Great New Well-Paying Career Path - Process Technology

Process Technology is a new program asked fro by the booming ethanol industry as well as many other facilities that produce everything from fertilizer (NH3), polymers, plastics, oil & gas refining, water treatment, and electrical power production. Investing in a Process Technology program like the one offered at Iowa central Community College can yield starting annual salaries of $40,000-60,000!

Iowa Central's program description states:
Have you ever wondered who makes ethanol, anhydrous ammonia, feed stuffs, or bio diesel? Process Technicians make this happen. Technicians take raw materials like corn, soybeans, natural gas, and even air and make them into things we use or consume in some way all the time, by monitoring the process with complex technology. 

For questions and inquiries, please contact Shadd Scharf (scharf@iowacentral.edu, (515)574-1917).

SNOW DAY? NO, IT'S MATH DAY!

UNI's Math Day - December 9th, 2014

• Discuss career opportunities in mathematics, financial aid and student life with the parents.
• Two of UNI's dynamic professors do interesting and fun workshops with students.
• Students compete for UNI mathematics department scholarships. (The top five students attending Math Day will be guaranteed at least $1,500 in scholarships)

If interested interested, students should make a reservation to attend Math Day by calling (319) 273-2631. 

UNI has three undergraduate majors: Mathematics, Secondary Mathematics Teaching (nearly 100% placement rate), and Statistics and Actuarial Science (starting salary around $65,000+).  

Career Spotlight: HVAC Technicians

Do you like to be on the move? 
Do you like to work with your hands? 
Do you want to have a well-paying job, but aren't interested in attending too many years of college?

Have you ever considered a career in Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)?! 

Check out the information below taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

• What do HVAC technicians do, exactly? 

They work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings.

• What is the work environment like?

HVAC technicians work in residential homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories. Their worksites may be very hot or cold because the heating and cooling systems they must repair may not be working, and because some parts of these systems are located outdoors. Irregular hours and working in cramped spaces are common.

• What can I expect for a salary as an HVAC technician? 

The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $43,640 in May 2012.

• What is the job outlook?

Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. Candidates familiar with computers and electronics and those with good troubleshooting skills will have the best job opportunities as employers continue to have difficulty finding qualified technicians to 

work on complex new systems.

• How do I become an HVAC technician? 

There are several technical colleges nearby that offer this quick program. Iowa Lakes Community College's HVAC program is based on their Estherville campus. 

Students interested in hearing more about this career should contact me with their interest regarding upcoming events focused on HVAC programming.

Paying for College

The thought of how to pay for the the high price tags of many post-secondary institutions can be frightful! And if you're in my boat, the wonder of "Will I ever pay back my $80K+ student loans?!" is a discouraging and consistent reminder of how you didn't make smart choices in deciding how to pay for college.

Good news, you/your child does not have to struggle to live after college, but the cards must be played right!

• Start the conversations now of who will be responsible for the payment of college. The topic can be stressful, but avoiding it is not doing anyone any favors!
• If you haven't already, start saving now! Do your best to put aside money each paycheck to begin creating a cushion. Check into 529 Plans!
• Use the FAFSA4caster to receive early estimates, create scenarios based on future earnings, and consider various college funding strategies!
• One of the biggest mistakes families make in the college application process is failing to apply for financial aid. Download a free FAFSA guide here! 
• Don't forget about the Iowa Financial Aid Application as well!
• Apply for scholarships!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
• Attend Financial Aid Night at the school. This year's presentation: Tuesday, November 11th at 7:15pm in the Black Box. 

Tech Search Day

Tour our campus and see how hands-on education works in a technical program that interests you. Meet our faculty, staff and students. Ask questions and get answers! Experience technical education before you become a student - SWEET! :)


Join us on Wednesday, November 19th at the MN West Community and Technical College on the Jackson Campus for their Tech Search Day - an opportunity to experience the programs for yourself!

The following programs are options to experience! 

• Powerline Technology

• Electric Utility Substation

• Cosmetology/Esthetician/Manicurist

• Computer Engineering Technology

• Computer Maintenance Repair

• Networking Specialist 

• Telecommunications

If you are interested in attending this event, please let me know ASAP as the programs will be fill up fast! 

Thanks,
Mrs.Nelson

Seniors, How Are You Spending Your Time?

Seniors!!!

It's too early for this.....

 there is lots to do!

As mentioned in previous emails from me to you, November 1st is my deadline for you to have your college applications in! This deadline will allow you to qualify for many college and/or university specific academic scholarships, allow you time for other performance-based interviews and better housing options!

 NOVEMBER 1ST! NOVEMBER 1ST! NOVEMBER 1ST! NOVEMBER 1ST!

Need your transcript sent? Fill out a request here!

Are you applying for scholarships? You should be! Check Nelson's Scholarship Bank often for new scholarship opportunities! 

To stay on-track for the high school to college transition, you should have already accomplished the following items:

• Taken the ACT and are content with your score
• Campus visits! If you haven't done so, attending at least five colleges and/or universities to visit will allow you a great opportunity to compare and contrast! 
• Created a list of prospective colleges that best suit you and your career interests!

So, what should you be doing with your downtime? 

• Take care of any items above that have not yet been completed....
• Come talk with me about your plans and progress, how can I help you?
• Apply to all prospective colleges and/or universities by the November 1st deadline.
• Continue to visit with college admissions representatives that come to our school. 
• Search and apply for ALL scholarships you are eligible for! 
• Ask adults for letters of recommendation for college and/or scholarship applications.
• Begin writing essays for these applications. 

More information to come your way after November 1st. Please let me know if you have any questions, comments, or concerns!

CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER DAY

Do you have an interest in Corrections or Law Enforcement? This day is for you! Join in hands-on workshops in facilities that cover many aspects of a Criminal Justice career: Shooting simulators, campus tours, K-9 presentations, crime scenes, and more!

Wednesday, October 22nd from 9am to 3pm, lunch provided! 

Register online at northeast.edu/2014/Criminal-Justice or call 402-844-7272.

Summer 2015 Institutes

It's crazy to think that it's time to begin thinking of summer 2015 academic opportunities! High School Summer Institutes at Washington University in St. Louis combine traditional undergraduate class and lab curriculum with organized field trips, guest lectures, and hands-on activities in order for you to gain valuable academic and career experience. Check out their program emphases, they may be appealing to you!

• Leadership

• Pre-Engineering 

• Pre-Medical 

• Research

• Writing 

Applications open on October 1st! 

CTE Career Exploration Day

Hands-on opportunities to explore various CTE programs at ILCC's CTE Career Exploration 

Day! Interested students in grades 10-12 should pick-up a form in the high school office and return to me no later than September 19th! 

ISU's Young Women in Business Opportunity

College Visit to the University of Northern Iowa!

Students - a great college visit opportunity awaits you! 

On Friday, November 21st, SLHS students in grades 9-12 have the opportunity to go on a school-sponsored college visit to the University of Northern Iowa! College visits are one of the best methods for identifying your likes and dislikes and narrowing down your college options! If you are interested in attending on November 21st (no school day), please sign-up with me by Friday, October 31st!

University of Northern Iowa (UNI) 

• Cedar Falls, IA (approximately 3 1/2 hours from Spirit Lake)
• 90+ majors
• 16:1 student to faculty ratio
• Approximately 13,000 student enrollment
• Approximately $15,815 for tuition & room/board

Awards & Nominations

• Consistently been named one of the "Best in the Midwest" in the Princeton Review Best 351 College Rankings guide
• Has ranked second in the category "regional universities (Midwest)" by U.S. News & World Report for twelve consecutive years. 
• UNI's accounting program has consistently ranked in the top 10 universities in the nation for the pass rate of first-time candidates on the CPA Exam.
• UNI is ranked fourth in the nation for the total number of students who study abroad among master's degree institutions

Health & Wellness Career Day

Interested in pursuing health and/or wellness occupations in the future? Check out this opportunity offered by Northeast Community College!

• Tour of campus!
• Opportunities to meet with local health care and wellness professions!
• Participate in hands-on activities and learn about career paths in Health Science!
• Rotating sessions on the topics listed below!

Session Topics:
Health, Physical
Education, & Recreation (Athletic Training, Exercise Science, Pre-Dietetics, Teaching)
Medication Aide
Nursing
Nurse Aide
Paramedic
Personal Training
Physical Therapist Assistant
Pre-Professional Programs

Tuesday, September 23, Registration and check in from 8:45-9:15am

Northeast Community College

Cox Activities Center - Norfolk, Nebraska

Engineers' Week for HS Seniors at ISU

The College of Engineering at ISU has a special day planned for high school seniors as part of their annual Engineers' Week celebration. It is organized and planned entirely by students in the College of Engineering. The week includes guest speakers, a career fair, and various competitions among ISU students as a celebration of the tradition and success of the College of Engineering. 

Senior Visitation Day will be held Friday, September 24, 2015. This is a day designed for high school seniors who are interested in pursuing an engineer degree at ISU. Students and parents will spend the day touring the campus, learning about engineering programs, and meeting engineering faculty and students. There is no cost for the program, simply a great opportunity to get on campus and get connected with engineering students, faculty and staff! 

Online registration and details can be found at www.engineering.iastate.edu/srvis. Register early, the program will fill up!

Handyman Wanted!

A junior or senior male is wanted for approximately 10-15hrs per weekend this fall for general property maintenance, landscaping and handyman work. $10/hr paid in cash! 

Please let me know if you are interested! 

Visit 140 Colleges in One Day!

Please consider attending the Golden Circle College Fair in Des Moines on Sept. 28. The Golden Circle College Fair is traditionally the largest in Iowa. Last year, 140 colleges, universities and career experts exhibited to more than 2,000 students and family members. Take advantage of this opportunity to speak one-on-one with school representatives from across the country.

Golden Circle College Fair

Iowa Events Center – Hy-Vee Hall

Des Moines

Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014

12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Get driving directions.

ACT 2014-2015

The last day to register for the September ACT w/o late fee is this Friday, August 8th! This is most important for seniors needing to test for the first time and/or needing to attempt to improve their score before applying to prospective colleges. Register here! 

Be mindful of all registration deadlines for this academic year!

IMPORTANT FYIs: ILCC Fall 2014

Taking Iowa Lakes CC coursework this fall? 

The opportunity to take college level coursework throughout high school yields many benefits, perhaps the most notable one being the free college credit paid for entirely by Spirit Lake High School. Less student loans - yippee! 

There are many differences between high school courses and college courses (e.g. policies, procedures, consequences). It is imperative that both students and their parents are aware of the differences to ensure a successful outcome. 

Iowa Lakes CC and Spirit Lake HS are implementing a new policy going into the fall 2014 semester: All high school students taking Iowa Lakes CC coursework are required to listen to Secondary Programs' High School Student Orientation podcast or attend a presentation by Secondary Programs. This requirement ensures that policies, procedures, and all pertinent information is relayed and understood by both students and parents. [Parents are encouraged to listen to the podcast or attend the presentation, but not required. All students enrolled in ILCC coursework are required to do one or the other]. Students are expected to turn in a form to the high school office with signatures from both student and parent, signifying the understanding of responsibilities associated with dual-credit courses. 

• The podcast is available to you at your convenience. If you and/or your student are unable to make the presentation, please listen to the podcast, complete the attached form and return to the high school office as soon as possible. 

• The presentation will be August 21st from 6:30-7:00pm in the Black Box. Forms will be available the night of the presentation for students and parents to sign and turn-in. 

Snapshot of very important dates:

• Last day to add a course with automatic book reservation - August 6
• Textbook pick-up is after the presentation on August 21st in the Black Box. Textbooks that are not picked-up at that time need to be picked-up on the ILCC SL campus by August 31st. 
• First day of online ILCC courses - August 25
• First day of face-to-face courses - August 27
• Last day to add an online course - August 29
• Last day to add a face-to-face course - September 5
• Last day to drop an online course w/o penalty - September 8
• Last day to drop a face-to-face course w/o penalty - September 9 

Okoboji Foundation's Youth in Philanthropy Looking for Student Applicants!

Learning the importance of philanthropy and community giving through involvement with the Okoboji Foundation's Youth in Philanthropy. 

This group teaches the Next Generation about the importance of community giving.  Students meet October through May to learn about the Okoboji Foundation and other Lakes Community nonprofits and raise funds to make grants steered by student decision. 

For more information and application materials, please visit their website here. 

Interested students are encouraged to apply now! Deadline for applications is September 8th. 

Manufacturing 101: Learn to Earn

Are you or do you know a male or female senior…

·         who is graduating in the next few weeks?

·         wants to take a break in June?

·         will successfully complete a three-week, manufacturing short course beginning July 7?

·         and be ready for immediate employment to begin a career in manufacturing by early August?

The Iowa Lakes Corridor is sponsoring two, three-week short courses for adults and high school 2014 graduates (aged 18) who want to enter the workforce immediately after completion of the coursework. We have spots at no cost for 15 adult students in each of two summer sessions for a total of 30 adult students. We are calling the courses, “Manufacturing 101: Learn to Earn” with an emphasis on assisting individuals in a respectful, adult-learning setting where they will learn the manufacturing, human relations, career, and safety skills needed to be immediately hired.

The courses are free-of-charge, located at the Spencer High School Industrial Technology building on the Spencer High School campus, and taught by a qualified Industrial Technology Teacher with community college experience. The first class begins on June 9 and the second class begins on July 7. Classes run all day, for 15 consecutive work days. Let me reiterate--there is no cost to participants but students are expected to come to class on time and stay all day in order to simulate the real-world job setting. Successful completion of interviews during the class could mean on-the-sport hiring for student participants. “Successful completion” also means that students will hear from and have a variety of employment settings from which to choose.

Interested 2014 Graduates and other adults can contact the Corridor office at 1.800.765.1428.

Tina Sherrill-Range

Business Education Partnership Professional

Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation

520 2nd Avenue East Suite 2 * Spencer, IA 51301

Phone: 712.264.3474 or 1.800.765.1428

Cell: 712.330.6675

Career Spotlight: Electrical Techonology

Are you good with your hands? 
Do you have a good work ethic?
Like to work with computers?
Don't want to sit at a desk or in a cubicle all day? 
Want to make good $$$? 
Have you considered a career in electrical technology? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for electricians is expected to grow by 20% in the next 10 years!

• Install, maintain & troubleshoot wiring systems
• Operate meters, tools & equipment
• Read blueprints & schematics
• Understand national & state electrical codes
• Install & maintain lighting & control systems
• Install & maintain electric motors

Iowa Lakes Community College's state-of-the-art labs provide hands-on preparation to enter the workforce with confidence, and hours attained in the class count toward a journeyman license. Take the first step toward a better career and get your AAS degree in Electrical Technology!

Careers in Realtime Reporting

Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) is proud to announce Court Reporting (Realtime Reporting) as its newest program! This program will be offered exclusively on the DMACC Newton Campus and is the only Court Reporting program in the state of Iowa. The two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree will prepare students for a variety of exciting jobs that require realtime reporting skills. The work of realtime Court Reporters in not limited to our judicial system. These trained professionals may use their skills to pursue a number of exciting and rewarding options. Among these options are captioning, realtime broadcast captioning, transcribing for conferences and conventions, legal and medical transcription or they may even go into business for themselves as freelance reporters. Average salaries tend to be high and the career outlook for realtime professions is good.

BLS reports 2012 Median Pay for Court Reporters was $48,160/year! Not too shabby! 

2014-2015 Scheduling Begins!!!

Today was the first of the two-day 8th grade registration for fall 2014, and it went splendid! Half of the 8th graders requested elective courses for their freshmen year and the other half enjoyed yummy snacks, took a tour of the high school, and had a Q&A session with some upperclassmen leaders! A HUGE shout-out and thank you to our volunteer leaders: Will Fuelberth, Sage Thompson, Mercedes Moeller, Brittany Hibma, Alison Woodroof, Jenna McCoy, and Caitlin Eckerman!

To assist with choosing electives, I encourage both students and parents to visit the curriculum guide site to learn more about the course options that are available to SLHS students! 2014 SLHS Curriculum Guide

More details on 2014-2015 scheduling for current 9th-11th graders will be unveiled next week, but those students should anticipate 2014-2015 course registration opening for shortly after Easter weekend.

:)

Summer Job Opportunities!

Want to earn some $$$ this summer? 
Do you have a summer job lined up yet? 

If not, check out the summer job openings being posted in the hallway near the high school office! Jobs are being posted daily, check it often!

Job openings include:

• Seasonal Support Staff at local retail shop
• Support Staff at Fisherman's Factory Outlet
• Camp Counselor
• Dock Installer 
• Summer Cook
• Variable positions available at HyVee
• Waiters/Waitresses
• And LOTS more!

You may also contact Employment Connections, Inc. and inquire about additional opportunities! 

Fundraising Efforts for Spirit Lake Family

Please read below regarding fundraising efforts by Shelley Hess for a Spirit Lake family. 

"Hi, my name is Shelley Hess, we are trying to help raise funds to help Sara Fisher out with her medical bills. Sara lives in Spirit Lake, has 3 children. Kiley, Karson and Kaden. She was 1st diagnosed September 17th 2010. Unfortunately it came back. And now Sara is having to go thru several intense treatments. (Radiation & Chemo) Any help would be appreciated. If you aren't able to donate online and prefer to do cash or check we can do that too! Checks payable to Sara Fisher. You can give those to Emily Hess. And of course we are asking for Prayers as she continues down this long road!! 

Thank You!

Shelley Hess"

http://www.gofundme.com/7qzzqo

Please let me know if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Thank you,

Mrs.Nelson

Heavy Equipment Student Workshop Opportunities

Great opportunity for hands-on learning and career exploration! 

Interested students are encouraged to talk with me no later than April 9! 

Ticket to Success

Iowa 4-H Youth Conference 2014

ISU Campus, Ames, IA

June 24-26, 2014

This is an outstanding educational event planned by youth for youth. The conference features keynote speakers, innovative workshops, community service projects in the Ames area, dances, and games. 

Iowa 4-H Youth Conference has something for everyone, with workshops on technology, team-building, nutrition, diversity, and much more! Also a part of the conference, Animal Science Round-Up offers youth hands-on experience at ISU in a livestock area of horse, sheep, swine, beef, or dairy. CSI: Crops also give teens the opportunity to use the latest electronic tools and DNA lab analysis to solve and document a crime scene of crop pests and problems.

The Council has set a goal for 1,000+ youth attendance at the conference this year. The positive atmosphere encourages the making of great new friends and is a constructive way to spend three days of summer. Our goal is for delegates to gain knowledge and skills from service projects, speakers and workshops to take home to communities through the state. 

All students who will have completed 8th grade-12th grade are eligible to attend the conference, membership is not limited to members of the 4-H program. The fee is $175 and covers housing, meals, program costs, and a t-shirt. Not too shabby! :)

Please contact Dickinson County Extension Office (712) 336-3488 for registration information.

Buena Vista University Visit Day

Get to know BVU and discover...

Your passion

• Explore more than 45 student clubs and organizations!

Your major

• Learn more about VU's 50+ programs of study while touring classrooms, labs and studios!

Your supporters

• Realize how affordable BVU can be when you talk with a financial aid expert! 

Attend BVU Visit Day on Saturday, May 3rd from 9am-1:30pm! 

Sign up at bvu.edu/bvuvisit or call 800-383-9600

Stanford University Pre-Collegiate Studies

This year, Stanford University will once again select the finest students from across the US and around the world to participate in its summer programs for high school students.

Both programs offer highly motivated and intellectually curious students the opportunity to explore and discover topics not typically taught in secondary schools. As students engage in small classes taught by Stanford instructors, we will support them in honing their academic skills and achieving academic excellence. They'll form new friendships with intellectual peers from around the world a they get a taste of college life on the beautiful Stanford campus. They'll engage in the many cultural and intellectual experiences the Stanford community has to offer, ranging from musical performances and film series to Nobel laureate speakers. Past students have called their summer at Stanford a life-changing experience.

Summer Institutes

• At Summer Institutes, students ages 14-17 will engage in 3-4 week intensive study single-subject courses with instructors and peers who share their talents, passions, and interests. Coursework is tightly integrated with the social experience in academically themes houses. Courses in areas ranging from biotechnology to entrepreneurship an creative writing are customized to give students deep exposure and hands-on experience. 

Summer College

• At Summer College, students from around the world ages 16-19 will choose from more than 125 college courses in 30 academic departments, earning undergraduate course credit and an official Stanford University transcript. Students in the residential Summer College programs create their own course schedules and experience what life is like as a undergraduate students at Stanford.

To learn more about both programs and their application process, visit here. 

2014 Spirit Lake Common Scholarship Application

Drum roll, please....................................

IT'S SLHS COMMON SCHOLARSHIP TIME!!! 

Seniors, it is imperative that you follow directions in filling out and submitting your application:

1. Read foundation and non-foundation scholarships' descriptors.

2. Complete fillable 2014 Common Scholarship Application, only applying to those you're eligible for.

3. Save the application and send to me via email attachment.
4. Turn in hard copy of FAFSA's SAR (Student Aid Report) to Student Services
5. Follow through with additional requirements requested for Vestergaard scholarship applicants. 

Deadline is Friday, April 11th at 3:30pm, no exceptions will be made! 

Spirit Lake Community School Foundation Scholarships' Descriptions

Scholarship Descriptions for Non-Foundation Scholarships

2014 Common Scholarship Application 

As always, visit Nelson's Scholarship Bank for several additional scholarship opportunities! 

Theatre Job Openings for HS Students

It's audition time at Lake Okoboji. This weekend and next week Treasure Village Children's Theatre is holding auditions for our 2014 summer season.  Students can sign up online through www.treasurevillage.org for an audition slot. This will be our 42nd season of providing creative theatre that appeals to all ages!

Treasure Village employs 7-10 full or part-time actors from June through mid-August.  An individual can be in just one play or in all three.  We try to work with other jobs, but softball/baseball schedules won't work out.   A full-time actor's salary ranges from $1200 and up. 

Going to be a Laker?

Seniors, if your post-graduation plans include attending Iowa Lakes Community College this fall, don't miss the April 1st deadline to fill out their Common Scholarship Application!

#FREE$$$$

Iowa Private Colleges #proof

• 94% of Iowa private college students get financial aid. (For those students who also qualify for federal, state and local grants, the total grant aid (which does not have to be paid back) at Iowa private, non-profit colleges can reach an average of $20,779 per students per year).
• Private = 2x as likely to earn your degree in 4 years 

1. 78% of students who graduated in 4 years from a private college
2. 40% Students who graduated in 4 years from a public university or college

• Fast degree = Money saved

1. $80,640 - 4 years from a private college
2. $102,680 - 5 years from a public university or college
3. $158,780 - 6 years from a public university or college 

• Low income is not a barrier to a private education. Who receives Pell grants?

1. 33% of all students at Iowa private, non-profit colleges
2. 18% at Iowa public universities 

• Better class size = You know your professor = You get more out of your education. (Average student-to-faculty ratio of 12- to-1 at Iowa private, non-profit colleges and universities). 
• That's the #proof! Get more #proof by stepping on campus! 

Visit ThinkIndependently.com

Register today for Iowa Private College Week - A weeklong campus tour event held the first week in August at Iowa's private colleges. 

(Information taken from #proof: Your evidence-based college guide)

Event Management Diploma

Iowa Lakes CC

Event Management Diploma

Spirit Lake Campus  

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, meeting, convention and event planning jobs are expected to increase by 44% by 2020. Iowa Lakes CC Event Management is a 3 term diploma program, and prepares students to successfully coordinate events in a variety of settings such as business, political, grant and giving services, colleges and universities, hotels and restaurants, and event centers. Now is the perfect time to train for this type of career.

On Thursday, February 13th, Heather Asmus from Iowa Lakes CC came to introduce the program and discuss its details with interested SLHS students. The following are a few of her highlights regarding the exceptional program:

***This is a diploma program, and will only take a year to complete (full-time status)                       

***Since it's a diploma program it is a great opportunity to pair it with an AA Degree or AS Degree in Business or Accounting   

***Courses are geared toward helping students learn how to plan a variety of events (weddings, concerts, golf tournaments, political gatherings, fundraisers, etc. )

***The program is specific to the Spirit Lake Campus 

***The program is dependent on internships and hands-on experience. Students will be required to complete 3 internships (one each term) that builds upon their courses. 

***A few courses can be done online, but most will be face-to-face on the Spirit Lake Campus

***Interested students can contact Heather at 336-6561 or hasmus@iowalakes.edu

Summer Career Prep Program

Wondering what you will do this summer?......
Are you thinking about certain careers you might be interested in?......
Do you want to earn high school credit, potential college credit and money?......

SUMMER CAREER PREPARATION PROGRAM

You Acquire:

• Skills to help plan for future education
• Skills needed in a future career
• Job Experience that looks good on a resume
• Job Experience that looks good on a college application

You Earn:

• High School Credit
• Possible College Credit
• MONEY $$$$$$$$
• To pay for today’s extras
• To pay for tomorrow’s education

Students 16 years old+ are encouraged to apply! See Mrs.Nelson for a SCPP application! 

Deadline is March 27th! 

Sports Shooting: New Sport opportunity at Iowa Central CC

Iowa Central Community College is very excited to announce the addition of a men's and women's Sports Shooting team to their athletic department starting the 2014-2015 school year!

• 4 Voice activated trap facilities!
• Athletic scholarships available!
• Travel the Midwest to compete in events!

To schedule a campus visit or for more information, please contact Niki at 515-574-1003 or cummins@iowacentral.edu

FREE ACT Practice Test and more!

Students can go to Sylvan Learning Center in Spencer and take a FREE ACT Practice Test during President's Day Weekend (February 15th-17th). Each student's test will be scored and Sylvan will provide them with an estimated score for each subject area and an overall composite. Students will also receive Sylvan's "College Prep" and information about their ACT Test Prep programs! Space is limited, so call and reserve your testing spot today! 712-580-2008

Coupons available in my office to save $200 on Sylvan's ACT Test Prep program! 

Summer Programs At Lakeside Lab!

I am delighted to announce unique, authentic learning opportunities for high school students at Lakeside Lab this summer! 

See the flier for an Aquatic Microbiology Camp. 

Students will learn how the slime that covers rocks can be used to unlock mysteries of environmental change and indicate the quality of aquatic habitats thorugh the study of diatoms, a fascinating group of microscopic, aquatic organisms. They will have the opportunity to learn to use research grade microscopes, take pictures with them, and use them to practice the scientific method. See the attached flier for more information.

High school students may enroll in selected Lakeside college-level courses. 

Sooooo many to choose from! You can find registration instructions and course list on this link: http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/lakesidelab/public/highschool.html 

Talk with me or any of the SLHS science teachers for more information! 

Connecting Students to Future Success: BUSINESS HORIZONS

• Hear from inspirational Iowa business leaders on topics such as leadership, entrepreneurship, marketing, networking and international business. 
• Learn what it takes to be successful in today's workplace.
• Make financial decisions about business operations.
• Strengthen leadership skills.

What: A week-long, hands-on, action-oriented, live-in summer program for high school students who want to learn about what the future holds for them in the business world.

When: Sunday, July 20th, beginning at 1pm through Thursday, July 24th at 6pm

Who: Any current Iowa high school students (grades 9-12 during 13-14 school year)

Where: Central College, Pella, Iowa

Selection Process: Applications can be downloaded at www.businesshorizonsiowa.com

Cost to Attend: Registration fee includes meals, housing and all program materials. ($300 by April 15, $385 after May 15) College credit option available.

Central College is pleased to announce that any student who participates in Business Horizons and applies, is admitted and choose to attend Central, will be guaranteed a minimum of $12,000 in Central College scholarship assistance, renewable for all four years. 

Say whaaaaaaaat?!?! 

Commercial/Industrial, Telecommunications and Residential Electrical Apprenticeship Opportunities

I just wanted to pass along some information regarding apprenticeship opportunities for those of you interested in pursuing an exciting, lucrative, and rewarding career within the electrical (commercial), residential and telecommunications industry. Apprenticeship locations include: Waterloo, Dubuque, Fort Dodge, Sioux City, Mason City. 

Prospective applicants should check out this site for additional information. 

Taking college courses this semester?

SLHS Students,

If you are taking college courses through ILCC this semester, you are encouraged to look at this powerpoint presentation, a tutorial for high school students on how to be successful in college level courses.

As always, if you have any questions, just ask.     ~Mrs.Nelson

US Naval Academy Summer 2014 STEM Program

What is STEM?

The US Naval Academy focuses on four areas during the Summer STEM Program: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This program is designed to encourage rising 8th-11th graders to pursue a course of study in engineering and technology throughout high school and college.

If this is of interest to you, consider attending the US Naval Academy's Summer STEM Program!

Dates/Grade Level 

June 2-7 (Rising 8th & 9th Graders)
June 9-14 (Rising 10th Graders)
June 16-20 (Rising 11th Graders)

Student Selection

• Applications will be available on 1/6/14 at www.usna.edu/admissions/stem
• Students must be entering 8th-11th grade in the following school year
• Selection is based on geography and student accomplishments inside and outside the classroom

Tuition

The tuition is $350.00, transportation costs not included

United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar

"Once you accept your limits, you go beyond them." -Einstein

The United States Naval Academy's Summer Seminar is a fast-paced, six-day experience that will take you beyond anything you have ever done before. Beyond the ordinary!

The Summer Seminar (Session dates: May 31-June 5, June 7-12 or June 14-19) offers the opportunity for rising high school seniors (those who just completed their junior year) to visit the Naval Academy where they will experience all aspects of the Naval Academy including the academic program and midshipman life. Students will receive an overview of Navy and Marine Corps service options.

Basic Eligibility

*United States Citizen
*Unmarried, not pregnant
*Academic Performance
*Demonstrated Achievement in athletics and extra-curricular activities
*Physically fit, good health
*Positive attitude, good moral character

Student Selection

Applications will be available on January 16th at www.usna.edu/admissions/nass. Selection is based in large part on ensuring geographic representation along with overall accomplishments in and out of the classroom.

Tuition 

The tuition to attend a session is $400.00, not including transportation costs.