Dear Parents:

        We have sent out our Back to School Mailing so everyone should have received their course selection information.

 
Transportation
      Please click here for details of transportation for next year. 

Families are now able to register for Seton and DeMatha bus routes. Please visit www.setonhs.org/transportation for all details regarding bus stops and payment.


        A reminder to all that your daughter will only receive a complete schedule once the parents have attended their mandatory parent orientation days.

        The Parent Orientation Days will allow our staff to confirm the following:

1.     Payment of School fees (which this year includes the purchase of a blazer for students in grades 9, 10, and 11.  (Please see your fee statement for the amount due)

2.    Payment of a minimum of two monthly tuition payments.  A reminder to all:
FACTS will not be taking out tuition in August.  Parents who need to pay in August must do so at the Parent Orientation Day.  Students cannot receive their full schedules without two monthly tuition payments having been made.


Caution:  If you printed a schedule prior to the portal closing, it may indeed be incorrect.  The only document that you can be sure is correct is your course selection information as periods, classes, and teachers are being changed even as we send this parent announce.  The Portal will continue to be updated, but will remain closed until we have completed our final scheduling process.


Reminder:
Tuition can only be paid by cash, credit card, money order, or cashier's check.  No personal checks are accepted.


PARENTS ONLY NEED TO SELECT ONE TIME PERIOD AND ONE DAY!

Parents can come any time during that time period.  We will see each family individually, and we should need only five minutes of your time.  Parents do not need to come all at once at the start of the time period.  We can serve you as you come in because it will be individual meetings.


TIMES EACH DAY:  7:30am - 9-30am;    11:00am - 1:30pm   and  4:30pm - 6:30pm

THURSDAY AUGUST 13 - ALL
MONDAY AUGUST 17 - SENIORS
TUESDAY AUGUST 18 - JUNIORS
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 19 - SOPHOMORES
THURSDAY AUGUST 20 - ALL


All parents must attend a parent orientation session prior to their daughter's orientation day.

Any student whose parent has not attended a session will not be able to participate in their class orientation day.  Your daughter will only be able to receive a complete schedule during these sessions.

Thank you for your cooperation with this new process.

 

August 8th Parent Service Day
We will host a Parent Service Day on August 8 from 8:00 am to 1:00pm.
We will be doing the final preparations for the opening of school.  Parents who wish to help should email Sister Ellen Marie at ehagar@setonhs.org

2015 Freshman Ice Cream Social -
Welcome class of 2019! - The PCO will be hosting our annual Ice Cream Social for the incoming Freshman class and their family on Saturday, August 22nd from 6-8pm.  We need 4 class parent volunteers to assist with setup, serving, and cleanup. Please click on the link to sign up to help at this event http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4aa5ac2cabfc1-freshman.


Please contact the ESHS PCO at pco.setonhs.org or visit the Parent Organization page located at www.setonhs.org > About Us for more PCO information or please click here.
 

Part Time Bus Driver Wanted for the Athletic Department. CDL License Required. Hours generally run 2:00-7:30pm daily. If interested contact Candy Cage, Director of Athletics at ccage@setonhs.org 

An update on the cafeteria procedures will be given to your daughters at their respective class orientation days. A price list will also be posted at that time on our website.
The cafeteria will not begin serving lunch until Monday, August 31st.  Students must bring their own lunches on Orientation Days and on August 28th.  Only the vending machines will be available.

Due to the turf field construction project, Field Hockey and Soccer Tryouts have been Moved.

Field Hockey Tryouts
will be held Monday, 8/17, Tuesday, 8/18 and Wednesday, 8/18 from 3:30-5:30 at the Whitemarsh Field in Bowie.

Soccer Tryouts
will be held Monday, 8/17, Tuesday, 8/18 and Wednesday, 8/19 from 3:30-5:30 at Allen's Pond-Murtagh Field #1 in Bowie.

You must attend ALL THREE SESSIONS in order to make a team.

CHANGE IN TIME:
Cross Country: 8/15 5:30-8:00 pm @ Greenbelt Lake, Parent/athlete meeting at 7:00pm

Families in need of financial assistance may apply for Seton's Work Study Program. Participants are assigned on-campus jobs before or after school.  In exchange for their services, students earn credit toward tuition.

Their are a few openings available for incoming freshmen.  If you are interested, please click here and complete the application.

Come ride with the Seton Equestrian Team!

Seton Equestrian is sponsored by Hideaway Horse Center (Brandywine, MD) and rides in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA). The team practices once a week at Hideaway and competes locally once a month. If you are interested in the equestrian program, we are having an informational meeting at Hideaway on Sat. Aug 1st at 4:00pm. For details or if you have any questions, please contact Rachel Turk at hideawayhorsecenter@yahoo.com or (240) 328-8908.

If your daughter wishes to try out for a Seton sports team next year, she must have a current physical (performed after June 1, 2015) on file in the clinic before tryouts. Forms can be found on our website (setonhs.org) under the tabs for admissions and athletics or click here.

Please see below information on the Gates Millennium Scholarship which is sponsored by Bill Gates.  Please check the website and see the "partner" schools who participate in this program.  If you are considering applying to any of the GMS schools, please consider competing for this full ride scholarship.  One of the qualifications is that you have a minimum GPA of 3.3.

 
The Gates Millennium Scholars 2016 Application will open August 1, 2015.

Visit http://www.gmsp.org/ for application information and directions.  

Why GMS?
The increasing diversity of our society reminds us that all of America's citizens must have access to higher education if our nation is to sustain and advance itself as a global, competitive democracy in the new millennium. The future of our economy and quality of life depend upon the preparation of a diverse cadre of leaders who can help build a stronger society. These potential leaders, especially those drawn from groups that have traditionally and historically been denied access to higher education, require the necessary support and opportunities to earn and complete a college education.

The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars (GMS) Program, funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, was established in 1999 to provide outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian Pacific Islander American**, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline area of interest. Continuing Gates Millennium Scholars may request funding for a graduate degree program in one of the following discipline areas: computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health or science.

In 1999, a bold vision of what America's future would look like began to take shape. In that view, America's leadership would include 20,000 individuals, all people of color, who would make a significant impact on the future direction of the nation. Coming from among the most financially needy students and attending the nation's best colleges and universities, they would represent the extraordinary promise inherent among all highly academically capable individuals, no matter what their background. Moreover, the planners envisioned that the researched experiences of the students' matriculation and retention, the fact of these individuals' extraordinary successes to terminal degrees, and the testimony of their voices, would spark conversation, and perhaps debate, leading to public policies and added philanthropic contributions in support of similarly able and financially challenged young people. That vision of Bill and Melinda Gates was funded by a historic grant of more than 1 billion dollars to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF)-still the largest single gift to any scholarship organization.

One of the most unique aspects of the GMS Program is the partnership and collective efforts of the four partner organizations providing services to the continuing Gates Millennium Scholars. GMS Program staff members at the American Indian Graduate Center Scholars (AIGCS), the Asian & Pacific Islander American Scholarship Fund (APIASF), the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) and UNCF service students from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is truly a national effort.

Who's Eligible?
Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian & Pacific Islander American** or Hispanic American
- Are a citizen, national or legal permanent resident of the United States
- Have attained a cumulative high school GPA of 3.3 on an unweighted 4.0 scale or have earned a GED
- Will enroll for the first time at a U.S. located, accredited*** college or university (with the exception of students concurrently pursuing a high school diploma) in the fall of 2016 as a full-time, degree-seeking, first-year student. First-time college enrollees can also be GED recipients.
- Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities
- Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria
- Have completed and submitted all three required forms: the student's application (Nominee Personal Information Form), an evaluation of the student's academic record (Nominator Form) and an evaluation of the student's community service and leadership activities (Recommender Form) by the deadline


*American Indian/Alaska Native Requirements: American Indian/Alaska Natives must be enrolled in a U.S. Federal or State recognized tribe or be able to document descent from an enrolled tribal member. If selected as a GMS finalist, applicants will be asked to provide proof of tribal enrollment or descent.
**Asian and Pacific Islander American includes persons having origins from Asia and/or Pacific Islands. Asian includes persons having origins in any of the original people of the Far East, Southeast Asia or the Indian subcontinent. Pacific Islander includes persons having origins in any of the original peoples of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa or other Pacific Islands. Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau are eligible to be nominated. This is not an all-inclusive list. Please see the U.S. Census Bureau listing at www.census.gov.


***To be eligible for the GMS scholarship, the student must matriculate at a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The following are accreditation resources: Accredited Institutions of Postsecondary Education Programs Candidates; American Council of Education published in consultation with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; Higher Education Directory published by Higher Education Publications, Inc.
Pell Grant Eligibility

If selected as GMS finalists, students must demonstrate eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant Program as part of their financial aid package for the 2016 academic year. Students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid Programs. Students are urged to file a 2016 FAFSA at their earliest opportunity.

The 2016 FAFSA form will be available January 1, 2016 at www.fafsa.gov. Federal Pell Grants typically are awarded to families that demonstrate significant financial need. Eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant is a function of many factors, including dependency status, family income, family size and the number of students in the family.

To determine if a student is Pell Grant eligible, he/she and the parent(s)/guardian(s) should meet with a high school counselor or the financial aid officer at the college or university he/she plans to attend.
For more information, visit www.fafsa.gov.

Note: Students should not submit a FAFSA with the GMS application. GMS does not have a school code that a student can use on their FAFSA. If a student is selected as a finalist, GMS will request that he/she send a copy of his/her Student Aid Report (SAR) to the GMS office. We recommend students set a target date of February 15, 2016 to submit the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.

Below is a listing of several overnight opportunities for high achieving, traditionally underrepresented and first generation to attend college students. Some programs even cover all expenses!  This is a great way to learn about programs on campus to discover new colleges!
 
2015 Fall Multicultural Programs
 
Haverford College-Multicultural Scholars Experience 2015 (MSE) -
Haverford, PA; October 27-27, 2015
The Multicultural Scholars Experience is a program designed to help prospective students from diverse backgrounds become acquainted with the academic and social opportunities at Haverford. The program gives students the opportunity to interact with professors, visit classes, learn about multiculturalism on campus, hear current Haverfordians' perspectives, and immerse themselves in the Haverford experience.  The deadline to apply is 9/14/2015.
Registration link:  https://admission.haverford.edu/register/mse2015
 
Williams College- Windows on Williams (WOW) -
Williamstown, MA; September 24-26, 2015 and October 15-17, 2015
(This is an all-expenses-aid, three day visit program for high achieving high school seniors from low-income backgrounds.)  If you're in the high school graduating class of 2016 and from a low-income, first-generation or traditionally underrepresented background, we encourage you to apply for WOW.  During the three-day WOW program, students have the opportunity to attend sessions on admission and financial aid polices, interact with faculty and staff, stay overnight in a student dormitory, and enjoy performances by student groups.  Williams covers all program expenses for WOW, including all travel to and from campus (by plane, train, bus or car service) meals, and overnight accommodations in a dorm with a current student. Due to the short duration of the program, we are only able to include students who attend school in the United States and Puerto Rico. Please note that preference is given to applicants who demonstrate financial need.  There are two priority deadlines as there are two dates for the program:  July 15th and August 15.
Registration link:  https://myadmission.williams.edu/register/WOWApplication2015
 
Reed College - Reed Overnight Multicultural Experience (ROME) 2015 -
Portland, Oregon; November 5 - 7, 2015
Rome is a special visit program for students from African American, Asian American, Latino American, Middle Eastern American, Native American and Pacific Islander backgrounds.  ROME is an annual fly-in program for students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds.  Students will stay on campus for two nights, visit classes, participate in fun activities on and off campus; enjoy meals in the Commons; and meet faculty, staff, and current Reed Students.  Application for ROME will be available in August, and the deadline to submit your application is September 19, 2015.  More information is available at:  http://www.reed.edu/apply/rome.html
 
Grinnell College - Diversity Preview Program  -
Grinnell, IA; October 11-12, 2015
(This is an all-expenses paid program.)
The best way to understand Grinnell is to experience Grinnell.  For students of color and first-generation college students, Grinnell's Diversity Preview Program offers the opportunity to attend classes, meet professors, participate in cultural and social events, and spend the night on campus with a host student.  There is no obligation-just opportunity.  Applications are due by September 16.  You can find more information at http://www.reed.edu/apply/rome.html.
Registration link:  https://admission.grinnell.edu/register/GDPP2015
 
Colgate University - Colgate:  In Person -
Hamilton, NY; October 1-2, 2015
(Travel assistance is available.)
We encourage current high school seniors who come from low-income, first-generation, or traditionally underrepresented backgrounds to apply to the program. For many prospective students, the open house provides a greater understanding of the Colgate experience. You will meet current students, faculty, and staff, attend class, tour the campus, and stay overnight in a residence hall, all while participating in activities sponsored by Colgate's many diverse student organizations.  Application deadline is September 9, 2015.
Registration link:  https://docs.google.com/a/colgate.edu/forms/d/1Njbd16Dj8XMGlrrNlb3A6smqD2aDT5WQ39xplidn8gc/viewform
 
Harvey Mudd College - Fall Future Achievers in Science and Technology (FAST) Program -
Claremont, CA; October 8-10, 2015
(The Fall FAST Program is free to all participants and includes lodging, meals and travel accommodations (if applicable). Participants will also receive a fee waiver for a Harvey Mudd College freshman application.)
The Fall FAST Program is an opportunity for high school seniors from populations that are traditionally underrepresented in math and science-including women, students of color and those who will be among the first in their families to attend a four-year college-to experience Harvey Mudd.  Participants of Fall FAST will stay overnight in one of our residence halls, take a campus tour, sit in on classes, complete an interview with the Office of Admission, participate in a hands-on computer science workshop and much more. There will also be discussions on admission policies, financial aid opportunities, campus resources and the benefits of pursuing a technical degree at a liberal arts college. Participants will be doing all of this while interacting with current Mudders, faculty and staff, and other college-bound students from around the country who share a passion for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.  The deadline to apply for the Fall FAST program is Monday, August 24, 2015.
Registration link:  https://connect.hmc.edu/register/fallfast2015app
 
Johns Hopkins University - Hopkins Overnight Multicultural Experience (HOME)
Baltimore, MD; September 24-26, 2015
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions is proud to present HOME-an on-campus, overnight program connecting African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, and multiracial high school seniors to the clubs, organizations, and resources that bring together our multicultural community.  HOME takes place in conjunction with our fall Open House program on Saturday, September 26. All students participating in the HOME program will also join in on Open House activities.  Due to limited space, this is a selective program.  Participation in HOME is not an indication of any admissions decision.  The online application must be received by Monday, August 3 at 5:00 p.m.
Registration link:  https://apply.jhu.edu/homewood/application/

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