Course Selection:  Soon students will be completing their course selections for next year. When they bring home the form, it is important to discuss their choices with them. Call the counselor if you have questions or need to make a correction. We can not stress enough that students need to choose carefully because changes are difficult later.

with their AP teacher. Cost is $89 per AP exam.  

Juniors, It's ACT Time: Juniors going on to 4-year colleges are encouraged to take the April or June ACT tests. Other than improving your grades and visiting colleges, this is the next most important thing to do this spring.

http://www.bluecollarandproudofit.com

College Deadlines:  Accepted students will be getting applications for housing and orientation. Our advice is to mail these back immediately for the best chance to get your requests.

College vs. Reality:  Many students think of a 4-yr college as grade 13 - just like high school. They do not realize that college is for students who like to learn and are willing to sacrifice to make it. Students with C's in high school may have a challenging time being successful and students who get D's and F's have an 82% chance of not making it to the second year. While everyone should have a chance to reach their dreams, parents might want to have a long talk with their teen about spending $10,000 - $40,000 a year when the student is not prepared to succeed. What can your teen do to be better prepared for college?

• Have an attitude that desires learning.
• Be willing to spend the hours needed studying, re-writing, and asking for help.
• Keep the courses on the schedule. Not liking a teacher or subject matter that is "too hard" must be mastered.
• Take the most challenging classes we offer.
• Re-take classes with low grades.
• Take a full load of classes.
• Don't try to graduate "early".
• Keep work hours under 20 per week.


Financial Aid: Students going on to school should have already applied for financial aid using the on-line FAFSA form. Each school has a priority deadline after which they begin handing out the financial aid awards. If you apply after that date, there is not as much money in the "pot" to divide out. The deadlines vary, but all are approaching. Once you get the student aid report back, check it for errors and follow the directions. Call your college or tech school if you have questions. Aid awards come through the school, so only students already accepted will get a letter.

www. FAFSA.ed.gov

Drug Screenings Available:

The Occupational Health & Wellness Center, 1650 Lee Lane, offers two types of drug screenings. An appointment is needed and a cash payment is expected. A parent or guardian must accompany the teen and the teen must have a photo ID. If you have concerns about your teens' potential alcohol or drug use you can also speak with our district coordinator, Faith Mattison (361-3143; the school social worker, Alyssa Schroeder (361-3201); the psychologist, Rachel Tiffany (361-3006), or a counselor.

Scholarships:  This is the busiest time of the year for scholarship applications. Your senior should be checking the list, picking up applications, and completing them. Meet the deadlines!  You'll find more scholarships at

A Reminder for Seniors:  Don't blow it now! Seniors - please be aware that just because you have received an acceptance letter from a college in the spring does not mean you can afford to "slack off" semester 2. Remember, your final admission is contingent upon your successful completion of classes and maintaining your high school ranking. Every senior going to college has a final transcript sent to their college. And every year colleges have to rescind admission for some students, because they have failed to keep up their grades during their senior year.

Register with Selective Service:  All United States male citizens are required to register with the Selective Service system within 30 days of their 18^th birthday. This can be done within the time period of 30 days before your 18^th