Transcript Release Reminder

Remember, if you are applying to schools with a December 15th, December 31st, or January 1st deadline and you have not already turned in a transcript release form you need to do this Monday or Tuesday! Many of you have asked if it is OK to turn in a transcript release form before you have completed your applications. Yes, it is definitely OK! Your actual application to the college is still not due until whatever their stated deadline is, but if we are going to successfully process all of the forms and transcripts before winter break then we need to have your transcript releases in before December 1st. (Remember, we are not at school working during winter break either...)

Another reminder related to the transcript releases... whatever you put on the transcript release form as far as materials to be included is what we will make sure we have before sending in your transcript. So, for example, I have a transcript and paperwork that have been sitting in my office for at least 3 weeks because I do not have the teacher recommendations that are indicated. If you have any questions about if your transcript has been mailed, you can check that information on PrepHQ. If you look at PrepHQ and see that your transcript is still in the office, then I strongly recommend that you follow up with your teachers and make sure that their letters will be ready before your postmark deadline! Some students are making sure that all of the materials are ready to be mailed when turning in their transcript release forms by attaching the sealed envelopes of their teacher's recommendation letters or by making sure that their teachers have already given me copies of their recommendations prior to submitting the transcript release forms. This is ideal, but you still need to make sure that you are turning in the transcript release forms to Mrs. Hoyt before December 1st.

Summary:

- Due by December 1st: Transcript release form, $2.00, and any additional materials (counselor report form, school report form, teacher recommendation letters, etc.) for EVERY college that need to be mailed for December 15th, December 31st or January 1st application deadlines.

If you have any questions, feel free to let me know. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Break! Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and hearing all about your 5 days off!

A "Black Weekend"

The day after Thanksgiving is known as “Black Friday” and the entire weekend has been called a “Black Weekend.” NOT because of all the brave people who are out shopping, but because high school seniors across the country are forced by parents to spend all weekend working on college applications in an effort to try to get them completed. I keep wondering how many of you are really spending the weekend locked away in your rooms stressed out about trying to finish your college applications. With December 1st being Tuesday, many of you may have been ahead of the game and not procrastinating to try to get everything done over the holiday weekend. Hopefully you finished so you could enjoy the break and that it was not a black weekend with lots of application work.

In case you are still working on your applications and need some additional help or tips perhaps these links will help:

College Application Resume

Last minute reminders about the importance of having your college application essays edited and to write for your reader.

Generic-itis prevention in college essays

Personal Statement Fundamentals

Don’t forget that you can check to see if the college of your choice has updates or hints or reminders about their essay questions on their website or even on YouTube. (For example, the University of California has a YouTube video about their personal statement and what they are looking for in the essay.)

What are you really going to college for?

And for those of you who are starting to look ahead from college application work to focusing on scholarship applications, here are two links that might interest you.

How to Begin Your Scholarship Search

Scholarship Scams

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope that you are enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you were able to eat great food with the family or friends who mean the most to you.

We had lots of great food, but my sister and her family were not able to come for the holiday so it just doesn't feel like Thanksgiving with them missing.

Enjoy spending time with your family, eating turkey, watching the parade, watching football, and taking a nap... or whatever your traditions include. :-)

Safe Travels

I'd imagine many of you were like me and were so happy that the school week is already over.

I hope you have a wonderful 5 days off and that wherever your travels take you that you will have fun and be safe!

Pictures on Campus

I don't know about you, but I am so happy that this is only a 2 day school week!

In talking with many of you recently, I know that some of you will be combining the Thanksgiving break with formal visits or informal stops on college campuses. Please remember that I would like to have a picture of you on EVERY campus that you step foot on - regardless of your intention to apply to that school or not.

Earlier this fall Ms. Schwartz, Mrs. Gratz and I attended a conference at the University of Cincinnati and since I would never ask you to do something that I won't do, I thought I would share our "Oh the Places You'll Go" pictures from our trip to UC.

College Admissions Decisions

College admissions decisions are already starting to come in for some students. Every senior looks forward to receiving their college acceptance letters. It is an exciting time and reassures that there is more ahead. Depending upon the schools where you are applying, it is possible that you will hear back quickly or you may be waiting until sometime in March to find out if you have been accepted. I do ask that as you begin receiving your acceptance or, sadly, even rejection letters, to please keep me informed about the decisions. For the vast majority of the colleges, the only way I know about your admissions decision is if you share the information with me.

Remember, the only way to receive an acceptance letter is to actually APPLY to the college! (Just a friendly little reminder for those of you who are struggling to get your applications finished.)

Deadlines Are Real!

Just a quick reminder about the upcoming deadlines related to your college applications...

- Any student applying to OSU (or an OSU branch) that wants to be considered for scholarships MUST apply before December 1st! That means that ALL of your materials (transcript, college prep form, test scores, and application including the essay) are in OSU's hands by December 1st. If you are in the group of students who still plan to hit this December 1st date, then please verify that you have turned in your transcript release form with the college prep form that I need to complete for you and $2.00 to Mrs. Hoyt. You are told to provide at least 10 working days to make sure that we get everything processed on time. (10 days has already passed... so if you have not yet turned in your form, be certain that you have done so NO LATER than Monday!)

- If you are looking at December 15th, December 31st, or January 1st deadlines, your transcript release forms MUST be submitted to Mrs. Hoyt (with all supplemental materials required) no later than Tuesday, December 1st! This is because those deadlines create a massive back up in the system because there will be so many applicants and we need the time to process them all and get them mailed before winter break begins.

- Transcript release forms are available on the center shelves area in the middle of the Counseling and Career Center or you can download them off of the "Shared Files" area on PrepHQ.

- By now I *SHOULD* know about any and all students who need recommendation letters for college applications, but if you have realized that your college application needs a recommendation letter, then please do NOT delay and come and see me immediately so that we can figure out a plan to get your letter written on time to meet your deadlines.

- Stop by my office if you have any questions, but please remember that deadlines are real and they are approaching quickly.

Caring Makes a Difference

A parent recently sent this to me and I thought it was a good reminder of what really makes a difference. The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress...

How did you do?

The point is that none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:
1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most!

Letter of Intent

Congratulations to Will Campbell who signed his national letter of intent to play lacrosse next year at the University of North Carolina. Today after school, Will had his "signing" ceremony where several coaches shared a few comments before Will “signed” and thanked everyone in attendance. Will was joined by his parents for this recognition and was surrounded by other supporters including his brothers, grandparents, coaches, teammates and friends. Today’s ceremony and his signature on a piece of paper is particularly impressive because it represents all the years of hard work and dedication he has put forth to achieve his goals. Congratulations Will! I am proud of you and wish you the best at UNC!

(Will pictured above with his parents and brothers.)

PLAN Test Results

The PLAN Test results have arrived and are available for students to pick up from the secretaries in the Counseling Center. Remember, the PLAN Test is the practice ACT and it has a lot of great information about careers so be sure to check that out to see where your interests and abilities are for various future fields. Stop in and see me if you have any questions about your test results. Don't forget that an important part of the testing process is reviewing your results with the test book in order to determine the questions that you didn't get correct and to see if there is a pattern so that you can look for areas to work on to improve. The handout about "understanding your test results" and the actual results page will also help you focus on areas for improvement.

Delaware Area Career Center

Yesterday the counselors had the opportunity to take all students interested in learning more about the Delaware Area Career Center up to the north and south campuses for a field trip/ visit. I picked to attend the north campus because a few of my students are in programs up there and I wanted to try to see them.
I was excited to be able to visit the construction lab and see Gavin Barbin and the success that he is having and all that he has achieved while there. Gavin showed me the sheds that they have built and talked about their next project of working to build a house for Habitat for Humanity. It was very interesting. (The picture above shows Gavin on top of the shed that he is building with his group.)
In addition to my time in the construction lab, I went to the fire-service lab and was able to catch up with and see Tori Cardiel. It was great to see the equipment that she has been working with and learning about at the DACC. (The picture above shows Tori with one of the fire-trucks they have at the career center.)

I am so incredibly proud of Gavin, Tori and the rest of my students that are doing so well at the career center! And, I was also impressed when watching as they taught the student visitors.

If you have ever given any consideration to attending the Delaware Area Career Center and have questions, please stop in and see me. You should also try to go up to the DACC with your parents for the Open House on the evening of December 3rd.

Caps and Gowns

Today during lunch, tomorrow (Thursday, November 12th) during lunch, and tomorrow evening during the parent/ teacher conferences, representatives from Herff Jones are in the Commons to take orders from seniors for your cap and gowns! It is exciting that it is already time to order your cap and gown and yet it is also hard to believe that graduation is less than 7 months away. Please be sure to check the ordering information you received during the senior class meeting about placing your order for your cap and gown so that you can get yours ordered before the late fee gets added to the order. (I am not 100% positive, but I believe that date is early in December.) If you lost your cap and gown order forms, stop in the Co-Curricular office for an extra copy.

I would also like to thank all Veteran's as well as those men and women currently working to serve our country in the military. Several of my former students have pursued military careers after graduation and I am grateful for them and all veterans.

College InSight

There are lots of websites full of useful information about colleges. College InSight is a new website from the Institute for College Access and Success. There is a wealth of higher education data information on this website. One of the areas that I found particularly interesting was related to financial aid and student debt. For example, the website identified that seniors who graduated from Ohio 4 year colleges in 2007-2008 had $23,001 worth of debt if graduating from a public college and $25,631 of debt if graduating from a private college. Check out their website and expore the information for the colleges you are considering.

Kilbourne Choir

A few weeks ago I had to miss the fall choir concert. I was disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to see the kids in action and in particular to see the Kilbourne Singers perform their signature song of "Come to the Water." As they process into the auditorium for every concert the members of Kilbourne's top choir perform this song and it gives me chills each time. (Plus I love to watch the faces of "my" students as they walk past on their way to the stage.) Today, I found that this fall's performance of Come to the Water was added to You Tube. It is beautiful, but I have to tell you that if you have never been to a concert, you really need to attend the next one as it is even more powerful and impressive than can be captured on video.

The two student directed specialty groups Acafellas and Encore also have two songs from the concert on You Tube.

Acafellas includes 4 of my students - David Busch, Josh Cook, John Jacob, and Hunter Atha. They performed Apologize (One Republic) and I'm Yours (Jason Mraz).

Encore also includes 4 of my students - Gina Badillo, Rachel Bare, Allison Carney, and Jessica Blake. They performed Hallelujah and Happy Ending (Mika).

Students of the Month

Yesterday morning 27 WKHS students were honored as November Students of the Month. 9 of these outstanding individuals were “my” students. Naomi Barker, Charlie Bassani, Rachel Berg, Brittany Carson, Eric Clemens, Sammi Coen, Cove Day, Lauren Dixon, and Chad Ellwood were all nominated by staff for their academic achievement, good citizenship and/ or service. This is an honor that students can only receive once during their high school career. Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition! I am proud of you.

(Above is a group shot of all of the honorees who were present for the recognition ceremony. Below is a picture featuring "my" students.)

(Left to Right: Eric Clemens, Rachel Berg, Chad Ellwood, Lauren Dixon, Sammi Coen, Charlie Bassani, Cove Day, and Naomi Barker)

Report Cards

As you know, your first quarter report cards were distributed today. Congratulations to all of the students who have started the school year strong with very impressive grades! There are some of you, however, that are struggling quite a bit. It is important to remember that the grades you earn for the quarters are not the final grades which will appear on your transcript. The transcripts and your grade point average are determined based upon your semester grades. Most classes function on a 40/40/20 principle which means that 40% of your grade is now finished, but you still have 60% remaining. (40% from 2nd quarter grades and 20% from the exam.) Every point matters - so please do your best to finish the semester strong! If you need ideas and strategies about how to turn things around academically, please stop in to see me!

Don’t forget to show your report card to your parents as they may want to meet with one or more of your teachers. It can be very helpful to have your parents and teachers on the same page with understanding what is expected in the class so that they can help you better prepare. Parents, don’t forget that parent/ teacher conferences are next Monday and Thursday evenings from 5:30 – 9:00pm. Appointments must be scheduled in advance by calling the counseling center at 883-2590.

OSU Student Housing

Students want to attend the Ohio State University for a wide range of reasons. It is the most frequently applied to school for students at WKHS and historically, we have a significant number of students who elect to spend their collegiate years at OSU. While it will not impact the students currently at OSU, or even this year's senior class, I thought you might be interested in hearing about the plan that OSU President, Dr. Gordon Gee, has proposed for student housing in the future. They are currently working to improve and expand their housing availability on the Columbus campus so that in addition to all freshman students living in a dorm that all sophomores will also be required to stay in the dorms. (The exception, of course, would be if you are going to live at home with your parents for both years.) They hope to have the sophomores in campus housing for 2012 - 13. The Dispatch story about these plans explains that there is data to show that remaining in dorms improves student academic outcomes. Read the story to get all the details.

Celebration!

I am so incredibly excited and happy that the Worthington Schools levy passed today. This is a major stress reliever. Thank you to everyone who voted to support the students of Worthington Schools! (Definitely the best birthday present I could have ever hoped to receive!) :-) Don't forget that I am out tomorrow for a crisis management conference. See you Thursday!

For What It's Worth

I wanted to let you know that I will be out of the building all day on Wednesday for a conference. If you need something, please make plans to stop in tomorrow or Thursday.

Also, Friday morning I have a meeting at central office so I will be out for the first few periods of the day.

Don't forget that tomorrow is election day. I appreciate everyone who is making time to vote! Remember to find Issue 49 (last on the ballot).

Mental Blocks, Adversity, Self Doubt, and Worry

I have mentioned before that there are a lot of blogs that I follow and that most of them are in some way related to education or college. There is one blog that I stumbled across at some point a while back that I love to read called Stepcase LifeHack. In the recent past they have had several articles about topics that I think you will be able to relate to and might enjoy.

Getting Things (Re-)Started: Dealing with Mental Blocks
This post highlights ways to keep going and work toward accomplishing your goal when you are feeling stuck. This happens a LOT to high school students. The number of you that are professional procrastinators is rather impressive. So, perhaps this article and the suggestions to: Take it on the Road, Do Twenty Minutes, Limit Yourself, Skip the Hard Stuff, and Tend to your Knitting will resonate with you. It’s worth a try!


Face Adversity with a Smile

This post deals with the importance of picking your attitude when facing adversity. We all have challenges and difficult days – some more than others – and it is important to try to manage the aspects that we can control. Often, your attitude and outlook are the only parts that are yours to control and this article offers helpful reminders and steps to try to maintain a positive attitude.


Self Doubt: A Disease the Doesn’t Discriminate

We all face self-doubt. It is part of being human. You are often your own harshest critic and the fear that can come regarding the impact of the non-stop chatter of personal talk that you hear running through your head all the time can be overwhelming. This article helps to normalize the self doubt and reminds you to consider it’s role in your life. Are you controlling the doubt/ fear or is it controlling you?


And last, but certainly not least…

The Work of Worry

This article talks about worrying and the ways that we make it worse for ourselves by procrastinating, being disorganized, trying to be over-organized, or setting unattainable goals.