Academic Night

Our Academic Night will be held on 1/30 at CHS.  We will kick off with a meeting for 8th and 9th grade parents at 5:30 in the Auditorium.  Then, at 6:00 we will have various booths open to showcase our various courses and organizations. 

We will also have sessions the following sessions:
- The Road to Success- Making choices in high school to maximize your ability to get scholarships and get into the college of your dreams.
- 8th Grade Parents- Everything you need to know about high school
- Earning College Credit at CHS- How to navigate the Dual Credit Process

Course Selection for Next Year

Course Selection for Next Year




It is already time to start picking classes for the next school year! Counselors have been meeting with sophomores and juniors in order to prepare them for course selection. We will also be using a new program called Bridges to help the students explore career clusters and develop four year plans. Please make note of the following dates.



1/30/12 Academic Night 6:00 PM- Students can visit different booths to learn about various classes, we will also have sessions the following information sessions- Class of 2016, The Road to Success- using resources at CHS to plan for a successful college experience, Dual Credit- everything you need to know



2/8/12 Course Counseling- Students teachers will explain



2/9/12 Course Selection- Students will turn in a rough draft of course selections during Tiger Time



2/10/12 Course Selection Sheets Due



3/1/12 Verification sheets given to students during Tiger Time



4/27/12 Deadline to make changes to course selection using the Verification Sheet

PAWS program

The Counseling Department is starting a new incentive program for current freshmen called PAWS (People Acting Wisely at School). Students will be able to earn a PAWS pass to visit one of our visiting dogs. PAWS passes will be awarded by the students’ assistant principal when they have shown improvement in their behavior. During PAWS time the student will be able to read to the dog and possibly teach the dog a new trick! The dogs utilized by this program will have undergone extensive obedience training and are working towards their Canine Good Citizen award. These dogs will be handled by our lead counselor, Lydia Joiner. The dogs will be located in the Tiger Den and the Library. Please let Mrs. Joiner know if you have any concerns or issues regarding this program.

Petroleum Engineering Fair

The Society of Petroleum Engineers and Energy4Me is hosting a Petroleum Engineering Fair at Oak Ridge High School on Tuesday 11/15 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. 

Events in the CCC

The following schools will be visiting in the CCC during all lunches:
11/4- Texas ATM
11/8- Ohio State

Financial Aid Night 11/10 at 6PM in the CCC.

The CCC is also offering E-Compass testing on 11/12 and 11/14. But, you must register ahead of time.

Study Skills 101

The counselors are offering a study skills class.  Students must register by 11/8 and the course is 11/12 from 8AM -1PM in the LGI.  Lunch will be provided and a parent/guardian must attend with the student.  Applications are available in the Tiger Den.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This week our guidance lesson during Tiger Time will focus on domestic violence awareness.  Did you know that one in three teens report knowing a friend or peer that has been hit, punched, kicked, slapped , or physically hurt in other ways by their dating partner?  It is important to discuss domestic violence with teens because patterns of dating violence often start early and carry through into adult relationships.  You can help those in abusive relationships break the cycle of violence.  Use the following websites as a resource:
http://www.loveisrespect.org/
http://www.breakthecycle.org/

You can also call 1-888-988-TEEN.

College and Career Focus Night

Don't miss our annual College and Career Focus Night on Monday 10/17 at 6PM in the auditorium.  We look forward to seeing you there!

College/Career Focus Night

I hope everyone had a great time at our annual CISD College Night!  Let's keep the college theme rolling.  Come to our College/Career Focus Night on 10/17 at 6:00.  This night is different than a typical parent night because you get to pick the sessions you attend.  There will be enough time for you to attend 3 sessions. 

The topics are  Picking Your College, Scholarships 101, Future Seniors- the class of 2015, Alternatives to Four Year Schools, College Entrance Exams are Us, Help! I'm a senior and haven't started, and Advanced Courses for College Readines.

College Night

Don't forget that Tuesday 10/11 is our annual CISD College Night at the Lone Star Convention Center 6:30-8:00 PM.

Events in the College and Career Center

Upcoming Events in Association with your College & Career Center




Iowa State University will be in the CCC on Monday, Oct. 3, 2011 during the lunch hour.



Ohio State University will be in the CCC on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011 during all lunches



Portland State University-will be in the CCC on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011 during all lunches.



Oklahoma City University will be in the CCC on Monday, Oct. 10, 2011 during all lunches.



College Night-District College Fair at the Lone Star Convention Center in Conroe Oct. 11, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.



Navy Scholarship Presentation by the Marines in the CCC during 6th period on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011. Come and learn how to complete this $180,000 scholarship application.



Stevens Institute of Technology will be in the CCC during all lunches on Friday, Oct. 14, 2011.



New York University Polytech University will be in the CCC during all lunches on Monday, Oct. 17, 2011.



College Focus Night will be in the LGI for parents and their students, grades 9-12 are invited, Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, from 6:30 p.m.



Navy Scholarship Presentation by the Navy in the CCC during 7th period on Oct. 20, 2011. Come and learn how to complete this $180,000 scholarship application.



Northeastern University in the CCC during 6th period on Friday, Oct. 21, 2011.



Mini College Fair will be in the CCC during all lunches, over 15 colleges will be in the CCC, come and visit with them open to all students, Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011 during all lunches.



General Information Session on Financial Aid-Seniors are encourage to attend, Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011 at 6:00 in the CCC.



Kaplan Combo Test Nov. 12, 2011 for Juniors in preparation for the Spring SAT and ACT- registration is in the CCC-cost is $2.50.



Military Service Academy Night in the LGI on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011.

Leadership Montgomery County

Juniors- Don't forget to apply for Leadership Montgomery County.  Come to the Tiger Den for an application or see your English teacher.

College Visits in the CCC

The following schools will be visiting students during all lunches in the College and Career Center:
9/26- Texas A&M Corpus Christi University
10/3- Iowa State University
10/10- Oklahoma City University
10/14- Stevens Institute of Technology

Mark your calendar

Mark you calendar for the following parent meetings sponsored by the counselors.

September 17- PSAT Boot Camp (students must register at http://ready.conroeisd.net/)
October 11- College Night at the Lone Star Convention Center 6:30-8:00
October 17- College Focus Night at CHS 6:00
November 10- Financial Aid Night 6:00-7:00 in the CCC
December 6- Military Service Academy Night in the LGI 7:00-8:00
February 9- FAFSA Workshop in the CHS Library 6:00-8:00
March 8- FAFSA Workshop in the CHS Library 6:00-8:00
May 21- Senior Awards Night in the Auditorium 7:00
May 26- Graduation 10:00 AM at Sam Houston State University

We will also have more dates in the spring!


Follow us on Twitter @ConroeCounselor for more updates too!

Open House is tonight!

I hope to see everyone at Open House tonight!  Parents should arrive at 6:00 and report to your student's first period classes.  If you need a copy of your student's schedule come see us in the Cafeteria.

Leadership High School

Are you interested in learning more about leadership?  Are you a junior?  If so, come and check out Montgomery County Leadership High School.  Conroe High School will be able to send 3 juniors to this great program!  See Mrs. Joiner's website for details.

goo.gl/tZeAm

PSAT

The PSAT will be given on October 12 to all sophomores and juniors.  Freshmen may sign up to take it in the Academy office for $13.  We are also offering a PSAT boot camp on September 17.  You can find information about PSAT boot camp at http://ready.conroeisd.net/

Counselors' Corner

Come visit with us in the cafeteria during all lunches!  You will be able to discuss your credits, schedules, and anything else.  We look forward to eating lunch with you.

Counselor websites

Our counselors have been very busy this week!  In addition to checking schedules they have also been updating their individual websites.  Check out Ms. Revada's at http://goo.gl/ZhSK9

College Visits in the CCC

We have several colleges and universities that come to our College and Career Center during lunch.  Students can come during their lunch period to visit with the different colleges without a special pass.  This is a great opportunity for our students!  Below are the colleges visiting us, stay tuned for more:

UT Austin on 9/12
St. Edwards University 9/13
Iowa State University 10/3
Stevens Institute of Tech. 10/14

Other special events:
10/11- College Night Fair at the Lone Star Convention Center 6:30-8:00 PM
10/25- Mini College Fair in the CCC during all lunches

Start of School

We are already busy working with seniors on college planning.  Our College and Career Center counselor spoke with all the seniors during their English classes on Friday 8/26 and Monday 8/29.  The College and Career Center has its own website at http://chs.conroeisd.net/teachers/mharbin/

Textbook pick up

We will be passing out schedules and textbooks to upper classmen according to the schedule below:

Seniors- Come Tuesday 8/16 from 5-7PM
Juniors- Come Wednesday 8/17 from 5-7PM
Sophomores- Come Thursday 8/18 from 5-7PM

Freshman Orientation

Orientation for the CHS class of 2015 will be this Saturday 8/13 at 8:30AM.  Freshmen will get to learn all about our great traditions and get a tour of the school.  We will also be passing out schedules and books. 

See you there!

CHOOSE

The CHOOSE classes must now be completed on our campus.  The CHOOSE room will be open for students needing to finish assignments on 8/2 at 9AM.

AP Scores

AP Scores have been released.  Students should get their scores in the mail from College Board.

New college affordability information released

The US Department of Education has released its new College Affordability study.

goo.gl/HHYrq

Things to do in the summer

"What should students be working on in the summer?" is a popular question these days.  There are many things that students should be doing during the summer break to prepare for the next year.  Most of the activities recommended for students will depend on the student's grade.  Here are a few things I would recommend:

All grades:
1. READ!!!!  Keep up your reading skills by finding good books or magazines that hold your interest.  Also, find someone to talk to about what you are reading.
2. If you are in Pre-AP/AP/or Dual Credit classes, then you already have homework!  See our website for more details. http://chs.conroeisd.net/


Freshmen:
1. Mark your calendars for Freshmen Orientation on August 13.  This is a great chance to learn more about CHS!
2. Start getting into a routine of getting up early at least 1 week before school starts.  First period will start at 7:16AM.
3. Start looking at the CHS website to learn about the school in advance.

Sophomores:
1. This year you will take the PSAT for the first time.  CISD has a great website at http://ready.conroeisd.net/.  This lists the test prep classes available and gives the link to College Board.  Sample test questions are available at the College Board website and you can sign up for the SAT question of the day.
2.  If you have not yet become involved in a club or organization, then start looking at the clubs and organizations page on our website, http://chs.conroeisd.net/Clubs/home%20page.  Make a list of at least 3 clubs or organizations you want to check out when school starts.

Juniors:
1. You will also take the PSAT this year.  But, this year you will be eligible for the National Merit Scholarship based on your PSAT score.  So, its worth it to really study for this test!
2. Start looking making you list of potential colleges and universities.  Our College and Career Center maintains a website at http://chs.conroeisd.net/teachers/mharbin/

Seniors:
1. You need to take your SAT or ACT test this summer if you have not already done so!  Use the CCC to help you find their different sites.
2. By the end of the summer you should have narrowed down your list of potential schools.  Use Naviance to help you look at different schools.  Naviance can also help you narrow down your list of potential college majors.
3. Write your academic resume.  You will work on this as part of your English class during the school year.

AP Testing

College Board will mail AP scores directly to the students in mid-July.  If you took an AP test and do not get your score by August 1, you will need to contact College Board.  Be sure to have your AP number, it is listed in the student pack you were given at the end of your test.  AP services can be reached at 888-225-5427.

Summer School

Conroe ISD has several different options for summer school. 

Some students decide to take classes for the first time in summer school.  Doing this enables the student to have more open slots during the school year to take electives.  There are 2 different programs for students taking initial credit.  The first is the "accelerated" program; this program has different start dates and includes:  Alg 1, Geometry Pre-AP, Geometry, Math Models, World Geography, Spanish II, Spanish III Pre-AP, Dual Credit US History, and English 4B.  The other program runs along side regular summer school and it includes Art 1, BIM, PE, Communication Apps, Government, Economics, and Health.

Students needing to retake courses can take regular CISD summer school.  It will be offered at The Woodlands College Park.  Students can enroll at CHS until June 8th.  The last day to register for session 1 will be June 9th at College Park.

If you have any questions, please contact your counselor or Mrs. Joiner.

Black History Month

The month of February is Black History Month.  Social Studies teachers will be sharing African-American "firsts" in all their classes during the week of February 20th. 

Some amazing facts I discovered this year are:
- Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented the Shoe Lasting mashine, which connected the upper part of the shoe to the sole, a painsaking process that was usually done by hand.
-Joseph Winters invented a fire escape ladder in 1878.

What are some other amazing things you've learned about Black History this month?