New College Information

We have recently received new information on some colleges. Please stop by the guidance department to look at updated materials from Colorado State University

Please note that there will be an information session for MIT in Lincolnshire at Stevenson High School on Sunday, September 26th at 2:00 pm and in Chicago at Walter Payton High School on Saturday, September 25th at 2:00 pm.

Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis

Students interested in Washington University in St. Louis may have the opportunity to apply for the Danforth Scholars program. This program is for students who have exhibited a capacity for service and leadership, as well as academic excellence, and who will ebrace the challenges ofa rigorous academic curriculum. If you would like to be nominated for this scholarship, please see your guidance counselor.

ConnectEd Informational Meeting Thursday, Sept 2

Representatives from Mount Mary College will be conducting an informational meeting at the Upper Campus on Thursday, September 2 from 6:30-7.

ConnectED is a unique partnership between Mount Mary College and area high schools which offers the opportunity to earn high school and college credit at the same time. Students enrolled in an Advanced Placement (AP) or honors course in high school can earn college credit through Mount Mary College. Classes are taught at the high school by qualified, ConnectED-approved, teachers using college level textbooks and assignments. The ConnectED courses match Mount Mary College courses in scope, sequence and rigor.

You can read more about this program here.

The enrollment deadline is September 15th.

Back to School Night Grades 6-12

Parents and Guardians are welcome to attend Back to School Night for grades 6-12 at the Upper Campus. Back to School night is from 6:15-8:10.

We look forward to meeting you there!

Senior Planning Tips

Seniors, you should plan on doing some work every month to prepare for college. We have listed what you should be doing in August and September. Check back each month for more tips!

In August you should:

• Sign up for the ACT or SAT (if you didn't take it as a junior, if you aren't happy with your score or if you have learned a lot since you last took the test)
• Review ACT/SAT test results and retest if necessary
• Consider taking courses at a local university or community college
• Keep working hard all year--second semester grades can affect scholarship eligibility and college admission

In September you should:

• Discuss your classes, college plans and test scores with your guidance counselor
• Visit with your counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate and fulfill college admission requirements
• Request college applications from the college/university admissions offices (this can be easily done online)
• Arrange campus visits
• Continue to search for free money (scholarships and grants) and other ways to pay for college
• Read the Free Scholarship Search Guide ebook
• Stay organized, file copies of applications and correspondence
• Keep your calendar up-to-date, tracking important dates and deadlines

Junior College Planning tips

Juniors, check back each month for information on what you should be doing to prepare for college.

Throughout the year make sure to do the following:

• Continue to take and plan challenging courses
• Keep your grades up
• Start/update an academic resume
• Put together a portfolio that highlights your special skills and talents
• Volunteer for activities and clubs related to career interests
• Get a part-time job, apprenticeship or internship or job shadow in a profession that interests you

In September, you should:

• Plan a family college discussion and put a plan into place
• Review your courses with you high school guidance counselor
• Prepare a list of questions to ask college representatives
• Sign up to take the PSAT
• Get and stay organized
• Create files to keep copies of applications and correspondence
• Set up a calendar to track important dates and deadlines

Sophomore Planning Tips

Sophomores, here are some valuable tips for academic success!

• Continue with college/career planning activities you began your freshman year
• Continue to take and plan challenging high school courses
• Continue to meet with your guidance counselor at least once a year
• Think about what kind of education and training different careers require
• Take PLAN and review PLAN results with your parents and guidance counselor
• Start collecting college information
• Continue/start saving for college
• Consider your reasons for going to college and how they relate to your career interests
• Join/continue extracurricular and community activities

Freshman Year Planning Tips

Here are some helpful tips to make the most, academically, out of your freshman year!

• Get to know your high school guidance counselors
• Plan challenging high school courses
• Plan a family discussion about college
• Become familiar with basic college curriculum/entrance requirements
• Join/continue extracurricular community activities
• Start investigating how much college will cost
• Continue/start saving for college
• Explore careers, occupations, salaries and requirements
• Evaluate your personality, interests and skills
• Attend summer camp at college to experience a college-like atmosphere

College Planning Calendar

There are plenty of things you can do, no matter your grade level, to help you prepare for post high school and college success.

We compiled a list of college planning activities from the College Board and ACT websites. We have general tips for freshman and sophomores and monthly planning tips for Juniors and Seniors. Check back often for tips and tools!

Welcome to the 2010-2011 School Year!

We are excited to get to know all our students and families this year!

As we begin this new adventure together, we'd like to share some information about us:

Kari Stankowski will be working with students whose last names begin A-L. Ms. Stankowski attended Ripon College and received an Bachelor's degree in Psychology and German. She recevied her M.A. in Counseling, specialization in School Counseling from Marquette. Ms. Stankowski worked as a Guidance Counselor at Brown Deer High School and Bessie Allen Middle School in North Fond du Lac. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family, friends and her adorable dog Lucky!

Angela Sereno will be working with students whose last names begin M-Z. Ms. Sereno attended Marquette University, earning a B.A. in Political Science and Criminology/Law Studies. She also attended Marquette as a graduate student, earning licensure in Political Science, Broadfield Social Studies and History. She attended Concordia University, earning an M.A. in School Counseling and licensure in School Counseling and Alternative Education. Ms. Sereno has season tickets to Marquette Basketball and loves going to Brewers games. She also loves spending time with her dog, Teddy!