The spring semester brings into focus a few things for our secondary students that Mrs. Ewing will spotlight in the next few newsletters. These topics include next year’s scheduling, summer enrichment & leadership programs for all grades, and scholarship opportunities for seniors.
NEXT YEAR SCHEDULING: Mrs. Ewing will present next year’s scheduling information to our rising secondary students (current sixth through eleventh graders) beginning February 21. Students will receive directions and information for selecting their courses for the 2024-2025 school year. They will bring home a Selection of Studies form to be reviewed, approved, and signed by parents. These forms will be returned to Mrs. Ewing by March 4. Mrs. Ewing will also offer a zoom presentation for parents to view on Tuesday, February 20, 6:30pm. Launch Meeting - Zoom Watch for 24-25 scheduling updates in future newsletters as we progress in the master scheduling process.
Area Opportunities:
Health Care Career Day - On Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, this statewide, virtual event will take students inside Missouri hospitals to learn about the hottest careers in health care and engage in real world learning. All grade levels are invited to join!
Students can register here: 2024 Health Care Career Day (mochamber.com)
Educators can register their classrooms for FREE and log into the Zoom event to participate.
Health Care Career Day was developed in partnership by the Missouri Chamber Foundation, the Missouri Hospital Association and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Leadership Springfield - Leadership Springfield is accepting applications from current high school sophomores and juniors for our 2024-2025 Academy Class. This free community leadership program helps students discover how to be more engaged citizens and develop as leaders in a diverse community. During the seven-month program, students participate in leadership development training, learn about the local community, and coordinate three themed 'field trip days’ where students get to see firsthand how leaders work together to structure and influence the community around them with a focus on equity and inclusion. Students will gain project management skills, leadership training, and a newfound appreciation for the work that goes into making our community function. Most of all, the program is designed to inspire, develop, and connect local students to see the impact they can have on the community. Leadership Springfield provides the Academy program at no cost to students, families, or districts. Program days will not count as absences. Participants also have the option of enrolling in a course through SPS Launch to obtain school credit for this program. See more information on the website.
Club Z In-Home Tutoring Services – Club Z offers learning and academic solutions with tutoring, test prep, and study skills customized for your student’s needs. 417-714-4880; kevinbaker@clubztutoring.com; In Home Tutoring & Online Tutoring - Club Z! Tutoring of Springfield, MO (clubztutoring.com)
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES: Various summer enrichment & leadership programs are offered in Missouri and across the nation. Participating in these programs provides students with invaluable curriculum enhancement, leadership experience, and contributes to the strength of college applications. Mrs. Ewing will send out notices as she learns of any summer program opportunities. You may also check out various programs listed on the Counseling page of the Greenwood website. Counseling Department | Greenwood Laboratory School (missouristate.edu). You will also find other opportunities through your own research and networking. Continue reading for this week’s focus programs:
2024 Missouri Boys & Girls State sessions. Both programs are offered to rising seniors. Boys & Girls State will be held during the same week - June 22-June 29 - at the same site, on the campus of Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. Attendees explore & experience many facets of local & state government through fun and meaningful learning formats. Several scholarship opportunities are available and college credit can be earned. Greenwood has a rich history of representation to both Boys and Girls State.
· Boys: Apply at www.moboysstate.org.
· Girls: Apply at www.missourigirlsstate.org/.
Mrs. Ewing will manage your application from Greenwood’s portal. Early registration deadline was January 31; Application deadline is April 3. Please note that the earlier you apply and are accepted the more likely you will receive sponsorships to cover your participation fees. Greenwood wants YOU to represent the Bluejays in the 2024 sessions of Missouri Girls State and Boys State. Past delegates would advise you not to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity!
Mini-Med School - High School Mini-Med School at the University of Missouri Columbia is returning this June for two sessions. Session 1 runs from June 2-6 and Session 2 is from June 9-13. This overnight camp is for Missouri high school rising seniors who are interested in a career in medicine. Students will attend lectures and will participate in the same Patient Based Learning (PBL) curriculum that Mizzou medical students do with hands-on clinical experiences, simulation and anatomy centers, and social events in the evenings. This is a great experience for anyone who is considering medical school after college.
The cost for this camp is $650 which includes all the camp fees, lodging, camp deposit of $50 and meals. The application is free and there are scholarships available. The application opened Jan 12 and is due March 17, along with a transcript and a letter of recommendation from a past or current Science teacher. For more information about the camp and the application visit: https://medicine.missouri.edu/offices-programs/education/pre-med-outreach-programs/mini-medical-school.
2024 Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institutes - This two-week online enrichment program is designed for academically motivated and intellectually curious students currently in grades 8-11. Each online course provides an in-depth exploration of a single subject, allowing students to enrich their academic interests while meeting other students who share their passions and abilities. View their digital flyer here: share this digital flyer. NOTE: The application deadline is March 29, 2024 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
CoxHealth Medical Explorer Program is holding registration from March 1 - March 28 for students ages 15-20 interested in pursuing a career in the medical field. Medical Explorers is an observation program offering 39 areas throughout the hospital for the students to see the staff in action. Opportunities vary from dietary to surgery and anesthesia allowing the students to narrow down their focus for planning their higher education path. See Mrs. Ewing for an application or contact Kathy Shirley at kathy.shirley@coxhealth.com or go to https://www.coxhealth.com/education/medical-explorers/.
SCHOLARSHIPS: In addition to the scholarship information posted on the website’s Counseling page, Mrs. Ewing will highlight specific scholarship programs and resources in future newsletters.
Scholarship Essays Worksheet - Check out this great resource to help you identify what makes a great scholarship essay, how to write a strong essay of your own, and how to ask for letters of recommendation. Student Worksheet: Essays and Letters of Recommendation - Going Merry
1. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF THE OZARKS (Various Scholarships) – CFO’s scholarship season is open, as of Jan 1! The application deadline is March 24. Seniors should use their personal email to set up an account. CFO has moved to a Universal Application process allowing students to apply for all CFO scholarships for which they qualify through one comprehensive application.
Students will create an account and answer several eligibility questions in the UA. Based on their answers, they will receive a confirmation page which will list the scholarship opportunities that they were found eligible to be considered for. Some scholarship opportunities will require answers to supplemental questions.
Specific criteria information can be found on the “Scholarship Criteria Preview” page on CFO’s website: https://www.cfozarks.org/resources/scholarship-criteria. See step by step instructions on the following pdf: “How to Apply for Scholarships” How to Apply for Scholarships.pdf
2. Missouri Bankers Foundation Scholarship - The Missouri Bankers Foundation established a scholarship program for high school students pursuing a banking related degree program in college. These scholarships help prepare the next generation of Missouri banking leaders. Seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to seven high school students for their first semester tuition payment and/or college expenses. Application postmark deadline is March 1, 2024.
2024_MBF_Scholarship_Form_fillable.pdf (magnetmail.net)
3. Junior League of Springfield Scholarship – The ideal candidate will have exhibited exceptional leadership and involvement within her community. Apply online at https://www.jlspringfield.org/founders-fund-scholarship/.
4. P.E.O Golden Girl Scholarship – The PEO Chapter LC provides this scholarship for exceptional senior women to attend a MO accredited postsecondary educational institution for the next academic year. Interested senior girls can pick up the application form from Mrs. Ewing. Postmark deadline is March 31.
5. Soroptimist Lollar Scholarship – The Soroptimist International of Springfield offers a scholarship of $1500 to a deserving, qualifying senior planning to attend college or vocational school in the fall of 2024. Applicants must demonstrate financial need. See Mrs. Ewing if interested in applying. Applications must be postmarked before April 28.
