Welcome to the fourth issue of the Guidance News for the 2011-12 school year! 
If you missed last month's issue, past issues are archived on the school website under GUIDANCE NEWS.  

Results from October Testing
In October, students in grades 9, 10 & 11 took the Terra Nova, PLAN and PSAT tests. In the months of December and January, counselors will be visiting classrooms to help interpret scores to students. Each counselor will also be giving tips for the college planning process to students in each grade level. Juniors will receive the college planning calendar as they anticipate their senior year.

Junior Career Assessments
In recent advisory groups, juniors spent time in computer labs as counselors oriented them to Career Cruising. This is a great online resource available to help students assess their gifts, abilities and interests, to determine potential career possibilities. The link is available on the resource section of the guidance webpage (username: lmhs; password: careers). Students were encouraged to take this assessment where potential career possibilities are discovered.

Junior College and Career Day
On Thursday, December 1, the guidance team had its first college and career fair on campus. It was a positive time for the junior class as they welcomed over 30 college representatives, 32 career speakers and attended multiple sessions on college and career preparation. Each junior heard from a morning keynote speaker, chose five sessions to hear from career speakers, attended the college fair, and then participated in three sessions about preparing for college and careers. In upcoming advisory groups, juniors will reflect and write about how they can use what they were exposed to.

SAT & ACT Preparation
The best way to prepare for the SAT & ACT tests is to take rigorous courses in high school, read and write extensively, and practice by using the available sample tests. Free resources for SAT preparation are available on the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com. This site has daily practice questions, a full SAT online prep course and other resources for purchase. Similar information is available for the ACT test at www.act.org.

Registration for Upcoming SAT & ACT Tests
College-bound students are encouraged to take the SAT or ACT tests in the spring of their junior year and again in the fall of their senior year. For registration and testing dates for the SAT and ACT, please visit www.collegeboard.com/sat or www.act.org.

SAT Prep Course
We would like to explore the possibility of having an evening SAT prep course on campus during second semester. There is currently a prep course running this semester from 6-8 p.m. once a week for 12 weeks, taught by Abbey Harris of the SAT Prep Co. If you would be interested in more information or would like to register for the potential spring course, please contact Mr. Benner at bennerkr@lancastermennonite.org. There must be at least 10 students enrolled for the course to run.

Course selection for 2012-13
The course selection process for the 2012-13 school year will begin in December in advisory groups. Over several weeks, Advisory Group Leaders will help students review the Curriculum Guide, update Personalized Education Plans, and complete their Course Selection Forms. While the working documents will be kept at school for the first weeks, by January students may be expected to bring home their Curriculum Guide and Course Selection Form for discussion and parent signature(s). Meanwhile, parents may access the Curriculum Guide online and contact their student's Advisory Group Leader or Counselor with questions.

Net Classroom
We have been receiving positive feedback about implementing Net Classroom this year at the Lancaster campus. This tool seems to benefit both students and parents by allowing them to access attendance, report cards and current grades, along with other key features. Parents are encouraged to periodically log into their Net Classroom to view what is available. If you have technical issues with logging into your account, please email netclassroom@lancastermennonite.org.

First Semester Progress
With first semester closing January 12, it is important for students to stay focused as they begin to finalize projects and prepare for exams. Parents are encouraged to stay in communication with teachers, especially teachers of courses in which students may be at risk of failing. It is a great time for parents to log into their Net Classroom account to view progress. Counselors will meet with students who have more than one D or F in any class at the mid-point of the quarter to help them strategize a plan for the remainder of the semester.

Second Semester Schedules
Second semester schedules will be available on Net Classroom in early January. Both students and parents will be notified when schedules are available online for students to access and print.

Advisory Group Updates
Students meet most Wednesday mornings in advisory groups with a faculty leader. The past quarter of advisory groups consisted of orientations, senior class meetings, sophomore reflections, get-to-know sessions, junior/freshman mentoring, and reconnecting with each other. Students are currently participating in activities which include senior presentations, shadow day reflection, career cruising activities, and course selection for next school year.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
All students are strongly encouraged to apply for college financial aid because most students receive some type of aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is where you can start. This form needs to be completed online as soon as possible after January 1 and in accordance with your college's financial aid deadline. The website is www.fafsa.ed.gov. Both parents and students need a PIN number to complete the FAFSA which can be obtained at www.pin.ed.gov. You are encouraged not to rule out a college just because of high cost. There are also many scholarships available to students. You can find links to well known scholarship searches and local scholarships on LMH's resource page. Please be aware that you should not have to pay for information about financial aid, to apply for the FAFSA or to receive financial aid.

Lancaster County Career and Technology Center
Students in grades 10 and 11 who are considering possibilities at LCCTC for the 2012-13 school year are invited to evening open houses from 6-8 p.m. at the following campuses: Brownstown, December 13; Mount Joy, December 14; and Willow Street, December 15. If students or parents have questions, please contact Mrs. Shenk, school counselor, at 299-0436 ext. 307.


Senior Interviews with Counselors
Counselors have met with seniors to discuss life after school and offer help in the college and career planning process. Counselors continue to be available for seniors as they complete college applications; work on essays, applications, and resumes; or request recommendations and gather high school transcripts. Students in all grade levels are welcome to make appointments with their counselor by seeing Mrs. Grosh in the guidance office.

College Planning Calendar for Seniors
College-bound seniors are reminded to check the college planning calendar on the school's website. In December, seniors are encouraged to do the following:

• Finish and send your applications and essays (before Christmas!), and be sure to keep copies.
• Contact the college's financial aid office to see what student aid programs exist on a state or campus level.
• Obtain any other financial aid forms that may be required by your target schools. Check with the financial aid offices to see if they have specific financial aid requirements and/or deadlines.
• Prepare to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Senior Presentations
Seniors are currently presenting their informal, morning presentations in their Wednesday morning advisory group. Later this spring, seniors will give their required, formal senior presentation on either March 5, 20 or 29. Please check with your senior to see when their formal presentation is scheduled. This will be a wonderful time of celebration for seniors as they share their 20-minute presentation with family, friends, teachers, classmates, friends from church and work, coaches and others who have had a meaningful impact on them throughout school. For more information about senior presentations, you may visit www.lancastermennonite.org/guidance/senpres.