School Counseling Department

Welcome to the North High School Counseling Department!Students can make appointments to see their counselor for a number of reasons, including:

Personal/Social Concerns
College or Career Planning
Academics

The counselors are able to help students, staff, and the community with any questions or problems.

Counseling Staff

Make an appointment with your Counselor!

Click calendar link
Find a day/time that works for you (hover over student appointment for details)
Click "student appointment" at desired time
Leave an optional note
Hit save
A yellow pass will be delivered to you shortly before your scheduled appointment

Counselors
Social Workers & Chemical Health

Counselors

Last Names A-Gr

Ashley Rome

School Counselor

Last Names Gs-Mi

Janice Yamamoto

School Counselor

Last Names Mj-Te

Molly Bye

School Counselor

Last Names Tf-Z

Andrea Hager

School Counselor

A-Z Secretary

Sweetsel Ravelo-Asuncion

Secondary School Secretary

A-Z Registrar

Stephanie Woodbury

Student Systems Secretary

Schedule Change Request

Change Request Information

Schedule Change Request

Requesting a schedule change for 2nd trimester of the 2024-2025 school year, fill out this form!

NOTE: No changes will be considered after Wednesday, December 4th.

Course offerings and teacher staffing for North High School are determined by initial student registration. Solid rationale is required in order to make a schedule change. After the first week of each trimester, a student's schedule is considered a final agreement between the student and the school.

Schedule changes will be considered for the following reasons:

Medical or physical restriction - Documentation required (example: a student has a broken bone which prevents participation in PE)
Computer error (example: Student is scheduled in English 9A and 9C, but not English 9B)
Academic misplacement (example: Student is scheduled for Spanish 2, but has not yet passed Spanish 1)
PSEO (Students must provide a copy of their college course schedule to their counselor)
The change is a recommendation of a student's IEP or 504 plan.

11th and 12th graders: Schedule changes will be considered through the first week of the trimester for the following reasons:

Requesting to do School Service (11th and 12th graders only-School Service Form also required)
Requesting Early Release/Late Arrival (12th graders only-Early Release/Late Arrival Form required)

Schedule change requests that will NOT be considered include the following:

Student no longer wants to take a class that he or she signed up for during registration
Student wants to move a class to a different trimester or hour
Student wants a different teacher
Student wants a different lunch period
Student wants to be in a class with his or her friend

Schedule Change Request Form

Graduation Requirements

These requirements are set by the State of Minnesota and the local Board of Education.

Certain subjects are required of all students in grades 9-12. To graduate, students must enroll in and successfully complete the courses listed in their graduating year's Credit Check form.

Students in the Class of 2022-2028 need a minimum of 66 credits to graduate.

Registration Information

The registration window will open for registration on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at 8 a.m. Registration will close on Friday, January 19, at 3 p.m. Students will receive registration materials January 5 - January 9 during the school day.

All information and documents can be found on the 24-25 Course Registration page.

It is very important that students register for 18 courses and 5 alternates. The guide below will help select the recommended core courses:

2024-2025 Quick Guide

Testing

ACT

ACT and SAT - The ACT and the SAT Reasoning Test are college admission tests. One of the most common questions we hear is "Which test should I take?" Our answer, in general, is that colleges accept either score. A student who took the PSAT has also had exposure to a practice SAT test. Since the ACT and SAT tests are different, sometimes a student will find that s/he has a preference. However, there is no need to take both tests.

The ACT is subdivided into subject tests with an optional writing test. To find out which colleges and universities are requiring the writing exam for admission, go to http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act.html.

Some colleges may require, in addition to other test scores, that the student take the SAT Subject tests.

For more information or to register for one of these tests, go to act.org (ACT) or collegeboard.org (SAT).

The next question is, "When should I take it?" The optimal time to take the test is the latter part of your junior year. Therefore, April and June are the most popular test dates and it pays to register early in order to get your first choice of location.

If a student has an IEP or 504 Plan which may allow for extended time or other accommodations, see your counselor early in the school year. There is a separate application for Special Testing, which requires more documentation and time to complete.

ACT Plus Writing for all Minnesota 11th Graders

All Juniors will take the ACT Plus Writing during regular school hours tentatively scheduled for APRIL 9, 2025. District 622 has chosen to offer students the ACT Plus Writing in order to provide students with the most flexibility in selecting post-secondary institutions. All Juniors are eligible to take the test, even if they have already taken an ACT before. There is no cost to students for this testing date.

Accuplacer/ASVAB Tests

ACCUPLACER Test

No Current Test Dates at North High School

Find a Testing Location

ACCUPLACER tests help identify your knowledge, strength, and needs in math, reading, and writing. Along with information about your academic background, goals, and interests, your ACCUPLACER results help you choose courses that match your skill level and give you the best opportunities for success.

More information and practice tests

ASVAB Test

January 14, 2025 - 9am-12pm, Computer test

Find an additional Testing Location

The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at over 14,000 schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) nationwide and is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense.

Your scores in four critical areas -- Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge (see below) -- count towards your Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score. The AFQT score determines whether you're qualified to enlist in the U.S. military.

Your scores in the other areas of the ASVAB will determine how qualified you are for certain military occupational specialties and Enlistment Bonuses. A high score will improve your chances of getting the specialty/job and signing bonus you want.

No obligation to the military is associated with taking the ASVAB. There are no fees to take the test.

Test Prep Sites

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students enrolled in an AP course will have the opportunity to take an end of the year exam in May to qualify for college credit. Students will need to register and pay for their exams by November 7, 2023. Payment will be made at https://northstpaul2060.cf.affinetysolutions.com/ - click the Green School icon then create a new account or login to your existing account. You will need your student ID number to register your student. Student ID numbers are located in the student Campus system.

AP Exams will be $50/exam or $10/exam on free/reduced status. Additional fees will be applied for canceled/missed exams. Students who don’t show up for their exam(s) will incur a $40 fee from College Board (regardless of free/reduced status). The application for Free/Reduced must be filled out annually and will be checked for eligibility. You can access the application here.

Minnesota Bilingual Seals Program

Bilingual Seals Program for Schools

Minnesota World Language Proficiency Certificate, legislated in 2009, is an award given to students in any grade level who demonstrate ACTFL’s Intermediate Low level in all of the four modalities - listening, reading, speaking and writing in languages other than in English. *Note: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities award college credit when the test was taken in Grades 10, 11, or 12.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, a statewide system of 30 colleges and seven universities with 54 campuses across the state, compiled a report that provides findings and recommendations for the granting of college credit for the bilingual and multilingual seals and world language proficiency certificates.

Award levels and the number of college credit

The actual number of college credits may vary depending on an institution. Each institution has a different number of credits per a semester course.

In order to qualify for a bilingual seal, a student must also demonstrate proficiency in English by having met the required English Language Arts credit for high school graduation. The World Language Proficiency Certificate does not have English Language Arts credit requirements.

How to access college credits

Students must be enrolled in a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities institution.
Students must make a request for college credit. Students should work with the admission office or advisor. In some cases, scholarship may be impacted by receiving extra credit. Therefore; students should consult with appropriate personnel or offices at the institution.
Students have taken a test when in Grades 10, 11, or 12.
Students may be required to submit an official high school transcript.
There is a three year window to make a request after a high school graduation.

SEALS testing will begin in Spring 2024.

PSAT/NMSQT (PreSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test)

DIGITAL FORMAT EXAM

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

North High School

8:00AM –12:00PM

Registration NOW open in August - $18.00 Payment accepted online.

Go to https://northstpaul2060.cf.affinetysolutions.com/

It is necessary to take the PSAT to enter the National Merit Scholarship program (NMSQT) as a junior. The PSAT also gives you practice for college admissions tests such as the SAT and the ACT. The PSAT will give you a strong indication of how you might do on the SAT but is NOT a college admissions test and is NOT required in order to attend a four-year college.

All colleges that require an entrance exam as part of their admission decision will accept either the ACT OR the SAT.

Students may use a calculator on the math section of the test. Therefore, while it is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that all students bring a calculator on test day (students may not share calculators during the examination).

Practice tests can be found at here.

What is the NMSQT? It stands for the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. It refers to the PSAT that students take in their sophomore or junior year to enter the National Merit Scholarship competition, along with tens of thousands of other students (around 1.6 million annually).

TO REGISTER:

Go to https://northstpaul2060.cf.affinetysolutions.com/

Our new online payment system is available for families to make PSAT exam payments. Please visit the website: https://northstpaul2060.cf.affinetysolutions.com/ and click the Green School icon then create a new account or login to your existing account. You will need your student ID number to register your student. Student ID numbers are located in the student Campus system. Once logged in Click “North High School” - North Testing and click on “PSAT North”.

-Once payment is made on the Affinety site you will receive an email with confirmation that you are signed up for the test.

Academic Opportunities & Resources

AVID

The Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program targets students in the academic middle who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. AVID places academically average students in advanced classes and provides them with an elective class that prepares them to succeed in rigorous curricula, enter mainstream activities in school, and increase their opportunities to enroll in four-year colleges.

AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Developed in 1980 by Mary Catherine Swanson, a San Diego Teacher, AVID_2ID has seen steady growth in the last 30 years.

More than 3,386 schools in 48 states and 15 foreign countries offer the AVID program.
More than 220,000 students have graduated from AVID programs.
77% of AVID students were accepted to a four-year college in 2008.

The purpose of AVID is to prepare students for college eligibility and success. As AVID expands to a school-wide and district-wide program, it impacts educators by increasing best practices for engaging all students and increasing college readiness across the school and district. Our district supports the AVID program in local middle and high schools by:

Supporting AVID in existing schools.
Expanding AVID to more schools and students.
Providing essential support to the expansion of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses.
Providing adequate professional development support
Maintaining the high quality of program and student outcomes.

Student Goals:

Academic success in college preparatory courses.
Successful completion of college eligibility requirements.
Enrollment in at least one honors or AP course.
Enrollment in four-year college or university after high school graduation.

Student Responsibilities:

Maintain satisfactory citizenship and attendance in all classes, understanding my reputation as an AVID and college-bound student is at stake and expectation set forth for me are high.
Maintain the AVID binder with assignment/grade record sheets and daily notes in all classes.
Complete all homework assignments and commit to at least two hours of homework every night.
Maintain enrollment in college preparatory courses.
Take the AP test if enrolled in an AP class.
Take the PSAT sophomore and junior years, the SAT/ACT at least once junior year.
Apply to at least five colleges your junior/senior year.
Participate in at least one extra-curricular activity within or outside of school.
Commit to community service hours.
Be a steward of my classroom, AVID program and North High School.

Click here for the AVID Application

Please contact North's AVID coordinator, Sara Martinez at smartinez@isd622.org or 651.748.6126 with any questions.

Credit Recovery

ISD 622 provides after-school credit recovery classes at North and Tartan high schools.

Credit recovery programs extend the traditional school day and classroom experience by providing academic support to students. Students in these programs can recover credits for courses they have previously failed. Credit Recovery starts September 25, 2023 and ends May 21, 2024.

For questions/concerns, talk to your school counselor.

Credit Recovery Enrollment Form

Credit Recovery is Monday-Thursday from 3:00pm-4:15pm. They are off on the following dates.

Oct 12 & 18
Nov 6, 22, 27-30
Dec 18-21
Jan 3-4
March 4-7
April 8-11

Grade Level Schoology Pages

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

Students must notify their school by the end of May if they want to participate in PSEO for the following school year.

What is Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)?

PSEO: What is it?

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. 11th- and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th-graders may take one career/technical PSEO course. If 10th-graders taking a CTE PSEO course earn at least a grade C in that class, they may take additional CTE PSEO courses. Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO.

Step 1: North Registration

PSEO: Registration

In January we’ll complete registration at North. Make sure to register for a full course load at North for the following year, as if you will be at North full-time. Note: if you end up enrolling in a college’s PSEO program, these North classes are easy to drop but difficult to add! So choose a full course load, making sure to get in all of your required classes and electives you would want to take. Also, mark on the registration sheet that you are interested in PSEO (“Other Options” on the back of the long form) and hand in the PSEO contract with your registration materials.

Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) Contract

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Eligibility

PSEO: Eligibility

You are eligible if you are in grade 10, 11, or 12, enrolled in high school and meet the admissions requirements of the postsecondary tech school, college, or university you wish to attend. The college/university will determine eligibility. Example of current standards:

University of Minnesota: Top 10-15 percent of class
State Colleges and community colleges: Juniors-top 1/3 of class, Seniors-top 1/2 of class
Private colleges: Top 20 percent of the class

Note: Each college determines student eligibility.

Interested?

PSEO: Interested?

Follow these steps:

Discuss this option with your parent(s) or guardian
Contact the college for the PSEO application
Once accepted, see your counselor to discuss credits, graduation requirements, etc.

The state's PSEO Notice of Student Registration form (ED-001763-19) must be completed and signed by your parent/guardian if under 18, and your counselor, before you register each semester to ensure the school district's payment of your tuition. After you register at the college, see your school counselor for a schedule change.

Costs

PSEO: Costs

The costs of tuition, books and lab fees will be covered by the school district as part of your high school education. You will be responsible for payment of non-consumable tools and equipment. The books are to be returned to the college directly, as the books belong to the college. Failure to return books may result in a fine/fee or withholding of your transcript by the college. If you have any questions regarding the mileage reimbursement for low-income students' participation in the PSEO program, contact Julie Belisle at 651-582-8265

Transportation Reimbursement for Qualified Students:

Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for PSEO students whose families are at or below the poverty level, as determined by the federal government, to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses.

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course. Enrolling in a PSEO course does not prohibit a student from participating in activities sponsored by the high school. Funds are available to help pay transportation expenses for qualifying students to participate in PSEO courses on college campuses.

Grading

PSEO: Grading

Grades are usually sent directly to the high school from the college after the completion of the course. However, students are ultimately responsible for making sure the high school receives the grades. All grades must be reported. The grades reported by the college are the grades placed on the student's high school transcript. Grades are weighted on a 5.0 scale.

Students should start by planning early. The State Department of Education requires that you notify your current school by May 30 of your intent to enroll in PSEO the following school year. The decision to participate is an important one. The student will be expected to be a responsible, self-starting, independent learner. Students should seek out additional information and counseling at the high school and at the post-secondary institution to ensure that they are making the best choice for themselves and their educational future.

Once you register for college courses, you have started a college transcript. All courses dropped in PSEO must be first approved by your high school counselor. It is essential that you follow this procedure when dropping/canceling a college class. As colleges have designated drop/withdrawal periods; failure to comply will result in a grade of "F" on your high school and college transcripts.

Colleges do have the right to restrict the number and kinds of courses PSEO students may take. You must manage your time, study more outside of class, and meet deadlines without reminders.

Minnesota High School League rules let you participate in extra-curricular activities or athletics at your high school OR postsecondary institution, but not both.

Step 2: Choose your college

PSEO: Choose your college

There are many colleges and universities in Minnesota that participate in PSEO. Visit the MDE website for a comprehensive list of schools that you can apply to.

Things to consider:

Distance: transportation is up to the student for all PSEO programs. If your school is far away, you’ll need to be able to get yourself to and from that institution.
Eligibility: different schools have different admissions criteria. For example, the University of Minnesota admits the top 10-15% of the class. State and community colleges admit the top ⅓ of junior class, top half of senior class. Private colleges admit top 20% of class. Each school is different.
Program: Different schools have different course offerings that are available to PSEO students. Make sure to choose a school that offers appropriate classes to you based on your grade level.

Step 3: Apply

Step 4: Meet with your counselor at North

PSEO: Meet with your counselor

Meet with your counselor at North.

You MUST inform North of your participation in PSEO by May 30 of the prior school year.

As part of your enrollment, you have to complete the Notice of Student Registration and have it signed by your counselor. This is also a good opportunity to look at your remaining high school requirements and make sure you can get them all in your schedule through North, college classes, or a combination of the two.

Step 5: Track your application

Step 6: Register for your PSEO classes with the college

College Planning

What are you going to do once you graduate from high school?

Go to college? Learn a technical skill?

To help with your decision, please make an appointment with your North High School counselor to talk about your options, or visit the website of any college, university, or technical school that you're interested in. Most schools have virtual tours, virtual visits, and virtual chats with staff to answer any questions about their institution and programs.

Transcripts

Transcripts requested online are sent securely to the colleges, universities, or scholarship funds that you select. You may track your request online.

It is your responsibility to request/order your Final Transcript on Parchment. We cannot do this for you! All colleges and universities will require proof of graduation, and your transcript WITH a diploma date is the only way that this can be indicated.

Those students that need to finish their required credits in summer school should not request a Final Transcript until all credits have been completed and your transcript has been updated. If you do not finish earning your required credits before August 31, your diploma will no longer reflect a June graduation date. After August 31, your diploma will reflect the actual date that you completed your required credits.

Please note: As of August 1, you will be considered an Alumni. As an Alumni, the cost of your transcript increases from $5.00 to $10.00.

Create a Parchment Account Log Into Parchment Parchment Support

Current Students

The first two requests are free.

Starting on the third request you will be charged $5.00 per transcript.

Seniors

Update your Parchment account with a personal email address.

If you are making a final transcript request, select hold for grades (default is send now) in Parchment.

If you are a senior and have not set up your Parchment account, check your school email for a registration code (email from Parchment).

Graduates / Alumni

Graduates should use Parchment to request transcripts. You will be charged $10.00 per transcript.

Letters of Recommendation

Colleges often ask for two or three recommendation letters from people who know you well. These letters should be written by someone who can describe your skills, accomplishments, and personality.

Colleges value recommendations because they:

Reveal things about you that grades and test scores can’t
Provide personal opinions of your character
Show who is willing to speak on your behalf

Form

Letters of recommendation work for you when they present you in the best possible light, showcasing your skills and abilities. Think about who would be able to write the best letter for you: teachers, employers, coaches, mentors, counselors.

Counselor Recommendation Request

College Applications

College Virtual Tours

Virtual College Exploration and Application for all Minnesota Students (other colleges also!)
U of MN - Rochester - new NXT GEN MED program - See this video!
Minnesota Private Colleges Online Tours
Alexandria Technical & Community College/ATCC - Find Your Future
Bemidji State University - Bemidji, MN virtual visit opportunities - campus visits are welcome now
College of St. Scholastica - Duluth, MN
Michigan Tech - Houghton, MI Various virtual opportunities (click Here)
Minnesota State University Mankato
University of Wisconsi n - River Falls
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
Montana State University - Bozeman, MT
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota - Winona, MN
University of Arizona - Tucson, AZ
Northern Michigan University - Marquette, MI and YouTube Video
Rainy River Community College - International Falls, MM
Winona State University - Winona, MN Admissions Webpage (click Here)
North Dakota State University - Fargo, ND - Admission webpage and self-guided tour
St. Cloud State University - St. Cloud, MN. : Request a one-on-one Zoom meeting with an admission counselor
University of Missouri "Mizzou" - Columbia, MO

University of Minnesota

Student-led video tours:

The University of Minnesota offers Virtual Freshman Visits for each undergraduate college. Register for a session.

Minnesota State University - Mankato

Virtual Information Sessions: We are currently offering two live virtual information sessions each week: Mondays at 3:30 PM and Fridays at 12:00 PM.

More information and registration for these events can be found on the Minnesota State University - Mankato website.

Information Regarding Virtual Tours and Visits

Come ready to learn and bring a question or two you wish to have answered.

College and Career Events and Opportunities at North

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Use this Guide only as a general planning tool. Make sure you look up the specific admissions requirements of the schools in which you are interested since they vary. To play it safe, take more courses than the North High School graduation requirements in the core areas of English, social studies, math, and science. (Although world language is not required to graduate from North, many colleges require at least 2 years.)

Note: some 4-year schools on the East and West Coasts prefer the SAT over the ACT College Entrance Exam - research your schools of interest!

Helpful Websites

Peterson's website has great planning information for all aspects of college.

Minnesota has reciprocity with Wisconsin and North and South Dakota. This means that students can attend public institutions in these locations and pay tuition that would be comparable to a similar Minnesota public institution.

Students must complete a reciprocity agreement with the appropriate state/province to qualify. Applications are obtained from the website above.

The Next Step U is an excellent resource for all college planning. Take a look at their website for more information.

This is the National Collegiate Athletic Association's homepage. If you are considering attending a Division I or II school and participating in extracurricular activities, you must register with the NCAA by the end of your junior year in high school. This website will provide you with the requirements and procedures for registration.

Financial Aid

FAFSA on the Web

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federally approved application for financial aid. It generates information for colleges to determine a student's eligibility for grants, work-study, loans, and some forms of need-based scholarships. This application is free and can be completed online.

FAFSA

Financial Aid for Minnesota Students

Financial Aid Information

This site has an Estimated Family Contribution Estimator, a college cost projector, an educational Savings Plan Designer, scholarship information, and much more.

Financial Aid Information Page