Guidance Newsletter Archive

November 1, 2006

 Dear Parents,

            This is the monthly Guidance News that you should have received via email. If you are not receiving a monthly email from guidance, please send your email address to Marie Paddock, marie.paddock@fcps.edu.  As the first quarter comes to an end, we would like to remind you of some important dates, events, and resources Madison has to offer students and parents.

Student Assistance Period - Madison will continue with our 35 minute Student Assistance Period each day from 8:54-9:29 a.m. The purpose of this is to give the students time for extra help, to do research, make-up missed tests or assignments, etc. Although it is not required for the students to be with their teachers unless they are failing, teachers and parents can require the students to attend at anytime. Teachers are also available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday after school for additional help. All students are encouraged to stay after school with their teachers if they need further support with academics. In addition, tutoring is available through various honor societies and can be arranged through the subject teacher.

Blackboard.com - There is a wealth of academic and guidance related information on Blackboard.com. You can access through your student's blackboard account at
http://fcps.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp.

DATES TO REMEMBER -

November 6 & 7         TEACHER WORKDAYS / NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

November 13              FIRST QUARTER REPORT CARDS – Report cards will be given to students during 3rd period. To contact a teacher with a question or concern, please find his or her name on the Alphabetical Staff Directory (also listed as Staff Email and Voicemail in the Popular Links section of the JMHS Homepage).

November 22             EARLY DISMISSAL- Students will be dismissed at 12:10 p.m.

November 23 & 24     THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY – No School

November 28               ½ DAY STAFF DEVELOPMENT/ EARLY DISMISSAL- Students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. and bus departure will be at 11:40 a.m. 
PSAT- The results of the PSAT will be available in mid-December.

The Second Family by Ron Taffel – This is an interesting book for parents due to the uncompromising look at the immense collective power of the peer group and pop culture and its effect on the home life.

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery - ASVAB will be given at Madison on Thursday, December 7, 2006, at 11:00 a.m.  There are two purposes for the ASVAB test.  1) The ASVAB assesses a student’s ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs.  It includes an interest inventory and other activities and resources designed to help students explore the world or work and gain confidence in making career decisions. 2) This test is a requirement for military enlistment. For details visit www.asvabprogram.com. You need to sign-up for this test in the College/Career Center by November 30, 2006.

Guidance News for Seniors

College Visits to JMHS -College representatives from a variety of schools come to visit students at JMHS.  Juniors and Seniors are encouraged to meet with these representatives.  A college pass signed by your teacher is required to attend theses information sessions and should be picked up in the Career Center at least one day in advance of the scheduled visit. Click here to view the list of colleges.  This list may also be viewed through your student's Blackboard account at http://fcps.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp.

Scholarship – Local scholarships will be posted as they are received on Blackboard in the Scholarships/Financial Aid section of Madison Guidance. For a listing of current scholarships and a variety of related information be sure to visit www.fcps.edu/ss/CareerConnections and take a look under the Scholarship Resources section.

Counselor Recommendation -Seniors need to complete the Self-Evaluation Packet for their counselor.  The packet can be found on Blackboard.

Transcript Requests – If you need a transcript for November 15th college application deadline, please have a transcript request form completed by Friday, November 3, and turned in to Mrs. Paddock, the transcript secretary. Transcript request forms can be found on Blackboard. 

SAT / SAT II - Late registration for the December 2nd SAT/SAT II is November 9th. www.collegeboard.com/reg.

Senior Dues - Senior dues need to be inby Friday, December 22, 2006. The $100 fee provides for the graduation ceremony, programs for baccalaureate and graduation, cap and gown, diploma cover, senior field trips, an end-of-year senior picnic, senior class tee shirt and additional expenses associated with the senior year.  Please make your check payable to JMHS Class of 2007 and turn it into Mrs. Otto in the Career Center. If you are on free or reduced lunch you need to provide your FCPS letter of award to receive a reduced fee, see your Guidance Counselor.

College Financial Aid Meeting – December 5, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in Warhawk Hall
Katherine Cooper, Assistant Director for Financial Planning & Assistance, from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College will present information to help parents understand the different kinds of aid available. This meeting will provide a variety of information to help with the financial aid process.

Federal Student Aid - The site to complete the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is as follows: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Have a great month! 
Guidance Staff

703-319-2322

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