Thursday, February 26, 2015

Summer Programs with the New School of Architecture

Click image for more info!

Nordstrom Scholarship - FOR JUNIORS


ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible, you must:

1. Be a high school junior
2. Live and attend high school in one of the participating states designated by Nordstrom
3. Have participated in community or volunteer activities
4. Have and maintain a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 2.7 (on a 4.0 scale) throughout your high school career
5. Plan to apply for financial assistance to attend college
6. Be eligible to attend a four-year college or university in the United States
7. If awarded, attend an accredited four-year college or university in the United States during all years of the scholarship

For more info click here:
https://nordstrom.scholarsapply.org/getattachment/2015-Nordstrom-Application-Guidelines.pdf.aspx
To access the application, click here:
https://nordstrom.scholarsapply.org/ 

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

How to submit an appeal to SDSU

What to do if you are denied admissions to SDSU

What do you do if you are denied admission to SDSU? What if you were COMPACT for SUCCESS eligible but still denied admissions?

You need to submit an appeal. To submit an appeal, carefully read and follow the six steps below:

1.  Meet with your school counselor to identify what Compact benchmarks you have not satisfied and come up with a plan to meet all the benchmarks by your high school graduation.

2.  Visit the SDSU appeals website at sdsu.edu/appeals<http://sdsu.edu/appeals> and download the Admission Appeal Request Form<http://arweb.sdsu.edu/es/admissions/pdf/Admissions_Appeal_Request.pdf>.

3.  Prepare documentation.  In order for your appeal to be complete, you must include an appeal package with the following:

  *The Admissions Appeal Request (download PDF, print, and complete form)
  *Letter of appeal detailing which of the compact benchmarks you have now satisfied that make you newly eligible for admission (e.g., GPA, English remediation, math remediation).  If you have a serious and compelling circumstance that you feel the appeals committee should consider, you will need to provide supporting documentation.
  *Official high school transcript
  *Proof of completion of compact benchmarks (i.e. ELM/EPT/SAT/ACT scores, EAP results, final high school transcript with most recent grades.
 * Incomplete appeals will not be reviewed until remaining documents are submitted and processed.

4.  Submit your appeal.  Mail the complete appeals package to:
University Admissions Appeals Committee
Office of Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-7455

5.  Allow time for processing.  Appeal decisions will be provided in June or July.

6.  Receive the decision by mail.  Applicants will be notified of appeals decision by mail using the address on file in the SDSU Office of Admissions.


The appeals website states that applicants have over 30 days from the "deny" notification to submit an appeal.  Other schools will have a similar process but different deadlines. Please note that SDSU will continue to accept and review appeals from Compact students after this date.  Complete appeals must be submitted on our before the date of the applicant's high school graduation. An example of an appeals letter can be seen here.

Questions? See you counselor!

National Middle School Community Service

National City Middle School needs some dependable seniors that need community service hours to help during the days below. They need to be bilingual, technology inclined and good with communication. They will be working directly with parents.  

Dates for Community Service:
7th Grade Registration:   
Monday March 9 from 3:30-5:30
Thursday March 12 from 3:30-5:30
Saturday March 14th from 9:00-1:00 p.m.

8th Grade Registration:
Monday March 16 from 3:30-5:00
Thursday March 19 from 3:30-5:00

Please call Esmeralda Cameon at National City Middle, 619-336-2619, for more info.

7 Days Until FAFSA Deadline!


Why do the FAFSA? 
It is the ONE and ONLY application to complete to receive GRANTS (free money), LOANS (borrowed money), and WORK STUDY (money you earn) from the government to help you continue going to school after you graduate from high school!

Counselors are available every day afterschool until 6PM this week to help you with your FAFSA! Please bring you and your parents W2's and most recent tax documents!



Counselors Talk about Financial Aid and Schoalrships


Take HEALTH at Southwestern College

Start College Now!!

Satisfy your Health graduation requirement and get 3 college units at the same time by taking online class at Southwestern College. 
Health 101
March 23, 2015 - May 20, 2015

Enrollment fees: $138.00 Textbook: $88.65 w/Connect)

Orientation: Monday, March 23 from 3:30PM to 5PM
Final exam: Wednesday, May 20. (TBA)
All other classes will be online.

To Enroll: Complete a Southwestern College online application at www.swccd.edu. To register, bring your High School Special Enrollment Form* to Southwestern College by March 13, 2015.

For questions please contact your high school Counselor or Juan Tapia, Southwestern College Outreach Specialist (619) 421-6700 ext. 5631.

*HSS forms must be signed by the student, parent, high school counselor and principal

** This class is open to the general public. Course curriculum will cover college level material. Some topics may be sensitive to some students.

A Reason To Survive (ARTS)


A Reason To Survive (ARTS) is a nationally recognized organization that believes in the power of the arts and creativity to literally transform lives – especially those of kids. We believe in the therapeutic powers of the arts, but we are not clinical art therapists. 

We use all forms of art as a vehicle to create positive, long-lasting change and transformation in children and youth facing major life challenges. By providing a sequential program model of therapeutic arts programs, arts education, and college & career preparation, we provide a one-stop-shop for youth to move from crisis to college or career. 

We provide Direct Services to youth, Support Services to like-minded individuals and organizations, and Advocacy to community stakeholders and leaders about the importance of arts programming for youth. 

Monday, February 23, 2015

FUSION Dance Scholarship

FUSION XV is one of Southern California's premiere hip hop dance competitions, held at the University of California, San Diego. The show has attracted some of the best dance teams from all over California,  and has featured prominent dance community members as judges and MC's. This year, FUSION XV, will take place on Saturday April 18th, 2015.


The second annual FUSION Dance Scholarship will award $125 to two dancers (for a total of $250 given) based on their personal growth through dance. Our theme this year is “Dance to Inspire.” FUSION XV is a hip hop dance competition hosted by dancers just like you, and we recognize the good that dance can do in our neighborhoods and communities. It's our mission to help the hip hop dance community gain appreciation in the general public by spreading stories of dance’s positive impact on today’s youth.

Although our show is focused on the hip hop dance community, this scholarship is open to dancers of all ages and styles.

The scholarship recipients will be chosen based on the quality of their applications. Dance ability is not an important factor. If you are chosen as a scholarship recipient, we will contact you separately to arrange the details of your award. We require that the scholarship money go towards academic purposes, and will ask you for specifics on what the money will be used for.

A short dance video is a required part of this application. This element may take some time, so please prepare in advance in order to ensure that you will make the deadline.

The application period ends Friday, March 15th at 11:59pm.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

College Resources in the Counseling Center!


SUHI Foundation Scholarships are Now Available

The SUHI Foundation Scholarships are available. Please read the instructions in the link below. You may apply to as many as you qualify but you must complete a whole application/packet for each scholarship. See me if you have any questions.

Dinnah B. Donato-Palmore, Counselor
Sweetwater High School
Link to SUHI Foundation Scholarships


Friday, February 20, 2015

Paid Smithsonian Leadership Program

Paid Smithsonian Leadership Program

Celebrating 10 years

Watch the program in action. Young Ambassadors Program Promotional Video

Gain professional experience, network with Latino leaders, hone your leadership skills, and get involved in your community this summer with a paid internship. Apply to the Young Ambassadors Program! #SLCYAP2015

Who? Graduating high school seniors with a commitment to the arts, sciences, or humanities as it pertains to Latino communities

What? Week-long, all-expenses paid training and leadership seminar and a four-week internship with a $2,000 program stipend

Where? Washington D.C. and internships in 19 cities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico

When? June 21-July 31, 2015

Why? Opportunity to explore various career paths, embrace your own cultural heritage, and gain practical and leadership skills and intellectual growth

Application deadline: April 6, 2015

For more information, to view the promotional video, and to apply visit: http://latino.si.edu/programs/youngambassadors.htm

Press Release: 2015 Young Ambassadors Program Application Press Release

For questions: Email SLCEducation@si.edu

“I was able to learn, laugh, and create with some of the most amazing Latino students from around the nation. Thank you, YAP.” 2014 Young Ambassador

The Smithsonian Latino Center gratefully acknowledges major and continued program support from Ford Motor Company Fund.

College Expo 2015


Athena Pinnacle Scholarship information


Athena San Diego supports the next generation of women leaders in science and technology through its annual Pinnacle Scholarships. These merit based scholarships are awarded to five (5) qualified graduating high school senior women and are presented at our annual Pinnacle Awards dinner in the spring.

Pinnacle Scholarships are awarded to eligible high-school senior women planning to enter a four-year university with the goal of a career in the sciences, math, or engineering. Outstanding applicants are well-rounded women who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership in school organizations, and community involvement.

Students must submit an online scholarship application, an official copy of their high school transcript, and a letter of recommendation from a counselor or teacher at their school.

Applications are accepted each year from December through March. Scholarship applications are reviewed and considered by an group of Athena San Diego members.

Applications for 2015 are currently open.

The deadline for submission of the complete application packet is Monday, March 2, 2015.

Please click here for the 2015 Athena Pinnacle Scholarship Application

Community Service Opportunities

Kids' Ocean Day: I Love A Clean San Diego Opportunity

Park Clean Up-Volunteers Needed

Become a part of the future! with Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Volunteer Opportunities with the Pacific Arts Movement!

Love Movies?

Volunteer Opportunities with the Pacific Arts Movement!

Each year, hundreds of volunteers contribute time and talents to advance our Movement! We could not do it without them.

Whether you have 5 hours or 5 days to give, love the arts or just curious, have mad skills or are a jack-of-all-trades, Pac-Arts welcomes you!
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER TODAY

QUESTIONS? please contact our Volunteer Coordinators:
Kao (kao@pac-arts.org) or Vietca (vietca@pac-arts.org)
or call (619) 400-5905.

How to Schedule An Appointment With Your Counselor



Kohl's Department Stores Accepting Nominations for 2015 Scholarships

FEBRUARY 6, 2015
DEADLINE: MARCH 13, 2015

Kohl's Department Stores is accepting nominations for the 2015 Kohl’s Cares Scholarships, an annual program that recognizes youth between the ages of 6 and 18 who, through their voluntarism, have had a positive impact on their communities.

Winners will be chosen based on the benefits and outcomes of their volunteer service. Nominators must be 21 or older.

To be eligible, students must be between the ages of 6 and 18 as of March 15, 2015, and not yet a high school graduate. In addition, the student's volunteer efforts must have occurred in the last year.

Scholarships and prizes will be awarded at three levels: Store winners,  each of whom will receive a $50 Kohl’s Gift Card; regional winners, each of whom will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship  toward their post-secondary education; and national winners,  each of whom will receive a $10,000 scholarship, and an award of $1,000 for the nonprofit organization of their choice.

Scholarship awards must be used for educational expenses at a qualifying institution. These expenses may include tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous education-related expenses.

http://www.kohlscorporation.com/CommunityRelations/scholarship/

UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute | June 21-June 27, 2015


Hello! I’m Andy Leung, the Program Coordinator of the 2015 UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute. I am contacting you in regards to this very exciting summer opportunity for high school students.

The UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute, which will take place from Sunday, June 21 to Saturday, June 27, 2015, is a week-long intensive in-residence program for high school students who are interested in international diplomacy and foreign affairs. During the Summer Institute, students will take on the role of a diplomat, engage in independent research, debate a country’s position on one of the many committees of the United Nations, and become well-versed Model UN delegates. Unlike typical MUN conferences where teams of students from various schools compete against each other, often accompanied by their faculty advisor, the UCLA Model UN Summer Institute is primarily designed for individual students from across the United States and abroad to come together and hone their Model UN abilities during an intensive yet fun-filled week.

Students will be led by UCLA faculty and members of the Executive Board of the Model UN at UCLA through a series of workshops and lectures that will cover a wide range of topics and areas of study. From political science theory to the most pressing international relations issues of today, students will acquire the tools and knowledge necessary to become active global citizens. These lectures will also incorporate formal lessons on public speaking, and emphasize research skills that will benefit students for both MUN and non-MUN academic endeavors. Students will also choose to participate from a host of committees, which in the past have ranged from such topics as human rights in Myanmar, self-determination in Kosovo, international wildlife trafficking, Mexico and the war on drugs, the crisis in Syria, and nuclear weapons in Iran.

The UCLA Model UN Summer Institute is for students of any level of Model United Nations experience, with committees and academic simulations for both novice and experienced MUN delegates to learn and improve their abilities to research, debate, caucus, and speak publicly. In addition, the Institute provides students with some wonderful benefits:

· Two units of University of California college credit (Global Studies 10: International Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs)
· Full stay throughout the week in UCLA Residential Housing
· Interaction/mentorship with current UCLA students and college-level Model UN participants
· College admissions presentation and discussion of what to expect as a university student
· Excursions around Los Angeles for sight-seeing and fun
· Summer Scholars Support: A limited number of full and partial need-based scholarships for California high school students

For more information, including registration for the 2015 UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute, visit our website at http://www.summer.ucla.edu/institutes/ModelUN.

You are also welcome to read this article to learn more about one of our previous MUN Summer Institutes.

And finally, please feel free to email me personally at MUN@international.ucla.edu if you have any questions or comments!

Sincerely,
Andy Leung
Program Coordinator | UCLA Model United Nations Summer Institute

Thursday, February 19, 2015

22nd Annual Adelante Mujer Conference

   

For over 20 years, the Adelante Mujer Conference has been aimed at providing female students and their mothers with an enriching learning experience.   Participants attend workshops led by female professionals who teach about life skills, academic planning, and career opportunities in fields, such as law, business, media, and engineering. 

Join us at this year's Adelante Mujer Conference on Saturday March 7th 2015 at Rancho Del Rey Middle School. Attending conferences looks great on your college applications and sometimes you can get extra credit from teachers or Saturday school credit.

Pick up a registration form from the Counseling Center to sign up or for more information. Transportation and lunch WILL be provided. 

Family Health Fair

Saturday – April 11, 2015
Sweetwater Union High School, Gymnasium
2900 Highland Avenue, National City, CA 91950
Health Screening Services from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

The Health Festival will offer the following FREE services to enhance families’ health:
· Clinical Breast Exams and Mammograms: Only for women 40+ years, low income, and uninsured or under-insured
· Cervical Cancer Screenings: Only for women 25+ years, low income, and uninsured or under-insured
· Other health screenings such as cholesterol and glucose (fasting may be required), blood pressure, body mass index, vision, dental, STD and HIV testing, and hepatitis C vaccines
· Vaccines and physicals (only for children 2 months to 18 years old who qualify; shot record required)
· HPV vaccines (only for women who qualify, 19-26 years old, low income and uninsured)
· Childcare available

There ARE a limited number of screenings. All Screenings performed on A First Come, First Served Basis.


The RED DEVIL WAY!




Please make sure you nominate students and staff who demonstrate the model characteristics of being a Red Devil!

Please access the nomination form here. Please take a few minutes to recognize outstanding Sweetwater students and staff.

Thanks again for your support and we look forward to receiving your nominations!

Watch our Red Devil Way Recognitions during classroom visits:
#RedDevilWay




February Elks Teenager of the Month

The Elks Teenager of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming. Their accomplishments should be recognized and praised!

Congratulations to Class of 2015 student
 Isaac Felix for being the February Elks Teenager of the Month!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

UCLA Summer Sessions for High School Students

During the summer, UCLA opens its door to high school students as well, and we invite you to come and study in a welcoming environment that appreciates diversity and global perspectives.

UCLA Summer Sessions offers high school students two ways to engage in a college experience that will challenge and inspire them: enroll in individual UCLA academic courses or precollege Summer Institutes.

Click here for more info:

Home

PETCO PARK is hiring!

PETCO PARK is hiring retail associates and concessions staff now!  If you are a senior, see Mr. Wapnowski ASAP with a resume.  You must be 18, or turning 18 before the season begins in April.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

MTS & Coca-Cola Laptop Scholarship Essay Contest

San Diego County High School Seniors!

MTS Can Help Set You on the Road to College with a New Laptop! 

http://www.sdmts.com/marketing/LaptopScholarship2015.asp

If you're a senior graduating in Spring 2015 from a San Diego County high school, you could be one of 40 students awarded a laptop from the MTS & Coca-Cola Laptop Scholarship Essay Contest. The 40 students from around San Diego with the top essays, as selected by a panel of judges, will be awarded a Lenovo Yoga Touch Screen laptop, a Thule Crossover backpack and commemorative certificate.

In order to be eligible to win, students must submit an essay and application form to MTS by the deadline.


This year's essay question is designed to get you thinking about the next step - collegeMTS has partnerships with local universities and community colleges in San Diego to offer discounted transit passes to students. 

Write a 1,000-word persuasive essay, targeting college students, on the benefits of taking transit to and from class, or using MTS services to get around San Diego. (Quantify your arguments when possible.)


You must fill out an application form and attach it to your essay. View the list of judging criteria here. 





Monday, February 9, 2015

FAFSA Frenzy is in Full Swing!

We are going strong with the First Lady's FAFSA Challenge! 

Way to go Class of 2015! 

See you afterschool to get your FAFSA on! 



Friday, February 6, 2015

Happy National School Counseling Week 2015! Day 5

Friday Feb. 6, 2015: Photo Challenge #5
Reach Higher 


For today's photo challenge, we are reaching higher. Every Friday we all wear college gear. This are our school counselors showing off their college gear. 


 Students, remember to wear your college gear on Fridays!

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Happy National School Counseling Week 2015! Day 4

Thursday Feb. 5, 2015: Photo Challenge Day #4
Appreciation 


This week, the school community has showered the school counseling team with breakfast and lunch. We would like to thank everyone who have showed their gestures of appreciation. 

Ms. Urias, our librarian brought us breakfast! Thank you, it was yummy!

Ms. Marti, our secretary cooked us lunch! It was delicious!  

Getting Ready for the Job Interview

The Job Interview Simplified delineates resume tips, appropriate attire, thought-provoking questions to ask interviewers, dining etiquette, and many more interviewing tidbits.

Are you worried about what to wear? How to act? What to ask? This book is for you! The book discusses all those thoughts in your head before and how to feel confident and ready for your job interview. 

At the end of every interview, the interviewer always asks "Do YOU have any questions?". This book gives you lots of great ideas of questions to ask to make a positive and lasting impression!


This book has received wonderful reviews and we believe it is an excellent supplemental tool for both students who are seeking gainful employment.

Red Devils After Hours calendar for the month of February

Click here for the 



Glenner Memory Care Center is Looking for Volunteers

Mark Maxwell from Glenner Memory Care Center is looking for volunteers!


The hours are flexible and there are many locations throughout San Diego county. 

The hours can be used to fulfill volunteer course requirements.

Students can help isolated seniors in need. 

Remember, volunteer work looks excellent on your resume, college applications, and scholarships. 

Glenner Memory Care Center provides free training, 

The process (including background check) is completely free!

Contact Mark if you have any questions or concerns.

Mark Maxwell
Volunteer Recruiter
Glenner Memory Care Centers/Guardian Angels of San Diego County
3702 4th Ave San Diego, CA. 92103
(619) 543-4700
MMaxwell@glenner.org

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Greetings Class of 2018!!!

The school counseling team had a wonderful time presenting in your English classrooms. We hope that you learned skills that will help you succeed at Sweetwater, college, and in your personal lives as well.

Please take 5 minutes to carefully fill out our 8 question survey.

Each question has one answer. Answer each question to the best of your knowledge. When you have completed the survey, press the submit button at the bottom of the page.

Click the icon below.

Thank you!!!

Happy National School Counseling Week 2015! Day 3

Wednesday Feb. 4, 2015: Photo Challenge #3
Why I love being a school counselor … 

Today our school counseling team shares with students, administrators, staff, and teachers why they love being a school counselor! 




Mrs. Chavez -Casas, the Head School Counselor
loves being a school counselor
 because, "I'm able to help students attend college and
 find their future!"
Mrs. Garcia shared that she loves being a school counselor
 because, "I can be a mentor, a collaborator, a supporter,
 and a listener!"  

Mrs. Luansing says that she loves being a school
counselor because, "I help students #reachhigher!"

Ms. Donato-Palmore loves being a school counselor
because,"my students inspire me to be a better person!"


Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Happy National School Counseling Week 2015! Day 2

Tuesday Feb.3, 2015: Photo Challenge #2
Decorations 

Not only do we provide support in academics, personal and social, as well in college and career planning, but we also work hard to make it a welcoming environment for all of our students. Check out our school counseling center!


 Come say hi to Mrs. Ramirez at our front desk where you are sure to get a welcoming greeting!

Don't forget, parents and guardians are welcome at our school counseling center!

Stop by our student lobby to receive information and resources
regarding colleges, careers, and scholarships.

Come by our computer lab where you can fill out your college
applications, apply for financial aid and scholarships.
Seniors, come ring the bell every time you submit a completed college application! 

The hallway which leads to each school counselor's office is
 decorated with pennants of different college and universities.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Happy National School Counseling Week 2015! Day 1

The school counseling team at Sweetwater High School is celebrating National School Counseling Week 2015 from February 2-6, 2015. By completing the photo challenge each day this week, we hope to share with others the unique contributions that professional school counselors provide to ensure that all students become successful. We would like to thank our administrators, staff, and teachers for all the support that they have provided and continue to provide us to ensure the success of each of our students.

Monday Feb. 2, 2015: Photo Challenge #1 
Happy National School Counseling Week 2015!
Our amazing and hard-working school counselors! 

Our San Diego State University School Counseling Interns would also like to wish everyone a Happy National School Counseling Week 2015!
Ms. Leandra Ordorica 

Ms. Sally Barquin