School Counseling Office

School 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 Student Council Advisor, 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 Clinical Trainee): 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 Services & Resources

Paying for College

Scholarships

LPA Dollars for Scholars (DFS): 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. More information will be available in January. DFS Website

Native American Scholarship Database

MNTA (MN Telcom Alliance Foundation) Scholarships: Senior's family must subscribe to at least one service from Arvig. Recipients based on grades, academic achievements, and extra-curricular activities. Preference is given to students who have an interest in information or telecommunications technology and rural communities. 6 - $2,000 and 4 - $1,000 scholarships Deadline is February 19th, 2021. Application

Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship: Seniors that have been accepted into the Carslon School of Management at the U of M Twin Cities. $5,000 - $20,000 Deadline is February 15th, 2021 Application

American Crystal Sugar Company Scholarships: ACSC will award 2 - $1,000 scholarships to two LPA seniors. One is awarded to a senior planning to attend a 4-year college and the other will be awarded to a senior planning on attending a 2-year college. Applicants should be pursuing one of the fields of study: Science, Agriculture, Engineering, Math, or Technology. Must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher and write an essay. Applications were emailed to seniors and can be found in the Counseling Office. Deadline is February 26th, 2021.

FRS/NTCA Foundation for Rural Service (FRS) and NTCA College Scholarship: To be eligible, senior's family must subscribe to at least one service from Arvig, must be sponsored by a current Arvig member, have a at least a C GPA, and express an interest to return to a rural community following graduation. 1 - $2,500 scholarship. Deadline is March 5th, 2021 Application

Northwest MN Youth Leadership Award: Open to students ages 17 - 21 to recognize outstanding community service and leadership. Essays are required. 4 - $500 scholarships. Deadline is March 1st. Applications in Counseling Office or email mleblanc@umn.edu.

Ag Country Farm Credit Services Scholarship: Available for seniors that come from a farming family or is pursuing a career in agriculture. Will award 36 - $1,000 Deadline is March 1st, 2021. Application

Missouri River Energy Services Scholarship Program: Seniors how are residing in a household that receives service from a Missouri River Energy Services member utility. Scholarships to be awarded to students pursuing careers as an electrical technician, electrical engineer or other engineering disciplines, math, science, energy management, etc. $1,000 scholarships Deadline is March 15th, 2021 Application

PB & J Scholarship: For seniors that have experienced personal challenges that may not have allowed them to perform well academically. Awards $500 - $1,000 Dealine is May 31, 2021. Application

*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:

  • MATH 1114 College Algebra (4 college credits)

  • MATH 1115 Functions/Trig (4 college credits)

  • HIST 1202 American History since 1877 (3 college credits)

  • 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.

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.

  • AACC Nutrition (Mrs. Hogie) – 3 credits (BIOL 2202)

  • AACC Child Psychology & Development (Mrs. Hogie) – 3 credits (CDEV 1105)

Ready Set Go Website

School Safety and Crisis.pdf