Senior Year Guidance Newsletter Ð August 2007
Phone: (508) 693-1033
Counselors: Shauna Nute, ext.120; Mary MacDonald, ext.130; John Fiorito, ext. 143; Jeffrey Agnoli, ext.174
School Adjustment Counselor: Amy Lilavois, ext. 291
Guidance Secretaries: Bonnie Tilton Jackson, ext.222; Ellie Parece, ext. 121
Director of Guidance: Michael McCarthy, ext.119
Welcome
We hope you are having a great summer and are looking forward to the next school year. Your last year of high school is approaching fast. It is an exciting year but it is also stressful. You have to continue to work on your post secondary plans. You need to do the things necessary to have as many options available to you when it comes time to make your final decision. Our goal in guidance is to have every senior have a transitional plan in place for the end of his or her senior year. To support you in attaining your goals and aspirations, we have developed a program we feel will assist in your endeavors. It is important to work hard academically throughout the rest of your high school career. A strong senior year shows you have the skills and desire needed for your next step whatever that may be. This newsletter helps outline important dates and programs we will be working with you on.
Summer Scramble for Schedules Week August 20Ð 24 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
See enclosed letter for details. Add and drop courses, schedule changes and adjustments before school starts.
Data Information Sheets
These sheets will be distributed to seniors the first day of school to be completed and returned to guidance as soon as possible. This information will be placed on the back of your transcript to be sent out to all schools you apply to. Please fill these out accurately and return them as soon as possible so we can get your transcript ready for applying to your schools.
SAT I and SAT Subject Tests Registration and Dates
The October registration deadline is right after school starts. You must register online (use your existing My Road or College Board account user name and password) or come into guidance and get the registration materials. Those students who will be taking the test with extended time need to see their individual counselor to receive the registration materials to meet the deadlines.
TEST DATES: Oct. 6 Nov. 3 Dec. 1 Jan. 26
Students can register online at www.collegeboard.com. Students must have their test results sent directly to the colleges from the SAT Program. When the student takes their last SAT I or Subject Tests, the results should be sent to all colleges the student is applying to directly from the SAT Program. They will send all your SAT results from that test and past tests at that time.
Vineyard Test Prep - SAT PREP
A private test prep service offered at MVRHS at a reduced cost to our students. Dates are 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31. Wednesday nights from 6-8 p.m. Tuition is $210. Please contact Doug Debettencourt (ext 178), Todd Sawyer (ext 252) or mail your check to Vineyard Test Prep, Box 1933, Oak Bluffs, MA 02557.
Senior Meetings with Counselors
Within the first four weeks of school, counselors will meet with all seniors to review their progress on post secondary plans. Counselors will review all deadlines, materials and information related to the post secondary process. We want all application materials into schools and colleges by December 1. Even though many of the application deadlines are later, the studentÕs application is enhanced if it is in early. If you are applying for early decision, the deadlines are early. Be sure to carefully check all application materials.
School Website
A reminder that valuable resources are available on our school website www.MVRHS.org. Just click on guidance. Topics include internet resources related to all aspects of the post secondary process, school handbook, program of studies, school profile, alternative programs to college, and senior checklist.
Senior Parents and Student College Application Night Monday, September 24 PAC 7-9 p.m.
On Monday, September 24 at 7-9 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center the guidance department will be sponsoring a College Application Night. The counselors will review the college application procedure for seniors and their parents. It will be an informative night of questions and answers to help you move forward in the college application process.
All Cape College Fair Wednesday, October 17 Barnstable, Massachusetts
On October 17, the guidance department will be sponsoring a field trip to the All Cape College Fair. Hundreds of two and four colleges attend this fair to answer questions and hand out application materials. We will leave on the noon boat and return on the late afternoon boat. Seniors need to sign up in guidance to attend this activity.
ASVAB Testing for the Military Service
The ASVAB test for the military service will be offered to those seniors who think they may be interested in the armed forces. Please contact your guidance counselor if you may be interested in this option.
Financial Aid Night for Senior Parents Wednesday, November 14 MVRHS Cafeteria 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The guidance department will be sponsoring a financial aid night on Tuesday, November 14 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the MVRHS cafeteria. Paul Lynskey, a financial aid specialist from MEFA will review the financial aid process and distribute materials necessary to receive financial aid from private sources, public sources, and colleges. He will review the forms that need to be filled out in this process. Also, discussed that night will be the local scholarship program and the process of applying for substantial monies awarded to our seniors and graduates from our own community.
Financial Aid Forms
Numerous private colleges use the College Scholarship Service (CSS) financial aid application called PROFILE. Application instructions are online at www.collegeboard.com/profile or in guidance. These deadlines are early; check your application materials as soon as possible. All schools and colleges require students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.edu.gov.
Fourth Annual Meet the Graduates Day
In early January during a period long assembly, the seniors will have an opportunity to hear from past graduates of the high school about transitional issues from MVRHS to post secondary situations. Graduates from two and four year colleges, community colleges, military services, work, Americorp programs, etc. will talk and answer questions about their own transition from the high school to a new situation either on island or off. It has been a nice assembly for both the seniors and their former schoolmates. This program is sponsored by the PTSO.
Local Scholarship Deadline Friday, March 14
All application materials for the local scholarship program are available in Guidance the first week of January and are due Friday, March 14. This is a strict deadline, please get materials in totally completed before this date. Guidance staff are available to help guide you through this process and answer any questions.
Closing Remarks
This is a big year for our seniors. It is important that we meet all deadlines in the post secondary education process. With the counselors, students and parents working together, each senior should have choices at the end of this process. Have a great rest of the summer. We look forward to helping you throughout the year.