Central Bucks High School-West. Timeline of events and focus for each grade level Major changes to College Admission Testing (SAT) Supports provided to.

Parent Council9.30.15

CB West Guidance Department & Student Support Services

Central Bucks High School-West

Overview

Timeline of events and focus for each grade level

Major changes to College Admission Testing (SAT)

Supports provided to CBW studentsAcademic; College and Career; Mental Health;

D & A Resources provided for students and

families

For Grades 10, 11, and 12

Timelines

Timeline – Grade 10

FOCUS ON:

Transition to High

School

Getting Involved

Advisory and Career

Plan

Academics

Community

SOPHOMORE EVENTS

PSAT’s in October

Homecoming

Start something new –

sports, clubs, volunteer,

work, etc.

Begin resume of activities

Program Planning in Jan/Feb

Complete Career Plan in

Spring

Timeline – Grade 11

FOCUS ON:

Academics

Continued involvement in

activities; leadership

Post-secondary planning

College Admission Testing

PSAT

SAT

ACT

AP

JUNIOR EVENTS

PSAT (Nat’l Merit) in Oct.

College visits (at CBW) in Fall

Program Planning for Senior

year in Jan/Feb

SAT’s/ACT’s from March – June

AP’s in May

Junior Prom in Spring

Visit college campuses in

Spring

Timeline – Grade 12

FOCUS ON:

Academics / Resume

College Applications

Finalize testing

Financial Aid

Graduation!

SENIOR EVENTS College applications due in

Fall (as early as mid-Oct.)

Re-test SAT/ACT’s in Oct.

Financial Aid Night – Nov.

FAFSA due to colleges Feb

– Mar

Re-visit college campuses

Senior Prom in spring

Finalize decisions and

financial issues by May 1st

The New PSAT and SAT

The New PSAT and SAT

PSAT is in the “new” format.

Only offered on Wednesday,

October 14th, 2015 (per College

Board). Online registration.

Open to 10th and 11th grades

Only 11th graders may qualify

for National Merit recognition.

The “Old” SAT will be offered in

October, November, December,

and January of this year.

Scoring – back to 1600 Scale: 800 (Math) 800 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) Subscales within each component

No points off for wrong answer. (No penalty for guessing).

“SAT Vocabulary” words are gone. No more “prevaricator” or “sagacious.” Must distinguish various meanings of words in

context (like “synthesis”).

Features of New SAT

Focuses on “math that matters most” – more Algebra-based, and every-day math applications. One math section will not permit use of calculators.

Reading and Writing sections involve analyzing passages from Literature, Science and Social Studies.

Essay is optional; given at the end of the SAT.

Features of New SAT

Component Time Allotted

Reading 65 MinutesWriting and Language 35 MinutesMath 80 MinutesEssay (Optional) 50 Minutes

Total: 3 hours3 hours and 50 minutes with

essay

Features of New SAT

Things to consider for “New” Test:

Taking “new” PSAT gives sneak peak to new SAT

Students received a detailed score report in December,

allowing about 2 ½ months to practice before the first

new SAT in March.

Many free, online practice opportunities available for new

test.

Students will have 3 opportunities to take the new SAT

this Spring, as well as next fall.

The majority of the Class of 2017 will be taking the new

test.

Old vs. New SAT – which one?

Things to consider if your student wants to take the

“Old” Test:

How much SAT preparation have you done so far?

Have you had math through Algebra 2/Trig?

Do you feel comfortable and confident taking your

SAT’s in November, December, and/or January, or

would you feel rushed?

If you want to take the old test twice, then you

don’t have much time between tests to remediate.

Old vs. New SAT – which one?

More considerations for students:

Do you want to prepare for TWO versions of the

SAT, or just one?

Do you plan to ALSO take ACT’s? If so, then pick

just one version of SAT’s to prepare for.

Colleges will most likely “superscore” old test

and new test separately.

Look at YOUR OWN SCHEDULE and timeline, and

decide what works best for you!

Old vs. New SAT – which one?

ePrep: Free, online test prep for PSAT, SAT and ACT

Student must see Mrs. Graney in Library to set up

account.

www.KhanAcademy.org

Partnered with College Board to provide individualized

and comprehensive PSAT and SAT review.

www.Collegeboard.org

Information and Sample tests, problems, and resources.

Practice Opportunities

Guidance Department Support ServicesAt CB West

Academic Supports

House Team Structure Counselor/Admin meet weekly to

review academic progress of students

Review attendance patterns Connect students with personal

supports Teachers; Private tutors; Peer Tutors

Connect students with online resources

Provide students with individualized study skills and strategies

Peer Tutoring

Peer tutoring provided through National Honors Society students

Students can contact their counselor or Ms. Graney in the Library to connect with a peer tutor

Extra Help

Teachers are available after school for extra help (some teachers are also available during lunch or before school)

Encourage your child to connect with his or her teacher

Extra help may take the form of: Clarifying misconceptions Help with assignments / homework Review of notes / re-teaching of

content Review of assessments

Extra Help with Organizational Skills

A major focus in advisory this year is ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS: 10th Grade: Orienting to High School;

Learning the Basics 11th: Refining Your Skills 12th: Polishing Your Skills; Looking Ahead

Mrs. Kitty Semisch is available to work with individual students on organizational skills during advisory

College and Career Supports

Student Assemblies Advisory Lessons Parent/Student Info

Sessions Individual family college

planning sessions Financial Aid Night FAFSA Completion Night Career Plan Guidance Website Naviance

Quick peek at Naviance

Powerful college and career search tool Individualize searches, save favorites,

make lists Loaded with links, data, and resources

Mental Health Supports

Individual counseling Referrals to community counselors Referrals to community programs

(Empower U; YMCA) Crisis counseling Groups (Bereavement; Stress

Management; Goal Setting) Transition planning (when

returning from prolonged absence/illness)

Therapy Dog Pilot Program Mindfulness Based Stress

Reduction Group (referral only)

Support for D & A, Other Issues

START Program Referrals accepted by anyone Typically for concerns about behavior, grades,

attendance, or mental health Team confidentially collects objective data from

teachers, nurse, counselors, administrators, and security office

After collaboration with parents and student, team can offer:▪ Free assessment through Bucks County Council▪ Academic or school-based interventions▪ Referrals for support with drug/alcohol/ mental health issues▪ Community support groups

Process is completely voluntary and confidential

Family and Financial Supports

CBW Student Fund – managed by Nurse Assistance for food, clothing, and

educational necessities Assistance for school-related functions

(testing, proms, fieldtrips) ▪ Contact counselor or nurse

Snowman Station Class Councils and SGO – funds for

students

Guidance DepartmentOnline ResourcesInfo is just a Click Away!

Guidance Website

Communication BLASTS

Email blasts from counselors through Naviance

Email blasts from Administration through IC Messenger

West Times Online Newsletter

Social Media

CB West Principals @CBWestHS

CBSD Twitter @CBSDInfo

CBSD Facebook Search Central Bucks School

District Or

www.faceboook.com/cbschools

Any Questions?