Great Opportunity for Students Interested in Nursing

The ICC Nursing Assistant (CNA) program application deadline is Friday, January 31st! Any current sophomore or junior interested in a medical field after high school is strongly encouraged to apply to this one semester program. Upon successful completion of these courses, students are eligible to apply to take the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (NACEP) and become certified in the State of Illinois. See your counselor for the application and with questions. You can also click here for application.

Registration Presentations Are Here!!

The presentations are now uploaded from the class registration meetings that were help a week or so ago. Parents are encouraged to take a look at the presentations to see what was discussed with the students.

Current freshmen - Sophomore Presentation

Current sophomores - Junior Presentation

Current juniors - Senior Presentation 

2020-21 Course Description Book

The 2020-21 Course Description Book is now available online. Sorry for the slight delay. All courses for the upcoming school year can be found on the page. 

Feel free to email the counseling department if you have any questions regarding any courses offered at the high school.

Scholarship List Updated!!

The scholarship list is updated! As of today (December 6th), our scholarship list has up-to-date links and applications for you. Nearly 30 scholarships are listed. Check out the list here to see what you are eligible for!!

Please note these do NOT include local IVC scholarships. Those will not be available until spring semester.

Link PSAT/SAT Scores to Khan Academy

College Board, the entity that creates the SAT, has partnered with Khan Academy to provide FREE practice to help students increase their SAT scores. Students are able to link their PSAT 8/9, PSAT 10, PSAT/MNSQT, and SAT scores to Khan Academy to build a personalized practice program that targets the skills that each student individually needs to improve upon. Click on the link below to learn how to connect your accounts today!

How To Link College Board and Khan Academy Accounts

Caterpillar's ThinkBig Program

Attention Juniors and Seniors! If you are intrested in being a heavy equipment technician but are not sure where to start, check out Altorfer Inc.'s program on Saturday, October 27th from 9:00 - 10:30 at Altorfer, 1 Capitol Drive, East Peoira. Learn about ICC and the Caterpillar ThinkBig Program - a two year hands-on program that includes a paid internship! Click the link below for more information:

                                                             ThinkBig Now!

COLLEGE ROAD TRIP #1 - Monmouth and Knox

The Guidance Department will be offering our first college visit road trip on Tuesday, October 18th. We will be traveling to Monmouth College and Knox College.

This is a great opportunity for seniors to get a feel for a smaller size school in the area. We will be spending the morning at Monmouth College and then travel to Knox for an afternoon visit. Lunch will be provided by Monmouth College at no cost to the students. Students will be given a tour and chance to meet the admissions reps from both schools.

We will be leaving IVC at 8:00 and return by 2:45. This road trip will count as a college visit. Each senior is allowed two college visits, each junior one visit. Students can sign up on Naviance or stop by the counseling office. Space is limited to 13 students.

FAFSA Opens Today!!!!

Click here for flyer above

Today is the first day that families can fill out the FAFSA. Just go to fafsa.gov to begin the process.

Reminder that it is important to fill out the FAFSA as soon as possible. There is a limited amount of MAP grant money in Illinois. This MAP money is money that does NOT need to be repaid.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us or call at 309-274-5481 x2.

College Fair Night- October 16, 2019

Choosing the right college is a big decision and can seem like a daunting task. Take some of the stress out of your search and attend College Night, Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the East Peoria Campus ICC CougarPlex.

College Night gives students a chance to talk to over 70 colleges all in one night. College representatives will be on-hand to visit with students and their parents about programs, the admission process, scholarship and financial aid opportunities, as well as answer other questions students and parents may have.  

Calling All Science Students - Student Researcher Program

The Ag Lab in Peoria

There is a fantastic program coming up on November 14th for those students interested in the science field. The Ag Lab in Peoria will be hosting a one-day Student Researcher Program for 11th and 12th grade students. Students are selected for this program based on demonstrated skills and merit. Since the program is limited to 48 students in the Peoria area, there is an application process. A program such as this one looks great on college applications.

Through the Student Researcher Program, high school students will gain hands-on experience with some of the same research techniques used daily by career researchers at the lab. By the end of the day, students will have rotated through three different laboratories, interacted closely with research staff and gained a deeper understanding of how the multi-disciplinary teams at NCAUR solve research puzzles of national importance, one piece at a time.

Students who have interest in the following fields would benefit from attending this one-day program: Biology, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Entomology, Food Technology, Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Genetics, Physical Science, Plant Pathology, and Plant Physiology.

Oct 3: Deadline for the application packet to be completed and turned in to Mr. Kosinski
Nov 14: Student Researcher Day at the USDA ARS NCAUR (AG Lab)

Click here for application

PSAT/NMSQT October 16, 2019

The PSAT/NMSQT is a great way to preview and practice for the SAT. It will test the same skills and knowledge as the SAT. When you receive your test results, connect your College Board and Khan Academy®accounts to obtain free personalized SAT study recommendations.

In addition, when you take the PSAT/NMSQT, you’re automatically screened for the National Merit® Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships.
For more information, visit NMSC's website or see the Official Student Guide to the PSAT/NMSQT or the Guide to the National Merit® Scholarship Program(for educators). The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a cosponsor of the PSAT/NMSQT.

There are 30 spots available. You can sign up with Mrs. Placher in the guidance office. The test will cost $16.00. Checks can be made out to IVC. Payment must be received before test day. We will test on Wednesday October 16 2019 at 8:00 am. We must order tests by September 19th so please sign up as soon as possible. 

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Career Day - Calling All Careers

Career Day is coming to IVC!!

Career Day is coming to IVC on March 12th. The students will spend the morning exploring careers, visiting college reps, and talking to the military.

We need your help. We would like to offer as many careers as possible. You would be talking to small groups of students about your career for 25 minute blocks.  Our goal is to have at least 25 different careers covered. We are looking for all types of careers.

We are at the initial stage of planning the day so please give us a call (309) 274-5481 x2 or email (mkosinski@ivcschools.com) if you can help.

Upcoming College Visits

This is the current list of school or military that will be visiting IVC. The list will be updated periodically. Check the Guidance calendar in the upper left of this page for the latest visit dates. New schools are added daily.

Students can sign up for visits in the Guidance Office.

Experience College Classes at Western!

Western Illinois University is inviting high school students and their families to the 3rd annual College of Arts and Sciences' College Day in Macomb on Friday, October 18th from 8:30-3:00. This will be an opportunity for students to attend classes in multiple subjects, take a campus tour, meet faculty and students, and learn how to launch their careers. Lunch is provided. A complete schedule and registration can be found here. Please email Doug LaFountain at d-lafountain@wiu.edu with questions.

Homecoming Coming Up - Classic Movies Theme

Homecoming is quickly approaching. The theme this year is Classic Movies. This is a GREAT chance to get involved. Homecoming floats and hall decs will be created by each class. Below you will find information. More will be added as it is given to us.

Homecoming Parade and Game - October 4th
Homecoming Dance - October 5th
First Day to start building float and hall decs - Friday, Sept 20th

Seniors - Movie chosen...Wizard of Oz
--Build site - Rescue 33 (Truitt and Santa Fe)
    Senior Building Schedule

Juniors - Movie chosen... Sandlot
--Build site - Fennells Garage
                      End of Front Street along River
   Junior Building Schedule

Sophomores - Movie chosen...Ghostbusters
--Build site - 1413 N. 2nd Street
   Sophomore Building Schedule

Freshmen - Movie chosen... Alice in Wonderland
--Build site - Chillicothe Township Garage
                      1100 Front Street (Across from JT Fennell Co)
   Freshman Building Schedule

ISAC Guide to Programs

Click here for guide

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the college access and financial aid agency in the state of Illinois that administers scholarship, grant, prepaid tuition, and student loan repayment/forgiveness programs. The mission statement of ISAC is making college accessible and affordable for Illinois students.

The Guide to Programs and Services includes information about grant programs (including MAP), scholarship programs, and loan forgiveness programs. This is a must read for all students and parents, especially those students going into nursing or teaching.

Post Secondary and Career Planning

Click here for Checklist

In the upcoming months, students and families will be informed about an initiative in the state of Illinois that will help students plan for their future in a more structured way.  There will be some new things unveiled to students/parents and also a better communication of some of the programs already in place.  The counselors have been lucky enough to investigate some of these new ideas and are very excited as to how they will help our students. 

The PaCE (Postsecondary and Career Expectations) checklist is a great starting spot for students to take a look at the three keys areas that will be covered in the PaCE initiative (career planning, financial literacy, post-secondary exploration).

ISAC Financial Aid Presentation

If you were unable to attend Tuesday night's Financial Aid night, you can find a copy of the presentation here. The presentation covered the differences between scholarships, loans, grants, and more.

Reminder that Emily Blankenship from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission will be at the IVC Library on Thursday, September 19th at 6:00 to discuss all things FAFSA. Hope to see you there!

Off to College Meeting

The counselors met with the senior class this morning to cover the ins and outs of the college application process and other options after graduation. Each counselor will also meet individually with the seniors to talk in detail post-secondary plans.

If you would like to see the topics covered, please click here for the presentation.

Off to College Guide

The brand new Off to College Guide is out for the 2019-20 school year.  It covers the ins and outs of the college exploration process. The counseling department will be meeting with the seniors next week to cover this whole packet in detail.  To view the packet, click here.

Parents of Seniors, Save these Dates

Below is a list of important dates this year with a short description of each. We encourage seniors and parents to attend as many of these programs as possible. We realize that the meeting on the 3rd and 19th conflict with some sports. These were the only two nights that the speaker had available before November. For more info on any of them, please call (309) 274-5481 x2.

Financial Aid/Scholarship Night
Tuesday, Sept 3rd  6:00 p.m. - IVC Library 
A representative from the IL Student Assistance Commission will be at IVC to present a program on financial aid and scholarships. This program is very informative, especially for those parents who are new to the college application process.

Off to College Breakfast 
Friday, Sept 13th 8:00 a.m. - Chillicothe Library
This is our 12th year offering an Off to College Breakfast at the Chilli library. The breakfast will cover the application process, some of the ins and outs of college, tips for parents, and more. The program lasts about 45-60 minutes.

FAFSA Night
Thursday, September 19th  6:00 p.m. - IVC Library
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be tricky sometimes. This program is designed to help you navigate the application and make the process much easier.

Off To College Breakfast

SAT - October Test Deadline Approaches

The deadline for the October 6th SAT is coming up. Any senior who plans to retake the SAT should sign up ASAP. All juniors will be taking the test in April. To register, students should go to www.collegeboard.org. The closest testing center is ICC in East Peoria.