1. Welcome Sophomore Parents
Sophomore Information Night
“Building lives of excellence upon the foundation of Christ.”

2. Needs by the Numbers
54.29% - Did not know or did not think they had strong study skills.
77.89 % - Want to learn more about the college application process.
50.47% - Agree or strongly agree that they struggle with anxiety.
48.57% - Agree or strongly agree that they feel pressure to be perfect and 22.86% were unsure.
Comments Section: Included many requests for additional college admissions information, ACT/SAT testing information, and what colleges are looking for in applicants.

3. Counseling Topics
Establishing meaningful goals – Understanding their graduation plan
Time Management/Study Skills
Test-Prep in sophomore year
Personality Assessments
Career Inventory
Communication Skills when communicating with adults
Resume writing
Social Media use/ Self-Confidence/ Anxiety/ Conflict Resolution

4. Important Dates
October 11 PSAT testing for students – half day of school
October 12 (1-3 p.m.) College Fair CLHS – gym
November 11 – Practice ACT CLHS 8:30 – Noon
December 11 – PSAT online score reports available to students
December 15 - Last day to request 2nd semester schedule changes.
January 10 – Course Selection Process Parent Night & Dual Credit Information Night
January 22 – 25 – Sophomore Course Selections
March 26 – April 2 - AP Exam Sign-up

5. What is the PSAT/NMSQT? PSAT – Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
NMSQT – National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test – juniors only
Taken by 10th and 11th graders at school on October 11th – Paid for by Concordia
Tests were revised in 2015.
Top PSAT score is 1520 (Top score for SAT is 1600)
Evidence based reading and writing
A non-calculator math section
There is not a guessing penalty
Go to the college board website for practice tests, links to Khan Academy and more information.
Each student should have, or should create, a College Board account.

6. How can I stay connected?
FAMILY CONNECTION - Naviance
What is it?
Web-based resource that supports course, career, and college planning
Specific to our school
Linked with Naviance Succeed, a service that we use in the counseling office
To learn what all it can do, go to the Guidance Website at and click on Academics/Guidance Counseling/Guidance Overview/Family Connection.
How do I access it?
Family Connection is on the Web--
Parent accounts – create an account so you can see what your student is accomplishing with regard to future planning. Codes to register were given out at final registration.
Student accounts – created by the students during a classroom session.
Registration codes are available this evening. Contact me if you have any difficulties.

10. Once you are logged in you can check your student’s progress on all counseling activities.

15. Advanced Courses
In January students will complete course selections for the school year and will be able to apply for AP and Dual Credit classes. Application information can be found on the CLHS website.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses – An opportunity to take college-level courses and exams. Requires students to take an exam at the completion of the course. Accepted throughout the nation. Typically students must receive a 3 or higher on the exam to obtain credit. Texas public universities must accept a 3 or higher.
Dual Credit Courses – Credit is awarded when the student passes the course. Students earn both high school and college credit. Accepted at public colleges and universities. Requires a C or better in the course. Student must test into the LoneStar System. Mandatory Dual Credit meeting January 10th.
To obtain more information about the transferability of dual credit and AP college credit please seek guidance from the institution where the student is applying.
AP Coordinator – Charity Escott
Dual Credit Coordinator – Tami Brennan

16. College Fair October 12 – 1-3 p.m.
Students need to register to get a barcode
Sophomores will be at the fair from approximately 1:50 – 3:00 p.m.
Parents should attend if at all possible.
Group Sessions will be provided every 15 minutes on the following topics:
Admissions at Texas A&M
Admissions at University of Texas
Understanding Financial Aid
Test Prep
*Additional sessions may be added
College Fair Assignment
All students will complete an assignment with information that they collect at the college fair.
The assignment will graded as part of their Theology coursework.

18. Important Websites Guidance website Family Connection College Board
Click on Academics and Guidance Counseling
Family Connection
College Board

19. Graduation Plans
All CLHS students graduate with the Multi-Disciplinary Endorsement as a Distinguished Graduate. (To be Distinguished the student must complete an endorsement and take and pass Algebra II.)
Students may add additional endorsements: Arts & Humanities, STEM, Business & Industry.
At this time, colleges and universities are not requiring particular endorsements for admissions. As a general rule, colleges and universities look for 4 credits in English, math, science and social studies plus 2 years of a foreign language. All CLHS graduates, upon graduation, will meet these requirements.
A list of endorsements and requirements can be found online in the Curriculum Guide.

20. What should we do this year to prepare for the future?
Students should:
Monitor their academic progress – each year counts!
Take the PSAT seriously – it is great practice.
Be involved in meaningful activities, both in and out of school.
Begin to explore college options and research admissions requirements.
Select appropriate courses for junior year and consider applying for Dual Credit or AP classes.
Parents should:
Encourage communication between the student and the teacher.
Discuss college options.
Visit a couple college campuses. (NEW: Sophomores will be given 2 excused absences for college visit days. A form can be collected in the attendance office. The form must be taken on the visit and signed by a university representative.)
Consider a college savings account.
Monitor student’s level of stress. Encourage balance between their activities and their academics.

21. Concluding Remarks Questions?
Contact information:
Charity Escott
ext. 227