Global Educational Travel Experiences

Global awareness is more essential than ever for our children, and the best way to become globally aware is by traveling abroad. Experiencing new cultures not only opens students’ eyes to the world, it also prepares them for the future. Travel isn’t just educational; it’s an investment that gives your child a deeper understanding and appreciation of people from other cultures around the world.   Last summer, we took a group of students to London, Paris, Florence, and Rome, and the experience was truly life-changing!

With that in mind, I’m excited to announce that registration is now open for Western Mennonite School students and alumni to sign-up for the following Global Educational Travel Experiences:

 

Ireland - Summer 2016

China - Summer 2017 (this may change to London, Paris, Florence, and Rome by popular request)

Greece and Turkey - Summer 2018

 

If you would like more information, or would like to sign up, please contact dfritz@westernmennoniteschool.org

Grade 9-12 College Prep "To Do Lists"

It's been a while since fall registration, so this is a friendly reminder to be working on your checklist...here's what I'd recommend focusing on between now and the end of Christmas Break:

Grade 9

• Look through your materials you collected from the National Christian College Fair and pick one college you would like to explore further.
• When you receive your e-mail from the College Board with your PSAT results, create your own account with user name and password, and start exploring potential college majors/careers.

Grade 10

• Look through your materials you collected from the Mennonite College Fair and pick one college you would like to explore further.
• When you receive your e-mail from the College Board with your PSAT results, log into your account (or create one if you didn't create one last year...make sure you don't create TWO accounts, though) and compare your results to last year's results so you can see your improvement.  Do the personality assessment to get ideas of potential college majors/careers.

Grade 11

• Look through your materials you collected from the National College Fair and start your list of colleges you would like to visit.
• Check the school calendar, and schedule some college visits for days that we don't have school at WMS.
• When you receive your e-mail from the College Board with your PSAT results, log into your account and use the study plan to prepare for your SAT this Spring
• Sign up NOW to take the SAT Reasoning in May or June.

Grade 12

• If you are not yet sure what you want to do next year, make an appointment with the Guidance Counselor
• Finish any remaining college applications (pay attention to individual deadlines)
• Send your SAT results to your colleges
• Sign up to take another SAT if your score doesn't meet entrance or scholarship requirements
• Do your FAFSA the first week of January (you can estimate on 2014 income)

If you need help with any of the items on your checklist, or if you have any questions, make an appointment with the Guidance Counselor during your study hall, at lunch, or after school.

Warner Pacific College Admissions Luncheon

Wednesday, November 19th, Warner Pacific College will be presenting about their admissions process/requirements, majors, financial aid, scholarships, and campus life.  Students and Parents are invited to attend, and lunch will be provided for those who sign up at the Guidance Office before noon on Tuesday, November 18th. 

Warner Pacific College is dedicated to seeing individuals, families, and communities flourish. As an urban college designed to serve students from diverse backgrounds, we know that for a city to flourish, it’s leaders must be prepared to engage actively in a constantly changing world. Through our Christ-centered, liberal arts approach, you will discover your passion, develop your skills, and serve the greater community. Warner Pacific will provide you with a welcoming and inclusive space to dream, achieve, and flourish in the City of Portland.

If you are unable to attend this event, but would like more information about Warner Pacific, go to their website: www.warnerpacific.edu

Northwest University (Kirkland Campus) Coming to WMS November 11

An admissions counselor from Northwest University will be in the WMS Cafeteria during high school lunch tomorrow (November 11) to meet with any interested students/parents.  If you would like more information about Northwest, you can stop by and ask a quick question, pick up a brochure, or stay and eat your lunch with the admissions counselor, Chad.  If you are unable to make it to the Cafeteria tomorrow, you can also e-mail Chad chad.gerchak@northwestu.edu  or go to the Northwest website www.northwestu.edu

Northwest University offers over 70 different academic programs.  including: Nursing, Business, Education, Music, Ministry, Psychology, etc.  The campus is a 60 acre residential campus in beautiful Kirkland, WA just minutes from down town Seattle.  1500 students attend NU and about 70% of those students live on campus.  We are a private Christian University that prides itself on providing a rich community atmosphere that serves our students completely.  From our rigorous academics, tremendous spiritual atmosphere and nurturing faculty and staff to the opportunities that our students have to engage in campus ministry activities, as well as local and global impact.  

Dordt College Admissions Luncheon November 5th

High School students and parents are invited to attend an Admissions Luncheon with Dordt College at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5th in the Student Center at WMS.  Please pre-register by replying to this e-mail or signing up on the sheet posted at the Guidance Office.  Lunch is provided for those who pre-register by noon on November 4th.

With over 90 programs of study, Dordt College gives you an opportunity and an education to explore your options and find your calling, while also preparing you to take on the challenges of life with confidence. Here at Dordt College we approach everything—engineering, nursing, football, choir, EVERYTHING—with an understanding that Christ is Lord over all.

If you are unable to attend this presentation, but still want more information about Dordt, please contact Kailee Wolterstorff at Kailee.Wolterstorff@dordt.edu or go to the Dordt website at www.dordt.edu.  You can also contact two of our WMS teachers (Allison Vriend, AP English and Denise DeGroot, AP Psychology) who are graduates of Dordt.

National College Fair in Portland, November 2-3, 2014

The National College Fair is coming to Portland on November 2-3, 2014.  We are taking all the Juniors during the school day on Monday, November 3 (school day field trip).  However, we would like to ALSO encourage all 9th, 10th, and 12th grade students/parents to attend on Sunday, November 2 (on your own).  If you are interested in more information about this event, go to www.nacacnet.org/ncfstudent where you can find a list of participating colleges, parent workshops, and instructions on how to register online www.gotomyncf.com and use your smart phone or barcode to speed up the college inquiry process. 

College Give-Aways

Many of the colleges that have visited WMS so far this year have left goodies for student give-aways.  We have:

Tee Shirts
Backpacks
Sunglasses
Pens
Pennants
Lip Balm
Coasters
Lanyards
Stickers
etc.

Any high school student who gets either a parent or another WMS student to sign up for this blog, who is NOT already signed up, before the end of the day on Friday can come and take their pick of the goodies :)  In order to prove you have done this, you need to bring to the Guidance Office:

1) a screen shot of the e-mail dated between now and October 31 from Feedburner that says:

Thanks for requesting an email subscription to the WMS Guidance and 
Counseling blog. This blog will give you regular updates and information 
regarding college preparation, scholarships, career exploration, and 
service opportunities.

2) a screen shot of the pop-up from Feedburner that says:

E-Mail Subscription Confirmed!