Stay Cool, We're Back in School!

We are off and running into another academic year at City High. Our school counseling team is thrilled to have our wonderful students back in action. Students are the heartbeat of our school and we cannot wait to see the amazing things they accomplish in the days ahead. We look forward to working alongside you this school year. - Your City High School Counselors

Guidelines For Dropping A Class:

Students are encouraged to complete the courses they start; however, in the event a student wishes to withdraw from a course, the following guidelines will be used. 🔽

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Day 1–15: Students may withdraw from a course. No notation will appear on the transcript.

Deadline: Monday, September 14th

Day 16 to three days after Parent/Teacher conferences: A student may withdraw from the course with parent permission. The transcript will reflect a “W” (withdrawn). Three days after Parent/Teacher conferences to End of Trimester: A student may withdraw from the course with parent permission. The transcript will reflect an “F” (failing) grade.

Deadline: Monday, October 26th

Any student who makes a request to drop a course must have prior approval from his/her teacher, counselor, and parent/guardian.

Eligibility: In order to participate in any high school performance and/or to be eligible to participate in a sport or competitive activity, a student must have passed all courses the trimester prior to participation and must be enrolled in minimum of four courses.

*You can always speak with your School Counselor about activity eligibility*

CHS Sophomores and Juniors...It's time to register for the PSAT (Practice SAT)

Registration Deadline: Friday, October 2nd

This test is optional, but it is strongly encouraged for those students who are enrolled in AP and/or accelerated courses, and/or those who plan to take the SAT for college admissions. It is also required for those who wish to compete in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Please note the following:

● Juniors will be given priority for testing.

● The cost of the exam is $20. Payment is required in order to complete registration.

● If you applied for and currently receive free/reduced lunch, the cost will be $15 for Reduced and $0 for Free Lunch.

🔽 Please Complete the Google Registration Form Below (Payment Included) 🔽

The WLC Job Shadow Application deadline is Sept. 23 at 3 p.m (Firm Deadline)

Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) offers career exploration experiences through job shadows and internships to area high school students allowing them to explore career interests, discover local opportunities, connect classroom learning to careers, gain confidence, and plan for their future.

• Register for the ACT or SAT College Entrance Exam

• Start a High School resume - Sample resumes and templates can be found Here.

• Meet with your School Counselor as soon as possible so they can be sure to help you with your next steps.

• Consider asking 2-3 teachers to write you a letter of recommendation. It is good to get ahead of this before you apply to college or for jobs in the workforce.

• The Common App is a great place to apply to many colleges with one application - www.commonapp.org

Please check out available scholarships here. General scholarships are updated weekly!!

The City High Senior Scholarship Application will open in December. Students only need to complete one application to be considered.

Reach out to your counselor with questions, concerns or assistance!

Register Directly Through the Linked Websites

• ACT: https://www.act.org
• SAT: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register

When is the most common time to take the ACT/SAT?

Spring or Summer of your Junior year or Fall of your Senior Year

Do I need to plan on taking the ACT/SAT in order to apply to college next year?

Consider taking the ACT/SAT for both College Admissions and Scholarships opportunities. Feel free to contact your counselor with any questions or if you think you might qualify for a Fee Waiver.

FAFSA Form Link: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

What is the FAFSA form? Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. You must apply for aid every year, but with the right information in hand, it's easy.

Who should complete the FAFSA® form? Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

How long will it take? It takes most people 30 minutes to fill out the FAFSA form, including gathering any personal documents and financial information needed to complete it.

What do I need?

• Verified account username and password (FSA ID)
• Parent or spouse contributor’s email address
• Parent or spouse contributor’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number (for the 2026–27 FAFSA form only)
• Income and asset information (if required)

Financial Aid Presentations for 11th & 12th Grade Students and Parents: Whether you join online or in person, both sessions cover the same key topics:

• Financial Aid Process & Options

• FAFSA Application Review

• Understanding Application Results & College Costs

• Scholarship Application Process

• Where to Go for Help

Session Options

Option 1: Virtual Webinar (All ICCSD High Schools)

• When: Wednesday, September 16 at 6:00 PM

• Format: Virtual Webinar

• Registration: Required — Register for the Zoom Webinar Here

Option 2: In-Person Presentation

• When: Monday, October 5 at 6:00 PM

• Where: City High Opstad Auditorium (Presented by Lupe Hernandez and City High Staff)

• Registration: Not Required — all are welcome to attend!

The Iowa College Access Network host several empowering events and also has previously recorded meetings available for viewing: https://www.icansucceed.org/planning-hub

AP exam registration and ordering is just around the corner. On average, it costs $99 per test. FRL Waivers are available for qualifying students.

***Please be on watch for an email regarding steps for ordering & payment***

1. What are City High’s graduation requirements? You need at least 305 credits to graduate. This includes: 4 years of English, 3 years of Math, 3 years of Science and 3 years of Social Studies. Each class per trimester earns you 5 credits if you pass.

2. How does a PE waiver work? There are several types of PE waivers - Academic, Activity, and Medical (Documentation Required). Activity waivers mean students finished a full-season in a fall, winter or spring. Activities include School Sponsored Sports Teams, Marching Band, Show Choir, and Student Built House: PE Activity Waiver 26/27. An Academic waiver is applied ONLY if a student has 7 classes EACH trimester for the year. Stop by the counseling office for a PE Waiver or make an appointment with your counselor if you have any questions.

3. What’s an easy way to apply to college? www.commonapp.org allows you to apply to multiple colleges with one application.

4. How do I send my transcript to a college, the NCAA, or a potential employer?

• Current students and the Class of 2026 are able to have transcripts sent at no charge by completing this Student Transcript Request Form
• Former students can order official transcripts using MySchoolBucks. There is a $3 fee.

Website: https://city.iowacityschools.org/school-counseling

Location: 1900 Morningside Drive, Iowa City, IA, USA

Phone: (319)688-1043

It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact:

• Laura Cottrell-Atekwana (Executive Director of Educational Services & Student Success) for programming at cottrell.laura@iowacityschools.org

• Nick Proud (Chief Human Resources Officer) for employment at detra.lyndsee@iowacityschools.org, 2255 N. Dubuque Road, Iowa City, Iowa 52245, (319) 688-1000; or

• If you are unsure how to proceed or would like assistance in discussing your options, you may also contact Janet Abejo-Parker at ombuds@iowacityschools.org or (319) 688-1312