPS student number.
- You will not need to submit a transcript with the application materials, but please be aware that your transcript will be accessed and reviewed by LCPS staff as part of the selection process.
- No additional materials will be accepted or considered.
Evaluation and Selection Process
Top candidates will be contacted by email to schedule an interview by February 28, 2018. Once interviews have been completed, all applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by March 30, 2018.
Questions should be directed to science@lcps.org.
The information is also posted at:
Engineering Innovation - A Johns Hopkins Summer Program for High School Students
The Johns Hopkins Engineering Innovation Summer (EI) Program is looking for motivated high school students interested in learning more about a career in engineering.
EI is the summer version of a freshman course offered to undecided engineering majors at JHU. We have condensed the semester-long course into four weeks. During the course, students complete lab activities in computer, chemical, electrical, computer, civil, mechanical engineering, materials science and robotics. They also prepare a presentation in response to a Request for Proposal, learn about engineering economics, write a research paper, build a spaghetti bridge, and have the opportunity to earn college credit.
Please take time to view a short video to hear from our past students. This video is found on our website: https://ei.jhu.edu/engineering-overview-video/.
This course is rigorous, and students must have As and Bs in their high school math and science classes. They also must have taken the following subjects to be eligible to apply:
- Algebra II
- Lab Science (physics, chemistry, or biology)
- Trigonometry, or have learned to use the trig functions – up through the application of the laws of sines and cosines to resolve non-right angle triangles in another math course
- Most students are rising Juniors and Seniors in high school
Sites
Maryland
- Hood College – Frederick, MD – commuter and residential
- JHU Applied Physics Lab Campus – Laurel, MD – commuter only
- JHU Homewood Campus – Baltimore, MD – commuter and residential
- JHU Montgomery County MD Campus – Rockville, MD – commuter only
- Loyola University Maryland – Baltimore, MD – commuter only
District of Columbia
- University of the District of Columbia – Washington, DC – commuter only
Important Dates:
- EI Course: For most sites: June 25, – July 20, 2018; Monday – Friday; 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Online Application Available: December 15, 2017
- First Deadline: February 15, 2018
- Financial Aid Priority Deadline: March 15, 2018
- International Student Deadline: April 15, 2018
For more information please visit our website: https://ei.jhu.edu/.
Please share the Engineering Innovation video with your students:
CHARACTER CHALLENGE
MENTAL HEALTH MOMENT
Many people can experience feelings of anxiety or depression during the holiday season. People who already live with a mental health condition should take extra care to tend to their overall health and wellness during this time.
Extra stress, unrealistic expectations or even sentimental memories that accompany the season can be a catalyst for the holiday blues. Some can be at risk for feelings of loneliness, sadness, fatigue, tension and a sense of loss.
A lot of seasonal factors can trigger the holiday blues such as, less sunlight, changes in your diet or routine, alcohol at parties, over-commercialization or the inability to be with friends or family. These are all factors that can seriously affect your mood.
Having the blues after the holiday? Come see us!
Jennifer Thomas, School Social Worker
Brian Sorg, School Psychologist
POSITIVE QUOTES FOR LIFE
Volunteer Opportunities are posted online at https://www.lcps.org/Page/109833