ON Student Services Newsletter
November 2023
2nd Semester Shortened Schedules (Seniors Only!)
Attention seniors: Second semester shortened schedule applications are now available in the front office. Please note that just because you request late start or early release, changes will depend on class availability and size. Adjustments will be made based upon the order in which applications are received. All applications must be turned in no later than Friday, December 1st!
OATC Tours
Hey, 10th and 11th grade students! Are you interested in learning more about Olathe’s 2-year career and technical education programs? These programs focus on today’s high-demand career fields and help prepare students for the world of work or post-secondary training.
If you would like to learn more about OATC, please sign up for the Wednesday, 11/8 tour. You will also need to get a permission slip from Ms. McQuay in the front office and return it no later than Monday, 11/6. All students are required to take a tour of OATC programs before they are able to apply for the programs.
To learn more about what OATC offers, click here.
Olathe Chamber of Commerce Career Expo
The Olathe Chamber of Commerce is once again sponsoring a high school 2023 Career Expo event. This is a unique and successful career exploration event specializing in connecting top local employers with students by providing an opportunity to explore post-graduation careers that require 4-year college, 2-year college, and no college experience.
The Career Expo will take place from 9:00-10:15am on Thursday, November 9 at the Embassy Suites – Olathe. All Olathe North 10th, 11th, and 12th are welcome to attend.
Steps to attend the 2023 Olathe Chamber Career Expo
- Complete the student registration form.
- Get a permission slip from Ms. McQuay in the front office.
- Return the permission slip no later than Friday, 11/3
To find out more about the Olathe Chamber of Commerce Career Expo, check out the event website.
Advanced Placement Exams
AP Exam registration is open, and the window closes Monday, Nov 6th. Please see the attachment with directions on how to register and pay OR how to indicate that you do NOT want to take the exam. You MUST do one or the other! The AP Exam schedule is also included on the attachment.
There are TWO STEPS required for registration: one through College Board and one through the Olathe Schools online payment program, Touch Base. Both MUST be taken care of before any exam(s) will be ordered for you!
Reach out to Ms. Etherton with any questions.
College Planning Night
In case you missed it, check out the important info. shared at College Planning Night on 10/25.
2024 ProX Summer Internships (10th and 11th grade students)
The ProX team is gearing up for Summer 2024 and the application is now live!
ProX is a PAID summer internship or project supervised by a professional mentor. Students commit to 25 hours of professional experiences and learning each week. A ProX coach provides support to every student and employer through the application, and placement process and during the learning and work experience.
Check out the resources page prior to completing the application. There will be limited spots available this year and expect it to be a competitive process.
The application can be accessed on the ProX website here. Deadline to apply is December 31st.
From Mr. Van Winkle, College Advisor
Upcoming ACT Dates:
- December 9, 2023 (Deadline to register is November 3rd)
- February 10, 2024 (Deadline to register is January 5th)
College Rep Visits:
Throughout the year, Olathe North will be hosting several representatives from different Colleges/Universities. They will meet with students, give some information about their school, answer questions, and maybe even bring some college swag!
Visits will be taking place during A/I on Mondays/Tuesdays/Fridays. You will be signed up for the visit through Flex.
- Friday, November 3rd - Missouri University of Science & Technology
- Monday, November 6th - Missouri State University
- Tuesday, November 7th - Drury University
- Friday, November 10th - Oklahoma State University
- Monday, November 13th - Washburn University
- Tuesday, November, 14th - Truman State University
- Friday, November 17th - University of Missouri - Columbia (Mizzou)
To sign up for any of these Rep Visits, fill out this Google Form or use the QR code on the flyer!
Forget to sign up? Check Flex on the morning of the visit to check if there are any spots open for you to join!
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Van Winkle via email (lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org), phone call, or stopping by his office.
ACT Testing Information
Who should take the ACT?
Any student planning on attending a 4-year university. Many schools have waived the ACT for the class of 2024 however, it is still required for many scholarships at universities. Schools are still deciding for future years. Please check with individual schools.
When should I start taking the ACT?
We recommend starting by the end of Sophomore year. The June test is a great test to get started in the process. For an additional $30 students can get an electronic copy of the test booklet and their answers about a month after they take the test. This is a great learning tool to see areas where you need to make improvements. The test information release is offered for the April, June, and December tests.
Most students will take the ACT 3 times. We also recommend being finished by the end of the summer before Senior year in taking the test. The ACT is offered in June, July, September, October, December, and April each year.
What should you do to get ready for the test?
Practice! Research has shown the more you look at the test and prepare the better you will do. We also recommend taking a prep test.
How does a student register for the ACT?
Students will need to register for the ACT at www.actstudent.org. They will need to set up an account to register and pay for an exam. Students on free/reduced lunches can talk to their counselor and use an ACT waiver for 2 free exams. This account will be where students will check their testing location and confirm their registration.
DO YOU NEED TO TAKE THE ACCUPLACER TEST?
Accuplacer refers to a testing system that can be used to determine if post-secondary students have the skills and knowledge needed to start taking college-level courses, regardless of whether they're enrolling in a career-training or traditional college program. The purpose of the Accuplacer tests is to evaluate the mathematics, reading and writing skills of test-takers. Some individuals may also take the Accuplacer tests during high school to determine if they are ready to pursue postsecondary studies or to identify areas where they need to improve to be ready for college.
Many students who are going to a 2-year university take this test in place of the ACT or SAT. It can also be used when enrolling in College Now classes.
JCCC Testing Services offers the ACCUPLACER placement test through scheduled on-campus appointments. The test is not timed, and there is no charge.
STEPS TO TAKING THE ACCUPLACER:
- Enroll at JCCC and get a JCCC ID number: https://www.jccc.edu/admissions/enrollment/.
- Once you have enrolled at JCCC, you will be informed about when you need to take the Accuplacer test. You can schedule a test at https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/testing-centers/testing/.
- Accuplacer study materials can be found here: https://studentportal.accuplacer.org/#/home.
- Show up for your scheduled appointment with your JCCC ID a current official photo ID. Score reports are available immediately after testing. You are allowed one retest during the dates specified by Testing Services.
For further information regarding scheduling or testing, you may contact Testing Services by email at testingservices@jccc.edu or by phone at 913-469-4439.
You can go to college - Bigfuture can help you get there!
Betting ready for college? Count on BigFuture to help out. BigFuture is the College Board’s free college planning tool, designed to support students like you from your first thoughts about college to your first day on campus. BigFuture will help you:
- Handle the college planning process.
- Find the college where you’ll thrive.
- Take a look at your interests and career options.
- Make informed choices.
- Discover your big future.
Check it out here: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/.
SENIOR SPOTLIGHT
OPS Foundation Scholarships
Attention Seniors: Please check out the Olathe Public Schools Foundation scholarships. Scholarships went live on October 1st, and most are due in early March.
https://www.olathepublicschoolsfoundation.org/foundation-programs/scholarships
Rudd Scholars Program
There's not much time left to apply for the RUDD Scholars Program!
What is the Rudd Foundation and what does the scholarship include?
The Rudd Foundation is dedicated to improving individual lives and our community through philanthropy and a full-ride scholarship program. The scholarship covers college tuition, room and board, books, supplies, and other costs. Rudd Scholars will have access to personal and professional development summits, Rudd advisers, and trainings. As they prepare for a career, Scholars will be invited to networking opportunities, strategic LinkedIn coaching, and best practice training. Throughout their time in school, Scholars will enjoy scholar-to-scholar mentoring and other support resources.
What are the requirements?
- Graduating high school senior who plans to enroll full-time in the fall.
- Must have a cumulative, unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Must have taken the ACT or SAT and submit the score to apply.
- Must be a Kansas resident and qualify for in-state tuition.
- Demonstrate financial need (Pell-eligible). Check if you demonstrate financial need right HERE!
- Will attend either Emporia State, Fort Hays State, Kansas State, or Wichita State Universities.
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or a permanent resident.
How do I apply?
You can begin your application right HERE! But don’t wait! The application is due on December 1st and requires two essays, your ACT/SAT score, and two recommenders!
Scholarship Search Tools
Transcripts
All official transcripts must be requested through Xello. Please make sure that your due date is accurate. You can find instructions here.
If you would like a copy of your unofficial transcript for personal use, please request one from Mrs. McQuay in the counseling office.
Olathe School District H.E.L.P. Clinic
View the H.E.L.P. Clinic brochure in English (PDF)
Lea el panfleto acerca del H.E.L.P. Clinic en español (PDF)
Any situation that causes an interruption in the learning process is a serious educational concern. Students who are finding school difficult because of poor study skills, adjustment concerns, or relationships with others can find help through the clinic. Parents who want to learn more effective ways of encouraging and motivating children in school can also turn to the clinic.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is a service provided by the Olathe Public Schools. All services are free of charge to any student enrolled in the Olathe Public Schools, either in a remote environment or onsite.
- Individual and family counseling consists of short-term counseling (six sessions) for students and their families.
- Small group counseling with other grade-level or near grade-level peers serve those who would thrive learning and growing from a group structure. Groups would meet for six sessions.
- Play therapy is a technique where the child's natural means of expression, namely play, is used as a therapeutic method to assist him/her in coping with stress or life difficulties. Play therapy is used effectively at the H.E.L.P. Clinic with children ages 5 to 8 years old. Play therapy may not be used with every child and is available on a limited basis.
The H.E.L.P. Clinic is staffed by professional school counselors, school psychologists, social workers and other school-based mental health providers. All clinicians are Olathe Public Schools employees or retired employees who have an active license in school mental health. These accredited and experienced professionals have a sincere interest in assisting students and families to better deal with challenges that impact students' abilities to achieve educational success.
Enrollment information is available in the brochure mentioned above.
The clinic is located in the Mill Creek Campus, 300 E. Loula Street, Olathe, Kansas. The phone number is 913-780-7049 and the email is HelpClinic@olatheschools.org.
Olathe North Student Counselors
Rachel Gunderson (Last Names A-D, SER, CBR, KSD): rmgunderson@olatheschools.org
Nicole Etherton (Last Names E- Li): nmetherton@olatheschools.org
Tammie Milke (Last Names Lo-Ri): tmilkeon@olatheschools.org
Carrie Parazin (Last Names Ro-Z): cnparazin@olatheschools.org
Samanta Landa (ELL, AVID): silanda@olatheschools.org
Logan Van Winkle (College Advisor): lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org