May/June 2010
School Counseling Staff
Patrick Clementz A - C 361-3020
Tamuriel G. McKinley D 361-3209
& Scholarship & Testing Coordinator
Jeannie Schoenenberger: E - I 361-3021
Susan Stavn: J - N 361-3026
Jonathan Watson O - Sg 361-3027
Angela Snow Si - Z 361-3028
School Counseling
Secretary
Sallie Cavitt (608) 361-3029
Summer School
We will be conducting summer school at Beloit Memorial High school this year. Please check with your counselors to determine classes and times. The dates are June 21st to July 30th. Monday - Friday. We encourage students to attend, particularly if they need to make up classes failed during the school year.
Recognition/Awards Programs
Put these dates on your calendar: Academic All-Stars, a recognition program for underclassmen, will be held Wednesday, May 12th, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. The following Wednesday, May 19th, is the Senior Scholarship Awards program, also at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have you checked out this section of the Guidance web site? On it you’ll find quick answers to a variety of questions from getting a work permit to searching for scholarships. www.sdb.k12.wi.us/memorial/guidance
Parents
Make sure that you know where your son/daughter is academically. You need to understand how many credits are needed to meet BMHS graduation requirements, how many credits your student currently has, and if they are on track to graduate. Also, do they have the right classes selected to get into the post-secondary school of their choice?
Remaining ACT Test Dates
The last ACT test of the year will be given at Janesville Parker & Craig HS and U-Rock on June 12th, 2010. College bound juniors who did not take the April test are encouraged to take this one. The registration deadline is May 7. Late registration with additional fees is available until May 21st. You can register online at www.act.org or pick up a packet in the Guidance Office
Looking For a Job?
The Job Center (1900 Center Ave, Janesville) can help. They have staff especially designated to help people looking for full time work identify their skills and find jobs to match. Many employers conduct interviews and hire only through the Job Center. Drop in anytime before 5:00 p.m. daily.
College orientations
We encourage you to sign up for the first available freshman orientation date this summer for your college. Usually at orientation you will chose your first semester classes and those classes fill quickly. You do not want to be shut out by procrastination.
Wisconsin Private College Week
Wisconsin’s private colleges and universities invite students, especially juniors, and their families to explore their postsecondary options during Wisconsin Private College Week, July 12-17, 2010. All of the 20 private colleges and universities in our state will be holding “open house,” and many plan special events that week. As a bonus, students will receive a waiver of application fees at each campus they visit. Don’t just show up—call and make an appointment, 800-433-4733. There is more information at www.wisconsinmentor.org
Seniors, Don’t Quit Now!
If you are hoping to attend college in the fall and plan on graduating from college, you need to be at the top of your game to be successful. Remember that all admission invitations are provisional and based on how you finish your senior year. You don’t want to run the risk of being denied.
Important to Seniors
- Minnesota-Wisconsin Reciprocity forms now available in the guidance office or online at www.heab.wi.us
- Please notify Mrs. Grace-McKinley at 361-3209 about scholarships received by May 1 if you want that information included in the Senior Awards program.
- The Senior Scholarship Awards program will be May 20 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend and honor our senior award and scholarship winners.
- Remember to notify the colleges you have decided not to attend. They are holding a spot for you while your friends are wait-listed and worrying.
- And speaking of “holding” spots, make sure you get your deposit in on time or you will lose yours.
- Students are reminded that if their college or technical school requires a final transcript, they must order one from Mrs. Cavitt in the guidance office.
Off to College?? Beware….
Before heading off to college (and once there), you will be bombarded with mail for checking accounts, free CD’s, refrigerator rentals, phone cards, and a thousand other things that someone will say you must have. The truth is you can probably do without any of those offers.
Before you start filling up your dorm room with a refrigerator, microwave, stereo, CD, TV/VCR, etc., check with your roommate. Dorm rooms are small and there is no need for two of anything listed above, so find out what your roommate has and work out a share agreement.
Another thing to beware of credit card offers. As a college student, you will get many offers—don’t be suckered in!! Interest rates are high and credit lines are easy to get, even with no income. Learn to shred those offers into the recycling bin. You will probably leave college with enough debt without personal credit card debt also.
College-Bound Juniors: A Timeline
1. If at all possible take the June ACT.
2. Visit colleges this summer.
3. Make your first and second choice decisions
4. Take challenging classes in your senior year.
5. Make a resume if you don’t have one.
6. You can begin applying Sept. 15. You should plan on having all applications sent before
Thanksgiving.
7. Begin looking for scholarships in September.
8. Schedule a credit check with your counselor.
9. Keep checking this newsletter for senior year deadlines.
Junior Parents
It’s not too late to schedule a meeting you’re your student’s counselor to talk about career and post-high school plans and other questions you have.
College Pre-View Visits
Juniors—this coming summer is the perfect time to start making campus visits of those colleges/universities you are considering attending. Do not show up unannounced—call the admissions office beforehand. Many campuses have planned visitation days. Take your parents with you—they need to be a part of this decision-making process. If you are going to visit a private college or university, try to do it during Wisconsin Private College Week in July. A benefit of a visit during this time is an application fee waiver should you decide to apply. If you want to tour a UW campus, you can find out Pre-View dates and make reservations at http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/gearingup/campusto
YOUTH OPTIONS PROGRAM
Students, you must sign up for any desired classes through the Youth Options Program no later than October 1st... This is the cut-off date to turn in your Youth Options form for the Spring Semester courses. Remember, you always sign up for a class the semester before the class actually begins.
You can pick up a Youth Options form in the Guidance Office. Mr. Jon Watson is the contact person for the Youth Options Program.