Student Parent Handbook 2019-2020 as of 8.13.19

Seniors:
1. You are responsible for keeping track of and meeting all deadlines related
to your college applications.
2. Meet with college representatives visiting Sandia Prep in the fall. Whenever
you miss a class to meet with a college representative, your teacher needs
to approve in advance. Sign up for these visits on Naviance.
3. Register to take the SAT, ACT, or SAT Subject Tests in the fall if needed.
4. Finalize a list of schools to which you plan to apply by late October.
5. Continue to visit colleges using school vacations whenever possible.
6. Submit the forms required by the college counseling office, with your
parent’s approval, well in advance of your first application deadline.
7. Consult with your counselor to determine if you want to register for and
take AP tests in May.
8. Make sure that each of your applications is complete by following up with
the colleges to which you apply.
9. Notify your counselor promptly as you receive decisions from colleges.
10. No later than May 1, commit to attend one (and only one) college, notify
the Sandia Prep College Counseling office of your decision, and let your
other colleges know of your decision. We send your final transcript to that
college.
College Testing
Every college in the United States that requires a test for admission will accept
either the ACT or the SAT. Students are responsible for registering to take
the ACT (act.org) or SAT (collegeboard.org) and for sending their scores to
colleges. Sandia Prep typically administers the ACT in April and October of
each academic year. All SAT tests and ACT tests offered on other dates must be
taken at another testing location.
Students with learning differences who require special testing accommodations
should coordinate with a college counselor to submit the required paperwork
to the testing agencies and make arrangements to have their test administered
at school if necessary. This is a lengthy process, and students should begin to
make these arrangements as far in advance as possible.
To help our students prepare for college admission tests, Sandia Prep will
administer the following tests in October:
• PSAT 10 and the Pre-ACT will be taken by sophomores (10th Grade) in the
spring.
• PSAT/NMSQT – juniors (11th Grade)
The PreACT will be taken by sophomores (10th Grade) in the spring. This test
will provide important information on the student’s progress toward meeting
college readiness benchmarks set by the ACT and guidance regarding academic
areas and skills that require improvement to meet those benchmarks.
The PSAT is the precursor to the SAT. As juniors, students who score highly may
be named as scholars, finalists, semi-finalists, or commended students in the
National Merit Scholarship Competition.
While the PSAT 10, Pre-ACT, and PSAT are not typically considered in the college
admission process, they are important diagnostic tools that will eventually
be used in college guidance, and we encourage all students to take the tests
seriously and do their best.
Community Service
Opportunities to participate meaningfully in the community are offered to
individuals, to clubs, and to class groups on a voluntary basis. The Helping
Hands service clubs for Middle School and Upper School are open to interested
students.
Counseling / Health and Wellness
If a student is experiencing social and emotional difficulty which is interfering
with healthy functioning at school, they may receive help from the Coordinator
of Health and Counseling. The counselor is also available to meet with parents
about issues and concerns affecting their child. In some cases, referrals can be
made for professional counseling or therapy outside of school.
Parents should be aware that, according to New Mexico law, any student
may speak with a counselor in confidence. Confidentiality is not maintained
when there is a significant danger of harm to self or others or if child abuse is
suspected.
Courses Taken Outside Sandia Prep's Curriculum
Any course taken outside of Sandia Prep's curriculum will not appear on a
student's transcript, factor into a students grade point average (GPA) or count
toward a graduation credit.
Students who wish to take classes to advance in their course study MUST
receive permission from the Head of Upper School prior to registration in the
course.
Dances
Sandia Prep sponsors dances for students, their dates, and friends. The dances
are meant for fun; to keep them that way, please observe the following:
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