October 23      Grade 10 Sophomore Career Information Workshop in Aberdeen

November 13  Grade 12 Scholarship presentation at 6:45 in GHS library

December 1     Grade 12  Financial Aid Information Night at 7:00 in GHS library

October 29              ASVAB                             Grades 11-12

November 5            PLAN – practice for ACT  Grade 10

Dakota State Univ.            Wed., Oct. 29               9- 9:30

NDSU                                Thur. Oct. 30                8:30

SDSU                                Thurs., Oct. 30            11:30

NDSCS                              Thurs., Oct. 30             1-2

Univ. of Sioux Falls          Tues., Nov. 4               12:40

Augustana                        Wed., Nov. 5                 8:30

Southwest MN (Marshall)  Mon, Nov. 10               2:30

Scrubs Camp at LATI in Watertown October 29 (healthcare careers)

Business and IT Camp at LATI in Watertown on Oct. 29 (business/computers)

Ag Cap – November 19 at LATI in Watertown

Transportation Camp  - November

Natural Resources Camp – November

Manufacturing Camp – January

Stop by the Guidance  Office for Information

Just a quick reminder of things to do for the ACT Test on Saturday, June 14 at NSU.  Bring your admission ticket and a driver’s license (photo ID), 2 calculators, pencils with erasers, a watch, and possibly a water bottle.  Be sure and show up at the testing location at least 15 minutes early.  It might be a good idea to review last minute formulas and rules.  Stop by the GO or call if you need further information

The SD Board of Education has required that all students choose a pathway for graduation.  The state has set up this system to encourage SD students to strive for excellence.  Each student will begin in the Advanced Pathway starting in the fall of grade 9.   All students at Groton will be asked to choose a pathway during the first part of ninth grade

Standard

This set of courses meets the state’s basic standards for graduation.  It is designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs and some technical programs.  An agreement, signed by the student’s parents and the school administrator or counselor, is necessary to pursue this path.

Advanced

This set of courses meets the state’s standards for graduation and prepares students for education beyond high school.  It fulfills the minimum requirements for admission to South Dakota’s public universities and to most highly technical fields of study at technical institutes.   

Distinguished

This set of courses meets the state’s highest level of standards for graduation.  It fulfills the minimum requirements for admission to most major colleges and universities.  This pathway satisfies the course requirements of the South Dakota Board of Regents Opportunity Scholarship.

Students in grades 9 and 10 can sign up for tests to be given in the fall by calling 397-8381 or stopping by the GO. 

Fall Grade 10 – The PLAN test will be offered in November (fee approximately $9.50).  This pre-ACT test is appropriate for all students interested in post-secondary education. 

Fall Grades 10 & 11 – The PSAT test is the National Merit qualifying exam will be given in October (fee approximately $14).  This difficult test is appropriate for students trying for scholarships and for those who like a challenge.

Fall Grade 11 – The ASVAB test will be given on October 29 (no fee).  This test is essential for students interested in military careers and is also useful for evaluation of technical skills.

All students must meet requirements for graduation and for college admission.   These lists of courses are detailed on pages 1-5 of the 2007-2008 Curriculum Guide that was mailed to all households grades 8-11 in February.  Please talk to your child about the courses he/she registered for and encourage him/her to take as many advanced courses as possible. Students in upper grades can also register for college courses, AP courses, on-line courses, and courses through the DDN.  These courses can provide college credit, credit by examination, or high school credit. Opportunities for students with on-line technology are limitless.

Often summer vacation provides a chance for students to gain valuable experience and to explore careers.  (Any experience is better than no experience at all!!!)  If your child is interested in obtaining more information about opportunities, please stop by the guidance office.   Students and parents can access Guidance Central, an internet-based career exploration program, at any time.  All students in grades 8-12 know how to access the site (www.bridges.com)  and have received portfolio names and passwords.  If parents would like log-on information, please call me at 397-8381