Tuesday, March 11 at 7pm | Help Build a Successful College Application Story with College Admissions Counselors Laurie Filipelli and Irena Smith

In our comparison-driven culture, applying to college can be overwhelming. As parents and guides, we can ease the pressure by reframing the narrative and helping our students shine on their own terms. Through this interactive presentation, we’ll help families cut through the frenzy —How many APs? Which extracurricular activities are the best? Should my child get a summer internship?—as well as identify their own core values and support their students in becoming their best, most authentic selves. Come find useful advice, practical application tips, and a broader view of success.

Laurie Filipelli (MA, MFA) is a certified college access counselor, writing coach, LASA parent, former high school teacher, and founder of Mighty Writing, LLC.

Irena Smith (PhD) is former Stanford admissions officer and private college admissions counselor, author, and mother of three adult children.

Click here to purchase a ticket.

Tuesday, March 25 at 7:00pm | Laws of Inspired Leadership with Andy Land

When reviewing college applications, admissions officers often look at the student’s leadership skills and experience as a way to gauge how that student may be actively engaged in campus life, lead initiatives, and inspire others. In this Master Class, you will learn key leadership laws that inspire others and lead to successful team efforts, and how you can immediately begin to apply these laws in your first leadership roles in high school.

Click here to purchase a ticket.

Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 6:30pm | Junior Year College Planning: How to set up for college success during this important year with Yvonne Espinoza of Yvonne Espinoza College Consulting

Junior year of college is a critical point in the college planning timeline for a number of reasons. Students using this year to their advantage can help them to feel more in control and confident during their Senior year. Join Yvonne Espinoza, CEP, a national leader in college admissions, to have a frank conversation around information that students and families should be aware of to make for a less stressful and more successful Senior year. This session will also include a Q&A session at the end to answer any parent & student questions.

About Yvonne: A native Austinite and graduate of Boston University, Yvonne Espinoza is a nationally recognized leader in the college counseling profession with over 22 years of experience. Yvonne worked for 19 years as a full-time college counselor in Austin ISD, significantly increasing both college acceptance and scholarship rates through her advocacy.

Upcoming Master Classes and Notice of Date Changes

Join us tonight for How Do I Know if I Should Hire a College Consultant at 6pm.

UPCOMING CLASSES

  • 2/18: Financial Literacy for Students
    Understanding the cost of money and the impacts of our daily life choices.
  • 2/25: The Science of You: Exploring Strengths and Drives with Psychometrics
    Gain profound insights into your strengths, drives, and potential in just one hour!

MASTER CLASS DATE CHANGES

  • Leveling Up Your Activities is now THURSDAY, MARCH 6
    Learn how your student can stand out through their activities.
  • NEW: Help Build A Successful College Application Story is now TUESDAY, March 11
    How to identify what truly matters and provide meaningful support in the lead-up to college admission.
  • Laws of Inspired Leadership is now TUESDAY, MARCH 25
    Inspire People and You Can Lead Them

Purchase tickets here!

Questions? nicole.truelock@gmail.com

NEW Master Class: Help Build a Successful College Application Story

We have a new Master Class to offer. Join Laurie Filipelli and Irena Smith for Help Build A Successful College Application Story on Tuesday, March 11 at 7pm.

Class Description:
In our comparison-driven culture, applying to college can be overwhelming. As parents and guides, we can ease the pressure by reframing the narrative and helping our students shine on their own terms. Through this interactive presentation, we’ll help families cut through the frenzy—How many APs? Which extracurricular activities are the best? Should my child get a summer internship?—as well as identify their own core values and support their students in becoming their best, most authentic selves. Come find useful advice, practical application tips, and a broader view of success.

LASA Dance 2025-26 Team Audition Meeting

LASA Dance Team Audition Meeting

  • Where: LASA Dance Room
  • When: February 24, 2025 | 6:00 PM
  • Details: Learn more about the LASA Dance program and the 2025-2026 team auditions. This meeting is mandatory for all current 8th-11th grade prospective or current LASA students that would like to join either Velocity or Dynasty Dance Team. *A zoom link can be shared upon request.
  • Learn more via: tinyurl.com/LASADance or emailing paige.edwards@austinisd.org

February Master Classes Available!

We have some fantastic Master Classes to offer in February! As always, you can secure your seat in the PFLASA Store. Learn more about these classes at pflasa.org

What’s happening in February:

2/4, Tuesday at 6:30 pm
College Planning for 9th and 10th Graders: Starting early to DECREASE stress!

2/6, Thursday at 7 pm
RAPTOR Rapid Fire College Planning Q & A

2/12, Wednesday at 6 pm
How Do I Know if I Should Hire a College Consultant?

2/18, Tuesday at 7 pm
Financial Literacy for Students
(This Master Class is intended for students only)

2/26, Tuesday at 7 pm
The Science of You: Exploring Strengths and Drives with Psychometrics