Student Support

Amanda Shanks

Students: A-K

Rachel Colvin

Students: L-Z

Interactions between school counselors and students.

Interactions with others, on behalf of the student, including referrals for additional assistance, consultation and collaboration with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations. It also includes management activities and services required to support a district’s comprehensive school counseling program, as well as the other educational programs of a district.

Consists of educational activities in classroom lessons and large group presentations that help students attain the Grade Level Expectations (GLEs) in the areas of social/emotional, career, and academic development. The curriculum is systematically presented by school counselors in collaboration with teachers through classroom lessons and other learning activities.

Consists of ongoing systemic activities to help all students establish personal goals to plan, monitor, and manage their own learning as well as their personal and career development. It addresses their grade to grade transition through school and it helps each of them to develop their post-secondary college and career plans.

Consists of activities to meet immediate needs and concerns of students.

Consists of management and evaluation activities and services that establish, maintain, enhance and support the district's total school counseling program. 

Transcript Request Instructions

​If you have earned college credit from MCC-Maple Woods through a dual credit class at Park Hill South, you must request to have a transcript sent to the college/university you plan to attend after you graduate. To request a transcript, follow these instructions: 

1. Access your myMCCKC Account
2. Find the Student Center Home
3. There is a pull-down menu that includes an option to request a transcript.
    

​To have your scores sent to your college after you graduate high school: AP scores will be available online in mid July each summer.  To get scores, student must sign up for a College Board account by going to View Your Scores on AP Exams – The College Board

We encourage students to take this step now so they’ll be ready to access their AP scores in July. For more information, go to apscore.org.   

Find colleges and universities that offer credit or placement for AP scores. 

See the district website to learn more about our special programs, like Professional Studies. 

• Research colleges and universities that are of interest to you.
• Attend the Kansas City National College Fair (sponsored by Park Hill South HS Counseling).  Details here
• Are you looking for a school that specializes in the Fine Arts? Attend the Kansas City National Performing and Visual Arts College Fair!  Details here
• Use the resources on our website to help you with your search. 
• Visit with one of the many college reps that come to Park Hill South each year. 

• Narrow down your list of colleges to your top 3-5 schools and schedule your campus visit.
• Schedule your college visits ahead of time.
• All college visits are scheduled through the admissions offices.
• Schedule your visit online through the college/university website.
• Here are college visit resources:
  • ACT College Planning Resources
  • College Board Campus Visit Guide
  • FastWeb College Visit Resources
  • Princeton Review "The College Visit" 
  • US News and World Report "College Tours"
  • US News and World Report "10 Tips for an Effective College Visit."
     

• Read info about each test below.
• Which test is right for you? Read this helpful article
• Don't forget to have your scores sent to your school.
• Do you need a fee waiver? See your counselor for details.

• College applications are filled out online directly through your college/university's website.
• Keep in mind that most schools charge an application fee. If you need an application fee waiver, please see your counselor for help.
• Be aware of early action and early decision deadlines.  Many of these are as early as Nov 1.   Please check with your college or university for their application deadlines.   This is very important to be admitted, meeting early scholarship deadlines, applying for housing and etc. Click here for more information about Early Action and Early Decision.
• Students who are applying to selective colleges may want to use the Common Application. 
  Please visit with your counselor before using the Common Application.

• If there are supplemental application documents included in the application process, for example counselor recommendation forms or letters of recommendation,  PLEASE GIVE  ADVANCED NOTICE. (2 weeks is customary) to your counselor or your letter writers.  Do not wait until the last minute.
• Please keep in mind that not all college applications will need a letter of recommendation, or have a supplemental form.  Please see your counselor if you need help.

• Transcript requests are done through Xello.  Here are instructions to request transcripts.

Transcript Request Instructions

• How will you pay for college? Read below for resources and help!
• Are you looking for scholarships? Read below for resources and help!
• Don't forget to file your FAFSA! You can do this as early as October 1st!  Read below for resources and help!
• Are you in the A+ program? Visit the A+ page for information to help you pay for college.

• College Entrance Exam Required by most Colleges
• Sign up at www.actstudent.org
• Park Hill Hosts ACT tests on each test date
• Park Hill High School Code 262-545
• Park Hill Test Center Code 191410
• Cost: $60.00 (No Writing)
• Cost: $80.00 (With Writing)

2021-2022 National Test Dates

• October 23
  • Registration Deadline: September 17
  • Late Registration Deadline (Late Fees Apply): October 1
  • Standby Deadline: October 15
• December 11
  • Registration Deadline: November 5 
  • Late Registration Deadline (Late Fees Apply) Nov. 19
  • Standby Deadline: December 3
• February 12
  • Registration Deadline: January 17
  • Late Registration Deadline (Late Fees Apply): January 21
  • Standby Deadline: February 4
• April 2
  • Registration Deadline: February 25
  • Late Registration Deadline (Late Fees Apply): March 11
  • Standby Deadline: March 25
• June 11
  • Registration Deadline: May 6
  • Late Registration Deadline (Late Fees Apply) May 20
  • Standby Deadline: June 3
• July 16
  • Registration Deadline: June 17
  • Late Registration Deadline (Late Fees Apply): June 24
  • Standby Deadline: July 8

ACT Score Reports

For all tests other than the one administered by PHS in October for seniors/March for juniors, students will need to log-in to their ACT account to view them. For more information about this, click here. 

For the ACT given by PHS during the school week (in October) for seniors, paper copies of the score reports will be mailed to students' homes 4-6 weeks after the test is taken. 

Park Hill South High School does not endorse any particular test preparation company or service over another. The school will post information about reputable, high quality programs at its discretion.

• PHS Workshops

  • Park Hill South will host a series of ACT Workshops in October in preparation for the October 23 National ACT. The workshops will details will be announced soon!    
     

• NAVIANCE TEST PREP (free)

  • ACT Test Prep provides proven, engaging courses that help students perform their best on test day. As students take ownership over their learning, they will see how standardized tests can help them reach their goals. Naviance Test Prep is also seamlessly integrated with Naviance to help students be college and career ready, all from one place.  

    ​To access Naviance Test Prep, students must log-in to Naviance. For instructions how to do so, click here. After you log in to Naviance, scroll to the very bottom left corner of the front home page to find the ACT Prep link
     

  • Available through Naviance Student. After you long in to Naviance, scroll to the very bottom left corner of the front home page to find the ACT Prep link. 
     

• Park Hill Community Education ACT Prep Courses

  • Go here to register.
  • Fall ACT Prep Workshop
  • ACT Math Mania Workshop
  • ACT Fast Action
  • How to Reduce Test Anxiety
     

• Prep Resources from act

  • ACT Parent and Student Newsletters: ​Sign up to receive newsletters here
    • Select your class to plan your future
    • Prepare for college and career
    • Achieve success with ACT help
  • ACT Academy 
    • ​Free online learning tool and test practice program designed to help you get the best score possible on the ACT test. To learn more, click here.
  • ACT Academy Instructions PowerPoint
    Take a look at this short PowerPoint helping you navigate the ACT Academy!
  • ACT Free Study Guide click here
  • ACT Question of the Day click here
  • ACT online subject practice Tests click here
  • ​ACT Webinars for students and parents click here
    
     

• Mid-Continent Public Library (free)

  • If students are looking for resources to help prepare for the upcoming ACT on October 23*, Test Prep from Tutor.com is a free tool they can use with their MCPL student account. 
     
    Test Prep's Live Tutor service is open from noon to midnight, seven days a week, and offers one-on-one, online assistance in English and Spanish for topics including SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP Tests. A free account is required to use test prep.​ Learn more by clicking here.
     

• Kansas State University ACT Prep

  • ​This class consists of two, three-hour virtual sessions covering the four ACT subject tests.  You will gain insight into the test's content and format while learning practical test-taking strategies for maximizing your test scores. ACT’s “Preparing for the ACT” is used in this class in addition to our strategies.  Visit the website for more details.
     

• 2021-2022 Fall Two-Park Virtual Workshop

  • Sunday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 17
    5:30-8:30 p.m.
    $75 per student, which covers the cost and mailing of program materials, as well as access to the course itself.
    Register Here

    For more information, visit the Kansas State Website by clicking here.
     

• March 2 Success

  • Free test-taking resource available for students   The U.S. Army Recruiting Command is helping prospective recruits and other students improve their test-taking strategies and math, science and English skills through March2Success, a free Web-based program. With a curriculum designed by Kaplan and Educational Options, Inc., the program is proving successful according to teachers and students using it. Participants may select part of all of the sections offered though March2Success, and are free to repeat lessons. March2Success is available at www.march2success.com. Registrants may request recruiter contact through the site; however, they are not required to do so and will not be contacted without request.
     

• KAPLAN

  • Kaplan provides a variety of test preparation options along with free, practice tests. Kaplan also offers affordable, ACT cram sessions; find out more about those by clicking here. Visit www.kaptest.com for more information. 
     

• COLLEGE TUTORS

  • College Tutors offers individualized and group tutoring for ACT and SAT preparation. This local company also offers a number of other college readiness services like essay writing and study skills. 

• THE TUTORING CENTER

  • "The Tutoring Center offers individualized tutoring taught by our own expert instructors. Our standardized programs provide students with the confidence, skills and test-taking traegies needed to succeed on test day." They often offer free ACT and SAT practice tests, as well. Learn more by visiting their website, www.tutoringcenter.com, or calling 816-781-0000.

     

Fall 2021: The fall 2021 PSAT test is Wednesday, October 13. Register here by October 1.

The PSAT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a test is for sophomores and juniors only.  It is only offered on October 13th, and no other date during the school year. 

​For juniors, it is the test to qualify for National Merit Scholarship designation.  For sophomores, the test is for practice and students will not be eligible for scholarship consideration.  The PSAT is also one criteria used for the selection of sophomore students for the Missouri Scholars Academy. 

In addition to serving as a great preparation tool for students who plan to take the SAT in the future, the PSAT also provides students with AP potential feedback (list of AP courses that might be appropriate for the student based on this test).

Please note: This test is OPTIONAL. If you would like more information, please visit the PSAT website, or contact your student's counselor.

• Why should students take the PSAT/NMSQT?
  • The PSAT offers great preparation for the SAT and any other standardized tests.
    Students who take the PSAT their junior year and meet other program entry requirements may enter the National Merit Scholarship Program. Also, it can give insight into which AP courses you may be ready to take. The PSAT measures the knowledge and skills a student has developed in reading, writing and language and math. Students who take the PSAT will get an online score report. They will receive an overall test score as well as individual section scores. Students will be able to see which answers they got right or wrong. They will also get information on how to improve their academic skills.
• Who should take the PSAT?
  • Typically, students take the PSAT in 10th and 11th grade. Younger students can also take the test to get a head start on improving skills and knowledge needed for success in college and career.
• How many times may a student take each test?
  • Only once a year, but there is no limit to how many years a student may participate. It is important that 11th grade students take the PSAT to enter the National Merit Scholarship Program.
• How should students prepare for the test?
  • Classroom learning is the basis for test questions, so the best way students can prepare is by taking challenging courses and becoming familiar with the test and its format. Students should review the PSAT Student Guide, along with the practice test, to help them understand all the directions and be familiar with the types of questions that will be asked. In addition, students can go to collegeboard.org/psatpractice for free.
• If students don’t do well on the test, will it hurt their chances of getting into college?
  • Absolutely not. Since it provides personalized information on the skills that a student needs to improve and prepare for college, taking the test can even improve their chances. PSAT scores are not sent to colleges.
• When can we expect to see the results from the PSAT? 
  • Score reports will be made available online in mid-December. Schools will receive paper PSAT reports in January. ​​

• When students register to take the PSAT, they will be given a PSAT Student Guide. This guide contains information about the PSAT, test-taking advice and tips and an official practice test. More detailed information regarding the test and additional practice questions can be found here.
• A free PSAT preparation opportunity is offered through Kaplan. Learn more by clicking here.  
• Kaplan also offers PSAT Prep Live-the only FREE, live PSAT prep program available to all students online. Check it out here.
• ZAPS Test Prep Registration
  PHS students may participate in a VIRTUAL ZAPS PSAT Seminar. Cost is $95 with coupon code ParkHillTestPrep. Dates and times available in the registration link above!

• For a list of the test dates, visit SAT's website and click Register.  

• To view your scores, click here. 

SAT Prep

• Private/Commercial SAT Prep
• Kaplan SAT Prep: Kaplan provides a variety of test preparation options along with free, practice tests. Kaplan also offers affordable, cram sessions for the SAT Math and Critical Reading tests; find out more about those by clicking here. Visit www.kaptest.com for more information. 
• College Board SAT Prep

Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Park Hill South High School. Starts at 8 a.m.

Register here

There are three main types of scholarships:

1. Local Scholarships
2. College Scholarships:  Each college and university has their own scholarships to award to students. Please check with your institution to see what scholarships are available. This information can be found on the school's financial aid website. 
3. National Scholarships: There are thousands of national scholarships available to students. Many of these scholarships go unclaimed every year because no one applies for them. In addition to the scholarships found on Naviance/Family Connection, check out these resources to search for national scholarships:
   • Fastweb
   • Scholarships.com​
   • Scholarships for Students
   • College Scholarships, Colleges and Online Degrees
   • Scholarship Search by Sallie Mae​
   • Open Education Database (scholarships for particular groups, including students of color)
   • College Board Scholarship Search​
   • Finaid.org ​
   • Financialaidinformation.org 

Other Scholarships and Financial Aid

• Greater Kansas City Community Foundation
  • Many, many local scholarships and applications are listed on the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation’s website. For more information: www.gkccf.org/scholarships
• KC Scholars
  • ATTENTION JUNIORS AND FRESHMEN!
    Check out the KC SCHOLARS program! Scholarship opportunity for YOU! http://www.kcscholars.org
• ​Midwest Student Exchange Program
  • Offers reduced tuition for Missouri Residents attending member, out-of-state colleges and entering specific degree programs. Please visit their website for more information.  
• Missouri Department of Higher Education:
  • Grants and Scholarships
  • ​Access Missouri Program
  • Advanced Placement Incentive Grant
  • Bright Flight Program
  • Kids' Chance Program
  • Marguerite Ross Barnett Program
  • Minority Teaching Scholarship
  • Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program
  • Public Service Officer Survivor Grant
  • Wartime Veteran's Survivors Grant
• American Legion
  Scholarship and Financial Aid Information www.legion.org/needalift  
• Aviation Scholarships:
  • The AEA Educational Foundation has awarded more than $1 million to students seeking careers in the aircraft electronics and aviation maintenance industry. Numerous scholarships are available and each range from $1,000 to more than $35,000.  Click here to learn more. For more information:  Aircraft Electronics Association Educational Foundation,  3570 NE Ralph Powell Road,  Lee's Summit, MO 64064   816-347-8400
• Scholarships for Students with Autism:
  • The OAR (Organization for Autism Research) has a wide variety of scholarship resources for students.  Check out the list and other helpful information here. 
• Military Scholarships:
  • Airforce:  www.airforce.com, www.afreserve.com and www.afrotc.com 
  • Army: www.goarmy.com
  • Coast Guard: www.gocoastguard.com  and www.uscg.mil
  • Marines: www.marines.com 
  • Navy: www.navy.com  and www.navalreserve.com 

FAFSA Deadlines:

• October 1: FAFSA opens
• February 1: Early MO priority deadline
• March 1: Some college deadlines
• April 1: Regular MO deadline

Steps: 

1. Get your FAFSA ID
   • Download a FAFSA tip sheet (PDF)
   • Download FAFSA best practices (PDF)
2. File your FAFSA (after October 1)
   • Important things to know about FAFSA

​Resources and Tips 

Check out these articles and resources from FastWeb.com

• Credit Cards Tips to Control Credit 
• Dollars and Sense 
• FAFSA Step by Step 
• Money Management Tips
• Quick Guide to Financial Aid 
• ​Scholarship Tips Blog Articles
• Scholarship Guide 
• Scholarship Scams

Other Scholarship and ​Financial Aid News Articles:

• 13 Best Tips for Winning College Scholarships
• Tips to Avoid 7 Common Scholarship Application Pitfalls
• Top 10 Scholarship Tips from Indiana University
• Scholarship Tips from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education
• Financial Literacy from the Missouri Department of Higher Education
• 12 Essential Scholarship Tips for Students, from Campus Explorer​
   

Traditional Scholarship (11th grade students):

You must meet all of the following requirements to apply:

1. Be a current 11thgrader during the application cycle;
2. Be home-schooled or attend a public, charter, or private high school in the following 6 counties: Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte (MO) or Johnson and Wyandotte (KS);
3. Be lawfully present in the U.S. or DACA eligible and DACA applied/approved;
4. Have at least a 2.5 cumulative high school unweighted GPA (5 semesters from 9th grade to the fall semester of 11th grade) or at least a 16 on the ACT or at least an 800 on the SAT); and
5. Be considered low- or modest-income. Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation on the College Board EFC Calculator must be 12,000 or less. The calculation is based on household income, number of members in the family and number of family members that will be in college at the same time. It is the amount of annual financial support a family can be expected to pay toward the student’s college education.

  
College Savings Account/Match (9th grade students):

Get a head start on saving and planning for college while increasing your odds of enrolling in and completing college. And, you get to learn about investing funds as you increase your odds of college completion!

Each year, up to 500 9th graders will have a 529 college savings account seeded with $50 from KC Scholars. Of these 500 9th graders, at least 50 will be selected for the 4:1 match and incentives program and earn a one-time award of up to $7,000 toward college. Match and incentive participants must enroll in college full-time following high school graduation and remain enrolled full-time at a KC Scholars Post-secondary Network campus while receiving KC Scholars’ funding.

You must meet all of the following requirements to apply:

1. Be a current 9thgrader during the application cycle;
2. Be home-schooled or attend a public, charter, or private high school in the following 6 counties: Cass, Clay, Jackson and Platte (MO) or Johnson and Wyandotte (KS);
3. Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a verified permanent U.S. address and valid Social Security number or other taxpayer identification;
4. Have at least a 2.5 cumulative unweighted GPA fall semester of 9th grade;
5. Be considered low- or modest-income. Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculation on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forecaster must be 12,000 or less. The calculation is based on household income, number of members in the family and number of family members that will be in college at the same time. It is the amount of annual financial support a family can be expected to pay toward the student’s college education. You must fill out the Free Online Application for Federal Student Aid forecaster: FAFSA4caster. You will need information regarding you and your family’s income and assets to complete the forecaster. If your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) on the forecaster is 12,000 or less, you are eligible to apply for KC Scholars. For assistance in completing the FAFSA4caster, KC Scholars has created the following guide: FAFSA4caster. 
6. Freshmen and Juniors:
7. ​Do you qualify for the KC Scholars Scholarship Program? 
8. Determine your eligibility by completing the FAFSA4caster.

​
Freshmen and Juniors, do you qualify for the KC Scholars Scholarship program?

Determine your eligibility by completing the FAFSA4caster.

What is it?
FREE financial aid calculation that gives you an early estimate of your eligibility for student aid
Can help families plan ahead for college

How does KC Scholars use the FAFSA4caster? 
KC Scholars uses the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated on the FAFSA4caster to determine low- and modest-income. The EFC must be $12,000 or less to be eligible to apply for the KC Scholars Scholarship.
EFC is based on income, assets, household size and the number of household members in college at the same time. 

What you need to know to fill out the FAFSA4caster for purposes of the KC Scholars application
Are you Dependent or Independent?
Who is my “parent” on the FAFSA
Age of parent(s)
Household size
# of household members that will be enrolled in college when the KC Scholars scholarship applicant will be enrolled in college
2018 1040 tax return for parent(s); 
Asset information for parent(s) and student – balance of checking/saving accounts, non-retirement investment income, etc. 

Filling out the FAFSA4caster for purposes of the KC Scholars application
To begin, visit FAFSA.ED.GOV 
Enter student information
Answer all questions
 

What is the Scholarship Initiative Program?  
The Park Hill School District has partnered with several area colleges and universities who have agreed to offer various merit based and need based scholarship to participating Park Hill School district seniors.  

Last year, over 300 Park Hill and Park Hill South seniors in the Class of 2020 were offered scholarships!  A total of over $100 million in scholarships were offered by the 20 area participating colleges and universities.