McAuley Catholic High School

930 S. Pearl Ave.
Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 624-9320
School Hours:
M-F 7:50 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.
Office Hours:
M-F 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Counseling Corner

 

Below you will find information on college representative visits, high schools resume assistance, Franklin Tech information, college scholarships available and more. Please scroll through the two tab blocks to better assist your needs.

Parents – The Missouri Department of Health has created a “Disaster Distress Helpline”  (LINEA DE AYUDA) for residents who may be adversely impacted by COVID-19.  It is a free, confidential crisis counseling program (SOPORTE GRATUITO Y CONFIDENCIAL) available to help Missourians cope with a disaster.  Call 1-800-984-5990,  access MOSHOWMEHOPE.ORG or text (texto) “TalkWithUs” to 66746.

Post-High School Planning

As part of educating the whole student, Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) aims to ensure its students are prepared for life after high school. Students’ post-high school options and plans vary and may include the following: a college and university education, technical and trade school training, or military service. Some students may even decide transitioning directly into the workforce as the appropriate route. Whichever path students pursue, their McAuley High School academic, social, and spiritual experiences and preparation will serve them well.

  • High school senior and junior boys considering a vocation in the Roman Catholic priesthood have the opportunity to attend a two-week program at the Congregation of Holy Cross on the campus of the University of Notre Dame (Indiana).  Coursework will allow young men to study theology of the priesthood through historical, sacramental, Scriptural, and ministerial lenses.  The daily schedule includes Mass, the Divine Office, and experiences of community life. The program runs June 26-July 10, 2021.  Apply at this site:  precollege.nd.edu/seminaryimmersion
  •  The Joplin Parks & Recreation Department is hiring cashiers, recreation instructors, lifeguards, and seasonal laborer positions at the Athletic Complex, the three aquatic centers, the city parks, and Schifferdecker Golf Course. For those in high school and college, it’s a great summer job! Applicants must be 16 or older by the start date and if applying for a laborer position, must be at least 18 years old. A pre-employment drug screening is required for ALL positions as well as a criminal history check.  Applications are now available and are being accepted at Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main Street in the Human Resources Department on the 1st floor or online at http://www.joplinmo.org/jobs.The Joplin Parks & Recreation Department is planning to hire at least 100 lifeguards for their 3 pools for the 2021 swim season. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, pass written tests, be able to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes without using their arms, and complete a time event (including swimming, diving, and retrieving a 10-pound object). They must also pass a background check and drug screen. Several training dates will be offered in March, April, and May. See application information and online site above.
  • Pitt State is now waiving the application fee for Winter (Fall) 2021. If you are a senior who has already applied to PSU and covered the $30 application fee, see Dr. Yoakam about a refund or visit https://pittsburgstate.formstack.com/forms/admission_application_fee_refunds
  • Earlier this week I received information regarding some modifications (for 2021 grads) made to  A+ Scholarships requirements:
    1. As long as you have met 25 hours in tutoring, you have met requirements (rather than the 50 mentoring/tutoring), so I believe all of you will have met those requirements by the time you finish this semester!  (If you don’t, you would be within 5-8 hours of meeting them—it all depends on any absences you have had during the semester (including dates that McAuley was not in session for you to be in the classroom—such as teacher professional development days.)

     

    1. Since McAuley students do not take Missouri end-of-course (EOC) Alg I exams, you are required to meet this ACT math subtest criteria and cumulative GPA:

    17 or greater AND minimum 2.5 GPA

    16 AND 2.8 GPA

    15 AND 3.0 GPA

    1. If you have not taken your ACT yet, that must be done to have that score!
  • Selective Service registration is required by law for men ages 18-25 as the first part of a fair and equitable system that, if authorized by the President and Congress, would rapidly provide personnel to the Department of Defense while at the same time providing for an Alternative Service Program for conscientious objectors. By registering, a young man remains eligible for jobs, Federal student aid, State-based student aid in 31 states, Federally-funded job training, and U.S. citizenship for immigrant men.  You may access the Selective Service webpage at https://www.sss.gov
  • Seniors and Parents:
    Since the timing of a pre-college night this year was such a challenge, Jennifer Shaw, MSSU college representative, created a short video with a checklist of items to consider and to take care of as you consider and/or apply to colleges.  Last year PSU staff presented our pre-college night, and this year I wanted to share that opportunity with MSSU.  Regardless of the college your son/daughter is considering attending, this is a helpful video. Please take a few minutes to view the video.
  • Seniors interested and or considering Truman State University, please note the following information:**Beginning with the Fall of 2021, Truman State will now superscore test scores for both admittance and TruMerit Academic Scholarships (either ACT or SAT).1)      Truman State University is Test Flexible for the Fall 2021 entering class.2)      Truman State University is NOT traveling this fall for high school visits or fairs.  Zoom meetings for prospective  students can be arranged through Dr. Yoakam. 3)      There is NO application fee!
  • The Pittsburg State University Honors College is now accepting applications for the fall 2021 semester.  Participation in the Honors College is limited to a select group of 30 academic scholars who receive Presidential, University, or Crimson and Gold Scholarships. Criteria for application and potential selection for entering freshman include the following:
    • 28** or higher ACT superscore (or SAT equivalent score of 1310);
    • a minimum of 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) college preparatory high school grade point average.

    **We are using ACT superscores this year for the application process.

    Twelve Presidential Scholars receive an academic scholarship of $9,500 per year for four consecutive years with a one-time $2,000 study abroad stipend for a total four-year package of $40,000.  Twelve University Scholars receive an academic scholarship of $4,500 per year for four consecutive years with a one-time $2,000 study abroad stipend for a total four-year package of $20,000.  Six Crimson and Gold Scholars receive an academic scholarship of $1,000 per year for four consecutive years and a one-time $2,000 study abroad stipend for a total package of $6,000.

    The Honors College encourages academic success through a variety of honors sections of general education courses that foster a sense of community and purpose among students with academic records.  During the junior-senior level, Honors College scholars are required to complete departmental honors.  As an Honors College member, they will also receive the opportunity to enroll early for courses.  

    The deadline for submitting an application for the Pittsburg State University Honors College is January 15, 2021. If you have high school seniors who meet the qualifications of 28 on the ACT and a 3.5 GPA, and are interested in our program, I recommend you have them begin making application to our Honors College.  You may download an online application for the Honors College at www.pittstate.edu/academics/honors/ .

  • MO State Freshman Requirements

Transcripts:

  • Transcripts are mailed to seniors’ selected colleges/universities the last week of May. You may receive an email from their selected college/university that the final transcript has not yet been received (this is a routine notification and nothing about which to be concerned).  The A+ designation seal will be affixed to the final transcript for those students earning that award.
  • Seniors who earned any dual credit throughout their years at McAuley High School must request an official transcript from that institution.  I encourage requesting that dual credit college/university’s official transcript early so that the institution seniors attend this fall will have those courses on file, and students can be enrolled in the appropriate classes.  REMINDER:  Students who are at least 18 years old are the custodian of their own records now, so they will need to handle the request themselves.  Most transcripts can be ordered online through the registrar’s office of each institution. Another option to order official transcripts for your dual credit classes (or any future college coursework) can be completed from the national clearinghouse. “The National Student Clearinghouse®offers convenient online services for students. From here, you can order transcripts, obtain verification of your in-school status, find money-saving student discounts, and more.”  This site is considered a trusted educational partner.  www.studentclearinghouse.org

 

  • High school senior and junior boys considering a vocation in the Roman Catholic priesthood have the opportunity to attend a two-week program at the Congregation of Holy Cross on the campus of the University of Notre Dame (Indiana).  Coursework will allow young men to study theology of the priesthood through historical, sacramental, Scriptural, and ministerial lenses.  The daily schedule includes Mass, the Divine Office, and experiences of community life.  The program runs June 26-July 10, 2021.  Apply at this site:  precollege.nd.edu/seminaryimmersion

  •  

    The Joplin Parks & Recreation Department is hiring cashiers, recreation instructors, lifeguards, and seasonal laborer positions at the Athletic Complex, the three aquatic centers, the city parks, and Schifferdecker Golf Course.  For those in high school and college, it’s a great summer job!  Applicants must be 16 or older by the start date and if applying for a laborer position, must be at least 18 years old.    A pre-employment drug screening is required for ALL positions as well as a criminal history check.  Applications are now available and are being accepted at Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main Street in the Human Resources Department on the 1st floor or online at http://www.joplinmo.org/jobs.

    The Joplin Parks & Recreation Department is planning to hire at least 100 lifeguards for their 3 pools for the 2021 swim season.  Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, pass written tests, be able to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes without using their arms, and complete a time event (including swimming, diving, and retrieving a 10-pound object).  They must also pass a background check and drug screen.   Several training dates will be offered in March, April, and May.  See application information and online site above.

  • Selective Service registration is required by law for men ages 18-25 as the first part of a fair and equitable system that, if authorized by the President and Congress, would rapidly provide personnel to the Department of Defense while at the same time providing for an Alternative Service Program for conscientious objectors. By registering, a young man remains eligible for jobs, Federal student aid, State-based student aid in 31 states, Federally-funded job training, and U.S. citizenship for immigrant men.  You may access the Selective Service webpage at https://www.sss.gov

  • SALLIE MAE, one of the nation’s savings, planning, and paying for college companies, recognizes this school year has brought unique challenges to already busy schedules. To help senior students and families navigate questions, we’re presenting a free webinar: “What I wish I knew my senior year” on Sunday, October 18th, at 2:30 pm ET.
  • Juniors and Parents:
  • Juniors and seniors interested and or considering  Truman State University, please note the following information:
    **Beginning with the Fall of 2021, Truman State will now superscore test scores for both admittance and TruMerit Academic Scholarships (either ACT or SAT).

1)      Truman State University is Test Flexible for the Fall 2021 entering class.

2)      Truman State University is NOT traveling this fall for high school visits or fairs.  Zoom meetings for prospective  students can be arranged through Mrs. Hamilton.

3)      There is NO application fee!

Dual Credit: 

McAuley juniors and seniors received Drury University dual credit registration directions Friday and Saturday, August 7th and 8th, with the request to register immediately.  Drury University is beginning its semester earlier than usual due to the pandemic, and classes begin August 20th, 2020, the same day as McAuley’s first day of classes.  It is important to register promptly, as it takes a few days to respond to students’ requests.

__________

THREE key ACT points of interest.

First, as a current junior, you may register for the June ACT; its deadline is Friday, May 8th.  (This national testing date is still scheduled.) The advantage of taking the ACT in June is that you can order a TIR (Test Information Release) after the test.  You will be sent a copy of your test questions and answers for that particular test, which gives you concrete data to consider when preparing for future ACT tests.  It assists you in narrowing preparation-specific needs.
 
Second, beginning with the September 2020 ACT national test date, students may retake only portions of the ACT if desired rather than retaking the entire test.  (You must, of course, take the ACT in its entirety the first time you test.)
 
Finally, for college scholarship consideration, almost all colleges designate the October ACT (of your senior year) as the final test for which they will consider scores for scholarships, and, in some cases, to meet admission requirements.
 
Below this email’s closing is a selected section pertaining to this ACT change as cited from the ACT.org website.

As disappointed as we all are about this school closure extension, the exclusion of extracurricular sports and activities does give you more opportunity to utilize this time for ACT prep, college choice exploration, etc.

 

ACT. org Information Regarding Retake of Single Sections of ACT
 

“What Does This Change Mean for Students?

This change allows students to retake a single section of the exam, rather than the entire test. For example, if a student performs poorly on the science section, but aces the other three sections, they can simply retake the science section and keep their original scores in the other three sections. It’s important to note that a student must take the full test at least once before they’re allowed to take individual sections.

Along with providing students the chance to retake individual sections of the exam, the ACT also announced a new superscore. The ACT superscore allows students who’ve taken the test (or sections of it) more than once to use the best scores they received for each section.  Previously only individual schools had superscore policies. The ACT states, “superscores were more predictive of how students would perform in their college courses than other scoring methods.” Additionally, according to the ACT, “a great benefit of superscoring is that it allows students to put their best foot forward for college applications and scholarship eligibility.”

“How Much Will Retaking a Section of the ACT Cost? 

The current cost of taking the four-section ACT exam—English, math, reading, and science—is $52. The cost to take the ACT with the optional writing section is $68. The ACT has not yet announced the cost of retaking an individual section of the exam; however, ACT Chief Commercial Officer Suzana Delanghe told CNN that “the single-section retake will be less expensive than taking the complete ACT again, so that should help make retesting more affordable for many students.”

Scholarship Opportunities

  • At this time of year, the Community Foundation of the Ozarks (CFO) Scholarship Program goes live (opens) February 1, 2021, and the final deadline for submission is March 14, 2021.

    You may access the site now and create your user information.  You will have to complete an eligibility quiz.  Specific scholarship information will NOT be open until February 1st.

    There are very few scholarships open to McAuley Catholic High School students in this program, but there may be a few that apply to you.  My advice is to make it a goal to view so many per day through February 15th and then still have plenty of time to apply for the few that might apply to you.  

    Students must be the applicants for these scholarships—not parents, and the CFO will not communicate with parents—only students.

    Important Notes:

    • Student should NOT  use their school email as that will be turned off after graduation. (Use a gmail, yahoo, etc.)
    • Read the criteria before applying for a scholarship.  Just because it comes up on their list does not mean you are eligible (This will save time.) 
    • If you are using Missouri A+ Scholarship money, please remember that  A+ only covers tuition.  (It does not include books, fees, supplies, so any additional scholarship money earned may be applied after A+ funds are used.)
    • CFO will only communicate with the student (no parents or counselors).
    • Recipients will be notified by email from CFO with instructions on how to activate their scholarship towards the end of May 2021.
    • Once recipients have activated their scholarship for payment and have been approved, a check will be mailed to their school with instructions to be placed in their student account.
    • Activate deadline: October 1, 2021.
    • If a student needs to have their eligibility reopened to take the eligibility quiz, please email or call so we are able to reopen it for him/her.

     

    LINK:  
    This is the Foundation link to our scholarship portal:  https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfozarksscholarships

  • Any senior representing a diverse population (minority, underserved) may apply for the Sallie Mae Bridging the Dream Scholarship program opportunity.  Please access the scholarship rules and additional information at the site below.  DEADLINE March 8, 2021.

    https://www.salliemae.com/landing/bridging-the-dream/

  • Dr. Pepper Tuition Scholarship – https://app.goingmerry.com/scholarships/dr-pepper-tuition-scholarship/6844
  • FASTWEB scholarship monthly drawing…The Fastweb Invite-a-Friend Sweepstakes is open to registered Fastweb members who are legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and who are at least sixteen (16) years of age. You must log into your Fastweb account to obtain your personal referral link. For each person who registers for Fastweb via your personal referral link during the Promotion Period, you and your referral will entered as a pair into the monthly drawing.
  • Paradigm Challenge.  Up to $100,000.  100 scholarships available.  Deadline:  May 1, 2021.The Paradigm Challenge is open to students up to the age of 18. You may work in a team or alone in creating an original and creative way to help solve real-life problems in homes, schools, communities, and/or around the world. Entries may come in the form of posters, videos, inventions, messages, community events, websites, mobile apps, or anything else that will help save lives. Additionally, you must submit a brief statement of your idea (140 characters or less) in order to qualify for this award.
  • Elaine Chapin Memorial Scholarship.  $500.  Unspecified number available.  Deadline:  April 26, 2021.DescriptionThe Autism Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors and current college students who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum. You must submit a 500 – to 1000 – word essay on your story of growing up on the autism spectrum to be considered for this award.
  • Bottar Leone Scholarship.  $2,500.  Unspecified number available.  Deadline:  VariesDescriptionThe Bottar Leone Scholarship is available to students enrolled at an accredited college or university. You must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.0 and have a documented physical or learning disability to qualify for this award. Students with ADD/ADHD alone are not eligible.  Additionally, a 500-1500 word essay is required.
  • Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program. (Missouri Department of Higher Education)DescriptionThe Access Missouri Financial Assistance Program is awarded to full-time undergraduate students who are working toward a first baccalaureate degree at a Missouri postsecondary school. To qualify for this award, you must demonstrate financial need and maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school. You must also be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and a Missouri resident. Theology and divinity students are ineligible. Award amounts are based on the type of school you choose to attend.
  • ALSO, have you been checking the fastweb.com site for scholarship opportunities?  Take some time a couple of times a week and spend some time looking for unique scholarship opportunities and for those that fit your major, hobbies…all kinds of categories!!!
  • PB & J Scholarship—This scholarship is open to high school seniors attending an accredited 2- or 4-year U.S. college  who have experienced personal challenges that may have impeded their scholastic performance (high GPA is not needed to qualify).  In addition to the application and transcript, you are required to provide one letter of recommendation (two preferred). The scholarship awards range from $500-$1000  Learn more at pbjscholarship.org  Deadline:  May 31, 2021.  Apply at  bit.ly/pbjscholarship2021
  • The Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ scholarship  online portal public access page is available for students/counselors to access (see link below).  This means that the students may view scholarships and criteria we administer; however, students will not be able to apply until February 1, 2021 when the site goes live.  (McAuley Catholic students are usually only eligible for a few of these scholarship offerings, but it is worth scrolling through them or limiting your search if possible to find those for which you could apply.)https://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlKey=cfozarksscholarships&AccessCode=publicPlease use the “Quick Search” to narrow your search (i.e. Springfield)IMPORTANT:  Scholarship award amounts are subject to change and all updates will not be final until the site goes live February 1, 2021.  Make sure to communicate this information with your students.
  • 2021 McAuley Senior A+ Scholarship Students,Earlier this week I received information regarding some modifications (for 2021 grads) made to  A+ Scholarships requirements:
    1. As long as you have met 25 hours in tutoring, you have met requirements (rather than the 50 mentoring/tutoring), so I believe all of you will have met those requirements by the time you finish this semester!  (If you don’t, you would be within 5-8 hours of meeting them—it all depends on any absences you have had during the semester (including dates that McAuley was not in session for you to be in the classroom—such as teacher professional development days.)

     

    1. Since McAuley students do not take Missouri end-of-course (EOC) Alg I exams, you are required to meet this ACT math subtest criteria and cumulative GPA:

    17 or greater AND minimum 2.5 GPA

    16 AND 2.8 GPA

    15 AND 3.0 GPA

    1. If you have not taken your ACT yet, that must be done to have that score!
  • The Patriot Guard Riders of Missouri are offering four scholarships to Missouri students who are sons or daughters of those who fall within the following categories:(1) Those who have given their lives in the line of duty, including both military and first responder (police/fire)(2) Those honorably discharged veterans who have passed after their term of service(3) Those veterans or first responders disabled in the line of duty to the extent that providing an advanced education cannot be easily realizedThese scholarships are non-renewable, and consist of one award in the amount of $2,000, and three awards in the amount of $1,000 each, to be awarded to four deserving Missouri students to help defray cost at any accredited institution of higher learning, including vocational, church, and business schools.Please see Dr. Yoakam for the application.   Please note that the application deadline date is April 1, 2021.

  • The link below will take you to a prerecorded almost 7-minute presentation on the FAFSA completion process.   For those of you who have never completed a FAFSA, it provides invaluable information and walks you through the process.  If you’ve completed one before, it’s a quick review that might eliminate some headaches! 

    https://media.mssu.edu/FAFSAwalkthrough/FAFSAwalkthrough.html

  • AGCMO Education Foundation Scholarship

    The (Associated General Contractors of Missouri) AGCMO Education Foundation Scholarships are awarded to students entering the construction industry or a related field, such as engineering (civil, mechanical, etc.) or architecture. The information page provides more details on the qualifications for application and how to submit the application with the required additional information. Last year a total of $58,000 was divided between 28 students in $1000, $2000, or $3000 amounts.

    Application Information

    Skilled Trades Application

    College Application

  • Rogers State University 

    Rogers State University (RSU) in Claremore, OK, is a public 4-year university that may be worth checking out…only 1 ½ -hour drive west of Joplin, it is smaller (approximately 4100 students) and has diverse program offerings.  In addition, it has an outstanding Honors Program scholarship, and about a dozen Honor Program students are selected annually from students who meet the following minimum criteria:-admission to RSU as a bachelor degree-seeking freshman-submission of Honors Program application

    -high school GPA (3.5 –unweighted) and ACT composite 26

    -on campus interview w/Honors Committee

    This is considered a full-ride scholarship and is renewable for four years with satisfactory scholarship.

    RSU also offers a President’s Leadership Class Scholarship worth $10,000 for up to four years.  Criteria is the same (with different application) and with an unweighted 3.0 high school GPA and a 21 ACT composite.

    RSU is also NOW OFFERING in-state tuition for out-of-state students, a savings of $34,000 over four years!!

    Definitely worth checking out!!    www.rsu.edu

  • MSSU

    MSSU Freshmen Scholarships

    Presidential:  $1750

    You are eligible for this scholarship if you are a first-time freshman applying within the first year after high school graduation and score a 160 or higher on the admission selection index calculator. You do not need to apply for this scholarship, as our admissions team will automatically determine your index score and offer the scholarship. If you qualify, you will be awarded $1,750 per academic year ($875 per semester), renewable for eight consecutive semesters.

    Excellence:  $1,300

    You are eligible for this scholarship if you are a first-time freshman applying within the first year after high school graduation and score between 140-159 on the admission selection index calculator. You do not need to apply for this scholarship, as our admissions team will automatically determine your index score and offer the scholarship. If you qualify, you will be awarded $1,300 per academic year ($650 per semester), renewable for eight consecutive semesters.

    A+ Scholarship:  $1,000

    You are eligible to apply for this scholarship if you completed the State of Missouri A+ Leadership Program, are a first-time freshman, and are attending MSSU the first semester immediately following high school graduation. If you qualify, you will be awarded $1,000 per academic year ($500 per semester), renewable for eight consecutive semesters. To remain eligible, you must complete 24 credit hours for the Fall and Spring semesters with at least a 2.50 GPA.

    Honor’s Program

    The Evans Fellowship:  $11,600

    You must be part of the Honors Program to apply for this scholarship. To qualify, you must score an ACT composite score of 31 or higher or the SAT equivalent. If you qualify, you will be awarded $6,000 per academic year ($3,000 per semester) for tuition, plus $5,600 per academic year ($2,800 per semester) for room and board. This is renewable for up to eight semesters if you continue to make acceptable progress.

    The Evans Scholarship:  $6,000

    You must be part of the Honors Program to apply for this scholarship. If you qualify, you will be awarded $6,000 per academic year ($3,000 per semester). This is renewable for up to eight semesters if you continue to make acceptable progress.

    The Honors Scholarship:  $3,500

    You must be part of the Honors Program to apply for this scholarship. If you qualify, you will be awarded $3,500 per academic year ($1,750 per semester). This is renewable for up to eight semesters if you continue to make acceptable progress.

  • Missouri Bright Flights Students eligible for Missouri’s Bright Flight Scholarship, based on ACT performance,  must meet the following requirements:  1)  Be a Missouri resident, U.S. citizen or permanent resident; 2) Earn a composite ACT or SAT score in either the top 3% of all Missouri students taking those tests or the top 4th or 5th percentiles of all Missouri students taking those tests.   3) Enroll full time at a participating Missouri school; 4) Submit supplemental eligibility information if requested by the MDHEWD; and 5) NOT be pursuing a degree or certificate in theology or divinity. The qualifying score must be achieved by the June test date immediately following your high school graduation.There is no application to complete!  Eligible students will receive approval letters from the MDHEWD (Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workplace Development) achieved by the June ACT and SAT test dates and will begin arriving in the spring of your senior year of high school.  The Bright Flight is renewable for up to 10 semesters or until you have completed a bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first.Qualifying ACT and SAT scores for current high school seniors are re-evaluated and announced each fall, and these scores are based on the scores of students who were high school seniors the previous academic year, and the score is subject to change annually.Last year’s final award amounts included the following: ACT Score 31 or above:  Up to $3,000
    Completion of the FAFSA is not required to receive the Bright Flight scholarship; however, if you choose to complete the FAFSA, information on that application or updates to it can impact your eligibility for the Bright Flight even if you have previously been notified of your eligibility

 

For those students who may have economic need, ACT does offer an ACT fee waiver.  Students must arrange for a fee waiver through the school counselor. 

Please access this web link for a description of qualifications as well as other services an ACT fee waiver may provide:  https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration/fees/fee-waivers.html

ACT Prep and Dates

It’s never too early for a high school student to start preparing for the ACT. You can order ACT’s free publication, “Preparing for the ACT,” online under “Order Support Materials.”

Upcoming ACT dates for the 2019-2020 school year are listed below. Visit the ACT website to register for an upcoming test.

ACT National Testing Dates

 

ACT Information

Prep & Dates

Postponing Section Retesting to Increase Capacity for Full Testing 

“ACT test registration for fall 2020 and spring 2021 test dates will open at the end of July. Our priority is to expand access to full ACT testing, particularly for students in need of a composite score for admissions decisions, scholarship opportunities, placement, and career insights. In order to do this, we have made the difficult decision to postpone the rollout of section retesting, the option to take one section of the ACT® test at a time…ACT remains committed to offering superscoring and online testing options at selected national test centers this fall.  In late fall/early winter, we plan to offer a remote proctoring solution, allowing students to take the test online, at home or at other safe and convenient locations…”

The online option sites are limited during this initial roll-out,  so we may not have such an option in southwest Missouri.  Plan on the traditional paper test at this point.  (One distinct advantage of the online test option is that scores are available about 48 hours after testing compared to the usual 2-week period.)

  • “ACT superscoring: ACT will report a superscore for students who have taken the ACT test more than once, giving colleges the option to use the student’s best scores from all test administrations, rather than scores from just one sitting, in their admission and scholarship decisions. ACT research suggests that superscores are just as predictive—if not slightly more predictive—of first-year grades compared to other scoring methods.”

If interested in reading more in-depth, consult ACT.org. 

—————————

McAuley 2020-21  students interested and/or planning to take the ACT should access the following link with information about summer testing and potential ACT online at-home testing this fall.

http://leadershipblog.act.org/2020/04/act-to-offer-students-additional-summer.html

  • All McAuley Catholic sophomores will be touring Franklin Technical Center (FTC) the morning of Wednesday, February 3, 2021. We plan to leave McAuley around 8:10 a.m. and return about 11:35 a.m.  Students will tour all 13 of FTC’s course offerings, and an instructor and/or students will provide a 10-minute summary of each program.  In the week following the tour, McAuley sophomores will have the opportunity to apply for a spot in an FTC program for the 2021-2022 academic school year.

  • The Joplin Parks & Recreation Department is hiring cashiers, recreation instructors, lifeguards, and seasonal laborer positions at the Athletic Complex, the three aquatic centers, the city parks, and Schifferdecker Golf Course.  For those in high school and college, it’s a great summer job!  Applicants must be 16 or older by the start date and if applying for a laborer position, must be at least 18 years old.    A pre-employment drug screening is required for ALL positions as well as a criminal history check.  Applications are now available and are being accepted at Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main Street in the Human Resources Department on the 1st floor or online at http://www.joplinmo.org/jobs.

    The Joplin Parks & Recreation Department is planning to hire at least 100 lifeguards for their 3 pools for the 2021 swim season.  Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, pass written tests, be able to swim 300 yards continuously, tread water for 2 minutes without using their arms, and complete a time event (including swimming, diving, and retrieving a 10-pound object).  They must also pass a background check and drug screen.   Several training dates will be offered in March, April, and May.  See application information and online site above.

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  • The MAMIC scholarship application is posted in the scholarship section.  There are eight scholarships for current seniors and one scholarship for current college students.  (If you know of a current college student who is eligible, please notify the student and/or parent of this opportunity!) Access applications at  https://www.mamic.net/scholarships/ 
    • Dual Credit operates much differently than any other program at Drury and does not follow the billing calendar that actual Drury students follow – this is not possible.
    • DC is complicated for the business office because if you think about how DC students register, they have MONTHS to register for online courses and this is especially true for SEATED classes (some of your students still have not registered yet).
    • Starting with the 2021-2022 academic year SEATED students will have 4 weeks (from Drury’s start date each semester) to register for SEATED courses taught at their high school.
      • This allows your SEATED students approximately 6 weeks (from YOUR district’s start date) for students to decide whether they want the SEATED course for DC or not.
        • Students should know this by the time they’ve spent 6 weeks in the seated class.
      • ONLINE courses will operate under the same type of timeline as past semesters.

     

    LATE FEES: Spring 2021 semester

    • If a family does not pay at the time of registration, they will receive a statement/bill at their home address and will have 30 days to make payment.
    • If a family does not meet their payment deadline, a $50 late fee will be added when the next round of statements are mailed.
    • The FIRST ROUND of unpaid bills went out on Friday, February 5, so your families THAT HAVE NOT PAID will have 30 days from the statement date to make payment.
    • If the family chooses not pay their bill by the SECOND time statements are mailed (approximately April 1), a LATE FEE of $50 is applied to their balance.
    • Any family who STILL HAS NOT PAID will receive a THIRD statement (approximately May 1); they will be placed on Pre-Pay status for the next semester and must pay their current balance plus all fees for the upcoming semester.

     

    Billing information will be added to future online and seated timelines for your convenience.

    Thank you for your patience and understanding as the business office and I work to determine deadlines for DC students.  Please let me know how I can be of further assistance.

     

  • Deadline for Drury University FALL 2020 Dual Credit payment is December 1, 2020!Students with outstanding bills will not be able to register for Spring 2021 until their FALL 2020 bill is paid in full.  They are NOT on pre-pay status, but they need to log into MyDrury and pay (directions are posted on the dual credit tab on the McAuley guidance and counseling webpage).

    Spring 2021 Drury University Spring 2021 dual credit enrollment opens on Monday, November 16, 2020.

  • Click Sign Out when you are finished. A couple of parents have expressed their inability to make dual credit payments online; I contacted Drury’s Business Office yesterday, and the director emailed me a specific list of instructions that should help everyone. The initial paperwork students received indicated that a statement was generated as soon as your son/daughter registered for his/her class.

Below are the instructions:

Online Credit Card and Electronic Check Payments (Drury University)

There is a 2.75% service charge on all credit card transactions. There is no fee associated with paying by electronic check.

  1. Go to Drury homepage www.drury.edu
  2. Click on My Drury which is located on the top of the page.
  3. A security information pop-up may appear regarding secure and non-secure items. Please answer yes to the pop-up.
  4. Click on Online Payments, located on the left hand side of the webpage.
  5. Click on Drury University Online Payments.
  6. Enter Student ID# and student’s last name. Click Login. If the login box asks you for a Parent PIN click the link below the box that says, “Click here to login if you know the Login but do not have the password”. It will switch your options to ID# and last name. (Do not pay with a Parent ID# and PIN. This will not put the payment on the student’s account).
  7. Click Payment to Account.
  8. Enter the Payment Account. Select the Fall 2020-Summer 2021 Year. Select the Fall Term. Click on Add to Payment Cart.
  9. Click on Checkout.
  10. Select either “Enter new credit card information” or “Enter new electronic check information”.
  11. Click Continue Checkout.
  12. Please enter all information requested and click on Continue Checkout.
  13. A CashNet SmartPay box will appear. It will list the amount of the 2.75% fee for using a credit card. Please check the acknowledgement box and click on Continue Checkout. If you use an electronic check there is no service fee.
  14. An itemization of your transaction will appear for your review. Click Submit Payment to complete your transaction.
  15. A Transaction Approved page will appear when your transaction is complete. If you wish to print a receipt, you may do so by clicking View Printable Receipt, at the bottom left side of the page.

You will also receive a receipt in your email.

All McAuley Catholic sophomores will be touring Franklin Technical Center (FTC) the morning of Wednesday, February 3, 2021.  We plan to leave McAuley around 8:10 a.m. and return about 11:35 a.m.  Students will tour all 13 of FTC’s course offerings, and an instructor and/or students will provide a 10-minute summary of each program.    In the week following the tour, McAuley sophomores will have the opportunity to apply for a spot in an FTC program for the 2021-2022 academic school year.

College Rep Visits

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  • Is athletic training a career you’ve considered? North Park University, a private college in Chicago, Illinois, has transitioned its accredited undergraduate athletic training degree to an entry-level master’s degree. This is in response to the requirement that athletic trainers must possess a master’s degree to enter the workforce. After the 2017-2018 academic year, we will no longer be accepting students into our undergraduate athletic training program. Instead, students who come to campus during 2018-2019 and beyond will be eligible to complete our 3+2 accelerated master’s degree where the student can receive both a bachelor’s degree in exercise science and a master of science degree in athletic training in 5 calendar years.  See Dr. Yoakam if you’d like more information.
  • Almost all male U.S. citizens and male immigrants ages 18-25 are required to register with the U.S. Selective Service.  Not registering can affect your ability to attend a post-high school institution and to obtain federal financial aid, obtain a valid job in the U.S., and can also result in a fine or prison term if prosecuted and convicted.You may register by mail or online…it’s a simple process!  Access the official Selective Service site (www.sss.gov) or stop by your local post office and pick up the official Selective Service registration card.
  • The University of Missouri is offering a new major, the BS (Bachelor of Science) in Microbiology. It is the ONLY undergraduate degree in microbiology at a Missouri public institution.Students study the subject areas of bacteriology, immunology, mycology, parasitology, and virology, and this degree will prepare students for entry-level positions in a variety of areas: public health, clinical and research labs, human and animal health pharmaceutical companies, and the food industry.  The BSM degree will also provide excellent prep for dental, veterinary, medical, or nursing schools.  Brochure copies may be downloaded from http://vpbio.missouri.eud/undergraduate-studies.
  • DUKE TIP Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (TIP) program for 4-6, 7th, and 8-10th graders may be just the enrichment challenge your son/daughter needs to remain challenged and excited about curriculum content and its application in a variety of mediums such as year-round learning options, residential summer programs, online courses, and enrichment resources.Eligible students must score at or above the 95th national percentile on an accepted grade-level national standardized achievement or abilities test; score at or above the 95 percentile on a state assessment; or score 125 or above (full scale or composite) on an accepted IQ test. Students only need to qualify through one of these three methods. 8th grade students qualify by taking the ACT or SAT on their own and reporting their scores to Duke TIP as a way to qualify for TIP educational programs.If you think your child qualifies for the Duke TIP and are interested in the testing information, please contact Dr. Yoakam. 

JACS Business Office
930 South Pearl Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-5003

St. Mary's Elementary School
3025 South Central City Road
Joplin, MO 64804
417-623-1465

St. Peter's Middle School
931 South Byers Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-5605

McAuley Catholic High School
930 South Pearl Avenue
Joplin, MO 64801
417-624-9320