The Guidance Gazette

I'm so grateful for the time I've been serving at DMCHS. Your students are a joy and it's been an honor to be their Guidance Counselor! I'll be finishing up at the end of July. Here is my current schedule of open office hours 9am-2pm.

• Tuesday June 2- Friday June 6.
• Friday, June 13
• Tuesday June 18
• Tuesday June 24
• Tuesday July 8
• Tuesday July 15
• Tuesday July 22
• Tuesday July 29

The SAT has replaced the ISTEP requirement for HS'ers so all juniors take the SAT courtesy of the state of Indiana on Thursday March 6. Results will be available Thursday April 3.

The PSAT/NMSQT was held on October 15. Results were available on November 7.

The PSAT 9 & 10 for SAT prep and to help teachers help students better. This test will replace all sessions of MAP testing this year.

PSAT/NMSQT Study Materials

PSAT 10 Study Materials

PSAT 9 Study Materials

SAT Study materials.

SAT dates (Saturdays): REGISTER HERE.

Additional SAT Practice Tests as of February 2025

Students currently have access to 6 SAT practice tests in Bluebook. In February 2025, we're making some changes and releasing additional SAT practice tests to provide students with the most relevant practice resources. Here's what's to expect:

• Practice Tests 1–3 will be removed from Bluebook, though students will retain their practice scores and feedback if they complete those tests before Feb. 3, 2025.
• In addition to current Practice Tests 4–6, students will also have access to four additional SAT practice tests: a brand-new Practice Test 7, and Practice Tests 8–10 which will include a mix of new questions and select questions from the former Practice Tests 1–3.
• PDF versions of Practice Tests 1–3 will be removed from College Board's website and replaced with PDF versions of the updated Practice Tests 7–10.

Students will be able to use the new Bluebook practice tests with our existing practice resources:

• My Practice: Students can log into My Practice to access their practice test score results and details from ANY practice test.
• Student Question Bank (SQB): From their practice test results, students can click "Practice Specific Questions" to create a tailored set of questions from our Student Question Bank that targets the skills they need to review based on their performance on that practice test.
• Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy: Students can go to Khan Academy® directly from My Practice and take advantage of free Official Digital SAT Prep that includes thousands of practice questions, videos, lessons, and hints to help build skills.

Note: By Summer 2025, Khan Academy will release walk-through courses for Practice Tests 7–10 to help students understand important skills and review any missed questions from each of those practice tests.

For the Biology ECA, we expect reports to be received in July.

For AP Calculus, we expect reports to be ready in July.

We know this is a big decision – where to go to school and even what to study. But you’re not alone. Learn More Indiana provides resources and information to help you choose the best path for your career and life. Whether you’re looking for something short-term and flexible, close to where you live or just want to explore what’s possible, this tool can help you find the answers you’re seeking. Get started by using the search bar at THIS SITE.

Take advantage of free job training for Hoosiers in one of Indiana’s high-demand job fields. The Workforce Ready Grant provides tuition-free training in high-paying, in-demand industries. The Employer Training Grant provides reimbursements for employers (up to $50,000) to train employees in high-growth fields.

This is one PRIME EXAMPLE of why you need to complete the FAFSA. Your results from the FAFSA can qualify you for this opportunity! More Info HERE.

Need to work on your career research? THIS LINK can help you get started on your exploration!

Loper is a free mobile app built to help Gen Z navigate their post-secondary options. As students explore on the app, they match with best-fit schools and see content relevant to interests they express on the app, helping them break through the generalized mailers and emails flooding their inboxes today. Loper better engages students through a dating-app style interface that powers personalized content, making educational exploration accessible, transparent, and easy.

You can learn more about how hundreds of counselors use Loper’s free platform to promote discovery and research with their students here

Here is a great resource to help you complete skills and interests surveys and get feedback on aligning career clusters. This tool is what we use in our Prep for College & Careers class!

As you begin your major and career exploration, there are many online tools available. Spending the time to work through these tools will help you narrow down your career and major choices. Remember to take it a few times, your interest always change, and you may have something new show up that you hadn’t considered before!

The INvestEd Education Planning Guide goes step by step through the planning and paying process. From how to choose a career, research important details, & how to minimize student loan debt. Our contact info is throughout the guide as the INvestEd team is always happy to answer your questions!

New opportunity to help with juniors & seniors investigating career options!

You can meet one on one with a mentor living your dream career! This is a local opportunity through our Rotary club. It requires an application so we can connect you to a great fit. Below are the list of interview questions and the application. Connect with Mrs. R with any questions you may have!

This is a free mobile app designed specifically for your parents to make them more self-sufficient and reduce the number of inbound questions that take up your day.

ParentGPS is a 24x7 AI counseling assistant trained by over 300 top experts used by hundreds of school districts across the country. Developed by College Guidance Network (CGN), it is the first AI focused on parents and the college and career questions they have.

ParentGPS, part of College Guidance Network (CGN) and the premier source for college and career readiness, is on a mission to put personalized guidance from over 300 top experts in the pocket of every high school parent—so they always have the answers they need, right when they need them.

CGN is excited to announce the launch of ParentGPS, a free mobile app now available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Why It Matters: Whether parents have questions about financial aid, application deadlines, career paths, or anything in between, ParentGPS is there to help 24/7—anytime, anywhere. Now, the parents you support can log in and receive expert-backed answers instantly, freeing counselors to focus on more impactful, 1-on-1 sessions.

• Eva—the conversational AI counseling assistant, trained by 300+ college & career experts.
• 24/7 availability, providing expert answers on admissions, financial aid, careers, parent-teen dynamics, and more.
• Relevant expert videos and Pdfs included in Eva’s responses.
• Notebook on-the-go—Save your favorite and most-reference answers all in one place.

More information here

They are now accepting applications for their August 2025 class. More info here: https://www.ironworkers395.com/news-details/news/apprenticeship/13453/39370

Jumpstart a career in corrugated packaging with just 1 year of coursework!

Apply today to join the ICPF / Ivy Tech Interdisciplinary Workforce Degree Program for Machine Operators and Maintenance Technicians.

OUR SCHOLARSHIP INCLUDES:

• $2,200 to cover tuition & books
• $800 for travel & expenses
• GUARANTEED PAID INTERNSHIP

BOXES ARE EVERYWHERE.
Discover the industry behind a renewable, recyclable packaging choice.
Do your part for the planet by investing in a career choice that prioritizes sustainability.
Access opportunities for growth, advancement, and full-time employment after graduation.

Ivy Tech students near Indianapolis, Lake County, Fort Wayne, Valparaiso, and South Bend should apply! We’ll connect you with an Ivy Tech campus and a box plant in your area.

Must have completed courses in Key Principles of Advanced Manufacturing & Technology in Advanced Manufacturing with a C or better.

LET ICPF FUND 19 CREDITS TOWARDS YOUR ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE THAT WILL APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING DEGREE PROGRAMS:

• ADVANCED AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS TECHNOLOGY
• MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS
• INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
• SMART MANUFACTURING

Learn more about our industry at www.careersincorrugated.com

Are you, or someone you know, passionate about serving others and making a tangible impact in others lives? Casas por Cristo is offering an internship opportunity designed for anyone that is 18 years and up and are eager to grow in their faith, gain hands-on experience, and make a difference in the lives of families in need.

As an intern, you’ll have the chance to:

• Build homes for families in Latin America
• Work alongside dedicated teams and local leaders
• Grow your leadership skills and deepen your faith
• Experience life-changing ministry opportunities

If you're ready for an adventure that will challenge you spiritually, mentally, and physically, this internship could be the perfect fit for you! Whether you’re exploring a call to missions or simply want to serve in a meaningful way, this experience will equip you with lifelong skills and memories.

To apply or learn more, click the link below.

We can’t wait to see how God will work through you!

LEARN MORE

This summer, seize the opportunity to jump into the world of Computer and Information Technology or Engineering disciplines! Check out the flyer below!

There are several scholarships listed on their website! Ends March 16 at various times.

Please note that each have specifics for county residence!

Example: Horizon Bank Scholarships are for HS seniors who reside in Lake, Porter, or LaPorte county and is going into a banking or business administration major!

For the eleventh year in a row, we're launching the next Work Ethic Scholarship Program and giving away another $1,000,000 in scholarships this year. We’re looking for hardworking men and women who will keep the lights on, water running, and air flowing--people who will show up early, stay late, and bust their asses to get the job done. It's not for everyone, but we know hard workers are out there.

The next scholarship cycle launches FEBRUARY 12, 2025. YOU’LL HAVE TO:

• Enroll in an approved program.
• Sign the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
• Answer 4 questions about the S.W.E.A.T. Pledge.
• Make a video.
• Have 2 solid references from a teacher or boss.
• Verify your school costs.
• Provide high school or college transcript.
• Send your most recent 1040 tax form.
• Submit your application no later than April 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT.

Here is information about the program!

Here’s how Going Merry can assist you this year.

1. Local and National Scholarships - Get matched to personalized scholarships by filling out your profile. The more complete, the better the matches will be.

2. Smart Planner - See your academic journey in one place. Track and explore upcoming milestones to stay up-to-date.

3. FAFSA and CSS Profile Support - Going Merry’s financial aid specialists are just one email away (financialaid@goingmerry.com).

4. College Cost Comparisons - Learn how to understand your financial aid award letters and compare letters side-by-side to make the best financial decision.

5. Financial Aid Appeal Letter Generator - Create and submit a formal request for a school to reconsider its decision regarding your financial aid package.

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Here are some reasons why I recommend Going Merry above other scholarship sites:

• Scholarship bundles: You can apply to multiple scholarships using one application and the same essay prompt.

• Vetted scholarships: The Going Merry team periodically reviews every scholarship listing, to ensure the scholarship program is still active and the information is correct.

• Personal matching: Once signed up, you’ll answer a few questions to fill out a basic profile, and then get matched to scholarships that fit your background, academics, interests, etc.

• Clear organization: You can shortlist favorites and get deadline reminders about them. All drafts and applications are saved, and you’ll get updates on the scholarships you’ve applied to.

• Direct, auto-filled applications: You can apply to many scholarships directly on the site (with forms helpfully pre-filled).

Let Going Merry help you maximize your college aid and see why 2 million+ students use Going Merry! Sign up for your free student account today.

Check out these Indiana Scholarships from the Learn More Indiana site!

https://learnmoreindiana.org/financial-aid/scholarships

INvestEd resources: Here is a Scholarship Search help sheet that could help some of you.

Juniors and Seniors each have 4 days to use for Career or College Preparation. You may use it for a variety of reasons: college visits, trade shows, job fairs, job shadowing. You do not have to use them all. They do not roll over. They do not count against your absences count for exam voucher eligibility.

All requests need to be received by Mrs. Rodriquez's by 7:50 am two full days PRIOR to your absence. If not, it counts as an unexcused absence and does count towards your voucher eligibility.

So always complete your form early! Copies are available outside the Guidance office (room 25A) and the link to the PDF is below as well as on the Guidance part of the website. Need ideas or have questions about how to use these days? Stop by or email Mrs. Rodriquez.

Starting in April 2025, students taking the ACT will have more flexibility and choice with shorter tests, more time per question, and the option to take the test with or without the science section. We'll keep you up to date about these changes as they come in throughout this year!

Please note that we will not be hosting the ACT in the summer of 2025. Area schools continue to host this test throughout the school year. The dates are posted on the Guidance white boards and are on the website below.

Free Test Prep Resources

Sign up for the ACT here

InvestEd is a wonderful resource helping Indiana students connect the dots for post HS plans including FAFSA help!

Check out their many tools and resources including the FAFSA Checklist, College Cost Comparison Worksheet, and their $1k Scholarship Giveaway!