1. JUNIOR FAMILY MEETING AUGUST 27, 2019
Planning Your Next Moves

2. TONIGHT’S AGENDA Meet the Counseling Center Staff
The Significance of the Junior Year
(Officer Russell)
Check Your Progress – Use Synergy
Important Information for the Junior Year

3. COUNSELING CENTER STAFF
Mrs. Brooke Sharpe, A-C –
Mr. Greg Sederberg, D-He –
Mr. Eric Feeken, Hf-L –
Dr. Joyce Lehn, M-N – (Team Leader)
Mr. Anders Peterson, O-Sl –
Mr. Tim Ernst, Sm-Z –
Mrs. Janene Way, Secretary –

4. COUNSELING CENTER STAFF
Mr. Michael Barber –
School Social Worker – available Monday-Friday
Mrs. Miranda Blackwell –
School-based therapist – available on Tuesdays and Fridays – referral and parent/guardian permission forms must be completed
Mr. John Hastings –
Counseling Center Administrator
Mr. Romulo Vega –
EducationQuest Foundation Representative – available at Southwest on Wednesdays by appointment

5. The Significance of Junior Year
You may be eligible to apply for membership in the LSW chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS). See Mrs. Vargas for additional information.
What would you like to do with the next chapter of your life? Your postsecondary education/career plan should be taking shape.
You are moving closer to adulthood. Do your behaviors represent your level of maturity? Remember that others watch your actions– in person and on social media.
The Significance of Junior Year
Having completed two years of high school, it’s time to evaluate your progress toward graduation, as well as make some other considerations:

6. CHECK YOUR PROGRESS – USE SYNERGY
Remember to use Synergy to check your current grades, course history, and graduation requirements.
To access, head to click on Parents, and Login to Parent/StudentVue.
Your graduation status can be reviewed by clicking on Course History and the Graduation Status tabs.
Transcripts may be requested in the registrar’s office. Parents/guardians must sign a release of information for students under the age of 18.
Student/Counselor small group meetings will be taking place during the first half of this school year. Meeting times will be announced.
Be sure to check out the Google Classroom for juniors (Class of 2021) for information and updates from the Counseling Center. Set up your notifications accordingly.
How are you doing? Are you on track to graduate? Are you enrolled in classes that will meet college admissions requirements?

7. What’s next?
🍐 This is a Pear Deck Multiple Choice Slide. Your current options are: A: College, 2- or 4-year, B: Military, C: Work, D: Gap Year, E: Undecided,
🍐 To edit the type of question or choices, go back to the "Ask Students a Question" in the Pear Deck sidebar.

9. PLANNING TO ATTEND COLLEGE?
Research your schools of interest. Do they offer the major(s) in which you are interested? Are the institution size and location a good fit for you?
Please remember that admissions criteria are determined by colleges and universities and are subject to change by the institution.
High School Graduation ≄ College Entrance
By the end of your junior year, you should have narrowed your search down to your top 3-5 colleges so that you may begin the application process. The college/university application completion process takes time and requires that accurate information be provided.
Plan to attend meetings with college/university representatives that will be visiting LSW in the spring semester of the school year. Sign up for visits in the Counseling Center (online option via GC upcoming).

10. THE “GAP” YEAR – SOLIDIFY YOUR PLANS
If you are not planning to go to college or into the military right after high school, you should still have an educational/career plan.
If you are working to save money to continue your education, save your earnings so that they can be used to cover college expenses.
Apply to your school(s) of interest. Find out if your college/university will defer your admission for a semester or year.
Don’t let a gap year become gap years. Continue to set and meet your goals.

11. DO YOU WANT TO GRADUATE EARLY?
You must meet all Lincoln Public Schools’ graduation criteria including earning 245 credits in required academic and elective areas.
You must plan your academic program very carefully, particularly if you want to attend a 4-year college or university.
Check with your college/university for their recommendations.
DO YOU WANT TO GRADUATE EARLY?
You have the option of completing your high school education at the end of your junior year, or during terms 1, 2 or 3 of your senior year and before May 2021.

12. SAVE THE DATE! Lincoln Area College Fair – Sunday, September 22
1-3 Southeast Community College, 88th and O Streets
PSAT – October 7:45-11:15a
Registration will take place in the CC (C101) from 9/23-10/9 and costs $22(?). Cash or checks made payable to LSW or LPS only-- no credit or debit cards.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) – February 4, 2020
Please sign up with Mr. Feeken. There is no charge to take this test.
Junior ACT – April 7, 2020
This college entrance test will be given to all juniors at no charge. Only juniors will be in attendance at school that day.
The junior year is very busy and is full of responsibilities and opportunities. Please take advantage of every opportunity to prepare yourself for the next phase of your life.

13. USE YOUR RESOURCES
Complete Take Charge – a valuable, required class that will allow you to explore college and career interest areas.
LSW Counseling Center & website
EducationQuest / ScholarshipQuest
College research and visit information – You may sign up to meet with college/university representatives in the CC
College bound athletes – NCAA | NAIA
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
We cannot endorse any one agency as we share information about college admissions test preparation courses.

14. USE YOUR RESOURCES
Free and reduced lunch eligible students – College application fee and ACT/SAT waivers are available, in addition to certain scholarship opportunities may be available. Talk with your counselor! :)
The Hawks Food Market and Clothing Closet are available throughout the school year. The market and closet are open to students and families at no cost.
Other forms of assistance may be available to families in the LSW community. Please speak with your counselor for additional information.

15. Thank you for your time and attention!
Questions?