Connections Newsletter

Welcome back, Titans! As we begin a new school year, our Connections department is entering a new season of growth and change. After 26 years of dedicated service, Joanna Peters has retired, leaving behind a strong legacy of care and commitment to our students. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, and I am honored to continue that service as I take on the role of Director. This year, we are embracing a new vision by combining the college/career and counseling departments. By working together, our team will provide holistic support that nurtures students' well-being while preparing them for life after graduation. Mrs. Dahl, Mrs. Hoffman, Ms. Tagtow, Mr. Schell and I are excited to partner with you all as we create a space for comprehensive student support. -- Lindsey White, Director of Connections

Save the Date

Upcoming Events in Connections

August 27: First day to accept college application materials in Naviance

September 9, 6:00-7:00: Freshmen & Sophomore Connections Family Night

September 12: Deadline to Pay AP Exam(s) and Optional PSAT/NMSQT Exam in Infinite Campus. This exam is only offered to sophomore and junior students.

September 22: Mini-College Fair

September 22, 6:00-8:00: Junior/Senior/Financial Aid Family Night

September 25: Construction Days Field Trip hosted by Connections. Permission slips in Connections. Apply by September 12.

October 7-9: Colorado Free Application Days

October 10: PSAT/NMSQT Exam. (Deadline to pay the optional fee in Infinite Campus to register is September 12.) This exam is only offered to sophomore and junior students.

In the Community

September 25: Southern Colorado Construction Career Days

September 22: Christian College Fair

October 1, 6:00-7:30: CCHS/CR College Fair, Rampart High School

October 6, 5:30-7:30: Southern Colorado College Fair, Coronado High School

October 25, 1:00-4:00: NACAC College Fair, University of Colorado - Boulder

Construction Career Days Field Trip - Thursday, September 25

Connections is hosting a field trip for interested juniors and seniors to attend the Southern Colorado Construction Career Days. Students will have an opportunity to perform actual trade skills and jobs while interfacing with expert contractors throughout the region. Students should be at school by 7:30 with the van leaving at 7:45 and returning by 2:30; lunch provided. See Connections for sign-up, permission slips are required. Deadline to return permission slips to Connections is September 12.

CLASS 2026

On August 26 and 27, Mrs. White will be in your class to walk you through the process of applying to colleges, including how to request transcripts, letters of recommendation, and school reports. The Connections team will begin accepting application material requests on August 27.

CLASS OF 2029

Mrs. Dahl visited all Freshmen English classes this past week to discuss their Learning and Productivity Preferences by completing a follow-up survey. The Learning and Productivity self-discovery inventory results that students received on the first day of school can help them consider their environment, sensory, and mindset preferences. Reviewing the results of this survey may help you brainstorm with your freshman about ways to prepare for success in high school. You can see a similar lesson by going into Naviance, selecting Planner, and then choosing Curriculum and My Learning Style.

AP Exam

The AP Exam is REQUIRED for all AP courses. The fee for EACH exam is $99, payable in Infinite Campus fees no later than September 12. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.

PSAT/NMSQT Exam - October 10 (Optional for 10th/11 only)

The PSAT/NMSQT Exam at TCA will be Friday, October 10 from 8:00 -11:45, arrive by 7:45. This is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying exam for juniors and is a PSAT/NMSQT practice exam for sophomores. The exam will be digital. Register by paying the optional fee in Infinite Campus by the September 12 deadline. Note: this is on the Friday morning of Parent/Teacher Conferences BEFORE Fall Break.

Free test prep resources:

Official SAT Practice Tests (College Board)

Khan Academy SAT Practice

Free SAT Tutoring and Prep | Schoolhouse SAT Bootcamp

ACT Academy with Practice Tests

How to Improve Your ACT Score by 2 Points in 20 Minutes