Staff: Diane Ahlberg and Jody Hansen January 8th, 2016

(763) 569-7665 or (763) 569-7627

The CCRC newsletter is provided on a monthly or semi-monthly basis to provide information on activities and events that are helpful to Park Center students and their parents. This publication is also on Park Center’s website (www.district279.org/sec/pcsh (under Academics or under Quick Links at right of home page).

ACT TEST INFORMATION

Test Date / Registration Deadline / (Late Fee Required) /
February 6, 2016 / January 8, 2016 / January 9-15
April 9, 2016 / March 4, 2016 / March 5-18
June 11, 2016 / May 6, 2016 / May 7-20

TEST FEE PER TEST OPTION:

·  ACT (No Writing) $39.50

·  Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register).

·  ACT Plus Writing $56.50

·  Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register). The Writing Test fee is refundable, on written request.

Students need to register on-line at www.actstudent.org

Students receiving free/reduced lunch can have their test fees waived TWICE by bringing a copy of the letter they received from Food Service to the CCRC to receive a waiver. Fee waivers do not include late fees.

Students can register for the SAT and SAT Subject Tests at www.collegeboard.org

Preparing for the ACT Test booklets that include a full length practice test, including the writing test, strategies to prepare for the test and what to expect on test day are available in the CCRC for checkout.

You can take a free ACT or SAT practice tests online at: www.princetonreview.com/practicetest

Wastebasket Review Scholarship application deadline is January 21st! This scholarship opportunity is available to Osseo School District students only. Pick up an application today in the CCRC or go to www.wastebasektrevue.org to apply.

The Wallin Scholarship deadline of February 1st is quickly approaching. This $4,000 scholarship per year (up to $16,000) is available to one or more Park Center students. For application qualifications, and to apply go to www.wallinpartners.org/apply.

COLLEGE REPS COMING TO THE CCRC

St. Cloud State University January 13th 11:00AM

Century College January 14th 1:00PM

NOTE TO STUDENTS AND PARENTS: The CCRC publishes the Scholarship Bulletin and Newsletter approximately every two weeks. The Scholarship Bulletin lists all the scholarships that we have received information on, including scholarships that are offered by local organizations which are available to residents of Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center or students who attend a District 279 school. Because these programs have restricted criteria, there is less competition and better “odds” for the student to be awarded scholarship monies. The CCRC Newsletter has information on events that are occurring in the area, testing information, and special programs that are being offered at Park Center PLUS helpful “Tidbits from the CCRC Staff”. These publications are distributed to the students’ advisory classes and are published on Park Center’s web site. If students and/or parents would like to have a copy of the Scholarship Bulletin (12th grade) and/or the Newsletter (all grade levels) sent directly to their e-mail, we are asking that you send a request to Jody Hansen at and we will add you to our distribution list.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Attention Juniors: Come to the CCRC to learn about Genesys Works on Wednesday, January 13th at 10:00AM or Wednesday, January 27th at 9:00AM. Discover how you could have a paid internship during your senior year of high school.

IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN REAL WORLD SKILLS: The summer training demands four hours a day, but the rewards are huge. You gain business technology skills from experienced technical trainers and you develop essential professional skills like public speaking, business etiquette, resume-building, and more.

IT'S A PAID CORPORATE INTERNSHIP: Students who successfully complete summer training earn paid corporate internships at companies like 3M, Target, Medtronic, and Wells Fargo. You work 20 hours a week during the school year and get to take the skills you learned over the summer and use them in a real workplace. You also have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with coworkers and supervisors who want to see you succeed as much as we do!

IT'S A PLAN FOR COLLEGE: Genesys Works also supports students in their dream of earning a two- or four-year college degree. You receive free college counseling to help you find the colleges and scholarships that will allow you to achieve academic and career success after high school. Sign up in the CRC for a pass!!!

CCRC Minis:

·  Monday, January 11th at 10:00AM – “BrookLynk: Business Needs – Youth Experience”. Participate in work readiness training and experiential employment opportunities during a six to eight week paid internship. Interns explore diverse career interests, gain valuable on the job skills, make strong professional connections and prepare for meaningful careers.

·  Tuesday, January 12th at 9:00AM and 1:00PM – “FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid”. It’s time to complete the next step towards going to college. Come and learn why you must complete this application and how to do it.

·  Friday, January 15th at 1:00 – “ACCUPLACER Tests – will you be taking one?” Accuplacer is a suite of tests that quickly, accurately and efficiently assesses reading, writing, math and computer skills. This test is used by academic advisors and counselors to place you into a college course that meets your skill level. Students whose ACT scores are lower than the following range will need to take the Accuplacer: English 17 and below, reading 20 and below, math 21 and below. Come to this mini session to learn where to find resources to prepare you to do your best on these tests!

·  Wednesday, January 20th at 10:00AM – “AP vs IB vs PSEO – Which is right for you?” Sophomores and juniors, registration for next year is coming up in February. Are you confused about whether to sign up for AP or IB or PSEO? Come to this mini session to learn more about these choices and how they will affect you as you look forward to your plans beyond high school.

Raise.me – Money for College – From Colleges! Raise.me is an easy way for students in 9th – 12th grade to earn micro scholarships from top colleges and universities. 1) Sign up for free at www.raise.me 2) Discover and follow different colleges on Raise.me 3) Add all of your grades, sports, activities, volunteer hours, and more 4) Earn scholarships from different schools and watch your earnings pile up!

There will be a Historically Black College Fair on Monday, January 18th from 3:00 - 6:30PM at St. Peter's AME Church in Minneapolis. Learn about who attends HBUC's, hear from graduates, make connections with college admissions officers and participate in a scholarship boot camp. Find out why a HBCU might be right for you!

South Dakota State University is hosting “Junior Day” on Saturday, January 23rd. This program is designed for high school juniors to get a jump start on their college search. Register at www.sdstate.edu/juniorday.

Eager sophomores are welcome too! Jackrabbit Preview and One-On-One visits are available as well. More information can be found at www.sdstate.edu.

Minnesota State University Moorhead invites you to their “Preview Days”: January 15 & 16, February 12th & 13th, and April 15th & 16th. Meet faculty and current students, win scholarships, get admitted, and tour the campus. Sign up at www.mnstate.edu/visit.

St. Cloud Technical & Community College wants you to consider them for their plumbing and electrical programs. Two year – SCTCC electrical construction technology program – graduates are in demand. One year SCTCC plumbing program – one and done. Call now for a tour – 800-222-1009.

Energy Explorers – Career Exploration 2015-16 Program continues on Tuesday, January 19th – 6:30 – 8:00PM. “Human Resource Specialists – How to get a great energy job!” What are your career opportunities in the energy industry? What steps can you take to better prepare for these opportunities? And, who is out there that will help you land that great job? A Human Resource Specialist will answer these questions and more! No preregistration is necessary to attend. In the following months the topics include: Electrical Engineering – Smart electrons making a difference!, Operations Management – Creating value from your garbage!, Executive Technical Services – Bridging the technology gap!, Electrician/Lineworker – The shocking truth about electricity!

Detachment 410 at the University of St. Thomas is hosting an open house for Air Force ROTC on Monday, February 15th at 7:00PM. Hear firsthand experiences from cadets in the program, enjoy performances from the drill teams, and participate in a teambuilding exercise with other potential cadets. RSVP to or call 651-962-6320.

Montana State University is hosting MSU Fridays on campus on January 29, March 11, and April 8. These all-day campus visit events offer prospective students and their families the opportunity to meet with faculty and students, explore academic facilities and tour the campus and residence halls. Online registration is available at www.montana.edu/admissions/msufriday/

Augustana University is hosting a “Visit Day” on February 12th. To register or to schedule an individual visit go to augie.edu/admissions, augie.edu/myvisit, or call (605)274-5516.

Illinois Wesleyan University will be holding auditions on 2/6, 2/20 and 3/5. Go to iwu.edu/music/admissions for more information.

Build your career through a Registered Apprenticeship Program. Earn while you learn and gain valuable skills with no student loans! Over 25 careers in the construction industry offer apprenticeship programs.

Example: A second year apprentice in the Joint Pipefitters Training Program can earn up to $94,000 a year ($56,300 in wages and $37,700 in benefits) Look for upcoming CCRC Minis with Union representatives or visit ConstructionCareers.org and start “building” your future today!

HOW TO SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPT: For the second year, Osseo School Districts now is offering FREE electronic transcripts for current students. Students needing a transcript should go to http://schools.district279.org/psch and look for the “Request my Transcript” button. Students will then set up a personal profile and can request their transcript be sent electronically. Transcripts will be processed within two school days with the following exceptions – weekends, holidays, during processing of final transcript grades and two days before and three days after trimester end. Former students will be charged a $5.00 processing fee for this service. Note: When putting in your school, put in “Park Center” only and a drop down menu will come up and then choose “Park Center IB World”.

DID YOU KNOW???

TIDBITS FROM THE CCRC

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Aide

Regardless of your income, all families should complete the FAFSA annually because all federal financial aid and most state and institutional aid require it.

US News and World Report says, “Don't make the mistake of thinking filling out the FAFSA is not worth your time. The vast majority of students qualify for some form of aid and you should keep your options open. And, even if you are not eligible for certain grants, you cannot receive federal loans if you don't fill out the FAFSA.”

Follow these three simple steps to complete your FAFSA:

1)  Gather family tax and income information from 2015 – using completed 2015 tax returns

2)  Go online and get your FAFSA Personal Identification Number (PIN) at pin.ed.gov. Keep this number handy as you will use it annually to complete your application.

3)  Complete your FAFSA application as soon as possible after January 1st at https://fafsa.ed.gov/

Students are encouraged to attend one of the CCRC Mini sessions being held on Tuesday, January 12th and 26th at 9:00AM.

Seniors and their parents are invited to attend a FAFSA presentation provided by a representative from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education at 6:30PM in the Park Center Teaching Lab on Thursday, February 4th during conferences and Thursday, February 11th during registration conferences.