High School Newsletter

Happy First Day of Fall! 🍁🌻🍂

September is a great time to check in with yourself. Are your routines working? Are you keeping up with assignments? Are you asking for help when you need it? Building strong habits now will make the rest of the school year easier.

We are currently opening our application process for interested 7th-grade families to participate in our Access 2 High School (A2HS) program, held on the campus of Saint Louis University. 7th graders and their families apply this year to become part of our program starting with their 8th grade year.

Who We Are Looking For

We want to target students who would benefit the most from long-term mentoring and guidance, specifically:

• Engaged parents - parents who are involved in their child's education and want them to go on to post-secondary education

• Private high school - parents who are looking for the opportunity to send their child to a private high school.

• First-generation college students - neither parent/guardian completed a four-year college degree.

• Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch - or your entire school is 100% eligible or your school is in a Promise Zone or a district that is 100% eligible.

We are off to a GREAT start!

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us for our Parent Informational Session on Financial Aid! We shared a lot of valuable information, answered some great questions, and hope you left feeling more prepared for the financial aid process. We’ve attached the presentation slides for you to review and reference.

A2HS Parent Engagement

We truly value the partnership between our families and the A2HS team. Parent engagement sessions are an important part of the A2HS experience, and we encourage all families to participate as this is an expectation of the program . Your involvement helps us better support your scholar throughout the program.

Our Scholars Are Off to a Great Start!

Our scholars’ first day got off to an amazing start! We kicked things off with a fun team-building activity that got everyone out of their seats, moving around, and meeting someone new. It was great to see our scholars connecting, participating, and having a good time!

A few important homework reminders:

• All scholars have HS Prep homework due at our next session on October 24.

• Please ask your scholar about the Tree Assignment!
  

• There is also a Family Homework Assignment for families to complete together.

• Scholars taking Spanish will receive weekly homework from their teacher, Ms. Mago via email. Since Spanish scholars meet in person only once a month, these assignments will help them stay engaged and continue practicing their Spanish skills between sessions.

Check Those Emails!

Our new A2HS email address is:

A2HS@accessacademies.org

Please add this address to your contacts/address book so our messages don’t end up in your spam or junk folder!

Where: Students meet in McDonnell Douglas Hall on SLU's Campus, 3450 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103

What: Bring your charged laptop or tablet and a writing utensil. Just like your school, we want you prepared to do your work. Let us know if you don't have a device you can bring.

Absences: If you need to be absent, text the student's name and reason to our Attendance Hotline: (618) 493-4551. Students are allowed one unexcused absence and one tardy per school year with a scholarship reduction each time after.

Here are the dates for the rest of A2C this year:

• 10/24/2026 Juniors have regular class & FAFSA for Seniors
• 11/7/2026
• 12/5/2026
• 1/9/2027
• 2/13/2027 (no class for 11th Grade on 2/13/2027)
• 3/13/2027 (Junior parents also attend)

Absences: If you need to be absent, text the student's name and reason to our Attendance Hotline: (618) 493-4551. Students are allowed one unexcused absence and one tardy per school year with a scholarship reduction each time after.

Need to email us?

A2C- a2c@accessacademies.org

A2HS - a2hs@accessacademies.org

High school students, our fall survey is a great tool for you to share what has been happening so far this semester. All students in the Access Academies program must complete this survey each semester. Your participation is greatly appreciated!

We will visit Lincoln University on Wednesday, October 28,2026 to tour their campus. If you are interested in attending please sign up below. Lunch will be provided. *Space is limited*

Remember: Freshman and Sophomores must complete (1) college/career visit per year and Junior and Seniors must complete (2) per year.

Arrive at SLU for departure- 7:30am

Location: Fitzgerald Hall- 3500 Lindell St. Louis, MO. 63103

Return to SLU for pickup- 4:00pm

RSVP by 10/16/26

1. Go to https://www.nass.org/can-I-vote to check to see if and where you are registered to vote, and complete the online registration if needed. Take a picture or screenshot. If you are ineligible to vote based on citizenship or other factors, you do not need to complete this step.

2. Complete the rest of the form and you will receive a $25 Amazon or Target gift card!

Hey! We created a chat just for Access Scholars & their families where we’ll share important resources, scholarships, internships, events, college opportunities, and more! 🎓✨

Make sure you join so you don’t miss out on opportunities throughout the school year!

👉 Join the chat here: https://groupme.com/join_group/116346649/ARxzYSy4

If you are in need of tutoring, please fill out the form below and answer all questions. Once you complete the form, Ms. Jordyn will reach out and connect you with a tutor when available.

• Open to all students
• Confidential
• In-person and/or referral options

Are you taking a college credit course this semester (AP, 1818, Dual Enrollment, ACC, etc.)? We can cover that fee! Please complete the following information as soon as you have it so we can make payment arrangements for the class.

Be advised that you will only receive college credit for the class if you pass and it is paid for, so be sure to complete this form.

You will need to create a separate submission for each class, and if this is for a year-long class, you will need to resubmit this form each semester.

For Fall Semester classes, submit this form by the end of September. For Spring Semester classes, submit this form by the end of February. We will not pay late fees!

We love celebrating our Access scholars and alumni! Did you graduate, land a new job, join a club, earn a scholarship, make honor roll, get married, welcome a child, receive an award, or have another exciting update? We'd love to hear from you. Your stories help inspire current students and show supporters the long-term impact of Access Academies.

Current Students, parents, and alumni are encouraged to share <3

Questions? Connect with Dave Baldwin at dave.baldwin@accessacademies.org

We’d love to see you there! Please RSVP here. The flyer with additional details is also attached.

Finally, thank you for making sure your scholars arrive to class on time! Your support makes a tremendous difference and helps us create the best possible experience for our scholars.

We are so excited about what’s ahead and are looking forward to an AMAZING year together!

Families are invited to join this parent-led committee and get more involved with the Access Academies community!

The committee offers opportunities to:

• 🎉 Help plan and support events
• 🙌 Volunteer with Access Academies
• 🤝 Connect with other Access families
• 💡 Share ideas and help strengthen our programs

Interested in getting involved? We’d love to have you join us!

👉 Join the committee here: https://groupme.com/join_group/113105488/aWkuz0Ej

• Create a weekly homework schedule.

• Keep your backpack and digital files organized.

• Check your grades regularly.

• Explore one club or activity.

• Keep a list of colleges or careers you want to research.

🔗 Resource: BigFuture College Planning | Career Exploration

Good notes are more than copying everything your teacher says. Write down key ideas, examples, vocabulary, and questions you still have. Try the Cornell Notes method to organize information and make studying easier.

🔗 Resource: Cornell Note-Taking Guide

When researching Lindenwood, explore its majors, campus life, student organizations, athletics, financial aid, and career resources. Think about what type of campus environment helps you learn best.

🔗 Resource: BigFuture College Search

🔗 Resource: BLS Career Profile | Saint Louis University Nursing | UIC Nursing | University of Michigan Nursing

SLUH is happy to host the 2026 Catholic High School Fall Fair on Wednesday, September 23, from 5:30-7 p.m. Families with students in grades 5 and up are invited to explore more than 20 Catholic high schools. Learn more at archstlschools.org.

Next Saturday 9/26, Missouri Dept. of Conservation is hosting Family Fishing at Carondelet Park in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Check out the details below!

Join Missouri Workers Center as a Canvasser in Kansas City or St. Louis! Knock doors, talk to working people, and help shape the November ballot.

$25/hr + cell & gas stipends

Temporary, part-time (through Election Day)

Apply here: https://moworkers.org/get-involved/#application-form

El Mes de la Herencia Hispana es más que una celebración.

También es una oportunidad para apoyar nuestros negocios, conocer organizaciones que trabajan por nuestra comunidad, compartir nuestras tradiciones y crear espacios donde podemos traer nuestra cultura completa con nosotros.

Y por eso te invitamos a Fiesta @ Cortex.

Un lugar para comprar local.

Para aprender.

Para bailar.

Para conocer nuevas personas.

Y para celebrar juntos.

7 de octubre | 5–7:30 PM | Cortex Commons

Gratis. No necesitas registrarte.

Take two minutes to check your voter registration status or register to vote at vote.org.

In Missouri, the deadline to register for the November 3 General Election is October 7.

Learn more about Mi Gente Vota at stlhlg.org/migentevota

#MiGenteVotaMO #NationalVoterRegistrationDay

---

Tómate dos minutos para verificar tu registro electoral o registrarte para votar en vote.org.

En Missouri, la fecha límite para registrarte para las elecciones generales del 3 de noviembre es el 7 de octubre.

Conoce más sobre Mi Gente Vota en stlhlg.org/migentevota

Learn about science happening in our community! Discover a different in-depth topic each month from local scientists in St. Louis. Learn more and sign up: https://buff.ly/5OyhR5K

Presented with Academy of Science - St. Louis

As part of a senior community service project, CBC is offering free family portraits to members of the community.

Event Details:

Families will need to book at appointment at

https://outlook.office.com/book/FamilyPortraitSessions@cbchs.org/?ismsaljsauthenable

There are 8 time slots for each Sunday. If for any reason you need to cancel or reschedule, please use your email confirmation and the same calendar link to do so as SOON as possible. These spots fill up fast and we usually end up with a waitlist.

Choose a Sunday: Sep 27, Oct 14, Oct 11, Nov 1

Time: 12pm to 4pm (appointments are offered every half hour on the 00 & 30).

Location: CBC High School, 1850 De La Salle Dr. St. Louis. (We are the giant castle-looking building near the intersection of 270 and 40/64). We have a photo studio located in the bottom level of the school and will have signs on where to park and enter on the rear of the building.

Cost: Free for all families

Questions: Please email Mrs. Niehaus at CBCPhotography@CBCHS.org.

🎓 High-achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds: take the next step in your college journey. Find out if you're eligible for the National College Match and apply for free: https://lnkd.in/gi68nBXc.

Registration is Required

Start Here provides general information, street addresses, phone numbers, and websites for dozens of agencies, shelters, employment resources, food pantries, and other organizations throughout the St. Louis area.

Website: https://www.startherestl.org/

OFS MetroMarket is rolling across the St. Louis bi-state area, bringing affordable produce, frozen meats, and healthy grocery options closer to the communities we serve.

Swipe to see where we'll be the rest of the week.

View the full schedule: ofsmetromarket.org/schedule

La próxima semana el OFS MetroMarket de Operation Food Search regresa a Casa con alimentos frescos y accesibles para nuestra comunidad.

Fecha: martes, 15 de septiembre

Hora: 2 PM - 4 PM

Lugar: Casa de Salud - 3200 Chouteau

¡Pasa la voz! Gracias a Metro Market por su contribución a la salud y el bienestar de nuestras familias.

¿Quieres aprender a manejar mejor tu dinero, mejorar tu crédito o prepararte para comprar una casa? ¡Esta es tu oportunidad!

Acompáñanos todos los martes de septiembre a las 6:00 p. m. (CST) en nuestras clases virtuales por Zoom.

📅 Temas:

✅ 8 de septiembre: Crea tu mapa financiero: Aprende a presupuestar.
✅ 15 de septiembre: Tarjetas de crédito: De la confusión al control total.
✅ 22 de septiembre: ¿Qué es el crédito?
✅ 29 de septiembre: Conceptos básicos para comprar casa.

🎁 ¡Asistir tiene recompensa! Por cada clase a la que participes, recibirás una entrada para el sorteo de una tarjeta de regalo de $100. ¡Mientras más clases completes, más oportunidades tendrás de ganar!

📲 Regístrate hoy mismo escaneando el código QR del volante.

Comparte esta publicación con tus familiares y amigos. ¡Nunca es tarde para tomar el control de tus finanzas y construir un mejor futuro!

🌐 prosperityconnection.org
📞 Pablo Giraldo: (314) 917-3871
📞 Verónica Guerrero: (314) 371-5113

🔗 Resource: Merriam-Webster Definition

Consistency means doing something regularly over time.