fort defiance high school senior year planning guide · class of 2019-senior planning guide fort...

1 Class of 2019-Senior Planning Guide

Fort Defiance High School Senior Year

Planning Guide

Class of 2019

Preparing for the Future


Table of Contents

Senior Responsibilities and Opportunities................................................................................3-4

Senior Yearbook Portraits Selective Service Registration Failure Notices Class Rank Valedictorian & Salutatorian Selection

College and Testing Services…………………………………...……….………………………………..5-6

The SAT & SAT II Subject Tests The ACT Fees & Fee Waivers College Representatives Visiting FDHS College Campus Visitation College Night Fair NCAA Clearinghouse

College Application Process…………………………………………...…………………………………7-8

Applying to College Transcripts/Recommendations School Code The Common Application Early Decision/Early Action

Financial Aid……………………………………………………………………………...………….………………9

Opportunities Booklet GRASP Coordinator Financial Aid Seminar

Scholarship Opportunities………………………………………………………………………….……….10

Career/Job Opportunities ………………………………………………………………………….………..11 Counselor Assistance Blue Ridge Community College Career Coach and Job Exploration

Military Opportunities …………………….…………………………….……………………………….…….12 ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) Recruiter Information

Graduation…………………………………………………………………………………………..………………13 Graduation Announcements and Cap and Gown Mandatory Senior Meeting Graduation Rehearsal Graduation Ceremony


Senior Responsibilities and Opportunities

Senior Yearbook Portraits Seniors are encouraged to have their portrait taken through the school photography company, Scherling Photography. You may make an appointment at an outside studio of your choosing. It is then your responsibility to submit your photo for the yearbook. Your portrait must be in color, formal tux or drape, preferably with a bluish background. This portrait needs to be in 300 dpi and be delivered on a disk to Mrs. Russell by December 1, 2018. If you want your senior portrait in the newspaper you must have it taken through Scherling Photography.

Selective Service Registration Who: All Male Students When: Within 30 days of their 18th birthday Where: www.sss.gov or complete registration card at a local US. Post Office.

If you fail to register, you cannot qualify for federal student grants or loans for college, job training

benefits, and many state and federal jobs.

You must register. This is not a school requirement, it is a federal law. Failure to register is a felony

punishable by a large fine or even prison. Most male immigrants are also required to register; more

information is on the website. Male students with a disability must also complete the initial registration.

If you have a Virginia driver’s license or an ID card from the DMV, you have already authorized DMV to

register you for the Selective Service as a condition for getting your license or ID. If you are unsure if

you are registered, visit the Selective Service website.

**Note: This is not enlisting in the military; it is just to be on the official lists of eligible males.

Failure Notices Counselors will monitor grades of seniors and will notify parents if their student is in jeopardy of failing a course

that is required for graduation. However, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student and his or her parents

to be aware of and to meet the graduation requirements.


Class Rank

Rank is determined by the Grade Point Average (GPA) from the highest to lowest in descending order.

Grade point averages of equal value carry the same class rank. (Example: Four students rank Number 8,

the next rank is Number 12.) According to Augusta County policy, only students pursuing an Advanced

Studies Diploma or a Standard Diploma are ranked. Class rank is calculated at the beginning of your

junior and senior year and is based on all courses taken for high school credit starting 8th grade. Official

ranks are calculated by the computer system and are based on all final grades. “Incompletes” that have

not been satisfied at that point are included in the GPA calculation. Final class rank is calculated

following the end of senior year and appears on the final official transcripts.

Valedictorian & Salutatorian Selection

Selection of the valedictorian (#1) and salutatorian (#2) for graduation is based on cumulative grade point

average, calculated as late as is practical in senior year. The final selection must be made several days

before graduation, so it is based on cumulative GPA through the fall semester, grades for the third term

marking period. available grades from any pre-approved outside classes (BRCC etc.) and final grades as

projected by current teachers. Because GPA’s and class ranks may shift during senior year, all high-

ranked students are reviewed during the final selection process. The valedictorian and salutatorian must

be in good standing as determined by the principal.


Student College Services

SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and ACT (American College Testing

Program)

Colleges and universities as part of their admission, placement, selections, etc. process, will usually require candidates to submit scores directly from the SAT and/or from the ACT. While many institutions, agencies and programs will accept either test (ACT or SAT), it is incumbent upon students and their parents to be familiar with the testing requirements of the institutions, agencies, and programs of their choice. Most college-bound seniors should have taken the SAT and/or ACT during the second semester of their junior year and early enough during their senior year (if needed) to meet college, scholarship, agency, etc., deadlines. Students may take the ACT and/or SAT as many times as needed. Majority of students usually test 2-3 times. Note: If your family has been approved for the free/reduced cost federal lunch program, you may be eligible for some SAT/ACT fee waivers. See your school counselor. Registering and Preparing: You can register for either test on the internet (SAT at sat.org/register; ACT at actstudent.org). You are responsible for registering, making payment and picking out when and where you are going to take the test.

2018-2019 Test Dates

SAT ACT October 6, 2018 September 8, 2018 November 3, 2018 October 27, 2018 December 1, 2018 December 8, 2018 March 9, 2019 February 9, 2019 May 4, 2019 April 13, 2019 June 1, 2019 June 8, 2019 July 13, 2019

SAT II’s

SAT II’s are hour-long subject tests that measure how much you know about a particular academic subject. There are over 20 subjects to choose from. Highly selective colleges may require or recommend one or more SAT Subject Tests for admission or placement. Please also note that while you can take up to 3 SAT Subject Tests on one day, you cannot sit for the SAT and SAT II on the same day. The University of Virginia and the College of William & Mary are examples of schools that like to see scores from the SAT II. Register at www.collegeboard.org

Fees and Fee Waivers

Colleges and testing agencies charge application fees to cover the costs of

processing applications and administering tests. If you cannot afford the fees, it

may be possible to obtain a fee waiver, which gives you permission to submit the

application or registration form without the fee. You must meet certain income

guidelines to be eligible. Check with your school counselor.

http://www.collegeboard.org/


College Representatives Visiting FDHS

In the fall, representatives from some colleges and universities will make recruiting visits. The purpose of these visits is to inform students of available program offerings and to better acquaint students with specific application procedures.

The college rep visit list specifies the days and times when the visits will occur and can be

found on our social media pages, Fort TV, weekly

announcements, and in the guidance office. – Sign up in Guidance.

. Upcoming Colleges Visiting FDHS

September 11, 2018 @ 1:30pm: Sentara RMH Radiology October 1, 2018 @ 1:30pm: Bridgewater College September 13, 2018 @ 11:30am: James Madison University October 11, 2018 @ 1:30pm: Hollins University September 13, 2018 @ 1:00pm: Virginia Tech October 30, 2018 @ 8:30am: CNU September 26, 2018 @ 1:45pm: Randolph Macon College October 30, 2018 @ 9:30am: EMU September 27, 2018 @ 8:10am: Mary Baldwin University September 27, 2018 @ 12:30am: Radford University

Local College Fairs

Augusta County/Staunton/Waynesboro College Night College Night Plus When: September 20, 2018 When: September 27, 2018 Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm Time: 6:30pm Where: Best Western Plus- Waynesboro Where: JMU Convocation Center

College Campus Visits

It’s very helpful to actually visit colleges you might apply to. You can attend the admissions program tours and even visit classes or spend the night. Seniors are permitted up to 2 pre-authorized official absences during the school year to visit a college/university. Upon return to school, the student must provide the attendance office with verification of the visit. A note must be presented stating the student’s name and date of visit on college letterhead, signed by a college official.

NCAA Clearinghouse

The NCAA Clearinghouse is a central clearinghouse that will certify your academic eligibility for Division I

and II sports. If you intend to participate in Division I or II athletics as a freshman, you must register and

be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. You should apply for the preliminary certification

after your junior year. You must be certified before receiving any athletic scholarship, practicing or

competing at any Division I or II institution. The Clearinghouse will send your eligibility status to any

Division I or II college that requests it. To register with the NCAA Clearinghouse, go on-line at

www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Print and sign the release form and bring it to the guidance office so we can

send your official transcript. The whole NCAA process takes quite a while, so be sure to leave enough

time. Please be sure to read the NCAA Clearinghouse guide so that you are aware of the eligibility

requirements. Note: NCAA only considers certain core courses, so your NCAA GPA is different.

http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net/


APPLYING TO COLLEGE College applications may be obtained from many sources such as the internet, college rep visits at FDHS, or the college itself. All colleges prefer you do your applications online; for some that is the only option.

Senior Transcripts and Recommendations

Do you have questions about the college application process? Your School Counselor is available to assist you with answering your college-application-related questions! Senior letters will be going home to verify you have met the Class of 2019 graduation requirements. Final responsibility for credits falls to the student and his/her parents. Transcripts can be used in many situations including but not limited to: college admissions, scholarship applications, employment, NCAA eligibility, and enrollment verification. Transcripts can be sent to colleges electronically via Parchment.com or through the U.S. Mail service. In order for a transcript to be processed, the transcript request form must be filled out in its entirety. A minimum of five days is required for all requests. The student is responsible for all application materials being submitted on time.

THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS AT FDHS

Before anything can be submitted for you, your Transcript Release Form (Blue Sheet), signed by you and a parent (if under 18), must be submitted to the Guidance Office. See Sample on page…

Schedule a time to meet with your Counselor to review colleges you plan to apply to, application deadlines, etc.

There are two ways students can have transcripts sent to the collegiate institution they are pursuing. Both options are listed below. Parchment is the preferred method of delivery.

Option I: Electronic Request via Parchment.com (faster delivery)

a. Obtain your Parchment access code via student email link b. Activate your Parchment account using your school email address c. Counselor is notified to send transcripts electronically to where you are

applying.

Option II: Paper Request in Guidance a. Complete Transcript Request Form several weeks prior to deadline. b. Submit to your counselor who will send paper copy of your transcripts.

Complete all necessary parts of the application including the essay, if required.

Some schools require a recommendation letter(s) from a teacher or counselor while others make the recommendation an optional part of the application. Determine which applies to you and then complete the senior recommendation form and give to the recommender at least three weeks prior to the deadline.

Send official SAT or ACT scores via the individual testing agencies (this must be done through sat.org and can’t be done in Guidance. Although counselors are available to assist with this process).

(Some schools are now only asking for official SAT/ACT scores if accepted)


Final Transcript Requests in the spring

Once you have made your final selection of the college you plan to attend. The following steps must be completed:

Notify Guidance Secretary and Counselor of the school you plan to attend

Request final transcript via Parchment to be sent to the school you plan to attend

Request final transcript from BRCC or JMU to be sent to college of choice if you took any dual enrollment courses at FDHS, SVGS or VCTC and earned college credit.

TRANSCRIPTS FROM COLLEGES AWARDING DUAL ENROLLMENT CREDIT ARE THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO OBTAIN AND SEND.

Fort Defiance High School Code The CEEB number is 470-872. This is always needed for test registration purposes and will allow a copy of your scores to go to Fort for your permanent record and transcripts.

Fill out your application completely. Some colleges have at least one page that must be completed by the high school; be sure to print out the pages labeled “Secondary School Report” and/or “Counselor Recommendation” and bring them to Guidance. Your college application will not be complete without those.

Include your application fee. If you apply on-line, you will need a credit card or must follow up

with a mailed check. Some colleges waive the application fee if you apply on-line. Note: If you were eligible for an SAT fee waiver or if you are eligible for the federal free/reduced lunch program, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver also. See your counselor.

The Common Application

The Common Application (commonly referred to as the “Common App”) is a standardized application used by schools who accept this application in place of their own unique application. The Common Application looks similar to most college applications, with the usual fields for name, address, school and test data, as well as many questions. After you complete the Common Application, you can have it sent to multiple participating schools (William & Mary and UVA are examples of schools who accept the Common App.). The application was created because of its convenience, so take the opportunity to save some time!

.

The Coalition Application

Another standardized college application similar to the Common App

Early Decision vs. Early Action vs. Regular Admission Please DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!

Early Decision: Binding – a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend that college

Early Action: Students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date of May 1; Applications typically due by November 1st.

Regular Admission: Many schools that our students choose to apply to (JMU, Tech, etc.) have application deadlines in January and will notify students of their admissions status in April.

Rolling Deadlines: These schools accept applications until enrollment is full. Applications are typically reviewed and an admissions decision is made in a matter of weeks.


Financial Aid

Opportunities Booklet All seniors will receive an Opportunities booklet with the distribution of the first or second report card. Please share it with your parents as it contains lots of useful information about financial aid. GRASP Coordinator Who: Ms. Susan Arritt Availability: Tuesdays Location: Library Mezzanine Our GRASP coordinator is available one day a week to assist students and parents with the financial aid process. Your GRASP Financial Aid Advisor will help you with: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), scholarships, special circumstances, and defining a process to make your post secondary education goals a reality. You can schedule your appointment time on the bulletin board in Guidance. **Note: FAFSA needs to be completed between October 1

st and February 15

th in order to be eligible for

financial aid. Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information. Financial Aid Seminar When:(Date TBA) Time: 7:00 p.m. Where: Fort Defiance High School Purpose: To provide college-bound juniors and seniors and their parents with an overview of tips for college financial aid and the financial aid process. This will include: hints for completing the paperwork associated with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); methods of filing; ins and outs, as well as the terminology associated with the financial aid process; time saving procedures that will help minimize delays, etc

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/


SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Scholarships Scholarship information will be available in the guidance office, social media pages, and/or on college and organization websites throughout the school year. Seniors and their parents are encouraged to stay up-to-date with the latest information regarding scholarships. As the school year progresses, the scholarship list will become more extensive. Be aware of deadlines. Many schools offer financial incentives for those who apply for early admission. **There are multiple ways to find out about scholarships. Here at Fort, we produce a monthly scholarship newsletter at the beginning of each month. This newsletter will highlight those scholarships due around that time. The newsletter is available online and is posted on the bulletin board outside of our office. On our website, we also maintain a database of scholarships, sorted by deadline, as we learn about them. Students who are on social media can follow our scholarship Twitter feed ( &@FDHSGuidance) also. Local Scholarships We are very fortunate to have scholarships that are generated from the Fort Defiance community. These scholarships are open to seniors who meet the criteria to apply. Local scholarship will be listed in our monthly newsletter and in our scholarship database. Applications not available online through either the newsletter or database will be available in the Guidance office. Any student who cannot access an online application should see his or her school counselor for assistance. Local scholarships will be awarded at our Senior Academic Awards and Scholarship Ceremony on May 8, 2019.


Career/Job Opportunities

Counselor Assistance Our counselors have knowledge on many different careers/jobs and can assist in pointing students in the right direction for gathering information on careers/jobs that may interest them. Please don’t hesitate to see your counselor! Interested in attending Blue Ridge Community College? Our Career Coach is available to assist all students with the BRCC application process and enrollment at BRCC. She is organizing many opportunities for students to visit the campus, explore field industries, and become acclimated to the BRCC community. She is also available to assist students interested in pursuing the BRCC transfer program. Please see Mrs. Lane with any questions you may have about BRCC. Career Coach Who: Mrs. Sheba Lane Availability: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm Location: Guidance Our Career Coach is a wonderful asset to our school. The career coach is available by appointment throughout the week to help students define their career aspirations and to recognize community college and other postsecondary programs, including apprenticeships and workforce training, that can help students achieve their educational and financial goals. Below are some of the areas the Career Coach can provide assistance.

Individualized Career Planning

Resume/Cover Letter Building

Soft Skills and Interview Skills

Assessment of strengths, interests, work values

Links to career-focused resources and related events

Academic planning and support for Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment and Career Pathways coursework

Coordination of employer-focused opportunities: sponsored professional speaker, career fairs, field trips to local business & industry

Blue Ridge Community College Planning and Student Development


Military Opportunities

ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) The ASVAB is a compilation of aptitude tests that was originally designed to predict future academic and occupational success in military occupations. Since its introduction in 1968, the ASVAB has been the subject of extensive research. Numerous validation studies indicate the ASVAB assesses academic ability and predicts success in a wide variety of occupations. This is a great resource to help identify strengths that could lead to success in different occupations. The ASVAB is scheduled to be administered on October 10

th during the morning at FDHS. Taking the test

does not obligate you to join the military. See Mrs. Lane, the Career Coach if you want to register for this test.

Recruiter Information United States Army: Staff Sergeant Patrick J. Hassler Office Phone: 540-886-2651 Cell Phone: 304-985-6510 [email protected] United States Navy: Navy- Cyesha Odom

540-471-0780 [email protected]

United States Marines: Staff Sergeant Robert Fears

Office Phone: 540-433-2627 [email protected]

United States Air Force: Technical Sergeant Justin M. King

Office Phone: 540-885-4284 Cell Phone: 540-4082292 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]




GRADUATION!!!!

Graduation Cap and Gown and Announcements Every student must wear the appropriate cap and gown to participate in the graduation ceremony. Jostens is our cap and gown provider. They also provide numerous other “graduation” items like announcements, key rings, jewelry, graduation party invitations, etc. for sale. Costs are lower when students order and pay for items by the early deadline. Dates and deadline information will be available soon! Jostens FDHS Jostens Representative Holly Sidwell 434-569-5174 [email protected] www.jostens.com Mandatory Senior Meeting When: Friday, May 10, 2019 Where: FDHS Auditorium Time: TBA Seniors must be at the senior meeting to participate in the graduation ceremony. This meeting will cover all the information needed to ensure you are ready to partake in the graduation ceremony. There will be no early release for work or social reasons. Please plan accordingly. Graduation Rehearsal When: Monday, May 20, 2019 Where: EMU Time: 12:00pm Seniors must be at graduation rehearsal to participate in the graduation ceremony. Seniors are required to be there the entire time. There will be no early release for work or social reasons. Please plan accordingly.

Graduation Ceremony: When: Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Where: EMU Time: 7:00 pm. Our details about graduation will be provided during the senior meeting in early May. **Graduation dates subject to change depending on the amount of inclement weather during the 2018-2019 school year.


http://www.jostens.com/


SAMPLE Transcript Request form


Glossary

ACT – The ACT is designed to measure academic achievement in the four areas of English, Mathematics, Reading and Science Reasoning. Scores are reported in the four areas, as well as a composite score. There is an optional writing component as well. Scores are based on the number of correct answers. Candidate Reply Date – May 1st is the day you submit your deposit that holds your place in the college class. You may send your deposit in sooner if you know this is the school you plan to attend. College Board – This organization oversees several agencies involved with college admissions services and tests, including SAT and AP. CEEB Code – The six-digit number used to identify each high school. Fort Defiance High School’s code is 470-872. Common/Universal Application – Allows a student to complete one application and submit it for colleges and universities that subscribe to this system. Additional information may be required by different institutions. This information is indicated in the application. CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE – A second financial aid form that certain colleges use to determine eligibility for the distribution of their own institutional money. Deferral – If a student applies early but is not accepted early, his application is reviewed in the regular process. Deferred Admission – Some colleges allow you to defer your enrollment for a semester or year in order to travel, earn money or pursue a unique interest. Double Deposit – This is the colleges’ term for informing more than one school of your intention to attend by sending in more than one deposit.. The policy of FDHS is to send only one final transcript to the college you have selected, except in the case of being waitlisted. Early Action – A non-binding program that allows you to submit your application early (usually in November), without committing to attend that school, should you be accepted. Decisions usually arrive around December 15. Early Decision – A first choice school in which a student agrees to enroll, if accepted. Decisions usually arrive by December 15. Information on financial aid will not be available 20 this early. If you have determined that particular college is the one that you really wish to attend and you are academically qualified, then you may wish to look into applying ED. You should discuss this with your counselor at length because it is a commitment on your part to attend that school. Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) – This is calculated from the information provided on your financial aid form (FAFSA). Your financial aid package is based on this information.


Financial Aid Package – The final package of money for a student who has demonstrated need. It usually consists of loans, grants, campus jobs, etc. This package fills the gap between the parent’s contribution and the total cost of college. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – A standardized form from the Department of Education that determines eligibility for state and federal grants. This form is also used to apply for the TOPS program. This form can be filed after October 1 of senior year. Grant – Financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Honors program – Any special program for very able students that offers the opportunity for educational enrichment, independent study, acceleration or some combination of these. Typically requires a separate application and the standards for admission to the program are stricter. Letter of Recommendation – This letter, typically written by a teacher, counselor or principal, provides additional academic and personal information about the applicant to the college. Not required by all colleges. Loan – Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. Some are federally subsidized and carry a very low interest. Merit-Based Aid – Aid based on academic credentials, such as grades and test scores. Usually in the form of scholarships. Mid-Year Report – This report is used to report the applicant’s grades for the first semester of the senior year and any significant additions to or changes in the academic, extracurricular or personal record. Not required by all colleges. Need-Based Aid – Aid based on financial need. This aid can be in the form of grants, loans or work study. Open Admission – The college admission policy of admitting high school graduates generally without regard to conventional academic qualifications, such as high school subjects, grades and test scores. Virtually all applicants with high school diplomas or their equivalent are accepted. Profile – This form provides detailed information about your high school to the college. It typically includes information about the school, such as graduation requirements, grading information, test score data, the curriculum and sequence of courses. Résumé – This documentation provides information to the college such as your honors/ awards, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, community/volunteer service and interests. Not required by all colleges. Rolling Admissions – Colleges admit students as the applications come in. Usually there is shorter turnaround in notification. Many large state universities use this procedure.


SAT – There are two types of the SAT: SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests. The reasoning test is a 3-hour, primarily multiple choice test that measures developed verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities related to successful performance in college. Scores are adjusted for guessing. There is also an optional writing component included in the reasoning test. Subject tests are achievement tests in particular subject areas. Check with your college of interest if SAT Subject Tests are required. Secondary School Report – This report is requested by several colleges and typically includes a request for a letter of recommendation by the counselor. Selective Admission – The college admission policy of high school graduates based on academic qualifications such as specific high school subjects, high school grades and high school test scores. Student Aid Report (SAR) – After you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will receive a SAR stating your EFC (expected family contribution) and eligibility for financial aid. This report is also sent to the colleges you indicate on the FAFSA. Study Abroad – Any arrangement by which a student completes part of the college program studying in another country. A college may operate a campus abroad, or it may have a cooperative agreement with some other U.S. college or institution of the other country. Summer Acceptance – Some colleges may not accept you for the fall term but will accept you for the summer term immediately following graduation. Supplemental Material – Items you include with your college application to provide more information about your talents, experiences and goals. Materials could include work samples, additional essays, newspaper clippings, music CDs or art slides. Verify if a college welcomes (or requires) these materials before sending. Wait List – Students who are not initially accepted may be placed on a waiting list. If a space develops at a later time, you may be offered admission. See your counselor for further information. Work Study – The campus job that requires 15-20 hours per week on campus. This is part of your financial aid package.

fort defiance high school senior year planning guide · class of 2019-senior planning guide fort...

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