Thursday, December 17, 2020

Special Holiday Food Distribution 12/22 at 9am Southwestern College


 

Get a Jump Start on College with FREE Dual Enrollment at Your Local California Community College

There has never been a better time for high school students to get a head start on their college plans and take advantage of the dual enrollment classes offered at your local community college.

Dual enrollment allows high school students the opportunity to earn college credit for community college courses completed while still in high school. 

Here are a list of courses at Southwestern College that can count towards high school graduation credits.  A maximum of 6 college courses can count towards SUHSD graduation.

These courses can count toward a student’s high school diploma AND toward their college degree or certificate. This helps all students create a seamless pathway to college – no matter what their plans may be. And, dual enrollment courses are FREE to most high school juniors and seniors (criteria may vary so reach out to your local college for more information).

Taking college courses in high school also promotes college readiness and can make the transition from high school to college easier. Dual enrollment courses give students exposure to college level course work and expectations, helping to boost their confidence that college is within their reach. In fact, our data shows that students who take at least one college course in high school are more likely to succeed once they get to college. It’s a win-win!

Dual enrollment courses enable high school students who take them to graduate with college credits completed toward their degree or certificate so they can finish college, get into the workforce and start earning money sooner after high school graduation. And, since students who earn a degree or certificate from a California community college nearly double their earnings within three years, community college is a smart investment with big financial benefits over time.

If you’re interested in exploring your dual enrollment options, please reach out and your counselor will be happy to share more information. In the meantime, you can learn more about the California Community Colleges in this digital brochure. It highlights degree options, career training programs and student support services to help you succeed in reaching your goals.

As always, please feel free to reach out to your counselors for help with college planning and to discuss the educational options at our local community college(s).

Cancelation of PSAT for SUHSD

 


Covid Testing Sites

San Diego County STUDENT Testing Sites have varying hours and some may allow you to schedule an appointment. 

 Locally, National City and Chula Vista sites have appointments, though they fill quickly so scheduling soon is advised.

Free Tattoo Removal For Qualified Individuals

The San Diego County District Attorney's office have teamed up to offer FREE Tattoo Removal for qualified individuals with any Gang Related, Human Trafficking Related or Face, Neck and Hand Tattoos that may be preventing you from getting a job or moving forward in your life.  

https://www.sandiegolaserremoval.com/freetattooremoval

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Free Suicide Prevention Webinars for Parents in English and Spanish

This free webinar and Facebook Live event will provide information about suicide prevention for parents, including warning signs for suicide, how to have a conversation with their teen, actions to take if their teen is having suicidal thoughts, and resources.

English Flyer

Spanish Flyer

Wellness Wednesday: Celebrate YOU

 Happy Wellness Wednesday Red Devils!


As we approach the end of 2020, it is a great time to reflect on this year that has been like no other. Regardless of the challenges, you are here! As you look back on 2020, think about your successes, accomplishments, and victories - both big and small. You deserve to be celebrated for getting through 2020!

We have a few more days in the semester, then we get to enjoy Winter Break. On behalf of the SUHi Counseling team, we hope you find love, peace, health, and happiness this holiday season. We are very fortunate to work with the SUHi Family and that is definitely one of the great successes we celebrate every year. 

Self-Care Tip:
Be present in the season. Reflect on the year and celebrate your successes.


Kindness Challenge:
Share a happy memory or an inspiring thought with a loved one who may be alone or feeling isolated during this time.

Virtual Wellness Room

Please visit our Virtual Wellness Room to take a break from your online classes. Do some breathing exercises, stretch, or play a game. It's OK to take a time out in the middle of the day for a "brain break".

suhivirtualwellnessroom.blogspot.com/

COVID-19 Updates and Resources

Get the latest information on specific SBCS programs and services as well as efforts to support the wider community and additional resources as we monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and its impacts. https://southbaycommunityservices.org/covid-19-resources/

Happy Holidays Red Devils! #BeWellRedDevils

Brad Fowler Memorial Scholarship

The Brad Fowler Memorial Scholarship offers a $5,000 scholarship to at least five high school seniors in San Diego County. A second scholarship of $5,000 can also be earned, provided the recipient remains in good academic standing following the first year of college, for a total possible scholarship award of $10,000.  Additionally, scholarship recipients will receive a laptop computer from Computers to Kids San Diego. 

The nominee must have demonstrated an ability to overcome personal obstacles associated with drugs or alcohol, a strong commitment to athletics and a desire to continue personal growth and development through higher education.  There is no minimum GPA requirement, but academic growth will be considered. 

The following is a description of the scholarship, nomination criteria and submission process. 

Description: 

  • One-year scholarship for $5,000 for the school year September 2021 - June 2022 
  • Scholarship recipients who remain in academic standing following their first year of college will earn an additional $5,000 scholarship for their second year of college 
  • Eligible expenses include college tuition, books and on-campus housing  
  • Recipients will be required to keep in periodic communication with the SDSA, to report on their progress  

  

Nomination Criteria: 

  • High school senior who will enroll in either a two- or four-year college 
  • Has overcome personal obstacles and troubles in life associated with drugs or alcohol  
  • Demonstrated athletic achievement and participation in organized sports 
  • Demonstrated leadership ability and demonstrated personal responsibility 
  • Demonstrated academic growth 
  • Demonstrated financial need 
  • Has a strong commitment to setting and reaching life goals 

Submission process: 

  • All submissions must include: the completed application form, a copy of the student’s high school transcript and at least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach or counselor.  The letter of recommendation should attest to why the nominee’s behavior, attitude, desire and character warrant this scholarship.  
  • All nominations should be submitted by a coach, teacher, counselor or administrator. 
  • Please submit application packets to: 
    San Diego Sports Association 
    Attn: Loni Lewis 
    1041 Market Street #314 
    San Diego, CA 92101 
    Or email loni@sandiegosportsassn.com  


Submission Deadline: Friday, February 26, 2021 (All documents must be postmarked on or before that date). 

Selection of the qualified recipients will be made in March 2021 and the winners will be notified in April 2021. Recipients will be required to attend a local presentation ceremony AND/OR an on-camera interview session to deliver brief acceptance remarks and share their story.  For further information, please visit sandiegosportsassociation.com. 

Access application here

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

Career Exploration During Winter Break

Winter Break is around the corner and the end of 2020 is in sight. The Nepris calendar is still jam-packed with live, virtual Industry Chats to keep you interacting with industry pros heading into the New Year!

HUMANITIES

STEM

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)

BUSINESS & FINANCE

LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY

FOOD & HOSPITALITY

LIFE SKILLS

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Monday, December 14, 2020

REMINDER: Financial Aid Workshop

The financial aid virtual workshop is intended for SUHSD 12th grade students and their families.  Topics include an overview of the steps in the financial aid process (FAFSA/CADA), the types of aid available, and an opportunity to ask general questions. 

El taller virtual de ayuda financiera está destinado a los estudiantes del grado 12 de SUHSD y sus familias.  El taller cubrirá una descripción general del proceso de ayuda financiera (FAFSA/CADA), los tipos de ayuda financiera disponibles y la oportunidad de hacer preguntas generales.

December 15, 2020 - 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

To register: https://tinyurl.com/SUHSDFinAid




San Diego Foundation Scholarships

The San Diego Foundation's 2021-2022 Common Scholarship Application opened Wednesday, December 2nd. 

 Many awards included in the application have criteria that makes them better suited to specific groups of students, which means that counselors, administrators, mentors, and community members are vital to helping match those students with relevant awards.

We want to info inform you about the following relevant awards/categories:

Luis Arreola Memorial Scholarship
• Be graduating seniors at Sweetwater Union High School District
• Plan to attend an accredited four-year university, community college or licensed career/technical school in
the United States
• Have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• Have a demonstrated commitment to serving their community
• Have a demonstrated financial need

Preference will be given to students who are ambitious, have shown success and potential in the courses related to their chosen career and have persevered in spite of their obstacles

Click here to find corresponding scholarship flyers.

There are also more than a dozen separate awards that are administered by The San Diego Foundation but not included in the Common Scholarship Application. These opportunities should be of interest to any motivated students that you may know, and we appreciate you taking the time to pass the information along to them.

In addition to listing separate awards, The San Diego Foundation website has a number of other tools to help students, parents, and mentors navigate the scholarships process. On the students tab you can find a full list of award criteria, Tips for a Competitive Application, and a practice application.

Covid-19 Community Resource Guide

 Dear SUHi community, 

As we continue to face hardships due to the pandemic, we would like to share these valuable resources that may be helpful to you and your family. 

COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

If at any point you have a question or concern, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (619) 474-9700 or via email at the "contact" tab above. 

-Your SUHi Counselors

10th grade Career Exploration Core Curriculum Presentation

 

Hello Class of 2023 and Parents,

The counselors from Sweetwater High hope this message finds you and your family doing well.

Before this semester ends, we would like to start the discussion about career explorations with all our 10th graders. Typically, we would visit with 10th graders in their classes to talk about ways to start your career exploration and take a career assessment. This year, we have created an online presentation that can be accessed by students and parents at any time. All 10th graders are encouraged to view this presentation and complete the assignments within the presentation.

The steps are:

1.) Students view the Career Exploration Presentation in our Google Classroom. If you have not yet joined the Class of 2023 google classroom the code to join is: 4ina77g. 

Parents are welcome to view the presentation using this link: Career Presentation 

2) Within the presentation students complete the Pre-Test Assignment.

3.) Within the presentation, students complete their online career assessment and fill out their Career Worksheet

4.) Within the presentation, students update their 6 -year plan and complete the Post-Test Assignment

5.) If students or parents have questions, please contact your counselor: https://suhicounseling.blogspot.com/p/contact-us.html

How to Check Your Grades on Infinite Campus

 Hello Red Devils & families!

The end of the semester is coming soon and final grades will be posted. 

Here are some quick steps on how to check grades on Infinite Campus.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at the "CONTACT" tab at the top of this website. 

Thank you!

Financial Aid Nights/Noches de Ayuda Financiera

The financial aid virtual workshop is intended for SUHSD 12th grade students and their families.  Topics include an overview of the steps in the financial aid process (FAFSA/CADA), the types of aid available, and an opportunity to ask general questions. 

El taller virtual de ayuda financiera está destinado a los estudiantes del grado 12 de SUHSD y sus familias.  El taller cubrirá una descripción general del proceso de ayuda financiera (FAFSA/CADA), los tipos de ayuda financiera disponibles y la oportunidad de hacer preguntas generales.

October 20, 2020 - 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm 

November 17, 2020 - 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

December 15, 2020 - 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

To register: https://tinyurl.com/SUHSDFinAid




Friday, December 11, 2020

DACA IS BACK! APPLICATION PREP SESSIONS


Think you might qualify for DACA? Now’s the time to find out! Have questions about filling out your application and gathering all the documents that are needed to apply? We gotchu!

Come to UWD’s “DACA is BACK!” Application Prep Sessions!

  • “This is What You Need”: Mon. Dec. 14th, 7:30-9pm EST - we’ll review how to gather the documents and evidence to prove eligibility
  • “Filling out the application, part 1”: Wed. Dec. 16th, 7:30-9pm EST - we’ll review how to fill out form I-821D
  • “Filling out the application, part 2”: Fri. Dec.18th, 7:30-9pm EST - we’ll review how to fill out form I-765 & I-765 Worksheet
By the end of this 3 part series, we will review all you need to know to see if you are eligible to apply for DACA. Register here: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/daca-is-back-application-prep-sessions/

SUHi also has an Immigration Club which is a great resource as well! Email Kristen.Elam@sweetwaterschools.org for more information. 

Thursday, December 10, 2020

CHRIS FERARO MEMORIAL ESSAY CONTEST HONORING JOSE RIZAL DAY

CHRIS FERARO MEMORIAL ESSAY CONTEST HONORING JOSE RIZAL DAY:

Here you will find details about this year's essay contest

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact copaosandiego@gmail.com



College Board Opportunity Scholarships: Now Available for Juniors

 The College Board Opportunity Scholarships program is now available for all juniors.  Since 2018, nearly one million students have joined this program, which provides students with a digital college planning guide and chances to earn $500 for each action they complete.  When students complete all six steps, they earn a chance at a $40,000 scholarship.  Students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year have double the chances to earn scholarships.

High school juniors can visit //cb.org/opportunity to join.  This year, the College Board Opportunity Scholarships is introducing some changes, all to support more students with planning and paying for college, especially in these challenging times:
·         More Winners: Starting with the class of 2022, the program will recognize even more students.  More than 7,000 students will earn a scholarship each year, nearly double the number of winners recognized in previous years. 
·         New Explore Scholarships Step: There is a new step to help students find other scholarships that may be a good fit for them.  Students can earn chances at $500 scholarships by exploring a personalized list of scholarships and other aid on College Board Scholarship Search
·         Practice for the SAT Step: This simplified step guides students to get started with personalized skill recommendations, a best practice behavior associated with higher score gains. Students can become eligible for $500 scholarships by completing one Timed Mini Section or one Diagnostic Quiz on Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy.
 
The earlier juniors get started, the more opportunities to earn scholarships!  Between January and March, we will award $500 scholarships to 3,000 juniors who build a college list or practice for the SAT.  All students can earn one of these scholarships, even students who never dreamt they could get a scholarship.
 
Next Steps
1.       Access Educator Resources:  Visit this page to find resources for educators, including this student flyereducator flyer and presentation deck.
2.       Promote the Pledge:  Counselors and other educators who take this Pledge will receive our free digital toolkit and monthly tips and resources to support students with each scholarship step.
3.       Spread the Word:  Share this video with juniors and their families to introduce the program.  Once juniors sign up, they can become eligible right away for $500 scholarships by building a college list and starting practice on Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy. 
 
The program is also still available for seniors through February 28, 2021.  Seniors can still become eligible for College Board Opportunity Scholarships by joining the program, completing the FAFSA and applying to two or more colleges. 
 

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

STEM Career Virtual Chats

Monday, Dec. 7 marked the start of Computer Science Education Week. We're celebrating it and the global movement, #HourOfCode, with plenty of live #CSEdWeek Industry Chats about video game design, AI and more. Check it out!


COMPUTER SCIENCE EDUCATION WEEK

STEM

CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)

COLLEGE PLANNING

MANUFACTURING

BUSINESS & FINANCE

HUMANITIES

ARCHITECTURE & CONSTRUCTION

LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY

FOOD & HOSPITALITY