Happy Holidays!

Cowboys, as we close out this semester we would like to leave you with a few important messages.

First, thank you for your patience while we finish scheduling for second semester.  Some of you may wonder why you fill out green sheets and aren't allowed in the counseling office.  To summarize it for you, we are trying to avoid THIS. 

When we schedule, to be honest, we would love to see every single one of you and hear your dream schedule.  This semester your counselors received over 750 green sheets (considering we have over 2,500 students, that's not too bad).  Can you imagine a line of over 750 students, waiting to talk to their counselor?  If each student only took five minutes, that would be a line with a wait time of SIXTY TWO HOURS! This is the way we have found that is most fair for everyone to be heard in the shortest amount of time.  Please know we care about you and are really trying to make the best possible schedule for all our students.

You can see your new schedule for second semester starting January 7th in Infinite Campus.  Second semester starts on Monday, January 12th.  Schedules will be changing over break.  Even if you did not request a schedule change, ALL students will need to print out a new schedule before starting on January 12th.  If you are having printer difficulties, you can get a new schedule in the library, or the Student Responsibility Center on Monday morning.

The PSAT, along with the SAT and ACT are important parts of the college admissions process.  Understanding how to read and interpret your PSAT score report, the differences between the tests, which one might be a better choice for you, how (and when) the tests are changing, and how college admission and financial aid offices this data is critical to your success down the road.  Please join us on January 13th at 6:30pm in the CHS Library to learn about all of these topics as our presenter, Rob Schwartz, from The Princeton Review and Premier College Guidance, will tackle these questions and many more for our families.

Seniors, please use this break to get your FAFSA PIN (please see previous post for more details.)

Freshman, Sophomore, and Juniors, this break might be a great time to start to explore campuses either in person or online. 

Whatever you do with your time over winter break, please be safe and make wise choices.  Remember, we care about you and can't wait to see you again in January!

Financial Aid for Seniors Starts Now

Seniors!

The BIG scholarship we have been telling you about is finally available!  The SCV Scholarship Foundation offers over 20 scholarships just for Canyon Seniors.  The largest scholarship is five thousand dollars!  We will be having a meeting to tell you more this Thursday, December 11^th in the Q-theatre during lunch.  The scholarship can be found HERE and the deadline to turn in your application (one application for over twenty scholarships) is Monday, February 2^nd.  

It is now time for us to shift our focus to financial aid.  Once you come back from winter break make it a priority to listen, or read, the bulletin.  We will be announcing scholarships almost weekly.  Scholarships are one way to get free money.  Schools, companies, and individuals gift you with money for college that you don’t need to pay back. 

   

The second way to get free money is to apply for GRANTS.  Grants are also free money that you don’t have to pay back.  The government offers a grant called the Pell grant and the state of California offers a grant called the Cal-Grant.  To apply for both of these, you must fill out the Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA.   Starting January 1^st, 2015, you can begin your FAFSA application.  Everything you need to know about the FAFSA can be found HERE. This application is done completely online.  However, you have to “sign” your application so you and your parent must get an electronic signature called a PIN from the government.   This process can take about a week, so it would be a good idea to apply for your FAFSA PIN over the break.  That way you are ready to go January 1^st.  Click HERE to apply for a FAFSA pin.

Are you worried you don't know enough about the FAFSA?  Don't worry, we will give you more information each week once we come back from winter break!

See you on Thursday!

Would You LIke To Play Sports In College?

The William S. Hart Union High School District, in cooperation with the NCAA, invites student athletes and parents to “NCAA ELIGIBILITY NIGHT.”  This workshop will be presented by the district's  director of curriculum and assessment, Mr. Dave LeBarron.

 When: Monday, December 8th

 Time: 6:30 pm

 Place:  Golden Valley High School Theater

             27051 Robert C. Lee Parkway

             Santa Clarita, CA 91350

Information will be presented regarding High School graduation requirements, UC/CSU college entrance requirements recruiting and eligibility for Division I, II, III and NAIA.

If you have questions, please stop by the counseling office.

Movie Listings and Giving Thanks

HERE are the movie listings for the weekend.

Next week we will take a blog break to celebrate Thanksgiving.  To get us in the spirit of thanks, we would like to tell you about a feature on the home page of the school website.

Under the "Quicklinks" heading is a feature labeled Canyon Kudos.
This link will take you to a form where you can tell us about the good things that are happening on campus.  The more we hear from you about what you appreciate, the better we become as a campus community.  Anytime something happens on campus that you are grateful for, please visit this link and let us know!

For this week, especially since it Thanksgiving, think about the teachers, counselors, administrators, librarians, office staff, campus supervisors, instructional assistants, and custodians that work to make your life better here at Canyon.  If there is anyone that has really helped you, please let them know. 

Are You Completing a College Application Using The Common App?

If you are applying to colleges through the Common App, please check to see when your application is due.  A large majority of  colleges have a January 1st deadline.  Most schools that use the Common App require students to have a teacher recommendation.  ALL schools using the Common App will request a counselor recommendation. While YOU may work on your application over Winter break, your counselors and teachers will not.  If you have a January 1st deadline for any colleges, you should plan to give your teachers and counselors your completed brag sheet no later than December 1st. 

Don't panic, you still have two weeks before this deadline. However, now is the time to make this requirement a priority. Please remember your recommendation etiquette and speak to your counselor and teacher ahead of time and request a letter of recommendation.  If they agree, then share your brag sheet with them before December 1st.  If you need brag sheets, or teacher recommendation packets, please stop by the counseling office.

Counselors Will Continue to Help Seniors

Due to popular demand, the counselors will continue to be in the library 7th period to help you fill out your college applications until Tuesday, November 25th.  This gives you SEVEN more days to check in with us before Thanksgiving break.  Don't forget, the application deadline for UC and CSU schools is Sunday, November 30th.  Late applications will not be accepted, so make sure you get all your questions answered before Tuesday, November 25th.

If you need help with CSU Mentor and can't visit with a counselor, THIS link will be helpful.  It will take you through the application, line by line.

Movie Listings

Here are the movie listing for this week.

Movie Listings and Heroes

HERE are the movie listings for this week.

Big Hero Six is starting this weekend.  This movie is by the writers of Frozen.  Although there probably won't be any princesses singing "Let it Go!" it is guaranteed to be funny!

Speaking of heroes, a very popular major amongst Canyon Cowboys is criminal justice.  THIS link shows you a few career options if you choose a criminal justice major.  If you are interested in criminal justice AND computers, there is a new growing field called cyber security.  CSU San Bernadino has one of the top programs (ahead of MIT!) in the nation.  You can learn more about a career in cyber security HERE.

If this sounds exciting, but you aren't great with computers, don't worry!  CSU San Bernadino only requires basic coding skills and Canyon offers a class to teach you those skills!  In fact, there is a sign up sheet right now in the counseling office for students interested in taking the computer course for next semester.  You just need to have completed Algebra 1.  If you have more questions, please stop by the counseling office.

Movie Listings for 10/31 weekend

HERE are the movie listings for this Halloween weekend.

Who are we kidding?  We know that most of you are going to spend Friday night busy with tricks and treats.  But, if you wake up and want to see a movie there are a lot of scary ones for you to choose from this weekend.

Cowboys, please be safe this weekend.  If you attend parties, make good choices.  If you have friends that sometimes don't make great choices, don't get in a car with them.  Keep the number of Safe Rides 259-6330 in your phone, just in case!

Financial Aid Workshops this Wednesday

Cowboys, does this sound like you?  You want to attend college, but you're worried about how you and your family will pay for it. If the answer is yes, you need to know more about Financial Aid!  There will be two financial aid workshops this Wednesday, November 5th. 

The first workshop will be Wednesday, November 5th, at 7:40 am in the library.  It is a late start day.  THERE WILL BE BREAKFAST!!!  We will share with you the types of financial aid available, where to get it, and the deadlines to apply.  If you need help paying for college, make sure to attend this important workshop.  Parents and students are invited to attend.  Don't forget, we will feed you!!

The second workshop will be Wednesday, November 5th at 6:30 pm in the library.  One of our Canyon parents will be discussing personal financial planning for college.  This is a great workshop for all parents to attend.

We hope to see you Wednesday!

Deadlines are approaching for California college admissions! Need help?

Seniors: If you plan to apply to a UC or CSU school, the deadline is November 30th.  The counselors are available all this week and next week during 6th and 7th period in the library to help you apply.  There is a sign up sheet in the counseling office.  The counselors will help you with any online application.  Please make sure to apply early!!

By the way, if you are still have trouble deciding which schools would be a good match for you, please come to these sessions. We can help with that too!

Movie Listings for the 10/24 weekend

HERE are the movie listings.

The Book of Life opens this weekend.  The first person to come into the counseling office and tell Mrs. Goller what career Mary Beth has will win a prize. 

Have a great weekend!

Performing and Visual Arts College Fair

Are you interested in attending a school for the performing and visual arts?  There will be a free college fair this Saturday, October 25th at the UCLA Grand Ballroom.  There will first be an optional workshop to help educate you about your different college choices in the visual and performing arts from 11 am to 12:15 pm.  Following that you can visit booths and speak to representatives from California and around the country from 1:00-3:30 pm.  Please go to THIS link for more information.

Movie Listings for 10/16 and FREE MONEY!!

HERE are the listings for this weekend.

Have you ever checked out the links on the right side of our blog?  We have compiled a lot of important information into one easy list for you.  For example, ff you are a senior, you should make it a habit to check the daily bulletin (please notice it is one of the first links on the right).  The Counseling Department posts scholarships in the bulletin on a regular basis.  If you aren't checking this important resource, you are missing out on FREE MONEY.  Now that is more scary than any upcoming Halloween movie!

Movie Listings for the 10/10 weekend

HERE are the movie listings for this week.

If you are planning on taking the PSAT next Saturday, October 18th, you might want to take the time to study for the PSAT instead of going to the movies. If you have purchased a test, there are study guides in the counseling office.

If you don't need to study for the PSAT, which is next Saturday, October 18th, then our recommendation for this weekend is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  Mostly we are recommending this movie because sometimes it is nice to just watch a funny movie that reminds you that everybody has a bad day sometimes.

If you are ever having a bad day, we sure hope you will stop by the counseling office and let us help!  Even if you just want somebody to listen, we are here for you. 

The PSAT is Next Saturday!

The PSAT will be administered Saturday, October 18, starting promptly at 8:00 am.  Students are encouraged to arrive no later than 7:30 am outside of the gym.  By 7:45 am all students will be checked in and seated.   At 7:50, students on the wait-list will be assigned to the seats vacated by those students who are not in attendance.  There will be NO refunds to any students who arrive after 7:50 am, if your seat has been given a student on the wait-list.  Students on the wait-list will get a refund if a test is not available.  Please see Mrs. Hettema on Monday in the counseling office for your refund.  Doors will be closed and testing will begin promptly at 8:00 am.  Any student arriving after 8:00 am will not test!!!  Please be on time.

If you have any questions, please stop by the counseling office.

Do you plan to apply to a UC or CSU school this year? We are here to help!

SENIORS:  Applications for UC or CSU schools are completed online.  On Wednesday, October 1st, you can start to input your information.  For CSU schools, you can save and submit your application anytime after October 1st.  For UC schools, you can save your work now, but you can’t submit your application until November 1st.  The deadline for both UC and CSU schools is November 30th.  PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DEADLINE to submit your application.  Some schools have rolling admission and if you apply sooner, you will be notified earlier if you were accepted.  Also, the websites have been known to crash.  If the website is down on November 30th, you could miss your opportunity to apply.  You should plan to have all applications in before you leave for Thanksgiving Break.

If you need help choosing schools, majors, or just help with college in general, the Counseling Department holds College Workshops every Tuesday during 6th period.  To attend the workshop, please sign up in the counseling office.  

If you need help filling out any of your college applications, the Counseling Department will hold Application Workshops during 6th and 7th period from October 27th to November 7th.  There will be sign-ups for this in the counseling office starting October 20th.  It would be beneficial for you to try to get as much of the application done as possible, then come to us with specific questions.

A CSU representative will be on campus October 29th (a late start Wednesday) at 7:40am to help answer questions about the application process.

Lastly, here are a list of links that can help you through the process:

CSU Mentor: this link will take you to the website to explore and apply to CSU schools.

CSU Handbook:  this link will take you to a booklet that gives you all the information you will need to fill out your application.  

UC: this link will take you to the website to explore and apply to UC schools.

UC Handbook: this link will take you to a powerpoint that goes step by step through the UC application.

UC App help:  this link will take you to the website that explains the information you will need to gether before applying.  For the UC schools, you need to write two Personal Statements.  The prompts are listed, so you can get started.  You should have many people read your statements. Lastly, this link provides  a 1-800 number to call with any questions you might have.

Movie Listings for the 9/26 weekend

HERE are the movie listings for the weekend.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is still playing.  Although we can't really help you get a job as a ninja, did you know that there are over 50 different careers you could pursue that would let you work with animals?  HERE is a link that shows just a few.

At Canyon we offer an elective called "Animal Care".  Taking the course would be a great way to explore a career with animals.  If you are interested, please see Mrs. Gaines, in the counseling office.

Movie Listings for 9/19 weekend

 HERE are the movies for the weekend

The Maze Runner is premiering this weekend.  The Maze Runner has been marketing, or advertising, online for over a year.  If you are creative, a career in marketing might be for you.  HERE  is a link to information about some of the careers in marketing. 

If you have want to learn more, please stop by the counseling office or sign up to see the career coach, Mrs. Sanchez.

Need Help Researching Schools?

We know the process of choosing your safety, reach, and match schools can be a little scary and overwhelming.  Your counselor would LOVE to talk to you and help you find the perfect match for you (do we sound a little like an eharmony commercial?) 

We are going to try something new and see if it helps you in the process of picking schools. Every Tuesday during 6th period we will set aside time just to help you research and choose schools.  If you are interested, please sign up in the counseling office.  You can sign up for as many sessions as you need.  If you have a 6th period class, please see your counselor to create an alternative plan.

We hope to see you soon!

College and Career Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 17th

Have you noticed we have been posting a lot about College and Career Fairs?  We want to give you every opportunity to visit with programs and chat with representatives without the cost of traveling long distances. 

On Wednesday, September 17th, the Hart District is hosting a College and Career Fair at the Hyatt Regency Valenia from 6:30 to 9 pm.  There will be representatives from state and national universities, colleges, career technical schools and apprenticeship programs.  This opportunity is only open to juniors and seniors.

Please take some time to visit this event!

Movie Listings for the weekend of 9/12

HERE are the movie listings for this week.

Dolphin Tale 2 is opening with weekend.  Are you interested in marine biology?  THIS link will take you to a site that lists all the schools in the United States that offer a marine biology program.  If you go to THIS link, scroll down to the bottom and look for "Frequently Asked Questions".  There is a lot of helpful information about marine biology as a career.

If you have any questions, please stop by and see us! 

College 2 Career Day at COC

College of the Canyons is hosting an event titled "College 2 Career Day: Real Jobs Need Real Skills".  It will be on Saturday, September 27th from 9 am to 1 pm on the Valencia Campus.  Admission is free and COC will share information about career opportunities in hot industries, the programs offered at a community college, and provide some fun hands-on demonstrations to allow you to "test drive" careers.

At Canyon, we teach you that the first step in deciding in what to do after graduation is to start researching the career options that are available.  That will help you decide what majors you would be interested in exploring.  Once you have decided a broad field of study, it is easier to choose which colleges and programs might be a good fit for you.  If possible, please take this opportunity to research some career options at COC.

If you have any questions, please stop by the counseling office.  If you go to the event, please stop by and let us know what you learned!

Would you like to attend a Service Academy?

We just received information that Congressman "Buck" McKeon will be holding a Service Academy Information Night on Tuesday, September 9th at 7pm.  This meeting will be held at the College of the Canyons University Center.

The Service Academies include:  US Naval Academy, US Military Academy, US Air Force Academy, US Coast Guard Academy, and the US Merchant Marine Academy.

All grade levels are welcome and encouraged to attend and learn more about the application process.

RSVP is requested.  Please provide your full name, address, email, phone number, high school, current grade level, and desired academies.  In addition, please note whether or not you plan to apply for a nomination this year.  RSVP to MckeonAcademyNominations@mail.house.gov

For more information, please call 661-254-2111

Counseling Workshops and College Visits

This week we have planned a few activities to give Parents and Students valuable information.

The counselors will be visiting all the senior classes on Tuesday and Thursday to discuss college planning, deadlines, and future plans. 

On Wednesday, September 10th, the counselors will be hosting both a morning and evening workshop in Canyon's library. The morning workshop will be geared towards students grades 9-11. It will begin at 7:45am, as Wednesday is a late-start day. The workshop is entitled Steps to Success. Topics include: Goal setting, the A-G Requirements, making sure you are in the "right" classes, and other pertinent information and valuable resources to help your student achieve his or her post-secondary goals. 

The evening workshop will be geared more for the parents. This workshop will begin at 6:30pm, and it will cover the same topics we covered in the morning session except the emphasis will be on how you can help your child on his or her road to success. Please join us at either workshop. We look forward to seeing you! 

On Friday, September 12th, we will have a college fair during lunch.  Please stop by the North (shady) side of the gym and chat with the college representatives. The colleges visiting our campus will be:

Arizona State University
Colorado Mesa University
Elon University
Southern Methodist University
Syracuse University
Texas Christian University
The Ohio State University
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)
University of Massachusetts Lowell
University of Nevada Reno
University of New Mexico
University of Rochester
University of South Carolina
University of Wyoming