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Welcome to the fourth quarter homestretch! Quarter 3 ends April 5, and then we have just nine weeks left of school (less for Seniors!)
SENIORS:
It’s not too late to search for Scholarships and Financial Aid. Be sure to check weekly e*blasts and Naviance for an ever-updating list of scholarships. Have you completed your FAFSA, as well? Michigan has extended its FAFSA Priority deadline. Even if you don’t think you will get any grant (free) money, you may get school scholarships and low/no-interest loan offers that you may accept or decline in whole or in part. Questions about FAFSA are conveniently answered by the chatbot 24/7. Also, completing the FAFSA is a great idea to show interest in receiving money from colleges – sometimes, this opens doors that were previously hidden. For general scholarship searching, I am a big fan of www.fastweb.com and http://www.finaid.org/. These are packed with GREAT information and resources. On the Counseling Center Website, I have links to a presentation on “Understanding Different Sources of Financial Aid”
There are still many excellent opportunities to apply to schools. It is not too late. On May 5, NACAC will post a comprehensive list of all colleges and universities with admissions openings. You will be able to see this list here.
Mid-year transcript requests should be made here.
ALL STUDENTS:
COLLEGE NIGHT IS Back! Wednesday, April 17th, 6:00 - 8:00 pm at GP South. Representatives from roughly 50 colleges will be on hand to answer your questions and introduce you to their schools. Click HERE to see a full list of schools that will be on hand. Here is a good article from Forbes to help students and parents to prepare for the fair and make the most of the time there.
Financial Aid Night - GP South is hosting a virtual Paying for College presentation on Thursday, April 24, at 8 pm on Zoom. CLICK HERE to REGISTER This is a great opportunity to get unbiased, professional financial aid information (our presenter is not selling anything!) and get your questions answered in real time. If you would like to watch a pre-recorded version of this presentation, see this website for the “Financing Education Beyond High School” presentation. Topics include the elements of financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), private resources available, and more!
JUNIORS who are planning to apply to colleges in the Fall of 2024 should make sure that they are doing the following:
1. Many, but not all, schools are already choosing to be test-optional next year. I think it is wise to take the ACT and/or SAT tests. You can do this online at www.actstudent.org, or www.collegeboard.org. All juniors will take the SAT at South on April 10. Your student will register for the school test in school. You do not need to do anything to sign him or her up online. My advice at this point is to consider NOT sending student test scores so that you can be strategic about your decision to share this information or hold back.
2. Students should attend Career & College 101 presentations in their PoL class. AP presentations will happen after the AP Lang Exam.
3. If it is possible, try to visit college campuses.
SOPHOMORES & FRESHMEN:
It’s not too early to explore College Night. Our current plan is to NOT have a college night at GPPSS next year, so this is a great opportunity. See the information in this column.
ALL STUDENTS:
Parents, we are hearing more and more about students having their mobile phones with them all night—sometimes with a line open to a significant other. This concerns us for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is an interruption to needed sleep for teens! Please check in on your child’s cell phone use and consider requiring that the phone be off and away overnight and out of their bedrooms. Having a family charging station in a central location is a great idea!
Make Summer Plans Now The time is ripe to make summer plans. Here is a list we have been compiling regarding SUMMER PROGRAMS. Summer is an excellent opportunity to explore career or college majors, try out some job shadowing/internship, or even get a summer job.
If your student needs a work permit, they can just stop by the counseling center to get one.
Ford House: Understanding and Supporting Gender Identity program. As part of Ford House's commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, we invite you to this informative discussion about gender and gender identity.
April 4, 7:00 pm
This FREE event will include a panel discussion featuring individuals from various backgrounds: a school psychologist, a Christian pastor, a physician, the father of a transgender youth, a transgender adult living authentically, an LGBTQ youth psychologist, and a lawyer — all supported by a moderator. With such a range of perspectives, we're sure this conversation will help to educate and promote understanding. Don't miss this opportunity to broaden your knowledge and engage in meaningful dialogue! Register Here
Suicide Prevention and Awareness: While the days get longer and sunnier, we need to increase our awareness of this peak season for suicidal thoughts. If you notice changes in your child’s grades, interactions, behaviors, or friends, this may be a message to seek support. Please connect with your child’s counselor or another member of the school’s mental health team to find resources. If you are in immediate need of assistance with concerns about suicide, please contact 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or https://988lifeline.org/ for a live chat. Students may feel comfortable texting the Crisis Text Line, a free, 24/7, confidential text message service for people in crisis. Just text HELLO to 741-741
QPR Suicide Prevention Training is like CPR for mental health. Tuesday, May 7 | 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. GPPL Central Branch - 10 Kercheval. This training is for everyone ages 15+, including parents, friends, teachers, and social workers. After completing QPR training, you will be able to:
• Recognize suicide warning signs
• Understand several ways to initiate a conversation
• Persuade and refer someone to the appropriate resources
Training is FREE, but registration is appreciated.
For questions or to register, please email MaryJo@FamilyCenterHelps.org
The 8th Annual Suicide Prevention Walk and Mental Health Fair is
Saturday, May 11, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm.
Rain or Shine
Grosse Pointe South High School
11 Grosse Pointe Boulevard
Join us to raise awareness and show support for people in our community affected by suicide. Visit 20+ local vendors dedicated to mental health. Together, we can make a difference!
FAMILY Center Programs
Mental Health Matters: Join us for a weekly mental wellness series featuring local therapists discussing new topics. Do I need therapy? What is good therapy? Is my child’s anxiety normal? How does trauma affect our bodies? What are my triggers, and how can I tame them? And more!
Mondays, April 1 - May 20, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the War Memorial.
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