Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween! I hope you had a good day. I don't know if it is just me, but halloween isn't nearly as much fun as it would be if there were little kids around, but hopefully you were able to make some little kids really happy as you passed out candy to them and complimented their costumes. This picture is of my niece and nephew in their halloween costumes for this year. Carly is a leopard and Colton is a shark. They are too cute! :-) I know, I am biased, but still...

Today also marks the start of the 2nd quarter. Remember, it is very important that you focus on making the most out of every day in your classes. As you are aware, it is the semester grade that ultimately matters and counts on your transcripts. So, with most classes, you have 60% of your grade remaining. (40% from the 2nd quarter and 20% from the semester exam)

It is important to start the quarter strong. Get organized and work on staying organized all quarter. This is important because you need to make the most of the opportunity to have a fresh start with each new grading period. Additionally, I strongly encourage you to take time to reflect on your progress during the 1st quarter. Did it go as well as you had hoped or planned? Did you put forth your best effort? It is important to consider what went worked and continue doing those same things moving forward. Then, as you identify what didn't go as well as you had hoped, be sure to adjust what isn't working so that you don't continue to make the same mistakes over and over again.

And one other reminder, for any of you who are interested in participating in the field trip to the Delaware Area Career Center, don't forget to return your permission slips to Mrs. Windisch in the Counseling Center tomorrow! (They were due today, but she is still able to accept them if you get it to her right away.)

Net Price Calculator and Financial Aid Related

As of this weekend, every college will now feature a net price calculator on their website. This is in an effort to help provide students and parents with the information needed to make more educated decisions and choices about what they can expect to pay for a college education at each school. Now, I will forewarn you that not every net price calculator is the same and some are more detailed than others. Why does this matter? Well, if it is very specific and takes all of the different factors into consideration that the financial aid office will be looking at when creating your financial aid package, then you are likely to get a better picture of what your estimated aid might be, but if it is a more simplistic calculator then there could be more variance when compared to your actual aid package.

Without a doubt, college is very expensive and so trying to figure out the best ways to be able to finance your education is an important factor to consider in your college search and selection process. Below are a range of articles related to net price calculators, scholarships and financial aid that might interest you.

Get out your net-price calculator

Look to parents’ employers for college scholarships

Discover scholarships just for men

Make your extracurricular activities pay off

Colleges increasingly look for applicants who can pay full price

The Net-price calculator: Financial aid game changer?

The Myth of the “Full Ride” Athletic Scholarship

Consider these 8 scholarships for aspiring writers

10 Twitter handles to help with your scholarship search

Be Moneywise: Choose the right college to attend

How calculators can help counselors help students

Tips on finding and securing scholarships

Schedule Reminder

This past week was pretty crazy schedule wise for me since I was out of the building for half the week helping as a part of the crisis recovery team at McCord Middle School. I appreciate all of your patience because I know it is hard when you were trying to see me and I wasn't available.

I wanted to give you a heads up and reminders about this coming week's schedule...

- Monday (October 31st) is a late start day. This is when your teachers will be working to finalize your 1st quarter grades. Hard to believe that we are already a fourth of the way through this school year!

- Tuesday is November 1st. Some of the seniors have college deadlines for November 1st. If you are one of them, please be certain that you have submitted all of your application materials to the college by the end of the day Tuesday.

- I will be out of the building on Thursday and Friday (November 3rd and 4th) for a statewide counselors conference. So, if you need to see me, please plan on coming in on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Parent/ Teacher Conferences

Parent/ Teacher conferences will be held on the evenings of Monday, November 7th and Thursday, November 10th. There is an online system to allow parents to set up appointments to meet with teachers.

To access the system, visit the portal at http://www.worthington-portal.org/ and log in using the same parent e-mail address and password that is used to access grades through e-Sembler. Click on menu, go up to “My Account” and then “Child Records Access.” Select the high school student you wish to schedule and under applications, choose student options and press the “Launch” button. You will then click on “Schedule Teacher Conference.”

Select the day you wish to schedule the conference. (Active tab is white.) The day you are scheduling is listed about the course names. All available times have a button in the time slot which will allow you to select it. Select the time by course and teacher that you wish to schedule and click the “Schedule Teacher Conference” tab. Your scheduled conferences will appear in a list below. You will also have the option of deleting or printing your conferences.

I realize that the directions sound confusing, but having seen the system, I promise you that it is not nearly as confusing as it sounds. Conference times are available on a first-come, first-serve basis so I strongly encourage you to log in and schedule your appointments as soon as possible.

If you do not have a valid e-mail address, please call 450-6400 for assistance. If you cannot recall your password to access the system, please go to the portal and click the “Request Password” option in the bottom left of the log in screen. Your password will be emailed to you from Computer Services within the hour if the e-mail you submit matches the email in the student’s profile.

A Crisis Reminder

Today the students and staff at McCord Middle School learned that one of their 8th grade students had died. All of the WKHS counselors went across the street to help out on this difficult day and so, as you can imagine, my mind has been very crisis focused. I thought this might be a good time to review the importance of communication when crisis situations occur. It is important, as a school counselor, to be aware of any major incidents that impact students from the school as soon as possible so that we can help prepare an appropriate response. For the record, I tend to check my e-mails over weekends, holidays, and the summer for any critical incidents, but I do not check my school voicemail, so the best way to pass along important timely news is e-mail. Obviously, my hope is that this information is never needed and that we will not face any crisis situations in the future, but I also know that it is better safe than sorry.

Deadlines are Real

Deadlines are real! Often times I worry that the tendency we have in high school to set a deadline and then extend it or accept late materials creates a major problem when it comes to college applications and the rest of the world. The reality is that outside of high school, deadlines are real. If they say you need to have something done by a particular day, then it is essential that you have it done by that day. College applications fit into this strict rule so this is your friendly reminder to watch your deadlines!

It is really important that you stay organized and submit all application materials to colleges prior to their designated deadlines. There are several schools that have scholarship deadlines of November 1st. (This means that if you want to be considered for the maximum scholarship offering that you need to apply by November 1st.) Other schools have November 15th, December 1st, December 15th, or even later deadlines, but because every school is different it is really important that you stay on top of this and meet the requirements with plenty of time. If you have a college application with a November 1st deadline and you have not seen me already, please be sure to come in and see me!

I'd like to remind you that college applications is just 1 piece of my job as a high school counselor. I am more than happy to help you by writing recommendation letters if they are needed by your school, but you must give me at least 30 days notice before you need the letter! Being able to outline, draft, edit and revise each letter is important so that I can share all the great things you will bring to the college.

Don't forget, it also takes us 3 days at WKHS to process your transcript release so you need to allow plenty of time pick up your transcript and then mail it to the college. Some schools (like OSU) hold firm to the requirement that their deadline doesn't just mean that the application has been received by that date, but that all supporting documentation is also in their hands by that particular date. This means that they also need to have your transcript and official ACT/ SAT test scores prior to the deadline date.

If you are having trouble figuring out the deadlines, stop down to see me and we can look it up together.

Impressive Students

The students at WKHS never cease to impress me with all of their remarkable accomplishments, areas of involvement, awards, and activities. Below are a few of my students who deserve recognition.
Mariah Minichello, awarded OCC Academic League Leadership Award
Nick Darby, National Merit Semi-finalist
Cole Doran, National Merit Commended Scholar

Sean Baumgardner, Kristen Barone, and Grayson Biglin, Homecoming Court Attendants
Steven Borchers, Eagle Scout Award
Arthur Ding, Eagle Scout Award

Congratulations to each of you!

Delaware Area Career Center

When students enter 9th grade, many are excited about the different choices and opportunities available in high school. Unfortunately, the reality is that the first two years of high school really don't have all that many choices academically. There is a great deal of flexibility though as students reach their junior and senior years. One of those options includes the possibility of attending the Delaware Area Career Center.

Today during Science classes, all sophomores listened to a presentation about the Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) and the programs that they have available for students. This is a great opportunity to earn your elective credits in an area that interests you rather than being forced to pick classes that you are selecting simply because they will fill up your schedule. One of my students, Rachel Berg, did a great job as one of the student ambassadors who spoke during a few of the presentions.

It was interesting to hear about all of the different programs that are available for students to explore. There are some unique experiences and opportunities available that can really stand out to colleges. In particular, the students I have worked with in the past who participated in Teacher Academy and in Zoo School were stand-outs to the colleges!

Sophomores – if you are interested in participating in the field trip to the DACC, please be sure to stop into the Counseling and Career Center to pick up a permission slip. After signed by your parents please return it to Mrs. Windisch in the Counseling and Career Center. She will also give you a teacher permission slip that must be completed before you can attend. The field trip is Monday, November 21st. All permission slips must be returned by October 31st so that the career center can prepare for your visits.

October Students of the Month

Earlier this month 27 students were honored as Worthington Kilbourne High School Students of the Month. The recognition as a Student of the Month can only be earned once during a student's high school career. 4 of the students selected for this month's recognition were "my" students.
Congratulations to (pictured left to right): Michelle Borchers, Kaitlyn Bennett, and Bryn Caswell. Also, not pictured, Jeyenth Bukkapatnam. I am proud of you all!

Activities

At WKHS you are blessed to have a wide range of activities that you can choose to be involved with based upon your interests. Whether it is athletics, music groups, theater, clubs, or community service outreach opportunities, every student can find a place where they can contribute and belong. And, in the off chance that there is not a group that you are interested in, it is also possible that you can work with a staff member to establish your own group.

Sometimes students or parents will talk about their belief that colleges want to see students who are involved in a ton of activities. What is more important than just being a part of a lot of activities is that students find areas of passion and pursue those areas with focus and long term dedication.

As you are considering your areas of involvement, how you can get involved, and also how you will report that information to colleges, these articles might be helpful. Remember though, it is far more important that you are involved because it is meaningful to you rather than because it will "look good" on a college application!

When a part-time job is your extra-curricular activity

Don’t Discount a Summer Job

Summarizing Your Activities on the Common Application

Focus your activities – don’t take a shotgun approach

11 Ways Teen Entrepreneurs can Volunteer in their communities

How many volunteer hours do I need?

Admissions officers not impressed by pricey service trips

Do colleges want well-rounded students or those with a passion?

Great Job!

I wanted to take a moment and thank all of the students who participated in the PSAT and/ or PLAN testing today. Everyone behaved very well and the test process went by as well as we could have wanted. This may sound strange to you (in fact it might not make any sense to you as this is so old compared to what you are familiar with), but today I felt like one of the ghosts from Pacman. As those of you who were testing are aware, I spent the entire day wandering up and down the rows of the gym aimlessly. Although it wasn't as much fun as playing Pacman, I am really proud of all of the students who participated in the tests today. In particular I applaud the students who tested all day long. I know it was a demanding day, but you did great!

PSAT and PLAN Reminders

As you are aware, tomorrow is the PSAT and PLAN testing day. I thought it might help if I gave you a few reminders and some information about what to expect tomorrow.

If you are taking the PSAT, you will report directly to the gymnasiums when you arrive to school on Wednesday morning. You will need to bring your student id with you in order to check in. You will also need a number 2 pencil (no mechanical pencils allowed), a calculator, and I would recommend a watch. The test will begin by 7:45 and you will finish testing at the start of 4th period.

If you are taking the PLAN test, you will go to your 1st through 3rd period classes and when announcements begin you will be released to head to the commons to eat your lunch and then check in at the gymnasiums for the test. Check in begins at 10:50am and you will test for the remainder of the day. (As with the PSAT, don't forget to bring a number 2, non-mechanical, pencil, a calculator and a watch.)

If you are one of the students who love testing so much that you have elected to take both the PLAN and PSAT, you will test 1st through 3rd, have a quick break for lunch, report back to the gym and test again for the remainder of the day.

Generally speaking, the majority of juniors will be testing in the morning and the majority of sophomores are testing in the afternoon so teachers have adjusted the coursework being covered in class accordingly. Ultimately though, you will be responsible for making up any missed work from class.

And, as with any test, don't forget to get a good night sleep, eat breakfast, and dress in layers as the room can seem hot or cold randomly. You will not be allowed to have your cell phone with you at your desk nor can you have your bookbag, so I'd strongly suggest leaving all of your personal items aside from your pencils, calculator, student id and watch in your locker.

Debate Team

WKHS is starting a debate team and they are seeking any and all students who are interested in learning more about this group and are hoping you will want to join the team.

The debate team will compete in the Ohio High School Speech League against other local schools such as Olentangy and Gahanna. Regular debate tournaments will begin in mid-November and run through late February. The tournaments occur on Saturdays. Each tournament involves at least four 45-minute “rounds” of debate per competitor. Each debater must normally compete in two “pro” rounds and two “con” rounds – meaning you will learn to persuasively argue both sides of a topic, which requires a truly open mind. The first debate topic is "Individuals have a moral obligation to assist people in need."

As you can imagine, participation in this group will help you to develop strengths in researching, analyzing, writing and speaking and would be a logical fit for students interested in law, politics, and positions of leadership.

If you are interested in joining this group, please plan on attending an initial debate team meeting immediately after school in Room 207 on Thursday (October 13th).

This Week's Schedule

This is going to be a busy week. I'm guessing that I don't need to remind you that we have a 4-day week ahead, but just in case you hadn't noticed it on the calendar, we don't have school on Friday! Wednesday is the day for the PSAT and PLAN tests, so I will be in the gyms helping to administer the tests all day. This means that I will not be available in the counseling center. I will also be out all day on Thursday for a meeting at central office. This means that the only 2 days that I will be around and available are Monday and Tuesday. Please try to stop in and see me at the start of the week if you need anything or else we will have to meet up next week.

College News

- There are lots of articles out there with a wealth of information about college applications. This article is one that stood out to me. I liked the range of information that it covers and the points that it makes. I'd strongly recommend you consider spending a few minutes reading it.

- Friday is the deadline to register for the November SAT. If you felt like you needed to repeat this test you will have your test scores back at the end of November which is in time for most college application deadlines.

- Sophomores and Juniors as well as any interested Freshmen, don't forget that this Friday is the last day to register for the PLAN (practice ACT) and PSAT tests. Both tests will be held at WKHS next Wednesday, October 12th. You can bring your cash or check ($12 for PLAN/ $15 for PSAT) to Mrs. Windisch, the secretary in the Counseling and Career Center.

College Fair for Students with Learning Disabilities

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow night, October 5th, is the College Fair for Students with Learning Disabilities. This event is free and open to the public and will allow students and parents to meet with representatives from schools in Ohio and around the country to compare the range of accommodations available. The event will be held at Gahanna Lincoln High School in the cafeteria from 6:30 - 8:00pm. (Address is 140 South Hamilton Rd., Gahanna).

Follow the Directions

I have to say that today’s topic is a lesson that can apply to lots of different circumstances throughout your life. From the time you were little you probably learned that there are always rules and consequences of not following those rules. Sometimes we don’t have any problem following the rules and sometimes… well, it isn’t always quite so easy to do *exactly* what we are supposed to do.

I can think of countless examples of this in my everyday life and many of them cross over into your life too – be at work/ school on time, don’t use cell phones on 2nd floor at school, drive the speed limit, etc. Some times these are easy and sometimes we may struggle even though the reality is – they really aren’t that difficult to obey.

OK, I am rambling – the basic point is that I’d like to remind you to follow the directions! In everything and in every way – there are consequences of not following directions. This applies to your school work and – for those of you who are seniors – your college and scholarship applications.

When teachers or applications ask you to write an essay of 250 words or less – keep your essay to that length. If they ask for a list – give them a list. If they ask a question – answer the question completely. The difference is often in the details! Please pay attention and do what they are asking you– you never want someone to have a reason to eliminate your hard work on a technicality. And yes, as far as college applications are concerned, even if they say it is optional or preferred that means they really want it that way, so just suck it up and do it their way. Remember, in class not following your teacher’s directions might result in a bad grade, but as you get out into the real world the consequences can be much more severe and have a lasting impact.

I recognize that this all seems very obvious, but at some point we all get tired and think, “oh well, this is good enough…” So remember I’m here if you need me to encourage you to push through and take it that one extra step. :-)

Recommendation Letter Resources

So much of my time right now is filled with writing recommendation letters so I thought that you might be interested in some information and articles about good rec letters. Hopefully, if you are a senior, you have already determined if recommendation letters are necessary for any of your applications and asked your teacher(s) or me to write a letter on your behalf. Please stop in and see me as soon as possible if you have realized that you need a recommendation letter, but haven't asked for one yet. Don't forget that you must complete the pink teacher recommendation request form (2 sides) if you are seeking a teacher recommendation letter and you must fill out the 2 sided counselor recommendation supplement form (purple) and ask one of your parents to complete the parent brag sheet (blue) if you need a recommendation letter from me. The colors that I am referencing are in case you are picking up a copy of the forms from the WKHS Counseling and Career Center. These forms are also available for download in the College Application section of the WKHS Counselors website.

Here are some additional articles regarding recommendation letters:

Getting good letters of recommendation

Importance Guidance on Getting Good Letters of Recommendation

Ask early and nicely for letters of recommendation

Getting Great Teacher Recs

Note to Applicants: Admissions Officers Do Read What Your Teachers Say

How Many Recommendation Letters Should You Send?

How recommendations can make (or break) your child’s college applications

Look for 5 qualities in your scholarship recommendation writers

Getting good letters of recommendation