More on testing...

I can't believe that I am doing yet another post about testing, but I need to make sure that all of my students are aware and are planning ahead in registering for the ACT/ SAT test dates - and not just for the tests coming up soon!

Because of all of the past testing cancellations and the need for social distancing (which means that testing locations are not able to accommodate as many students), we received an email today talking about how packed some of the testing sites are for future tests.  In fact, in some areas of the country (not Ohio) the test administration dates for the next 4 tests are already full!  Check out this info from CollegeBoard about the SAT.

I wanted to put this out there because if you are planning to take the August SAT or the September ACT, even though I just mentioned last week that those deadlines are still more than a month away, I need you to understand that you would be wise to go ahead and get your registration in early so that you do not miss your chance to test at your desired date.

Diploma Presenter

Graduation this year was different in just about every way imaginable.  There was no long, procession through the Convention Center, no need for students to try to search and scan the audience in an effort to figure out where their families were, and sadly, no group moment of tossing caps in the air and knowing that together the class was done with high school.  But, there were so many other moments that were incredibly special... families celebrating together with cars decorated, joy as each family got their up-close and personal view of the graduate on stage accepting the diploma, and somehow a feeling of appropriateness (at least for me) that you were able to celebrate completing your high school journey at the high school.  You stepped onto the stage just steps away from where you entered the building for the first time as Kilbourne students 4 years ago.  It has been quite the journey and it was an important celebration that I was excited to witness.

One of the aspects that was very different was what is always one of my favorite Kilbourne traditions... this year the seniors were able to select their diploma presenters, but that presenter didn't get to share in the moment of handing you the hard-earned diploma.  I was incredibly touched and honored to have been selected by 7 of my students to present them with their diploma.  This always holds such deep meaning to me because students can pick anyone from Kindergarten through 12th grade to be their diploma presenter.  Because it is such a special experience, if you are in my office you will see that I have pictures of each group of kids that I was able to present with their diplomas over the years hanging prominently on my wall.  This year's picture couldn't be in person, but somehow a zoom photo felt appropriate since their senior year ended with online connections and classes.

Congratulations to (L to R - Top): Sasha Estice, Paige Tomasi, Ryan Connolly, (Bottom): Sydney Zulich, Sasha Bomser, and Evan Anderson as well as, not pictured, Misaki Campbell.

In all honesty, I am still hoping that I will be able to find a time later this summer where social distancing restrictions are less concerning where I can see all of these students, get a "normal" group picture of them, and hug them in person and tell each of them how proud I am of them.  But, there is a part of me that can't help but smile when I see this zoom picture.  And the effort it took to get it... all I can say is that thank goodness these kids are patient with me and are way more tech savvy than I am so that I could get this photo at all.

Sasha, Sydney, Paige, Sasha, Ryan, Evan and Misaki,
I didn't get to celebrate graduation day in person with directly handing you your diploma, but in my heart, I was a part of that experience.  I hope that you know how much you mean to me.  Each of you have a bright future ahead with your varied paths and I cannot wait to see all that you accomplish.  Thank you for the time you shared with me over the last four years.  I still can't really believe that when I go back in the fall you won't be coming back to WKHS too... I definitely missed getting those typical good-bye moments with you, but perhaps that is better because it means we don't really have to say good-bye and we will just continue to look forward to each new moment when I can see you and catch up on all that is happening in your lives.  Thank you for touching my life in a meaningful way.  I will miss you very much!  Love, Miss Abbott (and Lexi loves all of you too...)

College Admissions Tests

Obviously, the pandemic has impacted everything connected to school, but it has also created lots of craziness in the college admissions application process.  One of the big areas of impact from COVID-19 is the fact that the April, May and June test administrations of the ACT and SAT have been cancelled.  As of now, the July ACT test date is still scheduled to happen on July 18th, but if you plan on taking that test, please know that TODAY is the registration deadline!

There is an SAT coming up on August 29th (registration deadline July 31st), an ACT on September 14th (registration deadline August 16th), an SAT on September 26th (registration deadline August 26th), an SAT on October 3rd (yes, that is really just 1 week after the September SAT date), and there is also an October 26th ACT and a November 7th SAT which are in your admissions cycle.  However, you need to be aware that the October 26th and November 7th test dates may not be able to count for early decision/ early action deadlines - it depends on the college's stance on that.

Speaking of things that depend on the college's stance.  You are likely hearing that there are a lot of colleges who are currently switching to test optional for the Class of 2021.  This is a great option if you are a strong student and you haven't been able to repeat the test to get test scores that are comparable to the rest of your academic competitiveness profile.  Not all colleges will allow you to skip the test scores (like OSU is still requiring test scores to be submitted), but earlier this week there was an announcement that Ohio University is switching to test optional not just for the Class of 2021, but for all future years.

If your GPA makes you appear to be a borderline student then you may want to be able to use your test scores to be able to show the college that you are more academically talented than your grades might show.  And, if that is the case, I will remind you that you have been out of the traditional school/ testing format for a while now and doing some practice would definitely be worth your time and energy to better prepare for whichever college admissions test you plan on taking.

As you are working on preparing for the ACT/ SAT please know that there are lots of free options - including reviewing your Pre-ACT results, your PSAT results, looking at and taking sample questions and tests online, utilizing the ACT/ SAT websites and of course through Khan Academy.

There are also many different tutors available in the Central Ohio area who are committed to helping students prepare for the tests.  We have featured their information on the Counselor Website and it is attached.  Please know that these links include both individual and group test prep providers.

The organizations that facilitate the ACT and SAT frequently explain that the best preparation for the tests is to challenge yourself by taking on a rigorous curriculum during high school.  So, the reality is that every day, with every class you take, you are preparing for these exams.  However, that doesn’t mean that additional preparation wouldn’t be helpful.

Remember though, signing up to take the test is a critical step so don't miss your deadlines!

Transcripts

I have been getting emails from MANY recent grads about their final transcripts.  When you completed your Mandatory Senior Questionnaire, you wrote down where you wanted your final transcript to be mailed.  (All but 3 of my seniors did the questionnaire so chances are good that you did it.)  I know that colleges are sending you reminders about making sure that you request to have them sent and so I want to reassure you that all of these have now been sent.

For those of you who took classes through CC+, it is possible that your new colleges will want a copy of your CC+ transcript directly from the college and not just off of your WKHS transcript.  If this is the case, you can find directions and links on the WKHS counselor website to request your transcripts be sent to your future collegiate home.

I wanted to remind ALL students and parents that report cards are not mailed home, but they are available for you to access and print from Infinite Campus.  Additionally, your transcripts have been updated so you can see what that looks like too - including your updated GPA.  For those of you who earned P's in the 4th quarter, your grades really looked strong overall!  It was a positive ending to a rough time.