Guidance News

West Point-Beemer Junior Senior High School

West Point, Nebraska

(402) 372-5546

Mary Janata, Senior High Guidance Counselor * Sandy Luebbe, Junior High Guidance Counselor

October 2009

Grades 8 – 11 ACHIEVEMENT TESTING SCHEDULED For October 16^th You will find information about the individual tests listed below. If you have any questions regarding the 8^th grade EXPLORE Test please call Mrs. Luebbe at 372-5507 or 372-5546. Please call Mrs. Janata with any questions regarding 9^th Grade EXPLORE, 10^th Grade PLAN or 11^th Grade ASVAB Tests 372-5546. 8^th Grade EXPLORE Test: This test helps 8^th graders build high school course plans that will prepare them for college and work. It introduces them to career options that are relevant to them. The EXPLORE Test also shows your son or daughter: Ø Areas where they need extra help or additional courses Ø Suggestions for improving their skills Ø Careers that match their interests EXPLORE scores provide early indicators of whether students are on track for college. With plenty of time before graduation, teachers can use this information to focus on areas of need. 9^th Grade EXPLORE Test : The test will help 9^th graders build their high school course plans that prepare them for college or employment and introduce them to career options that match their interests. It will show students areas to work on and give suggestions to improve their skills with plenty of time before graduation. PLAN Test: The PLANtest helps 10th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years. PLAN can help all students—those who are college-bound as well as those who are likely to enter the workforce directly after high school. ASVAB Career Exploration Program: All juniors will participate in ASVAB Career Exploration Program which helps students learn about themselves and the world of work. Students explore occupations in line with their interests and skills, and at the same time, develop an effective strategy to realize their career goals. 63% of those who participated reported that the ASVAB Career Exploration Program helped them connect their skills and interests with appropriate career choices. Open House/Career Days ü BryanLGH Exploration Day - Oct. 3^rd ü Tri-State Area College Fair – Oct. 4^th ü UNL Education & Human Services Day-Oct. 5^th ü UNL Architecture & Interior Design Day – Oct. 9^th ü UNL Journalism & Mass Communication Day – Oct. 12^th ü Lincoln Area College Fair – Oct. 18^th ü Omaha Area College Fair – Oct. 25^th ü UNL Pre-Health Day – Oct. 26^th ü UNL Red Letter Day – Oct. 30^th College/Military Rep Visits Oct. 6^th 11:00 a.m. BryanLGH Rep Oct. 7^th12:30 p.m. Mount Marty Rep Oct. 8^th 10:45 a.m. College of Hair Design Rep Oct. 11^th 11:00 a.m. Wayne State College Rep Oct. 22^nd11:30 a.m. Concordia University Rep Free Presentation: Scholarship Worshop Wednesday, November 18^th Daryle Urwiler will present a program to assist families as they complete scholarship applications for students entering college. The program will be held in the meeting room on the lower level of the Cuming County Courthouse beginning at 7:30 p.m. We encourage juniors, seniors and their parents to attend this workshop sponsored by the Cuming County Extension Office. Please register with Mrs. Janata or by calling the Cuming County Extension Office 372-6006. Seniors: It’s Time to Start Admissions Process College may still seem far off, but admission deadlines will hit as early as December. Follow these steps to stay on track: Contact your top colleges NOW and ask: About application deadlines for admission, college-based scholarships and financial aid. If you need a separate application for scholarships. If you should apply online or submit a hardcopy application. About application fees. Apply to your top three-four colleges before the deadline. Along with your application, the colleges will require your high school transcript, class rank, grade-point average (GPA) and ACT/SAT score. Resources for Students with Disabilities If you have a disability that may require special accommodations in college, ask Mrs. Janata for a copy of College Planning for Students with Disabilities. You may also request a copy by calling EducationQuest at 800-666-3721. In addition, visit Educational Opportunities Beyond High School at http://edweblab.unl.edu/dopportunities/default.html

Senior Schedules for October 16th During the half day of school, while grades 8 – 11 participate in achievement testing, seniors will have the opportunity to go on a prearranged college visit; participate in a job shadow experience; take the Compass Test or be a mentor with the 7^th grade class in a cooperative learning activity. Please see Mrs. Janata to create your plan of action for October 16^th. PSAT Test October 14^th The PSAT is the qualifying test that includes students in the annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation. It shows firsthand the kind of reading, math, and writing skills that students need to succeed in college Juniors, who are interested, have the opportunity to take the PSAT test on October 14^th. It also gives them practice for college admissions tests like the SAT. Juniors need to sign up by October 8^th in the guidance office and pay $13.00 to take this test. If you have any questions regarding this test please call Mrs. Janata 402-372-5546. John Baylor Test Prep Group Sessions Offered Wednesday, September 30^th 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Monday, October 5^th7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 7^th 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Monday, October 12^th 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 14^th 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 21^st 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 22^nd 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. These sessions will be held in the high school cafeteria. Students should sign up in Mrs. Janata’s office. If students are unable to attend these sessions please see Mrs. Janata to arrange when you can work independently. Times available are during study hall, before or after school. Seventh Grade Students Qualify for Duke Talent Search Program Thirteen Seventh Grade students qualified for the 2009 Duke Talent Search Program. Students who scored exceptionally well on the most recent TerraNova test are eligible to take the ACT or SAT. Taking the ACT or SAT as 7^th graders provides students with a preview and practice of tests that are typically required for college admission. The test results help students better understand their academic abilities and plan for the future. Students will also be provided with information and resources that will aid in their educational development through the Duke Talent Search Program. Important Information for Juniors, Seniors and Their Parents: ACT Registration, Testing Dates Set Seniors should have their ACT test taken no later than the Dec. 12^th testing date if possible. Below you will see a complete list of the test dates for 2009-10. Students may register on-line at www.act.org, or may pick up a registration packet in the high school guidance office. ACT also provides a publication entitled, “Preparing for the ACT,” which I would encourage each student taking the ACT to review prior to the test. Our High School Code is 282-530 ACT National Test Dates 2009-10 Test Date Registration Deadline Dec. 12, 2009 Nov. 6, 2009 Feb. 6, 2010 Jan. 5, 2010 April 10, 2010 Mar. 5, 2010 June 12, 2010 May 7, 2010 Financial Aid Meeting The financial aid meeting has been scheduled for November 17^th at 6:30 p.m. in the high school media center. Mrs. Janata will present a 15 minute informational session regarding the college admission process, college visits, scholarships, and the angel website. EducationQuest will follow with an hour presentation on financial aid. All senior and junior parents should plan to attend this session. EducationQuest Web Site a Useful Tool EducationQuest provides a FREE service to students, parents and schools for: Ø Nebraska-based scholarship search. Ø Nebraska college search and links to Nebraska college Web sites Ø College Funding Estimator; which estimates students’ eligibility for financial aid. Ø Countdown to College-students may sign up for monthly college planning tips by email (grades 9-12). Ø College preparation and financial aid information. Ø Student loan calculations The Web address for EducationQuest is www.educationquest.org UNL/CASNER Career & College Exploration Day Saturday October 10^th, Experience the Power of Red on UNL’s East Campus. Get to know Deans, faculty and staff at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and register for a $500.00 Scholarship! Parents are encouraged to attend with their student. Each student registers to visit three departments and tour the facilities. Lunch will be provided for those participating. See Mrs. Janata for more information. You may register via casnr.unl.edu/openhouse or by calling 1-800-742-8800.