Guidance News Today
LOOK UP: INDIANA SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE: Find a variety of resouces to improve mental, behavioral, and emotional well-being.
Senior Parent Information Night:
- PSAT/Junior Information Night Materials
- PSAT Score Reports Presentation
- Junior Year Presentation
- Junior Year Checklist
- College Cost Estimator Handout
Upcoming Events: Check this page regularly for news and information related to the AHS Guidance Department.
- Scholar Success Day: Saturday, November 2, at Trine University. All 21st Century Scholars and their parents are invited to attend. Check email for more information and registration (required) links.
- ASVAB practice: there are many free sites to help prepare
- Herff-Jones graduation orders: to be turned in on Friday, November 1, during lunches. Cap and Gown prices will double after December 1 so seniors are encouraged to order now!
- COMING SOON! Many local scholarships are awarded each year by the Steuben County Community Foundation (SCCF). Students may apply for the various scholarships by completing one Common Application (don’t confuse this with the Common App used for applying to colleges!) and then searching for the qualifying scholarships. Each individual scholarship must then be submitted online by the student. Scholarship applications will open online November 1; descriptions of the available scholarships will be listed on the AHS Scholarship List in mid-October. The deadline for AHS students to request transcripts and letters of recommendation will be Friday, January 10, 2020. Students will then have until January 31, 2020, to make final submissions to the SCCF. Watch for additional information on how to apply.
- SAT and ACT practice: try this new (and free!) website to help prepare for college admissions exam
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Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships and Financial Aid The cost of attending a college, university, or trade school continues to rise each year. Unfortunately, the financial aid process can be intimidating and confusing. Before selecting a college, seniors and their parents are encouraged to discus the direct (tuition, room/board, books) and indirect (transportation, entertainment, miscellaneous expenses) costs of attendance as well as a plan to finance the costs. Financial aid experts at the college of choice are excellent resources of information and are available for questions or assistance. The following PowerPoint presentation contains information about financial aid and preparing the FAFSA form: 2020-2021 Financial Aid. The priority deadline to apply for financial aid in the state of Indiana is April 15, 2020. However, some colleges will still use March 10 for their internal scholarships deadline. All seniors are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities with the college of their choice, parents' employers, Internet sources, and community sources. A variety of local scholarships are available to AHS students. Students applying for scholarships should always complete applications completely, neatly, and on time! Check the weekly Scholarship List availlable online and in the Guidance Office. Follow the posted instructions to obtain the necessary applications.
Some applications require AHS grade point averages (GPA) to be converted from a 12-point scale to a 4-point scale. Use these charts to make the conversion: Unweighted GPA or Weighted GPA.Counselor Profiles
Mr. Jack Vrana, Guidance Director
Mr. Vrana has been an AHS counselor since 2002. He joined the AHS staff after teaching at Prairie Heights High School and serving as the Guidance Director at Fremont High School. He and his wife, Kathy, have two children and four grandchildren. He enjoys a variety of outdoor sports and can often be spotted biking around Steuben County.
Mr. Dave Police, School Counselor
Mr. Police has been an AHS counselor since 1996. Prior to coming to AHS, he taught mathematics at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, IN. A graduate of Ball State University (BS, MS, MA), he also works with the SWARM peer mentors and is the Student-Athlete Advisory Council advisor. He and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Justin and Chelsea. In his spare time, he enjoys sports and reading.Mrs. Taya Fordanish, School Counselor
Mrs. Fordanish joined the AHS counseling office in 2017. Graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Indiana University with a Master's Degree in School Counseling, Mrs. Fordanish has a passion for school counseling and helping students with social and emotional issues. She enjoys spending time with family and friends at the lake. Her family includes her husband, Barry, their son, Briar, and their three "fur children," Edward (Shih-Tzu), Boomer (Lab), and Willow (Persian).Testing Info
Testing Information For information about PSAT scores, score reports, and MyCollegeQuickStart, view this presentation. End-of-Course Assessments and ISTEP exams in Algebra I, English 10, and Biology will be administered to students throughout the year. Students currently enrolled in these classes and retake students should listen to daily announcements to get information about the testing schedule for days, times, and rooms. Students who are absent may not have the opportunity to make-up these important tests so regular attendance is critical each day but especially on testing days. SAT tests are available throughout the year. Interested students should register at www.collegeboard.org; remember to list the correct school code for AHS so that test scores get sent to the school. The SAT is offered at AHS in October and March. ACT tests are available throughout the year. Interested students should register at www.act.org; remember to list the correct school code for AHS so that test scores get sent to the school. The ACT is offered at AHS in October and June (all other months at Trine University). Registration Info
Resources
HELPFUL RESOURCES IU Indiana School Mental Health Initiative Find a variety of mental health help resources for schools, families, and communities. Indiana Youth Institute Information and resources promoting healthy development of children, schools, and communities. Planning for Life After High School - parent and student resource guide Indiana Department of Education Information and resources concerning education in Indiana. Indiana Career Explorer College and career information for students and parents. AHS students should see Mr. Police to register for an account. Learn More Indiana College and career information for students and parents. SAT Students can register for the SAT test and utilize college and career planning materials. YouCanGo! Valuable college planning resources as well as success stories from real students. ACT Students can register for the ACT Test and utilize college and career planning materials. Indiana Commission for Higher Education A valuable resource for parents and students concerning college financial assistance for Indiana students. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) The OFFICIAL site to apply for federal student aid. FSA ID Website Students and parents must obtain a pin number in order to electronically sign the FAFSA form. Indiana College Costs Estimator A valuable (and free) tool for comparing the cost of attendance at various colleges and universities. Parents and students can also get an early estimate of financial aid. Impact Institute Students and parents can get more information about the vocational programs which AHS students can participate in as juniors and seniors. NCAA Clearinghouse Prospective NCAA student-athletes should register here. NAIA Clearinghouse Prospective NAIA student-athletes should register here. Twitter Follow the AHS Guidance Department on Twitter (@angolaguidance) for valuable information throughout the year.
