Student-Parent Connection
In an effort to spark discussion between parents and students about life as a middle school/high school student
and college, we have decided to incorporate some discussion questions into our newsletter. We hope they
provide a starting point for some great conversations!
The Connection
EDUCATIONAL TALENT SEARCH
is located at the:
Learning how to manage your money is a “must” for any teenager. Knowing how to manage your money is called
financial literacy. Topics in this area include savings, credit cards, checking accounts, interest rates, budgeting,
needs versus wants and more.
University of Wisconsin-Stout – 13 Harvey Hall – Menomonie, WI 54751
(715) 232-1250
www.uwstout.edu/ets
FALL 2012 EDITION
• What are some everyday costs adults are responsible for paying (examples: rent, utilities, etc.)? How
much do you think these typically cost on average?
• What is a need? What is a want? How do those things differ when it comes to spending or saving?
• Parents- what are three tips you could share with your student about how to manage their money?
Building Your Academic Portfolio
The term ‘academic portfolio’ sounds like a fancy, complicated thing, right?
Not so! An academic portfolio is simply a collection of some of your best work
throughout middle school and high school. (And when we say ‘portfolio’, we
really mean anything from a folder to a shoebox to a file drawer in which you
keep all these pieces. You can organize and format later!)
ETS STAFF
“Every child must graduate ready for further education and the
workforce. We must align our efforts so all our students are
prepared to succeed in college or a career.”
— State Superintendent Tony Evers
Heather Barke, Advisor
barkeh@uwstout.edu
While you may already be saving some of these things, below is a list of items to
consider adding to your portfolio. Also keep in mind- this portfolio is something
you will develop over time.
Karen Smolarek, Advisor
smolarekk@uwstout.edu
Sandy Moua, Advisor
mouas@uwstout.edu
Jennifer Giesking, Office
Associate
gieskingj@uwstout.edu
UW-Stout’s Educational Talent
Search is a 100% federally
funded TRiO Program serving
700+ students annually with
$296,548 awarded per budget
period.
Portfolio items may include:
• A report card or transcript demonstrating good grades and attendance
• A great piece of writing or another assignment (a work of art, poetry,
project, book report, etc.)
• The names and contact information for any teacher, coach, club sponsor
that could serve as a reference for you
• A note with the name of anyone who would be willing to write a letter
of recommendation for you
• A work-in-progress resume
• A fact sheet that details your hobbies and interests
• Copies of college entrance exam results (ACT, SAT, COMPASS,
Accuplacer)
• A list of any activities you are involved in (both inside and outside of
school), including community service and volunteer work
• Honors/Award information, including certificates of awards/honors or
newspaper articles about your achievements
How can parents help shape this portfolio to be the best it can be? Encourage
your student to add to it after each semester or school year. Better yet- add to
it throughout the year! You may also be interested in developing an e-portfolio
(electronic portfolio). Some suggested sites to visit are:
https://sites.google.com
http://www.foliospaces.com
http://foliofor.me
www.epsilen.com
This portfolio will come in handy when applying for a job, applying to college,
searching for an internship, while networking with other young professionals
and more.
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-STOUT
W I S C O N S I N ’ S P O LY T E C H N I C U N I V E R S I T Y
University of Wisconsin-Stout
13 Harvey Hall
Menomonie, WI 54751
Educational Talent Search
1st Class Mail
US Postage Paid
Menomonie, WI
Permit No. 3
54751
Senior Timeline: Fall
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Look Where We’ve Been!
Continue to take a full course load of college-prep courses. This includes 4 credits of English, 3 credits of science, 3
credits of college-prep math, 3 credits of social studies and 1 credit of a foreign language.
Keep working on your grades. Make sure you have taken the courses necessary to graduate in the spring.
Continue to participate in extracurricular and volunteer activities. Demonstrate initiative, creativity, commitment, and
leadership in each.
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Attend ETS meetings.
Make a calendar showing application deadlines for admission, financial aid, and scholarships.
Be on the lookout for scholarships and grants--- and make sure you know the deadline to apply for each.
Register for the ACT or SAT if you need to retake it.
Be sure you have requested (either by mail or online) that your test scores be sent to the colleges of your choice. School
transcripts also need to be sent.
• And most importantly... APPLY TO COLLEGE! We recommend you apply early (before Thanksgiving) and to at
least 3 schools. Application fee waivers are available if needed. Please see your ETS Advisor for more info.
What’s next? This January-March you will apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal
Student Aid) form. We encourage every student to file a FAFSA. You will also be narrowing down your school selection.
Impressive! Building birdhouses at Beaver Creek Reserve
After a great day of learning at the
Festival of Nations
Ways to Minimize College Debt
There have been a lot of headlines about the rising costs of college. With these rising costs, some even question whether a
college degree is worth the money. We here at ETS are here to tell you that, yes, a college degree is worth the time, effort
and money for many reasons. A college degree equates to more opportunity, increased earnings over a lifetime, a more
global view of the world…and that is just the short list!
But, like any responsible person, your student should aim to minimize college loan debt. Seniors- read the list below and
keep these things in mind as you apply to college this fall. While this topic will be covered in more detail as the year
continues, below are a few tips for ways to minimize the financial burden while earning a degree.
• Choose a public institution, or, if possible, earn general education credits at a two year college and then transfer to a
university.
• Comparison shop when it comes to colleges. Learn about extra fees that may be included in your tuition at one school
but an additional fee at another (example: use of the fitness facility).
• Set a budget and only take out the loan amount you need to cover this budget. This budget should include costs
associated with tuition, books, fees, and basic living expenses. It should not include vacations or other non-necessary
items.
• Aim to accept as many federal loans as possible. These come with lower interest rates and are more flexible as far as
when they have to be paid back. Private loans often come with high interest rates and have to be paid back rather
quickly.
• Plan to complete your degree in the specified time. In other words, avoid changing your major multiple times. If you
attend a university, attend summer school or take more credits during the semester to ensure you graduate within four
years.
• Save before enrolling in college. This can help with basic living expenses. Get a part time job while in college to help
cover these expenses as well. (This can also help build a resume.)
• Apply for scholarships and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid completed in January/
February of your senior year)--- you never know what money you may be eligible to receive.
University of Minnesota campus visit
A visit to UW- LaCrosse
2012-2013 ACT Test Dates
Registration Deadline
(Late Fee Required)
September 8, 2012
August 17, 2012
August 18 – 24, 2012
October 27, 2012
September 21, 2012
September 22 – October 5, 2012
December 8, 2012
November 2, 2012
November 3 – 16, 2012
February 9, 2013
January 11, 2013
January 12 – 18, 2013
April 13, 2013*
March 8, 2013
March 9 – 22, 2013
June 8, 2013*
May 3, 2013
May 4 – 17, 2013
*We encourage Juniors to test on these dates. We also recommend Juniors take the test twice. Test fee waivers are
available for anyone who may need one.