CLASS OF 2010

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Senior Handbook Table to Contents

Survival Guide Reminders…………………………………………………………………………Page 2

Senior Planning Calendar………………………………………………………………………….Page 3

Resume Checklist and Resource……………………………………………………………....Page 4

Careers and Majors………………………………………………………………………………....Page 5

Apprenticeships……………………………………………………………………………………....Page 6

Military…………………………………………………………………………………………………....Page 6

Post-Secondary Schools.……………………………………………………………………….….Page 7

Monetary Value of an Education……………………………………………………….…....Page 8

College Lingo Descriptions……………………………………………………………………..…Page 9

College Search Tips…………………………………………………………………………………Page 10

Playing Sports at a Division I or II School…………………………………………….…..Page 10

Financial Aid…………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 11

SAT and ACT Test Information and Dates…………………………………………..……Page 11

Scholarships…………………………………………………………………………….……………..Page 12

Student Activity Record……………………………………………………………….…………Page 13All students attending Augusta County Public Schools may participate in education programs and activities, including but not limited to health and physical education, music, vocational and technical education. Educational programs and services will be designed to meet the varying needs of all students and will not discriminate against any individual for reasons of race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or gender. Students and school personnel are protected against retaliation.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies

Title IX CoordinatorEric W. Bond

6 John Lewis RoadFishersville, VA 22939

Section 504 CoordinatorGeorge Earhart

6 John Lewis RoadFishersville, VA 22939

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(540) 245-5107 (540) 245-5107

We are an equal opportunity employer who fully and actively supports equal access for all people regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, or disability.

CLASS OF 2010

Welcome to your SENIOR YEAR!!! We know that this is an exciting, and at times, complicated year. This handbook is filled with information that will be helpful in the coming months as you plan and prepare for your ticket to the future, a high school diploma. Please review it carefully by yourself and with your family to ensure timelines and deadlines are noted. As you start your senior year, please keep the following survival guide in mind:

o Stay focused on academics. Senoritis can hit the best of students, but remember that colleges and universities continue to track your scholastic achievement even after acceptance. Take advantage of 4th year Math, Science, English, and Social Science courses.

o Keep a list of all honors and activities completed. This helps with job applications and letters of recommendation. Use the SDHS Student Activity Record at the back of this handbook.

o Complete a career inventory to help you narrow down your options and interests for after high school. This can help when seeking additional training, or when choosing a major. The career coach, Mrs. Gardner, is a great resource when researching careers and majors.

o Periodically check the scholarship board and SDHS website for scholarships and other important information. It is updated every week.

o Make use of the many resources available to you: this handbook, the internet, the School Counseling Office, etc. You can also log on to www.jostens.com and click on “After School Explorer” for more resources.

o Listen to or read the announcements every day. The announcements are posted on SDHS web page for parents or students who miss them.

o All 17 and 18 year old male students must register with the Selective Service within 30 days of turning 18. It is Federal Law. You go to any post office and fill out a Selective Service registration form and a card will be mailed to you once your registration is processed.

o You can register to vote at any library, post office, DMV branch, or through your local registrar once 18 years of age. Applications are also online at https://www.sbe.virginia.gov/CMS/Forms_Publications/index.html.

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o Enjoy your Senior year!

SENIOR PLANNING CALENDARSeptember/October

Clarify educational and career goals Talk to recruiters if the Military is a consideration. They try to make monthly visits to SDHS. Organize a calendar with deadlines. Use a planner/agenda. Attend College Night at 6:30pm, Tuesday, September 24 th at Robert E. Lee High School Begin to periodically check scholarship board and the School Counseling website Create a final list of all schools or colleges you are interested in attending. If you plan on attending a

technical or trade school, write to the schools for applications and information or visit. Research websites for deadlines and applications.

Check the dates for Early Decision college applications and make sure you are meeting all necessary deadlines and requesting transcripts early (2 weeks before deadline).

If you are planning on playing a sport at a Division I or II school in the fall, make sure you have completed the NCAA Clearinghouse application online and printed/returned the release form to the School Counseling office for transcript release.

Review all financial aid information and application deadlines for schools of interest. Retake the SAT or ACT if needed. The SDHS CEEB code is 472197. You must list SDHS as a school to

receive your scores in order for the School Counseling office to send SAT and ACT scores with your transcript.

Confirm what SOL’s and classes you still need to pass so there are no surprises at the end of the year!

November Research the Internet and guidance website for local and National scholarships If you are undecided on your future goals, talk to your school counselor or set up a date to get assessed at

the Career Assessment Center Double check December deadlines- All transcript requests must be turned in to the School Counseling

Office AT LEAST TWO WEEKS PRIOR to the deadline! Begin writing your resume.

December/January Attend the Financial Aid Workshop held in December at SDHS. Listen to announcements for a time and

date. Gather all documentation needed to submit your FAFSA so it will be ready to be submitted on January

2nd. Make this a priority!! You can submit tax information at a later time. Fill your FAFSA out online at http:// www.fafsa.ed.gov . This is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid that allows you to receive grants and federal student loans to help pay for tuition and costs of post-secondary education.

Complete all applications to technical and trade schools Complete all applications to colleges and universities Ask a teacher or family member to review your applications, essays, and resumes before submitting or

mailing Apply for financial aid to meet each school’s deadline Fill out transcript request forms in the School Counseling office to send transcripts and recommendation

letters to colleges you are applying to. This is at the same time as Winter break, so you must give Mrs. Halterman in the School Counseling office all transcript request forms by Friday, December 4 th , 2009 , in order to meet December/ Early January College Application Deadlines!!

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February/March Review each student aid report from each school that you filed a financial aid form with. Correct the

forms and return them to each school for processing. Send documentation to your school for any state or private scholarships that you have been awarded. If you need letter of recommendation to accompany your resume, ask teachers or family friends to write

them now to include in your portfolio for job searches and housing applications. Begin filling out applications for jobs you are interested in after graduation.

May/June Receive an award letter from your school’s financial aid officer regarding the results of your FAFSA

application. Follow up with local scholarships you may have applied for. Contact the School Counseling office to make sure they know the college you are attending, so they can

send your final transcript to the correct school. Get ready to GRADUATE!!

RESUME CHECKLIST

o Make sure the following items are NOT on your resume: Social Security Number Weight, Height Age Marital Status Religion Race

o Have statements that start with action verbso List your most recent education firsto List your most recent job experience firsto References should not be included in the resumeo Avoid crowding the text and use good spacing when formatting the documento Use positive wordso Make sure the resume contains your contact information: phone number, address, and emailo List a clear, concise career objectiveo Have 2-3 people proof read your resume after you have read over it 3-4 times yourselfo Spell check and grammar check your resume for errorso Talk to the career coach, a teacher, or your guidance counselor about concerns with your

resume or for additional assistance

Online Resume Resources: o http://www.resume-resource.com/examples.html o http://www.exampleresumes.org/ o www.monster.com o http://www.sampleresumetemplates.com/

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WHAT CAREERS AND MAJORS ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?

Virginia Education Wizard (https://www.vawizard.org)

The Virginia Wizard can help you find a career, get the information needed to pursue a career, enroll in a Community College in Virginia, pay for college, transfer to a four-year college or university, and get answers to your questions regarding your future. You can search colleges by majors or programs of interest, and use career inventories in order to find out careers of interest to you. Any student interested in using this resource should contact their school counselor or the career coach, Mrs. Gardner.

ASVAB

The ASVAB is an assessment offered by the U.S. Department of Defense that evaluates General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Numerical Operations, Coding Speed, Auto and Shop Information, Mathematics Knowledge, Mechanical Comprehension and Electronics. It is used as an assessment tool for those planning to enlist in a branch of the military; however, it can also be used to explore personal skills and aptitudes for those not entering the military.

Career Coach

Mrs. Gardner is on SDHS campus several days each week to provide career planning for our students. The Career Coach has the Virginia Education Wizard available and she can assist you in taking their

career assessments. She is available to help students explore the many career paths that are available Career Search Web Resources

www.vawizard.org www.ctetrailblazers.org www.virginiacan.orgwww.knowhowvirginia.org www.vaview.vt.edu www.careerkey.orgwww.ruready.com www.careeronestop.org www.college.govwww.jobweb.org www.careers.org www.VaEmploy.com

Career Assessment Center

The CAC is located at the Valley Vocational Technical Center and can offer a comprehensive interest, skill and aptitude assessment for students free of charge. Referrals can be made through the school counseling department. The following assessment tools are available at the CAC:

Magellan is an assessment designed to help students narrow choices into their top three interests. Additionally, students answer questions relating to their physical/people skills, and time and temperament preferences. These results are based on Department of Labor Standards.

Learning/Working Styles is an assessment that helps the student to identify and understand the best conditions under which they concentrate, absorb and retain new information. It is divided into the following domains: physical, social, environmental, mode of expression, and work characteristic.

Workstations give students hands on opportunity to try over 35 different career options.

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Reading and Interpreting Career Assessments

Career Assessments are a great tool to use when contemplating future careers and majors. You should ask yourself the following 10 questions when looking at a career choice:

1. Will you enjoy the daily activities associated with this work? Will you find this career fulfilling in the long run?

2. Is this a job with a set routine? Or will you often find new things to do and new ways to do them?

3. How much responsibility will you have? How closely will you be supervised? 4. How often will you work with others? 5. What can you do now to start preparing for this line of work? 6. How much schooling will you need to be successful in this career? 7. Can you start this career right out of college? Or will you need related work experience to

qualify? 8. How do the employment projections for this career compare with other careers? How

important is job security to you? 9. Will you be satisfied with the typical pay in this line of work? 10.Is this career a good stepping-stone to another fulfilling career? Or will you need to go back to

school to move on to something new?

Source: http://www.collegeboard.com

Apprenticeships

If you like to work with your hands and your mind, you might want to consider an apprenticeship after high school. More an 850 occupations can be learned on the job through an apprenticeship.

In the US today, some 37,000 program sponsors, representing over a quarter million employers, industries, and companies, offer registered apprenticeships training to approximately 440,000 apprentices. If you complete a registered program, you will receive a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor which proves your qualifications for the career and can lead to earning a license, certificate, or degree.

For more information on registered apprenticeships in the Shenandoah Valley, visit the Department of Labor and Industry, Valley Region, 201 Lee Highway, Verona VA, 24482. The office phone number is (540) 248-9280 and fax number is (540) 248-9284.

MILITARY OPTIONS AFTER GRADUATIONMilitary Enlistment

The U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard offer job training in many fields as well as some financial assistance for college.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

The ROTC program provides an opportunity to attend college while studying military leadership and skills. ROTC is usually a college elective that requires approximately four hours per week of your time. The first two years of the program do not require a military commitment. However, enrolling in advanced ROTC does incur a military obligation.

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Service Academies

The United States maintains five service academies:

o The United States Military Academy at West Point, New Yorko The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Marylando The United States Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Coloradoo The United States Coast Guard Academy at New London, Connecticuto The United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York

Admissions Process

Admission to service academies is highly competitive. The process is rigorous. It is important that you review the process for the particular academy you are applying to and begin the steps as early as possible. Here are some basic guidelines you should know about.

Each candidate must: be 17 but not yet 22 be a U.S. citizen at the time of enrollment be unmarried with no dependents have an above average high school record have strong scores on the SAT or ACT be in good physical health have above average strength, endurance and agility

* Military recruiters try to visit SDHS on a monthly basis. It is important to talk with them regarding your interests and any questions you may have.

WHAT POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Technical Institutes/ Professional Schools

These schools offer very specific programs leading to career preparation. Please be careful and check out the schools accreditation. You can research accredited options at http://www.rwm.org/rwm/.

Community Colleges

Community colleges are public two-year institutions. Their objective is to offer programs that are financially and geographically accessible to the local community. Most of them offer two-year transfer programs to larger colleges and universities.

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Liberal Arts Colleges

Liberal Arts colleges are typically smaller than universities and have smaller classes taught mostly by professors. A liberal arts education features a broad base of courses in the humanities, social sciences and sciences.

Universities

Universities usually have a larger enrollment and include a liberal arts college, professional colleges and graduate programs. Because of their size, universities offer a broader range of academic choices and may have more resources.

HOW MUCH MONEY AM I GOING TO MAKE?

Does a college degree pay off? Learn how much more money you can make by continuing your education.

The data shows that a college degree correlates directly to your salary range—and the relationship between compensation and education level is becoming even more prominent. As our society has continued to evolve, education has become the optimal route to professional success: pursuing a degree is the best way to receive training, to gain expertise in a given field, and even to guide you and help you make choices about your career.

Today, a formal, focused education is an essential ingredient. Employers have increasingly used diplomas and degrees as a way to screen applicants. And once you’ve landed the job you want, your salary will reflect your credentials. On average, a person with a Master's degree earns $31,900 more per year than a high school graduate—a difference of as much as 105%!

Average Annual Earnings for College Graduates and Non-Graduates

Professional Degree $109,600

Doctoral Degree $89,400

Master's Degree $62,300

Bachelor's Degree $52,200

Associate's Degree $38,200

Some College $36,800

High School Graduate $30,400

Some High School $23,400

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Surveys, March 1998, 1999, and 2000.

UNDERSTANDING THE COLLEGE LINGO BEFORE YOU APPLY

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Accreditation – Accreditation is recognition of a college or university by a regional or national organization which indicates the institution has met the standards prescribed by the organization. Specialized accreditation of individual programs within the college/university can also be granted by professional organizations recognizing minimum standards for training for that profession.

Affiliation – Non-profit colleges are classified as state assisted, private/independent or private/church supported. The institution’s affiliation does not guarantee quality. Affiliation with private/church-supported schools may or may not have requirements for religious life.

Articulation Agreement – Articulation agreements relate to the transfer of students and their credits between two colleges or between high school and college such as dual enrollment courses. For example, BRCC has an articulation agreement for students transferring to JMU regarding how their credits will be accepted at JMU. BRCC also has an articulation agreement with SDHS conferring college credit to students successfully completing dual enrollment courses.

Deferred Admission - This type of admission allows a student to delay enrollment in college for up to a year while still accepting an offer of admission.

Early Decision – The early decision option allows students who apply earlier to receive offers of admission earlier. Some schools made early decision a binding agreement in which the student is committed to enroll if offered admission. Typically, early decision candidates are sure of the school they want to attend and closely match that school’s academic profile.

Early Action - Students apply earlier and are notified about the admissions decision earlier but are not committed to attend.

Rolling Admission – Student applications are reviewed as they are received and students are notified shortly after an admissions decision has been made. Because of this process, schools with a rolling admission will not have specific deadlines for applications or notifications.

Bachelors or baccalaureate degree - Complete a four- or five-year, full-time program of study (or its part-time equivalent) at a college. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) are the most common.

Associate degree -You receive an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) Degree after completing two years of study similar to the first two years of a four-year college. Community colleges or four-year universities offer associate degrees. After earning an AA or an AS, you may transfer to a four-year college to complete the requirements for a bachelor's degree. The associate of applied science (AAS) degree is awarded on completion of technological or vocation programs of study.

Certificate/Diploma - These non-degree offerings generally lead to employment in an occupational field. For example, to enter certain fields such as computer science as a computer technician or nursing as a LPN, you may first have to get a certificate or diploma.

FINDING THE COLLEGE MATCH FOR YOU

Consider these characteristics when attempting to narrow down your college choice:10

Size of the Student Body: Size of a school can affect the range of majors offered, extracurricular activities, amount of personal attention you will receive, and the number of books in the library for research. Investigate the number of faculty members and their accessibility to their students, as well as the size of the department you are hoping to apply to.

Location: Consider whether you want to be able to visit home frequently. Think about the impact of living in an urban area versus a rural environment.

Academic Programs: College majors can change as a student takes classes and finds different areas of interest. Seek out college counselors on campus to help you pick an academically balanced institution that offers a range of programs.

Campus Life: Consider what your college life will be like outside of the classroom. Look for a balance between academics, activities, and social life. Ask questions about the extracurricular activities offered and community outlets for students, as well as off campus housing availability when visiting campuses.

Cost: Look beyond the price tag and consider the financial aid packets that are available to you. Weigh the cost and remember that a loan has to be paid back to the lender!

Diversity: Think about the importance of a diverse student body. A campus full of students from different cultural backgrounds can mean learning more about the world. Investigate student organizations active on campus.

Retention and Graduation Rates: Learn the percent of students who return after their freshmen year on campus and the percent of students who enter the college and remain to graduate. Good retention and graduation rates can be an indicator of a good support system for students.

Do your homework: Research 2 and 4 year college options for programs that meet your needs. Ask questions, visit campuses, and review the schools’ websites.

Source: http://www.collegeboard.com

PLAYING A SPORT AT A DIVISION I OR II SCHOOL NEXT YEAR?

You need to register with the NCAA-National Collegiate Athletic Association!The NCAA Clearinghouse is a central clearinghouse that will certify your academic eligibility for Division I and II sports. If you intend to participate in Division I or II athletics as a freshman, you must register and be certified by the NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse. You should apply for the certification after your junior year. You must be certified before receiving any athletic scholarship, practicing or competing at any Division I or II institution. The Clearinghouse will send your eligibility status to any Division I or II college that requests it.To register with the NCAA Clearinghouse, go on-line at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net. Print and sign the release form and bring it to the school counseling office so we can send your official transcript. The whole NCAA process takes quite a while, so be sure to leave enough time.Please be sure to read the NCAA Clearinghouse guide so that you are aware of the eligibility requirements.

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID: WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO ME?

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The federal government provides billions of dollars of financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid begins the process. The application is available at http:// www.fafsa.ed.gov .

Keep in Mind, Financial Aid is not just for the college bound student. Many Career and Technical Education schools qualify to provide Federal Aid. Accredited schools may offer federal financial aid such as Stafford and Perkins loans or Pell grants. Contact the financial aid officer at the school to provide you with the necessary

documents for student aid programs. You can use the following website, http://www.rwm.org/rwm/, to research accredited trade and technical schools, as well as contact a school to ask Financial Aid Questions.

Here is a review of existing federal financial aid programs:

Federal Pell Grants - Undergraduate students who establish financial need may obtain these grants. The amounts range from $400 to $4,000 each year. They do not need to be repaid and are made through colleges and universities.Federal Perkins Loans - These loans are provided up to the amount of $4,000 per year for undergraduate study and $6,000 per year for graduate programs. Colleges and universities award Perkins Loans. They must be paid back with interest, although interest rates are very low.Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grants -These grants do not need to be repaid and are given to undergraduate students with outstanding financial need. They range from $100 to $4,000 and are awarded through participating colleges and universities.Federal Work Study - This program is managed by each college or university which pays students to work on or off campus. Both undergraduate and graduate students with financial need may be qualified. These funds are part of a financial aid package.PLUS Loans - Parents of dependent undergraduate students may apply for these loans. The student must be enrolled at least part-time. The amount given is determined by how much it will cost the student to go to school and the amount of other awards received.Stafford Loans - Stafford loans are awarded as subsidized or unsubsidized loans. The interest on subsidized loans are paid by the DOE while students are in school. The amount of the loan varies from $2,625 to $8,500 depending on your year in school. Unsubsidized loans are based on need and the borrower must pay the interest. Loans are dependent on year in school and range from $2,500 to $18,500. They are awarded by universities and banks.

Source: http://www.vacareerview.org . Adapted from: Money from Uncle Sam: Current Federal Financial Aid Programs (Sept) The College Spotlight. Vol. 8, No. 1.

WHAT TESTS SHOULD I BE TAKING MY SENIOR YEAR?STUARTS DRAFT HIGH SCHOOL

CEEB Code 472197

Most colleges & universities will require specific test scores as part of the admissions process. It is important that you know the testing requirements and deadlines for scores to be reported for colleges you are applying to. Testing information and test preparation materials are available in the guidance office. Everyone must have SAT’s or ACT’s if you are planning or considering a four-year college after high school. SAT’s are more usual in this part of the country, but most colleges will accept either test. It is recommended that you take it at least once during the fall. If you did not take it during the spring of your junior year, or didn’t do as well as expected, it is recommended that you take it twice during the fall.

SAT TESTING INFORMATION

2009-2010 SAT Testing Dates

2009-10Test Dates

Test Regular Registration Deadline(postmark/submit by)

October 10, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests September 9, 2009

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November 7, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 1, 2009

December 5, 2009 SAT & Subject Tests October 30, 2009

January 23, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests December 15, 2009

March 13, 2010 SAT only February 4, 2010

May 1, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests March 25, 2010

June 5, 2010 SAT & Subject Tests April 29, 2010

Register online at www.collegeboard.comSDHS School Code: 472197

You must have scores sent to SDHS in order for them to be sent with your transcripts to colleges and universities!!Register early if you have not already taken the SATs!!!

ACT TESTING INFORMATION

2009-2010 ACT Testing DatesTest Date Registration Deadline (Late Fee Required)

September 12, 2009* August 7, 2009 August 8 – 21, 2009

October 24, 2009 September 18, 2009 September 19 – October 2, 2009

December 12, 2009 November 6, 2009 November 7 – 20, 2009

February 6, 2010** January 5, 2010 January 6 – 15, 2010

April 10, 2010 March 5, 2010 March 6 – 19, 2010

June 12, 2010 May 7, 2010 May 8 – 21, 2010

Register online at www.act.org SDHS School Code: 472197

You must have scores sent to SDHS in order for them to be sent with your transcripts to colleges and universities!!Register early if you have not already taken the ACT!!!

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EVERYONE!

There are millions of dollars worth of scholarship money available to help students achieve success at a four year university, a community college, or at many accredited trade and technical schools. We list all scholarship opportunities on the scholarship board in the school counseling office, and also list all available on the SDHS webpage under Counseling. Here are some websites where you can find more information regarding other scholarships available. Your guidance counselor will be glad to assist you in your search, but you will need to do a lot of the leg work yourself. We advise to start looking ASAP and see if you can use the same essay for multiple applications. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship. All scholarships should be free to apply for and free to research!www.college.gov www.finaid.com www.collegeparents.org www.collegeboard.com www.collegenet.com www.scholarships.com www.fastweb.com www.cashe.com www.vacollegequest.org

SDHSStudent Activity Record

Name: _________________________________

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List all School Activities: (clubs, sports, leadership positions, honors, awards, etc):

9 th Grade: 10 th Grade:

11 th Grade: 12 th Grade:

What are your strengths?

What are your weaknesses?

What three words describe you the best?

What is your plan after graduation? (Please check one) Employment: _________________________________________________ Career or Technical School: _____________________________________ Community College: ___________________________________________ 4 year University: _____________________________________________ Military: ____________________________________________________ Apprenticeship: _______________________________________________ Other: _______________________________________________________

Where have you already applied? 14

If you have not already done so, where are you planning to apply?

Possible Career Choices:

Previous and current employment history:

Community Activities (ex. Highway clean up, religious organizations, 4H, girl scouts):

Is your high school record an accurate measure of your ability and potential? If not, why? What do you think is a good measure of your ability and potential?

Miscellaneous: Any information you consider significant but not covered in other categories) Examples: personal challenges, obstacles overcome, schedule conflicts preventing you from taking a more challenging load, extenuating personal or family circumstances, any special financial circumstances that you wish to have considered when need-based scholarships become available:

Forms Due in School Counseling Office by Friday, December 18 th , 2009, before leaving for Winter Break.

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