ON Student Services Newsletter

Students and families are invited to come hear an overview of the options students have available to engage while in high school including CTE Pathways, Academies, OATC programs and Visual & Performing Arts.

Career Pathway Night

6:30pm, October 9th

Olathe North (Little Theater)

For parents & students grades 8-11

Career Pathway Community Night (Spanish)

5:30pm, October 10th

Santa Fe Trail Middle School

For Spanish-speaking parents & students

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, sign up for the Friday, October 25th tour. You will also need to get a permission slip from Ms. McQuay in the front office and return it no later than Wednesday, 10/23. 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.

If your student is enrolled in an AP course, the time has come for them to determine whether or not they will be taking AP Exams. There are steps for students to complete either way, and the decision deadline is November 4th. For students that do register for exams, payment is also due at that time. See our website and the attachment for more information: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/9587.

The Olathe Chamber of Commerce is once again sponsoring a high school 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 Tuesday, November 12 at the Embassy Suites – Olathe. All Olathe North 10th, 11th, and 12th are welcome to attend.

Steps to attend the 2024 Olathe Chamber Career Expo:

1. Complete the student registration form.
2. Get a permission slip from Ms. McQuay in the front office.
3. Return the permission slip to the front office no later than Friday, 11/8.

To find out more about the Olathe Chamber of Commerce Career Expo, check out the event website.

Who should take the ACT?

Any student planning on attending a 4-year university. Many schools have waived the ACT for the class of 2025 however, it is still required for many scholarships at universities. For example: K-State has a smaller scholarship for GPA only and larger scholarships that need both GPA and ACT scores; KU just has GPA only scholarships. 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. However, for the 2024-2025 school year, Sophomores might want to delay taking the test until their Junior year-see below for more information.

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.

How is the ACT test changing?

Students will now have the option to take the test online. However, Olathe schools are continuing with the paper and pencil test only. If a student is interested in the online option, they will need to go to ACT’s website to look for testing locations that offer online testing.

Starting with the September 2025 test, the Science portion will be optional for all paper and pencil tests just like how the writing portion is currently optional. It is too soon to tell how colleges will handle this change. It will be important to check with each school of interest to see if they are going to require the science test or not. The test will also go from 3 hours to 2.

For current Seniors: you will be required to have the Science test

For current Juniors: you will need to continue to take the Science test-very few of you will still be taking it in September of Senior year when the changes start

For current Sophomores: If you take the test starting in June you will have Science. Starting in September of your Junior year Science will be optional. It might be to your advantage to wait until Fall of Junior year if you feel that Science will not be helpful to you.

For current Freshmen: Starting at end of Sophomore year means that your ACT test will not have Science.

What is Test Information Release?

For an additional $32 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 this year for September, December and February 2025 (this is all that is currently published).

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.

ACT Prep Class Opportunity for Fall 2024

ACT Prep with Power Prep Inc. on Saturday, November 2nd from 8:30-12:55 pm. Class will be discounted for all North students. http://actprep.info/olathenorth

Remember: prep and practice = confidence and a better score

October 7th – October 11th will be COLLEGE APPLICATION WEEK for the Seniors! The week’s schedule is as follows:

• Monday, October 7th: UMKC Rep Visit (10:20 AM – 10:50 AM in the Library) – Sign up in Flex to attend!
• Tuesday, October 8th: College Application Workshop – Sign up HERE to attend!
• Wednesday, October 9th: Apply to College, Get a Snack (All Day, in the College & Career Center in the Library) – Seniors must prove to me that they have applied to college and in return they will get to pick out a snack. Snacks include Pringles, Cookies, Donuts, and other Sweet Treats!
• Thursday, October 10th: College Colors Day – EVERYONE is invited to wear their college gear to support the Seniors as they work on their applications!
• Friday, October 11th: 1:1 Help with Mr. Van Winkle (8:00 AM-3:00 PM in Mr. Van Winkle’s Office, by phone, or via Zoom) – SENIOR FAMILIES, make sure to sign up HERE, as this is by appointment only. Please note that if the day no longer has openings when you try to schedule, Mr. Van Winkle is happy to meet with you any other day, at your convenience. Meetings can be with students/parents/any combination!

Full-Ride Scholarship Opportunity for Seniors!

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

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!

Upcoming ACT Dates:

• October 26, 2024 (Late Deadline to register is October 7th!)
• December 14, 2024 (Deadline to register is November 8th!)

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, and answer questions.

Visits will be taking place during A/I on Mondays/Tuesdays/Fridays. You can sign up for the visit through Flex.

• Tuesday, October 1, 2024 – Drury University
• Friday, October 4, 2024 – Kansas State University
• Monday, October 7, 2024 – University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC)
• Friday, October 25, 2024 – Truman State University
• Monday, October 28, 2024 – Missouri State University
• Tuesday, October 29, 2024 – Oklahoma State University

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Van Winkle via email (lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org), phone call, or stopping by his office.

Getting 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/.

The Olathe Public Schools Foundation, in cooperation with private donors, continues to support Olathe students after they have graduated by offering college scholarships. The scholarships are competitive and are only available through online application, unless otherwise specified. Most Spring 2025 scholarships will open for application on October 1, 2024. Click here to learn more.

Many students who are going to a 2-year university take placement tests in place of the ACT or SAT. These tests can also be used when enrolling in College Now classes.

JCCC Testing Services offers two different placements test through scheduled on-campus appointments. The tests are not timed, and there is no charge.

STEPS TO TAKING THE A PLACEMENT TEST AT JCCC:

1. Enroll at JCCC and get a JCCC ID number: https://www.jccc.edu/admissions/apply/.
2. Once you have enrolled at JCCC, you can schedule a placement test and review the study materials: https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/testing-centers/testing/.
3. Show up for your scheduled appointment with your JCCC ID and a current official photo ID.
4. Once you have completed your placement tests, you can access your scores here: https://www.jccc.edu/student-resources/testing-centers/testing/.

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.

See the directions below to request an official transcript or to view your unofficial transcript.

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.

HELP Clinic

Mill Creek Campus

300 E. Loula Street

Olathe, KS 66061

Phone: 913-780-7049

Email: HelpClinic@olatheschools.org.

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