Husker News from the Counselor’s Corner

August 2014

Cindy Bentley, CounselorStephanie Mercer, Secretary

Welcome Back

Greetings from the Student Services Center! My name is Cindy Bentley and I am the high school counselor. I am excited to begin my third year here at Lafayette County C-1 High School. My office is located in the Student Services Center where Stephanie Mercerserves assecretary. You may reach me by phone at 660-584-6085 or by email at . Please do not hesitate to call or stop by the counseling office for more information.

I plan to provide a quarterly newsletter to parents and students with information about upcoming events, college and scholarship information, ACT testing dates, career information, parenting tips, and information on other topics.I encourage each of you to regularly visit and click on the High School tab. There, you will find direct links to the Counselor’s Corner and Scholarship pages, as well as other services designed to support our students.

Testing Just Around the Corner

The Stanford 10 test will be given to ALL freshman students sometime during the month ofSeptember. The Stanford 10is a multiple-choice assessment that helps educators find out what students know and are able to do. This instrument provides a valid and reliable tool needed for objective measurement of achievement. Teachers use the scores to identify and help children who are at risk of being left behind.

The PSAT/NMSQT test will be offered to interested juniors on October 15, 2014. The PSAT is not mandatory and therefore requires a fee of $14. Considered a Pre-SAT exam, high scores may qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship.

The PLAN or Pre-ACT test will be administered to ALLsophomores free of charge on October 21, 2014. More information will be available as the dates approach.

Class of 2014: Senior Salute

Senior year is an exciting time for many, but it can also be a time of uncertainty and worry. To ease some fears you may have, listed below are a few important facts and dates that will keep you up-to-date about the many opportunities offered to C-I seniors.

  • Senior/Parent Orientation: Seniors and their parents are invited to attend an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at6:30pmin the high school cafeteria. Topics that will be discussed include: planning for the future, researching colleges and careers, taking the ACT, applying for college admission and scholarships, and financial aid. Bring your questions and a pen or pencil!
  • Daily Bulletin: Many of our seniors take dual credit coursework at Wentworth, attend the Technical Center in Lexington, or utilize work permits during the morning blocks. They may miss out on valuable information shared in the daily bulletin so it is important that you read the bulletin posted on the bulletin board across from the high school office as you arrive, or take time to visit the school website (
  • Deadlines: Familiarize yourself with the registration/application deadlines for colleges, the ACT test, scholarships, and service opportunities. The main reason students don’t get their first choice college or housing or scholarship dollars is because they miss crucial deadlines.
  • Campus Visits:The fall is the best time to visit the campuses of your favorite colleges. Use one of your college visit days to check them out first hand! Special forms are needed so see Mrs. Bentley or Mrs. Mercer for more information.

2014-2015 ACT Test Dates

Mark your calendars if you plan to take the ACT during the 2014-2015 school year. We recommend that juniors take the ACT at least once, usually during the April test. Although seniors may choose to take the test several times, testing in either September or October will ensure ACT scores for the December 1st Priority Application Deadline designated by most Missouri four-year colleges and universities. The Priority Deadline of December 1st is not only tied to housing and scholarship dollars, but also allows seniors to have a jump start on college planning. For more information on how to sign up for the ACT and application deadlines, contact Mrs. Bentley in the Guidance Department.

Register for the ACT online at Our ACT school code is 261400.

Test DatesRegistration Deadline

October 25, 2014September 19, 2014

December 13, 2014November 7, 2014

February 7, 2015January 9, 2015

April 18, 2015March 13, 2015

June 13, 2015May 8, 2015

(June test is NOT given here at Lafayette Co. C-1 HS.)

Back to School Tips for Parents

(From

Education is a partnership, and children are more likely to succeed if they have the support of parents, teachers, and adult mentors. Here are a few tips to keep our children safe and help them achieve:

1)Avoid chaos and make a smooth transition from summertime to school time by beginning to change the family schedule. Establish routines which include regular bed and meal times.

2)Have a positive attitude toward education, and let your child know you value learning. Let your child see you reading, pursuing your own interests and developing new skills.

3)Talk to children about school. Ask open-ended questions and listen to the answers. Your curiosity and attention will make them feel important and spark their enthusiasm for learning.

4)Establish a set time for homework, and if possible, create a homework area.

5)Establish and maintain a relationship with your child’s teacher.

6)Don’t speak negatively in front of your child about his/her teacher or school. If you have a problem, address it with the school.

7)Get to know other parents. They are a great resource for information and support.

8)Encourage your child’s natural curiosity and interests through extracurricular activities.

9)Celebrate effort and learning—not just grades

New School Year…Get Involved!

C-I has many options for students who want to make the most out of their high school career. Join today!

Academic Bowl

Art Club

Band

Blue & Gold Singers/Girls Glee

Chess Club

Drama Club/Speech & Debate

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America)

FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)

FTA (Future Teachers of America)

HYDRO

Math Relays

National Honor Society

National FFA Organization

Peer Helpers

Science Club

Science Olympiad

Spanish Club

Student Council

Various Athletics

Yearbook