Connections Newsletter

FAFSA is expected to open December 1. Here’s how you can get ready for December 1.

When adding a college to your Colleges I Am Applying To, please read the categories and choose the correct answer in the dropdown boxes. I have created a PowerPoint pdf that will walk you through each step. It is also saved on our webpage and in Naviance. When adding a college, it is imperative to read the words on the screen and specify the correct dropdowns. Be sure you check the college REQUIREMENTS ASAP; your teachers and Ms. Peters work while you work but you need to give us time to write those letters. And remember, “this is so complicated,” said no student who came into Connections for assistance with this process.

If you have the option to upload your unofficial transcript into your application, remember these are available in your Infinite Campus account.

Upcoming Application Deadlines Letter of Rec Deadlines:

Seniors, if your path after TCA is higher ed, please look at the college admission requirements where you will be applying. If you need teacher or counselor letters of recommendation, you must complete the steps and request them by the deadline. For deadlines of Nov. 15 and after, choose your senior teachers. If you need a reminder of the steps to request, here is the checklist. If you have questions, please come to Connections.

To see the letter deadlines, go to Naviance and "What’s New." Click on the specific application deadline and it will list the letter of rec deadlines. See below.

Deadlines-Connections Oct 25, Teacher Nov 1 for Applications due on Nov 15

Deadlines-Connections Nov 4, Teacher Nov 11 for Applications due on Dec 1 (yes, these are due in early November!)

Deadlines-Connections Nov 18, Teacher Dec 2 for Applications due on Dec 15 (yes, the Connections deadline is mid-November)

For those of you also auditioning or submitting portfolios, be sure you check those deadline dates as these applications and auditions are IN ADDITION to your admissions application. Stop by Connections with any questions.

Colorado Promise: Two Free Years of College Expanded: Beginning in Fall 2024, students who attend public institutions and have family incomes of $90,000 or less are eligible for a complete reimbursement of any out-of-pocket tuition and fees paid for their education. The program expands on individual institutional promise programs and extends financial support to middle-income Colorado residents.

Some colleges offer application fee waivers, check with the school or this list before you apply.

Last week in world history class for our final Connections class of the first semester, we started goal setting in Naviance. When goal setting, we teach the acronym WOOP, or Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, and Plan. For example, WISH: I want to do well on the History test coming up, OUTCOME: I would like a B or higher, OBSTACLE: I have practice every day and 2 games that week so I have limited time. PLAN: I will start studying in advance 20 minutes/per day.

We also started adding items to the resume in Naviance. A high school resume begins the summer BEFORE 9th grade. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of starting early and keeping the resume updated. This is a life skill that will build a successful habit for their future careers.

Second semester, I will again visit World History class three times to work with the other half of our Class of 2028 on career exploration, goals, resumes, and volunteer hours.

Upcoming Events in Connections

Friday, November 8, 10:30: BINGO

In the Community

Mountain Biodiversity and Climate Change at CU Boulder by Christy McCain on Thursday, November 14 from 4:00-5:00 p.m.

The Northeast Publics Joint College Fair will be held in Broomfield on Thursday, November 21, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Meet admissions counselors and learn more about the public flagships of the Northeast.

The UNC Future Teacher Conference will be held in Greeley on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Spots fill quickly.

Sign up for Career Talks in Naviance in the the "What's New" section of the loading page.

Thursday, November 7, 8:40: Crystal Klausmeier, Social Work - Program Director for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Worked with adolescents, prisoners, foster children, and more. Come to this talk if you are interested in social work, counseling, psychology, or mental health and health care fields.

Friday, November 8, 12:20/1:15 (Mr. Heilig’s room)/2:10 (Dr. Wilson’s room): Phillip Brown, UCCS Computer Science Professor/UCCS Professor of the Year 2023-24. In addition to his career and education journey, he will speak about his current research - game theory, multiple decision-makers, etc.

The next SAT testing date is December 7, 2024. Register by November 22, 2024.

Additional test dates: March 8, 2025

Schoolhouse offers free SAT Turing Bootcamp.

The next ACT testing date is December 14, 2024. Register by November 8, 2024.

Additional test dates: February 8, 2025

Katina Dahl, Advisor - Freshmen, Sophomore, AP, PSAT/NMSQT

Jodi Hoffman, Office Manager - College & Career Visits, Community Service

Email: tcavisits@asd20.org
Website: tcatitans.org
Location: 975 Stout Road, Colorado Springs, CO
Phone: 719-484-0091 1104