Welcome Sophomore Parents/Guardians! December 5, 2007 Southwest High School

This Evening’s Agenda The Journey for Sophomores. PLAN test results information. PSAT/NMSQT: College Entrance Tests. Know How To Go: College Access Information The Next Steps: Planning for the Junior Year.

The Journey for Sophomores. 9 th grade: Marked the transition to high school - focusing on academic and social skill development. 10 th grade: Focuses on career exploration, progress toward graduation and future academic planning. Career Education is required for high school graduation. Teachers and counselors provide information and experiences for students.

In Career Education, students research post high school opportunities. Speakers from various career areas as well as vocational/technical schools, the military and colleges/universities. Career Cruising – Student ID & Computer Password Library & internet resources Counselor led Career Interviews

th Grade Schedules  10 th -11 th Grade Registration January 22 & 24, :30pm – 5:00pm – 6:30pm  Registration Alpha Schedule & Planning Guide on LSW Web Site at lsw.lps.org: click on  Verification Sheets to students in the spring  Actual schedules available in late summer

Where is your student headed? TO THE NEXT LEVEL - POST SECONDARY PLANNING. Students are assigned to counselors, who assist them with additional planning for high school graduation, as well as preparing for their future beyond high school including academic, personal and professional aspirations. A – G: Mrs. Kelley Winter H – P: Ms. Becky Tegeler Q – Z: Ms. Joyce Lehn

Using the PLAN Test to chart your course.

World-of-Work Map

INTERPRETING PLAN TEST RESULTS COMPOSITE SCORE RANGES 1-32 Score is an average of all subtests ENGLISH & READINGMATHSCIENCE When your student takes the ACT in 11 or 12 th grades he/she is likely to receive a Composite score in the score range shown on student’s score report. Use the report to identify if your student’s on track for test and college preparedness. Improve study habits, register for college prep courses each term.

PSAT/NMSQT Saturday, October 18, 2008 Testing begins promptly at 8:00 am. Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test(PSAT). National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). The PSAT is a practice test for the SAT. The test is administered under the same conditions as the SAT which includes timed testing, all electronic devices (cell phones, Ipods, etc.) are not allowed in the testing sessions or during breaks. Any student violating these regulations will be removed from testing and their test will be destroyed. Only calculators specified in the directions are allowed in the math section—please read the directions carefully. The Reasoning Test contains Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing Skills sections. Juniors that take the PSAT are eligible for National Merit Scholarship consideration.

Additional PSAT Information The PSAT will be given on Saturday, October 18, Students will receive information at the Junior meeting in September. Information will also be available on the LSW web site. Registration will occur at Southwest in our Counseling Center The 2007 test fee was $18.00 and could be subject to change in More information and practice questions are available at

Know How to Go College Access Information Be a pain – in a good way. Push yourself and don’t stop. Find the right fit. Put your hands on some cash. More information is available at: KnowHow2GoNebraska.org

Junior Timeline Summer: Begin collecting information on select and Ivy League colleges/ universities. 1 st Semester Early August : Junior Locker Check-out August 21 – First Day for Students in grades September : Fall Junior Student Meeting. Parent Meeting after P/T conferences. October 18 - PSAT October 19 – Lincoln Area College Fair. November – Registration for 12 th Grade. December - College Financial Aid Meeting.

Junior Timeline 2 nd Semester February: ASVAB Spring Junior Meeting Spring – –College Prep Workshops –College Visits to UNL, Wesleyan, SCC –College Admissions Tests – ACT, SAT, AP Exams All Year – College and Military Representative Visits to LSW

THE NEXT STEPS Read the Counseling Center Summer Newsletter. It contains important information for the school year. Check the Guidance website throughout the year for updated information. Mark important school activity dates in your planner or personal calendar.

Grade 11 Counselors A – G: Kelley Winter: H – P: Becky Tegeler: Q – Z: Joyce Lehn:

THANK YOU for your time and commitment to your student!