Welcome to Senior Orientation for Parents and Students April 29 and

Class of 2011 Senior Counselor Ms. Nancy Wolfe Senior Assistant Principal Mrs. Barbara Little Senior Sponsor Mrs. 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 – (Alabama Commission on Higher Education- searchwww.ache.state.al.us scholarships; great website for other information)  Outside Resources – employer, club, civic, contests, church, professional societies and associations 

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

Alabama Mentor   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 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 

Questions?  School Code? Memorize it-Write it down! 

Thank you for coming to Senior Orientation for Parents and Students