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

 

Serving McAuley, St. Peter’s, and St. Mary’s Mrs. Hamilton, JACS Systems Counselor, can be reached via email at dhamilton@jacschools.org for McAuley and St. Peter’s students and families. For St. Mary’s families, please reach her at dhamilton@jacss.org to communicate via email.

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.

  • 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 Mrs. Hamilton 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 Mrs. Hamilton.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

 

  • 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. (I’ve attached the form for you.)  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.

As always, please email me with any questions you might have, and I’m glad to assist!

~Mrs. Hamilton

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

  • The MAMIC Scholarship program is an opportunity for the members and the association to give back to our communities in Missouri. Each year MAMIC awards 8 scholarships to graduating Missouri high school seniors planning to attend a Missouri college, university, community college, or vocational school. In addition, MAMIC awards 1 scholarship to a college student currently attending any two- or four-year college, university, or vocational school in the state of Missouri.

    The following are eligibility guidelines to be considered for the MAMIC HIGH SCHOOL Scholarship :

    • Candidate must be a graduating high school senior living in Missouri.
    • Candidate must be attending a Missouri high school.
    • Candidate must have successful admission to a college, university, community college, or vocational school in Missouri.
    • Candidate must submit the MAMIC High School Scholarship application with copy of high school transcript and photo by Monday, March 1, 2021.

    The following are eligibility guidelines to be considered for the MAMIC COLLEGE Scholarship :

    • Candidate must be a resident of Missouri. 
    • Candidate must be currently attending any two- or four-year college, university, or vocational school in the state of Missouri. 
    • Candidate must submit the MAMIC College Scholarship application with copy of college class list, grades, and current GPA, and a photo by Monday, March 1, 2021.

     Applications may be accessed at https://www.mamic.net/scholarships/  The application deadline is March 1, 2021

  • Dr. Pepper Tuition Scholarship – https://app.goingmerry.com/scholarships/dr-pepper-tuition-scholarship/6844
  • The Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship is available to minority students with the following additional requirements:-a minimum 19 ACT or 1000

    -U.S. citizenship

    -attendance at an accredited 4-year college/university

    -leadership and service potential

    -financial need

    Jackie Robinson Scholarship recipients could receive grants up to $30,000 over four years.

    Application components to complete:  online application, digital headshot, and one letter of recommendation.

    DEADLINE:  February 1, 2021 5:00 p.m. EST

    View the 1:55 video for the entire program…it’s not just about the money!!!

    https://www.jackierobinson.org/apply/application-faqs/

  • 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.
  • DISCOVER Student Loans Scholarship Award $5000–https://scholarship.collegecovered.com/?acmpgn=D_NDB_FTW_KCT_25794116THREE MORE award periods remaining…Check out the above site.  (DEADLINE for next award period is November 30, 2020.
  • Chick-Fil-A True Inspiration Scholarship.  Amount:  $25,000.  Unspecified number available.  Deadline:  December 1, 2020.
  • Taco Bell Corporation.  Amount:  Up to $10,000.  55 scholarships available.  Deadline:  January 23, 2021. The Live Más Scholarship Program is open to students who are employees of Taco Bell. To be considered, you must submit a two – minute video that tells the story of your life’s passion.
  • Burger King McLamore Foundation James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship.  $50,000.  3 scholarships available.  Deadline:  December 15, 2020.DescriptionThe James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship is available to U.S. and Canada students who are graduating high school or have graduated within the last three years and will be full – time college freshman. You must have a minimum 3.3 GPA and a minimum 25 ACT / 1220 SAT score to be eligible for this award. You must also demonstrate substantial work experience and an active leadership role in community service, athletics, and / or similar co – curricular activity.
  • 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.
  • The Earnest Scholarship.  $5000.  10 scholarships available.  Deadline:  December 31, 2020.DescriptionAt Earnest, we believe in helping people realize their hopes and dreams through further education. To help more students get to school, we created the Earnest Scholarship as a way to award 10 students who best articulate how their education will enable their dreams.
  • 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.
  • SMART Scholarship.  Up to $38,000.  Unspecified number available.  Deadline:  December 1, 2020.DescriptionThe SMART (Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation) Scholarship is open to currently enrolled college and graduate students. You must be pursuing a technical degree in one of the 21 STEM disciplines, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be able to participate in summer internships and willing to accept post-graduate employment at the DoD in order to be considered for this award. Applicants must also be at least 18 years of age and be a resident of the United States, Canada, New Zealand, or United Kingdom.
  • Science Ambassador Scholarship. 100% of tuition. 1 available. Deadline:  December 14, 2020. APPLY NOWDescriptionThe Science Ambassador Scholarship is available to female undergraduate students and high school seniors who are pursuing a degree in a STEM field. To be considered, you must submit a three – minute video of yourself explaining a topic in science that you are passionate about.
  • 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.
  • Niche – No Essay – Please check out this $2000 scholarship “No Essay” Scholarship opportunity through niche.com. Just need to be a current senior. Once you register, your name will be included in a monthly drawing for a $2000 scholarship.  No essay.  Just complete the application form online.  DEADLINE November 30, 2020.
  • 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 Mrs. Hamilton 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

  • 2021 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

    In each state and Washington, D.C., the top grades 5-12 youth volunteers will be named State Honorees and will receive a $1,000 scholarship, silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C. in May 2021 (a virtual event will be held if COVID-19 restrictions are still necessary).  During the May 2021 event, TEN State Honorees will be honored with $5,000 scholarships, gold medallions, trophies for their schools or organizations, and $5,000 grants for nonprofit charitable organizations of their choice.

    Runners-up will also be selected in each state and named Distinguished Finalists, receiving a bronze medallion. Other state-level winners will receive Certificates of Excellence.  All state-level honorees will be announced in February 2021.

    STEPS to APPLY:

    Access the application at spirit.prudential.com or nassp.org/spirit.

    Complete the application and the student/parent agreement; then, on the “certification” page, email or print and deliver instructions to your certifier (deadline:  November 10, 2020).

    Certifiers review applications online and select Local Honoree(s) for state-level judging (deadline:  November 10, 2020)

    Your application can be certified by your school principal or head of a county 4-H organization, Girl Scout council, American Red Cross chapter, YMCA, or a Points of Light Global Network member.

  • Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

    The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation believes that investing in students who are leaders, both academically and in service to others, will result in positive, lasting change and sustainable communities.

    Encourage your students to apply to be a Coca-Cola Scholar by October 31, 2020, at 5 p.m. ET, and receive a chance for one of 150 college scholarships worth $20,000 through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. For more details and a link to the application, visit Cokeurl.com/scholarships.

  • Horatio Alger Association

    The Horatio Alger Association welcomes eligible high school seniors to apply for the Horatio Alger Scholarships, which range from $10,000 to $25,000.

    Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply for these awards.

    One application is all that’s necessary to apply for state, national, and specialized programs. The application is open until October 25 and available at application.horatioalger.org.

  • Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

    The Cooke College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities.

    Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements.

    The 2021 Cooke College Scholarship Program application closes on October 30, 2020, at 11:59 p.m., in your local time zone.

    Applicants can add the Cooke College Scholarship Program Application to their Common App.

  • 2021 Elks Most Valuable Student (MVS) Scholarship 

    Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.Eligibility:

    • Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
    • Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
    • High school graduates are not eligible to apply.
    • Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.

    The application deadline is November 15, 2020 at 11:59 p.m., Pacific Time

    Awards:

    • The Elks National Foundation will award 500 four-year scholarships to the highest-rated applicants in the 2021 competition.
    • Male and female students compete separately.
    • Ranging from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year, Most Valuable Student scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree, on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), in a U.S. college or university. All scholarships are in the form of certificates of award conditional upon the full-time enrollment of the winner in an accredited U.S. college or university.
    • The Chicago office of the Elks National Foundation will announce the 500 national winners in late April 2021. (Many local Lodges, districts and state Elks associations award their own scholarships through this program. These scholarships are not to be confused with the 500 Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships.)

    The 20 Top Finalists traditionally participate in an all expenses paid Leadership Weekend in Chicago during which they’ll interview with the national judges. These 20 Finalists will be vying for two first-place awards of $50,000; two second-place awards of $40,000; and two third-place awards of $30,000. The remaining 14 finalists will receive awards of $20,000. The 480 runners-up will receive fifth-place scholarships of $4,000.

    APPLY ONLINE @ elks.org

  • 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.

  • Applications for the NHS Scholarship open on Thursday, October 1, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. (ET) and close on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. (ET).   NHS will award $2 million to a total of 600 scholarship winners. (Only senior NHS members are invited and eligible to apply, and McAuley Catholic NHS senior members should check their school email accounts for the specific information and instructions.)
  • 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.

 

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. 

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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.

  •  
  • 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/ 

  • 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.

  • Drury Dual Credit Seated enrollment has now begun…this involves only those students in Mrs. Stancell’s Statistics class who are choosing the dual credit option.  Mrs. Hamilton will be meeting with those students this week (September 14-18) to ensure they are registered.
  •  

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

  • The Pitt State representative has rescheduled her McAuley Catholic visit to Tuesday, November 3rd.  She will be here at 10:35 a.m.  If you are interested in PSU, put this date on your calendar!!
  • The University of Missouri college representative is not permitted to make college visits this year; however, he shared this information on 10/9/20 with southwest Missouri counselors:“In keeping to our commitment to access, it’s my goal that every interested student throughout my 16 counties in Southwest MO has the opportunity to learn about Mizzou directly from the source. In that spirit of access and opportunity, I’m happy to invite your students to attend my virtual info session at 6:00 PM on Monday, November 2. This event is available to all students residing in Jasper and Lawrence Counties. Students can pre-register and access the secure meeting link by visiting 
    https://futuretigers.missouri.edu/register/JasperLawrence11022020    . Students already in our communication tree will receive an email invite closer to the event but I welcome you to share the attached flyer so those not on our contact list can learn about this opportunity through your office.
  • Juniors and seniors interested in meeting with the Drury University representative may attend the meeting on November 10th, at 11:30 in the school library.

  • Check out the Show-Me My Future, Missouri’s ONLY Virtual College & Career Event for ALL high school students! There are more than 180 sessions from which to choose: local, national, and international colleges and universities, skilled trades, military branches, first responder training, career exploration, financial aid & scholarship organizations, non-college training programs and more! Students and counselors can attend as many sessions as they want. How does it work? 

    What: Attend FREE 45 minute virtual sessions on a variety of college and career topics via individual Zoom links. Session options include: individual college, military, & career information sessions as well as panel sessions composed of multiple organizations. 

    Who: All high school students, families, and counselors

    Dates: Sept. 13-Oct. 8 Times: M-Th: 4:00-9:00 pm; Sunday 2-4:00 pm & 7-9:00 pm

    All sessions are secure– information will only be shared with the college/organization for which you register. 

    VIEW the SCHEDULE and REGISTER here: https://www.moacac.org/show-me-my-future-student-registration

    Sessions cover topics such as:

    • How to apply to college
    • Essay writing tips
    • High demand career fields 
    • Skilled trades 
    • Military options
    • Non-college options,
    • Financial aid
    • Scholarships
    • Student Life and more!

    Watch, learn, and get your questions answered about academics, athletics, diversity, study abroad, and other topics. 

    Register for EVERY session of interest and you will receive a ZOOM link to the session. Then log in to your session using your phone or computer. Can’t make the live session? No problem–go ahead and register for the session and then view the session recording at your convenience. Parents invited, too. 

    Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, ask questions, and discover your best college and career fit and how to finance it! Let me know if you have any questions!

  • The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program, now in its 26th year,  recognizes students who lead by example through their volunteerism.  This program celebrates the spirit of service of students throughout the school community as well as service to the local community.  What have you done that is beyond what most students do to serve their school and community?  Did you volunteer during the COVID-19 shutdown?  Did you make masks for frontline workers?  Did you send cards and notes to nursing home residents isolated?  Maybe you supported our U.S. troops and veterans or organized a food or clothing drive.  Whatever you did to serve, you are eligible to apply!McAuley Catholic will select its top youth volunteer for state-level honors by certifying his/her application by November 20, 2020.  Our school nominee will receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award (if they have completed the minimum number of volunteer hours to qualify) and will be eligible to win a $1,000 or more scholarship, an engraved medallion, and an invitation to the program’s annual, national recognition events.Complete an application online at spirit.prudential.com or nassp.org/spirit. Applications must be submitted by November 10, 2020.
  • The Joplin Public Library’s Teen Department has partnered with First Impact to offer a free, 90-minute, evidence-based traffic safety program educating parents and teen drivers about Missouri’s Graduated Driver License law.  Due to the pandemic, First Impact’s program will be held online over Zoom this fall.  The program is scheduled for September 1, 2020, at 6:00-7:30 pm.  Speakers are Deana Dothage, Director of First Impact, and Deputy Jim Cihy of the Hickory County Sheriff’s office.Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.  Folks can register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/first-impact-new-driver-parent-teen-education-program-on-zoom-tickets-113853099686
    The program, although labeled as Southwest Missouri, is open to anyone–no charge.  It’s a great presentation for parents and guardians of teen drivers or teens who are about to drive.
  • 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 Mrs. Hamilton 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 Mrs. Hamilton at dhamilton@jacss.org

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