Welcome to Senior Orientation for Parents and Students

April 29 and 30 2010

Class of 2011

Senior Counselor

Ms. Nancy Wolfe

Senior Assistant PrincipalMrs. Barbara Little

Senior SponsorMrs. Mary Ann Moon

Senior Handbook

Reference tool/guide for students and parents

Useful information – refer to it often Lost copies can be replaced for $2

Senior Data Packet

Senior Handbook Resume Appendix B - Students and parents

complete questions Appendix C – Teacher Recommendation

form (One academic teacher & one from an adult who is in a supervisor role)

Purpose – to help me write meaningful and thoughtful letters of recommendation

Due no later than Aug. 9

Handouts

Senior Time Line Financial Aide info Information in bags

Check your required credits for entering your senior year!

3 English credits 3 Math credits (Algebra & Geometry) 3 Science credits (Biology & Physical Science or

Chemistry) 3 Social Studies credits ( 1 World History & 2 U.S.

Histories) 1 PE credit .5 Computer Applications credit or 1 BTA credit .5 Fine Art credit .5 Health credit Resource – HCS Course description guide

Additional requirements needed to earn an Advanced Diploma

Complete at least two years of the same foreign language

Complete a math course that includes trigonometry

Complete four lab sciences (General Chem., Geology, and Environmental Science do not count)

Resource – HCS Course Description Guide

What is my GPA?

HHS uses a standard scale to determine class rank.

The Academic Top Twenty Program uses only academic classes to determine numeric average. Academics includes the four core and foreign language.

High School Transcripts

Obtain from Mrs. Jolliff – HHS Registrar Complete the form (handout) Cost is $1.00 per transcript Can be mailed directly from HHS Students can obtain an official

(sealed) copy to mail or an unofficial (unsealed) copy

All students should request a final transcript before graduation!!!

Counselor Recommendation Letters

Completion of data packet is required Allow three weeks turn-around for senior

counselor. If they are due during the winter break, be sure I get them by November 1.

Mail completed application with recommendation letter

Always include an envelope for the person who is completing the recommendation. If you want them to mail it, make sure the address and a stamp is on the envelope.

College Material

College catalogs are on the shelves in the counseling office (should be alphabetized)

Request catalog/admissions packet from college via the internet

Most colleges prefer online registration (review application mistakes and print a copy)

Go on-line for complete up-to-date information about each college

Scholarships

Institutional – academic, need based, department, athletics

National – National Merit Scholars, National Hispanic Assoc., etc

State – www.ache.state.al.us (Alabama Commission on Higher Education- search scholarships; great website for other information)

Outside Resources – employer, club, civic, contests, church, professional societies and associations

www.fastweb.com

Scholarship Information Continued

Review websites listed in the Senior Handbook

PAY ATTENTION TO DEADLINES Student’s lack of preparation will not

become parent, teacher or counselor emergency

CHECK SENIOR & PARENT EMAILS AND POSTINGS IN SENIOR CLASSES and on the Senior Class Bulletin Board outside of Mrs. Moon’s class.

Alabama Mentor

www.alabamamentor.com Explore careers Self Assessments Explore/compare colleges Take virtual campus tours Explore financial aid options Search for scholarships

Suggestions

Take SAT/ACT – which one does your college choice prefer? Read the instructions on registration forms regarding how to send scores to your high school and colleges (register on-line, next dates are in late Oct.)

Visit campuses, talk with admission counselors, talk with students

Know and observe deadlines. Many are as early as October

Save your college essays. MAKE SURE I HAVE YOUR CORRECT EMAIL ADDRESS Get organized; start a senior file; save everything,

make copies, file!!!

Academic Common Market

An interstate agreement for sharing educational programs and facilities that allows students to participate in selected programs not offered in their home states without having to pay out-of-state tuition charges

16 participating states: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia

www.sreb.org

Questions?

School Code? Memorize it-Write it down! 011-485

nwolfe@hsv.k12.al.us

Thank you for coming to Senior Orientation for Parents and

Students