Guidance Office
Due to COVID restrictions- Financial Aid presentation is virtual (NOT at school on Wednesday, September 16th).
FINANCIAL AID presentation link
We have uploaded our financial aid night video presentation to YouTube. Students and parents so they can watch whenever it is convenient for them. The presentation is approximately 40 minutes long and follows the format we have used in the past featuring ISAC’s slides. Viewers will not be able to leave comments, so any questions they have should be directed to either us or one of the resources listed in the video. ISAC has launched a texting service for people who prefer that form of communication. Those numbers appear in the video starting at 37:40. They can also email us at finaid@parkland.edu. If they need further assistance or have any questions when filling out the FAFSA, they can contact Lizzy Warkocki or Iris Medina, two of ISAC’s representatives. Their contact information is listed below. As always, if you have any questions, please let me know.
Contact information for ISAC employees:
Lizzy Warkocki
ISACorps (Parkland College)
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Elizabeth.Warkocki@illinois.gov
815-666-9302
Illinois FAFSA Mandate: Training and Support
Public Act 101-180 (effective 6/01/20) requires that, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, public high school students must complete the FAFSA as a prerequisite to receiving a high school diploma. A waiver provision allows a parent, guardian, or the student – if 18 or emancipated – to opt out for any reason.
Pursuant to the law, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) will lead these efforts. However, because of ISAC’s deep experience in assisting students across the state with college planning, the financial aid process and FAFSA completion, ISAC will be supporting these efforts.
Making FAFSA completion part of an expectation for high school graduation can increase the number of students who are aware of the resources available to help them afford education or training after high school. This information can also help some students decide to attempt college when they might not otherwise have done so, and it may help some students limit student loan debt and take a fuller course load to more quickly complete a degree or credential.
Below are some free resources and training available to high schools, counselors and other professionals to help them help students and families meet the new FAFSA Mandate.
Financial Aid Forms: FAFSA
Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://www.fafsa.gov/
FAFSA Mandate –ISBE Information and Documents:
FAFSA Non-Participation form: https://www.isbe.net/Documents/FAFSA-Non-Participation-Form.pdf
Public Act 100-1112
Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program (IEP), as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the Illinois School Code, may qualify for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the child (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.
Inquiries regarding the identification, assessment and placement of such children should be directed to:
Name: Jennifer Brooks
Title: Special Education Department Chair/504 Coordinator
Telephone Number: 217-469-2332, Ext. 232
Email Address: brooksj@sjo.k12.il.us
Office Address: St. Joseph-Ogden High School
301 N. Main
St. Joseph, IL 61873