Guidance BLAST A Publication of the Roncalli High School Guidance Department

Nov. 17, 2011

ALL STUDENTS (New) Receipt of Unexpected or Unauthorized "College Board" Checks and Telephone Calls College Board recently learned of a series of checks that have been fraudulently issued by unauthorized third parties designed to appear to be issued by the College Board. The recipients have presented these fraudulent checks to our bank for payment, and payment has been refused. Please be cautious of any nonCollege Board third party that might engage you in a business transaction and attempt to reimburse you for goods or services with a "College Board" check. Please do not present checks appearing to be issued from a College Board account to your bank for payment unless you are absolutely certain that you have engaged in legitimate business with the College Board and are owed the amount indicated on the check. Our bank will not clear fraudulent checks. Roncalli has also learned that someone identifying themself as a College Board employee called a Roncalli parent and indicated that they would send some testing information if the parent would provide a credit card number. Please do not provide personal identifying information over the telephone to anyone who is calling you. If you have received a call or a check, feel free to report this information to College Board at 866-6809990. If you have questions, someone at this number can connect you with someone who can help answer your questions. College Board does NOT advertise or make sales calls over the telephone to student households. (New) Student Athletes: Cathedral High School has extended an invitation to interested Roncalli High students and parents to attend the NCAA INFORMATION NIGHT on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Student Life Center of Cathedral High School. Families of students who wish information on recruiting and eligibility to play NCAA Division I and Division II athletics should plan to attend. Representatives from the NCAA Eligibility Center and the Compliance Director from Purdue University will explain the process. Reservations are NOT required. (New) Scholarship for grades 9-11: The Carson Scholarship honors the memory of Dr. and Mrs. Benjamin S. Carson who was a world-renowned pediatric neurosurgeon. This is a $1,000 scholarship which will be held in trust for the student until the college years. Roncalli can nominate only one student. Criteria: applicants must have a 3.75/4.0 gpa and demonstrate humanitarian qualities through volunteer work and/or community service above and beyond what is required for Roncalli High School. The pre-application in its entirety can be found in the guidance carousel. All pre-applications must be submitted to Mrs. Hall in the guidance office by December 12, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. No late applications will be accepted. It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. Aristotle How do you feel about this statement? Discuss a time in your life when you had to question something you read or heard. (New) Summer Enrichment @ Hanover College: http://www.hanover.edu/academics/summeracademy Hanover College will offer their Summer Academic Academy from June 10-15, 2012. Many offerings are available for only $500 which includes the tuition, housing, meals, and supplies for the student. Some of the programs include acting, ceramics, Civil War, Pre-law, Technology, and so much more. (New) Art Portfolio: Are you a student interested in possibly pursuing a college major in art or design? If so, consider reviewing the portfolio hints and tips at: http://www.cca.edu/admissions/undergrad/portfolio-prep

Hints for creating your portfolio as well as portfolio requirements are included in this website. There are some great hints on the creating your portfolio link. (New) Indiana University Initiative: The IU Board of Trustees voted to implement a plan put forward by the university administration to dramatically reduce undergraduate tuition rates for students enrolled in classes during the summer across all seven of their campuses. Indiana resident students will receive a 25 percent tuition decrease while non-resident students will see an equivalent dollar reduction in tuition. Students taking a full course load during the summer can save up to $1,050, starting next year. The tuition discount plan is an important step in IUs effort to rethink what it means to be a public university in the 21st century and to strengthen the role they play in the lives of their students and our state. For additional information: http://newsinfo.iu.edu/news/page/normal/20114.html The Midwest Student Exchange Program, or MSEP, is a multi-state tuition reciprocity program. Through the MSEP, public institutions agree to charge students no more than 150% of the in-state resident tuition rate for specific programs; private institutions offer a 10% reduction on their tuition rates. States participating include Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, or Wisconsin. For more information on the program and a list of post-secondary institutions that are participating, access their website at: http://www.mhec.org/MSEPDescription NCYCDid you know that there will be several booth with college representatives available at NCYC? This is a great opportunity to stop by and chat with some of the national Catholic colleges who will be present in Indianapolis during the conference. Summer Programs: Are you searching for a summer enrichment program? Students should considering using the website, www.summerprogramsearch.com to assist in finding a campus-based academic programs and camps for this summer. The programs range in cost and length of time on the campus. Video Contest: The University of Dayton is sponsoring a video contest on What does servant leadership mean to prospective students? How does it affect their lives? Ten videos will be selected with winners receiving up to $40,000 in credit for university tuition. If you are interested in pursuing this option, please go to www.facebook.com/universityofdayton and look for scholarship on the left hand side. ExtraordinAIRy Treasures Teacher Award: Williams Comfort Air has established an award to recognize and demonstration appreciation for those teachers involved in shaping our children. If any student or parent is aware of a teacher who has gone above and beyond in helping children learn, you may nominate that individual. Williams Comfort Air will honor three ExtraordinAIRy Teachers will receive: 1. $500 cash award 2. $500 to their school Nominations are being accepted through Nov. 30, 2011 at www.MyIndianaTreasure.org Please consider nominating a Roncalli teacher. Essay Contest: Dale Carnegie Centennial Leadership Scholarship Essay Contest offers students in grades 912 an opportunity to enroll in the Dale Carnegie course, Effective Communications and Human Relations/Skills for Success, if selected as one of the two winners of the essay contest. The deadline for entries is Dec. 31, 2011 and all rules and information can be found at www.facebook.com/DaleCarnegieIndy. Writing Contest: Columbia College in Chicago is sponsoring a young authors writing contest opened to all high school students. Students can submit entries in the following categories: fiction, creative nonfiction and playwriting. The deadline for submit the entries electronic submissions runs between November 21, 2011 and January 16, 2011. There is a brief informational handout in the guidance carousel which has more detailed information on the website and requirements for the contest.

Baking Contests: If you are a student (or parent) who likes to bake, you might consider submitting a recipe for any/all of the following contests. www.marthawhite.com (muffin contest using a Martha White product) www.BettyCrocker.com/mixitupwith Betty http://www.conterstcook.com/ http://midwestliving.com/mwl/file.jsp?item=/contests/MWL_RecipeContest/MWL-RecipeContest0610&ordersrc=google1contestcooking (This is all one site!) Need tutoring? Go an online to access a tutor from 4 p.m. 10 p.m. seven days a week. Getting help is easy. Just go to www.imcpl.org and click on "Homework Help". You can even set it up on your phone with Tutor.com to Go. Homework Help: 1-877-ASK-ROSE Open Houses at Indiana Institutions: Registration is required. IUPUI: Information: Nov. 21 https://www.iupui.edu/~visit/reservation/index.php/jagdays/schedule/73 Open Houses at out-of-state Institutions: Registration is required. Miami University (OH): Nov. 19 https://muohio.edu.185r.net/Event/page2.php?e=21 Milwaukee School of Engineering (WI): Dec. 3 admissions.msoe.edu SENIORS AND JUNIORS: A & F Scholarship: The Abbott and Fenner Company offers the A&F Scholarship for $1,000 to all high school juniors and seniors. To apply for this scholarship you will need to write an essay on What was the most difficult time in your life, and why? How did your perspective on life change as a result of this difficulty? The essay should be between 500 and 1000 words. Your submissions must be sent by email to: scholarships@abbottandfenner.com The deadline for submitting the essay is June 15, 2012. SENIORS, JUNIORS, and SOPHOMORES: Upcoming representatives include: Nov. 21-Western Michigan University at 8:30 Dec. 5---Rochester Institute of Technology (NY) at 8:00 Dec. 13Lincoln Technical Institute at 1:30 We the Living Essay Contest: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are invited to submit an essay on the novel, We the Living, written by Ayn Rand. Three topics are presented and students only need to select one topic to write on after reading the novel. More information and the participation rules can be found at: http://essaycontest.aynrandnovels.com/WeTheLiving.aspx?theme=blue The deadline for submitting essays (800-1600 words) is May 5, 2012. There is a $3,000 grand prize plus additional monetary prizes. SENIORS: (New) Practice Interviews: Seniors, if you are being interviewed for a scholarship or for admission, Mrs. Hall would be happy to run you through a mock interview. If interested, please make contact directly with Mrs. Hall and give her at least a notification of one week. You can drop by her office OR e-mail her at mhall@roncallihs.org This is a great opportunity to practice and then put your best foot forward when you are interviewing for special awards. Graduation Announcements: Seniors recently received packets of information from both Herff-Jones and Jostens regarding the ordering of graduation memorabilia. Please know that the caps, gowns, and tassels have already been ordered for all seniors. Students will be able to keep the cap and tassel but must return the gown

after graduation. DO NOT order a cap and gown. If seniors would like a second tassel, they certainly can order it through either of the companies. If you have additional questions about the packets, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Mary Hall, graduation coordinator, or either of the company representatives. Brown Fellows Program: Centre College and the University of Louisville co-sponsor the Brown Fellows Program allows interested students (in either institution) to build an open-ended academic adventure beginning the summer before the freshman year in college. All academic costs (tuition, room & board, and summer enrichment) are fully covered. Students with strong leadership, academic excellence, and a sense of adventure are considered for this program. For more information: www.brownfellows.org or call 502-8961157. Students must apply to either Centre College or the University of Louisville to be considered. JUNIORS and SOPHOMORES: CENTRAL NINE OPEN HOUSE: November 30, 6:30 to 8:30 PM For students POSSIBLY considering a Central 9 course of study, please take the time to investigate the programs available at C-9 on November 30. Options include, but are not limited to: Law Enforcement, Fire Safety, EMT, Health Careers, Graphic Design, Auto Collision Technology, Computer Technology, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology and more. Be sure to talk with your counselor about your interests and how you might work this program into your schedule. (New) Additionally, a representative from C-9 will be at RHS on Thursday, Nov. 22 at 1:15 to talk with interested students. Students will get first hand information about the programs and technical honors opportunities. As always, sign up through College and Career Connections. FRESHMEN and SOPHOMORES: Anthem Essay Contest: Freshmen and sophomores are invited to submit an essay on the novel, Anthem, written by Ayn Rand. Three topics are presented and students only need to select one topic to write on after reading the novel. More information and the participation rules can be found at: http://essaycontest.aynrandnovels.com/Anthem.aspx?theme=blue The deadline for submitting essays (800-1600 words) is March 20, 2012. There is a $2,000 first prize plus additional monetary prizes. FRESHMEN: Student-Athletes: The NCAA Division 1 rules are changing for the Class of 2015. Some of the changes include: 1. The minimum GPA has been raised from 2.0 to 2.30 beginning with the high school graduating class of 2015. Student-athletes who graduate with a core GPA between 2.0-2.29can still receive an athletic scholarship and practice with their teams, but cannot participate in game action as freshmen. 2. A higher SAT/ACT sliding scale is expected to be released in December 2011. 3. Beginning with the graduating class of 2015, student-athletes must complete at least 10 of the 16 core course requirements by the end of their junior year. 4. Check out the NCAA information meeting which will be held at Cathedral High School on Dec. 1. Information in the All Students section at the beginning of the BLAST. Study hint: Last week we discussed study groups and that no more than five responsible students should be involved and that they should meet regularly to discuss class material. Study groups allow students to learn alternative study techniques and become better organized. This week some hints for developing an effective study group are offered. 1. Each group member should have the e-mail address and telephone number of other members. 2. At the first meeting, decide how the group will be leadsame leader all of the time or rotate leaders on a weekly basis or topic basis.

3. Establish ground rules: time of meetings, arriving on time, coming prepared, putting a time limit on non-study related socializing, and making a commitment to academic honesty. Study groups are not for the person who does not want to take responsibility. All members must participate. 4. Decide if you will meet regularly to discuss homework or class concepts, just before tests, to review lecture or lab notes, or all of the above. 5. Each member should practice active listening with all group members so all members can participate and share. 6. Any criticism should be constructive to help the group move forward. Being courteous to all is a prime factor in group success. 7. Each member should keep a positive attitude and work together so everyone learns the material. We all learn at different speeds so one member may struggle over certain topics but have a strength in other areas. 8. Each member should come prepared to the study group each time or drop from the group. Topics to be discussed should be determined prior to the meeting. 9. Some ideas for meetings include: a. Review and discuss weekly reading assignments b. Create note cards with important vocabulary and review the terms and meanings c. Make copies of maps or chartspractice labeling countries, explain the scientific function, etc. d. Review old tests (if available) e. Each member can develop practice tests items and bring them to the entire group f. Answer the practice tests typically located at the end of textbook chapters g. In math, do the odd numbered problems if the even numbered ones were assigned h. Review class notes i. Develop and discuss possible essay items for a test These are just a few ideas that may help students prepare for classes during the school year or specifically for the exams that will be held at RHS in January. Information courtesy of the IUPUI Bepko Learning Center, Elmhurst College Learning Center, and Harvard College.