VHS Counseling December Newsletter

Info for All Students:

• Semester 2 Level Drop Requests
• PSAT Scores
• Webinar: PSAT Overview & Understanding College Admissions Testing //December 14

• ACC Dual Credit // Spring 2023

• College & Career Center Spring Workshop Series
• SAVE THE DATE! Viper Night // January 12
• Volunteer Opportunity

12th Grade:

• All Things Senior

11th Grade:

• Juniors - What's Next? // SAT/ACT info & more...

• Leadership Opportunity // Boys State 2023

10th Grade:

• Sophomore/Counselor Conferences & Course Selections

9th Grade:

• PSAT 8/9 Opportunity

Dates to Remember:

• Nov 30 - Dec 5 // Sophomore/Counselor Conferences
• Dec 15 // Deadline to Request Semester 2 Level Changes
• Jan 3 // Students Return to Campus // Semester 2 Begins
• Jan 12 // Viper Night
  
• Jan 17 // ACC Spring semester begins
• Jan 30 // PSAT 8/9 Registration Deadline
• Apr 22 (Saturday) // PSAT 8/9 - Registration Required
• Mar 1 // School Day SAT (no registration required - juniors only)

The window to request a level drop from an advanced course to an on-level course is now open. The deadline to submit a level change is 12 p.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022. Click here for instructions on how to view your 2nd semester schedule in Home Access Center.

**STUDENTS MUST BE LOGGED INTO THEIR LEANDER ISD ACCOUNTS TO ACCESS THE LEVEL DROP REQUEST FORM**

Please note the following:

• Connect with your teacher if uncertain a level change is needed. Counselors are unable to meet with students regarding level changes.

• Seniors considering a level change should contact the universities to which they have/are applying to; level changes can impact an admission decision.

• Any student taking AP Government or AP Economics semester two should note that there is no level drop window during the 2nd semester.

**No changes to elective courses (other than due to program or athletic changes) will be made at semester.**

Scores from the October PSAT should be releasing soon! Scores will be sent directly to student school email addresses from College Board with a unique code that will connect students to their PSAT Score Report. Please watch this Understanding Your PSAT/NMSQT Score Report video to help decode the PSAT Score Report and learn where attention can be focused to best prepare for the SAT and ACT tets in the future.

Mrs. Spradling will be reaching out to sophomore students whose Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) scores qualify as college ready (460+) for dual credit purposes in early January.

Join us to fully understand how to decipher the PSAT scores and what it means in terms of college readiness and next steps. Additionally, now is the time for juniors to develop a plan for college admissions testing. Along with MaryJo Grant from More Than a Teacher, we'll discuss test optional policies, how test scores are used in the admission process, test prep resources, in addition to school day and weekend testing opportunities. All grade levels, students and parents, are invited to join, although the information is most pertinent for sophomores and juniors. REGISTER HERE

ACC spring semester registration is underway! Classes begin Tuesday, January 17th.

• Returning Dual Credit students: you should be registered!
• New Dual Credit students: registration opened October 31st. Students must complete the Dual Credit Enrollment Steps, including meeting with Mrs. Spradling to discuss course plans.

Full details about the Dual Credit opportunities through Austin Community College can be found on our VHS College & Career Center website.

Check out upcoming spring semester College & Career Center Workshop Series! Workshops will return to in-person this year with resources posted afteward. Workshops will take place on Mondays during PIT. All grade levels are invited to join - it's never too early to start thinking and planning!

Viper Night will take place 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, January 12th and is open to all students and parents.

Viper Night will include a rotation schedule for presentations from:

• Athletics, Band, Dance, Theatre
• ACC Dual Credit, International Baccalaureate (IB), AP Capstone, AVID
• Robotics, Incubator
• Student Panel - The Student Experience

There will also be an elective/club/organization fair open in a come & go format.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of this evening to explore and learn more about ALL that Vandegrift has to offer!

Brown Santa is a program organized by the Travis County Sheriff's Office. Volunteer opportunities include gift wrapping, book/toy sorting, food boxes and other duties as needed. Groups, families and individuals are welcome. This is a fun and family oriented experience!

Click here to volunteer.

Make sure to stay up-to-date on senior specific information by visiting the Senior Information Page regularly!

Important Upcoming Dates...

• December 5-9 // Photo Texas on campus for Senior Portraits (sign up link available here)
• January 15 // Order Cap & Gown by this date to avoid late fee (link directly to only cap, gown & tassel, not fancy packages)

FREQUENTLY ASKED SENIOR QUESTIONS

Do I need tickets for graduation?

• No! Seating at the HEB Center is first come, first served. There is ample seating for all seniors and their guests.

Where do I get information about cords/stoles/etc.?

• Check out this super handy guide for all things related to grad accessories!

Speaking of stuff to wear - when do I get all my fancy accessories? (medals/stoles/cords/cap & gown)

• Graduates will receive packets containing applicable regalia during the walk-through at graduation rehearsal. Graduates will pick up their cap & gown immediately following graduation rehearsal.

PSAT is over, and juniors may be wondering, “Now what?” Here’s what’s on your to do list for Spring 2023 in preparation for senior year and beyond.

• Be sure you are actively completing the CCR Passport Tasks to ensure you're taking full advantage of College & Career Readiness activities happening at Vandegrift!

• Check out the College Planning & Application Resources link for the 11th Grade College Planning Checklist and Additional Planning Resources on the VHS College and Career Center website.
• College Visits at Vandegrift – Meet with college reps through a virtual visit (register in Naviance)
• Junior/Counselor Conferences will be scheduled beginning in February.

SAVE THE DATE - School Day SAT

• SAT (no writing) for all juniors on March 1, 2023 // FREE, no registration required

Test Preparation Opportunity

More Than a Teacher is offering a discount to LISD students. There is still time to register for the December SAT Prep course with session taking place on the VHS campus in the evenings. Click here to register.

The Boys State application is currently posted in the Class of 2024 Google Classroom and is open to current male high school juniors. The application deadline is December 2, 2022 at 4:00pm.

Be sure to check your Class of 20XX Google Classroom regularly for updated leadership opportunities.

Sophomore/Counselor Conferences will take place between November 30 - December 5 during students' world history class period.

During Sophomore/Counselor Conferences, students will have a brief individual check-in with their counselor and will submit their initial course selections for next school year. We encourage parents and students to have conversations about course selection prior to the student's scheduled meeting time.

** While there will opportunities to update course requests, finalizing your requests as early as possible provides the highest likelihood of being placed in the classes you want.**

**See the 10th Grade Course Selection Newsletter for more info and resources!**

Make sure to attend an information session in January to get information on the application process/requirements.

You have the option to attend before or after school on January 24, 25, or 26 in the Lecture Hall.

The PSATT 8/9 is designed for eighth- or ninth-grade students and focuses on what evidence shows matters most to ensure students are on track for college and career success. All Leander ISD freshmen may opt to take this assessment on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

To register for this optional, free testing event, complete the PSAT 8/9 Test Registration form by Monday, January 30, 2023. Only students who register for the test event will be able to test on Saturday, April 22, 2023 (test locations to be set in February 2023 and emailed to registered students). See flyer for more info and for the link to register.