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September 2015 Volume 1 Issue 1
Fall Happenings in Counseling
It is hard to believe how fast
September is moving! The
Counseling Department has been very
busy all of September meeting with
students regarding their schedules,
grades, credit recovery and transitions
into the new school year. Counselors are currently meeting with all
freshmen to introduce ourselves and to let our freshmen know of all the
services available in the counseling department! Counselors will meet
with seniors to review transcripts, college applications, scholarships and
numerous other opportunities through our department.
In this issue….
Fall Happenings in Counseling
1
Faces in Counseling
2
PSAT & STAMP/SLIP
3
Schedule changes
4
SAT vs ACT
5
College Visits
8
Save the Date
9
Senior Information
10
Common Application Tips
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The start of the school year can be very challenging (getting used to a
new schedule, meeting and/or reconnecting with friends, etc.). During
this time, we strongly encourage families to communicate with their
school counselor. School counselors assist with academic, career and
personal/social development. They function as a facilitator between
parents, teachers and the student in matters concerning the student’s
goals, abilities and any areas needing improvement. In every newsletter,
we will have the contact information (email, phone number, etc.) for
your school counselor. Below are some ideas of when you might initiate
contact with your child’s school counselor:
Discuss your child’s challenges and concerns with the school counselor. As a
parent, you know your child best. However, the school counselor can help you
better understand your child as a student. It’s important to encourage your
child’s expression of needs, hopes and frustrations. School counselors are
trained to help your children.
Learn about your child’s school and social connections from the school
counselor. When you need information or assistance, your child’s school
counselor can help you get in touch with the appropriate school officials; learn
about school policies on behavior, attendance and dress; know the school
calendar of important dates; and stay connected with the school in many other
ways. The school counselor can also help you locate resources in the community
when you need them.
Work with the school counselor to identify resources and find solutions to
problems. If your child is having a problem at school, it is important to work with
your child’s school counselor to find solutions. Discuss resources available within
and outside of the school, and get information on how such programs can benefit
your child. Your school counselor can be a valuable partner in your child’s
education at Madison and life after graduation.
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Faces in the Counseling Center
Malaina Guzman
A-F Caseload
mguzman1@pps.net
The Madison Counseling department has
expanded! Please help us welcome Jerardo
Marquez! He may look familiar to some as he
interned at Madison three years ago. Jerardo
brings experience facilitating Equity student
groups, technical knowledge, and a great
sense of humor and comradery.
Jerardo Marquez
K-P Caseload
jmarquez@pps.net
Erin Hale of Jerardo, Madison
With the addition
G-J + AVID Caseload
ehale@pps.net
counseling is
now organizedDavid
by Salerno
alphabet to
Owens
Counseling Intern
better serve our community.
Erin Hale
G-J + AVID Caseload
ehale@pps.net
David Salerno Owens is joining the counseling
staff as an Intern from Lewis & Clark College.
He will be here twice a week all year long.
David has experience mentoring and
supporting students from his work with the
GEAR UP program.
Julie Hunt
Counseling Secretary
jhunt@pps.net
David Salerno Owens
Counseling Intern
Kelly Shelton
Q-Z Caseload
kshelton@pps.net
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PSAT Testing
On Wednesday, October 14th, Madison will be administering the PSAT to all current sophomores
and a few select Juniors. This exam is extremely important not only as a tool to be exposed to
and predict how a student will do on the real SAT, but the scores are also sometimes a factor
used for class placements, so try your best!
The PSAT is a test that measures critical reading, math, and writing skills. This test is similar to the
real SAT, which we don’t suggest taking until the Winter or Spring of Junior year. This test does not
require students to recall specific facts from classes. As Juniors, high scores can result in
scholarship opportunities, such as the National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test (NMSQT). Currents
sophomores and pre-registered Juniors must report to school at the regular start time. More
detailed information to come…stay tuned!
STAMP/SLIP Tests
STAMP/SLIP tests are internet-based tests that are an option for high school students to earn
academic credits for language proficiency and may allow a student to fulfill the district’s two
year world language requirement. The STAMP/SLIP tests are offered in many languages such as
Arabic, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, French, German, Russian, Vietnamese and
Spanish. There is a NO fee to register to take the test. Students can earn up to 4 credits. For
more information and to register for the tests, please contact your school counselor.
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Schedule Changes/Last Day to Add/Drop Classes
By the time you receive this newsletter, your student has
received their schedule and is in the full swing of school.
We highly encourage you to review their classes to make
sure they have all of their required courses (i.e. math,
science, English, etc.). If you have any questions, please
feel free to contact us …. just remember we receive a lot of
calls/emails this time of year so it might take us a little while to get back to you.
The last day to add/drop classes for first semester without penalty will be
Thursday, September 17 , 2015. After this date, a dropped class will result in a
Withdraw Fail as a final grade. We would like to avoid this at all costs, so please
be in contact with your student’s teacher and counselor ASAP!
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Mental Health Resources/School Based Health Clinic
Madison High School has school-based mental health counselors available five days a
week. This service is being offered through a partnership with Multnomah County.
Therapists will see students by appointment. To be seen by a therapist, a referral needs
to be initiated by your student’s school counselor. If you believe your student could
benefit from mental health counseling, please contact your school counselor.
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The SAT and ACT are standardized tests used widely in the college admissions process.
The SAT assesses college readiness by testing critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills. The exam
lasts three hours and 45 minutes (for actual testing time), and includes these three sections:
• Critical Reading: tests a student’s vocabulary, understanding of sentence structure and organization, and ability
to answer questions based on a reading passage.
• Math (or quantitative): tests knowledge of geometry, functions, probability, algebra, statistics, and data analysis.
Now allows usage of a graphing calculator.
• Writing: includes multiple-choice questions and a short essay, where students respond to a given prompt.
Each section is scored out of a possible 800, with a total possible score of 2400. The SAT Reasoning Test is offered
by the College Board. On each test date, you can take either the SAT or up to three SAT Subject Tests.
The ACT assesses college readiness by testing what a student already knows in English, Mathematics, Reading and
Science. The exam lasts 2 hours and 55 minutes (for actual testing time), plus an additional 30 minutes if you are
taking ACT plus Writing (optional). All the sections are multiple choice with the exception of the Writing Test.
• The English section tests punctuation, grammar, sentence structure, and consists of five prose passages with
accompanying questions.
• The Math section tests various levels of algebra, geometry, and some trigonometry, and permits use of a
calculator.
• The Reading section tests reading comprehension.
• The Science section covers background knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics and earth/space sciences.
• The Writing test (only available with the ACT plus Writing test) consists of one writing prompt, where the
student is asked to present a point of view on an issue.
Each section is scored out of a possible 36; the score report also includes a composite score out of 36. The ACT is
administered by The ACT.
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Every college and university in the United States will
accept either the SAT or ACT.
So which should you take?
Princeton Review states, “It’s all about the numbers. Some students end up scoring substantially higher on the SAT;’
others do better on the ACT. In lieu of a crystal ball, we created the Princeton Review Assessment (PRA) designed
to help you determine which test is a better fit with your abilities.”
7. ACT questions tend to be more straightforward.
ACT questions are often easier to understand on a first read. On the SAT, you may need to spend time figuring out
what you’re being asked before you can start solving the problem. For example, here are sample questions from the
SAT essay and the ACT writing test (their name for the essay):
SAT: What is your view of the claim that something unsuccessful can still have some value?
ACT: In your view, should high schools become more tolerant of cheating?
2. The SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary.
If you’re an ardent wordsmith, you’ll love the SAT. If words aren’t your thing, you may do better on the ACT.
3. The ACT has a Science section, while the SAT does not.
You don’t need to know anything about amoebas or chemical reactions for the ACT Science section. It is meant to
test your reading and reasoning skills based upon a given set of facts. But if you’re a true science-phobe, the SAT
might be a better fit.
4. The ACT tests more advanced math concepts.
In addition to basic arithmetic, algebra I and II, and geometry, the ACT tests your knowledge of trigonometry, too.
That said, the ACT Math section is not necessarily harder, since many students find the questions to be more
straightforward than those on the SAT.
5. The ACT Writing Test is optional on test day, but required by many schools.
The 25-minutes SAT essay is required and is factored into your writing score. The 40-minutes ACT writing test is
optional. If you choose to take it, it is not included in your composite score- schools will see it listed separately.
Many colleges require the writing section of the ACT, so be sure to check with the schools where you are applying
before opting out.
6. The SAT is broken up into more sections.
On the ACT, you tackle each content area (English, Math, Reading and Science) in one big chunk, with the optional
writing test at the end. On the SAT, the content areas (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) are broken up into 10
sections, with the required essay at the beginning. You do a little math, a little writing, a little critical reading, a little
more math, etc. When choosing between the SAT and ACT, ask yourself if moving back and forth between content
areas confuse you or keep you energized?
7. The ACT is more of a “big picture” exam.
College admissions officers care about how you did on each section of the SAT. On the ACT, they’re most
concerned with your composite score. So if you’re weak in one content area but strong in others, you could still end
up with a very good ACT score and thus make a strong impression with the admissions committee.
Source: Princeton Review
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College Entrance Exam Registration Dates and Deadlines
For a side by side comparison of the SAT and ACT go to Kaplan and for additional key differences, go to Study
Tips. There are several resources in Multnomah County to help students prepare for the SAT or ACT. Check with
For the 2015-2016 school year
your counselor for a complete listing.
SAT Test Date
Registration
Deadline
Late Registration
Deadline (extra fee
applies)
October 3,
2015
September 3,
2015
September 18,
2015
November 7,
2015
October 9,
2015
October 23, 2015
December 5,
2015
November 5,
2015
November 20,
2015
January 23,
2016
December 28,
2015
January 8, 2016
March 5, 2016
February 5,
2016
February 19, 2016
May 7, 2016
April 8, 2016
April 22, 2016
Jun 4, 2016
May 5, 2016
May 20, 2016
SAT Test Date
Registration
Deadline
Late Registration
Deadline (extra fee
applies)
September 12,
2015
August 7, 2015
August 8-21, 2015
October 24, 2015
September 18,
2015
Sept. 19-Oct 2, 2015
December 12, 2015
November 6,
2015
November 7-20,
2015
February 6, 2016
January 8 2016
January 9-15, 2016
April 9, 2016
March 4, 2016
Mary 5-18, 2016
June 11, 2016
May 6, 2016
May 7-20, 2016
To register, go to ACT
Please see your counselor if you receive free or reduced lunch.
To register, go to the College Board
Please see your counselor if you receive free or
reduced lunch.
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UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
In B2, College & Career Center
All visits are posted in Naviance under ‘upcoming college visits.’ To attend an event, register in Naviance. See your
counselor, counseling secretary, or Career Coordinator for login information.
Date & Time
College/Military
Mon., Sept. 28 @ 10am
Evergreen College
Wed. Sept. 30 @ 1pm
Hawai’I Pacific University
Wed. Sept. 30 @ 1:30pm
Pacific Lutheran University
Tues. Oct. 6 @ 10am
OregonTech
Wed., Oct. 7 @ 10 am
Willamette University
Wed. Oct. 14 @ 10am
George Fox University
Friday, Oct. 23 @ 9am – 12pm
National College Fair at the Oregon Convention
Center
Saturday, Oct. 24 @ 1pm – 5pm
Register at: NACAC Student Registration
Mon. Oct. 26 @ 10am
Colorado College
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Event
Date
Counselor Groups with Freshmen in CCE classes
Week of Sept. 14
Late day to add/drop classes before WF
Sept. 17
Activities Fair (main hallway)
Week of Sept. 21 during FLEX time
Counseling curriculum with seniors in Gov/Econ classes
Week of Sept. 28 – Oct. 2
SUN School Tutoring Begins (Library)
Week of Sept. 28
Counselor groups with Freshmen in CCE classes
Week of Oct. 12
PSAT (Sophomores + some Juniors)
Oct. 14 (during school)
Parent/Teacher Conferences (Cafeteria)
Oct. 20-22
College Application Week in the College & Career
Center(CCC)
Nov. 2-6
ECMC College Nightthe MHS Auditorium
Nov. 5 (ALL grades are welcome!)
Counseling curriculum with juniors in English
Week of Nov. 9
Counseling curriculum with sophomores in US History
Week of Nov. 23
FAFSA & Scholarship Fair
Dec. 1 (seniors & parents/guardians only)
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SOME HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR SENIORS AND THEIR PARENTS
 Be sure to check Naviance on a regular basis. We are constantly updating it
with current events, workshops, college information, SAT/ACT information
and everything you need to know about College Planning.
 If you haven’t already done so, you need to fill out a resume/Activity Chart,
Student Information Sheet, and encourage your parents to fill out the
Parent Brag Sheet on Naviance. Click on “document library” on the
welcome page of Naviance to find the links for students and parents. Your
counselor needs this information to write your letter of recommendation.
Give your counselor and teachers at least two weeks before your
application due date.
 Carefully review your transcript. Notify your counselor immediately if you
think there might be an error.
 Update your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” in Naviance. As you apply to the
college, move the college over to “Colleges I’m Applying To.” Please be sure
to request transcripts from Naviance in order for your request to process
smoothly.
 Register for the SAT’s and/or ACT’s. If you have a December deadline,
November is the last time to take the SAT/ACT (and that’s pushing it!).
 You are responsible for keeping track of your deadlines.

Be sure to send your ACT/SAT scores to your colleges directly from
ACT/Collegeboard’s website.
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The Common Application is used by most private schools to apply to college. It allows students
to complete one application with their personal information, involvement in activities and
community service and several essays that get sent to all the schools that request it so that
students don’t waste time applying separately. If there are fees that colleges will charge to
apply, the student pays them through the Common Application when he/she submits before
the deadline.
 The website for the Common Application is: https://www.commonapp.org. We invite
all grade level of our students to look at the types of questions that are included so
they can get explore and become involved in activities early in high school.
 Always remember that counselors can access waivers for college fees for any student
who is on free/reduced lunch.
 State schools (University of Oregon, OSU, PSU, UC Berkeley, U of Washington, and
University of Montana) do NOT use the Common Application. You find their
applications on their websites.
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4 Things Students Should Know about
the Common App Click Here
3 Things Parents Should Know about
the Common App Click Here
2015-2016 Essay Prompts Click Here
How to link your MHS Naviance
account with your Common App coming soon!
Common App Requirements Grid Click Here
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FIND THEM IN NAVIANCE:
 Login to Naviance
 Go to the Colleges Tab
 Scroll down to Scholarship List
 Search for scholarships!