COUNSELORS' CORNER

Dear Students and Families,

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, October invites us to slow down, reflect, and care for ourselves and others. This month's theme is Fall Into Wellness. It is important to remember to take care of ourselves as much as we take care of others; intentional self-care can make a big impact on our mental health and school community.

Autumn is a season of transition. It’s a great time to check in with yourself and build healthy habits that support emotional and physical well-being. Try these wellness tips:

• Get outside: Enjoy nature walks and fall colors.
• Stay active: Movement helps reduce anxiety and improve mood.
• Eat seasonal foods: Pumpkins, apples, and root veggies are packed with nutrients.
• Practice gratitude: Start a journal or share what you’re thankful for.
• Unplug: Take breaks from screens and social media.

World Mental Health Day – October 10

This year’s theme is “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” It’s a reminder that everyone's story is different and deserves to be shared. Let’s use this day to:

• Start conversations about mental health.
• Share resources with friends and family.
• Participate in kindness challenges to uplift others.

And as always, your counselors are here to support you in being kind to and taking care of yourself. Reach out to us if you have any questions or just want to chat.

Warmly,

Ms. Araki, Mr. Kerber, and Ms. Saiki

Alpha: A - G

Grades: 7th-13th

Email: christine.araki@sweetwaterschools.org

Calendly: https://calendly.com/ms-araki

Last Names: H - Mt

Days: Tuesdays/Thursdays 8:00AM - 3:15PM

Grades: 7th - 13th

Email: ivan.kerber@sweetwaterschools.org

Calendly: https://calendly.com/ivan-kerber-sweetwaterschools

Alpha: Mu - Z

Grades: 7th-13th
Email: karen.saiki@sweetwaterschools.org
Calendly: https://calendly.com/ms-saiki

Having a consistent schedule for sleep, meals, homework, and downtime helps reduce stress and improve focus.

2. Move Your Body

Exercise doesn’t have to be intense—walks, dancing, sports, or even stretching can boost your mood and energy.

3. Fuel Your Brain

Eat balanced meals and stay hydrated. Avoid skipping breakfast and limit sugary snacks and energy drinks.

4. Unplug to Recharge

Take breaks from screens and social media. Try a tech-free hour before bed to improve sleep quality.

5. Talk It Out

Don’t bottle things up. Talk to a trusted adult, friend, or counselor when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

6. Practice Gratitude

Write down three things you're thankful for each day. It helps shift focus from stress to positivity.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Aim for 8–10 hours of sleep. A well-rested brain is better at handling emotions and making decisions.

8. Be Kind to Yourself

Replace negative self-talk with encouragement. Treat yourself like you would treat a friend.

NEW!!! Effective December 2024, SUHSD School Board has reduced the number of required community service hours from 30 to 10.

All community service hours must be pre-approved by the student's Academic Coach prior to completing hours. If you do not go through the pre-approval process, you are at risk of your hours not being counted towards graduation.

Please download the Community Service form here. Hard copies can be made available at Mission Control.

Minors must be at least 15.5 years old to apply for the volunteer and intern opportunities.

Applications for internships and volunteer opportunities are reviewed on an as-needed basis by the various City departments. Submitting an application is not a guarantee of placement. Applications for volunteer opportunities and internships will be kept on file for six months. If you have not been placed in a volunteer position or internship within six months, your application will be purged from the system. Please be aware, submitting multiple applications does not increase your chance for placement. Multiple application submissions within a six month period will be deleted from the system.

Many City departments use volunteers and interns, depending on the time of year, project and priorities, and overall need. If you are interested in a department that utilizes a department-specific application, click on your preferred choice below and complete the application.

• Animal Care Facility Youth Application

• Library - Civic Center Branch Youth Application

• Library - South Branch Youth Application

Help feed hundreds of San Diego's unhoused residents through the Lucky Duck Foundation's Food & Water Initiative. This initiative has distributed more than 2 million meal kits to our unsheltered neighbors since the pandemic began and relies on volunteers like you to keep it going.

All food bagged at the project will be distributed by the Lucky Duck Foundation within the week, feeding those in need.

Sign Up for an upcoming date here.

EarthLab Climate Action Park is a nature space used daily by elementary, middle, and high school students to learn about the environment and have a safe, inspiring place to complete STEM educational experiences. EarthLab hosts monthly activities for the community to learn about the environment and celebrate student achievements.

Come to the EarthLab Climate Action Park to learn about native and water wise plants and how to care and maintain them.

Next Dates: Saturday, November 7, 8:30AM - 11:30AM - Sign up here

Get ready to move fast. Porchlight Community Services rescues thousands of pounds of food each week and redistributes it through a grocery-style, “client-choice” FoodSHARE program. They focus on zero waste, sustainability, and empowering families with choice. Volunteers help make this possible by setting up their community market, managing their food wall hydroponic garden, and dehydrating produce, all in a high-energy, fast-paced environment.

Volunteers will need to stay organized, think on their feet, solve problems as they arise, and maintain safety, cleanliness, and food handling at all times. Perishables must be put away within 20 minutes of arrival to ensure quality and safety.

Volunteers help reduce food waste, promote food justice, and create a dignified, empowering experience for every participant.

Sign up for an upcoming date here

Throughout the year, we may need student volunteers to help support ASB events, assist the main office with tasks, or help teachers. If you would like to be considered for any of these opportunities, please complete this form. You will be contacted if there are any upcoming days that fit your schedule and interests. Please note that priority will be given to seniors who have not fulfilled their community service requirement.

• There are 23 campuses in the CSU system
• Interested in applying to a CSU? Review the admissions requirements to make sure you are eligible.

• There are 9 campuses in the UC system
• Interested in applying to a UC? Review the admissions requirements to make sure you are eligible

The SAT and ACT are standardized tests commonly required by colleges and universities as part of their admissions process. Both exams assess a student's readiness for college-level work, with sections covering reading, math, and writing. The SAT focuses more on reasoning and critical thinking, while the ACT includes a faster-paced format and a science reasoning section. Though the content is similar, the structure and timing of the tests vary, so students should choose the test that best suits their strengths and preferences.

These tests play an important role in the college admissions process by providing a standardized way for schools to evaluate applicants from different backgrounds. While high school grades and extracurricular activities are key factors, SAT and ACT scores help admissions officers compare students more equitably. A strong performance on either exam can enhance an application and demonstrate academic readiness. Additionally, many colleges offer scholarships based on test scores, making a good result potentially beneficial in reducing the cost of higher education.

It’s important to remember that SAT and ACT scores are just one piece of the admissions puzzle. Colleges also consider other factors, such as high school grades, recommendation letters, and personal essays. However, high scores can provide a competitive advantage, especially for selective schools or merit-based scholarships. Students are encouraged to prepare for the tests by practicing, reviewing weak areas, and giving themselves time to feel confident on test day. Preparing well for these exams can help open doors to a wider range of college opportunities.

Want to know if the colleges you are applying to require a college admissions test? Check out FairTest for a list of Test Optional colleges and universities.

California State University (CSU)

• Filing period is October 1 – November 30 (priority deadline)

• www2.calstate.edu/apply

University of California (UC)

• Filing period is October 1 – November 30

• www.universityofcalifornia.edu

Private Colleges

• Deadlines will vary, so check with each school

• https://www.commonapp.org/

There are 23 campuses in the CSU system, from as far south as San Diego State University to Humboldt State in northern California.

Interested in applying to a CSU? Review the admissions requirements to make sure you are eligible.

Unsure which campus you're interested in? Explore the 23 campuses and programs they offer.

There are 9 campuses in the UC system, from UC San Diego to UC Davis.

Interested in applying to a UC? Review the admissions requirements to make sure you are eligible.

Unsure which campus you're interested in? Explore the 9 campuses and programs they offer.

Thinking about going to a college or university outside of California? Check out the Western Undergraduate Exchange program! WUE is America's largest regional interstate tuition savings program.

Explore the 569 HSIs in 28 different states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico

Explore the 79 HBCU's by location, cost and ranking

Interested in going to college and serving your country as a military officer? Find out more about the military academies, their admissions requirements and programs:

• Army (West Point)
• Merchant Marines (Kings Point)
• Navy (Annapolis)
• Coast Guard (New London)
• Air Force (Colorado Springs)

Explore the Ivy Leagues, some of the most competitive colleges and universities

Explore the colleges known as the Seven Sisters to the Ivy League colleges

1. Maintain continuous enrollment in the Sweetwater Union High School District Schools from 9th-12th grade and graduate from a SUHSD high school

2. Demonstrate "compact readiness" in English

3. Demonstrate "compact readiness" in Math

4. Complete the A-G requirements with grades of C or higher by the end of senior year

   1. No D's or F's during senior year

5. Meet the CSU GPA below at the time of application and maintain through the 12th grade

   1. Class of 2027: 3.40
   2. Class of 2028 - 2030: 3.50

6. Meet all SDSU admissions/enrollment deadlines, including first year application to SDSU.

• SAT - score of 550 or higher
• ACT - score of 22 or higher
• Advanced Placement Exam - a score of 3 or higher on either the Language and Composition or Literature and Composition exam
• A college level (100 level or higher) English composition course - completed with a grade of “C” or higher
• Earn a B grade or higher in the following courses during BOTH semesters of their senior year: AP English Language and Composition, AP English Literature and Composition, English IB HL1, English IB HL2, CSU Expository Reading and Writing
• CAASPP/EAP, students who receive “standards exceeded” or “standards met” and show enrollment and successful completion of an approved senior year course and earn a “C” grade or better will meet the readiness requirement

• SAT - score of 570 or higher
• ACT - score of 23 or higher
• Advanced Placement Exam - a score of 3 or higher on the AP Calculus (AB or BC) or AP Statistics exam
• International Baccalaureate - score of 4 or higher
• College Board Math subjects test - score of 570 or higher
• Level 1 or 2 college level Math course (Intermediate algebra level or higher, defined a 100 or higher) - completed with a grade of “C” or higher
• Earn a B grade or higher in the following courses during BOTH semesters of their senior year: AP statistics, AP Calculus, Discrete Math, Pre-Calculus, Calculus Concepts, Math Analysis, Mathematical Studies IB or any course in Area “C” with designation as “Advanced Level Mathematics” course
• CAASPP/EAP, students who receive “standards exceeded” or “standards met” and show enrollment and successful completion of an approved senior year course and earn a “C” grade or better will meet the readiness requirement

Dual Enrollment programs allow Launch Virtual Academy High School students to take courses with Southwestern College. By getting started earlier on college coursework, students can save on tuition costs, develop their academic skills, and improve their college readiness. Certain SWC Courses fulfill SUHSD high school graduation requirements. Courses are given additional "weight" (for grades of A, B, and C) in the overall high school GPA, excluding world language courses and ART 104. A maximum of 6 dual enrollment courses can be posted on the high school transcript.

**College courses are not weighted classes in the calculation for Valedictorian and Salutatorian (AR 5127.1). **College courses are not eligible to fulfill the 13 courses required for an Honors Diploma (AR 6146.6).

There are two dual enrollment programs available to students: California College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) and the High School Special program (HSS)

CA College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP)

• Classes are taught at Olympian High School (fall/spring terms) or at another SUHSD site (summer)

• Students take these courses with their high school peers during regular school hours

• Books are provided and Tuition fees are waived

High School Special Program (HSS)

• Classes are located at SWC Main Campus, Extension Site, or On-line

• Students take these courses with the general community college population. College courses cannot be scheduled in conflict with the student’s regular day courses.

• Certain SWC courses are given elective credit (predetermined by the Request Form/Approval) with student’s Counselor.

• Tuition fees are waived. Students are responsible for books, supplies, and applicable fees.

Before applying to any dual enrollment option, speak with your LVA Counselor.

High School Special Program

• Locations: SWC Main Campus, Extension Sites, online
• Follow these steps to take a Course at SWC (link)
• For any application problems or to check the status of your class enrollment, check with SWC Admissions: Virtual Help/Outreach Lobby

CA Career and Access Pathways (CCAP)

• Location: Synchronous Virtual (Fall/Spring), SUHSD Host Schools (Summer)
• 2026-27 CCAP Students must now register with Ms. Saiki, Counselor
  

GRADES 9 - 12 Dual Enrollment

• Students must get permission prior to enrolling in any Southwestern College course.
• High school credits may not be granted if the student fails to get prior approval from their counselor.

• SWC Courses that fulfill SUHSD requirements

• 2026-2027: CCAP Program (CA Career and Access Pathways - CCAP Students must register with Ms. Saiki, LVA Counselor.

• For any application or student account problems or to check on your enrollment status, contact SWC Admissions: Virtual Help/Outreach Lobby

• SWC Course Catalog

• Disability Support Services

• Free Tuition for Two Years

• Transferring from Community College to University

• California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)

There are 116 community colleges in California offering different options from certificate programs to four year college or university transfer pathways. In order to be admitted to a CA community college, students must have a high school diploma or be 18 years old.

Explore the California Community College system!

Big Future is a free online resource from College Board the helps students plan for college, including searching for schools:

College Search

Use the College Search tool to find schools by type, location, majors, campus life and more. You can also compare your GPA, SAT or ACT scores to enrolled students at each college.

College List

Build and save a list of schools to your profile. Juniors can win a $40,000 Big Future Scholarship by building a college list.

College Fit

Log into your College Board account to see schools that are a good fit for you based on your scores and GPA.

College Types

Learn about the types of colleges to help you find the best choices for you.

Scholarships are available to all Launch Virtual Academy students, grades 7th-12th, but the majority of scholarships will target students in their 11th and 12th grade years.

Stay up-to-date on local scholarships by accessing the Launch Virtual Academy Scholarship Bulletin. This is a live document that is updated on an on-going basis.

Most scholarships will require letters of recommendation. Please use the Request for Letter of Recommendation form and give your recommender at least two weeks notice before a scholarship or college application deadline.

You are also welcome to use any of the national scholarship search engines like Fastweb, Niche or Big Future. Always remember to use a critical eye when reviewing scholarship requirements. You should never pay to apply to a scholarship. When in doubt, reach out to your counselor!

The RIASEC framework uses six themes to describe a person's interest and math them with careers.

When a person's work environment fits their interest themes, they are more likely to perform better at work, achieve greater academic and career success, and may even earn more money than their peers.

• R: Realistic "Doers"
• I: Investigative "Thinkers"
• A: Artistic "Creators"
• S: Social "Helpers"
• E: Enterprising "Persuaders"
• C: Conventional "Organizers"

Discover your themes today!

Use your passions and interests to get matched with possible career paths.

Take this easy, 15 minute quiz to get matched with careers based on your likes and dislikes. Sign into your College Board account to save your career matches after taking the quiz.

How to get a Work Permit All SUHSD students must:

1. Have a 2.0 or higher GPA.
2. Attend school regularly.
3. Interviewing or in the process of being hired.

If you qualify, please follow the steps below.

1. Complete the Work Permit application (SUHSD Form No. B1-1). All highlighted sections must be completed by the appropriate persons.

2. Return the application to Alyed Vargas Escobar at Alyed.VargasEscobar@sweetwaterschools.org

Your Work Permit will be issued within 1-2 business days if you meet the all the requirements. After receiving your Work Permit you will be required to take it to your employer.

Work permits will be canceled if a student no longer meets the requirements. Work
Permits must be renewed each year at the start of school, or if employment changes.

Stay up-to-date on these and other events: LVA Counselor Corner Calendar

August

• Meet with your counselor to review your credits and graduation/promotion progress
• Sign up for credit recovery if you need to make up any missing credits
• Start applying for scholarships (an ongoing process)
• August 14th: Progress Report #1
• Seniors: Attend the Cal-SOAP Future Forward College and Career Conference on Saturday, August 22nd at 8AM at Hilltop High School

September

• September 2nd: SUHSD College and Career Fair @Montgomery High School
• September 2nd: UCSD Informational Webinar, 5:30PM - 6:30PM
• September 4th: Progress Report #2
• September 9th: Point Loma Nazarene University Informational Webinar, 5:30PM - 6:30PM
• September 10th: Senior Parent Night @5PM
• Seniors: review your Senior Credit Check form and meet with your counselor
• September 16th: CSU San Marcos Informational Webinar, 5:30PM - 6:30PM
• September 18th: Q1 Final Grades
• September 21-October 5: Fall Break
• September 23rd: San Diego Community College District Informational Webinar (Mesa, City and Miramar), 5:30PM - 6:30PM
• Finish your Q1 classes during the Fall Break, if necessary

October

• 9th-12th graders: Attend Cal-SOAP Senior JumpStart on Saturday, October 1st at 8AM at San Diego High School
• October 17th: Out of the Darkness Walk at Liberty Station; contact your Academic Coach if you plan on attending to approve your community service hours
• 11th Grade: take the PSAT on October 17th. Junior year PSAT scores may qualify a student for the National Merit Scholarship Competition.
• Begin/Continue to complete community service hours for high school, college & scholarships. Aim for good grades…A’s & B’s.
• Begin applying for scholarships (an ongoing process).
• High School: If you want to participate in Division I or Division II sports in college, start the certification process. Check with your counselor to make sure you are taking a core curriculum that meets NCAA requirements.
• 11th Grade: If you are interested in one of the military academies, talk to you school counselor about starting the application process now.

November

• Have a discussion with your parents about the colleges in which you are interested. Examine financial resources, and gather information about financial aid. Set up a filing system with individual folders for each college’s correspondence.
• Think about college majors and career areas that correspond with your abilities/interests. Begin collecting work samples for colleges that may require a portfolio.
• Meet with your counselor to review the courses you’ve taken and see what you still need to take. Even if your grades haven’t been that good so far, it’s never too late to improve. Colleges like to see an upward trend.
• Thanksgiving Break: November 23 - 27

December

• Take a long, hard look at why you want to continue your education after high school so you will be able to choose the best college or university for your needs.
• Make a list of colleges that meet your most important criteria (size, location, distance from home, majors, academic rigor, housing, and cost). Weigh each of the factors according to their importance to you.
• Review PSAT results and sign up for My College QuickStart.
• Finish your Q2 classes during the Winter Break, if necessary
• Winter Break: December 21 - January 12

January

• January 13th: Students return
• Start Quarter 3 strong!
• Meet with your counselor to review your grad plan progress. Sign up for credit recovery if you need to make up any missing credits
• Collect information about college application procedures, entrance requirements, tuition/fees, room and board costs, activities, course offerings, faculty, accreditation, and financial aid. The Internet is a good way to visit colleges and obtain this information. Begin comparing the schools by the factors that you consider to be most important.
• VISIT Colleges!

February

• Stay involved with your extracurricular activities. Colleges look for consistency and depth in activities.

March

• Work hard on your CAASP/SBAAC! Standardized tests are a great way to see how you are doing in comparison to other students in your grade.
• 11th Grade: Participate in the Early Assessment Program (EAP), which is embedded in your Junior Year CAASP
• Finish your Q3 classes during the Spring Break, if necessary
• Spring Break: March 22 - April 5

April

• Apply for a summer job, internships and/or continue to do community service.

May

• 9th-11th Grade: Consider whom you will ask to write your recommendations. Think about asking teachers who know you well and who will write positive letters about you. Letters from a coach, employers (e.g., volunteer work contact) are also valuable.
• Talk to your counselor about attending Summer School to recover credits or get ahead!
• Scholarship and Awards Ceremony (TBA)

June

• Graduation & Promotion Ceremonies (TBA)
• Continue to evaluate your college list. Aim for good grades!

AVOID PROCRASTINATION

• ASK for assistance, resources and information when you need it
• USE a planner
• PLAN ahead and follow through
• STAY on task
• MEET deadlines

STAY HEALTHY

• EAT healthy
• GET enough sleep
• EXERCISE

Website: https://www.launchvirtualacademy.org
Location: 1775 Millenia Avenue, Suite 050, Chula Vista, CA 91915
Phone: 619-498-8806
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/launchsuhsd
Instagram: @LaunchSUHSD

Twitter: @LaunchSUHSD