March 30, 2017
Post date: Mar 30, 2017 10:45:19 PM
High School Guidance News
by Chrissy Kafkalas (kafkalac@jenkintown.org)
Keep up with the High School Counseling Department on Social Media:
Guidance Website: https://sites.google.com/a/jtowndrakes.org/jenkintown-hs-guidance/
Guidance Calendar of Events: https://sites.google.com/a/jtowndrakes.org/jenkintown-hs-guidance/guidance-calendar-of-events
STUDENT RECOGNITION:
Congratulations to MAYA POSECZNICK and YUSRA ALI for WINNING the Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania Foundation Founders Award. For the past 61 years, The Emergency Aid of Pennsylvania has honored outstanding ninth grade girls from local area high schools through its Founders Award. The foundation recognizes the good citizenship of young women from the Philadelphia area. They were chosen by the faculty for their exemplifying community spirit and leadership potential. The award serves as an incentive to these young women as it validates their efforts at a very vulnerable time in their school careers. Please also congratulate Laura Dibble who came in as runner up!
Congratulations to CALEB LIMMER for being selected to receive Widener University and NBC10 High School Leadership Award – a $20,000 scholarship to Widener University over four years as an undergraduate. This awards program is designed to recognize high school students in the region, like Caleb, who embody the university’s commitment to develop and inspire leaders to affect positive change. With this award, the Widener University High School Leadership Awards Committee recognizes Caleb’s ability to demonstrate courage by standing up for what is right, finding a way to address a wrong, or making a difference in a significant way. Caleb will receive an invitation to join the other award winners at a special event on March 23, 2017 at the National Constitution Center. In the fall, Caleb will be invited to join the 2017 award winners on Widener’s campus for an exciting day of leadership training.
GUIDANCE SPECIFIC EVENTS/INFORMATION:
(NEW)The Ron Brown Scholar Program is pleased to announce the opening of the Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program 2017. Launched in 2016, GPS is a FREE program designed to help college-bound African American students navigate the admissions process by directing them to the most comprehensive and reliable resources available. GPS participants will benefit from valuable peer-to-peer mentorship from Ron Brown Scholars and Captains, who are similar in racial identity, age, income, and life experiences to meaningfully engage GPS students. Eligibility ---> Must be a current sophomore or junior, have a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, two writing pieces, demonstrated leadership and active involvement in the community and must be African American. Click HERE for more information and to fill out the application online. Deadline to apply is May 31, 2017.
Open to all 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade Students------> Sign up TODAY for the FREE Mock ACT (Sponsored by Revolution Prep) - Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, 8am to 12:30pm in High School - Location TBD. Students are off on this day so why not use this time to take a practice ACT. Click HERE for more information. You must register prior to this event!
Please call or e-mail Giulia Hollister at 717-689- 4918 or e-mail her at giulia.hollister@revolutionprep.com to sign up for the exam and schedule your score report review session.
Open to all Students K-12: Free 4 hours of Academic Tutoring: Through a partnership with Jenkintown High School, Revolution Prep is offering all Students K-12 in the Jenkintown School District 4-hours of FREE Academic Tutoring. This is a TIME SENSITIVE offer and must be redeemed by April 13th, 2017. Click HERE for more information.
SAT/ACT Test Prep Solutions:
Revolution Prep is offering affordable SAT/ACT Prep starting at $299, click HERE for more information.
Khan Academy FREE SAT Test Prep: Don't forget----->Every student who took the PSAT/NMSQT in October 2016 has access to a free, personalized SAT practice plan based on their PSAT/NMSQT results. All they need to do is to create and connect their Khan Academy and College Board accounts. Need help getting started? Watch this short video for step by step instructions on linking your College Board and Khan Academy accounts. Then head to Official SAT Practice to get ready for the test.
Free Practice Tools for the SAT and ACT sponsored by Kaplan: Students can take a FREE SAT or ACT pop quiz, 20-minute practice, or full proctored practice test online. Sign up NOW: http://ktp.events/pennsylvania
FREE Test Prep with Prep Factory: https://www.prepfactory.com/: Pattern Matcher is a feature of PrepFactory's free ACT and SAT preparation service. Pattern Matcher is a game that students can play after they have completed the eight interactive strategy lessons in PrepFactory. The game is designed to help students recognize the types of questions that they will see on the ACT or SAT. After identifying the type of question students can try to match the strategy they should use to the questions they are seeing.
Click HERE for more options offered in our area.
COMMUNITY EVENTS:
Sunday, April 2, 2017: TEDxArcadiaUniversity, 10am to 5pm, Tedx is an annual program that brings local leaders, thinkers, and doers together to share the TED-like experience of sharing ideas. Click HERE to register. This year's theme is The Big Idea with multiple ideas, themes and presentations throughout the three sessions. Presentations are 18 minutes in duration, designed to remain true to the format of the TED conference.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017: Teen Creative Writing Club at the Abington Free Library, click HERE for more information.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017, College Essay Bootcamp - Just for Teens at the Abington Free Library, 6:30pm to 8pm. This power program will boost your resume and college application essay writing skills. Learn proven tips that will sharpen your written presentation to college admissions officers. Register online, or at the Abington Information Desk, click HERE for more details.
The Kinney Center invites you and members of your organization to celebrate Autism Week, April 21 - 30. Our variety of programming provides something for everyone. Gather information, enjoy sensory-friendly events, and meet fellow individuals and families affected by autism. Most programs are FREE or low cost. There is an Autism Awareness Fashion Show, A Sensory Friendly Mass, an open House for the Kinney Center at Saint Joseph's University, Autism Advocacy Training, Autism and Employment Panel, and a Family Photo Session. Check out the FULL LIST of ACTIVITIES and RSVP Today!
Free Family Dinners for those who could use a nice hot meal, sponsored by the Reform Congregation Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road, Elkins Park, PA. Guests are served a hot homemade meal with leftovers packaged to go home. There are also desserts, fruit, and non-perishables that also may be taken. This year we are planning to offer tutoring and storying telling for children. Meals are offered on most Sundays from 5-6pm. Please click HERE for exact dates and more information.
Jenkintown Parents and Former Grads: Help us gather Dual Enrollment data. Guidance would like to know if your child was able to transfer their MCCC Dual Enrollment Credits to the college they are attending. Please fill out the Dual Enrollment Participation Survey for 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 Graduates: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1AVUak2o0FbP31CYg6i5fpHizhAgESYdmRF-JNA6toDc/viewform. To view our current MCCC Dual Enrollment College Credit Transfer Statistics, please click HERE.
COLLEGE FAIRS | CAREER FAIRS | SERVICE ACADEMIES:
Saturday, April 22, 2017, The Culinary Arts Institute @ Montgomery County Community College - Lansdale Campus: 10am to 12pm. Click HERE for more information.
Saturday, April 29, 2017, Montgomery County Community College Open House in Blue Bell - Central Campus: 10am to 12pm. Click HERE for more information.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017, Main Line Regional College Fair, Villanova University, 6:30pm to 9pm
INTERESTING ARTICLES FOR ALL:
Technology Field Sores: http://www.buckscountycouriertimes.com/jobs/jobs-now/technology-field-soars/article_d6965f7a-0430-11e7-95a1-079729c68b12.html
SENIORS: CLASS OF 2016 (12th Grade) Parents and students:
1) Students should be updating their Family Connection Account in the COLLEGES Tab with their admissions decisions.
2) Articles on what to do if you have been WAITLISTED:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/making-a-decision/what-to-do-if-youre-wait-listed
https://www.usnews.com/education/articles/2008/04/16/how-to-get-off-the-wait-list-and-into-college
https://www.petersons.com/college-search/waitlist-deferral-college-acceptance.aspx#/sweeps-modal
3) Still trying to decide which college to attend:
5 People Worth Talking to On Your College Visit: Click HERE to read the article.
4) New Scholarships:
New Scholarship Search Engine: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships
Willow Grove NAACP Branch Scholarship. The Willow Grove N.A.A.C.P. scholarship is open to ALL eligible seniors within the Willow Grove N.A.A.C.P.'s catchment area regardless of race or religion. Click HERE to download the application. Application and supporting materials must be received by May 15, 2017.
National Society of Black Engineers Greater Philadelphia Professionals Chapter Scholarship. The Philadelphia Professionals Chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is pleased to announce the awarding of scholarships for African American college-bound students passionate about science and engineering and planning to major in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. Preference will be given to students who are planning to major in a STEM field upon entering colleges; however, non-STEM students will be considered and are encouraged to apply. Click HERE for more information. Please fill out all of the information requested in this application form to be considered for this scholarship. Application materials are due no later than Saturday April 8, 2017. Any materials sent via mail must be postmarked by this date.
(NEW) Family and Consumer Science/Grace M. Reimard $500 Scholarship: Areas of study that would qualify for the scholarship may include Family and Consumer Science Education, child development and early childhood education, foods and nutrition, dietetics, interior design, fashion design and merchandising. Applications are due April 15, 2017. Applications are available in Guidance (ask Ms. Kafkalas) and also in Family Connection.
(NEW) W. Gordon Dunning Scholarship for students pursuing a career in Medicine and the Natalie E. Dunning Scholarship Fund for students pursuing a career in Education are now available. Students must be in the top 25% of their class and who also require financial assistance. Deadline to apply is June 1, 2017. Applications are available in guidance and in Family Connection.
Make sure to log into Family Connection to see all available scholarships.
(NEW) 2017 Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship (up to $2,500): Students must plan to enroll at a non-profit post-secondary institution by fall 2017 and are committed to pursue a career or technical certificate/degree. Application deadline is June 15, 2017. Click HERE for more information and to fill out the online application.
JUNIORS: CLASS OF 2018 (11th Grade) Parents and students:
1) Articles Worth Reading:
5 People Worth Talking to On Your College Visit: Click HERE to read the article.
Resources for Visiting College Campuses: https://sites.google.com/a/jtowndrakes.org/jenkintown-hs-guidance/college-visits/visiting-the-college-campus
2) Sign up TODAY for the FREE Mock ACT (Sponsored by Revolution Prep) - Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, 8am to 12:30pm in High School - Location TBD. Students are off on this day so why not use this time to take a practice ACT. Click HERE for more information. You must register prior to this event!
Please call or e-mail Giulia Hollister at 717-689- 4918 or e-mail her at giulia.hollister@revolutionprep.com to sign up for the exam and schedule your score report review session.
3) The Junior Guidance Workshops series. To learn more about what the students are learning in each workshop, visit the Grade Level Guidance NewsPage.
5th Workshop (The week of April 17): The College Essay
6th Workshop (The week of April 24): Review the Junior/Senior Checklist/Paperwork, NCAA and the Common Application
4) Make sure to look through the available summer programs and plan ahead for completing some Community Service Hours for the Jtown Graduation Project.
5) (NEW)The Ron Brown Scholar Program is pleased to announce the opening of the Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program 2017. Launched in 2016, GPS is a FREE program designed to help college-bound African American students navigate the admissions process by directing them to the most comprehensive and reliable resources available. GPS participants will benefit from valuable peer-to-peer mentorship from Ron Brown Scholars and Captains, who are similar in racial identity, age, income, and life experiences to meaningfully engage GPS students. Eligibility ---> Must be a current sophomore or junior, have a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, two writing pieces, demonstrated leadership and active involvement in the community and must be African American. Click HERE for more information and to fill out the application online. Deadline to apply is May 31, 2017.
SOPHOMORES: CLASS OF 2019 (10th Grade) Parents and students :
1) Sign up TODAY for the FREE Mock ACT (Sponsored by Revolution Prep) - Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, 8am to 12:30pm in High School - Location TBD. Students are off on this day so why not use this time to take a practice ACT. Click HERE for more information. You must register prior to this event!
Please call or e-mail Giulia Hollister at 717-689- 4918 or e-mail her at giulia.hollister@revolutionprep.com to sign up for the exam and schedule your score report review session.
2) The Sophomore Guidance Workshops will begin in February. To learn more about what the students are learning in each workshop, visit the Grade LevelGuidance News Page.
1st Workshop - COMPLETED (February 2017): Return PSAT Results to students, review course selection, review college admissions testing, college admissions
1st Part:
Explanation of how PSAT scores are used, why they are used for course selection, explanation of how to read the scores
Students created a College Board Account
2nd Part:
Review of College Admissions Testing, GPA's, and Importance of Course Selection and Importance of Getting Involved
VIDEO 1: Making the most out of High School Classes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIdgHAOoIKs
VIDEO 2: Overview, Making High School Count: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNOZ5yjIw-c
2nd Workshop (Begins March 31): Guidance Intern, Ms. Pierre-Louis, will be meeting with all 10th grade students individually to review their Career Scope Results. This is a comprehensive Career/Task Assessment that matches them to potential career pathways. Students will get a copy of their report and will have additional time to review their results using https://www.onetonline.org/. ONet is a wonderful website used for career exploration and job analysis.
3) Make sure to look through the available summer programs and plan ahead for completing some Community Service Hours for the Jtown Graduation Project.
4) (NEW)The Ron Brown Scholar Program is pleased to announce the opening of the Guided Pathway Support (GPS) Program 2017. Launched in 2016, GPS is a FREE program designed to help college-bound African American students navigate the admissions process by directing them to the most comprehensive and reliable resources available. GPS participants will benefit from valuable peer-to-peer mentorship from Ron Brown Scholars and Captains, who are similar in racial identity, age, income, and life experiences to meaningfully engage GPS students. Eligibility ---> Must be a current sophomore or junior, have a strong academic record, letters of recommendation, two writing pieces, demonstrated leadership and active involvement in the community and must be African American. Click HERE for more information and to fill out the application online. Deadline to apply is May 31, 2017.
FRESHMAN: CLASS OF 2020 (9th Grade) Parents and students:
1) Sign up TODAY for the FREE Mock ACT (Sponsored by Revolution Prep) - Tuesday, May 16th, 2017, 8am to 12:30pm in High School - Location TBD. Students are off on this day so why not use this time to take a practice ACT. Click HERE for more information. You must register prior to this event!
Please call or e-mail Giulia Hollister at 717-689- 4918 or e-mail her at giulia.hollister@revolutionprep.com to sign up for the exam and schedule your score report review session.
2) Guidance is STARTING scheduling FRESHMAN IGP Meetings. Annual meetings are held with individual students and parents to review and plan for individual progress. Since course selection is right around the corner (February 2017), this is a perfect time to meet with your child’s counselor. The IGP meetings are conducted with both the parents and the student and are done during the school day. Meetings start as early as 7:30am and the last meeting of the day is 2:45pm. To schedule a conference with Ms. Kafkalas, you should call the Guidance Department at 215-884-1801. You may also email Chrissy at kafkalac@jenkintown.org. Conferences will be scheduled in 45-minute intervals. I look forward to working together with you on behalf of your child. **Please note that 7:30am meetings are very limited.
3) The Freshman Guidance Workshops series is now COMPLETE. Click HERE to see what the students learned in the workshops.
4) Make sure to look through the available summer programs and plan ahead for completing some Community Service Hours for the Jtown Graduation Project.
Notable Summer Programs:
1) Kids & Teen College Summer Camps at PSU-Abington: Penn State Abington Kids & Teen College offers students a fun-filled approach to academic learning during the summer months. They offer summer camps for elementary, middle and high school students. Each camp is one week long. All camps meet Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Grades listed indicate the grade the student will be entering in the fall. Here is a sampling of what they offer: Multi-Media Design, Acting and Improvisation Workshop, Digital Media & Photoshop, Youth Police Academy, Jazz Improvisation, Dungeons and Dragons, Graphic Novels, Harry Potter Extravaganza, Painting-Drawing-and more, SAT Math and Verbal Prep, Debate & Public Speaking Workshop. Click HERE for more information.
1) The Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown has exciting summer volunteer opportunities for high school students. As our busiest time of the year approaches, we are in search of volunteers who would like to share their excitement about science and bring science to life for our visitors. Information about our opportunities are attached along with detailed application instructions. Application deadline is April 30, 2017. Click HERE for more information.
Summer Teen Volunteer Floor Educator (June 19th - August 25th)
• For: Teens ages 15-17 (Must be 15 years of age by May 31st, 2017)
• To Apply: Applications are accepted (now thru April 30th, 2017)
• Commitment: Minimum of one 4 hour shift per week; Mandatory training June 4th from 3pm – 8pm. Volunteers will learn engagement strategies, science content, and customer service skills
• Required Skills: Customer service, enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds, comfortable with public speaking
• Other Requirements: Parental Consent Form, 2 Recommendation Letters, Clearances
• Position Overview: Exhibit floor volunteers are enthusiastic, curious people who inspire our visitors to enjoy the wonders of science around them. They enhance the exhibit experience by engaging and delighting guests through their interactions. These volunteers should be comfortable with individuals and groups.
Summer Camp Volunteers (June 19th to August 25th)
• For: Teens ages 15-17 (Must be 15 years of age by May 31st, 2017)
• To Apply: Applications are accepted (now thru April 30th, 2017)
• Commitment: Minimum of one 4 hour shift per week; Mandatory training on June 19th and from 9am – 5pm
• Required Skills: Customer service, enjoy working with children grades Pre K through 8
• Other Requirements: Parental Consent Form, 2 Recommendation Letters, Clearances
• Position Overview: Summer Camp volunteers enjoy bringing science to life and working with children of all ages in a high energy environment Volunteers will assist the lead counselor with lessons and camp games.
3) Creek Camp (sponsored by Allegheny College: Open to high school freshman, sophomores, and juniors, Creek Camp is a great experience for students who are interested in studying environmental science in college, or those who simply love the outdoors. Do you have a love for our natural environment? Do like exploring the outdoors and getting wet? Want to learn outside the classroom in an interactive setting? You can do all these things while on a college campus! This experience takes place at Allegheny College in Meadville, PA. While living in college dorms, campers will participate in various activities. They will study freshwater ecology in the beautiful streams of Northwestern, PA, observe wildlife, and learn from experts! Campers will be able to interact with many people from the Allegheny College community, including students. Click HERE to read the brochure. Camp fee: $1500, financial assistance may be available – please ask! Students are accepted on a rolling basis. This is a physically and mentally demanding camp. We are in and out of water each day and work in teams on projects. Do not miss out on this unique opportunity!
4) The Forensic Sciences Mentoring Institute - Summer Program is now accepting applications (must be 16 years of age at the start of the program): They will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, April 22, 2017 from 9am to 11am. It will be held at Center for Forensic Science Research & Education at 2300 Stratford Ave., Willow Grove, PA 19090. At the Open House, activities will include an overview of the program and activities from last summer, demonstrations of laboratory experiments and activities, and a question and answer session. Space is limited so please RSVP at HERE by April 17, 2017. For more information, click HERE and for the online application, click HERE. The cost of the program is $1,500-scholarships and waivers are available. Application deadline for the summer program is April 28, 2017.
5) Find more programs HERE.