Friday, December 18, 2009
Financial Aid Friday- Test Your FInancial Aid Knowledge!
There is so much information out there about financial aid, it's hard to know what's true and what isn't. Follow this link http://www.educationplanner.org/finaid/falitquest.asp?sponsor=2859 to take a Financial Aid Literacy Quiz from EducationPlanner.org. It's a great place to start researching financial aid. Enjoy!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Financial Aid Friday
From CollegeBoard.com:
Financial Aid Myths
Don't Believe Everything You Hear
Literally billions of dollars in financial aid is available to those who need help paying for college. Yet lots of misinformation clouds the facts about what type of aid is available and who is eligible. Here are some myths dispelled for parents confronting the process of securing financial aid for their college-bound child.
College Is Just Too Expensive for Our Family
Despite the media hype about rising college prices, a college education is more affordable than most people think, especially when you consider college graduates earn an average of $800,000 more over their careers than high-school graduates. The average yearly tuition and fees at a four-year public institution in 2009-10 is just $7,020. There are some expensive schools, but high tuition is not a requirement for a good education.
There's Not a Lot of Financial Aid Available
In fact, more than $168 billion of student financial aid is available. Most students receive some form of aid. Less of this aid now comes in the form of grants, however; most aid is awarded through low-interest loans or institutional and other grants. Parents should consider carefully the financing packages offered to their child by each college to determine which makes the most financial sense.
My Income Is Too High to Qualify for Aid
Aid is intended to make a college education available for students from many different financial situations. College financial aid administrators often take into account not only income, but also other family members in college, medical expenses, and other factors. Aid is awarded to many families with incomes they thought would disqualify them.
We Saved for College, So We Won't Qualify for Aid
Saving for college is always a good idea. Since most financial aid comes in the form of loans, the aid you are likely to receive will need to be repaid. Tucking away money could mean you have fewer loans to repay, and it won't mean you're not eligible for aid if you need it. A family's share of college costs is calculated based mostly on income, not assets such as savings.
My Child Isn't a Straight A Student, So We Won't Get Aid
It's true that many scholarships reward merit, but the vast majority of federal aid is based on financial need and does not even consider grades.
If We Apply for a Loan, We Have to Take It
Families are not obligated to accept a low-interest loan if it is awarded to them. "In my opinion, everybody should apply for financial aid," says Shirley Ort, director of scholarships and student aid at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. "Student loans are at all-time low interest rates." She recommends applying and comparing the loan awards with other debt instruments and assets to determine the best financial deal.
Working Will Hurt My Child's Academic Success
Students who attempt to juggle full-time work and full-time studies do struggle. But research shows that students who work a moderate amount often do better academically. Securing an on-campus job related to career goals is a good way for your child to help pay college costs, get experience, and create new ties with the university.
My Child Should Live at Home to Cut Costs
It's wise to study every avenue for reducing college costs, but having a child live at home may not be the best way. Be sure to consider commuting and parking costs when you do this calculation. Having a child live on campus may create more opportunities for work and other benefits.
Private Colleges Are Out of Reach for My Family
Experts recommend deferring cost considerations until late in the college-selection process. Most important is finding a school that meets your child's academic, career, and personal needs. In fact, you might have a better chance of receiving aid from a private school. Private colleges often offer more financial aid to attract students from every income level. Higher college expenses also mean a better chance of demonstrating financial need.
Millions of Dollars in Scholarships Go Unused Every Year
Professional scholarship search services often tout this statistic. In fact, most unclaimed money is slated for a few eligible candidates, such as employees of a specific corporation or members of a certain organization. Most financial aid comes from the federal government, though it is also a good idea to research nonfederal sources of aid.
We'll Have to Sell Our House to Pay for College
Home value is not considered in calculations for federal financial aid. Colleges may take home equity into account when determining eligibility for their institutional grant funds, but income is a far greater factor in this determination. No college will expect your parents to sell their house to pay for your education.
We Can Negotiate a Better Deal
Many colleges will be sensitive to a family's specific financial situation, especially if certain nondiscretionary costs, such as unusually high medical bills, have been overlooked. But most colleges adhere to specific financial aid-award guidelines and will not adjust an award for a family that feels it got a better deal at another school. "We won't bargain, but we want to make sure we know the family's full financial picture," says Ort.
Financial Aid Myths
Don't Believe Everything You Hear
Literally billions of dollars in financial aid is available to those who need help paying for college. Yet lots of misinformation clouds the facts about what type of aid is available and who is eligible. Here are some myths dispelled for parents confronting the process of securing financial aid for their college-bound child.
College Is Just Too Expensive for Our Family
Despite the media hype about rising college prices, a college education is more affordable than most people think, especially when you consider college graduates earn an average of $800,000 more over their careers than high-school graduates. The average yearly tuition and fees at a four-year public institution in 2009-10 is just $7,020. There are some expensive schools, but high tuition is not a requirement for a good education.
There's Not a Lot of Financial Aid Available
In fact, more than $168 billion of student financial aid is available. Most students receive some form of aid. Less of this aid now comes in the form of grants, however; most aid is awarded through low-interest loans or institutional and other grants. Parents should consider carefully the financing packages offered to their child by each college to determine which makes the most financial sense.
My Income Is Too High to Qualify for Aid
Aid is intended to make a college education available for students from many different financial situations. College financial aid administrators often take into account not only income, but also other family members in college, medical expenses, and other factors. Aid is awarded to many families with incomes they thought would disqualify them.
We Saved for College, So We Won't Qualify for Aid
Saving for college is always a good idea. Since most financial aid comes in the form of loans, the aid you are likely to receive will need to be repaid. Tucking away money could mean you have fewer loans to repay, and it won't mean you're not eligible for aid if you need it. A family's share of college costs is calculated based mostly on income, not assets such as savings.
My Child Isn't a Straight A Student, So We Won't Get Aid
It's true that many scholarships reward merit, but the vast majority of federal aid is based on financial need and does not even consider grades.
If We Apply for a Loan, We Have to Take It
Families are not obligated to accept a low-interest loan if it is awarded to them. "In my opinion, everybody should apply for financial aid," says Shirley Ort, director of scholarships and student aid at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. "Student loans are at all-time low interest rates." She recommends applying and comparing the loan awards with other debt instruments and assets to determine the best financial deal.
Working Will Hurt My Child's Academic Success
Students who attempt to juggle full-time work and full-time studies do struggle. But research shows that students who work a moderate amount often do better academically. Securing an on-campus job related to career goals is a good way for your child to help pay college costs, get experience, and create new ties with the university.
My Child Should Live at Home to Cut Costs
It's wise to study every avenue for reducing college costs, but having a child live at home may not be the best way. Be sure to consider commuting and parking costs when you do this calculation. Having a child live on campus may create more opportunities for work and other benefits.
Private Colleges Are Out of Reach for My Family
Experts recommend deferring cost considerations until late in the college-selection process. Most important is finding a school that meets your child's academic, career, and personal needs. In fact, you might have a better chance of receiving aid from a private school. Private colleges often offer more financial aid to attract students from every income level. Higher college expenses also mean a better chance of demonstrating financial need.
Millions of Dollars in Scholarships Go Unused Every Year
Professional scholarship search services often tout this statistic. In fact, most unclaimed money is slated for a few eligible candidates, such as employees of a specific corporation or members of a certain organization. Most financial aid comes from the federal government, though it is also a good idea to research nonfederal sources of aid.
We'll Have to Sell Our House to Pay for College
Home value is not considered in calculations for federal financial aid. Colleges may take home equity into account when determining eligibility for their institutional grant funds, but income is a far greater factor in this determination. No college will expect your parents to sell their house to pay for your education.
We Can Negotiate a Better Deal
Many colleges will be sensitive to a family's specific financial situation, especially if certain nondiscretionary costs, such as unusually high medical bills, have been overlooked. But most colleges adhere to specific financial aid-award guidelines and will not adjust an award for a family that feels it got a better deal at another school. "We won't bargain, but we want to make sure we know the family's full financial picture," says Ort.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Financial Aid Friday
Here's your financial Aid Friday tip, courtesy of http://www.educationplanner.org
Financial Aid Timeline
This is a general progression of events related to the financial aid process. It begins with a student’s senior year of high school; however, some students have also completed some of these steps during their sophomore or junior year.
August
Request applications and information from colleges.
Visit school campuses throughout the fall to help narrow your choices.
Look into overnight or weekend college visitation programs.
September
Mark your calendar for college fairs and admissions representatives’ visits.
Consider meeting with the school counselor to develop a college admissions plan.
Register for the SAT or the ACT. Investing in a preparation course for either test may help you to become more comfortable with the testing process and to perform better on the exam.
Consider early decision/early action programs.
October
Create a schedule of admissions and financial aid deadlines.
Begin completing college applications and essays.
Request transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Explore college or scholarship information or apply to colleges online (some campuses may charge an extra fee; however, some campuses waive fees, since online applications speed up processing).
November
Follow up to ensure that letters of recommendation are submitted.
Complete essays and applications.
Submit applications for early decision/early action programs.
November 10 at 6:30 if Financial Aid Night!
December
Complete, photocopy, and submit college applications.
Obtain any other financial aid forms that may be required by your target schools.
January
Obtain a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your school counselor or through the Department of Education (DOE). To complete the FAFSA, you will need your family’s (estimated) income tax information for the year. Your parents should complete taxes early to help in filling out the FAFSA. Keep a copy of this information, as some officials may request to see it later.
Complete the FAFSA online or fill out, photocopy, and then submit it by mail.
February
Contact the college’s financial aid office to see if financial aid programs exist on a state or campus level. These programs may involve forms and deadlines that exist independently from federal programs and may require additional applications or information from you or your parents.
Submit all the necessary paperwork or applications for any private or outside scholarships you may have identified in October.
Be sure that you have submitted all required forms: the college admissions application, the FAFSA, any private scholarship applications, and any state or campus forms required for financial aid programs outside the federal student aid programs.
**February 6 is FAFSA Night! Bring your tax info and fill out your FAFSA with us in the HS computer lab!
****PSU's FAFSA deadline is February 15th!
March
Ask your high school counselor about Advanced Placement (AP) exams offered for college credit and about the cost of the exams. Contact the registrar’s office at the college or school you plan to attend to find out what score is necessary to receive the college credit. If you will be taking an AP exam, consider starting an AP preparation course for the tests in May.
Watch the mail for the Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is the DOE’s reply to your submitted FAFSA and summarizes your financial aid eligibility for any federal programs.
April
Receive admissions notification(s).
Compare your financial aid awards to cost of school attendance.
Make a final enrollment decision and submit the enrollment deposit, if requested.
Notify any schools that you have chosen not to attend that have accepted you that you will not be attending.
Sign and return financial aid forms for the school you will be attending.
May
Take any applicable Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Send final transcript and student loan application(s) to your chosen college.
Contact the college’s financial aid office to check your financial aid package status.
June
Complete any remaining financial aid forms.
Plan for college orientation, transportation, and housing.
July
Finalize college transportation and housing for the fall.
Financial Aid Timeline
This is a general progression of events related to the financial aid process. It begins with a student’s senior year of high school; however, some students have also completed some of these steps during their sophomore or junior year.
August
Request applications and information from colleges.
Visit school campuses throughout the fall to help narrow your choices.
Look into overnight or weekend college visitation programs.
September
Mark your calendar for college fairs and admissions representatives’ visits.
Consider meeting with the school counselor to develop a college admissions plan.
Register for the SAT or the ACT. Investing in a preparation course for either test may help you to become more comfortable with the testing process and to perform better on the exam.
Consider early decision/early action programs.
October
Create a schedule of admissions and financial aid deadlines.
Begin completing college applications and essays.
Request transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Explore college or scholarship information or apply to colleges online (some campuses may charge an extra fee; however, some campuses waive fees, since online applications speed up processing).
November
Follow up to ensure that letters of recommendation are submitted.
Complete essays and applications.
Submit applications for early decision/early action programs.
November 10 at 6:30 if Financial Aid Night!
December
Complete, photocopy, and submit college applications.
Obtain any other financial aid forms that may be required by your target schools.
January
Obtain a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from your school counselor or through the Department of Education (DOE). To complete the FAFSA, you will need your family’s (estimated) income tax information for the year. Your parents should complete taxes early to help in filling out the FAFSA. Keep a copy of this information, as some officials may request to see it later.
Complete the FAFSA online or fill out, photocopy, and then submit it by mail.
February
Contact the college’s financial aid office to see if financial aid programs exist on a state or campus level. These programs may involve forms and deadlines that exist independently from federal programs and may require additional applications or information from you or your parents.
Submit all the necessary paperwork or applications for any private or outside scholarships you may have identified in October.
Be sure that you have submitted all required forms: the college admissions application, the FAFSA, any private scholarship applications, and any state or campus forms required for financial aid programs outside the federal student aid programs.
**February 6 is FAFSA Night! Bring your tax info and fill out your FAFSA with us in the HS computer lab!
****PSU's FAFSA deadline is February 15th!
March
Ask your high school counselor about Advanced Placement (AP) exams offered for college credit and about the cost of the exams. Contact the registrar’s office at the college or school you plan to attend to find out what score is necessary to receive the college credit. If you will be taking an AP exam, consider starting an AP preparation course for the tests in May.
Watch the mail for the Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is the DOE’s reply to your submitted FAFSA and summarizes your financial aid eligibility for any federal programs.
April
Receive admissions notification(s).
Compare your financial aid awards to cost of school attendance.
Make a final enrollment decision and submit the enrollment deposit, if requested.
Notify any schools that you have chosen not to attend that have accepted you that you will not be attending.
Sign and return financial aid forms for the school you will be attending.
May
Take any applicable Advanced Placement (AP) exams.
Send final transcript and student loan application(s) to your chosen college.
Contact the college’s financial aid office to check your financial aid package status.
June
Complete any remaining financial aid forms.
Plan for college orientation, transportation, and housing.
July
Finalize college transportation and housing for the fall.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thank you, PHEAA!
Special thanks to Mr. Don Shade, Regional Director for PHEAA, who came to speak with our parents and students last night for Financial Aid Night. If you missed it, please stop down to see us; we have LOTS of literature and resources to share!
Perhaps his biggest message was this: You pick a "safety school" for acceptance, so pick a financial "safety school" as well! Apply to at least one school that you can reasonably afford (like a state school or a commonwealth campus). That way, if you don't get as much money for your more-expensive schools, you have a fall back plan.
He also stressed the pitfalls of securing privately-funded loans to cover educational costs. If you consider this option anyway, please see us for useful resources about how to make the best decision on a private lender.
Perhaps his biggest message was this: You pick a "safety school" for acceptance, so pick a financial "safety school" as well! Apply to at least one school that you can reasonably afford (like a state school or a commonwealth campus). That way, if you don't get as much money for your more-expensive schools, you have a fall back plan.
He also stressed the pitfalls of securing privately-funded loans to cover educational costs. If you consider this option anyway, please see us for useful resources about how to make the best decision on a private lender.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Recent Events
Hello, all!
We were happy to see that Open House was very well-attended on Tuesday night. It certainly didn't hurt that Mrs. Herman also had her Career Expo on the same night; that always draws a crowd from both middle and high school students. If you have questions or concerns resulting from your conversations with teachers, don't hesitate to give us a call.
College reps and military recruiters continue to visit us on a daily basis. Please listen for announcements, visit the Guidance page on the HS website, or stop in to view the list of upcoming visitations. These are great opportunities to learn more about your options for after high school.
Red Ribbon Week began on Monday. The theme for this year is, "Join the Fight Against Drugs!" Out SADD members were very busy handing out bracelets (instead of ribbons!) on Monday morning. Friday is the big Fall Festival at Schick Elementary, and many SADD members will venture there for part of the day to assist in the festivities. This will be the culmination of the Red Ribbon Week activities at Schick. Special thanks to Sgt Edwards, who is bringing a dogtag-making machine and will provide a dog tag for each elementary student with his/her name and the "Join the Fight Against Drugs!" theme imprinted on it.
Mark your calendars for November 10 at 6:30pm, when Don Shade from PHEAA will be in the library top speak with parents about financial aid. Especially considering today's economy, it's always good to be prepared for such an expense!
Take care!
We were happy to see that Open House was very well-attended on Tuesday night. It certainly didn't hurt that Mrs. Herman also had her Career Expo on the same night; that always draws a crowd from both middle and high school students. If you have questions or concerns resulting from your conversations with teachers, don't hesitate to give us a call.
College reps and military recruiters continue to visit us on a daily basis. Please listen for announcements, visit the Guidance page on the HS website, or stop in to view the list of upcoming visitations. These are great opportunities to learn more about your options for after high school.
Red Ribbon Week began on Monday. The theme for this year is, "Join the Fight Against Drugs!" Out SADD members were very busy handing out bracelets (instead of ribbons!) on Monday morning. Friday is the big Fall Festival at Schick Elementary, and many SADD members will venture there for part of the day to assist in the festivities. This will be the culmination of the Red Ribbon Week activities at Schick. Special thanks to Sgt Edwards, who is bringing a dogtag-making machine and will provide a dog tag for each elementary student with his/her name and the "Join the Fight Against Drugs!" theme imprinted on it.
Mark your calendars for November 10 at 6:30pm, when Don Shade from PHEAA will be in the library top speak with parents about financial aid. Especially considering today's economy, it's always good to be prepared for such an expense!
Take care!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Seniors, Apply NOW to Penn State
We are hearing seniors say, "Oh, it's early! I'll do my applications later." WRONG! As a general rule, the earlier you apply, the better your chances of acceptance. You don't have to apply "early decision" in order to simply submit your application early. Criteria get more stringent as the number of available spots decreases. This is particularly the case with Penn State branch campuses (like Altoona), where housing is at a premium, and there isn't enough for every freshman. So listen up! The earlier you apply, the better your chances of acceptance! DON'T PUT IT OFF! Come see your counselor if you need help throughout the process.
Anyone interested in joining a branch of the military, regardless of grade level, should be aware that we are giving the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) next Tuesday (the 22nd). Recruiters from the National Guard, Marines, Army, and Navy are scheduled to be here on that morning to help out. This is a GREAT time to meet a recruiter and get started in that process. See someone in the G.O. (that's Guidance Office), and we can connect you with the recruiter (s) of your choice on Tuesday.
Anyone interested in joining a branch of the military, regardless of grade level, should be aware that we are giving the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) next Tuesday (the 22nd). Recruiters from the National Guard, Marines, Army, and Navy are scheduled to be here on that morning to help out. This is a GREAT time to meet a recruiter and get started in that process. See someone in the G.O. (that's Guidance Office), and we can connect you with the recruiter (s) of your choice on Tuesday.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
You Don't Need a Four-Year Degree to Get a "Hot Job!"
'Hot' jobs? Health care, energy, many not requiring bachelor's
By Lindsey Anderson, USA TODAY
The hottest job areas from now to 2016 will be in health care, education, information technology and clean energy, a new report says.
And though some require bachelor's degrees or higher, many call for an associate's degree and sometimes additional vocational training.
Health care will generate 3 million new jobs by 2016, the most of any industry, says the report, by the Democratic Leadership Council, a non-profit think tank. Among "hot jobs" in health: physical and occupational therapist assistants, dental hygienists and radiation therapists, the report says.
A job is considered "hot" if it pays over the 2006 average wage of $32,000 and if projected growth is more than 10% in the next 10 years.
"Health care is already a large part of our economy and is going to remain one even after health reform, because we're getting older as a nation," report co-author Bruce Reed says.
More than three in 10 new U.S. jobs will be in health or education, the report says. But the highest-paying "hot jobs" are in information technology, averaging about $71,415. Computer specialists and computer support specialists are in high demand.
In clean energy, jobs are expected to triple in 10 years. The authors say wind energy will grow fastest, generating about 285,000 jobs with incentives from the economic stimulus package.
FASTEST-GROWING JOBS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS
Jobs, percentage growth and median income:
Physical therapist assistants
32.4%
$41,360
Dental hygienists
30.1%
$62,800
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
28.0%
$38,090
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
25.5%
$42,300
Occupational therapist assistants
25.4%
$42,060
Radiation therapists
24.8%
$66,170
Environmental engineering technicians
24.8%
$40,560
Court reporters
24.5%
$45,610
Registered nurses
23.5 %
$57,280
Computer specialists, all other
15.1%
$68,570
Source: Compiled by the Democratic Leadership Council, 2009
See link to original story at http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-09-01-jobs-community-college_N.htm
By Lindsey Anderson, USA TODAY
The hottest job areas from now to 2016 will be in health care, education, information technology and clean energy, a new report says.
And though some require bachelor's degrees or higher, many call for an associate's degree and sometimes additional vocational training.
Health care will generate 3 million new jobs by 2016, the most of any industry, says the report, by the Democratic Leadership Council, a non-profit think tank. Among "hot jobs" in health: physical and occupational therapist assistants, dental hygienists and radiation therapists, the report says.
A job is considered "hot" if it pays over the 2006 average wage of $32,000 and if projected growth is more than 10% in the next 10 years.
"Health care is already a large part of our economy and is going to remain one even after health reform, because we're getting older as a nation," report co-author Bruce Reed says.
More than three in 10 new U.S. jobs will be in health or education, the report says. But the highest-paying "hot jobs" are in information technology, averaging about $71,415. Computer specialists and computer support specialists are in high demand.
In clean energy, jobs are expected to triple in 10 years. The authors say wind energy will grow fastest, generating about 285,000 jobs with incentives from the economic stimulus package.
FASTEST-GROWING JOBS FOR COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS
Jobs, percentage growth and median income:
Physical therapist assistants
32.4%
$41,360
Dental hygienists
30.1%
$62,800
Environmental science and protection technicians, including health
28.0%
$38,090
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians
25.5%
$42,300
Occupational therapist assistants
25.4%
$42,060
Radiation therapists
24.8%
$66,170
Environmental engineering technicians
24.8%
$40,560
Court reporters
24.5%
$45,610
Registered nurses
23.5 %
$57,280
Computer specialists, all other
15.1%
$68,570
Source: Compiled by the Democratic Leadership Council, 2009
See link to original story at http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-09-01-jobs-community-college_N.htm
Welcome Back!
Glad to have you all hear for another year!
SENIORS please stop by to make an appointment with your school counselor to plan for whatever it is you plan to do after high school--and you have to do something.
Scholarship applications for the Wendy's High School Heisman scholarship are available now! You must be a senior and have participated in at least one sport. Applications are in the G.O. or online at http://www.wendysheisman.com The first 41,100 applicants get a Wendy's gift card. THE APP IS DUE BY OCTOBER 1.
Here is the newest Senior Newsletter: http://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/497960104164824/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=51073
JUNIORS: ASVABS will occur on September 22nd. This is the first part of your graduation project, which is a requirement for graduation.
FRESHMEN we will soon be meeting with you in small groups to find out more about you! We'll be talking about goal setting and any questions you may have about the inner workings of the HS.
Please check out our new website at http://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/497960104164824/site/default.asp It now features a Guidance Calendar, on which we post college visits and other important dates, online postings of all senior and junior newsletters, a useful links page, and details about the types of services we offer here in the G.O. Please let us know what you think!
SENIORS please stop by to make an appointment with your school counselor to plan for whatever it is you plan to do after high school--and you have to do something.
Scholarship applications for the Wendy's High School Heisman scholarship are available now! You must be a senior and have participated in at least one sport. Applications are in the G.O. or online at http://www.wendysheisman.com The first 41,100 applicants get a Wendy's gift card. THE APP IS DUE BY OCTOBER 1.
Here is the newest Senior Newsletter: http://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/497960104164824/blank/browse.asp?A=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=51073
JUNIORS: ASVABS will occur on September 22nd. This is the first part of your graduation project, which is a requirement for graduation.
FRESHMEN we will soon be meeting with you in small groups to find out more about you! We'll be talking about goal setting and any questions you may have about the inner workings of the HS.
Please check out our new website at http://www.ltsd.k12.pa.us/497960104164824/site/default.asp It now features a Guidance Calendar, on which we post college visits and other important dates, online postings of all senior and junior newsletters, a useful links page, and details about the types of services we offer here in the G.O. Please let us know what you think!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
AP Exams
Greetings!
If your student is interested in taking an AP exam this year, please note that the deadline for registration and payment is March 26th! Please come to the Guidance office for information and registration materials. The fee this year is $86 per exam, but if your student took an AP course here at LTHS (or through our online learning option during school), you will receive a $50 refund from the district after your student sits for the exam. Remember, the potential exists for students to gain college credit by scoring well on AP exams; check with your chosen postsecondary school for their policies.
If your student is interested in taking an AP exam this year, please note that the deadline for registration and payment is March 26th! Please come to the Guidance office for information and registration materials. The fee this year is $86 per exam, but if your student took an AP course here at LTHS (or through our online learning option during school), you will receive a $50 refund from the district after your student sits for the exam. Remember, the potential exists for students to gain college credit by scoring well on AP exams; check with your chosen postsecondary school for their policies.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Penn College Health Camps
We are very pleased to announce that Penn College has released information about its summer healthcare camps.
Information about the Health Careers Camp can be found here http://www.pct.edu/healthcamp/ or in the Guidance office. Register early!
Information about the EMT-Paramedic Camp can be found here http://www.pct.edu/paramediccamp/ or in the Guidance office.
Our students have participated in both of these camps before and have really enjoyed them.
Information about the Health Careers Camp can be found here http://www.pct.edu/healthcamp/ or in the Guidance office. Register early!
Information about the EMT-Paramedic Camp can be found here http://www.pct.edu/paramediccamp/ or in the Guidance office.
Our students have participated in both of these camps before and have really enjoyed them.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Health Careers 4 U
Health Careers 4 U is a fantastic program offered through Susquehanna Health Systems. Programs are open to all students in grades 8-12. Sessions meet in the evening and are free to the public. If you are interested in healthcare careers, this is a great way to get more information about:Specific jobs.
Educational requirements.
Personal traits needed for positions.
Possible career paths.
Upcoming fields include Sports Medicine, Clinical Lab Science, Pharmacy, Physicians' Assistant, and Nursing. See their website at http://www.shscares.org/Volunteers/HealthCareers4U.asp to register and get more information about specific programs.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Date Change!
Please note that the date for Senior Awards Night has been changed! This very special evening will now occur on June 3rd, 2009, in the HS Auditorium at 7:00pm.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Here's What's Coming...
Greetings! January marks the beginning of a new semester, and there is a LOT of activity on the way. Here are some dates to remember...
FAFSA Night We will once again be hosting Don Shade from PHEAA right here in the HS Library on February 5th at 6:30pm. This is an opportunity for you to fill out your FAFSA online along with us. Bring your financial documents (that means anything you would use to fill out your tax forms). We will provide laptops and internet access. You can submit right on the spot and be finished with your financial aid paperwork! Please call 326-3713 to register so we have the appropriate number of resources available!
Watch your mailbox for a letter regarding some changes to our Block V policies.
Scholarships are available for our seniors, and we receive new ones quite often now. Please come down to the Guidance office to review our file, and be sure to check your senior newsletters for brief descriptions.
Junior meetings will begin soon! We love hearing about your plans for the future and helping you take advantage of every opportunity to meet your goals. If you are interested in sitting in with your students, please call 326-3713 to set up an appointment.
Focus Groups will begin soon with the rest of our freshmen class. We meet with students in small groups as a part of Foundations for Success as a way to get to know our ninth grade students and answer any questions they may have about course selection, future planning, grading or other HS policies, and anything else they'd like to know about our goings-on.
Summer Opportunities for all students are rolling in! Some are local offerings, but many programs are career-based and are offered by colleges in PA. We currently have information on "camps" for students interested in pursuing careers in education, arts, and business.
Also, don't forget about PA Governor's Schools of Excellence! These programs are incredible opportunities for current sophomores and juniors in a variety of areas (Health Care, Education, Business, International Affairs, Arts, Ag Science, Info Technology, and Sciences). See their website at http://www.pgse.org for applications, descriptions, and general information. Be careful of deadlines! Some have already passed!
As always, please let us know if you have questions or concerns!
FAFSA Night We will once again be hosting Don Shade from PHEAA right here in the HS Library on February 5th at 6:30pm. This is an opportunity for you to fill out your FAFSA online along with us. Bring your financial documents (that means anything you would use to fill out your tax forms). We will provide laptops and internet access. You can submit right on the spot and be finished with your financial aid paperwork! Please call 326-3713 to register so we have the appropriate number of resources available!
Watch your mailbox for a letter regarding some changes to our Block V policies.
Scholarships are available for our seniors, and we receive new ones quite often now. Please come down to the Guidance office to review our file, and be sure to check your senior newsletters for brief descriptions.
Junior meetings will begin soon! We love hearing about your plans for the future and helping you take advantage of every opportunity to meet your goals. If you are interested in sitting in with your students, please call 326-3713 to set up an appointment.
Focus Groups will begin soon with the rest of our freshmen class. We meet with students in small groups as a part of Foundations for Success as a way to get to know our ninth grade students and answer any questions they may have about course selection, future planning, grading or other HS policies, and anything else they'd like to know about our goings-on.
Summer Opportunities for all students are rolling in! Some are local offerings, but many programs are career-based and are offered by colleges in PA. We currently have information on "camps" for students interested in pursuing careers in education, arts, and business.
Also, don't forget about PA Governor's Schools of Excellence! These programs are incredible opportunities for current sophomores and juniors in a variety of areas (Health Care, Education, Business, International Affairs, Arts, Ag Science, Info Technology, and Sciences). See their website at http://www.pgse.org for applications, descriptions, and general information. Be careful of deadlines! Some have already passed!
As always, please let us know if you have questions or concerns!
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