![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/handeducation34.72e651d6.jpg)
ON Student Services Newsletter
September 2023
Donations Requested:
The counseling office is in need of snack donations to help students get through the day. We would love your help with helping our students.
Here are some suggestions:
- Microwave mac and cheese
- Granola bars
- Cheese or Peanut butter crackers
- Pop tarts
- Individual cereal boxes
- Ramen
- Soup with pull tabs
- Fruit or applesauce cups or pouches
- Single serve chip packs
- Fruit snacks
- Beef jerky
- Drinks such as juice boxes, water bottles or drink flavor packets
College Now
College Now registration is open and the deadline to enroll is Friday, September 15th. Make sure you take care of necessary steps to ensure your enrollment is complete, as the deadline is fast approaching!
Visit the ON Counseling Website - https://www.olatheschools.org/Page/8747 - for all needed information, including steps to apply, how to take care of pre-requisites, links to apply for financial assistance and class CRNs.
If you need a copy of your transcript to upload to your JCCC account, email Mrs. McQuay ymmcquay@olatheschools.org
Contact Nicole Etherton with any questions: nmetherton@olatheschools.org
High School Career Pathway Presentation (9th and 10th grade students)
If you are interested in hearing about high school career pathway options in Olathe, consider attending the Career Pathway Presentation at 6:30pm on Monday, 10/30 in the Olathe South auditorium.
Staff will present overview of the options students have while in high school including comprehensive CTE pathways at all 5 high schools, OATC programs for grades 11-12, and late onboarding into a 21st Century Academy.
Post-Secondary Success Events
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 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Olathe East High School. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a presentation on the new FAFSA form and federal changes coming in December.
- Kansas City Metro Expo Fair - 6-8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 11 at Olathe North High School
- NCAA Night - 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Olathe West High School
- College Planning Night - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25. at Olathe Northwest High School
- FAFSA Completion Workshop - Olathe South High School this fall. Time and date TBD. .
SOS Sigs of Suicide Training
On October 2nd, 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:
ASVAB Testing for Olathe Juniors and Seniors!
If you are a junior or senior who is interested in the military, you should consider taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test. The ASVAB test will be administered by the military on Testing Day at Olathe North High School on Wednesday, October 18th. ASVAB reports provide great information about your strengths and can give you valuable insight regarding possible career choices. There is NO COST to you, and there is NO OBLIGATION to join the military. Registration closes on 9/29, so sign up here today!
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.
ACT Prep Opportunities for Fall 2023
- ON ACT free prep during Advisory-Academic Intervention. This class is offered on Thursdays: Sept 21st, Oct 5th, Oct 12th, Oct 26th. 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 11th from 8:00-12:30 pm. Class will be discounted for all North students. Registration will be live after Labor Day. http://actprep.info/olathenorth
Remember: prep and practice = confidence and a better score
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.
From Mr. Van Winkle, College Advisor
My name is Mr. Logan Van Winkle and I will be the College Adviser here at Olathe North for the 2023-2024 school year! This will be my third year at the school and I am so excited to continue my work here. My job is to help students figure out what they want to do after graduating from high school.
Despite “college” being in my job title, my goal is to meet students where they are at. Whether you are interested in college, trade schools, military, or the workforce, I am here to help in any way that I can. Please utilize me as much as you need. It is what I am here for. Schedule a meeting at ANY time, using this link: https://calendly.com/lvanwinkle
Contact Information:
Email: lvanwinkle@olatheschools.org
Phone (Google Voice): (913) 738-2103
Social Media: @OlatheNorthCCC (Twitter/Instagram)
To Schedule a Meeting: https://calendly.com/lvanwinkle
Kansas City Metro College Expo:
The Kansas City Metro EXPO Fair is being held at Olathe North High School on Monday, September 11th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM! This college fair will allow students and parents the opportunity to meet with College Admissions representatives, as well as visit info sessions on Financial Aid (presented by Johnson County Community College).
Additionally, every student who attends will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card from Amazon or an Apple product! Save the date – We will see you there!
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!
College Rep Visits:
- September 12, 2023 – Pittsburg State University
- September 15, 2023 – Wichita State University
- September 18, 2023 – University of Kansas (KU)
- September 19, 2023 – University of Missouri – Columbia (Mizzou)
- September 22, 2023 – Donnelly College
- September 25, 2023 – University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC)
This is a time to meet with College Representatives on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays during A/I time from 10:40 AM to 11:10 AM in the front office (unless otherwise noted)!
To sign up for any of these Rep Visits, fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/fBe42rnS6dijPqYC6
If you have any questions, please contact me via email, phone call, or stopping by my office.
Follow Me:
Don’t forget to go follow @OlatheNorthCCC on Twitter and Instagram! I am trying to update both as often as possible to make sure that you all get the most up to date news and information. I will also be having giveaways and Senior/College Spotlights throughout the year! Don’t miss out on the fun – Go follow me TODAY!
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
In case you missed it:
FSA ID Workshop RSVP
Every student who wants to fill out the FAFSA and be eligible for grants/loans to go towards their college education MUST have an FSA ID! If you would like Mr. Van Winkle's help in creating yours, bring your laptop and your Social Security Number to the library during A/I on Tuesday, September 19th!
Make sure to RSVP before you attend: https://forms.gle/xuBYCsbzGSivHVKA9
Scholarship Search Tools
Transcripts
All official transcripts must be requested through Xello. 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.
Suicide Prevention Month
We'll be acknowledging National Suicide Prevention Month at Olathe North September 11th-15th. Please be on the lookout out for more information!
Individual Impact:
- 79% of all people who die by suicide are male.
- Although more women than men attempt suicide, men are 4x more likely to die by suicide.
- Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24 and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.
- 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition — but research suggests that 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition
Community Impact:
- Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, high risk populations:
- U.S. Adults: 4.8%
- Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander: 7.4%
- Mixed/Multiracial: 8.2%
- American Indian/Alaska Native: 8.5%
- Young adults aged 18-25: 13%
- High school students: 22%
- LGBTQ youth: 41%
- The highest rates of suicide in the U.S. are among American Indian/Alaskan Natives, followed by non-Hispanic whites
- Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth.
- Transgender adults are nearly 9x more likely to attempt suicide at some point in their life compared to the general population.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for people held in local jails.
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