Today during activity period, we handed out schedules to all students and asked that they review their schedules for errors - missing a required class, missing a period, etc.
Students were reminded that schedules are created for the year and elective changes are not to happen at this point.... this is merely a double check for the double checks the counselors have done. This helps smooth the start of 2nd semester considerably.
Again, schedules in our corporation are set for the year. This is not a time for elective changes - this is a time to assure a smooth transition to 2nd semester.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
in Senior English classes - signing up for FAFSA PIN
Mr Poyer is meeting in Senior English classes and having students go on-line and register for their PIN.
www.pin.ed.gov log on to get electronic signature PIN for FAFSA.
This is required for the electronic FAFSA form.
Paper FAFSA takes about 10 weeks for initial paperwork, then another 10 for revisions. electronic takes a matter of days.
Parents must get a PIN separate from their student - Mr Poyer handed out 'homework' sheets for students to take to their parents.
FAFSA's are completed after January 1st using 2008 tax information.
Mr Poyer stated: get FAFSA apps in early so benefit from the most money.
Talk to your financial aid office once the FAFSA is completed - they may have discretionary funds to give out (they decide who gets it).
We've posted financial aid dates in January - those posters will be in senior classes (should already be posted).
Murray and Associates will be in our building in January. They are a free service (paid for by Madison County Community Foundation) to help you figure out the true cost of college, work through financial aid, etc. They are a free service you can use throughout your college career. More info to come in February.
www.pin.ed.gov log on to get electronic signature PIN for FAFSA.
This is required for the electronic FAFSA form.
Paper FAFSA takes about 10 weeks for initial paperwork, then another 10 for revisions. electronic takes a matter of days.
Parents must get a PIN separate from their student - Mr Poyer handed out 'homework' sheets for students to take to their parents.
FAFSA's are completed after January 1st using 2008 tax information.
Mr Poyer stated: get FAFSA apps in early so benefit from the most money.
Talk to your financial aid office once the FAFSA is completed - they may have discretionary funds to give out (they decide who gets it).
We've posted financial aid dates in January - those posters will be in senior classes (should already be posted).
Murray and Associates will be in our building in January. They are a free service (paid for by Madison County Community Foundation) to help you figure out the true cost of college, work through financial aid, etc. They are a free service you can use throughout your college career. More info to come in February.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Financial dates - seniors, mark your calendars
The tentative date for the financial aid assistance night for parents at Highland High High School is scheduled for January 29,2009.
College Goal Sunday on February 15, 2009, at 36 locations statewide
FAFSA Friday on February 27, 2009, which will provide online help via the Web and online videos.
- more info to follow as more details become available!
College Goal Sunday on February 15, 2009, at 36 locations statewide
FAFSA Friday on February 27, 2009, which will provide online help via the Web and online videos.
- more info to follow as more details become available!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
principal meeting with seniors re: F's
our Principal has been working to meet with seniors individually who have earned an 'F' in a required class.
counselors are continuing to meet individually with seniors to discuss graduation, cooleges, post high school plans, etc.
counselors are continuing to meet individually with seniors to discuss graduation, cooleges, post high school plans, etc.
letters sent out on 11/20/08 to 9th, 10th, 11th
On Novenber 20th, the guidance dept sent out 762 letters to 9th, 10th & 11th graders.
These letters were sent out in response to 1st 6 weeks grades, but in conjunction with 2nd 6 weeks report cards. The intention was to tie the entire semester together.
Students fell into 1 of 2 categories:
1) received 3.0 honors or above (honor roll)
"The guidance office would like to take this opportunity to commend you on an excellent start to the 2008-9 school year!
We are sending out this note in conjunction with your second 6 weeks report card to encourage you to continue working hard and talk to your teacher about where you stand. Remember, your transcript reflects the semester grade, your 6th week grade factors into your semester grade. Take this grade as an encouragement to work harder. Make sure you are communicating with your teachers if you are not performing as well as you would like. "
2) Received a minimum of 1 F in a required area
"Your first 6 weeks grades have been posted and have raised concerns for the guidance office. We are sending out this note in conjunction with your second 6 weeks report card to encourage you to continue working hard and talk to your teacher about where you stand and how to improve you semester grade.
Remember, your transcript reflects the semester grade, your 6th week grade factors into your semester grade. Take this grade as an encouragement to work harder. Make sure you are communicating with your teachers if you are not performing as well as you would like. "
both letters ended with :
"If you would like to speak with us about your grades, please request to see your assigned counselor or the counseling intern. ‘Request to see counselor’ sheets are available in the guidance office.
Highland High School offers free tutoring for Math and English after school, check with your teachers for a schedule of when that is offered.
The Rose Hulman Homework Hotline also offers free assistance in Math and Science Sun-Thursday 7-10 pm. They can assist with individual homework questions and they have all of the textbooks Indiana schools are using in these subjects. Call 1-877-ASK-ROSE or visit http://www.AskRose.org
There are also other tutoring services available for students in other subjects, but may be at cost to students. Please see the counseling office for more information.
HHS staff is here to help you reach your goals but you are ultimately responsible for your success here at Highland.
Good luck! "
These letters were sent out in response to 1st 6 weeks grades, but in conjunction with 2nd 6 weeks report cards. The intention was to tie the entire semester together.
Students fell into 1 of 2 categories:
1) received 3.0 honors or above (honor roll)
"The guidance office would like to take this opportunity to commend you on an excellent start to the 2008-9 school year!
We are sending out this note in conjunction with your second 6 weeks report card to encourage you to continue working hard and talk to your teacher about where you stand. Remember, your transcript reflects the semester grade, your 6th week grade factors into your semester grade. Take this grade as an encouragement to work harder. Make sure you are communicating with your teachers if you are not performing as well as you would like. "
2) Received a minimum of 1 F in a required area
"Your first 6 weeks grades have been posted and have raised concerns for the guidance office. We are sending out this note in conjunction with your second 6 weeks report card to encourage you to continue working hard and talk to your teacher about where you stand and how to improve you semester grade.
Remember, your transcript reflects the semester grade, your 6th week grade factors into your semester grade. Take this grade as an encouragement to work harder. Make sure you are communicating with your teachers if you are not performing as well as you would like. "
both letters ended with :
"If you would like to speak with us about your grades, please request to see your assigned counselor or the counseling intern. ‘Request to see counselor’ sheets are available in the guidance office.
Highland High School offers free tutoring for Math and English after school, check with your teachers for a schedule of when that is offered.
The Rose Hulman Homework Hotline also offers free assistance in Math and Science Sun-Thursday 7-10 pm. They can assist with individual homework questions and they have all of the textbooks Indiana schools are using in these subjects. Call 1-877-ASK-ROSE or visit http://www.AskRose.org
There are also other tutoring services available for students in other subjects, but may be at cost to students. Please see the counseling office for more information.
HHS staff is here to help you reach your goals but you are ultimately responsible for your success here at Highland.
Good luck! "
College visits
The counselors have visited with a few college reps in the last few weeks....
MrPoyer & Ms Mullins met with Bradley University on Friday 11/7/08, Ms Mullins took a tour of Depauw (Greencastle) on Saturday 11/8/08, and all counselors met with Ivy Tech representatives on Friday 11/21. One thing I heard repeatedly was that colleges want students to talk with them, to look and see what they offer.
While at Depauw, I met with the athletic department. Each campus handles their visits a little differently. Depauw had breakout sessions and I had never heard from an athletic department before. This was quite enlightening. If a student is considering participating in athletics in college, I would encourage you to schedule a meeting with the athletic dept. at colleges of interest. The gentleman encouraged student to contact coaches of sports they are interested in and to send a video of a game (not highlights, anybody ccan look great in highlights). the president of the university met with all in attendance and talkked about seeing if the campus feels like a place you'd want to be - I think this is very important. you want to get the right fit.
MrPoyer & Ms Mullins met with Bradley University on Friday 11/7/08, Ms Mullins took a tour of Depauw (Greencastle) on Saturday 11/8/08, and all counselors met with Ivy Tech representatives on Friday 11/21. One thing I heard repeatedly was that colleges want students to talk with them, to look and see what they offer.
While at Depauw, I met with the athletic department. Each campus handles their visits a little differently. Depauw had breakout sessions and I had never heard from an athletic department before. This was quite enlightening. If a student is considering participating in athletics in college, I would encourage you to schedule a meeting with the athletic dept. at colleges of interest. The gentleman encouraged student to contact coaches of sports they are interested in and to send a video of a game (not highlights, anybody ccan look great in highlights). the president of the university met with all in attendance and talkked about seeing if the campus feels like a place you'd want to be - I think this is very important. you want to get the right fit.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
New scholarship list posted
Both on www.acsc.net website and on counseling department bulletin board.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Mrs Wicker attended Indiana School Counseling conference Nov 6 & 7, 2008
Notes from Mrs. Wicker----HHS counselor (S-Z)
After attending the Indiana School Counselors Association Fall Conference, I confirmed what I had already suspected—Highland High School is a great school and has many opportunities in place for students to be successful! There are, however, changes coming for all Indiana high schools. Starting with the class of 2012 (our freshmen), all students must pass the End of Course Assessment (ECA) for Algebra 1 and English 10. This replaces the Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE). These same students will also be taking the ECA for Biology.
High schools must also offer 2 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 2 Dual-credit courses (i.e. Ivy Tech English and Math). Highland offers 13 AP courses and 2 Dual-credit courses. By taking a rigorous course of study in high school, our graduates will be in good shape for college.
Seniors who plan to attend a post-secondary school should now be in the process of applying to colleges. Any senior who is a 21st Century Scholar should be receiving important paperwork detailing the exit interview process, applying for college, and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All families of seniors are encouraged to fill out a FAFSA after Jan. 1, 2009. For more information, go to
www.fafsa.ed.gov. We will have more information in the future about College Goal Sunday, Feb.15, 2009---a great way to get free help with your financial aid application.
This is an exciting time for our students, but it can also be confusing. Be sure to contact your student’s counselor if you have specific questions.
After attending the Indiana School Counselors Association Fall Conference, I confirmed what I had already suspected—Highland High School is a great school and has many opportunities in place for students to be successful! There are, however, changes coming for all Indiana high schools. Starting with the class of 2012 (our freshmen), all students must pass the End of Course Assessment (ECA) for Algebra 1 and English 10. This replaces the Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE). These same students will also be taking the ECA for Biology.
High schools must also offer 2 Advanced Placement (AP) courses and 2 Dual-credit courses (i.e. Ivy Tech English and Math). Highland offers 13 AP courses and 2 Dual-credit courses. By taking a rigorous course of study in high school, our graduates will be in good shape for college.
Seniors who plan to attend a post-secondary school should now be in the process of applying to colleges. Any senior who is a 21st Century Scholar should be receiving important paperwork detailing the exit interview process, applying for college, and filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All families of seniors are encouraged to fill out a FAFSA after Jan. 1, 2009. For more information, go to
www.fafsa.ed.gov. We will have more information in the future about College Goal Sunday, Feb.15, 2009---a great way to get free help with your financial aid application.
This is an exciting time for our students, but it can also be confusing. Be sure to contact your student’s counselor if you have specific questions.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Week of November 3rd
Wednesday November 5th is a half day/professional development day.
Students will be released at noon.
Mrs Wicker will be attending the ISCA fall conference on Thursday/Friday
Mr Poyer & Ms Mullins will be attending an informational meeting hosted by Bradley University on Friday.
Students will be released at noon.
Mrs Wicker will be attending the ISCA fall conference on Thursday/Friday
Mr Poyer & Ms Mullins will be attending an informational meeting hosted by Bradley University on Friday.
VA benefit info came across my desk today
"The natural or legally adopted child(ren) of a disabled veteran may be eligible for remission of fees (free tuition) at any state-supported post secondary school or university in the State of Indiana. This applies at any age as long as the child was adopted by age 24 and the child is a resident of Indiana. The Remission of Fees is good for 124 semester hours of education and may be used for either undergraduate or graduate level work. The amount remitted is 100% of tuition and all mandatory fees. The term "mandatory fees" is defined as any fee that must be paid by every student attending the institution. Ref: IC 21-14-4-1, IC 10-5-16.5-3." pays 100%.
Check out website http://www.in.gov/dva/2828.htm.
Check out website http://www.in.gov/dva/2828.htm.
Friday, October 31, 2008
counselors continue meeting individually with seniors
It is our goal to meet with each senior individually to discuss graduation plans, applications, scholarships, Financial aid (info coming in January), etc. Counselors are about 1/2 way through meeting with seniors.
Graduation meeting 10/30/08 - cap/gown sale 11/5/08
This meeting was called by Mr Finger, our principal.
students were called to the auditorium for an afternoon activity period meeting. Kevin Mitchell, our Herff Jones rep, was here to talk to students about graduation items for sale.
All orders must be placed on Wednesday Nov 5, 2008. orders will be taken at lunches (9:01am-10:27am - due to waiver day, shortened day) or from 2:30pm - 6pm in main lobby.
the 2009 Graduation Catalog was handed out to all students in attendance (copies will be delivered to the alternative school on Monday). Copies of the catalog were also left in the principal's office of HHS.
the rep said the cost of items goes up if ordered late.... Cap/gown/tassel $35.50 on Wednesday
Mr Finger spoke with students about the commencement ceremony and expectations of behavior.
students were called to the auditorium for an afternoon activity period meeting. Kevin Mitchell, our Herff Jones rep, was here to talk to students about graduation items for sale.
All orders must be placed on Wednesday Nov 5, 2008. orders will be taken at lunches (9:01am-10:27am - due to waiver day, shortened day) or from 2:30pm - 6pm in main lobby.
the 2009 Graduation Catalog was handed out to all students in attendance (copies will be delivered to the alternative school on Monday). Copies of the catalog were also left in the principal's office of HHS.
the rep said the cost of items goes up if ordered late.... Cap/gown/tassel $35.50 on Wednesday
Mr Finger spoke with students about the commencement ceremony and expectations of behavior.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
scholarship list
A new list will be available on friday 10/31/08.
The list will be posted in the guidance office, on the bulleting board - just inside the door. also available on the school website early next week @ acsc.net/hhs
The list will be posted in the guidance office, on the bulleting board - just inside the door. also available on the school website early next week @ acsc.net/hhs
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Wednesday Oct 22, 2008
Mr Owens, Mr Poyer and Ms Mullins attended Department of Education meeting. Topics covered included: ISTEP/end of course assessments, response to intervention, College board quick start program, and the High School roundup - review of laws, new developments, etc.
some valuable wesites that were discussed:
number2.com prep for SAT website
knowhow2go.org
some valuable wesites that were discussed:
number2.com prep for SAT website
knowhow2go.org
Monday, October 20, 2008
senior class meeting Tuesday 10/21/08 during activity period
counselors met with seniors today during a slightly extended activity period. We handed out Indiana Next: A Guide to Life After High School magazine from the Indiana DOE. we also distributed handouts with the booklet: 1) Stuff seniors need to Know (lists counselors emails, blog address, ACSC website address, specific senior info) 2) college/career/ scholarship search sites 3&4) pin.ed.gov information relating to FAFSA, sign u to take the ACT/SAT, turn in college apps, & in-house scholarship highlights.
specific topics discussed in meeting were:
SAT registration - Mr Poyer. met with all seniors last year in their US history classes & helped them with SAT registration process, most students only have to log on & pick a date & pay (waivers available for qualified students).
College apps - A number of Nov 1 deadlines - be aware of deadlines for your college. may limit admission to selective programs, scholarships, etc. get apps in early. check deadlines over fall break & let counselor know if you have a deadline pending. Print counselor page, get to your counselor.
SAT - don't wait to apply on scores, get application in, test scores will catch up. you may want to take the test again, if you improve your score, you may increase scholarship opportunities (check with your college).
FAFSA - cannot fill out til January, we will have Financial Aid meeting night. register for yourPIN so you can file electronically. this increases your response time from up to 8 weeks to 3 days.
Scholarships - don't come to you. you have to go to them. Check the list posted around the building & on school website.
students were told to let counselors what they need because all students are different. We try to let them know what we think they need to know.
booklets available in guidance office and at alternative school as of 10/22/08.
specific topics discussed in meeting were:
SAT registration - Mr Poyer. met with all seniors last year in their US history classes & helped them with SAT registration process, most students only have to log on & pick a date & pay (waivers available for qualified students).
College apps - A number of Nov 1 deadlines - be aware of deadlines for your college. may limit admission to selective programs, scholarships, etc. get apps in early. check deadlines over fall break & let counselor know if you have a deadline pending. Print counselor page, get to your counselor.
SAT - don't wait to apply on scores, get application in, test scores will catch up. you may want to take the test again, if you improve your score, you may increase scholarship opportunities (check with your college).
FAFSA - cannot fill out til January, we will have Financial Aid meeting night. register for yourPIN so you can file electronically. this increases your response time from up to 8 weeks to 3 days.
Scholarships - don't come to you. you have to go to them. Check the list posted around the building & on school website.
students were told to let counselors what they need because all students are different. We try to let them know what we think they need to know.
booklets available in guidance office and at alternative school as of 10/22/08.
data for Wednesday 10/15/08
We had a great and productive morning at HHS.
Counselors broadcast to 15 freshmen rooms. We talked about what a transcript is, discussed 4 very different transcripts, and asked students to fill out a survey reflecting on their 1st 6 weeks grades (copy of their report card was handed out for reference). We also completed a few career/interest surveys. We reached 352 students this morning.
Counselors broadcast PSAT instructions to 28 classrooms. We had 575 10th & 11th grade students participate in the PSAT today.
ASVAB was taken by a high number of seniors (actual number not available for posting at this time).
Counselors broadcast to 15 freshmen rooms. We talked about what a transcript is, discussed 4 very different transcripts, and asked students to fill out a survey reflecting on their 1st 6 weeks grades (copy of their report card was handed out for reference). We also completed a few career/interest surveys. We reached 352 students this morning.
Counselors broadcast PSAT instructions to 28 classrooms. We had 575 10th & 11th grade students participate in the PSAT today.
ASVAB was taken by a high number of seniors (actual number not available for posting at this time).
Friday, October 10, 2008
Wednesday October 15, 2008
Wednesday October 15th will be a busy morning at Highland High School.
9th, 10th, 11th will be assigned to classrooms (list to be posted Monday)
12th will report to the cafeteria. see descriptions of testing below for each grade/group.
The PSAT
The state is paying for all sophomores and juniors to take the PSAT this year - what a great opportunity!!! The students get tremendous feedback about how they tested on the practice SAT, ways to improve their scores for the SAT, as well as getting connected with college/university resources.
The PSAT will be broadcast over channel 92 to classrooms, just like ISTEP.
If students take the PSAT/NMSQT, they have free access to My College QuickStart, a free personalized college and career planning kit based on the test results.
My College QuickStart includes these features:
My Online Score Report - An enhanced score report that allows you to review each test question, your answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations.
My SAT Study Plan - A customized SAT study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skills for review and practice.
My College Matches - A starter list of colleges based on your home state and indicated choice of major.
My Major & Career Matches - Personalized lists of majors and careers plus access to a personality assessment that suggests other compatible possibilities.
Advanced junior students can also qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
Seniors will be taking the ASVAB in the cafeteria that morning.
The ASVAB
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a comprehensive career exploration and planning program that includes a multiple aptitude test battery, an interest inventory, and various career planning tools designed to help students explore the world of work.
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is intended for use with students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, as well as students in post-secondary schools. The Program provides tools, including the test battery and interest inventory, developed by the Department of Defense to help high school and post-secondary students across the nation learn more about career exploration and planning. Results of the aptitude test and the interest inventory enable students to evaluate their skills, estimate performance in academic and vocational endeavors, and identify potentially satisfying careers. These results are integrated with work values to help students identify and prioritize possible career choices. Students are encouraged to consider their own work-related values and other important personal preferences as they explore the world of work and learn career exploration skills that will benefit them throughout their work lives.
Freshmen will be assigned to classrooms. Our intern, Mrs. Rebecca Gluff will be broadcasting on Channel 88.
Teachers in the freshman rooms will receive a packet that will include a guidance office survey, a 4H assessment, & a career assessment (we are still working on the details).
We are working up a survey to go along with the first 6 weeks grade cards.
We've printed all report cards & will sort them by student name list so they travel to the class the freshman is in. Kids can reference these as take survey (so know their grades).
Would like to do a Holland code with them & have them record results.
9th, 10th, 11th will be assigned to classrooms (list to be posted Monday)
12th will report to the cafeteria. see descriptions of testing below for each grade/group.
The PSAT
The state is paying for all sophomores and juniors to take the PSAT this year - what a great opportunity!!! The students get tremendous feedback about how they tested on the practice SAT, ways to improve their scores for the SAT, as well as getting connected with college/university resources.
The PSAT will be broadcast over channel 92 to classrooms, just like ISTEP.
If students take the PSAT/NMSQT, they have free access to My College QuickStart, a free personalized college and career planning kit based on the test results.
My College QuickStart includes these features:
My Online Score Report - An enhanced score report that allows you to review each test question, your answer, and the correct answer with answer explanations.
My SAT Study Plan - A customized SAT study plan based on your PSAT/NMSQT test performance, highlighting skills for review and practice.
My College Matches - A starter list of colleges based on your home state and indicated choice of major.
My Major & Career Matches - Personalized lists of majors and careers plus access to a personality assessment that suggests other compatible possibilities.
Advanced junior students can also qualify for the National Merit Scholarship.
Seniors will be taking the ASVAB in the cafeteria that morning.
The ASVAB
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is a comprehensive career exploration and planning program that includes a multiple aptitude test battery, an interest inventory, and various career planning tools designed to help students explore the world of work.
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program is intended for use with students in the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades, as well as students in post-secondary schools. The Program provides tools, including the test battery and interest inventory, developed by the Department of Defense to help high school and post-secondary students across the nation learn more about career exploration and planning. Results of the aptitude test and the interest inventory enable students to evaluate their skills, estimate performance in academic and vocational endeavors, and identify potentially satisfying careers. These results are integrated with work values to help students identify and prioritize possible career choices. Students are encouraged to consider their own work-related values and other important personal preferences as they explore the world of work and learn career exploration skills that will benefit them throughout their work lives.
Freshmen will be assigned to classrooms. Our intern, Mrs. Rebecca Gluff will be broadcasting on Channel 88.
Teachers in the freshman rooms will receive a packet that will include a guidance office survey, a 4H assessment, & a career assessment (we are still working on the details).
We are working up a survey to go along with the first 6 weeks grade cards.
We've printed all report cards & will sort them by student name list so they travel to the class the freshman is in. Kids can reference these as take survey (so know their grades).
Would like to do a Holland code with them & have them record results.
Getting started!
I've decided to start a blog of Guidance happenings at HHS to help keep parents/guardians and students in the know!
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