On Monday, September 30th, Olathe North High School will be conducting our annual SOS Signs of Suicide training. Goals of the program are to:

• Explain that suicide is a preventable tragedy that can occur as a result of untreated depression or other mental disorders

• Provide students with training in how to identify potential suicide risk in themselves or a friend

• Impress upon youth that they can help themselves or a friend by taking the simple step of talking to a trusted adult about their concerns

• Instruct students who they can turn to at school for help if they need it

See parent letters below for more information:

College Now is a program through JCCC that allows ON students to earn college credit for the courses they are already taking. The enrollment window for College Now is open, with a September 20th deadline to have registration and payment complete. All information including eligible classes, steps for enrollment, course codes and financial assistance opportunities can be found on our website: https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/8747.

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.

Olathe Public Schools will host several events to help high school students prepare for post-secondary success. All events are open to high school students and their families across the district.

• Scholarship and Financial Aid / FAFSA Night: 5:30-7:30p.m., Sept. 11th at Olathe East High School.
• Kansas City Metro Expo Fair: 6-8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 16th at Olathe North High School
• Hispanic Family College Planning Night: 6:15-8:15p.m., Monday, Sept. 23rd at Olathe West High School
• NCAA Night : 6:30-8 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 18th at Olathe West High School

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 Opportunities for Fall 2024

• ON ACT free prep during Advisory-Academic Intervention. This class is offered on Thursdays: Oct 3, Oct 10, Oct 24. You must attend all sessions and for the complete hour (10:18-11:18). Sign-ups are available now and dates are subject to change.

• 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

Kansas City Metro College Fair

The Kansas City Metro College Fair is being held at Olathe North High School on Monday, September 16th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM! This college fair will allow students and parents the opportunity to meet with College Admissions representatives, ask questions, and learn more information about Colleges/Universities in the area.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Van Winkle at lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org or schedule a meeting with him here: https://calendly.com/lvanwinkle!

FSA ID Workshops

To get a head start on the FAFSA for this year, every Senior and their parents are encouraged to create their FSA ID as soon as possible! You will use your FSA ID to log-in and complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA when it is open. Seniors can create their FSA ID by attending a workshop hosted by Mr. Van Winkle on either Tuesday, September 10th or Monday, September 16th during Advisory! All you need to bring is your laptop, phone, and social security number (NOTE: You do not need to bring the card – you just need to know the number!) Sign-ups are available through Flex!

If you are a parent or a student that wants to create your FSA ID at home, you can do so by visiting StudentAid.gov.

Please note that if you are a parent who already has an FSA ID, you DO NOT and CANNOT create a new one. If you do not remember the log-in information for your old account, follow the steps to recover that information!

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Van Winkle at lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org or schedule a meeting with him here: https://calendly.com/lvanwinkle!

Upcoming ACT Dates

• September 14, 2024 (Deadline to register has passed!)
• October 26, 2024 (Deadline to register is September 20th!)
• December 14, 2024 (Deadline to register is November 8th!)

College Rep Visits

• Monday, September 9, 2024 – Pittsburg State University
• Friday, September 13, 2024 – Wichita State University
• Tuesday, September 17, 2024 – William Woods University
• Friday, September 20, 2024 – University of Missouri – Columbia (Mizzou)
• Monday, September 23, 2024 – Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T)
• Friday, September 27, 2024 – Independence Community College
• Monday, September 30, 2024 – Emporia State University

This is a time to meet with College Representatives on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays during A/I time from 10:20 AM to 10:50 AM in the College and Career Center in the Library! If you are interested in attending, you can sign up through Flex!

QuestBridge connects high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with a thriving community and transformative educational, career, and life opportunities that help propel them to lives of fulfillment, meaning, and purpose.

Scholarship applications are due on September 26th, 2024. Check out the QuestBridge website for more information: www.questbridge.org.

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.

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/.

All official transcripts must be requested via Xello. See the directions below. If you would like a copy of your unofficial transcript for your own personal use, please reach out to Ms. McQuay in the counseling office.

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