Counseling and Guidance
High School
Mrs. Sue Turner
High School Counselor
sturner@isd116.org
(218)746-2116
College Entrance Testing
ACT Test Dates
ACT (American College Testing)
The ACT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper test administered by ACT, Inc.
The purpose of the ACT test is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important ACT scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.
Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.
For more information on the ACT please visit https://act.org.
Pre-ACT
PreACT (Preliminary ACT)
The ACT (American College Testing) is a standardized test that many colleges and universities use for college admissions and awarding scholarships. The PreACT is a practice test for the ACT exam and measures progress towards college readiness. Students who choose to take the PreACT will also have the opportunity to take the interest inventory and engage in college major exploration or learn more about work-related careers that match the student's interests.
The results from the PreACT will give each student invaluable feedback on where their current knowledge and skills lie along with areas that may need more work and focus. Students can plug in their PreACT scores on the ACT Academy website (a free online learning tool offered by ACT) and get their own personal path for improvement. The ACT Academy allows for students to work at their own pace to improve in the areas suggested by the PreACT.
The PreACT will be available for any freshman who would like to take it free of charge. Interested students can sign up with Mrs. Turner.
For more information on the PreACT please click on the link below.
https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/preact.html
PRE-ACT SIGN UP
A.S.V.A.B.
ASVAB (Armed Services Aptitude Battery)
The ASVAB will be offered to all juniors on Tuesday, December 6th free of charge. This exam is optional.
The ASVAB is a comprehensive career exploration and planning program that includes a timed multiple aptitude test battery, an interest inventory, and an exercise designed to help students explore the world of work. Results of the aptitude test and the inventory enable students to evaluate their skills, estimate performance in academic and vocational endeavors, and identify potentially satisfying careers. There are nine sections on the exam and include: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Math Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto Information, Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, and Assembling Objects.
If you believe you are moving towards a trades career or are planning on attending a community or technical college the ASVAB may be the exam you choose to take versus the ACT this spring (the ACT is used to help assess college readiness in the areas of Reading, Math, English, and Science. Students planning on attending a four-year college or university typically take the ACT).
A sign up sheet will be made available through Google Docs to all juniors for the ASVAB. The deadline to sign up is Friday, December 2nd. The test is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, but in no way is this testing a solicitation to join the armed forces. This program is strictly for students to learn more about themselves and their academic abilities.
P.S.A.T
PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT)
On Wednesday, October 12th the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) will be given at the high school. The PSAT measures critical reading, math problem-solving, and writing and language skills. This test is a preview of the type of questions students may find on the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). The PSAT lets students compare their ability to do college work with the ability of other college-bound students.
The PSAT is the only test that may qualify your student for the National Merit Scholarship program. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses the PSAT to decide which high school students will be distinguished as National Merit Commendations (approximately 34,000 students out of the nation), Semifinalists (approximately 16,000 students out of the nation), Finalists (approximately 15,000 students out of the nation), and Scholars (approximately 8,200 students out of the nation). The PSAT is not a test students are required to take. Students should plan on taking the exam if:
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You are planning on taking the SAT your senior year (ACT and SAT may be required or highly recommended when applying to any four-year college or university or for scholarship eligibility)
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If you are planning on attending a four-year college only
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If you believe you may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program
Students interested in taking the PSAT need to sign up with me no later than Monday, October 10th on the Google Doc form that I will share with them in an email. The exam will last approximately three and a half hours. Students need to check-in with their first period class on testing day (8:20 am). An announcement will be made for all students to report to the CTC Center after the announcements.
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There is a cost to take the PSAT. The cost for the 22-23 school year is $18.00. Please make sure your student brings in cash/check (made payable to Pillager High School) the day of the test.
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Please make sure to pick up a study guide in the high school office.
For more information and a free full length practice test please click on the link below.
S.A.T.
SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
The SAT is also used as a measuring tool to make admissions decisions to colleges and universities as well as awarding scholarships. The purpose of the SAT is to measure a high school student's readiness for college, and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. If you choose to take the SAT you will be measured in the following areas:
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Reading
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Writing & Language
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Math (with calculator)
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Math (no calculator)
Which college entrance test should I take?
If you have an idea of what colleges you are planning on applying to make sure to check what their admission requirements are. Most colleges do not have a preference on whether you take the ACT or the SAT. Some students may choose to take both the ACT and the SAT.
Credit Recovery
Credit Recovery
STEPS (Striding Towards Educational & Personal Success)
STEPS is a program for students who have failed one or more core courses. STEPS is offered during the school day and is built into the student’s schedule. STEPS is a collaborative project between Pillager High School and Northern Pines Mental Health Center. STEPS students will participate twice a week in mental health education facilitated by Northern Pines staff. Northern Pines staff will provide psychoeducation around various mental health topics in order to promote resiliency, positive self-esteem, school and life success, encourage healthy self-care and overall coping skills. The mental health component of STEPS will be driven by evidenced-based practices, relevant material geared to adolescents, hands-on activities, and facilitated group processing. Students will receive one Pillager High School credit for completing this portion of STEPS.
The other three days of the week, when students are not participating in the mental health education component, they will be working on recovering their missed credit(s) through Edmentum, an online program to help students understand and go over the concepts they originally missed in their core class(es). When students successfully complete their Edmentum course they will earn an additional credit for the class. This means that students have the potential to earn two credits during this one hour of time to help them “catch up” on credits.
Students who are behind in their credits will automatically be placed in the STEPS program.
ALC (Alternative Learning Center)
ALC (Alternative Learning Center-Pillager)
Pillager High School offers an alternate program option for students to receive their high school diploma through Freshwater Education District. Students may attend as a full-time student in this independent study program. If your student is enrolled in the ALC program they would attend school two evenings per week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 pm until 5:30 pm. Students will be given work during the time they are in school and will also be required to bring work home with them to complete before they meet again the following week. For more information about the Pillager ALC program please contact Mrs. Turner at sturner@isd116.org or call her directly at 218.746.2116.
Earning College Credit in HS
- ACC (Articulated College Credit)
- AA Degree at Pillager High School
- College Credit While in High School
ACC (Articulated College Credit)
Articulated College Credit
ARTICULATED COLLEGE CREDIT
What it means to you
WHY EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH ARTICULATED COLLEGE CREDIT (ACC)?
1. Earn Technical or Community College credits (Articulated College Credit) in grades 10, 11, 12
2. Stay in your own high school with your friends and the teachers you already know
3. Explore career opportunities through high school courses
4. Complete your college program sooner, save time and money
5. Choose a specific Technical or Community College career program or a major that may lead to transfer options to a university
HOW DO I GET ARTICULATED COLLEGE CREDIT (ACC)?
1. The following courses are articulated at PHS:
- Accounting II
- College Digital Photography
- Computer Applications
- Desktop Publishing
- Intro to Business
- Intro to Computers Online
- Small Gas Engines
- Web Page Design
2. If these classes fit your interests and career goals, or if you want to explore the career field, choose one of these classes.
3. Then, ask your teacher how you can get Articulated College Credit.
WHAT DO I DO WITH ARTICULATED COLLEGE CREDIT?
1. Download your ACC record at any time after you have completed your high school ACC course.
2. Bring the ACC record to one of the colleges listed and enroll in a career program or major.
3. Check with the college records office as they may have a procedure to follow.
WHERE CAN I USE THE CREDIT?
1. Bring your printed ACC record when registering at a college listed on your certificate to receive the credit(s) earned. Other colleges MAY honor the credits.
2. You must always check with the college or university of your choice for specific criteria in a program or major, not all credits will move into all programs or majors.
WHO IS PART OF CTE Credit MN?
There are many Career and Technical Consortia across MN. A consortium is a group of high schools and colleges who work together to provide students a link from high school to college.
Where do I learn more about ACC?
Just follow the link below.
AA Degree at Pillager High School
AA Degree at PHS
Pillager high School (PHS) has partnered with Central Lakes College (CLC) to offer online college level coursework to students who wish to earn college credit without leaving the traditional high school setting. The first two years of most 4-year college degrees require the completion of "general education" credits.
College credits earned at PHS can be applied toward the following options:
Associate in Arts (AA) degree- 60 college credits
MN Transfer Curriculum (MnTC)-40 college credit
Which should you choose? It really depends on your goals and the number of credits you can complete in high school. They are both great options! The AA degree will allow you to transfer with your first two years completed, while the MnTC option allows you to meet general education requirements but still gives you the option of completing electives at your college of choice.
*Note: CLC requires that 15 of the 60 credits required for an AA degree must be taught by CLC faculty. Online courses offered through CLC will meet that requirement.
Where can these degree options transfer?
Each option is designed to easily transfer to MnSCU institutions. For a complete list of MnSCU colleges go to http://minnstate.edu/ and click on "Colleges and Universities."
Many colleges and universities in MN do accept the AA degree as well. Be sure to check with the admissions office of the college of your choice!
College Credit While in High School
College Credit While in High School
CAREER AND COLLEGE READINESS RESOURCES
In today's global economy, students must be well-prepared for the demands of college and the workplace. Pillager High School provides support to assist students as they transition from middle school to high school and into an increasingly wide array of post-secondary options. For any career and college readiness questions please contact:
Amy Strother
Career Advisor
Email: [email protected]
*Amy is available on the Pillager campus on Monday and Wednesday from 8:00 am-3:15 pm. Amy's office is located next to the high school nurse's office in room 234.
CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT THROUGH CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE
Pillager High School partners with Central Lakes College to offer the following college credit courses to our high school students. Students who successfully complete these courses generate both high school and college credit from the partnering post-secondary institution. Some of the courses are offered on a rotating basis.
Life Science Chemistry* (for health/science majors)
Composition I & II
Calculus I
Intro to Sociology
College Algebra
Introduction to Business
General Psychology
World History I & II
Pre-Calculus
Accounting for Non-Accountants
Wind Symphony
Concert Chorale
Fitness Walking
Vide Productions
Introduction to Global Studies
On Course (Student Success)
Introduction to Literature
Introduction to Science Fiction & Fantasy Literature
PSEO & CTE
PSEO is a program that allows students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college-level, nonsectarian courses at eligible participating post-secondary 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. Eleventh and twelfth-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full or part-time basis; 9th and 10th graders may take one CTE (Career and Technical) PSEO course. If they earn at least a C in that class, they may take additional PSEO courses. To qualify as a 9th or 10th grader in a CTE course, students must have met the standards in Reading and Math and be in the 90th percentile of their graduating class.
PSEO AT CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE
Sophomores and Juniors interested in attending CLC for the 2022-2023 school year should see Mrs. Turner at the beginning of March 2022 to start the application process. The deadline to register for PSEO is May 31, 2022. In order to go PSEO as a junior and senior student need the following:
1. 3.0 cumulative GPA for junior students.
2. 2.5 cumulative GPA for senior students.
3. Must fill out a CLC application form and a PSEO application form
4. Students must register and meet the cut scores on the Accuplacer exam for Reading and Math. Cut scores are set by CLC.
5. Registration for the fall semester for new PSEO students begins in April.
COLLEGE-LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a College Board program that allows students to accelerate their education by earning college credit by taking a computer-based test of their knowledge. Learning can be done through general academic instruction, independent study, extracurricular work or volunteerism. The time and money saved can be significant. Check with the postsecondary institution of your choice for their most recent CLEP credit policy. Visit the College Board website for more information.
For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education's Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.
Course Registration Guide
Middle School
Stacy Germundson
Middle School Counselor
sgermundson@isd116.org
(218) 746-2097
This is my 7th year as the middle school counselor here in Pillager, MN. Previously, I was a middle and high school counselor in Prior Lake, MN for 14 years. My husband is an insurance and retirement agent with Horace Mann. We have 2 children (Gaje & Ellen). Our family loves living up north with the woods, lakes and wildlife!
My mission here as a school counselor is to assist all students with any academic, social and emotional needs they may have. That includes:
* Writing and facilitating social/emotional learning curriculum that is delivered in the classroom 2 days each week to all students during their Pride Times. The curriculum focuses on anti-bullying, building a culture of kindness, living a life with gratitude and mindfulness, building resilience, having tolerance and compassion for others and creating your own vision for your future and career exploration.
* Meeting individually with students regularly in order to support them with anxiety, family change, low self-esteem and relationship building.
* Meeting in small groups to help develop positive peer relationships or resolve conflicts.
* Advising a middle school student group called, RAK PAK! We facilitate acts of kindness towards students, teachers and community members throughout the year in order to promote a culture of kindness. RAK PAK also sponsors Unity Day in October, where we all wear orange in support of anyone who has experienced bullying. RAK PAK and the entire middle school participate in positive relationship building activities on Unity Day every year.
Feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance to you or your child!
Elementary
School Counselor & Social Worker
@isd116.org
Pillager Career Advisor
Career & College Planning
Make A Plan!
Any grade is the right grade to start thinking about future careers. Central Minnesota offers hundreds of great jobs — your job is to find which one is right for you.
First, assess your skills, interests and personality to find out what types of careers you’re interested in.
Then, research those careers. Do you need additional training or education after high school? What are the job potentials where you want to live? How much will you earn, and is it enough to live comfortably?
Did you know you can explore many different career pathways at Pillager School? Pillager offers a world of options — Bridges Career Academies , the ability to earn college credit, support in finding a job and more.
Pathways at Pillager School
Click on a color button below to learn more about different career fields and the related career pathways at Pillager School.
Career Assessment
Career Readiness
Finding your first job can sometimes be a challenge. Businesses want experience and you need a job to get experience. Hopefully, the steps below will help you understand the process and give you a few tips on how to secure your first job. And remember, every job can lead to another position. It's also important o know what type of wage you'll need to live in central Minnesota.
PLAN YOUR SEARCH
1. Networking — Networking is simply talking to people you know – parents, relatives, teachers, coaches – about your desires to work. Show enthusiasm and share what types of skills you have or what type of work you want.
CAREERwise Education networking tips
CareerOneStop networking tips
Social Media — Use your online tools to help with your job search. But remember, most everything you post online is also viewable by a potential employer.
– MN DEED social media tips
– Understanding your online image (CareerOneStop)
2. Research Employers — Research companies you’d like to work for. Local Chambers are usually a great starting point, as are trade associations.
Research Local Businesses who are Bridges’ partners
3. Search for jobs — Use our easy-to-use Career Depot to search for jobs exclusively for 14-18 year olds.
Search the Career Depot
THE HIRING PROCESS
1. Applications — Get the interview by making sure your application or resume is as good as it can be.
CAREERwise Education application tips
MN DEED application tips
CareerOneStop application tips
2. Resumes — First jobs usually don’t ask for resumes or cover letters, but here are a few links to help you when you do need those tools.
CAREERwise Education resume tips
MN DEED resume tips
E-class from MN DEED on resumes
CareerOneStop resume tips
MyFuture resume advice
3. Cover Letters
CAREERwise Education cover letter tips
MN DEED cover letter tips
MyFuture letter advice
4. Interviewing — This is your chance to sell your skills and abilities.
CAREERwise Education interviewing tips
MN DEED interviewing tips
CareerOneStop interviewing tips
MyFuture acing the interview
Practice Interviewing with InterviewStream
5. Follow up — Don’t forget to follow-up with whomever you had the interview.
CAREERwise Education follow-up tips
MN DEED follow-up tips
CareerOneStop follow-up tips
ON-THE-JOB EXPECTATIONS
You got a job. Now what?! Learn what is expected at your first job.
CAREERwise Education: how to succeed
College Planning
Earning College Credit During High School
Once you’ve selected your desired career and determined its educational requirement include college, you can start working towards that goal. You could consider taking courses in your designated career pathway, acquiring college credits while in high school and/or reviewing testing and admission requirements for colleges.
college planning
In addition to the requirements and electives offered at PHS, college-level courses are available to students while in high school. Download this 1-page sheet on the current offerings.
Standard College Entrance Exams
The ACT and SAT are the primary entrance exams used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. They are multiple-choice, pencil-and-paper tests, and can also include writing/essay options.
The purpose of these tests are to measure a high school student's readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants. College admissions officers will review standardized test scores alongside your high school GPA, the classes you took in high school, letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors, extracurricular activities, admissions interviews, and personal essays. How important text scores are in the college application process varies from school to school.
Should I take the ACT or the SAT?
Most colleges and universities will accept scores from either the SAT or ACT, and do not favor one test over the other. That said, college-bound students are increasingly taking both the SAT and ACT. Changes made to the SAT in 2016 have made it easier than ever to prep for both tests concurrently—and earn competitive scores on both! The best way to decide if taking the SAT, ACT, or both tests is right for you is to take a timed full-length practice test of each type. Since the content and style of the SAT and ACT are very similar, factors like how you handle time pressure and what types of questions you find most challenging can help you determine which test is a better fit.
Overall, the higher you score on the ACT and/or SAT, the more options for attending and paying for college will be available to you.
When should I take the ACT or SAT?
Most high school students take the ACT, SAT, or both during the spring of their junior year or fall of their senior year. It's important to leave time to re-take the test if you need to raise your score before you apply to college. Find the national ACT exam dates and SAT exam dates.
Pre-ACT — The Pre-ACT test gives students the opportunity to practice for the ACT test with a shortened version of the test. It provides scores on the ACT on the 1-36 scale, as well as a full view of students’ college and career readiness by identifying areas of strength and areas that need improvement. Information from the Pre-ACT will be used by the students to work within the ACT Academy, an online learning tool that allows students to take periodic quizzes, track scores, and receive targeted practice in areas of deficiency.
PSAT — All juniors are eligible to take the PSAT exam (Preliminary SAT). The exam is held in October on the nationally designated test date. Students must pay for this exam. This is the only exam that can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Students who are planning on attending a four-year college right out of high school are encouraged to take the exam. Parents and students will receive more information about the PSAT via email in the fall.
ACT — Any junior who plans on attending a four-year college right out of high school can sign up to take the ACT through on the designated test date set by the state of MN. When taken through the school district, the exam is free of charge. Seniors who did not choose to test as juniors are eligible to take the ACT as seniors. Parents and students will receive an informational letter and deadline for sign up via email in the spring.
There are 4 sections to the ACT: English, Reading, Math and Science. There is also an optional 40-minute writing test.
How long is the ACT? The ACT is 2 hours and 55 minutes long. If you choose to take the ACT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 35 minutes long.
How is the ACT scored? Each section of the ACT is scored on a 1 to 36 point scale. Your composite ACT score is the average of your four section scores, also on a scale from 1 to 36. If you take the ACT with writing test, you will receive a separate score on the writing test.
Free Practice Resources
ACT Academy
ACT Math test tips
SAT — Register directly on their website
There are 2 sections to the SAT: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing is comprised of two tests, one focused on Reading and one focused on Writing & Language. There is also an optional essay test.
How long is the SAT? The ACT is 3 hours and 15 minutes long. If you choose to take the SAT with Essay, the test will be 3 hours and 50 minutes long.
How is the SAT scored? The SAT is based on a 1600-point scale, with 2 sections—Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, each scored between 200 and 800. The optional essay is evaluated separately.
Athletic Participation in College NCAA
If you are planning to enroll in college as a first-year student and you wish to participate in NCAA Division I, Division II, or Division III athletics, you must be certified by the NCAA Eligibility Center . This registration process ensures consistent application of NCAA initial – eligibility requirements for all prospective student athletes at all member institutions. Requirements for eligibility are very specific and rigid. It is the responsibility of all prospective NCAA Division I, Division II, and Division III student athletes at Pillager High School to familiarize themselves with these requirements and create a Certification Account with the NCAA.
If students have any questions regarding eligibility, contact Mrs. Turner. Access information on eligibility by going to the NCAA Eligibility Center. Students may also download the current Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete from the NCAA’s website. PHS courses that are NCAA approved are denoted by the NCAA logo on the registration guide. For year-long courses the NCAA counts it as one core. For semester long courses, NCAA counts it as .5 of a core.
Students need a minimum of 16 core courses for eligibility (4 years x 4 cores).