PVCHS Textbook Voucher Steps
PBSC Summer 2024 Dual Enrollment Textbook Information: In-Person
PBSC Summer 2024 Dual Enrollment Textbook Information: Online

“Duty, Honor, Country”
-Gen. Douglas MacArthur at U.S. Military Academy at West Point

What: Discover How to Join the Military

When: Wednesdays During Lunch Where: Cafeteria & Court Yard Who: Air Force, Army, National Guard, Coast Guard, Marine Corps & Navy

Have a passion and will to serve your country? Meet and learn more about different military branches and exactly what it takes to join!

www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab - If you're serious about joining the military, then get serious about the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

*ASVAB testing will take place in November each year*

Featured Article: Consider the Military from linkforcounselors.com

SAT and ACT Fee Waiver Information

Do you participate in the Free/Reduced Lunch Program?  Are you taking SAT’s and ACT’s again?  Are you beginning to apply to colleges?

If you participate in the FRL Program, you are eligible to take the SAT two times and the ACT four times for free.  You are also eligible for college applications fee waivers.

SAT Fee Waivers:  These are available directly on your College Board Account as long as you took the PSAT in 10^th or 11^th or the School Day SAT last March.  Go to your College Board account and the fee waiver is automatically there.  If not, please contact our testing coordinator Nicole Cohen. 

ACT Fee Waivers:  If you have taken an ACT and used the fee waiver before, you will be able to see this on your ACT account.  If you will be taking the ACT for the first time using a fee waiver please contact our testing coordinator Nicole Cohen.

College Application Fee Waivers:  If you have taken the SAT using a fee waiver, you are eligible for college application fee waivers.  You can obtain these by following the directions at:

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-in/applying-101/college-application-fee-waivers.  

ACT also offers college application fee waivers.  They are available at https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/RequestForWaiverForm.pdf

SAT and ACT Test Preparation Resources

Free Resources

Park Vista’s SAT/ACT Prep Class: Park Vista offers an SAT/ACT prep class for Sophomores and Juniors. Ask your school counselor for more information.

SAT Review on the CollegeBoard Website: The College Board offers free personalized SAT prep through Khan Academy. You can also find official SAT practice tests, sample questions, and information about study groups.

ACT Test Prep on the ACT Website: The makers of the ACT test have developed several free resources, including an ACT study guide and official practice tests. 

March2Success: Teaming with Peterson’s, March2Success provides full length practice tests for both the SAT and ACT. Students can also access online SAT and ACT preparation courses. Additionally, they offer math and verbal flashcards to help students prepare for the tests by strengthening math skills and broadening vocabulary. 

4Tests.com: 4Tests.com is a world-wide provider of free, online practice exams. They offer practice tests for both the SAT and the ACT.

Varsity Tutors -  SAT and ACT: Varsity Tutors provides free diagnostic and practice tests for both the SAT and the ACT. Students receive detailed scoring results that identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to create a study plan based on their specific needs.

Other Resources

FAU Department of Test Preparation:The FAU Department of Test Preparation offers test preparation courses for both the SAT and the ACT. Their philosophy is that if you know what to expect and the methods with which to approach the exam, your anxiety will be reduced, and you will be able to achieve your highest level of performance throughout the exam. 

PBSC’s SAT/ACT Prep Series: Broken into 2 parts, the SAT/ACT Prep series will prepare you for all of the content sections of both the SAT and the ACT.  Students will also learn tips for maximizing their time when completing these tests.

Revolution Prep: Revolution Prep utilizes interactive online tutoring, in either an individual or group setting, to help students reach their test prep goals.

Princeton Review: The Princeton Review offers online and in-person test preparation for the SAT and the ACT. There are a number of preparation packages available.

Kaplan: The Princeton Review offers online and in-person test preparation for the SAT and the ACT. There are a number of preparation packages available.

Inspirica: Inspirica offers a variety of SAT and ACT test preparation, including one-on-one tutoring and proctored practice exams.

Miscellaneous Resources

All Tutoring: 561-746-9007

Brain Prep: 561-699-1699 

Power Score 1-800-545-1750  

SAT Advantage 561-625-5287

Private Tutors

Cindy Harrison: 419-344-7103 or cindo13@aol.com  

Bernice Kramer: 561-626-3985

Dana Silbersweig: 561-322-8007 or dana.silbersweig@palmbeachschools.org

 School Day SAT

Park Vista will be administering a FREE, in-school SAT for all juniors and select seniors on TBD. All juniors and select seniors are automatically registered for the test. This administration of the SAT will NOT include the essay. Students are required to bring pencils, an approved calculator (a list can be found on College Board’s website), an ID, water and snacks. Students will report to their testing location at 7:30 a.m. Anyone not taking the in-school SAT will report to the Cafeteria for an extended study hall until the test administration is over.

Students will have lunch after the administration of the SAT and then they will report to their 7th period class. If a student wishes to leave campus after the test, they must have a note signed by their parent/guardian. The note will be submitted to a staff member at the gate. Parent call outs will NOT be permitted on this day. If you have any questions, please email our Testing Coordinator: jennifer.kalogeropoulos@palmbeachschools.org

Schedule changes at Park Vista High School are only permitted under the following circumstances:

1. Student is enrolled into a course for which they have already earned credit, or for which they are concurrently enrolled in and near conclusion in virtual school or credit lab. 

2. Student is in the wrong level or is unqualified for the course. This rule excludes courses for which a student applied, such as AP, AICE, or dual enrollment.

3. Student previously failed the same course with the same teacher.

4. A grade 12 student needing a course change to meet an outstanding graduation requirement. 

Schedule changes are not otherwise permitted at Park Vista. Under no circumstances will the following schedule changes be permitted:

1. Teacher change except as noted in item 3 above.

2. Period or class hour changes.

3. Any elective course changes.

The procedure for requesting a schedule change is for the student to personally see their school counselor before school, during lunch, or after school. No schedule changes will be considered via email or by phone from parents.   

Please realize that dropping an academic course may jeopardize graduation and/or admission to a four-year university. Also, the grade in the current class that is dropped will transfer to the new class that is added.

Park Vista High School / FLVS / PBVS Agreement

If your child chooses to enroll in a Florida Virtual School (FLVS) / Palm Beach Virtual School (PBVS) course in place of a currently active course on his/her schedule, please be aware of the following:

1.The student is responsible for setting up an FLVS account, selecting the correct course, and notifying their counselor for school approval.  Select Palm Beach Virtual School classes when available.

2. The student cannot enter or re-enter into a Park Vista course for the duration of the current semester, even if the student is dropped or withdrawn from the FLVS/PBVS course.

3. The student will not be withdrawn from a Park Vista class until FLVS/PBVS assigns the student a classroom and a teacher, completes the welcome call, and is made active in the course for the requested class (FLVS/PBVS course status becomes A-class active).  The timeframe between which a class is requested (status CR), and the class becomes assigned (status CA) and student then becomes active (status A), is determined solely by FLVS/PBVS.  This can be from a single day up to several weeks or more.  The student must attend their current class until the student becomes ACTIVE in the FLVS/PBVS class.

4. If a student has a period off campus, they must exit the campus before the start of the next class. This includes the days that activities or events occur in which they want to attend. Students may return for after school activities/events held after 2:45 pm.

The Park Vista High School Counselor will:

1. Approve appropriate FLVS/PBVS course request

2. Adjust class schedule at Park Vista to include Part-time FLVS/PBVS course period once the student becomes ACTIVE.

3. Receive and input final grade into the student record when issued by FLVS/PBVS

It is the parent’s responsibility to set up an FLVS/PBVS parent/guardian account at www.flvs.net and to provide parent/guardian authorization for any requested FLVS/PBVS course(s), AND to then monitor their child’s progress in the FLVS/PBVS course, and communicate with the FLVS/PBVS instructor as needed.

Please understand that success within FLVS/PBVS courses requires students to be self-disciplined and self-directed.  FLVS/PBVS course success may also require close parental monitoring and parent communication with the FLVS/PBVS instructor.   Once course approval is submitted by the Park Vista counselor, any subsequent course management, course concerns, or communication with the FLVS/PBVS instructor or staff is managed entirely among the student, the parent/guardian, the FLVS/PBVS instructor, and FLVS/PBVS support staff.  

The Administration at Park Vista High School does not support students dropping classes currently on their schedule to enroll in online courses.  Senior FLVS/PBVS grades are due NO LATER THAN April 22, 2023 for May 2023 graduation.   

Failure to keep adequate pace or complete FLVS/PBVS courses substituted for class periods at Park Vista within a timely manner may result in future FLVS/PBVS periods being limited or rescinded.

NO schedule change will take place until the student’s status on FLVS’ website is changed to an A (Active) and my child is expected to attend their current class until they become active (A) on FLVS/PBVS.

On campus FLVS/PBVS course options may not include classes requiring out of lab activities such as Personal Fitness, any PE class, Guitar, Photography, etc. 

Parents and legal guardians can request Gateway Access to the Student Information System (SIS). This is an excellent tool to monitor your student’s progress in high school. SIS allows you to access grades, attendance, and other important information about your student. You are also able to email teachers directly with any questions or concerns. To request a Gateway PIN for parent access, please complete this form.

Students have access to SIS through their school district portal.

WHERE CAN I FIND MY GRADUATION STATUS & GPA/CLASS RANK:

*CLICK ON GRAD REQS (parents click on their child, then Grad Req)

WHERE CAN I FIND A HISTORY OF MY GRADES:

*CLICK ON GRADES (parents click on their child, then Grades)

*CHECK SHOW ALL YEARS (AND SHOW ALL SCHOOLS FOR HS COURSES TAKEN IN MIDDLE SCHOOL) AND THEN UPDATE

WHERE CAN I FIND MY TEST SCORES:

*CLICK ON MY INFORMATION (parents click on their child, then Child Info)

*CLICK ON TEST: Local, National (AP, AICE, PSAT, SAT, ACT, PERT) and State (FSA, EOC)

WHERE CAN I FIND MY COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS:

*CLICK ON MY INFORMATION (parents click on their child, then Child Info)

*CLICK ON GRADUATION

WHERE CAN I FIND MY REPORT CARD:

*CLICK ON MY INFORMATION (parents click on their child, then Child Info)

*CLICK ON GRADE SUMMARY

WHERE CAN I FIND MY ABSENCES:

*CLICK ON ABSENCES (located on left hand side)

Park Vista High School Transcript Requests

Official Transcript Request: Parchment

Unofficial Transcript Request: Parchment

Cambridge AICE Transcript Requests

US students who take Cambridge International exams in the US can use the online Grade Transcript Service to send Cambridge International AS & A Level exam grades to US colleges and universities. Institutions will receive your transcript within 14 days of your request or, if you select a future series, within 14 days of results release. You will need the following information:

-Student’s name, date of birth, and email address

-A picture of student’s valid ID (e.g., passport, birth certificate, or state-issued driver’s license, permit, or official ID)

-Exam series, center name or number, and candidate number

-Institution(s) where you wish to send your grades

If you need assistance with the online form contact customer service by email at info@cambridgeinternational.org or call 917-810-2660 (toll free, open 24 hours from Saturday 8 pm to Friday 7:59 am, Eastern Time).

U.S. Service Academies Handout (pdf)
U.S. Service Academies Presentation (pdf)

U.S. Service Academy Information

U.S. Service Academy graduates receive a first-rate undergraduate education, equivalent to that provided by a top-tier, Ivy League school, with options to pursue advanced degrees; spend a minimum of 5 years serving their country on active duty as a military officer; and are provided with an education and experience that will provide a world of career opportunities. The full four-year scholarship is valued at more than $350,000 which includes tuition, room and board, medical and dental care and a monthly salary. Students learn discipline, moral ethics and teamwork in a structured environment that fosters leadership and character development.

If you are highly motivated, looking for a challenge in your life and want to serve your country, you may wish to consider attending a U.S. Service Academy.

Applicants interested in a Congressional nomination should contact one of the following offices:

U.S.  Senator Rick Scott https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio http://www.rubio.senate.gov/public/

Vice President Kamala Harris https://www.whitehouse.gov/service-academy-nominations/

The U.S. Representative from the student’s home district (most likely one of the following)

District 23 Congressman Jared Moskowitz https://moskowitz.house.gov/service-academy-nominations

District 22 Congresswoman Lois Frankel  https://frankel.house.gov/constituent-services/military-academy-nominations.htm

District 20 Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus McCormick https://cherfilus-mccormick.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations

Please take note that the selection process for our nation’s Service Academies is extremely competitive: Selection is based on scholastic achievements, involvement in school and community activities, leadership achievements and athletic achievements.

What is a service academy?
A service academy is a federal educational institution that prepares officers for our nation's Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Merchant Marines and Coast Guard.

How many service academies are in the U.S. and where are they located?

There are five:

The U.S. Military Academy (USMA) at West Point, NY
The U.S. Naval Academy (USNA)at Annapolis, MD
The U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) at Colorado Springs, CO
The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, NY
The U.S. Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) at New London, CT

How do I attend an academy?
Admission to an academy is a competitive two-step process. The first step is to obtain a nomination from an authorized source. The second step is to receive an appointment from the academy. The nomination allows you to compete for the appointment but does not guarantee an appointment.

What is a nomination?
A nomination is the selection made by an authorized source. Title 10 of the U.S. Code establishes two types of nominations: 1) congressional and 2) presidential/military service connected.

Congressional nominations include selections made by 1) the Vice-President, who nominates candidates from any part of the nation, 2) U.S. Senators, who nominate candidates from their entire state, and 3) U.S. Representatives, who nominate candidates that reside within their Congressional District.

What is an appointment?
An appointment is a selection made by the individual academies after you have received a nomination. You will be competing with other nominees in the areas of academics, leadership potential and physical aptitude. An appointment gives you admission to an academy.

What are the basic eligibility requirements for a nomination?
To be eligible for nomination, you must meet the requirements as of July 1st of the year of admission to an academy:

-You must be at least 17 years old, but not past your 23rd birthday.

-You must be a U.S. citizen.

-You must be unmarried, not pregnant, and without legal obligation to support children or other dependents.

Can I apply for a nomination from more than one source?
Yes. Because the nomination and appointment process is competitive you should seek all the nominations for which you are eligible. Every candidate is eligible for the four congressional nominations – one from the Vice-President Kamala Harris, one from each U. S. Senator of their state, and one from their representative in the House of Representatives in Congress.

Can I also apply for a presidential nomination?
Yes, if you are eligible. Presidential nominations are reserved for children of career military personnel. To qualify, the parent must meet one of the following criteria:

-Be on active duty and have served continuously on active duty for at least eight years, or

-Be retired with pay or been granted retired or retainer pay, or

-Be a reservist or National Guard member (see Section 12733 Title 10 USC for details), or

-Have died after being retired with pay or being granted retired or retainer pay;

-Have begun adoption proceedings before the child's 15th birthday

Who can apply for the military service nominations?
Children of a deceased or disabled member of the Armed Forces may apply for nomination if the parent was killed or is 100% disabled by wounds or injuries received or diseases contracted while in active service.

Children of armed services members or civilian employees in active government service who are in an officially determined status of missing in action may apply for a nomination.

Children of Medal of Honor recipients from any branch of the armed services may apply for nomination.

How do I apply for a presidential or military service nomination?
Contact the academies for specific instructions.

When should I apply for a nomination?
You may apply anytime starting January of your junior year of high school until fall of your senior year. The deadline is always a date in November. Typically people apply their senior year, but you may also apply after you graduate from high school, as long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements.

What is the deadline for completing my nomination file?
You need to return the initial application form as soon as possible, formal candidacy is established upon receipt of the application. The remainder of the file must be submitted by the November deadline.

Why is a personal letter/essay needed?
Your personal letter/essay is very important – this is your chance to explain why you want to attend a service academy. It doesn't have to be long or elaborate; keep it short, no longer than one page. Be yourself; don't try to impress with fancy language. Remember to proofread – have someone you trust like your parent(s) or your English teacher, check your grammar and spelling.

Can I be nominated to more than one academy?
Yes. It is possible to be nominated to more than one academy. On your application, you will be asked to rank in numerical order your academy preferences. Keep in mind that the nomination process is competitive. How well you compete among the pool of candidates will determine if you are nominated to your first choice. So, only indicate your preference for academies that you are truly interested in attending.

Do I need a nomination to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy?
No. The USCGA is the only service academy that does not require a congressional nomination. To be considered for an appointment to the USCGA you must submit an application and supplemental information to the academy by March 1st of the year of entrance. Since, you are already collecting much of the supplemental information requested by the USCGA, such as high school transcripts, ACT/SAT test scores and evaluations; it is a good idea to submit an application to the USCGA. For more information about the USCGA, visit www.uscga.edu.

Should I apply for an ROTC scholarship?
Because the nomination and appointment process is competitive, not all candidates will receive a nomination or an appointment so it is also a good idea to apply for an ROTC scholarship.

What are the basic qualifications for a nomination?
Candidates are evaluated in five areas: moral character, academic record, leadership potential, physical and medical fitness and commitment to the military. The information you provide through your personal letter/essay and references should reflect these basic qualifications:

Moral character - All candidates are considered of good moral character, unless evidence suggests otherwise.

A strong academic record - Your high school/college transcripts, class rank and SAT/ACT scores will be evaluated. However, please keep in mind even if you are not a top student, prep school opportunities are available from the USMA, USNA, USAFA and the USCGA.

Demonstrated leadership potential - List all of your extra-curricular activities, such as participation in sports, school government, clubs, church activities and employment. Also, your references will be asked to provide information about your leadership qualities.

Physical and medical fitness - The individual academies will make this determination through a physical aptitude and medical examination.

A commitment to live a military lifestyle – Attending a service academy is not like a normal college. When you accept an appointment to a service academy, you become a member of the U.S. Armed Services, so you must have a desire to serve in the military while obtaining your education.

Who is eligible to attend the prep school at the USMA, USNA, USAFA, and USCGA?
Prep school candidates are students who receive a nomination, but do not meet the academic standards to attend an academy. These students have been deemed to have the ability to benefit from a year at prep school with the goal of admission to an academy. Attendance at a prep school does not guarantee an appointment but prep school graduates are very successful in obtaining a future appointment.

Does a nomination guarantee an appointment?
No. A nomination is the selection made by an authorized source and allows a candidate to compete for an appointment.

When will I know if I am appointed?
The Academies will begin making appointments in late December. All appointment offers are generally completed by May.

If I do not receive a nomination or an appointment, can I apply again?
Yes.

Is it possible to visit the academies?
Yes! Each academy hosts tours for prospective candidates and their parents. These tours are highly advisable; as this will help you decide if academy life is right for you and which academy you would like to attend. For more information about the tours – contact the academies individually.