The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) invites our students, to the National College Fair coming to our area:

NACAC Honolulu College Fair

Monday, April 22, 2013

Juniors will be taken on a field trip during the day 8:15 am - 12:30 pm with local campus tours to follow.

5:00 - 8:00 pm Evening Session

Hawai`i Convention Center

Free and open to the public (parking fees apply), theses programs are currently available in 58 cities across the country.  The quality of thee programs are unmatched by any college fair in the nation.

Admission representatives from hundreds of colleges and universities are available to speak with students one-on-one concerning the college admission process and college life in general. These programs also offer a variety of other opportunities to help simplify the college selection and admission process. All college fairs include a counseling and resource center comprised of skilled professionals and partners who can assist parents and students.  A resource center houses partners that provide auxiliary services available to parents and students. 

We encourage students to register on line at www.gotomyncf.com prior to attending the fair. You may also visit www.nacacnet.org/ncfstudent for more details.  Junior students have already registered and will receive their admittance ticket to the fair the day of.

Juniors are required to wear the appropriate school uniform and are asked to bring money to purchase lunch. A detailed mailer and Naviance e-blast has been sent.

Maryknoll School's  PTG and the College Guidance Department bring to you the 2013 College Transition Night.  This is a great event, created to provide senior students and their families with insight into their journey towards college. The focus that evening will be structured around small group settings where parents and student will be assigned separately, by designated college region to hear from past parents and alumni.  

In addition, there will be vendors available to help answer questions on shipping, travel, housing necessities, etc. All seniors who attend will receive a gift. Bentos may be pre-ordered at $7 each with door prize giveaways throughout the program event.

This is a great time to gain insightful information as well as make connections with other families who may have children going to college in the same area.

With the May 1st 'National Intent Date' creeping around the corner, this event can also be helpful to guide students in making their final decisions. A formal invitation for this event has been mailed home and RSVP is required.  The official flyer and form has been also sent via Naviance and email blast. RSVP form and payment is due by Monday, April 8th.

Please mark your calendar!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Maryknoll School Community Center
5:45 pm to 8:00 pm

Parking will be made available at the Grade School campus. If you have any questions please email ctn@maryknollschool.org

Mr. Larry Kekaulike and Ms. Tracy Manlansing, Maryknoll’s two college guidance counselors, work diligently with all our high school students to ensure that 100% of our students are accepted to colleges of their choice. This process begins in the students’ freshman and sophomore years. During advisory time, the students start the Spartan March towards college, learning about various colleges, the application process, the importance of extracurricular activities and being well-rounded person in general. In January of the students’ junior year, Ms. Manlansing and Mr. Kekaulike start meeting with all the juniors on an individual basis. At these meetings, the students share their thoughts and dreams about college, where they are interested in applying, and what they might want to major in. Our guidance counselors also meet with all the parents in one-on-one sessions to review the entire college application process. This personal time, attention, and help given to each student and the family by Ms. Manlansing and Mr. Kekaulike are a huge part of the reason why our students are ready for to find success in college.

There is a college fair on Friday, November 16 at the Blaisdell Center. The first session is from 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The second session is an evening one and runs from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Also, Seniors and Senior Parents – mark your calendars for our first Transition Night. It will be held on Monday, April 22 in the MCC. By that date, seniors will have been accepted and will have finally decided which college they will be attending; so what happens next? Transition Night will help answer this question by providing helpful hints and some guidance in dealing with some of the more practical, and mundane, aspects of that move to college – postal service, banks and credit unions, travel plans and much more.

If you have further questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Manlansing at tracy.manlansing@maryknollschool.org or her phone, (808) 952-7223.

Mr. Kekaulike can be reached at larry.kekaulike@maryknollschool.org or his phone, (808) 952 – 7222.

Freshmen, sophomores and juniors at Maryknoll will be taking the PSAT on Wednesday, October 17.  There is a special 'B' day schedule that will be followed on this day.  Below is information about the PSAT/NMSQT as well as some helpful reminders in preparing for this test.

1. General Information:

• What is the PSAT/NMSQT? Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is a qualifying test for entry to the 2014 National Merit Program (juniors). The competition will span about 18 months from entry in October 2012 until the spring of 2014 when scholarships for college undergraduate study will be awarded.

• What do I have to do to qualify for the scholarship (junior year)? 1. Be enrolled as a high school student, progressing normally toward graduation or completion of high school by 2014, and planning to enter college no later than the fall of 2014. 2. Be a citizen of the United States or be a U.S. lawful permanent resident (or have applied for permanent residence, the application for which has not been denied). 3. Take the 2012 PSAT/NMSQT in the specified year of the high school program (junior year).

• How do my scores qualify me? The PSAT uses the index scores (the sum of critical reading, mathematical and writing skills scores) to determine participants who qualify for program recognition. Each section has a maximum score of 80, total sum of 240.

• Keep in mind that taking the exam will also assist with preparing for the SAT Reasoning test; highly suggested for all juniors to take the exam in the spring of 2013. Scores will help the college guidance department to determine best fit colleges and universities.

2. Before Test Day:

• Get a good night’s rest.
• Eat a good well-balanced breakfast.
• Be positive.

3. Test Day:

• Arrive at 7:45 am and report directly to your advisory. Please be aware that some advisory classes have been relocated.  Signs will be posted.
• Your standardized test will start promptly at 8:00 am. No make-ups can be given for the PSAT (unless serious illness and emergency; written requests to re-take the PSAT need to submitted early on or before March 1, 2013).
• Bring two, #2 pencils with erasers and a scientific or graphing calculator you are comfortable using. You cannot share calculators on test day.
• Classroom desks and chairs will be set up in standardized test setting style; individually and usually facing the front of the room (white board, clock) in the same direction.
• Students will be given all directions prior to taking the test that morning and most importantly will be advised that no electronic device or other written materials can be used during the duration of the exam (not during test or on breaks). This is a standardized exam.
•All students should end the PSAT test approximately at 10:30 am. After the test all students will have a morning break and continue the day with a regular school day ending at 2:00 pm.
• Scores will be distributed by January 2013.

By Larry K. Kekaulike, Director of College Guidance

Maryknoll’s graduating class of 2012 has accomplished and experienced many things. Like the other Maryknoll students before them, they have worked hard in the classroom and have been involved in countless hours of community service initiatives, living out our motto of Noblesse Oblige.

Now, these recent graduates are seeking their destiny on different paths. As the world beyond our high school campus is pressing through tough economic times, our seniors are optimistic about their future. Some of them find themselves leaving for Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania and Texas.  Others are staying a little closer to home and will be attending schools in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. We are looking at a group of future artists, doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses, educators and community leaders.

Here are the final statistics for this year’s Class of 2012

• 141 graduates
• 89% will be attending 4-year schools / 11% will be attending 2-year schools
• 61% will be going to school beyond Hawai‘i / 39% will be staying home for school
• 29% will be attending Catholic Schools
• An estimate of $2.5 million dollars over the next 4 years in scholarships/grants were attained for college.

On behalf of Mrs. Tracy Manlansing and me, it has been a pleasure working with you seniors in hope that you take the knowledge that Maryknoll has given you to build upon. We wish the best to all of you as you enjoy your college experience and ask that you keep in touch with us. God’s blessings to all!

Check out the College Goal Sunday website for more details:http://www.cgshawaii.org/oahu.htm

The Junior Parent College Night will take place on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 6:30 PM in the library, room 202.  A presentation by the College Guidance Counselors, Mr. Larry Kekaulike and Mrs. Tracy Manlansing, will address junior year college guidance concerns and planning. 

The agenda for the evening will include discussion of college planning, Naviance's Family Connection website, PSAT score reports and SAT/ACT testing information.  Parent username and password information for Naviance will also be distributed again.

Parking is available on the high school campus, and overflow parking is on the grade school campus courtyard area.  Parents should enter via Alexander Street and then turn right on to the campus.

If you have any questions, you can call the College Guidance Office at 952-7220 or email them at larry.kekaulike@maryknollschool.org or tracy.manlansing@maryknollschool.org

The HMSA Kaimana Awards & Scholarship Program is a unique initiative that promotes physical activity at Hawaii high schools, rewards the achievements of student athletes, and supports education for coaches. Athletics, academics, sportsmanship and community service are key program elements. HMSA sponsors this program in partnership with the Hawaii High School Athletic Association (HHSAA).

High school seniors are eligible to apply for HMSA Kaimana Scholarships. Each scholarship is worth $2,000, with an additional $1,000 awarded to scholarship recipients with exceptional qualities.

Scholarship selection is based on students’ individual athletic and academic achievement, sportsmanship, and community involvement, with special focus given to students in lower-profile sports. Applicants must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75, participate on one or more league-recognized high school sports team, and graduate at the end of their senior year.

This year we congratulate 2011 graduate Kendal Kagawa who during the school year participated in volleyball and soccer.  Kendal will be attending Regis University in Colorado where she will be participating in college level soccer. 

source: http://www.hmsa.com/community/awards/kaimana/default.aspx 

CONGRATS KENDAL!

Kendal Kagawa, bottom right corner with her 2011 volleyball team.

By Larry Kekaulike, Director of College Guidance

Maryknoll’s graduating class of 2011 has accomplished and experienced many things. Like the other Maryknoll students before them, they have worked hard in the classroom and got involved with our
school community.
Now these recent graduates are seeking their destiny on different paths. As the world beyond our high school campus is trying to rebound from tough economic times, our seniors are optimistic about their future. Some of them find themselves leaving for New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Montreal
(Quebec, Canada), while others are staying a little closer to home and will be attending school in California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado. We are looking at a group of future doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses, educators and community leaders.

Here are the final statistics for this year’s Class of 2011:
• 135 graduates
• 92% will be attending 4-year schools / 8% will be attending 2-
year schools
• 57% will be going to school beyond Hawai‘i / 43% will be
staying home for school
• 28% will be attending Catholic Schools
• An estimate of $3.2 million dollars over the next 4 years in
scholarships/grants were attained for college.

On behalf of Mrs. Tracy Manlansing and me, it has been a pleasure working with our Seniors in hopes that they take the knowledge that Maryknoll has given them to build upon. We wish the best to
all as they enjoy their college experience and ask that they keep in touch with us. God’s blessings to all!

Reminder to all seniors....Friday, May 13, 2011 is the dealine to complete your college exit surveys in your Naviance account, www.connection.naviance.com/maryknoll ! 

The survey takes no longer than 3 minutes and all questions need to be answered.  Don't forget to indicate where you will be attending college in the fall so that the Registrar mails out your final transcript to your school. 

If there are any special circumstance, stop by the College Guidance Office.  A copy of your acceptance letter and financial award letter from the school that you are attending needs to be turned in before you will be allowed to receive your yearbook.  

Congratulations to Brandon Amano, Adam Bajinting and Ryan Morisato!!! They were recently awarded the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa Regent Scholarship. This highly selective scholarship is only given to twenty seniors each year state wide.

This is what the UH Manoa Regent Scholarship includes:

1)    Full tuition, renewable for four years (8 semesters).

2)    $2,000 stipend per semester.

3)    $2,000 one time, travel grant.

Again, please congratulate Brandon, Adam and Ryan for their hard work. Then of course, want to thank everyone at Maryknoll for the support you have given them in and out of the classroom.

For information on applying to next years Regent Scholarship (and more) please visit http://www.hawaii.edu/offices/studentaffairs/scholarships/raps-overview.php.

FYI, Julian Cheng (MHS 2010) received this same scholarship last year.

We encourage all of our high school students to look into doing something productive during the summer whether it be summer school, community service, working, internship, visitng colleges or taking a trip.  Creating a productive summer experience could benefit a students outlook on career and college goals. 

For Dawson Zimmerman, a freshman student here at Maryknoll School, she will be taking that advantage to explore her options in attending the Oxford Prep Experience.

The Oxford Prep Experience is comprised of 150 students from around the world.  They'll be living and studying at Oxford's Corpus Christi College, which are led by scholars who produced the King James Bible in the 17th century.  

The Oxford Prep Experience is an academic program for students in grades 8-9 held in Corpus Christi College, Oxford University, England. There are twenty-three courses available, as diverse as Creative Writing, History’s Secrets, Psychology, and Speech and Debate.

The international faculty includes Rhodes and Marshall Scholars, as well as creative professionals – actors, artists, photographers, and writers – from London and elsewhere. Together with program administrators, including Program Deans and Activities Directors, students enjoy a daily schedule that combines intellectual and curricular adventure, cultural enrichment, guest speakers, field trips, activities and sports – all in a safe, supervised environment. At the end of the program, students have the opportunity to stay in Paris, France, to complement their time in England.  The program runs from July 2 - 28th. 

There are many other opportunities such as this one that Dawson will attend during the summer.  Through Naviance a recent email has been sent and posted in your message box with such opportunities. 

So whether it be going away like Dawson or staying home, please take the time to look into many options available for a fun and productive summer. Have Fun Dawson! And we look forward to hearing about your experiences when you return.

For the Class of 2011, the start of senior year is right around the corner, and that means completing college essays and applications will also be upon them soon!  To ensure that senior parents are aware of important information that has been shared with their children and dates of interest for this year, a parent letter is being mailed home containing this information. 

Below are some dates of interest for seniors.

1. Senior Parent College Night on Thursday, September 9, 2010, Library, 6:30-8:00 PM
2. Hawai'i College & Career Fair on Friday, November 12, 2010, NBC Exhibition Hall from 8:30-11:00 AM & 5:00-8:00 PM (visit http://www.hawaiiccfair.org/honolulu.html for more information)
3. College Guidance Financial Aid Night on Thursday, December 9, 2010, Library, 6:30-8:00 PM

Click here to see a copy of the parent letter.

This is a 6-week program that allows qualified high school juniors to work hands-on in our College of Engineering research laboratories.  Interns also participate in group activities and a field trip to local engineering companies, and make a presentation about what they learned and experienced.

This year, only 23 students were selected state wide. We here at Maryknoll are very proud that we have two interns this summer.