Capitol Girls at the Iowa State Capitol Building

The Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa are collaborating with Iowa Commission on the Status of Women to host this event on February 5th from 7:30am-3:30pm. This event is for girls in grades 9th-12th. During the event girls will take an in-depth look at our state government by shadowing one of our legislators. Girls will be front and center as our state lawmakers have lively debates on the House and Senate floors. During the General Assembly, all girls will be introduced and then paired with a female legislator for an inside look at being a woman in politics. The Capitol Girls event is a great experience that will help girls develop personal leadership skills while experiencing our government in action. 

The cost to attend is $15 for Girl Scouts and $30 for non-Girl Scouts. The cost includes: lunch, fun patch, and a year of Girl Scout membership for those that are not currently registered with the organization.

Interested in registering? Fill out an application here!

Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award

Juniors are eligible to apply for the Hoover Uncommon Student Award!

What is the Hoover Uncommon Student Award?

The program identifies and recognizes approximately 15 Iowa high school juniors who propose and then accomplish projects of their own design. The program encourages young Iowans to invest their talents and energies in their schools, communities and beyond; promoting personal growth, maturity and self-confidence while making a difference in people's lives. The program is shaped to attract students who are gifted as hard workers. Applicants' grades, test scores or financial need are not the basis of judges' decision. 

How does the program work? 

In the spring, you can submit a project proposal and two letters of recommendation. Approximately 15 finalists are selected based on the ambitious nature of the stated project goal and detailed plans to reach that goal. Students work on their projects during the summer months.

Finalists are required to spend a weekend at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum in West Branch to meet each other and learn more about Herbert Hoover and the program that carries his name.

Finalists are required to return to West Branch to give oral presentations about their projects to a selection committee and audience members. All finalists receive a $1,000 award at that time. In addition, three are chosen to receive$5,000 scholarships for study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university anywhere in the country. 

What kind of projects are proposed? 

• Projects that utilize the student's personal gifts and passions.
• Projects that benefit others.
• Projects that relate or exemplify Herbert Hoover's life and career based on his humanitarian work, his skills as an engineer, his passion for conservation, his love of technology and his entrepreneurial spirit

How do I apply?

1.Start thinking about your project NOW!

2. Submit on-line application ww.hooverassociation.org/grantsawards/uncommonstudent/.php

3. Request two references to submit online recommendation forms.

4. Complete application by March 31st

The HR Director from Shine Brothers Corp, Okoboji Classic Cars, Grab & Go Auto Salvage came to SLHS to talk with students about the businesses and industries she represents as well as shared details about career opportunities that exist within!

Shine Brothers Corp currently employs 110 people and is growing! Some of the most common jobs include: material handlers, welders, maintenance employees, customer service reps. Individuals with welding and technical experience are desired, as well as diesel mechanics and CDL drivers! Starting wages are around $12.50-$13.50/hr with lots of room to grow!

Okoboji Classic Cars currently employs 18 people. Jobs that exist within include: auto body mechanics and auto detailers. While many of the mechanics have 2-yr technical degrees, there are individuals that do not; rather, they brought in evidence of their skills through pictures and videos that demonstrate their skill levels. Okoboji Classic Cars specializes in restoring old vehicles and is a GROWING business! Starting wages are around $15/hour for auto detailers and $18.20+ for mechanics.

Elissa's Interview tips: 1. Be on time!!!
                       2. Shower
                       3. Don't chew gum
                       4. Don't bring in drinks or food to your interview

Students and individuals interested in hearing more about the job opportunities that exist within these businesses and industries are encouraged to contact Elissa at 712-240-0955 or elissa@shinebros.com.

SLHS Sharing Gratitudes!

Spirit Lake High School students and staff are sharing their gratitudes this week! When you focus on things you are grateful for, you feel good! 

Who doesn't want to feel good?!

If you haven't done so already, I invite you to come add one of your gratitudes to the bulletin board!

I can't take all of the credit for the ridiculously awesome minions, props to Baylee Clayton (Graettinger-Terril Senior) for demonstrating her mad artistic skills ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!!! 

Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

And the list of stuffed animals doesn't stop there! Last Tuesday, Matuska Taxidermy visited Spirit Lake High School to talk with both students interested in pursuing a career in Taxidermy and those that were just genuinely interested in, "How do they do that?!"

Do you have a love for nature and the outdoors? Do you love animals? If you're interested in a career in taxidermy, Vicki Matuska highlighted not only do you need to answer yes to the questions above, but you also must have a desire for lifelong learning and a competitive drive to constantly push yourself beyond your limits! Vicki mentioned that in the world of taxidermy, there is a lot of average. If you want to be better than the average bear (LOL), you must love to learn and challenge yourself to push past the average mark. According to Vicki, taxidermy is a booming industry with lots of opportunity for success, IF you're willing to put in the work for it! 

For students interested in taxidermy, Vicki suggests taking as many art, business and communication courses as possible! She mentioned that it's not only important to have the knowledge and skills necessary for taxidermy, but having the personality and social skills to go along with the career is equally as important! Customer service/public relations skills are so very important! Being able to communicate with your customers, relate and connect with them and their wants regarding the finished product will ultimately dictate whether they will continue to bring their animals to you in the future. 

Students interested in pursuing a career in taxidermy should plan on attending a taxidermy school. While the option to immediately enter a taxidermy school following high school graduation is there, Vicki suggests attending a junior college for additional post-secondary education prior to, perhaps specializing in business, that will help them develop into a more well-rounded taxidermist. 

For further questions or comments, please email me at nnelson@spirit-lake.k12.ia.us.

NCAA Presentation

On Sunday, November 3rd, Rachel Gerking, Coach Bolluyt and myself talked with about 30 student athletes and their parents about playing collegiate sports. 

Rachel shared her 10 tips for potential college athletes:
1. Don't play hard to get-contact coaches expressing your interest!
2. Evaluate a school on multiple levels not just the athletic program
3. See more than just money
4. Ask questions!
5. Figure out what level best fits YOU
6. Visit multiple schools (Division I allows five official visits)
7. Stick out in the crowd-Social Media
8. Entire family being recruited
9. College coaches vs HS coaches
10. Enjoy the experience and the recruiting process
For additional information or explanation, please contact Rachel Gerking at rgerking@spiritlakecsd.org

Coach Bolluyt discussed the differences between NCAA Division I, II, and III schools and the difference between NCAA vs NAIA. He highlighted the differences between academic, athletic, and financial aid packages offered by these various divisions. For additional information about the differences between divisions and the scholarship opportunities at each, please contact Josh Bolluyt at jbolluyt@spiritlakecsd.org

I discussed the academic side of being eligible for collegiate sports. 

• I encourage student athletes and their parents to visit both the NCAA and NAIA Eligibility websites for additional information and account set-ups. 
• Take as many core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language) courses as possible throughout high school. Be sure to take approved core courses, see the list here! 
• GPA: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1. It's important that you not only take the right courses, but you do well in those courses! The minimum CORE GPA (meaning your GPA is based on only your core courses, not all courses attained) is a 2.0, 2ill be 2.3 on August 1, 2016. 
• ACT test score requirements are listed on Sliding Scale B. 

For any questions regarding the academic side of eligibility, please contact me at nnelson@spiritlakecsd.org 

Open Wide!

Great Lakes Dental Talks with SLHS Students about Dental Health Careers

Dr. Pollard from Great Lakes Dental and University of Iowa's dentistry student, Alyssa Siegrist, talked with SLHS students about careers within the dental health field today, including: dentists, laboratory technicians, dental hygienists and dental assistants. 

There are many benefits of pursuing dental health careers, specifically dentistry. Dr. Pollard highlighted dentistry's great job outlook, no required residency, respectable salary (i.e. $80-100K) and flexible hours. 

While majoring in pre-dentistry is an option for an undergraduate major, both Dr.Pollard and Alyssa discussed the ability to concentrate on something much different (e.g. Alyssa majored in nutrition/dietetics, Dr.Pollard's dentist son majored in Business Administration); however, many dentistry students choose to study a science related major, such as Biology or Physiology. Students have to attend four years of dentistry school once graduated with an undergraduate degree, totaling eight years of post-secondary education. 

How do you know if dentistry is right for you? Dr. Pollard recommends taking as many science classes as possible and encourages student to job shadow! 

For more information about dental health careers or setting up a job shadow with Dr. Pollard, please see me! 

Everyone Wins in a Globally Competitive Workforce

National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC): A Common Language to Improve the Quality of the Workforce

According to Skilled Iowa, the NCRC evaluates and validates the skill sets and competencies essential for a globally competitive workforce across a range of industries.
*Business and industry leaders know exactly what foundational skills they need for a productive workforce-and can easily communicate their needs
*Individuals understand what skills are required by employers-and ow to prepare themselves for success
*Educators close the skills gap using tools aligned with career pathways
*Economic developers use an on-demand reporting tool to market the quality of the workforce

The NCRC is comprised of three WorkKeys assessments: Applied Mathematics, Locating Information and Reading for Information. These assessments measure "real world" skills, essential building blocks of knowledge linked to job success. Based on the scores from these assessments, an individual can earn one of four levels of certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum. To identify careers aligned with specific certification levels, go here.

SLHS freshmen will be taking the WorkKeys assessments on Tuesday, October 22nd. SLHS seniors will be taking the WorkKeys assessments in the spring.

Should you have further questions or comments, please direct them to myself or Brock Holman.

More to come...

Young Women in Business Conference Opportunity

A business degree is your ticket to opportunity. Rise to the top of a large company. Start your own business and make it grow. Work for a nonprofit, or a university, or a government. With a business degree, all that and more are possible.

But what is it like to be a business major? Or to work in a particular industry? The College of Business at Iowa State University wants to help you find out.

Young Women in Business is a conference especially for females in grades 9 through 12 [parents welcome] hosted on October 21st on the ISU campus.

• Explore majors in business
• Learn about career opportunities
• Meet and ask questions of business faculty members in each major
• Hear directly from professionals working in each field
• Interact with female business students from Iowa State about their experiences and what they hope to accomplish

Information taken from the YWIB website. You can find additional information and registration details here! 

Senior Presentation

Senior Presentation
9/17/13
7:45am

Seniors, go here!

HS Timeline: Fall

It's bizarre how sneaky high school can be. One minute you're sitting as a freshmen thinking you all the time in the world to think about and plan for college and then all of a sudden BAM! you're a senior and have no idea what's ahead...

Here are some helpful tips from the Iowa College Access Network that may help you, regardless of where you're at on the continuum.

Fall (September, October, November)

Freshmen & Sophomores: 

• Ask your parents and other adult what they like and dislike about their careers. Find out what type of training or education is required for each job.
• Talk with family members, friends, teachers, counselors, and coaches about their college experiences.
• Get to know the different types of postsecondary institutions. Colleges and universities offer four-year degrees and beyond, while community colleges and technical institutions offer many different programs nine months to two years in length.
• Many colleges require four years of English, three to four years of math, science and social studies, two years of electives, and two to four years of foreign language to be considered for admission. Work with Mrs.Nelson to stay on track. 
• Keep your grades up! 
• Keep a record of your extracurricular involvement in an activities portfolio-a summary of your achievements, talents, and interests. 

Sophomores & Juniors: All of the above and...

• Attend college fairs (Golden Circle) and meet with college representatives that visit school.
• Consider taking the PSAT
• Think about what you like to do, what you're good at and what you value most. Use your IHAPI account to explore career possibilities!
• Talk to your parents about your plans for the future. Discuss your personal and academic goals. 

Juniors: All of the above and...

• Consider the ASVAB 
• Determine what factors are important to you in a college. Go to www.ICANsucceed.org for information on choosing a college.
• Review college and career resources available in Student Services.
• Visit with Mrs.Nelson about ways to increase your chances of being admitted to the college of your dreams
• Make a list of 10-15 colleges that fit your requirements
• Download the College Checklis on ww.ICANsucceed.org to keep on track
• Start planning to take the SAT and/or ACT exams. 

Seniors: Look for Senior Presentation (posting 9/17/13)

SDSU College Visit Opportunity

Who: SLHS Juniors & Seniors [and their parents] are welcome!

What: Group college visit to SDSU

When: Wednesday, September 11th 

Where: Brookings, South Dakota

Why: College visits are a great way to help determine whether a college is the right place for you!  

How: Sign-up here !!! Deadline to sign-up is Wednesday, September 4th! 

U of Iowa, Iowa State, or UNI bound?

Thinking about attending Iowa, Iowa State, or UNI? 

Iowa's three regent universities use the Regent Admission Index (RAI) to determine acceptance!

Freshman Admission requirements to Iowa Regent Universities

Admission of freshmen who wish to enroll at any of the Iowa Regent universities is based on the Regent Admission Index (RAI) equation described below. In addition, applicants must meet the minimum high school course requirements for the university they wish to enter.

    (2 x ACT composite score)

+  (1 x percentile high school rank)

+  (20 x high school GPA)

+  (5 x number of years of high school core courses)

    Regent Admission Index

Freshman applicants from Iowa high schools who achieve at least a 245 RAI score and who meet the minimum number of high school courses required by the Regent universities will qualify for automatic admission to any of the three Regent universities. Freshman applicants who achieve less than a 245 RAI score may also be admitted to a specific Regent university; however, each Regent university will review these applications on an individual basis and the admission decision will be specific to each institution.

**********Find out the RAI courses offered at Spirit Lake here:

SLHS Health Academy

SLHS is introducing Health Academy, an opportunity for high school students to "get their feet wet" in a health propelled career track. This is a wonderful opportunity for students that are certain they want to work within the health field, and for student even thinking they may want to. This first semester we will be offering two courses: Health Occupations (6th period) & Medical Terminology (7th period). Students receive both high school credit and college credit upon successful completion of these courses.

Health Occupations (HSC109)

Student will discover the main options available, including roles and responsibilities, in health career options. This course is designed to provide the student with the information necessary to make their health career choice.

Medical Terminology (HSC114)

Studies medical terminology, including spelling and definitions.

 

Interested students should come and talk with me ASAP!

This would look really good on scholarships & applications.....

2013-2014 Youth in Philanthropy Application

The Okoboji Foundation Youth in Philanthropy Initiative is an annual program for high school students intended to empower students to make a lasting positive impact in the Lakes Community.

Students receive community service hours as they learn about the work of the Okoboji Foundation and other nonprofits in the Lakes Community.  Tentative nonprofit highlights for 2013-14 include Memorial Park Splash Pad, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, Humane Society of NW Iowa, Lakes Area Hockey Arena, Disc Golf in Kenue Park and Iowa Lakeside Lab Walking Trail.Students also participate in fundraising for their own grant process and recommend awards of $100 to $24,999 for Community Needs Grants to area nonprofits.

All high school students interested in personal development, community awareness and leadership skills are invited to apply.  YIP participants from previous years are invited to reapply.  All applications will be read and scored; 20-25 students will be selected to participate. 

ELIGIBILITY:  Students who attend Okoboji, Spirit Lake, or Harris- Lake Park High School in Dickinson County Iowa are eligible. Applicants should commit to attend YIP meetings one Wednesday per month from 6:00 – 7:15 p.m. from October through May. 

·         Applications must be received on or before:   September 13, 2013

·         Everyone who applies will be notified about participation by Sept. 27, 2013

·         Please contact the Okoboji Foundation with any questions:  712-332-7177

·         Applications may be emailed to info@okobojifoundation.org  (Note:  Please save and send as Microsoft Word document)

or mailed to:  Okoboji Foundation, P.O. Box 593, Okoboji, IA 51355

Additional information about Youth in Phinathropy is available at www.okobojifoundation.org, click on Youth Tab

Should you take the PSAT?

Are you a sophomore who would like some extra practice in standardized test taking?
     If so, maybe!

Are you a junior?????????????
    If so, then I would say YES!!!!!!

"The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a program cosponsored by the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT. It also gives you a chance to enter NMSC scholarship programs and gain access to college and career planning tools.

The PSAT/NMSQT measures:

• Critical reading skills
• Math problem-solving skills
• Writing skills

You have developed these skills over many years, both in and out of school. This test doesn't require you to recall specific facts from your classes.

The most common reasons for taking the PSAT/NMSQT are to:

• Receive feedback on your strengths and weaknesses on skills necessary for college study. You can then focus your preparation on those areas that could most benefit from additional study or practice.
• See how your performance on an admissions test might compare with that of others applying to college.
• Enter the competition for scholarships from NMSC (grade 11).
• Help prepare for the SAT. You can become familiar with the kinds of questions and the exact directions you will see on the SAT.
• Receive information from colleges when you check "yes" to Student Search Service." -CollegeBoard

The PSAT will be administered on October 16. Register by notifying me. Registration deadline is September 16. 

                                                                                                                 

2013-2014 College Visits

ATTENTION SLHS JUNIORS & SENIORS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have you been on a college visit? Have you checked out college campuses?? How many???

I firmly believe in the power that college visits have on the decision-making of choosing a college. Why? Because I know first hand how beneficial they are. Sit back, get comfortable and enjoy the short story I am about to tell...

Once upon a time when I was a sophomore in high school I had a conversation with my cousin, a junior, who had just returned from a band camp held at an Eastern Iowa private college (name will remain unidentified). She couldn't stop ranting and raving about how great this college was, how the campus is so beautiful, and that all freshmen are given laptops.

WHAT?!?!?!??!?!?!?!??!?!

Free laptops? Seriously?! I was sold. Ok, now understand that I started this story with once upon a time meaning this took place a long time ago when laptops were almost unheard of and they weighed a measly 20 lbs., minimum. Regardless, they were the coolest thing since sliced bread and receiving one for free was all it took for me to declare I would be attending this unidentified Eastern Iowa college upon high school graduation. 

For the next year, I broadcasted my post-graduation plans to anybody and everybody. I couldn't wait to attend this college! That is until I became a junior and my parents insisted I go on a college visit to this particular institution. 

Mom, dad, my younger brother and I jumped into the family minivan early one morning and began our 4 hour trek to visit the college of my dreams, I could hardly contain my excitement!

We arrived at our destination, and before we went to the campus we drove around the town/city (I can't say for sure otherwise you'll be able to identify this college I speak of) to check out the surrounding area. First red flag, I wasn't really sure about the location. I was envisioning palm trees and white sandy beaches, houses with pillars and gold siding. Maybe not exactly that, but definitely not what I was seeing in the surrounding neighborhoods. I kept my feelings to myself and kept my positive attitude going forth into the college visit.....and then we parked at the visitor parking lot on the campus and got out of the vehicle. Second red flag, I got an instant gut feeling and it wasn't pleasant. I can't explain why I wasn't overjoyed and head over heels in love with what I was finally seeing, I just knew it wasn't at all what I was anticipating! I swallowed my feelings yet again and my family and I met with the people at the colleges admissions and began our tour of the campus. 

Long story slightly shorter, our tour was intended to take 2 hours and within 20 minutes my family and I were loaded back in our minivan and headed home. 

The End. 

So why do I stress and stress to my students to actually VISIT the colleges they are thinking of attending? Because you have to feel comfortable where you are going to be living for the next 2+ years in order to flourish both personally and academically. It's a key factor in whether or not college will be a positive experience.

So, now for some college visit opportunities!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Juniors, seniors, and their parents are welcome to attend scheduled college visits for the 2013-2014 school year. 

Wednesday, September 11th : South Dakota State University 
Friday, November 15th: Cornell College OR Kirkwood Community College 
Friday, March 21st: AIB College of Business OR Des Moines Area Community College 
Wednesday, April 16th: DeVry University OR The Art Institute International of Minnesota 

Sign-up to attend one, two, or all of the scheduled college visits here! 
Deadlines to sign-up are a week prior to the scheduled visit. 

Schedules!

Want to avoid the long lines at registration on August 9th? Come see me now! Today is officially my first day at high school counselor at Sprit Lake [whoop! whoop!] and I'm here at my makeshift desk in the high school library (i.e. my office is nearly demolished at this point, but will look FABULOUS by the first day of school) from 8am to 3pm. Stop in, say hello, finalize your schedule, AND....(drum roll, please)...put your name in the prize drawing! Students that finalize their schedules BEFORE registration to avoid the craziness will get their name in the drawing. I will announce the winner via Twitter on August 8th.

Welcome to my blog!

Hello! Welcome to my SLHS counseling blog! I graduated from the School Counseling MAE program from the University of Northern Iowa in May, 2011. For the last two years I have been the K-12 school counselor at Graettinger-Terril Schools and recently accepted the 9-12 school counselor position at Spirit Lake High School. I'm very excited about this amazing opportunity to work within the community in which I reside, as well as being blessed to be a part of such an innovative educational system!  I am looking forward to bringing in new ideas and systems of support to the students at SLHS to assist them in enhancing their academic, career, and personal/social development! 

My vision for this blog includes a centralized, digital location to house extensive information related to the counseling domain and a crazy amount of resources to assist students and parents on various topics. Don't be hatin' quite yet; it is most definitely a work in progress! Although it may be a little imperfect at this point, I'm eager to get my blog-on and become tech-savy (something that I have never described myself as EVER) as time goes on.

I hope you enjoy this blog and benefit from the ideas and resources! 

GO INDIANS! 

~Mrs.Nelson