This page is filled with guidelines and directions regarding information about scholarships, academic plans, academic resources, career planning, important and timely issues of concern for parents, summer enrichment workshops, NCAA and NAIA eligibility, etc. This website provides links, timely materials and updates for present seniors -- scholarships available, recruiting visits -- in particular. Many recruiters begin visiting Pius in early September as school begins; the majority will visit in October and November. There will be several college fairs around the city; parents and students should check the "Calendar" https://spxkc.org/planning-for-college for dates and times of these fairs, information nights, as well as college recruiting visits to SPX. Thanks for visiting!
Pius has two counselors: Mr. Richard Murphy and Mrs. Mariza Cascone (part time). Mrs. Cascone works primarily with the freshmen. In addition, we have Ms. Krista Daniels, our Inclusive Education Teacher, who works and assists special needs students and the SPX Strategic Intervention Team (S.I.T.). She writes accommodations' plans and works individually with students who are challenged academically; in addition, she coordinates the Peer Mentoring Program that SPX has. Her office is in the Fine Arts Building, and her phone extension is 413.
Parents should contact her as needed.
Senior Year: Important Dates to Remember for 2020-2021
ACT Testing Dates
Sept 12 Oct 24 Dec 12 Feb 06 Apr 17 Jun 12 July 17
SAT Testing Dates:
Aug 29 Sept 26 Oct 03 Nov 7 Dec 5 Mar 13 May 8 Jun 5
All of these dates reflect the new version of the SAT
Oct 1st 2020
Student and parents visit FAFSA website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov Completion of this form is essential to securing financial aid.
Feb 1st 2021
FAFSA priority deadline for submitting FAFSA form. The form may be submitted after that date; however, priority is not given to completing it in a timely fashion.
April 25th 2021
Notify Mr. Murphy where final transcript is to be sent for 1) college; 2) summer welcome / registration; 3) sorority or fraternity; NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Center.
Seniors / Senior Parents Should Do These Things
MONTHLY:
ESSENTIAL INTERNET SITES FOR COLLEGE-BOUND STUDENTS:
www.collegeboard.com www.dhe.mo.gov [Missouri Dept of
Higher Education]
www.finaid.org www.mappingyourfuture.org
www.studentaid.ed.gov https://spxkc.org/scholarship-station-1
ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY AND COLLEGE SPORTS:
Students who wish to play college sports need to register with the NCAA or NAIA Clearinghouses whether it be Division I, II, or III [see the links to the side]. Please note that a student's ACT or SAT scores must be sent directly from ACT [www.actstudent.org] or the College Board [www.collegeboard.com] . ACT / SAT scores on the transcript or sent by photocopy are not considered official. The student (family) can request those online by going to http://www.actstudent.org and clicking on "send my scores." You have to include the date(s) of the score(s) you wish sent. You would want to send a "REGULAR" report. Fees vary. NCAA code is 9999; NAIA code is 9876.
ADOLESCENT CONCERNS AND TEENS' NEEDS
There are a number of links that deal with "adolescent concerns" which parents and students may find worthwhile and interesting to read. These include anxiety, ADHD, depression, eating disorders, bullying, suicidal tendencies and other situations that interfere or affect a child's performance. Check out more information: https://spxkc.org/parents-issues-and-concerns
TESTING:
Wednesday, October 14, 2020, will be St. Pius X's All-School Testing Day. All students will be taking practice ACT assessments; a detailed, itemized report will be available for the students in about 10 days. https://spxkc.org/testing
The PSAT is optional for Pius kids. We take it October 17th, the Saturday following All-School testing day--juniors and sophomores who opt for it. It is good for standardized testing practice and for National Merit scholarship qualification; it is also a prelude to the SAT test for students who would opt for that. The practice ACT is taken on another date.
In 2020 - 2021, juniors will also take the ACRE [test of religious knowledge] during the school year at some time.
SEMESTER FAILURES AND MAKEUP GRADES
Students may use the eCampus option available through their public school district or several other credit recovery options available on MYSPX. See the link www.acellus.com, as this is the most common. A $100 fee for each course.
JUNIOR YEAR:
HIGH SCHOOL PLACEMENT TEST FOR 8TH GRADERS:
8th Grade students and parents: this link will provide further information for you regarding the High School Placement Test exam. http://www.ststesting.com/hsptpg9.html