COUNSELING

Counselors

School Counselors are licensed educators who work to improve student success for ALL students by supporting them in the areas of: Social & Emotional Concerns, Academics, Post Secondary Planning and Career Exploration. At LPA High School, we have one full-time School Counselor and one part-time Clinical Trainee from Stellher Human Services. Here is a little about us:

Jamie Nelson (School Counselor): I graduated from MSUM in 2007 with a Masters Degree in School Counseling. I began working as a School Counselor in 2008 in Frazee. Prior to this, I was employed as a Parole/Probation Officer with the MN Department of Corrections as my undergraduate degree was in Criminal Justice. I have worked as a School Counselor at LPA High School since 2009. I am also the Co-Prom Advisor, District Assessment Coordinator (DAC), and previously coached volleyball. I live in the district with my husband and three girls. When I'm not working I enjoy spending time with family, exercising (I love crossfit!) and gardening/yardwork. Please feel free to contact me at: jjnelson@lpa.k12.mn.us (218) 325-0754 ext. 1081

Zach Priddy (Stellher Human Services Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor): I graduated as a School Counselor about 4 years ago and have worked in different roles as a counselor.  I recently went back to school to finish a few classes so I could get an additional license so that I could better serve the community.  I am currently a Clinical Trainee working towards my Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor license.  I love working with the students of LPA and I am going on my second year working with Stellher Human Services in LPA.  I love camping, my dogs, and my wife.  We are sometimes adventurous, but most of the time pretty chill.

In counseling I believe the most important part is developing a healthy relationship so that work can be accomplished.  I always focus on building a good working relationship with student/client before we really begin to press forward.  Therapy requires the participation of all parties for it to be truly successful.

So what do we offer?

Stellher Human Services, provides the Children's Therapeutic Services and Supports (CTSS) for LPA.  We are able to provide therapy, skills training, group, and referrals to family therapy.  We are able to complete Diagnostic Assessments here at school and provide services that can help students be more successful in school and emotionally supported.  I personally love to work with students in overcoming depression, anxiety, and changing their thinking pattern to a more positive outlook.

If this sounds like something your student could benefit from contact Jamie Nelson (info. above) and talk to her about the ability to get a referral for additional services. Email: zpriddy@lpa.k12.mn.us

Mental Health Resources

Paying for College

Scholarships

LPA Dollars for Scholars (DFS): LPA DFS is a locally operated and supported, non-profit, tax-exempt scholarship foundation that is operated by an all volunteer Board of Directors. LPA seniors are eligible to apply. Information was given and emailed to all seniors and parents. Deadline is in February.  DFS Website

Native American Scholarship Database

*Scholarships are also emailed to students.

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Complete the FAFSA (www.studentaid.gov) as early as October 1st. Apply early to avoid missing out on eligible financial aid and check with colleges on deadlines. Questions about the FAFSA or how to complete it? click here Colleges and universities have offices of Scholarship and Financial Aid that can help also!

Helpful Websites:

www.fastweb.com/ - Scholarships

www.minnstate.edu/ - Minnesota Colleges & Universities

http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/ - Minnesota Office of Higher Ed (Preparing for College)

Info. on testing (i.e. ACT, PSAT, Accuplacer) can be found under "Testing Information"

Earn College Credit in High School

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)

The PSEO program allows students in 10th, 11th and 12th grades to earn college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible Minnesota postsecondary institutions. Students generate both college credit and high school credit by successful completion of the course. 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 admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th-graders are eligible to enroll in one CTE (Career and Technical Education) class. Juniors need to have a cumulative GPA of 3.2 and seniors need to have a cumulative GPA of 2.8. In addition, students must also have passing scores on the Accuplacer test in Reading and/or Math OR passing ACT scores. More information on PSEO can be found here. 

Concurrent Enrollment

LPA offers the following Concurrent Enrollment classes through MState:

PSYC 1200 General Psychology (3 college credits)

eCampus in the High School

If eligible, students may take online college courses through MState's eCampus in the High School program.  Seniors can take two classes per semester and juniors can take one per semester. LPA GPA Requirements for students to take an eCHS class:

Seniors: 3.2 GPA Juniors: 3.6

Advanced Placement (AP)

LPA offers AP English Literature and Composition to juniors and seniors. State testing Reading scores, grades, and teacher recommendation are used to determine eligibility. 

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Articulation Agreement for College Credit (AACC)

The AACC program is designed to be the first part of a program of study that continues for up to two years beyond high school at a two-year technical college. Articulated classes are available for juniors and seniors.  

Ready Set Go Website