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. 

-- 

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.

SAT Prep Classes at ICC

The ICC SAT Prep course consists of four sessions held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Additionally, there is an SAT Introductory Session held on a Monday for both parents and students. The class includes test taking strategies and techniques, practice tests, and helpful hints to prepare you for the SAT exam. Click here for additional information or call ICC at 309-690-6900.

Welcome to the New School Year

The new school year has started and there is a lot of exciting news in the Guidance Department this year.  First off, congratulations to Mrs. Davis who had a baby this summer.  Secondly, congratulations to Ms. Lee who made it through the summer with the twins!!

There are also slightly less exciting but important changes in the counseling department. We will be introducing a new student college and career readiness program called Naviance. It is a very comprehensive portfolio program that will incorporate career interest surveys, college application process, scholarships, and more. It will be unveiled to students and faculty in September.

Attention all students entering their Junior or Senior year! The Peoria chapter of ASM Materials is hosting a week long summer camp for students who are interested in Engineering. This camp is FREE to all selected participants. Camp runs from July 22 - July 25 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM at Bradley University. Applications are due May 24th and can be found here. Contact Laura Davis at ldavis@ivcschools.com or by calling 274-5481 with questions.

Mars 3D Habitat - Field Trip

Space—the thought of it, the race towards it—has inspired innovators, inventors and dreamers for generations. We want to inspire the next generation! 

Caterpillar Inc. and Bradley University cordially invite a select number of students to attend a viewing of the culmination of the 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, a NASA Centennial Challenge. This third and final phase challenges the teams to autonomously 3D-print elements of the habitat, resulting in a one-ninth scale printed habitat. Teams are also competing for their share of a $2 million prize.

IVC will be taking a group of students to see the habitat.

When: Friday, May 3rd

Where:  Caterpillar's Edwards Learning and Demonstration Center in Edwards, IL

Students should sign up by Wednesday in the Guidance Office.

ICC Placement Testing - Wednesday!

ICC will be here WEDNESDAY at 2:40 to administer the placement test. Any current senior attending ICC in the fall or current junior hoping to take classes at ICC next year will need to take the placement test before enrolling in classes. If you are unable to make the placement test on Wednesday, you will need to schedule an appointment at ICC to take it. Sign up in the Guidance office to take the test!

Sophomore Junior Retreat - This Weekend

The Sophomore/Junior Retreat is this weekend.  All sophomores and juniors are invited to sign up for this overnight event. The retreat will have a variety of activities including high ropes course, duct tape boat building and more. Two days full of fun and challenging teambuilding activities.

When:  This Saturday and Sunday
Where: Great Oaks Camp in Lacon
Cost: $45 (covers all food and activities)


The registration sheet is due to Mr. Kosinski by Thursday.  Stop by the counseling office for a sheet.
Feel free to call or email with and questions you may have.

4/30 at 4:30

The Fourth Day Retreat will be having a get-together for all current IVC students who attended the senior retreat.

When:  Tuesday, April 30th (4/30) at 4:30
Where: Eagle Crest Retreat Center, Washburn
Cost: Free (we will be taking a donation for retreat center)

Service Trip to Michigan

Click for Presentation

Parent/Student Meeting: Wed., May 1st, 6:00 IVC Library

Each year a group of roughly 20 students head to northern Michigan to do service work on a Native American Reservation. This year will be our 8th year taking the trip. Click link to the right to see the presentation.

Who:    Open to all IVC Students
When:  June 19-28
Where: Kewadin, MI (Grand Traverse Reservation)
Why:    Gives students a chance to learn about another culture while helping a group of people who could use our help.
Cost:     $250 (scholarships are available. Contact Mark Kosinski at mkosinski@ivcschools.com)

Below is a video from the trip that was produced a few years ago.