Planning Your Next Move… Counselors-Students-Parents Working Together Lincoln Southwest High School – Class of 2010 Senior Parent Meeting Agenda: College Admissions – Pat McBride EducationQuest – Delmer Esters LSW Counselors Our goal for the senior class is to assist them in preparing to move in a direction of their life’s journey-whether that be continuing their education, working full-time, joining the military, or pursuing another option.

Moving toward the future… “There you are in your cap and tassel Ready to make the world your castle. It seems just like yesterday You were a kid watching everything I did.” ~ Joanna Fuchs Graduation is a milestone for both students and parents/guardians with the senior year passing by faster than expected. In preparing your child for college or moving on in other areas we want to share some helpful information.

Moving forward… LPS Graduation Requirements Avoid Senioritis Grad Requirement Report Government & Politics Community service hours Avoid Senioritis Appropriate schedules Stay involved in school/community activities Graduation requirements are the basic minimum needed for graduation, not for college admission requirements. A letter was mailed in August to seniors who needed additional graduation requirements. Government and Politics hours need to be completed by their due dates There is a direct link about Go/Po hours on Dr. Ted Larson’s (LSW Social Studies Dept Chair) home page Appropriate schedules vary with the students’ individual goals A rigorous schedule is recommended for students who are planning on attending a 4-year school While some students are working & saving for college, students should continue involvement in school & community activities Family decision-making should be a priority during the senior year.

The Counselor’s role… Conducts individual meetings with seniors Checks seniors’ progress in completing graduation requirements Assists seniors with clarifying goals Provides information about college and/or career planning process

Communication updates… Counseling Center’s web site: http://isite.lps.org/pvolker/web/ Handouts from senior meeting Bulletin boards Daily bulletin Connect Ed – phone calls & e-mails

Making Post Secondary Decisions is a Process Every student and family will be at a different place at a different time in the process. DO NOT get caught up in the frenzy of what others are saying and doing. Trust that it will be fine in the end.

Preparing for options… Employment Military Two-year college Academic Transfer Four-year college Tonight we will be focusing specifically on the college process.

The student’s role… Use resources well Bring questions to senior meeting Counseling center resources Computers College guides Workshops - 2:15pm on early release Tuesdays Counselor web site Check calendar regularly

Student responsibilities… Register for admissions tests Complete college applications Request teacher & counselor recommendations Provide registrar with transcript requests Search & apply for scholarships Work with parents to file financial aid applications by deadlines

Resources for seniors… Visit with college reps at LSW & College Fair Participate in college campus visits Attend Open Houses on campuses Conduct scholarship searches Research financial aid opportunities NCAA student-athlete information

Senior year countdown… Fall Retake the ACT and/or SAT Narrow your college selection Complete 3 to 5 college applications Apply for scholarships Update your Activities Resume Winter Prepare for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Apply for Financial Aid Pin # www.pin.ed.gov (both student & parent) Complete FAFSA on-line www.fafsa.gov between January 1-March 1st Select college Expect acceptance letters Spring Expect Student Aid Report (SAR) Notify college of choice Send final transcript Make housing deposit Summer Apply for student &/or parent loans if needed Attend summer orientation at college of choice As seniors begin counting down the days until graduation, here are some reminders about some basic events that will help them with college preparation.

Online assistance… LSW Counseling Center http://isite.lps.org/pvolker/web/ Career Cruising www.careercruising.com username: southwest id: silverhawks National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) www.eligibilitycenter.org ACT www.act.org SAT www.collegeboard.com National Scholarship Searches linked from Counselor’s page on LSW web site EducationQuest www.educationquest.org ScholarshipQuest NE, LSW & LPS Scholarships https://www.fes.org/scholarquest/s_login.asp FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov (submit after Jan. 1) Military careers

Suggestions for parents… Believe in your student’s abilities Take an interest in what your student is studying Encourage your student’s academic success Stay in contact with your student’s teachers Promote your student’s participation in school & community activities Plan for your student’s future Develop realistic goals Give your senior responsibility Use this year to help your child to become more responsible for his/her actions while still being there to encourage/support him/her in becoming more independent in the decision making progress.

Parent/Guardian responsibilities… Expect stress as seniors deal with current responsibilities & post-secondary planning Balance supporting & letting go Consult rather than control Explore options that are the “right fit” “Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” ~Roger Lewin While realizing that your student may experience stress, senioritis, nervousness about the future, etc., remember that your role involves letting go so they can begin learning to experience these situations on their own.

Thank you for attending! Counselors Dr. Dee Simpson-Kirkland (A-G) Eric Feeken (H-K) Peggy Volker (L-P) Colleen Finkhouse (Q-S) Tim Ernst (T-Z) Dr. Joyce Lehn (SPED A-Z) “If you want children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders.”  ~Abigail Van Buren ~September 5, 2007