E-Guidance ……………...…….………from the Supervisor of Guidance
Tina M. Renga….………………………………………………..…….…………... March 25, 2010
Parents of Current MHS Students/Scheduling Update
Scheduling update!!!! MHS Counselors have met with grade 9 – 11 students to pick courses for next year. All discretionary
changes must be made through your child’s guidance counselor no later than April 9th. Course selections will be made
available on-line through Parent Resources beginning on March 24th. You will be able to view your child’s course
selection for the 2010-2011 academic year at this time. If you believe there is an error, or your son/daughter would like to
make a change, please have them schedule an appointment with their counselor or you may email them as well. If you have
questions regarding courses, please do not hesitate to contact the guidance department.
Directions for Viewing Courses:
Please log into Parent Resources
You will see the following tabs: Home, Grading, Gradebook, Scheduling
Please select the SCHEDULING tab
Please look at all courses to ensure accuracy. All students grades 9 – 11 must take a total of 35 credits
and grade 12 students must take at least 30 credits.
College Programs for Grades 9 - 11
“Planning for College Workshop” MPAC/7:00 PM April 14, 2010
Event Details: Randy Doss, Associate Dean of Enrollment at Guilford College in North Carolina and friend of Mrs. Renga,
will be presenting an overview of the college process. He will speak about how there is a college for everyone. He will speak
about the role of the parents, how admissions makes decisions, what colleges look for, and will share the admission’s game.
You don’t want to miss out on this wonderful program. This is his third year speaking to MHS parents and community
members.
“College Admissions Panel” MPAC/7:00 PM April 28, 2010
Event Details: Come and hear from the admissions’ experts! Representatives from TCNJ, Lafayette, Princeton, Fairfield and
Villanova will serve on a panel discussion. How does admission vary from school to school? How are the requirements
different from a state school to a small, private college, etc.? Should my child apply early decision? This is a great evening.
Class of 2011 Information: “Tips and Ideas” about Beginning the Search
It is time to encourage your son/daughter to begin visiting college campuses and exploring post-secondary options. Although
many wish to wait until the summer, if possible, it is better to visit campuses when school is in session. Summer visitations,
although available, often give students a completely different view of the staff, students, and campus life in general. At the
Junior College Planning Night, I announced that I would provide some ideas for you as parents/guardians to get your
son/daughter excited about starting this process. Here are some important tips and ideas you should consider so the students
are not so overwhelmed at the start of their senior year. Each student should have a 'plan' for testing based on the courses they
have, their co-curricular schedule, test preparation, types of applications they intend to file (ED,EA, Regular) and the
competitiveness of the schools and admission tests required.
Test Preparation: There are many ways for students to prepare for the SAT, Subject Tests, upcoming AP exams and ACT
tests. Some students are motivated to prepare on their own using the free on-line resources available, use of the many books
that can be purchased at local bookstores and through review of their PSAT scores or previous SAT testing (if they ordered the
individual score reports). Other students need a more structured environment for preparation. We do know that these test
scores can improve with test preparation, knowledge of the test content and through specialized tutoring. There are many
organizations out there to choose from, but I recommend you carefully scrutinize the data they provide as to both the
effectiveness of their instruction, the certification and training of their staff, and approach. Some only provide knowledge of
how to take the test, what's involved, strategies to use, when to guess, etc. Some use certified teachers to actually provide the
above, as well as content instruction which will be beneficial for these tests as well as with their overall education and writing.
I know that Revolution Prep (www.revolutionprep.com - contact Bill Tetz (former MHS graduate) at Mobile: 310-927-1194 or
Bill.Tetz@revolutionprep.com) and the Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com), is currently running classes in each of
the areas, Math, Writing and Critical Reading - allowing students to work specifically with their weakness.
Standardized Testing Plan: I encourage your son/daughter to speak with their counselor (and often a content area teacher)
for guidance about testing. If your son/daughter plans to apply Early (EA or ED), they probably should take either the SAT
and/or ACT this spring, and possibly two times. This allows for a retake in early fall and/or scheduling of any subject tests that
might be required. Each school has their requirements, so students should check the application requirements for each and
every school they might be considering. Developing a plan is important so that your son/daughter's options are not limited.
Have them also download and check sports schedules, proms, class trip dates and other important events that might interfere
with the test dates. Links for both ACT and SAT are posted on the district web-site under guidance, college planning.
Visits: Does your child know if they want a small, medium or large school? Consider a 'local visit' so they can get a feel for
what each means. This can be done easily in a day - by using local schools for this exercise.
Penn State (considered XL)
Rowan or Rutgers (L)
The College of NJ (Medium)
Steven's Institute of Technology (Moderate)
Swarthmore (Small)
They do not have to be considering these schools, just getting a feel for size. At the same time, they can begin to think about
college setting. Consider visiting the following to determine 'setting':
Rutgers University (Suburban)
Drexel, U Penn or NYU (Urban)
Stockton or Susquehanna (Rural)
This might help your sons/daughters begin to think more seriously about their college search and to complete information in
Naviance for their counselors. Good luck and let us know how we can be of assistance.
2010 Career Fair at MHS for Grade 10 Students
Our fifth annual Career Day program will be held on Friday, April 30, 2010 at Montgomery High School from 7:45 A.M. until
10:00 A.M. We are still seeking individuals representing a wide variety of careers who would like to meet and interact with our
students in the Class of 2013. If you wish to participate or know of someone whom you’d like to recommend, there will be an
opportunity to speak to 10th grade students about your career, any educational training and engage in informational discussion.
Some suggested career areas: dentistry, ophthalmology; chemistry, heating/plumbing repair, HVAC/Refrigeration, etc.
In addition, we maintain a Speakers’ Bureau file for future events. Please contact Ms. Carla Hampton, Guidance Counselor @
609-466-7602 (x6165) for more information.
Other Information:
Grief Support Group Offered at MHS
Two school counselors are offering a support group for students who have experienced a loss. The group will run for
approximately eight weeks and will meet during different periods of the school day so that the same class will not be missed
more than once. If you have an interest in participating, please e-mail Ms. Watson or Ms. Musial no later than March 30.
Summer Science Academic Program for HS Students: Are you planning to take an advanced science course next school
year? If you are interested in getting a solid foundation that will prepare you for success in physics, chemistry, or biology this
opportunity is perfect for you. Most summer courses attempt to cover a whole course in 6 weeks; this program will focus on
the essential skills to help you prepare for the upcoming academic year in 2 weeks. The program is designed for students
enrolling in their first physics, chemistry, or biology course; however the program would be relevant for students who have
taken a previous course and desire a structured review opportunity. The program is offered for review and enrichment only.
There is no option for credit available. The physics, chemistry, and biology courses will be facilitated by NJ certified
instructors who have previous advanced science course teaching experience at MHS. Class size is limited, so reserve you spot
quickly. *MHS does not require students to complete a summer program for advanced level science courses; however
students are encouraged to prepare in advance for the more rigorous science courses. For additional information or
questions please contact MHS Science Supervisor, Jason Sullivan: jsullivan@mtsd.us or 609-466-7602 x6569
Ages: Entering 9-12th grades
Session I: June 22nd to July 1st. (8 days)
Session II: August 16th to August 25th (8 days)
Time: 7:30AM-12:30PM
Location: Montgomery High School Science Labs
Cost: $525 – includes lab fee and resources
Instructors: NJ Certified MHS Science Faculty
Courses: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Girls Career Institute: Girl’s Career Institute is a program offered by the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs
(NJSFWC) for girls who will complete their junior year of high school (current juniors). This year’s overnight institute will
run from Monday, June 14 through Thursday, June 17 at the Douglas College Campus at Rutgers University. The theme for
this year’s four day “mini college experience” is “Believe in Yourself.” Chosen delegates will be challenged by successful
women who have become prominent in their chosen professions. Presenters will represent a wide range of careers, including
physicians, lawyers, engineers, and educators. All interested girls should contact Ms. Pino in the guidance department for an
application. Applications are due on Thursday, March 18th. All applications will be reviewed by the GCI panel at which time
10 candidates will be selected to move on to the interview process. Interviews for potential delegates will be conducted on
Tuesday, March 23rd. Two delegates will be selected to represent Montgomery High School.
Society of Women Engineers
The Princeton University of Women Engineers would like to invite students from MHS to attend their Spring High School
Colloquium. This event will be held on Saturday, April 10th from 9 – 4. The colloquium is intended to introduce high school
girl to the field of engineering. Their goal is to demonstrate how a foundation in engineering can make anything possible. If
you are interested in this event, please see your guidance counselor. MHS can only send five girls to the colloquium.
Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) will be in our area at the Hilton Philadelphia City Ave., Mon. May 24th or the Hilton
Parsippany on Tuesday, May 25 or New York's Hotel Pennsylvania on Wed. May 26th. (7 PM start time) to provide
information about the schools that are a part of that consortium. Check out their web-site http://www.ctcl.org/ for specific
schools and/or Loren Pope's book, Colleges that Change Lives for more detailed information.
Business Education/Leadership Rider University
Rider University will be hosting a NEW 3 week program for high school students considering a career in business. Rider
University is combining two of its greatest strengths - Leadership Preparation and Excellence in Business - to create an
unforgettable summer learning experience for high school students.
Students will earn 3 college credits from Rider University for this program.
Cost: $1,500 - includes course, textbook, tech fee, leadership workshops & ropes course
For more information and to apply, please visit their Web site at www.rider.edu/hsleadership or contact Laura Seplaki at 609-
895-5791. Students interested in earning high school credits through option ii must complete appropriate paperwork (available
from your counselor, also posted on the district web-site) and have the course approved before enrolling in the class!
National College Fair
NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR @ RARITAN CENTER IN EDISON, NJ – April 28-29.
NCAA
Now is the time for college-bound student-athletes in the junior class to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if they plan
on participating in college athletics. Early registration promotes positive planning and involvement, bypasses the last-minute
rush and helps college-bound student-athletes avoid issues that may delay their academic and amateur certifications. The
registration process is easy and can be done by:
1. Logging on to the Eligibility Center's new Web site at: www.eligibilitycenter.org;
2. Selecting the "Fall 2010 or After" icon;
3. Selecting the "New Account" tab at the top of the screen; and
4. Beginning the registration process.
If you have questions, please contact Mr. Keith Glock, Guidance Counselor, Kglock@mtsd.k12.nj.us