SHS GUIDANCE NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2016 Guidance Calendar - Dates to Mark on Your Calendar 4 – School resumes 11 – Dollars for Scholars Submissions Open 15 – End of Second Marking Period 18 – Teacher In-Service Day – No School 19 – Second Semester & Third Term Classes Begin 22 – STEM Summit – Grade 9 29 – STEM Summit Make-up Day 29 – Report Card Distribution * Mid-Term Exams will be given as assigned by teacher during regular scheduled class time. 5 - Regular Registration Deadline for March 5 SAT at SHS 10-11 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (FORM ATTACHED) 11 – 8th Grade Curriculum Fair for Students and Parents 7pm12 – Teacher In-Service Day – No School 15 – President’s Holiday – No School 4 – Early Dismissal for Students at 11:44am 4 – Regular Registration Deadline for April 9 ACT at SHS 5 – SAT Administration at SHS 21 – End of Third Marking Period 22 – SHS College Fair, 6:30pm in the high school cafeteria 23 – Spring Holiday – No School (1st snow make-up day) 24 – Spring Holiday – No School (2nd snow make-up day) 25 – Spring Holiday – No School – Offices Closed 28 – Spring Holiday – No School (3rd snow make-up day) 1 – Report Card Distribution 9 – ACT Administration at SHS 22 – ASVAB Testing at 8:00am 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 – AP Exams 12 – SHS Senior Academic Awards at 7:00pm 16-26 – Keystone Exams 26 –Last Day of School – Dismissal at 11:44am 30 – Memorial Day Holiday – Offices Closed 8 – Report Cards Mailed Home
Inside This Issue Page 2 PA Keystone Exams Page 3 Common Application Scholarships Dollars for Scholars Scholarships Page 4 SAT Information Page 5 ACT Information PSAT Scores Arrived Page 6 NCAA Eligibility Page 7 Parent/Teacher Conference Form
The Guidance Department is available to meet with you and answer your questions. Telephone us to make an appointment at (717) 235-4811, ext. 4243 or 4284. Office hours are 7:15am – 3:15pm.
SHS GUIDANCE NEWSLETTER
Page Two
PENNSYLVANIA KEYSTONE EXAMS Information For Parents/Guardians
What are the Keystone Exams? The Keystone Exams are end-of-course assessments designed to evaluate proficiency in academic content. Students will be offered multiple opportunities to take the Keystones throughout their high school careers in order to demonstrate proficiency. Who will participate in the Keystone Exams? Beginning in 2012–2013 the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams replaced the grade 11 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) tests in mathematics, reading, and science for purposes of satisfying No Child Left Behind (NCLB)/Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) requirements. Therefore, all students in grade 11 must participate in the Algebra I, Literature, and Biology Keystone Exams. Additionally, students in any grade who are enrolled in a Keystone-related course should participate. When will the exams be offered? The Keystone Exams will be administered three times each year—winter, spring, and summer. Specific administration dates will be published by the Pennsylvania Department of Education on the SAS website at www.pdesas.org. What is assessed on the Keystone Exams? Pennsylvania adopted the Pennsylvania Common Core Standards (PACC), standards aligned with expectations for success in college and the workplace. The Keystones are designed to measure these standards. How long is a Keystone Exam administration? There is no time limit for a student to complete a Keystone Exam. Each Keystone Exam should take the typical student 2 to 3 hours to complete. There are two modules on each test, and each module (or Test Session) of the Keystone Exam should take 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. Districts can administer the Keystone Exam modules across two days or divided across the morning and afternoon of the same day. What are the available formats for administering the Keystone Exams? The Keystone Exams are available in both online and paper/pencil formats. Districts will determine if online, paper/pencil, or both formats will be used locally. Makeup exams will also be administered in either online or paper/pencil format. Will students have an opportunity to experience online testing before taking a Keystone Exam online? Tutorials and online training programs have been developed for the Keystone Exams. The PA Online Assessment Student Tutorial uses pictures, motion, and sound to present visual and verbal descriptions of the properties and features of the PA Online Assessment system. Students are allowed to repeat the Student Tutorial as often as desired and needed. The Online Tools Training (OTT) provides an introductory experience using the PA online assessment software allowing students to observe and try out features of the PA online assessment software prior to the actual assessment. Within the OTT, students also have the opportunity to practice typing responses in a narrative format, graphing functions, and entering equations using an equation builder tool. The online exam also has a “Help” feature that is available to the student during the exam. What types of questions are on the Keystone Exams? The Keystone Exams will include multiple choice questions and constructed-response, or open-ended questions. For each Keystone Exam, approximately 60% to 75% of the total score will be from multiple-choice questions and 25% to 40% of the total score will be from constructed-response questions. How are the written responses to constructed-response questions scored? The written responses for constructed- response questions are scored by evaluators trained in applying a pre-determined scoring system. Scores are based on content only. Spelling and punctuation are not included as part of the scoring process. Most constructed response questions require students to show their work or explain their reasoning. These Keystone Exam questions will ask students to explain, analyze, describe, or compare. Some questions will also require students to perform calculations or create graphs, plots, or drawings. How are the results reported? Keystone Exam scores will be processed as quickly as possible and provided to the districts. Two copies of the individual student report for all Keystone Exams will be sent to the school districts and charter schools. One copy should be sent home to parents/guardians; the other is kept by the school/district. School-level reports will be used for curricular and planning purposes. School districts and charter schools may publish the results of Keystone Exams for each school. The state will also release school-by-school exam data. May parents see the Keystone Exams? Parents and guardians may review the Keystone Exams if they believe they may be in conflict with their religious beliefs by making arrangements with the School Test Coordinator once the exams arrive at the school. Confidentiality agreements must be signed, and no copies of the Keystone Exams or notes about exam questions will be permitted to leave the school. If, after reviewing the Keystone Exams, parents or guardians do not want their child to participate in one or all of the exams due to a conflict with their religious beliefs, they may write to the school district superintendent or charter school CAO prior to the beginning of the exam(s) to request to excuse their child from the exam(s).
SHS GUIDANCE NEWSLETTER
Page Three
COMMON APPLICATIONS Any senior applying to a post-secondary school requiring the Common Application is encouraged to do so on-line. Students are reminded that the application, supplement and payment submissions are 3 distinct processes. Check your account on the common application website for the status of your applications.
REMINDER TO PARENTS OF SENIORS * You MUST have an FSA ID for the student and one parent in order to sign the FAFSA. Visit fsaid.ed.gov to complete this process. * FAFSA applications can now be submitted on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov * On-line applications are preferred. * Contact the college of choice for individual college deadlines. * Visit www.pheaa.org/fafsa to access the on-line application and for helpful tips on financing your child’s choice of higher education.
SCHOLARSHIPS A scholarship bulletin is currently available outside the Guidance Office, in senior homerooms, on the district website and on Naviance.
GUIDANCE OFFICE - EVENING HOURS Guidance counselors are available during evening hours (6pm-8pm). Appointments are recommended. Mrs. Miklos (A – D) – January 20 and April 7 (717) 235-4811, ext. 4242 or via email at kate.miklos@sycsd.org Ms. Kabke (E – K) – January 20 and April 7 (717) 235-4811, ext. 4273 or via email at evelyn.kabke@sycsd.org Mr. Shervington (L – R) – January 20 and April 7 (717) 235-4811, ext. 4246 or via email at matthew.shervington@sycsd.org Mrs. Dzwonczyk (S – Z) – January 20 and April 7 (717) 235-4811, ext. 4241 or via email at colleen.dzwonczyk@sycsd.org
Southern York County School District Foundation Dollars for Scholars Scholarships The Southern York County School District Foundation Dollars for Scholars (SYCSDF DFS) is pleased to announce its coordination of more than 60 scholarship programs for the Class of 2015. Students can start to develop their profile now. Actual submission for scholarships will be open January 11, 2016 through February 12, 2016.For more information on how to get started go to the District website at www.sycsd.org , click on Foundation, then Scholarship Opportunities.
SHS GUIDANCE NEWSLETTER
Page Four
SAT or the ACT? Selecting which exam to take depends on what colleges require for college admissions, and which test is better suited for you. Most colleges accept either the SAT or the ACT, so it may simply be a matter of preference. Traditionally, students in the Midwestern U.S. took the ACT, while students elsewhere took the SAT, but these lines are now blurred and students are increasingly taking either one or both of these tests. Admissions officers insist that they will consider either test equally in their admission process. The ACT consists of four multiple choice tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. The ACT with writing includes the four multiple choice tests and a writing test. The SAT is changing in March 2016 and will consist of two sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Mathematics. The SAT with writing includes the above two sections and an essay prompt. Both tests are curriculum-based and test the skills you need to be successful in college. There are no penalties for incorrect answers on either test. To figure out which test is better suited for you, take practice tests and see how you do. You might think you are at a great disadvantage if you can’t afford the expensive prep course, but with hard work and discipline, you can study on your own with practice books (available in the guidance office and libraries). And the more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel on test day.
SAT Test - Saturday, March 5, 2016 Friday, February 5, 2016 is the registration deadline for those students registering for the Saturday, March 5th SAT Test administered at SHS. You may register on-line at www.collegeboard.org. A limited number of paper registration forms are also available in the Guidance Office. Late registration ends Friday, February 19, 2016 with an additional fee of $28.00. Please note: SAT Subject Tests are not given on this date. Scores are available at www.collegeboard.org two weeks after the test. Students are required to provide a photo in order to register for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT. Prompts for uploading photos will be given during the online registration process.
SAT Preparation Courses Penn State - York Campus: This course will reflect any new changes in the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and review important verbal and math skills assessed in the SAT I. Students can become familiar with the test format and learn valuable test-taking strategies. The course fee includes the latest version of the book “The Official SAT Study Guide” from the College Board. Course Dates and Times: Section 1 - Saturdays, 1/23/16, 1/30/16, 2/6/16 & 2/13/16 (8:30am–12:30pm) Cost: $210.00 per course Visit http://www.yk.psu.edu/CE/youth.htm for registration information.
York College: This five-evening course reviews the necessary skills assessed as important to both the Critical Reading, Writing and Math portions of the SAT. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to become familiar with the SAT format through sample questions and practice. Participants are strongly encouraged to attend each session and do the homework as suggested. Session Dates and Times: Session #1 – Mondays, 1/25/16, 2/1/16, 2/8/16, 2/15/16 & 2/22/16 (6pm-9pm) Session #2 – Mondays, 4/25/16, 5/2/16, 5/9/16, 5/16/15 & 5/23/16 (6pm-9pm) Summer Session – June 13-16, 2016, (M-W 5:00pm-9:00pm, Thurs. 5:00pm-8:00pm) Cost: $170.00 per session Visit http://www.ycp.edu/offices-and-services/academicservices/community-education/noncredit-courses/collegeentrance-exams/ for registration information.
SHS GUIDANCE NEWSLETTER
Page Five
Juniors‌..need help preparing for the SAT or ACT? Check out this website today!!!! www.testpreview.com.
ACT Test – Saturday, April 9, 2016 The postmark deadline for those students registering for the ACT Test is Friday, March 4, 2016. The test will be administered at SHS on Saturday, April 9, 2016. You may register online at www.actstudent.org. Late registration ends Friday, March 18, 2016 with an additional fee of $25.00. Most scores are available for online viewing within 2 weeks after the test date
2016-2017 Scheduling
Late January Early February Mid-February April to June
The scheduling process at SHS will take place during the second semester. The scheduling process is as follows: The Course Curriculum Guide is available on the district website beginning in late January. Students meet with teachers to obtain recommendations. Parents and students should put great importance in the teacher recommendations since the teachers have the student in class every day and know his/her strengths and weaknesses. They are also knowledgeable regarding the demands of the upcoming courses. Students meet with counselors as needed to make initial course selections. Schedule revisions made as needed.
PSAT SCORES ARRIVED If your student took the PSAT on October 14, 2015, please be aware that College Board notified us that PSAT score reports would be delayed. Students should be able to access their scores online starting on January 7th at studentscores.collegeboard.org. Susquehannock High School should receive the PSAT paper score reports by January 29th. Upon receipt counselors will meet individually with your student to review any questions they may have. The PSAT is intended to help students evaluate their current skills in verbal reasoning, math problem-solving and writing skills. In addition, it allows them to practice for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), compare their readiness for college-level work with that of their peers, be aware of their potential for taking advanced placement courses and enter scholarship programs. Score reports are used by the guidance office to counsel students about educational plans. PSAT/NMSQT scores are not used by colleges as part of the admission criteria and are not included on student transcripts. Students have the right to withhold PSAT scores from admission or athletics offices, even when the college requests them. Requests for PSAT scores to be sent to college and/or coaches should be put in writing to the guidance office.
SHS GUIDANCE NEWSLETTER
Page Six
NCAA - College Athletics What is the NCAA? This is the governing body of college athletics. It consists of approximately 900 schools that are classified into three (3) divisions.
NCAA Eligibility Center The NCAA Eligibility Center was established by the NCAA to verify eligibility. Student athletes must register with this organization if they want to participate in Division I or Division II college athletics. It ensures that a student athlete has met all requirements set by the NCAA before an official visit is made to a school. REGISTRATION WEBSITE: www.eligibilitycenter.org
"Want to Play College Sports?" Brochures are available in the Guidance Office
NCAA Standards 1. 2. 3. 4.
The standards issued by the Eligibility Center are slightly different for Division I and Division II. Standards are based on the following principles: Students must graduate from high school Students must successfully complete all needed core courses Division I athletes must earn a minimum 2.3 GPA in core courses Division II athletes must earn a minimum 2.0 GPA in core courses
NCAA - Test Score Requirements All SAT and ACT scores must be sent directly by the testing agency. Use the Eligibility Center code of 9999 when registering for the SAT or ACT.
Requirements vary between Division I and Division II. * In Division I, a sliding scale, based on the student's core course GPA is used. The higher the GPA, the lower the test scores needed for qualification * In Division II, test score requirements are the same for each student, regardless of GPA. At least 820 must be achieved on the SAT or a 68 sum score on the ACT. Test scores are calculated using only the math and critical reading subsections of the SAT and the Math, Science, English and Reading subsections of the ACT. The writing component of the ACT or SAT is not used to determine qualifier status.
NCAA Registration for Sophomores and Juniors Now is the time for college-bound student-athletes in their sophomore year to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if they anticipate participating in college athletics. Early registration helps college-bound studentathletes avoid issues that may delay their academic and amateur certifications. The registration process is easy and can be done by: 1.
Logging on to the Eligibility Center's website at www.eligibilitycenter.org 2. Select "NCAA College-Bound Student-Athletes" 3. Select “Create Account�
4. Beginning the registration process 5. Request the Guidance Office send your transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center at the end of your junior year.
College-bound student-athletes are reminded that they need to apply to the college or university that they are interested in attending. Athletic eligibility and admission to college or university are two separate processes and both need to be completed.
SHS GUIDANCE NEWSLETTER
Page Seven
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent-teacher conferences will be held at SHS on Wednesday, February 10, from 3:30pm – 8:00pm and Thursday, February 11, from 3:30pm – 6:00pm. Conferences can be arranged with any of your child's teachers or counselor, as well as the school nurse, librarian or any of the administrators. The conference period for each pupil's parents will be 15 minutes in duration. Should a more lengthy conference period be desired, another date should be arranged through the guidance office at 235-4811, ext. 4243 or 4284. The date and time of your conferences will be confirmed by email (if email is not available, a copy of the schedule will be mailed home). If you have another child in the high school and you desire conferences with teachers of both children, please submit two forms which are attached together. Student's Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Grade: _____________________ Parent's Name: _________________________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________________ Email: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Other Children's Name(s): _________________________________________________________________________________________ I am unable to attend a conference on February 10 or 11, 2016. I would like a phone conference: Date: ___________________________________ Time: ______________________________ I would like to schedule a conference with the following teachers:
Please place an "X" when you would like to begin your first conference. This request will be honored if possible.
3:30 – 3:45pm 3:45 – 4:00pm 4:00 – 4:15pm 4:15 – 4:30pm 4:30 – 4:45pm 4:45 – 5:00pm 5:00 – 5:15pm 5:15 – 5:30pm 5:30 – 5:45pm
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 5:45 – 6:00pm 6:00 – 6:15pm 6:15 – 6:30pm 6:30 – 6:45pm 6:45 – 7:00pm 7:00 – 7:15pm 7:15 – 7:30pm 7:30 – 7:45pm 7:45 – 8:00pm
3:30 – 3:45pm 3:45 – 4:00pm 4:00 – 4:15pm 4:15 – 4:30pm 4:30 – 4:45pm
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2016 4:45 – 5:00pm 5:00 – 5:15pm 5:15 – 5:30pm 5:30 – 5:45pm 5:45 – 6:00pm
PLEASE RETURN TO THE GUIDANCE OFFICE BY FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 2016