Instructions for completing the Senior Check out in Maia Learning. Seniors need to do this ASAP. For Maia Learning sign in with google and use your Niles North email.
NACAC College Admission Status Update - this site is being updated constantly. It has information about whether or not schools are extending the deadline for confirming enrollment, offering admission events, or are open for visitors.
Here is a list of more than 700 Colleges with Openings for this Fall (2020) for qualified students.
ISAC has been hosting weekly FB Live events on Tuesdays at 10am to discuss different college and financial aid topics relevant to students and parents.
If students and parents are not able to view these live, they are uploaded to our FB page and also the “Now Playing” section of the ISAC Student Portal. Please feel free to share this information with students and parents. Below is a list of the topics for all remaining FB Live events.
04/28 ISAC Resources
05/05 Financial Aid Process (for junior parents and students)
05/12 Alternative Application Overview (for junior parents and students)
05/19 College Visits (for junior parents and students)
05/26 Planning for Senior Year (for junior parents and students)
Juniors: A College Q&A with Dr Schlack - this will link you to the presentation from 4/9/2020
Upcoming Virtual College Admissions Events - this is a very handy and current list of virtual college admissions events around the country.
AP Test Information - this is being updated regularly! Here is information about Accommodations.
AP Live Courses - these are available on youtube, this link lists the available courses. All times are listed as Eastern Standard Time
Most AP teachers and students we surveyed prefer to test earlier, while the content is still fresh.
Exams will be given from May 11–22.
Makeup test dates will be available for each subject from June 1–5.
Students can take exams at home or in schools, if they reopen.
Each subject's exam will be taken on the same day at the same time, worldwide.
The College Essay Guy - this is an AMAZING resource for Juniors looking to work on developing their list of schools or work on their essays.
Virtual campus tours can be found on these websites: YouVisit, CampusTours, YOUniversity and CampusReel.
University of California System - Response to COVID -19 for current seniors and juniors
Financial Aid: Student/families may find it difficult to reach financial aid professionals at colleges. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) wants to remind Illinois families about their services:
Texting: Q & A for the financial aid process, FAFSA, understanding/comparing financial award packages, and the college planning process in general. Each question is answered by ISAC staff members and not automated. A student or parent can sign up by simply texting their first and last name to (847) 243-6470
Email or Phone: ISACorps is available via email or phone. Monica Masini: Monica.Masini@illinois.gov, 847-636-1259
Website: isac.org provides extensive information on ISAC programs and services, including need-based and other gift assistance financial aid programs.
Navigating Financial Aid Once You’re Accepted (Part 1): This first guide will walk you through how to understand your financial aid award letter.
How to Write a Great Financial Aid Appeal Letter (Part 2): If the financial aid award you received from college is making it tough to attend, it might be worth appealing it. Here's a more detailed step-by-step guide to writing a great financial aid appeal letter.
How to Decide Where to Attend: A few exercises (some of which are fun) to help you make the final decision. Note that many schools have moved their decision date to June 1.
Guidance for Interruptions of Study Related to Coronavirus (COVID-19 - this includes information for students who have been selected for FAFSA verification
Community Resources
Free Emotional Support - Illinois residents can text "TALK" to 552020 for to speak with a mental health counselor. Spanish-speaking residents can text "HABLAR" to 552020 for Spanish speakers. People who use the service will remain completely anonymous. You can also text "unemployment", "shelter", or "food" to get resource information and assistance in those areas as well.
Free breakfast and lunch during school closure
Niles Township Food Pantry - Pop Up will provide assembled boxes of groceries
Additional Community Resources PROVIDING SERVICES right NOW:
Turning Point: (847) 933-0051
Rogers (for PHP & IOP): (224) 470-4100
Rainbow -- (847) 952-1770: Every Tuesday and Saturday at 10AM CST, anyone can join a FREE 20-30 minute virtual video meeting using this link: https://zoom.us/j/5851468146. It is not just for those who have experienced loss. Virtual meetings will beganTuesday, March 17th and will go until May 2.
JCFS Warm-line phone connection: We know that social distancing can lead to a sense of isolation or increased anxiety. Beginning Monday, March 23 you can call us at 855.275.5237 to connect to a chaplain or emotional support professional.
COVID Senior Shoppers - a free service that will go to the grocery store for senior citizens
Here is a list of many mental health resources - each item on the page is a separate link you can click
FOOD:
SNAP (Food stamps) and Medicaid:
If you have seen a decrease in income or are facing food insecurity, you can fill out an application for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid.
Click here to apply online for Medicaid, SNAP, and cash benefits and to learn more about resources available through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
If you would prefer to apply using a paper application, please fill out and print this form
Food Pantries:
If you are facing food insecurity or if you are waiting for your SNAP application to be processed, I have attached a list of all the food pantries in our district.
You can also click here to view a map of the food pantries, including their service areas.
Employment
Unemployment:
If you have lost your job, been furloughed, have had your hours cut or have had your employment negatively impacted in any other way by the COVID-19 epidemic, you may eligible for unemployment insurance. The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has greatly expanded the eligibility for unemployment insurance to help those whose employment has been affected by COVID-19. Even if you are not sure if you are eligible, it is strongly recommended that you apply either way.
You can find the online application here.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security has taken steps to address the issues with their phone line and website. Because of the amount of claims being submitted, IDES asks that:
FOR ONLINE CLAIMS
- Last names A-M will be asked to file their claims on Sundays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays.
- Last names N-Z will be asked to file their claims on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays.
- Saturdays will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.
FOR PHONE CLAIMS
- Last names A-M will be asked to call on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 7:30am – 6pm.
- Last names N-Z will be asked to call on Mondays and Wednesdays between 7:30am – 6pm.
- Fridays (7:30am – 6pm) will be available for anyone to accommodate those who could not file during their allotted window.
Housing/Utilities
Evictions:
Governor Pritzker has ordered a stop to all evictions and foreclosures in Illinois until May 1, 2020.
Mortgage:
Home-owners can receive relief from their mortgage payments by asking for forbearance from Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac for up to 12 months. This also applies if your rental unit is financed by Fannie or Freddie. The Federal government can do this because Fannie and Freddie are under the FHFA.
Utility Shutoffs:
Governor Pritzker and The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) have ordered a cease to all disconnections and the threat of disconnections during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency. All service providers have agreed to also waive late fees until May 1st.
For more information and utility-related updates, please visit The CUB's Help Center.
Social Distancing and Self- Quarantine Information - from Johns Hopkins
Tips for Social Distancing and Self Quarantining - from SAMHSA
The Covid-19 Survival Guide for Teens: 5 Ways to Manage the Stress: Nicole and Bonnie (two essay coaches on my team) put together an awesome, simple guide for keeping healthy in mind and body.
Things to Do From Home During a Pandemic (Part 1): Two of my writer friends Ed and Whit put together a great compilation of podcasts, films, TV shows, theater and music performances, apps and so much more you can dig into while we ride this thing out.
Things to Do From Home During a Pandemic (Part 2): In part 2, Ed and Whit share a list of awesome things to SEE and LEARN, and ways to relax while at home. Did you know you could take Yale's world-famous course on "Happiness" online now? For free? Check it out.
Mindfulness Tips - tips for calming anxiety in a difficult time
Coronavirus Myths: 12 Facts Every Global Citizen Should Know