Counselor's Corner
Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Kathy O'Kelley. I am so excited to be a part of McLeod ISD. I have been in education for 19 years and counseling for 11 years. I am a graduate of Texas A&M - Texarkana. I will be working with the high school students on college and career planning, personal issues, scholarships, bullying issues. With the middle school, personal and bullying issues. I will be having guidance lessons with the elementary students on character education, bully prevention and other issues that may arise during the year.
I look forward to getting to know all students and parents at McLeod
ISD.
Kathy O'Kelley
903-796-7181 ext. 1006
kokelley@mcleodisd.net
Elementary Guidance Lessons
Auto B Good Character Lessons
Bully & Drug Prevention
Career Exploration
See the high school bulletin board for information on SCHOLARSHIPS, ACT, SAT, FAFSA, APPLY TEXAS, PSAT sign up, NCAA, Dual Credit classes, Military, etc.
Check frequently for scholarships and other informative handouts. Scholarships have strict deadlines. Be sure to keep up with the information.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All Juniors and Seniors who plan on attending a 4 year college/university must take the ACT or SAT before being admitted. Go to the websites below to check registration and test dates. Atlanta, Jefferson and Texarkana College are testing sites for the ACT. Texarkana College is the testing site for the SAT.
Click on these websites for testing dates and registration information:
Testing Center Codes
Atlanta: 166970
TC: 041940
McLeod High School Code: 444-640 (This is not a Testing Center code. It is your registration code.)
Juniors
Fall: Begin thinking about your abilities, preferences, and personal qualities Begin searching colleges on-line and in person Take either the ACT or SAT (or both) Attend college/career fair at Texarkana College Create an account at www.ACT.org or www.collegeboard.com to help you get organized Share your college plans with your high school counselor Sign up to take the PSAT/NMSQT at school Begin taking practice ACT/SAT tests Plan to attend the Financial Aid workshop in the area if available. Winter: Review your PSAT/NMSQT score report in December or January Continue seeking information on possible college majors and college choices at either www.ACT.org or www.collegeboard.com Use this time to organize a portfolio of school activities and accomplishments Study for exams and keep up your GPA Spring: Visit several local colleges to get a feel for what works for you Develop a list of 3-5 colleges you are seriously considering Take another ACT or SAT Sign up for classes your senior year that are challenging Increase community service hours by volunteering at local charities Summer: Integrate campus tours into your vacation plans Request applications and financial aid information from the colleges you are serious about Check important dates at those colleges; some colleges have early deadlines or rolling admissions.
Seniors
Fall: Register for either the ACT or SAT Begin taking practice ACT/SAT tests Narrow your college search to 3 colleges Create a calendar with important dates from those colleges *test dates, fees, and deadlines *application due dates and fees *financial aid deadlines *recommendations and transcripts due dates *high school transcript request deadlines Request a copy of your transcript from the counselor Visit the colleges you are seriously considering in person Ask for recommendations. Give each person your resume and any forms Write first drafts of your application essays and ask teachers, parents, and friends to read them If applicable, register with NCAA Winter: Go over all applications to ensure that you know what information must be submitted Remember that most regular applications are due between January 1 and February 15. Honors colleges may have earlier deadlines Keep copies of everything you send to colleges. Have your high school counselor send your official transcript to colleges Remind your parents to file their taxes early so that you can send in the FAFSA Keep copies of everything Check McLeod website for scholarship information Spring: Receive acceptance letters and financial aid offers by mid-April Evaluate financial aid offers from colleges with the expected cost of living Visit your final choice before accepting, if you haven't already Set up a meeting with the Financial Aid department at that college Set up an appointment with the Housing Department Make a calendar of due dates for fees and deposits Summer: Have your high school send a final transcript to your college If applicable, send a final transcript to NCAA Finalize financial aid paperwork Read all orientation materials Spend time with your family and get ready for the exciting year ahead!
Compare the ACT & SAT
http://www.princetonreview.com/sat-act.aspx
Career Planning
To Explore careers available in our area, education required and salary ranges, click on the link below.
http://texarkanacollege.emsicareercoach.com
Explore Careers, College Majors, and Interests by clicking here: CareerCruising.com
Username: MCLEOD Password: 75565
Career and Technical Education is designed to help educators promote student success by making strong connections between learning and life. It is based on the philosophy that a student's achievement will improve when there is internal motivation and relevance. That motivation is likely to increase if there is a strong connection between the classroom and the student's world of reality.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to acquire 21st century academic and technical skills needed for entry into the global workforce and/or postsecondary education and prepare for their future roles as citizens, leaders, and contributors within the global community.
For detailed information regarding career clusters click here: www.achievetexas.com
Some of the Career Clusters offered at McLeod High School:
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics
Helpful Links for the College Bound Student
http://www.onlinemastersdegree.com
https://www.AIE.org
Compendium of Texas Colleges and Financial Aid Calendar
http://www.everychanceeverytexan.org/about/scholars/
List of NCAA Schools by Division
NCAA Student - Athlete Registration
Princeton Review (choosing the right college for you)
Common Application for Texas Schools
Common Application for Schools in the United States
Click here for all Colleges and Universities in the United States
http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ/state/
Military Academies
The United States Merchant Marine Academy
US Airforce Academy
US Navy Academy
United States Military Academy at West Point
Scholarship Opportunities