Class of 2023
JOHS Counseling Connection
November 28, 2022
How to Read the Newsletter in a Different Language
To translate the newsletter into another language, click anywhere on the newsletter so that it opens in a browser. At the top of the screen will be a "translate" dropdown box where you can choose which language and have it translated (see picture).
Para traducir el boletÃn a otro idioma, haga clic en cualquier parte del boletÃn para que se abra en un navegador. En la parte superior de la pantalla habrá un cuadro desplegable de "traducir" donde puede elegir qué idioma y traducirlo (ver imagen).
Newsletter Contents
- JOHS Counseling Senior Survey (please complete)
- October Senior Meeting Information
- Graduation
- NEW! Protocol for Deadlines Over Winter Break
- NEW! What does the EFC number mean when I submit my FAFSA?
- IMPORTANT! Next Steps After FAFSA Appointment
- IMPORTANT! What if I missed my FAFSA appointment?
- IMPORTANT! Who is considered a parent for FAFSA purposes?
- Handouts to Help with Completing FAFSA
- FAFSA Step-by-Step Webinars
- October ACT Re-take Scores
- My October ACT Re-take Scores Don't Show in myACT Account
- IMPORTANT! Next Steps for TN Promise
- Tennessee Promise for December Graduates
Included in Every Issue:
- College Fairs and Lunch Visits
- College Field Trips with Ms. Wilson
- College Application and ACT Fee Waivers
- ACT Practice Opportunities
- ACT Test Dates
- Credit Recovery
- School Counselor Contact and Appointment Information
- College and Career Planning Personnel Contact and Appointment Information
- Helpful JOHS Counseling Schoology Group Resource Folders
- Quick Button Links
JOHS Counseling Department Senior Survey
Link to Survey: https://forms.gle/18B8LJRyG1mGrS8F9
Senior Class Meeting Documents
Here is a link to a folder with the Powerpoint and one pager from the senior meeting on Wednesday, October 26. Be sure to look over this information.
Link to Documents: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bHrPEUg9NNR4NvktpGZ-7UDf_9HV9-i0?usp=sharing
Graduation
Deadlines Over Winter Break
If you have college or scholarship applications that are due over winter break or the week after we return in January, please have your letter of recommendation requests to teachers and counselors by Wednesday, December 7. This gives counselors and teachers a week and a half before break to complete your request as they may not check email regularly during the winter break.
What Does the EFC Number Mean on the FAFSA?
After you submit your FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Please look over the SAR to make sure all the information you entered is correct. The SAR email will also let you know if you need to make some corrections because information did not match.
Within the SAR email, you will see an EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) number. The EFC is NOT a dollar amount. The number is created using a mathematical formula from the information you entered on the FAFSA. The lower the EFC, the more financial aid you are eligible to receive.
The colleges or technical schools you listed on the FAFSA will send you a Financial Aid Award letter in late spring which tells you what financial aid they are offering you based on the information you entered into the FAFSA and the cost of attendance for that college or technical school. Then, you and your parents can compare the offers to see which financial offer is the best for your finances. A private college with high tuition might give you a better offer than a public college. More on how to compare financial aid offers in late spring.
Next Steps After FAFSA Appointment
Yes, you had your FAFSA appointment the week of November 14. Now, what do you do?
Step 1: Log back into your FAFSA within 30 days of when your appointment happened. If not, the information you entered will disappear, and you will have to start over.
Step 2: Parent should check all the sections student completed.
Step 3: Parent should complete the parent demographics and parent financial information sections.
Step 4: Parent and student should complete the student financial information section.
Step 5: Parent and student must sign the FAFSA using their FSA IDs.
Parents with no Social Security Number
Parent citizenship does not matter when completing the FAFSA, only the student's citizenship or visa will matter. Parents with no social security number cannot create an FSA ID and will need to print a signature page to sign the FAFSA. The signature sheet must be mailed to the address on the form.
The parent will enter 000-00-000 in the box for social security number in the parent demographic section of the FAFSA. A tax identification number cannot be entered in place of a social security number.
The parents will need to print a signature sheet, sign the sheet, and mail to the address listed in order to fully process the FAFSA.
These are the documents and information parents will need to complete the FAFSA:
- Student email address (not your high school email) and cell phone number
- Parent* email address and cell phone number
- If you are a Tennessee resident, the month and year you began living in Tennessee
- If your parents* are Tennessee residents, the month and year your parents began living in Tennessee
- Student Social Security number
- Your parents’* Social Security numbers (If your parents do not have a social security number, they won't be able to create an FSA ID to electronically sign the FAFSA. You will need to print a signature page, have parents sign it, and mail the signature page to the address on the form. You will put all zeroes in for their social security )
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, your permanent resident/green card
- Your parents’* dates of birth
- Student driver’s license or state ID, if you have one
- The month and year your parents* were married, divorced or separated
- The highest level of school your parents* completed
Documents
- Student and parent 2021 federal income tax forms (including W-2s/1099s/Schedules filed)
- Most current statements from all accounts (checking, savings, investments, etc.)
- Child support paid or received
- Value of investments, farms or business
- Other 2021 year benefits (workers comp, military, clergy, veteran amounts)
Who is considered a parent on the FAFSA?
Open the flow charts below to determine who is a parent and which ones have to be included on the FAFSA. The parent who claims the student on their taxes does not matter. That does not determine the parent information that must be included on the FAFSA.
What if I missed my FAFSA appointment?
If you missed your FAFSA appointment last week, you and your parents can complete the FAFSA at home using the documents, information, videos, or webinars below. You may also make an appointment with Ms. Sievers, Ms. Wilson, Mr. Bryan, or Ms. Morales. Their contact information is at the end of this newsletter.
Handouts to Help with Completing FAFSA
To see if you qualify for financial aid for college or technical school, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA each year you are in college. The Class of 2023 needs to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA. Students wanting to use TN Promise must complete the FAFSA by March 1. However, students should complete the FAFSA as soon as they can. The FAFSA is also required to get the HOPE scholarship, Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant, and other TN financial aid programs.
NEW! Helpful State Website with Step-by-Step Videos: https://www.collegefortn.org/FAFSA/
FAFSA Step by Step Webinars
The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) is offering live 2023-24 FAFSA walkthroughs every Monday evening at 6:00 p.m. CT through December 12.
Parents and students must register to join the live demonstration using the links below:
November 28: https://tn.webex.com/tn/j.php?RGID=r7022050b35b7697437e659434cca48f2
December 5: https://tn.webex.com/tn/j.php?RGID=r01a17347f24d9679d52914dfe66d942c
December 12: https://tn.webex.com/tn/j.php?RGID=rd714662146f4bfa5931718212f2394ef
Also available are recorded 2023-24 FAFSA Section-by-Section Videos.
The six, 5-minute’ish recordings from the 12th grade family perspective can be found at https://www.collegefortn.org/fafsa/
October ACT Re-take Scores
Some of you may be able to access your October ACT Re-take Scores in your myACT account. Some may still need to wait. See the attached Powerpoint for how to check your scores and what they mean.
You will also receive a copy of your scores in the mail if your address was correct. Here's a video on How to Read Your Score Sheet:
My October Scores Don't Show in My Account
If you didn't log into your MyACT account before the October re-take and attach your state test to your myACT ID, then you may have been given a new ACT ID number. That means you have to call ACT with both ID numbers and have them merged. If you think this is your issue, please email ashley.sievers@mnps.org or come by her office in Room 144. She can look to see if you have two ACT ID numbers and give you the information to get your account merged.
Next Steps for Tennessee Promise
Complete These Tasks to Remain Eligible for TN Promise
- November 2: Start required TN Promise Community Service
- Eight hours of community service is required to stay eligible for TN Promise (Due July)
- Report hours through your TN Achieves CONNECT account (will need name and contact information of volunteer supervisor)
- Activate TN Achieves CONNECT Account https://connect.tnachieves.org/activate
- This account is where you will report your community service hours.
- Your mentor will also contact you through this account.
- Apply to your TN Community College or TCAT campus where you plan to use TN Promise
- Complete the FAFSA by March 1: Complete early to make sure you don't miss out on some free grant money to cover other expenses.
- January 19 @ 2:35pm Mandatory TN Promise Meeting (JOHS Cafeteria)
- Students must attend to remain eligible for TN Promise.
- Strict excuse policy. Visit link for information about the excuse policy and how to submit your absence for an approved absence: Mandatory TN Promise Meeting (tnachieves.org)
- Excuses must be submitted through your TN Achieves CONNECT account BEFORE the meeting date for approval.
- If excuse is approved, they will give you an alternate way to check off the meeting requirement.
- Make arrangements to stay after school and get home. No transportation is provided after the meeting.
- Students will meet with their TN Promise mentor.
Tennessee Promise Timeline for December Graduates
If you are a senior graduating in December, the state now allows you to use TN Promise as early as January instead of waiting until next fall. There is a few extra steps and deadlines to be eligible to use it starting in January.
For more information, visit https://tnachieves.org/high-school-senior/early-graduate/
College Fair and Lunch Visits
College Field Trips with Ms. Wilson
Contact Person: Ms. Wilson (beth.wilson@mnps.org)
Ms. Wilson is organizing a variety of field trips this fall for seniors only. There is a limited number of spots available. Students should scan the QR code on the attached flyer to sign up for a field trip. Disregard the dates listed on the flyer. Some dates have been changed. See the new dates below.
Trip Dates and Locations
- Dec. 1 Cumberland University (Lebanon, TN)
- Jan. 19 TCAT-Murfreesboro
- Jan. 25 Volunteer State Community College (Gallatin, TN)
- Jan. 26 Tennessee State University (Nashville, TN)
College Application and ACT Fee Waivers
Parents must complete the MNPS Fee Waiver form to determine if students are eligible to receive College Application and ACT Fee Waivers. Once the form is completed and processed, counselors can see in their Infinite Campus if students qualify for a fee waiver.
MNPS Fee Waiver Form Link: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict
Counselors have the ACT Fee Waivers forms and college application fee waiver forms. Students do have to complete their part of the college application fee waiver form before the counselor completes their part.
ACT Practice Opportunities
Test Nav Online Practice Test: Visit the link and click on "Practice Test" under the log in boxes. This platform is what will be used for the ACT re-take in October.
Oasis Center ACT Test Prep: GEAR UP Nashville and Oasis College Connection offer free ACT Prep through Methodize. Go to Methodize.methodlearning.com/join and enter the code krjtfl8 to sign up. If you have any issues, you can email Daniel Mehus at dmehus@oasiscenter.org
Schoology Mastery Prep Practice: All seniors have access to three full length practice tests for free.
How to log into Mastery Prep (Tru Score):
1. Go to your student Schoology account.
2. Click on the waffle in the top right corner.
3. Choose Tru Score.
4. Click Accept on the window that pops up.
5. You are ready to go!
Click HERE for a video that walks you through what Mastery Prep offers.
Tennessee Electronic Library ACT Test Prep (FREE)
Credit Recovery Information
The attached flyer explains how to log into Edgenuity to complete your course. Only ONE course will be loaded at a time. Use the QR code to schedule the days you plan to attend in-person. Contact information for technical questions are listed on the flyer.
Credit Recovery Get Started Information
Credit Recovery QR Code for In-Person Session
Credit Recovery Information (Spanish)
Academy School Counselors
Ms. Chaparro, School Counselor
Ms. Ellington, School Counselor
Ms. McClurg, School Counselor
Ms. Nelson, School Counselor
Mr. Van Driest, School Counselor
College and Career Personnel
Ms. Hutchinson, Graduation Coach (Room 144)
Ms. Sievers, Transition Specialist (Room 144)
Mr. Bryan, Escalera Coordinator (Room 144)
Mr. Mehus, Oasis College Connection Mentor (Room 144)
Meets with students to discuss post-secondary and career options and to guide them through the process. Mr. Mehus is
available Mondays and Tuesdays. Use the QR code to make an appointment. Email: dmehus@oasiscenter.org
Ms. Wilson, College and Career Readiness Coach (International Student Center)
Helps with apprenticeships and work-based learning and provides general college and career counseling. Email: beth.wilson@mnps.org
Ms. Morales, Conexion Americas Youth Development Coordinator (International Student Center)
Supports newly arrived immigrant students in 11th - 12th grades and guides them in the post-secondary and career planning and process. Email: dayana@conexionamericas.org
Helpful JOHS Counseling Schoology Group Resource Folders
- Military Information--Military Academies, Military Branches, ASVAB Testing, Recruiter Contact Information
- Career Exploration, Apprenticeships, and Job Search Resources--Career Exploration and Job Search Websites, Apprenticeship Info, Resume Writing, Cover Letter Writing, Interview Tips and Skills
- Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Education--General Information, FAFSA, CSS Profile
- Postsecondary Resources for Immigrant and Undocumented Students--Community Partners, Financial Aid, Helpful Websites, Scholarships
- Postsecondary Resources for Students with Disabilities--Scholarships, Colleges, and links to documents and websites.
- Postsecondary Search and Planning--JOHS Presentations, Webinars and Videos, College Search Websites, Guides to the Application Process, Application Checklists and Timelines, Resume Writing for Admissions, College and Scholarship Essays, College Fair Information and Tips, Special Application Websites, NACAC College Application Fee Waiver Request, College Comparison Worksheet.
- College Athletics--General Information, NCAA, and NAIA folders
Quick Button Links
JOHS Counseling Department
Website: https://overton.mnps.org/students/counseling
Location: 4820 Franklin Road, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615-333-5135