Newsletter

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) is proud to partner with Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) to bring CCPS high school students and their families the CSM Early College Program. The program for the 2024-2025 academic year is open to rising juniors and seniors, this tuition-free program is an opportunity to experience being a full-time college student, save money, and complete college credits while still in high school.

Hear From Our Students

Seniors completing the General Studies Transfer Certificate (25 credits) take college classes on CSM's La Plata Campus, while simultaneously fulfilling their high school graduation requirements.

Juniors have several options: Business Administration, AS; Medical Coding Certificate; Pharmacy Technician Certificate. Business Administration courses will be held on the La Plata Campus. Health sciences and trades courses will take place on both the La Plata Campus and the Regional Hughesville Campus

See your counselor for more information!

Charles County Public Schools will be holding their annual Career Fair at North Point High School on Friday, February 28th during school hours. La Plata High School students are scheduled to attend from 11:15 am until 12:15 pm. We will be taking 40 students to the Career Fair..

This is not a traditional career fair; instead, it is to provide actual direct-to-workforce career building opportunities and resources for 12th graders seeking non-college, apprenticeships, paid on-the-job training and technical education pathways. This career fair will expose students to varied skilled labor/workforce opportunities, where they can build a career and thrive, not just survive, as they transition from high school.

We encourage professional dress

If you are interested, please see me,(Mrs. Sisson) in the Career Center to pick up a permission slip.

a Virtual Workshop

Created Especially for

High School Students & Undergraduates

Interested in Veterinary Medicine

Saturday, March 1, 2025

10:00 a.m. to 12 noon EST

The Career Exploration is an opportunity for students to learn directly from the experts! Practitioners will share their journeys focusing on how they prepared for veterinary school, mastered it, and chose their post-graduation careers.

The March 1st, 2025 exploration will feature professors from the Schreiber School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University in Mullica Hill, NJ including:

• Melissa Resnick, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, Clinical Assistant Professor, Shelter Medicine & Community Engagement
• Kirsten White, DVM, Section Head & Clinical Assistant Professor, Shelter Medicine & Community Engagement

REGISTER HERE

The cost for each workshop is $25. However, no student will be denied access to participate because of the inability to pay. For information about future workshops and/or financial assistance, please contact education@sthuberts.org.

*This event will be recorded and available to all registrants.

La Plata High School is sponsoring an Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test session on Friday, March 7, 2025 in the Media Center at 7:30 am.

The ASVAB exam is a series of short subtests that is designed to help students identify their skills in a variety of areas. The ASVAB is also a required test in order to join the military. The results of this computer-based test may be able to assist students in determining their career path after high school.

The computer-based version of the exam typically takes about 1.5 hours to complete, depending on the student. Please keep in mind that if the session encounters technical difficulties, the test proctors will revert to administering the paper and pencil version of the exam, which may take up to 3.5 hours to complete the 8 sections.

To be eligible to participate in the March 7th test session, students must be at least 16 years old, and a current 11th or 12th grade CCPS student.

Interested students can use the link below to register. Registered students should bring their CCPS issued computer and charger with them to the testing session.

To prepare for the exam, the ASVAB Career Exploration Program lists several resources. Included in this list is the official site of the ASVAB test and offers sample test questions. As well, attached you will find directions to access a free resource that is available through your MS 365 account and Clever. These resources will help you to become familiar with the type of questions that are expected on the exam.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE ASVAB

Maryland Boys State and Maryland Girls State. These programs are designed to educate and inspire high school juniors about the workings of government and the responsibilities of citizenship.

Maryland Boys State: Maryland Boys State is a prestigious educational program sponsored by The American Legion. It offers male high school juniors the opportunity to learn about the structure and function of local, county, and state government through a hands-on, participatory approach. Participants are elected to various governmental roles and engage in activities such as legislative sessions, court proceedings, and law enforcement presentations. The program also includes assemblies, bands, chorus, and recreational activities. This year, Maryland Boys State will be held from June 15-21, 2025, at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD

Maryland Girls State: Similarly, Maryland Girls State is sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary and provides female high school juniors with a week-long immersive experience in government and leadership. Participants assume roles in a mock government, campaigning and running for offices at various levels. The program aims to develop leadership skills and a deeper understanding of the democratic process. Maryland Girls State will take place from June 15-20, 2025, at Salisbury University in Salisbury, MD

Both programs are highly selective and offer a unique opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills, gain a better understanding of civic responsibilities, and build lasting friendships. The expenses for attending these programs are covered by local American Legion posts or community organizations.

The application portals for both programs are now open. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2025.

For more information, you can visit the following website:

Maryland Boys State and Girls State

The SAT and ACT are valuable tools that can open doors to educational and financial opportunities; while also helping you gauge your preparedness for the next step in your academic journey. The best time to take the SAT or ACT is in the spring of your junior year.

Taking the SAT and ACT is an important step in the college admissions process for several reasons:

1. College Admissions: Many colleges and universities use SAT and ACT scores as part of their admissions criteria. High scores can enhance your application and increase your chances of being accepted into your preferred schools.

2. Scholarship Opportunities: Good performance on these tests can qualify you for various scholarships and financial aid programs, helping to reduce the cost of college education.

3. Academic Readiness: These standardized tests assess your readiness for college-level work. They provide a benchmark for your academic skills in areas like math, reading, and writing.

4. Comparison Across Schools: SAT and ACT scores offer a standardized measure to compare students from different high schools and educational backgrounds, providing colleges with a common metric.

The 2024-25 FAFSA form will be released on December 31st this year, not October 1st. BIG CHANGES are coming!! Get ready for a revamped FAFSA experience and a smoother application process! Click below to learn about more updates to the FAFSA form.

Thinking about college? NACAC hosts MULTIPLE VIRTUAL and IN-PERSON College Fairs throughout the school year!!! Hundreds of college and university representatives participate in these fairs. College Fairs are an excellent opportunity for you to find out more information about colleges that interest you!!! Visit their website frequently to find out when and where future NACAC College Fairs will be scheduled!!!

Colleges, universities and trade schools will offer open houses in the fall. This is a perfect opportunity to explore advantages each school has to offer, meet faculty, students and talk to admission counselors. Also, seniors, it is a good time to contact an admissions counselor from the school you have chosen to attend; to answer any questions you may have about the classes you need to take for your particular major.

Maryland Colleges & Universities

• Bowie State University - Undergraduate Open House | Bowie State
• Allegany College of Maryland - November 9th and November 15th at 9:00 am Open Houses | Allegany College of Maryland
• University of Maryland College Park - Office of Undergraduate Admissions | Visit (umd.edu)
• University of Maryland Baltimore County - October 5th Open House - Undergraduate Admissions - UMBC
• Morgan State University - Explore Morgan Day Program Explore Morgan Day Program
• McDaniel College - November 2nd Day at McDaniel Visit McDaniel College
• Towson University - September 28th Undergraduate Open House (towson.edu)
• Salisbury University - November 9th Salisbury University - Salisbury University Open House
• Frostburg State University - November 9th Campus Visit Day (frostburg.edu)
• Loyola University Maryland - November 9th Fall Open Houses (loyola.edu)
• St. Mary's College of Maryland - November 16th St. Mary's College of Maryland - Open House (smcm.edu)
• Washington College - November 9th Washington College - Open House Events

Virginia Colleges & Universities

• James Madison University - November 16th Explore JMU: Academic Open Houses - JMU
• Hampton University - November 9th Fall Open House - HU Admissions Office (hamptonu.edu)
• University of Virginia - Plan Your Visit | The University of Virginia
• Virginia Tech - November 2nd or 3rd Virginia Tech Open House | Virginia Tech (vt.edu)
• George Mason University - September 21st & October 20th Visit Us and Open Houses | College of Visual and Performing Arts (gmu.edu)
• Virginia Commonwealth University - Visit - Admissions - Virginia Commonwealth University (vcu.edu)
• Virginia State University - November 9th Open House | Virginia State University

If you plan to join the Military, you will be required to take the ASVAB test. You may not know this, but the ASVAB is also a CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM. (CEP). ASVAB CEP's approach to career exploration helps you identify your skills and interests and encourages you to explore all the pathways credentialing, licensure and apprenticeship programs and the Military.

La Plata High School offers the ASVAB twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring at no charge to the student. Our upcoming ASVAB test date is Tuesday, October 8th at 7:30 am in the library. This will be a digital test. There are only 40 spots available. We will begin sign up on September 16th.

In addition, Charles County will provide the ASVAB test November 16th. More information will be sent out as time gets closer.

The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship, part of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, is a vocational school dedicated to preparing students for successful careers as U.S. Merchant Mariners. The school’s apprentice program is registered with U.S. Department of Labor. There is no cost for tuition or room and board, though there are other costs associated with the program.

Minor Work Permit: Information you need to know

Work permits are required for all minors under the age of 18 to work in the State of Maryland.

How to Obtain a Work Permit:

• The minor applies for a permit online and prints permit.
• The minor signs the permit.
• The minor's parent or guardian signs the permit.
• The employer signs the permit.

Want to Compete at an NCAA School?

If you want to compete in NCAA college sports, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at eligibilitycenter.org.