Fort Defiance High School Senior Year Planning Guide€¦ · Student Career/Job Opportunities ......

1 Class of 2015-Senior Planning Guide

Fort Defiance High School Senior Year

Planning Guide

Class of 2015

It’s almost time!


Table of Contents

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

Senior Transcripts and Recommendations Senior Picture for the Yearbook Selective Service Registration Failure Notices Class Rank

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…………………………………………...…………………………………7-9

The Common Application Applying School Code Recommendations Early Decision/Early Action Guidance Duties

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

Opportunities Booklet GRASP Coordinator Financial Aid Seminar

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

Student Career/Job Opportunities …………………………………………………………….………..11 Counselor Assistance Career Coach and Job Exploration

Student Military Opportunities …………………………………….……………………………….…….12 Military pamphlets and information 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 Transcripts and Recommendations Do you have questions about the college application process? Your Guidance 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 2015 graduation requirements. Final responsibility for credits falls to the student and his/her parents. In order to send a student’s transcript to colleges, a signed transcript release form is needed. Senior transcripts cost $1.00 each to send to cover the cost of postage. Often you will need a written recommendation letter to go with your college/scholarship applications. Seniors in need of teacher/counselor recommendations are encouraged to complete a Senior Recommendation form which can be helpful to teachers and counselors when providing you with recommendations.

Senior Yearbook Portraits Seniors are encouraged to have their portrait taken through the school photography company, Life Touch. 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 Ms. Wilfong by December 2, 2014. If you want your senior portrait in the newspaper you must have it taken through Life Touch.

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.

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

Failure Notices Guidance 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.

Remember: In order to receive credit for a course, a student in a block course must have at least two passing grades per

course and a student in a year long course must have a minimum of two passing grades for each semester.


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

senior year and is based on all courses taken for high school credit from 8th grade through 11

th grade.

Class rank is then re-calculated after first semester and again at the completion of your senior year.

Official ranks are calculated by the computer system and are based on all final grades turned in by

teachers following the end of the semester. “Incompletes” that have not been satisfied at that point

are included in the GPA calculation. When an incomplete is satisfied, the GPA is revised but the ranks

are not recalculated until the end of the following semester. It is not unusual for students’ class ranks

to change after the fall semester and at the end of the year. Final class rank is calculated following

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

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 4th and 5

th

marking periods, 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, universities and scholarship programs, 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 guidance counselor. Registering and Preparing: You can register for either test on the internet (SAT at sat.collegeboard.org; ACT at actstudent.org). You are responsible for registering, making payment and picking out when and where you are going to take the test.

2014-2015 Test Dates

SAT ACT October 11, 2014 September 13, 2014 November 8, 2014 October 25, 2014 December 6, 2014 December 13, 2014 January 24, 2015 February 7, 2015 March 14, 2015 April 18, 2015 May 2, 2015 June 13, 2015 June 6, 2015

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 Fee’s 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 guidance counselor or an educational

organization for more information.

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.

College Campus Visits 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.

Upcoming College Fieldtrips: o October 10

th-EMU and Bridgewater College

o October 21st-JMU

Be sure to sign up in Guidance if you are interested in attending this trip to take an official school tour of these colleges. A maximum of 30 students will be permitted to attend each trip. College Night When: Thursday, September 25, 2014 Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm Where: Riverheads High School Purpose: To offer students and their families the opportunity to explore a variety of colleges and speak directly with admissions representatives. Each college has a separate table where information is displayed and a representative is available to answer questions. 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/


College Application Process 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.

The Common Application

The Common Application (commonly referred to as the “Common App”) is a standardized application used by a growing group of 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 questions about your work experience and volunteer activities. For the personal essay, you may choose one of four questions, or propose a question of your own. The easiest way to complete it is online. 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!

SENIOR Responsibilities Applying, Transcripts, Recommendations

Complete and sign the blue Transcript Release Form for each college application. These forms are located in the Guidance office. The Guidance office cannot release a transcript for any purpose without this release. The following items are included with an official transcript:

o Secondary School Transcript (this includes your cumulative GPA and class rank) o SAT Reasoning Test or ACT scores, SAT Subject Test scores as required o FDHS School Profile, Governor’s School Profile (if applicable) o Other information as requested by the college or student. o It is the student’s responsibility to send official SAT/ACT scores via collegeboard.org

or actstudent.org. List up to 4 schools free of charge when you register or take the test.

Students that choose to wait to send scores will be charged a fee for each college you choose to send your scores to.

Please give this form to your guidance counselor. **Transcripts from colleges awarding DE 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. If you are applying on-line, be sure to indicate that on the blue transcript form. Most 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 “Guidance 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.

Recommendations: If teacher recommendations are required, please ask the teacher(s) writing your recommendation at least two weeks prior to the deadline. Give specific directions as to deadlines and ask that the letters be turned in to Guidance before the deadlines so they can be mailed with your application.

o Most applications require a counselor recommendation. Please make sure you give the

transcript and recommendation requests to your Guidance Counselor at least two weeks prior to the college’s deadline.

o Note: It is Fort Defiance High School policy that recommendation letters are

confidential. Do not open sealed envelopes containing recommendations or transcripts,

as that would invalidate them. While recommendation letters normally address a student’s

strengths rather than his or her weaknesses, recommendation letters should only be

requested from teachers (and others) with whom you have had a positive experience. If

you are not confident that they can honestly give you a good recommendation, please

speak directly with that teacher or with your guidance counselor.

While most colleges now prefer to get applications on-line, and that can make applying easier, be sure to get someone to review your application before you submit it. It is easy to forget something that might be to your advantage. Remember to show all the classes you are taking in your senior year. Check for correct spelling and complete dates—errors do not make you look good. Most English teachers are very willing to review your essays and give advice on them. Save a copy of all college applications, essays, and lists of activities, as you may well need them again. It may help your guidance counselor, who may be writing you a recommendation, to also see copies of your essays and activities.

Your application packet will be mailed directly from the guidance office once all components are completed. Please bring $1.00 to cover the cost of a mailing envelope and postage. Please bring your money when you turn in your application materials to your guidance counselor.

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.


Guidance Responsibilities Process

Applying by Mail or Applying Online/Electronically

Mrs. Goodloe will log in your transcript request and do appropriate paperwork. Request should be at least 10 working days prior to deadline.

Your counselor will complete the school report/college prep form.

Your counselor will file copies of recommendations received from teachers, coaches etc. It is your responsibility to follow-up with the recommender regarding the progress of your recommendation.

Guidance will generate the transcript to be sent with the counselor form. They will be mailed directly or sent electronically to the institution by us.

Financial Aid

Opportunities Booklet All seniors will receive an Opportunities booklet with the distribution of the first or second report card. GRASP Coordinator Who: Mrs. Cunningham Availability: One day a week Location: Guidance 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 January 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: December (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. Local Scholarships We are very fortunate to have scholarships that are generated from the Fort Defiance community. These scholarships are open to all seniors who meet the criteria to apply. An updated list is available in the guidance office, on daily announcements, and on the FDHS website. These scholarship applications can be picked up in the guidance office and typically become available beginning in January. They will be awarded at our Senior Academic Awards Scholarship Ceremony on May 27, 2015.

Sampling of Local Scholarships usually offered:

Buddy Bosserman Memorial Scholarship Civitan International Scholarship DAR Good Citizen Scholarship

Denver Kendall Memorial Scholarship Girls Tennis Alumnae Scholarship

GRASP Scholarship Grottoes Ruritan Club Carroll Cosby Memorial Scholarship

Kline’s Ice Cream Girls Tennis Scholarship Lisa Foster Whitescarver Scholarship

Mt. Sidney Ruritan Club Eddie Sheets Memorial Scholarship New Hope Ruritan Club Scholarship North River Ruritan Club Scholarship

Sangerville-Towers Ruritan Club Memorial Program Scholarship Staunton Augusta Junior Women’s Club Scholarship

Staunton Elks Club Most Valuable Student Scholarship


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! Career Coach Who: TBA Availability: TBA 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

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

Military Pamphlets and Information Military pamphlets and information are provided to Fort Defiance High School by the various branches of the military. You can find these pamphlets in the College/Resource Center in the Guidance office.

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 15

th during the morning at FDHS. Taking the test

does not obligate you to join the military.

Recruiter Information United States Army: Staff Sergeant Gerald W. Tucker Office Phone: 540-886-2651 Cell Phone: 1877-260-9492 [email protected] United States Navy: Petty Officer Deongelo Jones

Office Phone: 540-886-3260 Cell Phone:434-326-3479 [email protected] www.navy.com

United States Marines: Staff Sergeant Carlos A. Robles

Office Phone: 540-433-2627 Cell Phone: 434-386-1239 [email protected]

United States Air Force: Technical Sergeant Justin M. King

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

United States Army Sgt. Joe Weeks National Guard: Phone: 540-810-4621

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


http://www.navy.com/





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. When: October 14

th: Senior Portrait makeup date by Life Touch

November 10th

: Josten’s Senior Class meeting about graduation orders November 13

th & 14

th: Seniors place orders during lunch with Josten’s Rep.

December 5th

: Josten’s makeup date for graduation orders. Where: Auditorium Time: TBA Jostens FDHS Jostens Representative Holly Sidwell 434-569-5174 [email protected] www.jostens.com Mandatory Senior Meeting When: Friday, May 29, 2015 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 and Senior Brunch: When: June 5, 2015 Where: EMU Time: 11:30am 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: Saturday, June 6, 2015 Where: EMU Time: 2:00 pm. Our details about graduation and all other senior activities will be available following spring break 2015. **Graduation dates subject to change depending on the amount of inclement weather during the 2014-2015 school year.


http://www.jostens.com/

Fort Defiance High School Senior Year Planning Guide€¦ · Student Career/Job Opportunities ......

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