In an effort to be more efficient in how we disseminate information from the Counseling Office, we will be sending out weekly emails with any important and timely information. BOTH STUDENTS AND PARENTS are receiving these newsletters. Parents: please encourage your child to read these messages, and take any appropriate action themselves. It is developmentally appropriate to get high schoolers in the "driver's seat" when it comes to tending to their academic, career, and emotional needs.

The topics are all listed below, with a link to the pertinent information so that you can quickly scroll through to see if any of the topics pertain to you. There are 3 sections:

• Mental/Physical health support and resources
• Academic/Career information and resources
• Just for Seniors

• THIS WEEK'S TOPIC: "Learning Disabilities and Depression": Why kids with Learning Disabilities often develop depression, and need emotional support, too

• WSD Mental Health Resources Hub: Find a variety of mental health resources available to families in the WSD in our Mental Health Hub

Next week is WSD Pathways Week (January 8-12). We will be kicking off the WSD Pathways program, and sharing with students and parents how figuring out your Pathway can be helpful to achieving your future career goals. Below is a graphic that will help you understand the flow and timing of the program.

DO NOT -- I repeat -- DO NOT get stressed out about this. We are rolling out a new program. There are bound to be questions and bumps in the road. But, we are in it together. And, we truly believe that the WSD Pathways program will help students get a jump start on setting and achieving career goals by taking relevant, preparatory, and challenging courses.

This is a new program in our District of interconnected academic and elective classes revolving around a career pathways. It is designed to prepare your student for life after high school and help them follow their passion.

There are four Pathways, each with four "concentrations", and a fifth Explorer Pathway. Click on the link below to view the Pathway Concentrator Information Forms, which includes recommended electives and possible related careers:

Click HERE to view the Pathways Week Kick-Off Slideshow Presentation that students will see on Monday January 8th.

Join us for a Pathways Community Engagement Event

• 8th Grade night- 6-8 p.m. Feb. 7, 2023 @ both North Point and Liberty High Schools

• 8th Grade night- 6-8 p.m. Feb. 13, 2023 @ both Timberland and Holt High Schools

Find more information about each pathway and the program on the WSD Pathways website.

The fastest and easiest way for students to ask counselors questions is to come in during Soar Time. If you need to speak with something that may be more time consuming, you can email your counselor to ask for a meeting. Counselors will not be able to set individual appointments for course selection. So, please come up with your list of questions, and have your child visit with the counselors during Soar Time (lunch hour) this month.

CAPS:.

• CAPS Website and Promo Video (on main webpage)
• CAPS Online Application (deadline is 2/25/24)
• Sign up for a CAPS Shadow Day (must use non-WSD device to sign up)

Lewis & Clark: Priority deadline to apply was December 13th; currently accepting late applications.

• L&C Online Application
• L&C Website
• L&C Promo Video

ACT (at THS, Holt, or FZW)

Next Test: Dec 9; Deadline to register Jan. 5

SAT (at LHS)

Next test: March 9; Deadline to register Feb. 23

• Fee waivers available for students on Free/Reduced Lunch
• Colleges have no preference between the two tests
• Some colleges don't require test scores
• Make sure to list LHS as your high school when signing up

The Counseling Department is offering an ACT/SAT Workshop during Nest Time on Thursday, January 18th. This is to equip you with strategies and time-saving tips. You do not need to sign up if you are already in ACT Prep Class. Anyone 10th-12th grade who wants to sign up must fill out THIS FORM by Wednesday, January 17th at 12pm.

We've had a great series of informational evening presentations during first semester. All previous Parent Event slide shows can be found on the WSD Career and College Counseling Hub.

Presentation Topics that were covered:

• Planning for College (9-11)
• College-Bound Senior Seminar (12)
• Collegiate Athletics: Recruitment and Eligibility (9-12)
• Exploring WSD Special Programs and Options (9-11)

See graphic below for upcoming presentations during 2nd semester.

FAFSA has opened with a soft launch, which means limited hours that the website is open, frequent delays, and a chance that the website might time out. Experts recommend waiting until mid-January to complete your FAFSA to let them work out the kinks. Here is the schedule that the FAFSA will be open over the next several days.

• Jan 6: 11:30am-5:00pm
• Jan 7: 10:30am-4:00pm
• Jan 8: 8:00am-?

You can see more information on their website, and if you find them on Social Media (search for Federal Student Aid), you will also be able to get the latest dates/times that the form will be open.

• Click HERE to watch a very helpful video that walks you through the FAFSA step-by-step.
• WSD is hosting a FAFSA Help Workshop at North Point on January 24th (6:30-8:00pm). Financial aid professionals will be on-hand to help you complete and submit your FAFSA. You should bring your own device if you have one (we have some computers to use if you don't). You must have created your FSA IDs at least 3 days before-hand. You will need your 2022 tax returns, w-2s, and access to your current bank account balances.

It is almost time for Local Scholarship applications to open. There will be an informational meeting during Nest Time on January 25th. I will share the information in the newsletter the next day... but, if you can make it to the in-person meeting, I would recommend attending that. There are a few things that are much easier to explain in person. The likely location is the Choir Room. Jan.25th, 11:30-12:30.

Mid-Year Reports (aka updated transcripts with 1st semester final grades) are NOT automatically sent to colleges. If you need a mid-year report, please come see Mrs. Gerringer in person, and get added to the list she has on her desk. Once updated transcripts are available (probably Friday, January 12th), we will send them out.

There are two ways to apply to colleges: on the college website or through the Common App. How you send your transcripts is based on how you applied:

• College website - After you have submitted your application(s), go to "College Planning" in your Xello account. Create an Application, select a college, answer the questions, click Create. On the next screen scorll down, and click on "Request." This will send LHS a notice that you need your transcript sent.
• Common App - Please link your Xello to your Common App right away, even if you won't be submitting your application right away. Colleges won't see your application until it is submitted, but linking the accounts early helps Mrs. Gerringer track and plan for upcoming deadlines and which applications require letters of recommendation. Under "College Planning," Create an Application, select one of your Common App colleges, answer the questions, then click Create. You will be prompted to link your Common App account. Once you link it, all of your applicaitons will appear in Xello. Scroll down to make sure that your applications are assigned to Mrs. Gerringer. If not, you can assign her as the counselor with the drop down menu.

Click HERE for full information on Academic Honors and Cum Laude Honors. Seniors will get an honors graduation application to fill out in March.

In case you missed the Josten's meeting, packets with the order forms for caps and gowns, graduation announcements, and senior apparel are available in both the front office and the Student Center. You can still order online.

COLLEGE-BOUND SENIOR SEMINAR

In case you missed it, you can find the slideshow presentation from Wednesday's presentation on the WSD College and Career Hub under Parent Event Presentations.

SENIOR FALL MEETING

Click HERE to access the slideshow from the meeting.

You can also read a recap of the content presented at the meeting HER

Seniors, you should be the driving force behind your career exploration, college research, and applications. Your parents should remain actively involved in your decision-making, and are a good resource when you have questions or need guidance. But, it should be YOUR fingers on the keyboards when it comes time to apply for college, scholarships, jobs, tests (ACT, SAT, ASVAB), internships, job shadowing, A+ tutoring, etc. The only way to become responsible is to take responsibility. You can do it, and we are here to help!

I would recommend saving this email; it contains so much information, and you may need to refer to it later. Remember that we are here to answer questions and help you work through the process of planning for life after high school. Let us know how we can serve you.

Last names

A-E: Mrs. Alicia Sheffield (aliciasheffield@wsdr4.org)

F-K: Mr. Chad Cunningham (chadcunningham@wsdr4.org)

L-R: Mrs. Mary Ellen Riley (maryellenriley@wsdr4.org)

S-Z: Mrs. Paige Blackford (paigeblackford@wsdr4.org)

College/Career/A+ Program: Mrs. Shelley Gerringer (michellegerringer@wsdr4.org)

Educational Support Counselor: Mrs. Collin Miller (collinmiller@wsdr4.org)

Email: chelseamccain@wsdr4.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/wsdr4.org/lhsacademics/home
Phone: (636) 561-0075
Twitter: @lhscounselors3