Postsecondary Counseling Newsletter

March 14th, 2025

Juniors and Families,

Happy bonus spring break day! Elliot and I wanted to communicate about a couple of things before we all enjoy a couple of weeks off:

Southern Ute Career Fair Field Trip April 3rd: On the Thursday of the week we return from spring break, Elliot and I will be taking all Juniors to the Southern Ute Career and College Fair. We will depart AHS at 9:30am and return in time for lunch. This fair is specifically for students and has a really great combination of local/regional employers and colleges. Students will have the opportunity to wrap up and informational interviews they still need to complete, look for a summer job, chat with colleges, and find out what employers are looking for in sought after jobs that they might think about pursuing after college or other postsecondary training. Attendance is not optional - transportation will be provided. Students are also welcome to drive on their own, but they are not permitted to transport other students in their vehicles to school functions.

Academic Advising and Course selection for next year: I will meet with each Junior individually before the end of the school year. During this meeting we will discuss course selection for next year along with other postsecondary planning items. Each student has a spreadsheet template that has been assigned to them in the class of 2026 College & Career Google Classroom where they will plan their courses for next year. This is not their formal request (this will happen through Infinite Campus in late April or early May), but rather a tool to guide students in planning prior to formally requesting their courses in IC. Please take a look at the following:

• 2025-2026 Elective Choices
• 2025/2026 DRAFT course catalog
• FLC Dual Enrollment information
• Slides: Guide to Course Selection and postsecondary readiness

I would like for each student to have considered their course selections for next year prior to my meeting with them and we will then discuss in more detail during our meeting. For students thinking about an FLC class, they generally fit into Junior's schedules well during 1st or 7th period. It is quite difficult to make FLC classes work in other elective periods.

Mark your Calendars!

AHS Spring Junior Postsecondary night - attendance is REQUIRED

Where: AHS Commons

When: April 9th, 5:30-7:00pm

FOOD PROVIDED!

It is vitally important that both Juniors and a parent/guardian attend! For folks that might normally have to work during this time, please request this time off so you can attend. Food will be provided.

Information that will be covered:

• Getting ready for Senior year in spring and summer of Junior year
• An overview of the college application process and timeline - systems and procedures at Animas High School
• How to apply to college
• Application deadlines: which one is right for me?
• How do I get a letter of recommendation?
• SAT scores - should I retake?
• How do I use Scoir?
• How do I get Erin to send my transcript and other supporting documents to colleges?
• Financial aid process and timeline
• FAFSA
• CSS Profile

4/17: Admissions Case Study 5:00-8:00pm @ AHS

Mark your calendar for this incredible opportunity to learn about the admissions process and meet admissions officers! Open to all AHS students. The list of attending colleges will continue to grow as I continue to receive RSVP's. Feel free to share this opportunity with friends at other high schools in the area! REGISTER HERE

NACAC Virtual College Fairs

Free and open to the public, National College Fairs are the perfect place to kick off your college search.

Admission representatives from schools across the country are all gathered in one place. Their goal: To encourage you to learn more about their institutions, and help you sort through the qualities you’re looking for in a college.

Use a fair to:

Explore your options. Each fair draws representatives from 175 to 400 colleges. The schools are located throughout the US, and from around the globe.

Ask questions. What’s college life like? What majors are popular on campus? Chatting with representatives from a variety of colleges can help you cement your own preferences.

NACAC Virtual College Fair - March 23 More Info

NACAC Virtual College Fair - April 27 More Info

Opportunities