Academy Online Counseling

Transcription

1 Academy Online Counseling Academy School District 20 Nov/Dec 2012 Inside this issue: Important Dates at a Glance: Important Dates 1 Homework Key to Success 2 Volunteer 3 College Applications 4 ICAP and Scholarships 5 December 19th: End of 1st semester January 7th,: Beginning of 2nd semester January 12th: D20 Financial Aid Night, 6:30, Pine Creek High School Auditorium January 14th, Meet Your Teachers Night, 4:00 p.m., Education Administration Center Please visit the counseling website,

2 HOMEWORK Completion + Comprehension = Success WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER Example 1: Handle each piece of paper only once. Instead of browsing through an assignment 5 times and not getting it, ask the teacher for help right away. You are wasting time every time you look at that note reminding you to do it later. Example 2: Work during your PEAK efficiency! Decide when you are most focused and have the most energy; use your planner to design your day/week to include one hour of study for each class per day. Remember to pencil in breaks and time for fun too. THINK ABOUT THE BENEFITS Completing one assignment gets you one step closer to completing the class, completing high school and being ready to move on to other adventures. You lessen your stress, learn more and ultimately feel more confident about the direction in which you are moving. DON T BE A PERFECTIONIST Sometimes working an extra 3 hours on something just causes frustration. Remember there is no grade higher than an A However, don t skip assignments. Concepts build on each other and holes in the foundation soon make the whole house unstable you won t know what you are doing down the line. FIND A SUITABLE STUDY PLACE Set up your work environment in a quiet place; don t let distractions keep you from focusing on what is important. You will find yourself saving time and retaining more if you are fully tuned in. Students who are struggling in a class are highly encouraged to attend Computer Lab hours at AOHS where they can work in a quiet, less distracting environment and have access to highly qualified tutors. Utilize , phone calls, study sessions and live computer sessions with instructors!

3 WORKING FOR OTHERS, WORKS FOR YOU TOO! This last year, we have been presented with multiple opportunities to extend a hand to our neighbors and those in need across our country. Many of you have answered the call and have given generously of your time and talents. However, others have been left feeling that there is something they should be doing but not knowing where to start. Performing community service is not only the right thing to do, it is an opportunity for growth in so many ways. It is a chance to acquire relationship and leadership skills as well as oftentimes presents problem-solving exercises. It is also an opportunity to network and explore activities you think you might want to include in your future. So, the benefits of giving are as great for the donor as they are for the receiver. Many career opportunities are enhanced when the applicant has job or volunteer experience already. For those getting ready to move forward from high school to college or job opportunities, experience even at the volunteer level can be beneficial or even required. As well many scholarship opportunities are focused on students who are not only community leaders, but also community servants. The earlier you start, the more genuine and powerful is your statement of commitment to making a difference; freshman can begin now. The following link provides over 200 volunteer endeavors in Colorado Springs alone. Get involved it not only makes you look good, but it feels good too and it models a pay-it-forward mentality that can change the world.

4 INTRODUCE YOURSELF 1. Do your research Don t apply to EVERY college. just spend time on the apps or schools you are actually interested in. Don t make spelling or punctuation mistakes on your application. [Yes, they really look at that.] 2. Stay organized Different schools have different deadlines, and different materials required. Prepare, and stay ahead of these deadlines! 3. Follow the DIRECTIONS Give them what they ask for. This helps you be efficient and lets them know that you are paying attention to details. 4. Tell your story. You are unique; however, colleges only get to see who you are on paper, so paint them the best and most unique picture you can. Don t repeat details, i.e. recounting your GPA in your essay UNLESS you can show something else about you with t hat fact and then give additional examples to back it up. Who can help you tell your story and say something more/different about you than has already been said.?. WHAT MAKES 1. Grades 2. Test Scores 3. Essays 4. Recommendations 5. Activities 6. Awards 7. Leadership

5 ICAP By now every student has been asked to get started on their ICAP, Individual Career and Academic Plan. Students who wish to take concurrent enrollment classes as 11th and 12th grade students must have an ICAP with a 4 year plan of study included. October- February is peak scholarship time. So far every student has been asked to complete the Interest Inventory, Career Cluster Survey and the Work Values Sorter on College in Colorado. Juniors and seniors should be building their resumes and using their career inventory information to search for colleges or training programs that support these careers. They should also be assembling their personal portfolios which include letters of recommendations. A support resource is: Look for scholarships at: 1. Fastweb.com 2. Scholarship.com 3. Finaid.org 4. College websites 5. Anything you have an affiliation with bank, church, etc. 6. Local groups elks, masons, etc. 7. High-school counselor s website Please visit : scholarshipt to see a list of available scholarships