NPHS Guidance Office Page

News and Notes from the North Platte High School Guidance Office

By Wes Caruso

September 02, 2008

North Platte High School Guidance Department

North Platte High School Ambassador Program: This program will allow students to assist with events involving the North Platte Public Schools. Ambassadors will serve as the official representatives of the school and will serve in any capacity the administration requests. Selection criteria includes:

Must be a junior or senior
Must be in good academic standing
Must exhibit good character
Must exhibit good communication skills

The selection process involves:

Completing the application
Obtaining 2 teacher/staff recommendation forms
Review of completed application by the Selection Committee

Applications can be picked up in the Counselors' office and must be completed and returned to the Counselors' office by Wednesday, September 10, 2008.

Scholarship Information: Guidance Counselors will be visiting senior English classes on September 23rd to hand out the Post High School Planning Guide. This guide will have valuable information about timelines, college requirements, resumes, the college application process, college visits, entrance exams and scholarships. Local and Mid-Nebraska scholarships will be listed. Throughout the year scholarships and special programs will be announced every Wednesday morning and posted on the school's webpage. Information on scholarships and special programs will be located in the Counselors' office. Seniors are strongly encouraged to set up an appointment to discuss post high school plans.

To find out more information about post-secondary education visit the links page: Post-Secondary Information

Set yourself up for success this year. Follow some of the following pointers to make the most of your high school experience.

College Bound Seniors:

Make an appointment with your counselor to review career goals and college plans.
Start to finalize a list of 3-5 colleges you would like to attend and contact them. Don't miss their application deadlines as they are often related to the scholarships they offer.
Register and prepare for the ACT, SAT or any entrance exam schools may require.
Attend the Educational Planing Program (college fair) September 16th.
Begin the scholarship process by preparing a resume and finding at least 3 people to write letters of recommendations for you.
Be on the lookout for national scholarships and listen for announcements about other scholarships.

Undecided Seniors:

Think about what will happen after high school including your first full time job that will get you closer to your goals.
If you have no idea on what will happen you can seek counsel with a guidance counselor, teacher or anybody that might offer valuable input.
A simple model for a plan would be establishing short term and long term goals and devise a realistic plan on how to achieve them. The act on your plan.
Focus on finishing your high school career strong.

Juniors:

Revaluate what you are trying to accomplish by being in high school.
Strongly consider options including possible schools, military branches or workforce opportunities.
Make sure all of your efforts, attitudes and actions are in line with what your goals are.
Gradually take more and more responsibility for your own success.
Register for the ACT.

Sophomores:

Prepare for the PLAN (practice ACT) test to be given to all Sophomores on October 8th.
Establish a goal as to what you want to do after high school.

Freshmen:

Decide on what your attitude in high school will be. It is very important to start your high school career off positively.
Take with you to high school the positive experiences from middle school and leave the negative experiences. Likewise, embrace the positive attributes of the high school and reject any negativity the high school may present for the sake of your goals.
Be able to distinguish between good and bad advice from upperclassmen.

Parents:

If you have not already done so, obtain access to the Parent Portal by visiting the main office.
Become familiar with your student's schedule, teachers and class requirements.
Frequently speak with your student about their progress in their classes. Seek specifics.

Counselors

Jolene Pettera, All Freshmen

jpettera@nppsd.org

Wes Caruso, Grades 10-12, Last Names Beginning A-G

wcaruso@nppsd.org

Mary Lynn Horst, Grades 10-12, Last Names Beginning H-N

mhorst@nppsd.org

Keri Hammond, Grades10-12, Last Names Beginning O-Z

khammond@nppsd.org

Teresa Schumacher, Guidance Secretary

tschumacher@nppsd.org

Colleen Ashburn, Registrar