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YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
What is Youth Apprenticeship? It is a state-certified program that allows 11th and 12th-grade students the chance to:
- Earn school credit—1 full elective credit each semester of work (2 credits for the year)
- Work with a mentor in a chosen career pathway
- Have PAID employment
- Walk away with an industry-recognized certification
- Take technical-related courses that align to your career interests
- Be eligible for school approved YA work release time throughout the year
Visit the Dane County School Consortium website to learn more about Youth Apprenticeship and to see the variety of program options.
Interested in Youth Apprenticeship?
Please have your son or daughter email Ms. Anna D’Amelio (Monona Grove’s Career and Technical Education Coordinator) so they can set up an appointment with her to discuss the Youth Apprenticeship program and their individual career goals. Her email address is anna.damelio@mgschools.net.
Also, attend the Youth Apprenticeship Family information session on Tuesday, March 7 @ 6:30 pm (virtual) Registration Link
UPCOMING ASSESSMENTS
ACT For All Juniors - Tuesday, March 7, 2023
The ACT test will be administered to all MGHS juniors on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. Students will report to their testing room by 8:15 am and end at approximately 1:00. Buses will pick up students immediately following testing or students may also choose to drive or be dropped off/picked up by a parent/guardian.
ACT Reminders
- Students cannot be admitted to exams if they are late.
- Attendance is very important as every junior is required to complete the ACT. Students who are absent will have to make up the assessment*
- Students should bring:
-their student ID or driver’s license,
-two or more #2 pencils with good erasers (no mechanical pencils), and
-a calculator as designated by ACT (additional details regarding approved calculators
found here: The ACT® Calculator Policy).
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ACT does NOT allow any ELECTRONIC DEVICES. Cell phones, smart watches, fitness bands, and other devices with recording, internet, or communication capabilities are prohibited. If a cell phone goes off in a student's pocket or backpack during the assessments or a student has a device out during the break, ACT requires us to remove the student and void their test. Students may not have any cell phones and electronic devices out at break time. Cell phones and electronic devices must be powered off and stored away until testing is dismissed.
- Students will have a short break during the morning and a snack will be provided. Students may bring a water bottle for the break as drinking fountains will be closed.
- Breakfast will be available to students prior to the start of testing.
- Grab and Go lunches will be available for students after testing.
Wisconsin's Forward Exam for All 10th Grade Students
The Forward Exam will be administered to all MGHS tenth graders in their social studies class on Tuesday March 21, 2023 and Wednesday March 22, 2023.
This test is designed to gauge how well students are doing in relation to the Wisconsin Academic Standards. These standards outline what students should know and be able to do in order to be college and career ready. Please make sure your student is in school on this day, and eats a nutritional breakfast to ensure they do their best.
Students will need to bring their charged Chromebook with them to complete the assessment. This is a state mandated test, which means, if a student misses the test, they will have to complete a make-up test, at a later time.
Any questions, feel free to contact Kayla Barnes-Patrick, School Social Worker, 608-316-1349 or kayla.barnespatrick@mgschools.net.
PreACT Secure Assessment for All 9th and 10th Grade Students
All MGHS 9th and 10th graders will take the PreACT Secure (formerly ASPIRE) assessment on Wednesday April 12th, 2023. The PreACT Secure assessment is designed to assess a students' readiness for post-secondary college and career options. PreACT Secure measures what students have learned in the areas of English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Please be sure to have your student in school on this day.
Students need to arrive in their assigned classroom on time, at 8:15. It is most helpful for them to have eaten a good breakfast. Breakfast will be offered at school, prior to the start of the assessment. Students will also need to bring their charged Chromebook with them to complete the assessment. This is a state mandated test, which means, if a student misses the test, they will have to complete a make-up test at a later time.
Any questions, feel free to contact Don Karsh, School Counselor, at 608-316-1935 or don.karsh@mgschools.net.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) EXAMS
AP exams will be in person and will be administered as paper and pencil exams (with the exception of AP Literature and AP U.S. History, which are in person, but digital and AP 2-D Art and AP Drawing which have a digital portfolio to submit.
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AP Exams will take place from May 1 - May 12: 2023 AP Exam Schedule
- All exams will take place at the District Office at 5301 Monona Drive. Transportation is not provided. We encourage all students to carpool as parking is limited. If transportation will be problematic for your student, please contact Matt McLaughlin at least two weeks prior to the test date and he will help make arrangements.
- All students who indicated they will be taking an AP Exam by the registration deadline have had the appropriate exam ordered for them.
- NO electronic devices INCLUDING CELL PHONES, Wi-Fi ENABLED WATCHES, or other Wi-Fi connecting devices will be allowed in the testing room. Please leave safely at home, in a locked vehicle or your locker at school prior to entering the exam building. Failure to do so will result in inability to take the exam.
- No food or beverages will be allowed in the testing room.
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Questions are to be directed to Mr. McLaughlin at matthew.mclaughlin@mgschools.net
LOOKING FOR HELP IN YOUR AP CLASSES?
As you study and prepare for your AP exams, here are some helpful resources you could use!
-Ask questions, it always helps!
-See if they are offering any review or help sessions
-Stop by and get help when you can!
- Form a study group with peers
-Some of the most successful students are those who make a team
SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Scholarship information can be found on the MGHS Student Services page, under "Post-Secondary Planning". It is up to the students to check this regularly for updates. Most colleges/universities also offer their own annual scholarship opportunities for incoming freshmen. Students are highly encouraged to explore these by contacting their future school(s) of choice or by visiting school websites.
UW SYSTEM PLACEMENT TESTING
The University of Wisconsin Center for Placement Testing will once again be offering online placement testing this Spring. Registration for Summer and Fall 2023 begins in March. For more information about placement testing registration, please reach out to the appropriate Placement Testing contact.
FAIR OPPORTUNITES PROJECT OFFERS FREE 1:1 FAFSA SUPPORT
The Fair Opportunity Project has launched a 1:1 FAFSA help service statewide. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the federally required form needed for students seeking financial aid, such as grants and loans. Completing the FAFSA is the first and most important step in qualifying for aid to help pay for college. Seniors can sign up for a 45-minute virtual session with a trained FAFSA completion coach through this link: Student Services Interest Form.
Find out more about Fair Opportunity Project Resources for juniors and seniors here: https://www.fairopportunityproject.org/for-counselors
FINANCIAL AID OFFERS...NOW WHAT?
Are you confused by your financial aid offer or wondering how to fill in the gaps between a financial aid offer and the cost of tuition? The information below may be helpful as you and your student make decisions related to financial aid. Also, remember that your best resource to answer your financial aid related questions is the financial aid office at the college where you will be attending in the fall. (see article below)
The offers of financial aid have arrived – now what?
After submitting applications and lots of waiting, your students are likely getting their offers of financial aid. Now your family needs to make some BIG decisions – where do you start?
Identify the sources of financial aid your student is being offered. Remember anything labeled “Grant” or “Scholarship” is the good stuff – that’s free money that never needs to be repaid. These funds ultimately reduce your out of pocket cost for college. “Work-study” is an employment program. Your student will need to work to earn the dollars they’ve been offered through the program. Anything labeled “Loan” is money that will eventually need to be repaid – sometimes with interest. Always take a “Subsidized” loan first – the interest on subsidized loans doesn’t begin accruing until after your student finished their degree-program or drops below part-time status.
If your student applied to more than one school – compare their offers of financial aid. Start by taking each schools’ tuition and cost for housing and subtract their individual offers of FREE money (grants/scholarships) from that total. The remaining amount is what will have to be covered through other financial means, whether that be taking out educational loans, working, etc. This remaining amount is often called the “Net Price” and is the number you want to compare between schools – which school will provide you with the lowest Net Price?
If what your student has been offered isn’t enough, families of undergraduates have two additional loan options they can pursue:
• Federal Parent Loan for Undergrad Student (PLUS). This is a federal loan that the parent of a dependent undergraduate can apply for and receive. Some schools include this loan in their offer, others don’t. Why? It’s not a guaranteed loan and requires a separate application and basic credit check through www.studentaid.gov.
• Private Educational Loans. Some schools may have a preferred private loan lender list. Otherwise, we encourage families to start with the bank/credit union you’re already a member of to see what educational loans they offer. In general, private loans can vary drastically in terms of interest rates, repayment terms, etc. Make sure you do thorough research before you agree to take out any private loans!
Please also make sure to take some time in the coming months to talk to your students about money management and budgeting. Studies have shown that students learn the most about managing money from their parents. Does your student have a checking or savings account? Do they understand credit and/or credit cards? If you don’t talk to your student about money – who will?
It is also never too late to save for college. If your student has a summer job, have him/her save some earnings each week to have spending money when they get to campus.
And, don’t forget that the Financial Aid Office at the schools your student is considering are truly your BEST resource to help you through the process. There’s also great, general financial aid information online through the Federal Student Aid website .
RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
MG Virtual Calming Room
The calming room is a tool for families and students that offers an array of options to help manage emotions in a very stressful and strange time. Check it out!
Grief Resources for Parents and Caregivers
Resources for supporting the kids in your life who are grieving and support for yourself
Helping Your Loved One Who is Suicidal: A Guide for Family and Friends
SAMHSA's new resource guide provides information on understanding suicide, warning signs and action steps to take, and how to prevent future attempts and keep your loved one safe.
Mental Health America of Wisconsin - PRISM Program
A new pilot program to connect LGBTQ+ youth in Wisconsin with trained peer-specialists who can provide mental and emotional support and mentorship. Young LGBTQ+ people around the ages of 16-26 years old may now access this free service by calling 414-336-7974 and leaving a voicemail to get connected with a trained peer-specialist.
Housing, Homeless and Doubled-Up Family Resources
If you are staying temporarily with someone else because you lost your housing, or staying in a motel/hotel, campground, shelter, or in an outside or inadequate place, you and your children have special rights at school.
MGSD Homeless Liaison: Andrea Fresen, andrea.fresen@mgschools.net, 608-316-1922
Crisis Text Line
Text "HOME" to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1(800)273-8255
STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT: 608-316-1373
School Counselors:
School Psychologist: Melissa Smith
School Social Worker: Kayla Barnes-Patrick
Engagement Specialist: TBD
School Resource Officer: Luke Wunch
Administrative Assistant: Michelle Boyde
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