Everyone
Welcome back! It feels strange, but this is a great time to start thinking about what you want to do this summer. Be sure to check out “5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer” below for some strategies for thinking about how your activities this summer can contribute to your happiness. Then, start choosing activities that will help you toward your goals. I have some recommendations listed below!
January 15 is the last day to request schedule changes for this semester. Email me at cook_rachel@svvsd.org if there is a change you would like to make.
Career Days continue from now through March. If you know an adult who would like to volunteer to come in, give them this link. Students can sign up online using this link or you can sign up on the bulletin board in the math hallway. We’ve had a great start so far!
5 Ways to Spend Your High School Summer: Think about your summer in the context of how your choices can help you to lead a happier life (really!).
STEM camps: Interested in STEM careers? The South Dakota School of Mines offers day camps and overnight camps in various subjects.
CU Boulder also offers summer camps for grades K-12. In fact, most colleges offer some summer programs; consider signing up for a camp or class that interests you! The Innovation Center will also have some summer offerings, but they aren’t posted yet
Activity Log: Remember to update your spreadsheet at the start of each new semester.
Micro-scholarships: It’s never too early to start thinking about how to pay for college. Begin building your RaiseMe profile now.
Twin Peaks Course Catalog: You have the opportunity to make course requests from now until January 31, so now is a great time to check out what electives are available. Some great classes to consider include AP Human Geography (the most interesting class you’ve never heard of), AP English Language, astronomy, and business economics. You will also continue with fine arts, foreign language, and core classes.
Course Requests: For those who are interested, here are instructions for parents on how to access course requests through your student’s Infinite Campus account. I will also meet with students during seminar in January to help students create their course requests and make individual recommendations.
10th-graders
80 Extracurricular Activity Examples: Wondering what other students listed on their applications? These examples may inspire you.
Twin Peaks Course Catalog: Some great classes to consider for your junior year include AP Physics, AP Statistics, AP European History, AP Chemistry, astronomy, programming, and business economics.
11th-graders
How to Create a College List (with spreadsheet tracker): If you haven’t already, begin to create your list with this guide.
Identify high-value colleges: As you work on developing your college list, identify schools that’ll meet 100% of your financial need, institutions with generous merit-aid programs, and regional tuition agreements like WUE.
Essential Advice for Low-Income/First-Gen Students: Get key tips and resources, including learning about the chance to visit college campuses for free.
AP practice resources: If you’re taking AP exams in May, here’s how to prep.
Twin Peaks Course Catalog: You have the opportunity to make course requests from now until January 31, so now is a great time to check out what electives are available. Your senior year has a lot of options available to you. Would you like to take Honors US History of AP US History? Modern Literature or AP Literature? Perhaps AP Biology, Modern Physics, or Business Economics interest you. Seniors must take at least six classes in the first semester, so take some time to think about your goals for the future and which classes will best serve those goals. You can enter your interests in your Academic Plan on Infinite Campus.
Interested in attending a military academy? West Point offers a one-week Summer Leaders experience for students who will be seniors next year. The program costs $625 but offers generous scholarships, and the application opens February 1. The Coast Guard and the US Naval Academy also have summer programs.
12th graders
Admitted to college?: The Thumos Club would love it if you would fill out this really short survey every time you are admitted to a college so that they can celebrate you!
Graduation gown: If you haven’t ordered yours yet, you really need to as soon as possible! Gowns will be delivered to the school once they are all ordered. You will have the option to pick up your cap and gown early if you would like to decorate your cap.
Local scholarships from the St. Vrain Valley School District and the Longmont Community Foundation are open now: I would recommend applying to at least one scholarship every day over break. Then, reward yourself with something nice (personally, I would reward myself with a goofy holiday movie and some peppermint tea, but find the system that works for you.) Parents, if you could help your students gather information such as the FAFSA expected family contribution, it would be greatly appreciated.
P.E.O. Women’s Organization scholarship: Here is another great local scholarship opportunity!
Check your applicant portals and emails: If you miss a request for more information or an additional document, it could jeopardize your admission chances, so check regularly.
What to do if you’re deferred or waitlisted: Review your application and determine whether you want to write a letter of continued interest. And if you’re confused about the purpose of a waitlist, read this blog post by an admission director.
Keep searching for scholarships!
Cheers,
Ms. Cook