Susan H Nelson Newsletter

On the days of the equinoxes, the Earth’s axis is perpendicular to the Sun’s rays, meaning that all regions on Earth receive about the same number of hours of sunlight. In other words, night and day are, in principle, the same length all over the world. This is the reason it’s called an “equinox,” derived from Latin, meaning “equal night.”

Dear Parents,

On Tuesday, October 17, 2017, Susan H. Nelson School will offer the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) to any interested freshman & sophomore student. The PSAT is a multiple-choice assessment of verbal, mathematics, and writing skills.

The PSAT is an optional test that provides practice for the SAT reasoning test through personalized feedback of student performance with suggestions for improvement. The SAT Reasoning Test, taken in the junior year, can be used as a standardized test in college applications and may be helpful for students wanting to pursue admission to highly competitive colleges or universities. The PSAT also serves as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). During junior year, PSAT scores may qualify eligible students for money through National Merit, National Achievement, or National Hispanic Scholarship funds.

The PSAT registration has a cost of $18. However, in an effort to support the pursuit of higher education in our student body, the district has opted to pay the fee for any TVUSD freshman or sophomore interested in taking the test. We highly encourage all freshmen and sophomore students to take advantage of this opportunity.

If your sophomore student is interested in participating on October 17, 2023. Please click on and complete the PSAT/NMSQT Form by Monday, September 25, 2023, at the latest.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the PSAT, please contact Dan Blanchfield at dblanchfield@tvusd.us or 951-695-7360 ext. 24605.

The Value to Students Taking the PSAT/NMSQT

For high school students in the United States, the PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, is a significant milestone in their academic journey. Although often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT holds immense value for students for a variety of reasons. In this article, we will explore why this standardized test is more than just a practice run for the SAT and why every student should consider taking it seriously.

• Scholarship Opportunities: The PSAT/NMSQT is not just any standardized test; it also serves as the qualifying test for the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program. High-scoring students have the chance to earn scholarships and recognition that can significantly ease the financial burden of college. Even if a student doesn't become a National Merit Scholar, strong PSAT scores can still open doors to various other scholarship opportunities.

• Test Preparation: The PSAT/NMSQT is essentially a practice test for the SAT. By taking it, students gain valuable experience in a test-taking environment. They become familiar with the format of the questions, the time constraints, and the overall structure of the exam. This experience is invaluable in reducing test anxiety and increasing confidence when they eventually take the SAT, which plays a critical role in college admissions.

• Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: The PSAT/NMSQT provides a detailed score report that breaks down a student's performance in different subject areas. This breakdown can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to focus their study efforts on the areas that need improvement. This targeted approach to test preparation can lead to more efficient and effective studying.

• College Readiness: The PSAT/NMSQT is designed to assess a student's readiness for college-level work. By taking the test, students gain insight into their academic preparedness and can use this information to plan their high school coursework accordingly. This can help ensure they are adequately prepared for the rigors of college.

• Access to College and Career Resources: When students take the PSAT/NMSQT, they gain access to a wealth of college and career planning resources. This includes personalized feedback on their academic strengths and areas for improvement, information about colleges and universities that may be a good fit for them, and tools for exploring potential career paths. These resources can be incredibly helpful in making informed decisions about higher education and future career goals.

• Benchmark for Academic Growth: The PSAT/NMSQT can serve as a benchmark for tracking a student's academic growth over time. By taking the test in their sophomore and junior years, students can measure their progress and see how their scores improve. This can be motivating and provide a sense of accomplishment as they work towards their college goals.

• College Admissions Advantage: While the PSAT/NMSQT itself is not used for college admissions, the skills and knowledge gained through preparing for and taking the test can positively impact a student's SAT or ACT scores, which are a critical component of the college application process. Strong PSAT performance can also be included on college applications as an additional indicator of a student's academic potential.

In conclusion, the PSAT/NMSQT is a valuable opportunity for high school students to gain scholarships, improve their test-taking skills, identify their academic strengths and weaknesses, and access resources for college and career planning. It is more than just a practice test; it is a steppingstone to future success. Students who approach the PSAT/NMSQT with dedication and purpose can reap the many benefits it offers on their journey toward higher education and career fulfillment.

Dollars For Scholars Meet and Greet

For more information, click the button below to go to the Dollars for Scholars website.

the 15th Annual Temecula Valley College and Vocational. We are thrilled to announce that college fair is finally back in person after the challenges of COVID-19, and we cannot wait to reconnect and engage with students face-to-face once again.

Date: September 23, 2023

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Venue: Promenade Temecula Mall (40820 Winchester Rd., Temecula, CA, 92591)

San Jacinto College will have several table booths at the City of Temecula's 15th Annual Temecula Valley College and Vocational Invitational at the Promenade Temecula. This event will provide current junior and senior high school students within the region an opportunity to speak with MSJC representatives and universities about their organization and educational opportunities. Come by and say hello!!

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please go to www.calendly.com/dblanchfield and schedule your appointment at your earliest convenience. Indicate if you would like to meet in person, by phone or virtually. If you would prefer a phone conference, please include a phone number. If you would prefer to meet virtually, I will send you a Google Meet link for our virtual meeting.

Dan Blanchfield

Counselor, Susan H. Nelson Independent Study High School

(951) 695-7360 ext. 24605

Temecula Valley Adult School offers a High School Diploma Program and a GED preparation program. If you, or someone you know is 18 or older and needs to complete their education, we would love to help you. The new year starts August 15, 2023. Contact Laura Witz at 951-294-6512.

Take your future into your own hands!!

David Schlottman - Sparkman Alternative Education Center Principal - 951-695-7320

Gloria Dixon - Susan H Nelson Secretary -951-695-7360

Laura Witz - TDAP - 951-294-6512

32225 Pio Pico Rd. Temecula, CA 92592

Susan H Nelson School