Rocket Launcher

2004/2005

From the Lincoln Northeast Counseling Center

Welcome back to another wonderful school year at Lincoln Northeast High School. The Rocket Launcher will be emailed weekly to all subscribed individuals. If you are currently receiving the Rocket Launcher and would like to be removed from the list, please email me at srankins@lps.org and request to have your email address removed.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR SEMESTER ONE

September

14 Senior Parent Meeting 7:00 p.m.

24 Homecoming Game

25 Homecoming Dance 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.

28 Deadline to turn in Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading forms for 1st quarter classes. ALSO: Quarter classes dropped after this date will receive an “F”.

29 Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

October

6 Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

22 End of 1st quarter

22 Deadline for senior pictures for yearbook. Information packets are available in the Main Office.

22 Greater Nebraska College Fair, Southeast Community College 8800 “O” Street, Lincoln from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Meet representatives from 150 different 2 and 4-year colleges and the military. This is a great way to get information and career ideas; bring your parents.

25 - 29 NO SCHOOL

November

3, 4, & 10 Order graduation announcements in the North Gym
Concourse; 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Order packet will be available in the Main Office.)

10 - Order cap and gown 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the North Gym Concourse.

11 - Order cap and gown 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the North Gym Concourse.

14 - Deadline to turn in Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading forms for 1st semester classes. ALSO: Students will receive an “F” on their transcripts for any 1st semester classes dropped after this date.

22 - Fall Honors Program

25-26Thanksgiving break

December

6 - Deadline to turn in Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading Forms for 2nd quarter classes. ALSO: 2nd quarter classes Dropped after this date will receive an “F”.

22 - Last day for student-initiated schedule changes for 2ndsemester classes.

22 - Winter break begins at 2:54 p.m.

January

3 - School starts after winter break.

5 - Senior Financial Aid Meeting with Education Quest (periods 5 & 6)

6 - Senior mid-term graduation meeting

12-14 First semester Finals

14 - End of 2nd quarter and 1st semester

17-19 NO SCHOOL

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COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST DATES FOR 2004-2005

ACT -- $28.00

(Register online at www.act.org)

The American College Test (ACT) is curriculum based and includes test areas in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Most LNE students took the pre-ACT test call the PLAN test their sophomore year. Many Midwestern colleges require the ACT. Scores for each section are averaged to create a composite score. A perfect score on the ACT Assessment is 36. It’s best to take the test in the spring of your junior year, with a follow-up in the summer or in the fall of your senior year. The cost of the test is currently $26.00 Students from low-income families can request a fee waiver from the Counseling Center. Registration material are available in room 216 of the Counseling Center.

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration

($17.00 late fee)

October 23, 2004 September 17, 2004 October 1, 2004

December 11, 2004 November 5, 2004 November 18, 2004

February 12, 2005 January 7, 2005 January 21, 2005

April 9, 2005 March 4, 2005 March 18, 2005

June 11, 2005 May 6, 2005 May 20, 2005

ACT to Add Writing Test, February 2005

ACT will add a 30-minute Writing Test as an optional component to the ACT Assessment beginning in February 2005 for students applying to college for the fall semester of 2006 or later.

The ACT Writing Test will complement the English Test. The combined information from both tests will tell postsecondary institutions about student’s understanding of the conventions of standard written English and their ability to produce a direct sample of writing.

Some colleges will require the Writing Test; others will not. Most colleges will accept scores from the Writing Test even if they do not require the test.

Students who take the ACT Assessment will decide whether to include the Writing Test based on the requirements of the institutions to which they are applying.

See your Counselor in Room 212 or 216 for more information. (Taken from ACT’s website www.act.org).
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Improve your ACT score!

ACT Test Prep at LNE

Sundays, October 10 & 17

1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Media Center @ LNE

Learn from an expert!

Joe Gallagher, Friend High School Counselor/

Experienced ACT test consultant will help you:

Improve your score with test-taking strategies
Work through sample problems (BRING A CALCULATOR)
Reduce stress on test day

Cost: $25 (need-based scholarships available, see Mrs. Lohmeyer, Room 216)

Register with Starla in Room 212

(For more information, see Mrs. Lohmeyer, Room 216, 436-1339, rlohm@lps.org)

Registration Deadline: October 6, 2004 (Limited seats available)

Name ____________________________________

Student ID #: ___________________________

Checks payable to Joe Gallagher

SAT -- $29.50

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(Register online at www.collegeboard.com)

The College Board, which administers the Scholastic Aptitude Test, officially refers to this test as SAT I. It’s a four-hour exam that measures verbal and math reasoning skills. Scores on each section range from 200-800 points. You should take it in the spring of your junior year, then again in the summer or fall or your senior year to earn the best scores. The SAT is given at Lincoln East High School. SAT II (subject tests) are also given on these dates. The cost of the test is currently $28.50. Students from low-income families can request a fee waiver from the Counseling Center. Registration materials are available in room 216 or the Counseling Center.

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration

($20.00 late fee)

October 9, 2004 September 7, 2004 September 11, 2004

November 6, 2004 October 1, 2004 October 13, 2004

December 4, 2004 October 29, 2004 November 10, 2004

January 22, 2005 December 20, 2004 December 29, 2004

March 12, 2005 February 7, 2005 February 16, 2005

May 7, 2005 March 25, 2005 April 6, 2005

June 4, 2005 April 29, 2005 May 11, 2005

2004-2005 SAT & ACT Preparation Workshops

Please note: This is the only mailing we will make for LPS ACT & SAT Prep Workshops.

What are the advantages of a preparation workshop?

Familiarizes the student with exam format and instructions.
Reduces anxiety and increases test-taking skills and confidence.

What should you expect from the workshop?

A thorough understanding of test content, organization, and directions.
Successful test-taking strategies for each exam and practice test taking.
Stress management techniques before and during the exam.
Review of many math skills and vocabulary.

What you should not expect from the workshop:

A prep workshop is not a substitute for good academic preparation from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The SAT I and ACT are tests of reasoning, language ability and math ability. Success relies heavily on reading skills. A student should take college prep classes or the most challenging courses he or she can handle. A broad reading background is helpful.
A prep workshop is not a guarantee for test performance that ensures scholarships or college admissions. Based on student reports, the class materials provide an excellent opportunity to review test format and content. But any improvement in test scores depends primarily on the time and energy a student invests in working the course materials.

Are there other ways to prepare for these tests?Absolutely!LPS workshops are an effective yet economical option available to all students. However, for a variety of reasons, parents and students often ask about other options:

Students can study independently with any of the test prep books or CD-ROMs available at bookstores.
Other local test prep options can be found on the internet by typing “ACT or SAT test preparation Lincoln Nebraska” on a search engine. These other options generally cost more than the LPS prep workshops but provide smaller class sizes that may be more suitable for your student’s needs.

Please contact the Counseling Center at your student’s high school for answers to the following questions:

What are the differences between the two tests? Which test should my son or daughter take?
When is the best time to take the ACT or the SAT? Is it helpful to take the test more than once?
When are the ACT and SAT tests offered? How does my student register for the test?

Registrations booklets and testing schedules are available in all high school counseling centers.

Registering for a prep workshop does NOT register your student for either test.

Cost: $60 per workshop. ACT workshops are 7 weeks long. SAT workshops are 6 weeks long.

Contact your student’s counselor if financial aid is needed.

Refund Policy: Cancellation requests must be received before the first class date. A $10.00 handling fee will apply.

Handicap accessibility: Contact Linda Geisert for arrangements (e-mail and phone number below)

Location:Lincoln High School, 2229 J Street, Lincoln, Nebraska

Park in the lot south of the school west of the tennis courts off of Randolph Street.

Enter the south doors and follow the signs to your classroom.

Questions about LPS prep workshops? E-mail lgeisert@lps.org or call Linda Geisert at 436-1301.

Schedule of workshops and registration form: See the reverse side of this form.

ACT WORKSHOPS:

ACT Fall 2004 – Session 1 – maximum 80 students

Wednesday, Sept. 1, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 15, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 5:30-8:45 pm

Register by August 19, 2004

ACT Fall 2004 – Session 2 – maximum 80 students

Wednesday, Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Nov. 10, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Nov. 17, 6:30-8:30 pm

Monday, Nov. 22, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Dec. 1, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 5:30-8:45 pm

Register by October 6, 2004

ACT Spring 2005 – maximum 80 students

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, Feb. 23, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, March 2, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, March 9, 6:30-8:30 pm

Tuesday, March 15, 6:30-8:30 pm

Wednesday, March 23, 5:30-8:45 pm

Register by January 26, 2005

SAT WORKSHOPS:

SAT Fall 2004 – maximum 80 students

Monday, Sept. 20, 6:30-8:30 pm

Monday, Sept. 27, 6:30-8:30 pm

Tuesday, Oct. 5, 6:30-8:30 pm

Monday, Oct. 11, 6:30-8:30 pm

Monday, Oct. 18, 6:30-8:30 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 2, 5:30-8:45 pm

Register by September 3, 2004

SAT Spring 2005 – maximum 40 students

Monday, Jan. 24, 6:30-8:30 pm

Monday, Jan. 31, 6:30-8:30 pm

Monday, Feb. 7, 6:30-8:30 pm

Monday, Feb. 14, 6:30-8:30 pm

Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6:30-8:30 pm

Monday, Feb. 28, 5:30-8:45 pm

Register by January 10, 2005

Students should plan to attend all classes in a session. In the event a student cannot attend an evening, no make up classes will be offered. However, homework for self-study will be provided.

Please keep the top portion as your record of class dates. Return only the bottom portion with payment to:

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Mail to: Linda Geisert, Lincoln High School, 22nd & J, Lincoln, NE 68510

Make check payable to Lincoln Public Schools

[ ] ACT Session 1 Fall 2004 [ ] ACT Session 2 Fall 2004 [ ] ACT Spring 2005

[ ] SAT Fall 2004 [ ] SAT Spring 2005

Please print:

Student Name Grade School

Address (city-state-zip)

Parent's Name Home Phone:

PRINT Parent's e-mail address: Work Phone:

(Parent e-mails are used to confirm registration, send homework, or notify you of changes such as a snow cancellation.)

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ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES…

(Newest opportunities are always listed at the beginning.)

Juniors & Seniors: Kansas State University is holding a College SuccessSeminar on Saturday, October 2 from 9:00-4:00. This seminar is designed to assist students in making the transition from high school to higher education. There is also a session for parents. Cost is $15. Get registration form from Mr. Beard in Room 212. Deadline: September 24.

Seniors: Southeast Community College-Beatrice is holding an Open House on Sunday,October 17 from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. There will be demonstrations, displays, tours, door prizes and scholarships. See Mr. Beard in Room 212 for more details.

The Lincoln Area College Fair will be held at Southeast Community College on Sunday, October 24 from 1:00-3:30 p.m. Over 100 representatives will be there. Financial aid information will also be available.

Juniors and Seniors: If you are interested in being in the military, you should take the ASVAB Test on November 10 from 8-11 a.m. at LNE. This test will tell you what occupations you qualify for. See Mr. Beard in Room 212 to sign up for the test. Deadline: November 1.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars are sponsoring a Voice of Democracy Patriotic AudioEssay Competition. You will need to make an original 3-5 minute essay on a cassette tape or CD on the theme “Celebrating our Veterans’ Service.” The grand prize will be a $25,000 scholarship. See Mr. Beard in Room 212 for more details. Deadline: November 1, 2004.

Mark Your Calendars! The 19th Annual Lincoln College Fair will be held Sunday, October 24, 2004 from 1 - 3:30 p.m. at Southeast CommunityCollege in Lincoln. All of the Nebraska colleges and many from other states will attend the college fair. Students of any age are invited to explore their college options by attending. It is a great opportunity to meet with college admission representatives and pick up admission applications and scholarship information. The event is free of charge. There will be two presentations on financial aid that day as well. Sponsored by EducationQuest Foundation and the Nebraska Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.

UNO will be having a free UNO-Kaplan Test Service event on Saturday, September 11 from 8:30-12:30. You have a choice of taking a practice ACT or SAT test. Parents can register for College 101 seminars. To register call 1-800-KAPTEST. Deadline:September 10.

Juniors and Seniors: You are invited to attend the College of Hair Design Open House on Wednesday,October 27 from 10:30-2:00 and also on April 6. There will be career presentations, a free lunch, salon job fair and prizes. To register, please call 477-4040.

If you have engaged in a volunteer activity since September 1, 2003, you might be interested in applying for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. LNE honorees will receive a Certificate of Achievement. They will be eligible to be selected as a State Honoree who will receive $1,000 and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent toWashington, D.C. in May for several days of recognition events. National Honorees receive an addition $5,000 awards. Get your application from Mr. Beard in Room 212. Deadline: October 22.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha will be hosting various Open Houses throughApril 4 from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Activities will include academic organization fair, campus tour, and panel session. For reservations, please call 1-887-884-6287 or go to website at www.openhouse.unomaha.edu.

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Rocket Launcher

From the Lincoln Northeast Counseling Center

IMPORTANT DATES FOR SEMESTER ONE

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST DATES FOR 2004-2005

ACT -- $28.00

(Register online at www.act.org)

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration

($17.00 late fee)

October 23, 2004 September 17, 2004 October 1, 2004

December 11, 2004 November 5, 2004 November 18, 2004

February 12, 2005 January 7, 2005 January 21, 2005

April 9, 2005 March 4, 2005 March 18, 2005

June 11, 2005 May 6, 2005 May 20, 2005

ACT to Add Writing Test, February 2005

ACT will add a 30-minute Writing Test as an optional component to the ACT Assessment beginning in February 2005 for students applying to college for the fall semester of 2006 or later.

The ACT Writing Test will complement the English Test. The combined information from both tests will tell postsecondary institutions about student’s understanding of the conventions of standard written English and their ability to produce a direct sample of writing.

Some colleges will require the Writing Test; others will not. Most colleges will accept scores from the Writing Test even if they do not require the test.

Students who take the ACT Assessment will decide whether to include the Writing Test based on the requirements of the institutions to which they are applying.

See your Counselor in Room 212 or 216 for more information. (Taken from ACT’s website www.act.org). ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Improve your ACT score!

ACT Test Prep at LNE

Sundays, October 10 & 17

1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Media Center @ LNE

Learn from an expert!

Joe Gallagher, Friend High School Counselor/

Experienced ACT test consultant will help you:

Improve your score with test-taking strategies

Work through sample problems (BRING A CALCULATOR)

Reduce stress on test day

Cost: $25 (need-based scholarships available, see Mrs. Lohmeyer, Room 216)

Register with Starla in Room 212

(For more information, see Mrs. Lohmeyer, Room 216, 436-1339, rlohm@lps.org)

Registration Deadline: October 6, 2004 (Limited seats available)

Name ____________________________________

Student ID #: ___________________________

Checks payable to Joe Gallagher

SAT -- $29.50

(Register online at www.collegeboard.com)

Test Date Registration Deadline Late Registration

($20.00 late fee)

October 9, 2004 September 7, 2004 September 11, 2004

November 6, 2004 October 1, 2004 October 13, 2004

December 4, 2004 October 29, 2004 November 10, 2004

January 22, 2005 December 20, 2004 December 29, 2004

March 12, 2005 February 7, 2005 February 16, 2005

May 7, 2005 March 25, 2005 April 6, 2005

June 4, 2005 April 29, 2005 May 11, 2005

2004-2005 SAT & ACT Preparation Workshops

Please note: This is the only mailing we will make for LPS ACT & SAT Prep Workshops.

What are the advantages of a preparation workshop?

Familiarizes the student with exam format and instructions.

Reduces anxiety and increases test-taking skills and confidence.

What should you expect from the workshop?

A thorough understanding of test content, organization, and directions.

Successful test-taking strategies for each exam and practice test taking.

Stress management techniques before and during the exam.

Review of many math skills and vocabulary.

What you should not expect from the workshop:

Are there other ways to prepare for these tests?Absolutely!LPS workshops are an effective yet economical option available to all students. However, for a variety of reasons, parents and students often ask about other options:

Students can study independently with any of the test prep books or CD-ROMs available at bookstores.

Other local test prep options can be found on the internet by typing “ACT or SAT test preparation Lincoln Nebraska” on a search engine. These other options generally cost more than the LPS prep workshops but provide smaller class sizes that may be more suitable for your student’s needs.

Please contact the Counseling Center at your student’s high school for answers to the following questions:

What are the differences between the two tests? Which test should my son or daughter take?

When is the best time to take the ACT or the SAT? Is it helpful to take the test more than once?

When are the ACT and SAT tests offered? How does my student register for the test?

Registrations booklets and testing schedules are available in all high school counseling centers.

Registering for a prep workshop does NOT register your student for either test.

Cost: $60 per workshop. ACT workshops are 7 weeks long. SAT workshops are 6 weeks long.

Contact your student’s counselor if financial aid is needed.

Refund Policy: Cancellation requests must be received before the first class date. A $10.00 handling fee will apply.

Handicap accessibility: Contact Linda Geisert for arrangements (e-mail and phone number below)

Location:Lincoln High School, 2229 J Street, Lincoln, Nebraska

Park in the lot south of the school west of the tennis courts off of Randolph Street.

Enter the south doors and follow the signs to your classroom.

Questions about LPS prep workshops? E-mail lgeisert@lps.org or call Linda Geisert at 436-1301.

Schedule of workshops and registration form: See the reverse side of this form.

ACT WORKSHOPS:

ACT Fall 2004 – Session 1 – maximum 80 students

See your Counselor in Room 212 or 216 for more information. (Taken from ACT’s website www.act.org).
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