S P R I N G 2 0 1 2 the Central High School Counseling Department Newsletter Our Counselors th 9 Grade: Dr. Patricia Swinton 10th Grade: Mr. Norm Sugar 11th Grade: Mrs. Doreen Hogans 12th Grade: Mrs. Janice Sims Interns: Ms. Amanda Bogdan Ms. Lisa Tran This edition will highlight summer opportunities available to our students. There are dozens of options available to keep you busy and engaged this summer. If you want to work, volunteer, learn, or just try something new There are choices for everyone. This newsletter will feature many of the programs available and resources to look into even more. Save the Date! End of 3rd Quarter Career Day College Fair March 29th April 20th April 26th The third quarter ends at the end of the month, make sure your grades are what you want them to be. The morning of April 20th we will have volunteers coming in to tell you all about their careers. The college fair is happening in Landover this year, don t miss out hearing about different schools. In this Issue Save the Date Summer Programs for Students A Glimpse at Central High School From Your Counselor: Class of 2015 From Your Counselor: Class of 2014 From Your Counselor: Class of 2013 From Your Counselor: Class of 2012 Upcoming Dates Contact Us
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER Summer Programs The next few pages will highlight many of the programs available this summer. Please stop by your counselor s office if you have any questions. Apply now for any programs you are interested in. Summer College Experiences Emory Pre-College Program Discover college life this summer at Emory s 2012 PreCollege Program. It is an academic program for high school students. To learn more please visit: www.precollege.emory.edu Financial Aid and Scholarships are available. Youth Scholars Program at University of MD The Youth Scholars Program invites high school students to apply for an exceptional precollege experience at University of Maryland. Students pursue academic interests, discover career opportunities, earn three college credits, live on campus or commute from home, and explore university life. To learn more please visit: ysp.umd.edu/pc Clemson Youth Learning Institute Discover College Life in a new place this Summer! Information about the program at Clemson Univeristy. To learn more please visit: http://www.clemson.edu/yli/pages/ccatsfaq.php Phone: 864-878-1103 Email: ccatsinfo@clemson.edu Bowie State Pre-College Science Scholars Program This is a program for rising tenth graders interested in STEM. It is a chance to earn college credits in Science from Bowie State University. To learn more please visit: https://sites.google.com/a/pgcps.org/bsu-pcssa/ * Many of these programs have deadlines coming up fast, if you are interested please begin applying or inquiring now. 2
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER Summer Camp Experiences Summer Sports Camps at University of MD Many different sports camps are offered at different skill levels, some are day camps and others are overnight. http://www.umterps.com/camps/md-camps.html Other Summer Experiences CSIC MathTech World Program Offered by Bowie State at different locations. Summer Math and Technology enrichment program. Including things ranging from video game design to character building. http://www.21stcclc.com/home Engineering Camps at University of MD Nine different summer camps are offered covering topics from engineering to cyber security. Check it out. http://www.eng.umd.edu/k12/summer-programs Computer Programming Camp at Bowie State There is a camp for boys as well as a camp for girls. http://www.cs.bowiestate.edu/cpucamp/index.html Living Classrooms Looking for a fun and rewarding way to spend your summer? Become a Summer Camp Volunteer and assist in adventure activities with our 4-12 year olds! Visit the website to learn more about Living Classrooms DC: Work at a Summer Camp Check out Gazette.net s Summer Camp guide to pick out a camp that could be a good fit for you. Most camps love to hire high school students as camp counselors so contact them for about a job. http://ww2.gazette.net/campguide11/ Volunteer with the YMCA There are many different volunteering experiences available. http://www.ymcadc.org/volunteerism.cfm American Legion Boys and Girls State Program For Rising Seniors Only. Some Scholarships are available- http://www.boysandgirlsstate.org/ Individual Test Preparation Spend the summer preparing for standardized tests. Prince Georges County has created test prep videos available for free online: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=fd 79770720AE079E Intern with NASA Goddard Flight Center Please contact Evelina.Felicite-Mauric-1@nasa.gov for assistance or additional information Apply NOW online: https://education.gsfc.nasa-telophase.com/users/login * Many of these programs have deadlines coming up fast, if you are interested please begin applying or inquiring now. 3
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER Summer Work Experiences Summer Programs Summer Jobs Federal Government Jobs: http://www.usajobs.gov/studentjobs/ Teen Jobs and Tips: http://www.gotajob.com/category/teen-jobs Number 1 Career Recruitment Website for US Teens: http://www.teens4hire.org/ Tips and Resources for Summer Jobs: http://www.snagajob.com/summer-jobs/teen-summerjobs.aspx Continued Work at Six Flags Check out the website if you haven t already at: http://www.sixflagsjobs.com or call their Human Resources department at: (301) 249-1500 x3231 PG County Summer Youth Enrichment Program Check out the website if you haven t already at: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/employme nt/summeryouth.asp or call their Human Resources department at: (301) 883-6330 SYEP is a six-week, entry-level introduction to public service for the youth of Prince George s County. Websites featuring more Summer Opportunities Prince George s County Public Schools Summer Activities: www1.pgcps.org/resources/index.aspx?id=141653 Girl Scouts Council of the Nation s Capitol: http://www.gscnc.org/camping.html Prince George s County Youth Employment Services: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/government/executivebranch/summeryouth.asp Prince George s County Summer Xtreme Teens: http://www.pgparks.com/things_to_do/day_camps_and_playgrounds/summer_playgrounds_ and_xtreme_teen_centers.htm (also check out their summer camp brochure) Classes offered for teens by PGParks: http://smartlink.pgparks.com/smartlink/start/start.asp?scheck=326965106&sdt=40941.464849 537 (Some Offerings: Dance, Martial Arts, Money Management, Computers, Arts & Crafts, Careers, Modeling, Book Club ) 4
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER Class of 2015: Are You Active Learners? Active learners can be described as students who are empowered. Specifically, active learners feel capable of learning anything they want, know what they have to do in order to learn (in other words, ask how), and then proceed to learn. Such students always seek out ways to make learning easy and rewarding. They want to learn as much as they can in the time they have to spend. Most important, active learning have a feeling of high self-esteem and self-confidence as a result if their involvement in learning. The following are suggestions for becoming an active learner: Know Your Purpose and Responsibility for Every Assignment---Because every assignment has a purpose and for every assignment you have a responsibility, your purpose is the reason why you are doing your assignment. Your responsibility is how you are accountable for it. Work in a Good Environment----A good study environment should consist of a quiet distraction-free place, a comfortable chair, materials you need, good lighting, a clutter-free desk or table, a, comfortable room temperature. Other suitable locations outside of your home can include a school library, an empty office, or a conference room. Develop Belief in Yourself----If you believe in yourself, then you will possess the confidence necessary to succeed in school. Your confidence in your ability to learn can either make your studying easier or more difficult. A negative attitude about your ability to learn encourages you to give up. However, a positive attitude about your ability to learn encourages you to continue until you succeed. Take Part in Your Learning Process----No matter the situation, it is your responsibility to learn the material. Learning can occur under any condition if you get involved and actively participate in the class. Active participation increases concentration, seems to make the time go by faster, improves listening, and positively affects overall learning. In order to take part in your learning process you should (1) Regularly attend class and absorb all of the information with an eagerness to learn as much as possible; (2) Sit in the front of the room to get a clear view of the teacher, have the teacher get a clear view of you, and limit distractions from other students Ask or Answer a Question----Remember that you are not expected to know it all; that is why you are studying to learn. Your task is to ask questions so that you can learn more. Take Notes in Class----Students who take notes listen more carefully, have more information to study from, and daydream less. Take Notes while Reading----Note taking while reading forces you to concentrate because you are actively seeking out important information to write down. More concentration means less mind wandering and less mind wandering means more learning in less time. Know When to Ask for Help and Then Ask for It----Even the most active participants in class find that they may still need some help. Help can come from your teacher or from fellow classmates. Tutors, mentors, the library, and educational resource programs can be useful as well. The time to ask for help is NOT the day of or the day before a quiz, test, or exam. Studying at least a week before a quiz, test, or exam will ensure that the help you need will be available when you need it. Learn from Your Mistakes----If you forget to do an assignment or do not study for a test because you thought it was another day, remember that mistakes are an important part in becoming successful, as long as they are learned from. Be Kind to Yourself----Take good care of yourself. Your health or lack of, greatly influences your ability to learn. The more physically and mentally prepared you are, the easier it will be to learn. The more tired and stressed out you are, the harder it will be to learn. 5
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER Class of 2014: News for Rising Juniors In just a few short months our current sophomores will become our new junior class. It is important to finish out this year with good grades and a good attitude. There a number of issues which we must think about for our next school year. These include: Graduation Requirements The following are the requirements that every student must meet in order to graduate from Central High School. Subject Area English Mathematics Science Social Studies Other Requirements: Fine Arts Physical Education Health Technology Education Completer* and Electives Specific Credit Requirements 4 Credits 3 Credits (1 in Algebra I, 1 in Geometry, and 1 Additional Mathematics Credit) 3 Credits (1 in Biology, 2 additional credits that must include laboratory experience in any or all of the following areas: earth science, life science, physical science) 3 Credits (1 in U.S. History, 1 in Local, State, and National Government, 1 in World History) 1 Credit.50 Credit Your Personal Fitness 1 will be mandatory to fulfill the Physical Education requirement.50 Credit 1 Credit 2 Credits of either World Language or American Sign Language (both credits must be in the same language per local requirements) and 3 credits in electives OR 2 credits of Advanced Technology and 3 credits in electives OR Complete (4-9 credits) a State-Approved Career and Technology Education (CTE) program and any remaining credits in electives High School Assessment Requirements All students (including middle school students who take high school level courses) shall take the Maryland High School Assessment for Algebra/Data Analysis (passing score 412), Biology (passing score 400), and English 10 (passing score 396) after the student completes the appropriate course. In order to be eligible for graduation, the student must achieve one of the following: (1) Pass each of the three High School Assessment (HSA) tests. There are two substitutions: Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) Tests for students who have earned a score approved by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) on the HSA-related AP or IB test Modified HSA an alternative test for students with disabilities who meet the specific participation criteria based on their IEP process; (2) Have a combined score of 1208 on the three HSA tests; or (3) Participate in the Bridge Plan for Academic Validation for students who meet eligibility criteria Credits: Twenty-one (21) credits are required. Four (4) credits must be earned after completion of Grade 11. Enrollment Requirement: The student shall satisfactorily complete four years of approved study beyond the 8 th grade unless on an approved option. *Completer refers to a specified sequence of courses required for completing graduation requirements. Student Service Learning: The student shall complete a locally-developed, state-approved program that includes service learning infusion in designated courses, preparation, reflection and a specified number of hours of independent service (24-36 hours depending on the situation) 6
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER Class of 2013: A Message for Our Soon to be Seniors Juniors: This is it. We are counting down the days till you officially become a SENIOR! Your goal should be to earn 240 points in all the classes you are enrolled in this year, so you can add less stress to your SENIOR YEAR. SAT and ACT- All college bound juniors must take the SAT or ACT before the end of 11th grade year. Go to the following websites to register for the test: SAT- www.collegeboard.org ACT- http://www.actstudent.org SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE SAVE THE DATE: Junior Parent & College Night will be held on May 1, 2012 @ 6pm You and your parents will receive information on senior fees, senior prom venue, senior year activities, college, scholarship and financial aid information. Information on Military careers, and programs for First Generation College students will also be available. YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT! Class of 2012: A Message to Our Graduating Class Sooner than you think, May 23, 2012 will be here. Like a track runner race in a 100 yard (or meter) dash, great finishes result from great starts, mid-race, and finishing efforts. Your graduation from high school and entry into your next phase of life is like that. What you have done is done, and what you do between now and May could be critical to your finish. How about those grades? Are you on top of making sure they are where they should be when the final grades are issued? Top effort now could prevent negative results such as lowering thoughts about your capabilities or even reconsideration of your application to a college, technical school, apprenticeship, career school, or military opportunity. What are your plans? This is a critical time to learn as much as possible about your steps to and from the opportunity you seek. Attending Scholarship Tuesday Sessions each week is a good investment of your time and can help avoid obstacles or problems. Example: Did you apply in time and if not what can be done? Direct access to college, scholarship and career consultants at the sessions can give you answers, find specific areas of interest or concern, and provide other information that can be very important to you. Make the most of your time as you come to the end of the race. Be models of attendance, grades, and information seekers. Use your time and efforts wisely and sincerely. The colleges and other opportunities that you will be going to will want to know about you in areas like that at the end of your race for graduation. 7
COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER More Upcoming Dates U of MD Discover Engineering: April 18th 8am-1pm FREE EVENT! Includes Breakfast, Lunch, & T-Shirt Register online ASAP at http://discoverengineering2012.eventbrite.com/ Spring Break: April 2nd-April 5th Graduation Day: May 23rd Last Day of School for Students: June 8th Upcoming HSA Tests: th April 16 : Gov t April 17th: English April 18th: Biology April 19th: Alg./DA April 20th: ALL SAT Testing: May 5th, Register by April 6th June 2nd, register by May 8th Contact Us at Central High School Central High School School Counseling Department 200 Cabin Branch Road Capitol Heights, Maryland 20743 (301) 499-7080 Main Office (301) 499-7033 Guidance Office (301) 499-7087 Fax