Staff: Diane Ahlberg and Jody Hansenmay 2Nd, 2017

Staff: Diane Ahlberg and Jody HansenMay 2nd, 2017

(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 ( (under Academics or under Quick Links at right of home page).

IMPORTANT!!! Attention seniors: When you are asked to indicate your school counselor on college applications note Diane Ahlberg, , as your counselor. She is the counselor for senior students who need a recommendation letter, Secondary School Report or any other college reference.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SENIORS:

Graduation is soon approaching. The CCRC is requires a CCRC Final Clearance Form to be completed by all seniors.This is one of the steps requiredso you will beable to be cleared by the Senior Clearance Form which allows youtopick up your cap and gown for graduation.

This form is very important to complete because it gives us information regarding your plans for next year and the scholarships you have received, which will be included in the graduation program.

Students planning on attending college next year must request a final transcript. Follow these steps to request your transcript through Parchment.com.

Go to Log In (if you’ve already created an account and requested a transcript) or Sign Up (if you’ve never requested a transcript through Parchment before). Click on “Send Transcript” at the top of the page (or in the blue bar). Click on “Academic Institution” if it’s not already highlighted, then type the name of your college in the search box. (TIP: When searching for your college, use one or two keywords instead of the full college name.) Click “Select” next to the college you want to receive your final transcript. If there is more than one listing for your college, be sure to send it to Undergraduate Admissions. Verify that the address next to “Destination” is correct then click “Continue.” There should be no fee (unless you are sending to a college that does not accept electronic transcripts…the fee is $2.00 payable with any debit or credit card). Next to “Processing Time” click “Hold For Grades”. If you applied for NCAA eligibility, click “Add Item” and follow steps 3-6 to send your transcript to NCAA. If you did not apply for NCAA eligibility, skip to step 8. On the next screen, click “Checkout.” If you signed up in Parchment with your apps e-mail account you must change your e-mail address in your profile to a non-school related address.

SCORE REPORT: In July your AP scores will be available online. To have access to your AP scores you must sign up for a College Board account at apscore.org.

Test Date / Registration Deadline / (Late Fee Required)
June 10, 2017 / May 5, 2017 / May6-19, 2017

TEST FEE PER TEST OPTION:

• ACT (No Writing)$42.50
• Includes reports for you, your high school, and up to four college choices (if valid codes are provided when you register).
• ACT Plus Writing$58.50
• 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.
• 5th & 6th college choice fee is $12 for each school.
• Late registration fee is $27.50.
• Standby testing is $51 in addition to the basic fee, if you missed registration.
• Test date change fee is $25 in addition to the basic fee.
• Test center change fee is $25 in addition to the basic fee.
• Test information release service is $20.
• International testing is $33.

Students need to register on-line at

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 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.

You can take free ACT or SAT practice tests online at: and at

Check out theLearning Express Library.There is atest prep resourcethat is a free resource for Park Center students available through ELM (Electronic Libraries for Minnesota). Here, you can access practice ACT, SAT, AP, TOEFLtests, as well as others.

Chegg offers ACT lessons, quizzes and practice tests.

Union Test Prep Free Practice Tests for the ACT: If passing the ACT is standing in the way of getting into the college of your dreams, there is help! Afree ACT practice testto help you identify in which areas you are strong and which areas could use a little more work is available at Study only the subjects you are weak in, or dive in and test your skills in all four subject areas - it’s up to you!

Congratulations to Mitchell Knox who was awarded the Osseo/Maple Grove American Legion Scholarship. Mitchell was presented with the scholarship by Post Commander Tom Olson.

Haley Sjerven was presented with the North Hennepin Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship at a recent Chamber Meeting. Congratulations on this award!

Attention all you 18 year old graduates who are not planning to attend college this fall. There is a great opportunitywith theApprenticeship Preparatory Program with LRT BUILD.

The LRT BUILD Program is an apprenticeship preparatoryprogram that prepares long-term unemployed adults and high school graduates for careers in the construction industry. This program offers graduates the opportunity to meet with unions and contractors working on the Southwest Light Rail Transit (METRO Green Line Extension) Project.

To participate in the LRT BUILD program, you must:

Be at least 18 years old.

Have received a high school diploma or GED (10-week regular program only).

Be scheduled to graduate from high school by June 2017 (6-week program only).

Possess a valid driver’s license by the end of the program.

Attend an information session and take an aptitude test - Information and testing sessions will be held at theMetro Transit Instruction Center, 725 North 7thStreet, Minneapolis, 55411, on the following dates and times:

Thursday, 5/4: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Wednesday, 5/24: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Thursday, 5/25: 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Program start dates:

For the 10-week regular program, the next class will start onJune 5th, 2017. The deadline to apply for this training isMay 26, 2017.

The 6-week program for new high school graduates starts onJuly 10, 2017. Applications for the 6-week program must be received byJune 23, 2017.

Download, complete, and return the application form:

When you have completed the application form,SAVE it and return it by

HOW TO SEND YOUR TRANSCRIPT: For the second year, Osseo School District is offering FREE electronic transcripts for current students. Students needing a transcript should go to set up a personal profile using an e-mail address that is nottheir school apps e-mail address and then request their transcript to 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”.

HENNEPIN TECHNICAL COLLEGE APPLICANTS…. IMPORTANT TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION

When sending your transcript through Parchment to Hennepin Technical College you must use the following e-mail address as the recipient’s address:

Minnesota State University – MoorheadMonday, May 8th1:15PM

Graduating seniors who will be attending North Hennepin Community College next year, who have not taken the Accuplacer Test, may sign up to take the test at Park Center on May 15th. Sign up in the CCRC.

There is a free web based practice app for the Accuplacer with sample questions in each subject. Students can use this tool to explore the format and content of the tests, and get immediate explanations for both correct and incorrect answers. Go to download the app.

The University of Minnesota is excited announce “Meet Minnesota!” During this special summer visit week from June 19-23, Minnesota high school students and their families can explore all five U of M campuses. As a special incentive, each of the five campuses will hold a drawing for an iPad mini. For more information and to register go tocampusfinder.umn.edu.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals will host a Virtual College Fair on Thursday, May 25th from 2:00 – 10:00PM (ET). Any student in grade 9-12 can visit virtual booths and take virtual tours of campuses nationwide, such as Notre Dame, Syracuse, Eastern Washington, the U.S. Air Force Academy and more. Participate from any computer, table or smartphone. Get questions answered in real time. Learn about scholarship programs. To get the most out of the experience, students are encouraged to register now and complete a profile. Visit NHS students: please include “NHS” in the first name field when signing up (e.g., First Name: NHS-Jonathan). This will help colleges see the presence of NHS students attending the fair.

Coast to Coast College Tour: An evening information program with the admission representatives of Dartmouth College, Northwestern University, Princeton University, University of California, Berkeley, and Vanderbilt University. Sunday, May 21st at 7:00PM at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis. Register at

The Saint Paul College admissions team would like to share with you the following admission events they have planned for the next coming months.Computer Science and Graphics – Tuesday, May 9th, Wellness and Service– Tuesday, June 6th. All sessions start at 6:00PM at Saint Paul College! Free parking will be available. Free parking will be available and light refreshments will be served. Go to: to learn more.

Dunwoody College of Technology is hosting several open house events. All open houses are held from 3:00 – 7:00PM. Pick a date that fits your schedule: May 9th, June 13th, July 11th and 25th. RSVP at

Exploring Educational Excellence – presented by Brown University, Columbia University, Rice University and the University of Chicago. On Monday, June 5th at 7:00PM learn more about their selective admissions process, scholarships and financial aid, academic programs and campus life. An admissions officer from each school will be available to answer university specific questions. RSVP at Doubletree Park Place, 1500 Park Place Blvd, Minneapolis.

Energy Explorers

Great River Energy participates in the Northern Star Council’s “Exploring and Learning for Life” career program. The purpose of Great River Energy’s program is to provide high school students with information and experience in a variety of career fields possible in the energy industry.

Students will explore technical careers related to the design, construction, operation and maintenance of utility power systems. These include generation, transmission, telecommunications network, and information technology systems.

On Tuesday, May 18th: “Bakken Museum Visit!” Wrap up your Exploring season with a trip to Frankenstein’s laboratory. Master your brainwaves, crank up a 60,000V spark, and enjoy other “hair raising” activities. The presentation runs from 6:30 – 8:00PM at the Great River Energy headquarters, 12300 Elm Creek Blvd in Maple Grove. The first 45 minutes consist of a professional, qualified man or woman talking about their career. The second 45 minutes will include a hands-on activity for students to experience that type of career.

For more information and to register go to

The University of Minnesota is sponsoring a special event, VIP Weekend: A Multicultural Leadership Retreat for High School Juniors. This three day, two night retreat for students will be held on Thursday, July 20th through Saturday, July 22nd. This is as free student event; student lodging, food, and retreat costs are fully covered by the University.

The retreat curriculum will cover college planning, diversity and leadership, and college success and academic skills. The weekend will be a high-impact retreat. Multicultural students will experience the campus, meet with current U of M students, faculty and staff, and learn more about the U of M’s academic and extracurricular programs.

The application deadline is Friday, May 12th. Apply at

Attention 9th - 12th grade students interested in Automation and Robotics! Osseo Area Schools and Hennepin Technical Collegeare offering a FREE Automation and Robotics Summer Campon June 19th – 22nd and June 26th – 29th at Hennepin Technical College, 9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Park. Space is limited to eight students from Park Center, first-come, first served. Lunch will be provided. The instructors will be Jeff Thorstad and Brad Thorpe – HTC faculty.

During this Summer Camp you will:

• Receive an electronics kit, Arduino, a series of experiments in programming involving wiring and programming, lights, motors, servos, special sensors and more!
• You will learn to solder and connect wires together.
• Work with a 3D virtual trainer system.

Stop by the CCRC to pick up an application.

Three Rivers Park District is looking for youth, ages 12 – 18, to volunteer for their Outdoor Rec Youth Crew. It is a fun, hands-on way to gain leadership skills, experience personal growth and develop outdoor recreation skills. Program participants will serve as assistants at our summer camps, guiding young campers in a wide variety of activities. Visit ThreeRiversParks.org for more information.

Minnesota Department of Transportation has metro maintenance summer laborer jobs available. Applicants must be 18 years or older, have a valid Class D driver’s license, be able to perform manual labor, be willing to work in all types of weather, have knowledge of methods, tools, and equipment used in general maintenance and construction. Pay rate: $15.01/hr. Send your resume to .

Staff Management has summer positions available. Applicants must be 18 years or older, and be able to lift up to 50 lbs. There are paid training and benefit options. Some of the positions include assembly, Fab Op and material handling. Apply at applysmjobs.com.

Next Step After High School? Some Alternatives to College

Excerpt from Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

A generation or two ago high-school graduates rarely went on to college, yet somehow through the years, college has almost become a rite of passage for teens to pass into adulthood and a good career. But teens do not need to attend college to become adults and they certainly do not need to attend college to land a good career.

Education is critical; college is not. There are numerous careers — in healthcare, technology, operations, transportation, and the building trades — that do not require a four-year degree. And as you advance in these careers, there is also nothing stopping you from pursing a college degree at a later age — when it better suits you; some people are just not ready for college until a little later in life.

So, if you are not college-bound after high school, what are some of your alternatives?

Learn a Trade: Apprenticeships, at one time, were the only way for young people to get a foot in the door to their careers. If you have an interest in a particular trade, such as technology or construction, seek out jobs in the trade that will not only give you valuable experience but guide you toward advancement by helping you with the certifications or licenses you need to succeed. Check out local unions.

Get a Job: Nothing helps more with that transition to adulthood than holding down a full-time job. Your goal should be to move away from the companies that typically hire teens for part-time work to employers that can provide a future. Often larger employers have more opportunities, so start your search there. Also identify employers whose product or service interests you and whose culture you respect.

Volunteer: While you are trying to find your place in the world, why not spend those first few years after high school making a difference? While you may be familiar with the Peace Corps, they actually prefer college graduates, so you might instead consider looking locally to make a difference or consider such national programs asAmericorps, which offers 17-24 year-olds the chance to make a difference through a national network of hundreds of programs throughout the U.S., as well as theStudent Conservation Association, which has conservation programs (jobs and internships) throughout the U.S. for adults 18 or older.

Attend Community College or Vocational School: A great way to ease into college and explore more about who you are and what you want to do in life is taking one or more classes at your local community (or technical) college. Classes are cheaper and admission much easier — and many students work at least part-time to pay their way. You can either take a few classes, follow a diploma or certification track, or advance toward your associate’s degree. Many community colleges have agreements with four-year colleges, so that if you decide college IS right for you, you can then transfer those credits.

Join the Military: While not always a popular — or safe choice — joining the military is often a great way to learn more about yourself. Joining the military offers you a chance to serve your country, make a career in the service, and/or earn money toward a future college education. You’ll also earn valuable work experience that you can apply to civilian jobs once you get discharged.

Career Websites to Explore:

Try Engineering ( - great site for students to explore engineering careers. This site has information on how you can get involved with internships and competitions, as well as a college search feature.

Accounting Career Guide ( - useful information on how to become an accountant and it lists the top accounting schools and scholarship opportunities.