California schools drop SAT/ACT for Class of 2021

In what is being called a temporary move, both the University of California and the Cal State systems have dropped the SAT and ACT for admissions for the class of 2021. It's my hope that more public universities follow suit (cough, UW, cough)...and that this temporary move becomes permanent (dare to dream!)

https://edsource.org/2020/california-state-university-suspends-sat-act-testing-for-2021-22-admissions-joining-uc/629354

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/05/21/sats-university-california-system/

Handling the Loss of Ceremonies and Graduations

It's small consolation to our seniors, who are missing out on proms, graduation ceremonies, spring sports seasons and more, to say that their participation in a historical moment will give them stories to tell their own children about. The Class of 2020 has suffered a loss, and it's important to acknowledge that loss even as we try to find the proper context for it in the spectrum of hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley has published this excellent article to help families support their students in navigating just this kind of loss:

How to Help Teens Handle the Loss of Proms and Graduations

AP Exams begin on Monday, May 11th -- that's NEXT WEEK

If you've registered to take an AP Exam, now is the time to make sure your ducks are in a row! AP Exams begin next week and there are things you need to know and do to make sure you are ready for Monday May 11th.

You can find all the information you'll need, including practice questions and other resources here:

Updates for AP Students Affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Apple Health Special Enrollment through MAY 8

If you are uninsured or became uninsured due to job loss, take note:

Free or low-cost Apple Health is available year-round and a special enrollment is available for the uninsured who have life changes as a result of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Special Enrollment through May 8th if you are uninsured. How to request a COVID-19 Special Enrollment: Get virtual help from an insurance expert / Contact customer support

School-based Mental Health Counseling UPDATE

Many of you know Julie Schliebner, our school-based mental health counselor from Swedish. While she's been having regular sessions with some students by phone, she now has the ability to use Zoom for telehealth. Julie says:

"I am available to meet with students with a wide range of struggles including managing depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, the stress of school, relationships, family conflicts, chronic health condition coping, or a combination of all of the above and more. Given the end of the year is not far away, some students may be more appropriate for a community based therapist and I can arrange those types of referrals." 

Gibson Ek students may self-refer to Julie at schliebnerj@gibsonek.org.

Please note this important change: Given the nature of remote mental health support, Swedish now requires parental consent regardless of the age of the student.