School Counseling Department
|
VOLUME 17 |
NOVEMBER 12, 2008 |
NUMBER 1 |
TO: Students in Grades 9, 10, 11, 12, and
their Parents
FROM: The
School Counseling Department PHONE NUMBER - 410.887.1121
Mrs.
Tanya Scott Grade 9
Department
Chairperson
Ms.
Tonya Linton Grade 10
Mr.
Jeremy Goldman Grade 11
Mr.
Rudolph Di Cocco Grade
12
Mrs. Fremonia Willis School
Counseling Secretary
Mrs.
Darlene Gilberto Records
Clerk
Welcome
to
NEWSLETTER
INFORMATION
The
general school counseling newsletter will be published at appropriate intervals
throughout the school year and distributed to all students. In addition, a
separate bulletin will be published for seniors. The senior newsletter will be
published every three or four weeks during the first semester and as needed
after January. The purpose of that bulletin is to alert seniors to important
information that is pertinent to the college application process. Finally,
another newsletter will be published for juniors during the second semester
that will contain information to assist them as they begin the college
application process. Most school counseling newsletters are distributed
directly to students; therefore, please ask your child to share these
publications with you as they become available.
SAT/ACT TESTS
The SAT & ACT are two tests that college bound students are required to take to be eligible to apply for admission to a 4 year college. Please have your child meet with his/her counselor to determine the appropriate time to take one or both of these tests as well as which test is most appropriate for your child’s educational program.
The
applications for the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests, as well as the
ACT test, are available in the school counseling office. Each test date has a
deadline for registration. Please address any questions you may have in
reference to these tests to your child's counselor prior to the deadline. If
you miss the deadline, there is a late fee and grace period that allows your
child to take the test on the desired date. Results of the SAT and ACT tests
will arrive approximately four to six weeks after the testing date. SAT
Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT test dates are as follows:
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
TESTING
SAT Test Dates
National Test Dates
December 6, 2008 January 24, 2009 March 14, 2009 May 2, 2009 June 6, 2009 |
Test
SAT & Subject SAT & Subject SAT
only SAT Subject SAT Subject |
Registration Deadlines
November 5, 2008 December 26, 2008 February 10, 2009 March 31, 2009 May 5, 2009 |
November 18, 2008 January 6, 2009 February 24, 2009 April 9, 2009 May 15, 2009 |
ACT Assessment and ACT Assessment Plus Writing
(Students may register for either of the two test
options)
Test Dates
December 13, 2008 February 7, 2009 April 4, 2009 June 13, 2009 |
Registration Deadlines
November 7, 2008 January 6, 2009 February 27, 2009 May 8, 2009 |
November 8-20, 2008 January 7-16, 2009 February 28- March
13, 2009 May 9-22, 2009 |
PSAT TEST
The
PSAT was given to 1049 students in grades 9, 10 and 11 on October 15. In
addition to giving students practice for the SAT, the PSAT is the first step in
qualifying for scholarship programs conducted by the National Merit Scholarship
Corporation. Results of the PSAT arrive in school approximately two months
after the testing date. Score reports will be distributed to students by their
counselor. At that time, a thorough explanation of the scoring process will be
given. Suggestions on ways to improve performance will be explained. Students can view complete explanations for
all the answers to the test questions by going to www.collegeboard.com/psatextra.
PREPARATION FOR
TESTING
The
same preparation for any testing is also suggested for college aptitude and
achievement tests – a good night's sleep, a good breakfast, a pleasant morning
atmosphere, and materials prepared in advance. Cramming or last minute study
for a college aptitude or achievement test is usually not beneficial. Actual
preparation for these tests has begun early in your child's development with
his or her reading habits and study skills. Your child can
"practice" taking the PSAT or SAT with materials available in the
school counseling office. Additional materials are available in
commercial bookstores or in the public library. SAT seminars are also available
in the metropolitan area.
Resources and
Courses
·
The Franklin
High School Library Media Center has the following resources:
Ø
SAT and PSAT test-taking
strategy books
Ø
SAT books
with practice tests
Ø
SAT novels
emphasizing SAT vocabulary words
Ø
SAT Subject
Test books for all subjects
·
The library
has additional related resources on:
Ø
Careers
Ø
College
Ø
General study
skills
Ø
ACT and ASVAB
practice books
Ø
AP exam study
guides for all subjects
·
Ø
www.ccbcmd.edu/ceed/spring/youth.html
(410.869.1225)
Ø
SAT Math
Review and SAT Verbal Review
·
·
Owings Mills 800.375.9151 Group & individual preparation
Eldersburg 800.698.9195 Group & individual SAT preparation
·
Educational
and Career Development Services. SAT
preparation, Dr. Martha E. Gagnon. Call
410.442.1600
·
SAT review
sessions on the Education Channel (73)
·
Kaplan SAT
prep course, 1.888.KAP-TEST
·
·
·
RLK
Educational Service, SAT Prep Courses, 1.800.999.4989
SENIORS - COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
Mr. Di Cocco, the grade 12 counselor, has been visiting classrooms
for the purpose of orienting seniors to the college application process. Each
senior has been given a booklet that details the procedures for processing
college applications. In addition, the booklet also contains valuable
information about financial aid. The school counseling office will be processing
hundreds of transcript request forms. To ensure accuracy, it is necessary to
follow the directions as outlined in the booklet. Please ask your child to
share this information with you so that you are familiar with the process.
Also, please remember to observe all deadlines. The school must receive all
transcript request forms in the school counseling office at least ten
(10) school days prior to the date you expect the materials to be mailed to the
college or university. Please remember that a student’s transcript
does not include admissions test scores.
Those scores will need to be reported directly from the testing
organization (either the ACT or the College Board).
SENIOR CLASS
MEETING FOR PARENTS
A senior class meeting
for students in grade 12 and their parents will take place on Wednesday,
January 28, 2009 at 7:00PM in the auditorium. At that time, information
will be presented on various dates and procedures that pertain to the community
scholarship program, the senior prom and after-prom party, graduation details,
and other topics of interest to seniors and their parents. An assembly will be
held for students during the school day at a later date to review this
information.
JUNIORS -
COLLEGE SELECTION AND TESTING
Mr.
Goldman, the grade 11 counselor, will be visiting junior classrooms for the
purpose of orienting them to the college planning activities that are generally
performed during the junior year. If you have any concerns about college planning, or if you would like to gain additional information,
please call the school counseling office at 410.887.1121 for an appointment
with Mr. Goldman. Please encourage your child to make an appointment as well.
Testing information and materials are also available about the SAT Reasoning
Test and SAT Subject Tests as well as the ACT.
FACTS ABOUT THE
ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM
The AP Program is an
opportunity for students to pursue college-level studies while still in high
school, to receive advanced placement in college and to earn college credits.
The AP Program challenges and stimulates students, provides access to high
quality education, accelerates learning, enhances high school programs and
rewards achievement.
Here are some of the
benefits of involvement in the AP Program and AP examinations:
§
allows students to study a subject in greater depth
§
improves students' chances of being accepted by the college of their
choice
§
exempts students from introductory courses at college
§
allows students to be granted sophomore standing in college
§
prepares students for college work
§
increases students' options in college (double major, move into
upper-level class or complete undergraduate degree in less than 4 years)
§
improves self-esteem
§
recognizes students' achievement through Scholar
Awards.
2009 AP EXAM SCHEDULE
|
Monday, May 4 |
Government & Politics |
AM |
|
Tuesday, May 5 |
Spanish Language |
AM |
|
Tuesday, May 5 |
Statistics |
PM |
|
Wednesday, May 6 |
|
AM |
|
Wednesday, May 6 |
|
AM |
|
Thursday, May 7 |
English Literature |
AM |
|
Friday, May 18 |
US History |
AM |
|
Friday, May 8 |
European History |
PM |
|
Friday, May 8 |
Studio Art |
PM |
|
Monday, May 11 |
Biology, Music Theory |
AM |
|
Monday, May 11 |
Physics B |
PM |
|
Tuesday, May 12 |
Psychology |
PM |
|
Wednesday, May 13 |
English Language |
AM |
|
Thursday, May 14 |
Macroeconomics |
AM |
|
Thursday, May 14 |
Microeconomics |
PM |
|
Friday, May 15 |
Human Geography |
AM |
Reminder: The cost of each AP exam is $86.00.
Registration materials will be distributed in January and full payment is due
in March. Fee reductions may be
available on a limited basis to students who qualify for free or reduced
lunch. Those students will need to see
Mr. Goldman as soon as possible.
Please contact Mr. Goldman for more information at
410.887.1121 or jgoldman@bcps.org
ARMED SERVICES
VOCATIONAL APTITUDE
The
ASVAB test will be administered to all students enrolled in ROTC (except
students in grade 9) and interested juniors and seniors again this year. The
test is scheduled for December. Students wishing to take the ASVAB will have
the opportunity to register with MGYSGT Allender prior
to the test date. There is no charge and there is no service obligation for
anyone taking this test. It does provide students with an excellent opportunity
to gain insight into vocational aptitudes.
SAT/PSAT WORKSHOP FOR
PARENTS
An SAT/PSAT workshop
for parents of sophomores and juniors will be conducted in the Spring 2009. Parents
will be oriented to college admission testing by the School Counseling
Department. Information presented will
include an overview of the SAT Reasoning Test as well as how to interpret PSAT
score reports. Additional information
will be forth coming.
THE COLLEGE FAIR FOR
JUNIORS
College Fair 2009 For
Juniors
- Tuesday, March 10, 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the
COLLEGE VISITS
Seniors
are allowed three excused absences to visit college campuses. Juniors will be
permitted two excused absences as well. Both juniors and seniors have the
opportunity to use their excused absences to visit college campuses or to
attend college fairs during the school day. Students planning college visits
should bring a note written by their parents to Mrs. Brashears
in the main office 48 hours prior to the day of the expected visit.
INTERNET
SITES FOR COLLEGE PLANNING
College
Planning
|
|
|
College Board
|
www.collegeboard.com |
On-line SAT Registration,
College Search & applications |
Hobson's College View
|
College, Career, &
Financial Aid Search |
|
The
|
Test Prep, Search &
apply for schools and scholarships |
|
Kaplan Test Preparation
|
Test Prep, Tutoring, &
Study Skills |
|
Peterson's Education Portal
|
College Search, Financial
Aid, Test Prep |
|
Financial Aid
|
|
|
Fast Web
|
www.fastweb.com |
Free scholarship and
college search |
Free App. - Fed Student Aid
|
www.fafsa.ed.gov |
FAFSA application, search
for aid |
Career Planning
|
|
|
Student Gateway to US Gov’t
|
www.students.gov |
Search for schools,
financial aid, and federal careers |
|
www.jobbankinfo.org |
Requirements & outlook
for all careers |
Career Exploration
|
Information on various
careers |
COLLEGE
FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP
A college financial
aid workshop will be held for parents of students in grade 12 on Tuesday, November
25 at Franklin High School in the Library Media Center at 7:30 PM.
Financial aid forms will be distributed, instructions for completing them will
be discussed, and a description of the various types of financial aid available
will be presented.
COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS – SPRING 2009
Information on the
college admission process and the SAT will be presented to parents and students
during the Spring 2009, in the
APPLY FOR
STUDENT AID ONLINE
Apply for student aid
at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Complete and transmit the (FAFSA) Free Application for
Federal Student Aid online. FAFSA on the web is fast, easy, and more accurate
than paper. Remember that FAFSA cannot be sent until January 1, 2009.
The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. You
are required to submit this application for most state-funded and institutional
aid as well. The
RECOGNITION
MARYLAND
Listed below are the achievement and talent winners in the Maryland
Distinguished Scholar Program for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Students who are finalists will be offered an annual scholarship of $3,000 to
attend a
ACHIEVEMENT: TALENT:
Honorable
Mention Honorable
Mention
Kenneth Bokow Instrumental
Music:
MacKenzie
Campbell Matthew
Yates
Visual
Arts:
Jennifer Hirsch Marissa Roman
Justin Kander Lauren
Stabile
Laura Palmisano Semi Finalist
Erin Reisfeld Drama:
Kristian Sooklal Katherine
Ganem
Diana Villanueva
Semi Finalist
Anna Roth
UPWARD BOUND
MATH & SCIENCE SUMMER PROGRAM
Upward
Bound is a program at the Community College of
Baltimore County for 9-11th grade students with a strong grade point average,
an interest in attending college, and who have a low family income and/or plan
to be the first generation of their families to attend college. Applications can be found online. Call 410.455.4949 or go to www.ccbcmd.edu/upwardbound/howtoapply.html
for more information and to get an application.
BALTIMORE COUNTY
POLICY
(Effective September,
1997)
1.
The Baltimore County Public Schools currently compute class rank based
upon a weighted quality point average. The system also provides students with
an unweighted grade point average but attaches no
class rank to the unweighted number. In addition to
the official class rank, the Office of Educational Accountability will provide
students with an unofficial class rank computed according to the unweighted grade point average. Parents and students may
choose to report either the official Baltimore County Class rank or the
unofficial rank based on the unweighted grade point
average when applying for scholarships and college
admission.
2.
When responding to requests for lists of students in the top 5%, 10%,
or 20% of the class, schools should combine both the quality point and the
grade point average lists. If a student qualifies on either one of the lists,
he or she will be included on the final list. This procedure will allow schools
to recognize the maximum number of students.
3.
The decision whether or not to recognize a valedictorian will continue
to be a site based decision. However, if a school chooses to recognize a
valedictorian, the valedictorian should be selected based upon the weighted
quality point class rank, which recognizes the rigor of an academic program.
4.
Schools will be encouraged to consider creating special recognition at
commencement exercises for students who have earned a 4.0 grade point average
in grades 9-12 on the unweighted scale, recognizing
students who have earned straight A's in high school.
MORNING
ARRIVAL/AFTERNOON PICK-UP
The school year is
well under way and the morning traffic problems are beginning to subside. Most
students are crossing safely at the light and most seniors who wanted parking
spaces have received them.
All parents need to be
reminded that no cars are allowed in the front bus loop by the main office
from 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM, and again from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. All students need to
be dropped off and picked up by the new building. This includes early
dismissals for appointments. From 1:50
PM on, the front loop is blocked by buses. We have had parents late for
appointments, and an accident has occurred when a parent tried to squeeze
through parked buses.
The
other problem that persists involves those parents who stop in the middle of
SENIOR
ATTENDANCE
The
administration and staff would like you to be aware of the school's opposition
to any student-declared holidays. The school calendar has already been
shortened for seniors. In addition, upon parent request, seniors are excused
from school for college visits. They also have shortened days in the spring due
to exam schedules and class meetings. Of greater concern, however, are the
legal and safety issues. It is unlawful for students to "hook"
school. Students who do so will be dealt with individually. Suspension is the
usual disciplinary action along with the assignment of extended detention.
LONG-TERM
ABSENCES
Students who are
absent are expected to make up the work missed within a reasonable amount of
time. Generally, students obtain the work missed in one of three ways:
1.
Students obtain assignments from their teachers before the absence if
they know about it in advance.
2.
Students obtain the assignments from other reliable students who are
also enrolled in their classes.
3.
Students obtain the assignments from their teachers upon returning from
the absence.
In the event that an
absence is foreseen and the anticipated time missed exceeds three days,
the school counseling department will assist in the collection and coordination
of assignments and materials. Since scheduling constraints restrict the time
that teachers have to organize and/or duplicate materials, it is not feasible
to expect that homework will be available on the same day of the request.
Please call Mrs. Willis at 410.887.1121. In all absences of less than three
days, please have your child collect all assignments in one of the three
manners outlined above. In the rare
occasion when your child needs to miss a month or more of school, please
contact his or her school counselor at the first sign that such an extended
absence may be necessary. There are
services that may be available, depending on the situation.
PREREQUISITE
GRADES FOR ADVANCED COURSES
In January, counselors
will be visiting 9th – 11th grade English classes to assist students with
selecting courses for next year. It is important that you discuss with your
child his or her course selections before signing the registration sheet.
Please review the prerequisites for the courses your child would like to take.
Course descriptions and their prerequisites can be found in the Course
Registration Guide, which will be distributed at the same time as the course
registration sheets. As you monitor your child’s grades this year, remember
that some courses (particularly Math and Foreign Language classes) require a
final grade of C or better before proceeding to the next level course.
WELLNESS-RELATED WEBSITES
Personal/Social Wellness
|
|
|
Children's Defense Fund
|
www.childrensdefense.org |
"No Child Left
Behind" © |
Nat'l Youth Violence Prev’n Resource Ctr.
|
www.safeyouth.org |
Resources regarding youth
violence |
Eating
|
www.edreferral.com |
Information & Referral
to help fight eating disorders |
The Ophelia Project
|
www.opheliaproject.org |
Combating Relational
Aggression & other girls issues |
The Century Council
|
www.centurycouncil.org |
Working to end drunk
driving & underage drinking |
Family Support
|
|
|
Rainbows
|
www.rainbows.org |
Support for families coping
with painful transitions |
Stepfamily Foundation, Inc.
|
www.stepfamily.org |
Resources for blended
families |
Family Education Network
|
www.familyeducation.com |
Parenting advice on many
topics |
Talking with Kids about Tough Issues
|
www.talkingwithkids.org |
Violence, Drugs, Sex, STDs… |
All Kids Grieve
|
www.allkidsgrieve.org |
Support for families who
are grieving |
P-FLAG
|
www.pflagbaltimore.org |
Balt chap. of Parents & Friends of Lesbians and
Gays |
Al-Anon/Alateen
|
www.al-anon-alateen.org |
Families and Friends of
Alcoholics |
MARYLAND
The
Maryland State Department of Education has endorsed a service called the
Maryland Student Assistance Program (MSAP). The purpose of this team is to
identify students whose behavior, attendance, performance, or grades indicate
that they may have a substance abuse related problem, and to refer these
students for help. The team is comprised of a school administrator, the nurse,
counselors, teachers, as well as the school psychologist and pupil personnel
worker.
The program is an
intervention, not a treatment program. The specially trained core team:
ü
identifies students who are at risk because of problems associated with
substance abuse
ü
links those students and their families with appropriate community
resources
ü
provides follow-up services
Meetings are held
within the school environment in order to be accessible to students, parents,
and staff.
If you have questions
regarding this program or wish to make a referral, please contact any team
member.
PARENT/TEACHER
CONFERENCE NIGHT – December 2, 2008, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
The
first marking period ended on October 31, 2008. Parent Conference Night will be
held on Tuesday, December 2 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Since report cards will be
distributed on November 17, it is important that you give your attention to the
requests for conferences noted on the report card. To schedule a conference
with your child’s teachers, please refer to the flyer that is attached to this
newsletter.
GRADE 8 PARENT
ORIENTATION NIGHT
Orientation for parents
of prospective grade nine students will be held in the
AVID PROGRAM
AVID, Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a four-year college
preparatory program. Students considered
for AVID are motivated and hardworking, yet underserved in the college system,
or first generation college students. The AVID class, held within the regular
school day, provides support, academic monitoring, motivational activities, and
tutoring.
IMPORTANT DATES
- MARK YOUR CALENDAR
December 2 Parent/Teacher
Conference Night
November 25 College
Financial Aid Workshop
January 14 Grade
8 Parent Orientation Night
January 28 Senior
Class Meeting for Parents
March 10 College
Fair 2009 for Juniors
May 4-May 15 AP
Examinations
May 22 Senior
Awards Assembly
May 28 Graduation
PARENT/TEACHER
CONFERENCE NIGHT SCHEDULE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2008 4:30 P.M. – 6:30 P.M.
On Tuesday evening, December 2nd you will have an opportunity to meet with our teachers individually. Ten minutes will be allowed for each conference. If you desire a conference with a teacher, fill out this request sheet and have your student make the appointment with the teacher.
On the left side of the form below, parents will write the names of the teachers they would like to see, as well as the period the teacher has the student. The teachers will complete the remainder of the form.
please limit your conferences to ten (10) minutes. If a longer period is desirable, you
may wish to make an appointment with the teacher on a different date. ALL
CONFERENCES WILL TERMINATE AT 6:30 P.M.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE FORM
Student Name
(To be filled out by Parent) (To be filled out by
Teachers)
1. Teacher: Period: Time: Room: Teacher:
2. Teacher: Period: Time: Room: Teacher:
3. Teacher: Period: Time: Room: Teacher:
4. Teacher: Period: Time: Room: Teacher:
5. Teacher: Period: Time: Room: Teacher:
6. Teacher: Period: Time: Room: Teacher:
7. Teacher: Period: Time: Room: Teacher: