examSecond Semester Exams

As you know, we are changing the process for administering final exams. This semester students are taking exams by subject (English/Math on Tuesday; Science/Social Studies on Wednesday and Spanish on Thursday).

NOTE: The second exam on Thursday (10:15-12:15) is the Make Up exam and for those students taking multiple classes in one discipline (for example two science classes).

Room Locations: To find your exam room for each exam, select this link.  You may not be in the same room for every exam.

Tuesday, May 26
7:45-9:45        ENGLISH
10:15-12:15     MATH

Tuesday, May 27
7:45-9:45        SCIENCE
10:15-12:15     SOCIAL STUDIES

Wednesday, May 28
7:45-9:45        SPANISH
10:15-12:15    MAKE-UP’s – For students who need to do a “make-up” exam or take a second subject exams (e.g. A student enrolled in 2 Science courses)

Community Service Forms Due!

community serviceRemember to turn in any Community Service forms from work that you did this semester by next Friday, May 29. Community service performed over the summer is due the first week of school.

LINK TO COMMUNITY SERVICE FORM

 

Summer College Application Boot Camp – for rising seniors (Class of 2016) – there is still room for you!!

We still have room for a few more rising seniors to join us for our annual College Application Boot Camp. To register, simply select the link below and complete the registration and payment form.

Boot Camp Details

Dates: AuguApplication_Boot_Camp2st 3-5 from 9 a.m. – 12:00 noon; Optional college visit day on August 6th (USF, Tampa)
Cost: $100 (includes all expenses except lunch at USF)
Registration: Limited to the first 20 seniors who register
Schedule: click here

Course Selection 2015-16: Next Steps

  • May 22: Dual Credit process deadline. Complete all steps required by this date.
  • July 1: Approved schedules available – you will be notified by email
  • August: Ms. Holderby & Mrs. Joseph available for any additional counseling re: courses
  • First week of school: Drop/Add period – all schedules are final after this period. You cannot drop or add a class in the middle of a semester.

All of the AP/Dual Credit handouts are available above (AP/DC 2015-16). The process for SPC and CCC are outlined as well as handouts for each AP/DC course.

PSAT Preparation this Summer

Calvary Christian High School administers the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) each year to students in grades 9-11.  This year’s administration will occur on October 14, 2015. As mentioned in a previous calvary2college article, this administration will be the first of the redesigned SAT Assessments.  Rising juniors should take advantage of the summer to review their results from the PSAT taken this past year and address any weaknesses prior to going into the all-important administration of the PSAT/NMSQT as an 11th grader.

Why do we give the PSAT at CCHS? Here are just a few reasons:

  • It’s good practice for the “experience” of taking standardized exams in general.
  • For 9th and 10th graders, gaining familiarity with the PSAT allows students to feel more confident when it comes time to take the SAT.
  • For 11th graders, taking the PSAT may qualify them for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Only 11th graders are entered into this competition.
  • Information gained from the PSAT self-assessment as well as the test scores helps students in defining the “best fit” for college.
  • Colleges use the data gained from the PSAT to begin recruitment of students.
  • Students can take advantage of fantastic resources provided by The College Board to do further research on colleges, academic majors, and other valuable information pertinent to their college search process.
  • Additionally, The College Board provides feedback on areas of academic strengths and weaknesses. This information is incredibly helpful for addressing any deficiencies prior to taking the actual SAT.

How Can I prepare for the PSAT this summer?

Practice – Use the free test preparation materials provided by The College Board: PSAT Test Preparation Website. Practicing for standardized tests is very similar to preparing for a marathon. As you practice, be sure to simulate the time pressure you will be under.

Read, read, read!!  Find a few good books you really enjoy and take them with you to the beach, the pool, etc. As a culture, we don’t read enough and it shows in various ways. Readers are leaders, so become both. 🙂

Use reputable tutors to help address any areas of weakness identified on previous practice tests. Sometimes these “weaknesses” are just fundamentals you have forgotten (e.g. grammar). However, you may also identify true deficiencies. A good tutor will be helpful in assessing these areas and developing a plan to address them. This takes time, so don’t wait two or three weeks before the test to seek this kind of help.

ACT/SAT Information – Dates for School Year 2015-16

The ACT/SAT Test Dates for the 2015-2016 school year will be posted once The College Board releases their information.  The ACT has already done so (click here).

Please remember that beginning in March, the new Redesigned SAT will be administered. Rising seniors will feel the most impact from this transition year. Taking the ACT or SAT is a graduation requirement. When signing up for the SAT or ACT you should include the Writing section.

Looking for ACT or SAT Test Preparation Information?

ACT Test Preparation

SAT Test Preparation

Free SAT preparation now offered by Khan Academy. SAT practice tests will be available in June.

**Tutoring Information: CCHS is pleased to inform you that we have two staff members and a parent who also do SAT & ACT tutoring. If you are interested, please contact them.

Mrs. Lavonna Eudy – SAT/ACT Math only. Mrs. Eudy can tutor during your student’s study hall period. On average, her students have scored 60-80 points higher on the SAT math portion. Cost: $40 per session. Book is required.  Contact her by email at theudys@gmail.com or by phone at 727-515-2957
Ms. Annette Morales – SAT Critical Reading only.  You can contact Ms. Morales at her CCHS email address for further information.
Mrs. Amy Smith, Advanced Learners Private Tutoring – SAT/ACT tutoring. Email: asmith@advancedlearners.com
Mr. Merle Barlow – SAT Math only. His office is located in room ST314 (third floor of the church wing). Please contact Mr. Barlow at merlealvinbarlow@verizon.net or at 727-724-6030 to schedule tutoring.

Prospective Student Athletes

Students interested in playing intercollegiate sports should be aware of the requirements from the NCAA or the NAIA. Please observe deadlines related to sending your transcripts to the appropriate eligibility center.

Senior Corner

Important Dates for Seniors

  • Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal – May 28  from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
    • 9-11:30 a.m.: graduation practice, issue cords & stoles
    • 11:30-12:30: Lunch break (on your own/off campus if you wish)
    • 12:30-4 p.m.: Class photo with caps & gowns; individual photos receiving your diploma
    • What to wear
      • Men – hair trimmed, clean-shaven; white collared shirt, navy or black pants, dark tie, dark dress shoes
      • Ladies – dark dress/skirt that is appropriate length for dress code; hair and makeup ready
      • All – You must bring your cap and gown pressed and on a hanger.
  • Class of 2015 Commencement Ceremony – May 29
    • Seniors report to the choir room at 5:45 p.m.
    • Please, no parents in the gym prior to graduation.

Other Reminders

Once you have indicated the school you will be attending in Naviance, don’t forget to request your final transcript. Students athletes also need to request a final transcript for NCAA or NAIA. Final transcripts requested in Naviance will be sent on Friday, June 5th.

Always check your college email and your student website at the colleges you are accepted to. Be aware that at some point you will have a university email address created for you. Faculty and other college administrators (e.g. financial aid) use email and the student portal almost exclusively to communicate with students.

Know who to communicate with regarding questions you have. If in doubt, always go back to your admissions counselor/admissions office. They will know where to direct you to get your answers.

Amy Holderby and Cindy Peabody, College Placement Advisors
Calvary Christian High School Clearwater,  FL