Freshman Class Meeting

We are excited to share that our high school counselors recently met with all freshmen students to discuss important aspects of their high school journey. This meeting was designed to help students transition smoothly into high school by providing them with valuable information and resources. During the meeting, counselors covered topics such as:

-- who the counselors are,
-- the different reasons a freshman may want to chat,
-- where our office are located,
-- how to go about requesting to see us,
-- confidentiality,
-- living up to their awesomeness,
-- getting involved,
-- and who their class advisors are.

We encourage you to continue the conversation at home. Ask your child about what they learned during the meeting, and discuss their interests, goals, and any concerns they may have.

 
​Additionally, if you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact the school counseling office. We are here to support both you and your child during this critical transition period. Thank you for your continued support.

CLICK HERE FOR PRESENTATION

Parents - Off to College Breakfast Reminder

Linking Common App to Naviance

If you are a senior using the Common App, you will need to link your account to Naviance for us to send all Counselor Documents as well as Teacher Recommendations. Below are the steps to link the two:

    1.  Log onto your Naviance account. 

        *If you do not know the password, you can log in using Clever.*
    2.  Click on COLLEGES --> COLLEGES I'M APPLYING TO.
    3.  Click on MATCH ACCOUNTS.
    4.  Enter your Common App Email address and click on MATCH ACCOUNTS.
    5.  You are done :)

Stop by the Student Services office with any questions.

🎓 Senior Class Meeting Recap!

Our recent class meeting was all about exploring the exciting paths that lie ahead after high school. From diving deep into the college selection process to discussing opportunities in the military, trade schools, and specialty programs, we covered it all!

Remember to check out the Off to College Guide you received at the meeting. It’s packed with valuable insights and, along with the PDF copy of the presentation, will help students and parents navigate the journey ahead.

Got questions? Your counselors are here to help! Reach out anytime. 🚀

Let’s make your future bright! 🌟

Calling All Future Social Workers and Teachers!

💙 Be the Change You Wish to See! 💙 Step into the world of compassion and advocacy at Future Social Worker Visit Day at WIU! Learn how you can make a difference in your community, connect with experienced social workers, and explore WIU's comprehensive social work program. Your path to empowering others and creating positive change begins now! Join the IVC Counselors on this visit.

🌟 Inspire the Next Generation! 🌟 Spend the day at WIU for Future Teachers Visit Day! Discover the rewarding path of shaping young minds and making a lasting impact. Meet passionate educators, explore WIU's innovative teaching programs, and get a glimpse into your future classroom. Your journey to becoming an inspiring teacher starts here!

Provided there is enough interest, the counselors will be chaperoning the Social Work Visit Day. Students would be on their own to attend the Future Teacher Day.  Sign up for the Social Work Field Trip in the counseling office.

Stand Out College Prep Step-by-Step Guides

To help you navigate the college application process smoothly, Stand Out College Prep has complied step-by-step guides on two frequently used websites: The Common Application and the FAFSA.

The Common App is a central platform used by many colleges and universities, allowing you to apply to multiple institutions with a single application. This link will break down the nuances of the Common App and help ensure your information is accurate and complete.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical form for securing financial aid for college. Completing the FAFSA accurately can significantly impact your eligibility for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. This link is essential for navigating the often daunting task of applying for financial aid.

Discover Illinois Colleges with No Application Fee

Applying to college can be an exciting yet daunting process, especially when considering the costs involved. Fortunately, many colleges in Illinois are making it easier for prospective students by waiving application fees. Here is a list of Illinois colleges that do not charge an application fee, helping you save money while exploring your educational options. 

Augustana College
Aurora University
Bradley University
Eastern Illinois University
Elmhurst College
Eureka College

Discover Illinois Schools - Your Path to Excellence

Welcome to the vibrant world of the state universities in Illinois!  This comprehensive guide equips you with the latest insights, ensuring you’re well-prepared to choose the college that is right for you. From admission requirements to campus life, we’ve got you covered.

The 12 Reasons document is the brand new admissions guide that provides you with current information about each state university.

The 2022-23 At-A-Glance offer a look at all the college majors at the universities. Although the document is no longer published, this one from two years ago will still be mostly accurate. Definitely a great starting point when looking at college majors.

Click on the guide to access.

2024-25 Off to College Guide

Congratulations seniors. We're thrilled to announce the release of our brand-new Off to College Guide! 

Whether you're a student gearing up for your first semester next fall or a parent preparing to support your college-bound child, this guide is packed with essential tips, resources, and a sprinkle of inspiration to make the search smooth and successful. Get ready to embark on this exciting journey with confidence and ease. 

Let's make this college search experience unforgettable! Your future starts now!

Click here for the Guide

Agriculture, Diesel, and Horticulture Showcase

 
Students are invited to explore careers at the Illinois Central College Agriculture, Diesel, and Horticulture Showcase on Friday, September 13, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm on the ICC East Peoria Campus.

This FREE event is an opportunity for students to explore high-demand careers in the high-tech agriculture, diesel-powered equipment, and horticulture industries. They will participate in hands-on activities showcasing the latest innovations and technologies, browse equipment displays from industry partners, and have the opportunity to ask employers questions about careers in their industries. Lunch will be provided.

Sign up in the Counseling Office by August 30th. See the counselors with any questions.

Coming Soon - Shape Your Future Week

New Online Curriculum Guide

Gone is the 60+ page Course Description Book. Time to celebrate!! Everything can be found online using our new Curriculum Guide. It is simple to use and easily accessible. The online Curriculum Guide includes:

--- Breakdown of graduation requirements
--- Descriptions for every course offered
--- Information about all programs offered such as CNA and WBL
--- Links to valuable information about career information.

Click here to check the new guide

Seniors - Interested in the Navy?

The Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Scholarship Program offers students the opportunity to earn their degree while receiving naval training and financial benefits. This program is a great choice for college bound students wishing to enlist in the Navy. Click the links below for more information.

NROTC Flyer 2025

NROTC Digital Brochure

Upcoming Parent Workshops

SENIORS: What is Parchment?

Parchment is the electronic transcript site that makes sending transcripts simple. It is completely free for all students currently in high school. The best part...it takes about 2 minutes to go on the site and request a transcript. The counselors then click an approve button and the colleges have the transcript. It is the only way that transcripts will be sent to colleges, universities, NCAA, etc.

Reminder to seniors: You must register using the email that was sent to your school email from Parchment. Registration takes about 5-10 minutes but will only need to be done once. After you are registered, ordering transcripts couldn't be simpler.

Note to Parents: The student must sign up for Parchment using the link to his/her school email address. Any accounts using other email addresses will not work because the account will not be properly linked to our school. Please encourage the students to set up the account as soon as possible. It is the only way transcripts will be sent.

Online Dual Credit ICC Class Help

Attention students taking an online ICC class:

This first link helps you find your ICC username, log into your ICC email, and log into your eServices (MyICC) account. There is a Help Desk phone number listed at the top if you have any issues or need a password reset.
This second link details answers to the frequently asked questions we get each semester.

Please note that ICC classes begin on August 19th. I would strongly encourage you to be sure you can access your classes before this date.

Do you know what IVC has to offer?

Getting Involved At IVC

IVC has dozens of sports, clubs, groups, and activities for students of all ages and interests. Check out the list to see many of the great options IVC has to offer!

If you have questions about any sport, club or activity, contact a counselor. We can point you in the right direction.

Welcome to the 2024-25 School Year!!

We are so glad to get back to school. There will be a blend of in-person and virtual events hosted by the counseling department throughout the year. We look forward to staying in touch with all parents and students.
Please reach out to any of the counselors with any questions you may have:

Mr. Mark Kosinski (students last name A-K) -mkosinski@ivcschools.com
Mrs. Laura Davis (students last name L-Z) - ldavis@ivcschools.com
Mrs. Rachel Williams (students with IEPs) - rwilliams@ivcschools.com