Junior/Senior Parent Forum Fall 2009

Counselors of the NHS “Pumpkin Patch” Amber Ward McE - P Keith Tremethick Q - Ste Jamie Farber Stf - Z Jennifer Martinez A - Ca Mike Hays Cb - Fo Gayle Binder Fp - Ja Cayce Weston Jb - McD

Graduation Requirements “the core” years of English 4 years of social studies 3 years of math 3 years of science 2011 and Beyond 4 years of English 4 years of social studies 4 years of math 4 years of science the 4 x 4

“Chilling” Changes with HB3 both plans still require 26 credits Recommended PE (1.0) Foreign Language (2.0) - (same language) Fine Art (1.0) Communication Applications (.5) Electives 7.5 for Class of for Class of 2011 Distinguished (no changes on this plan currently) PE (1.5) Health (.5) Foreign Language (3.0) – (same lang.) Technology Applications (1.0) Fine Art (1.0) Communication Applications (.5) Electives 4.5 for Class of for Class of 2011 and on 4 additional measures **** (See Handbook – page 5)

UT & the Top Ten Percent Rule another legislative change … Under legislation approved in May 2009 by the Texas House as part of the 81st Regular Session (Senate Bill 175), UT-Austin (but no other state universities) was allowed to trim the number of students it accepts under the 10% rule; UT-Austin could limit those students to 75 percent of entering in-state freshmen from Texas. The university would admit the top 1 percent, the top 2 percent and so forth until the cap is reached, beginning with the 2011 entering class.81st Regular Session

Keep your Eyes on Becoming a Texas Scholar Graduate on the Recommended or Distinguished plan Participate in a minimum of one high school extra-curricular activity for two consecutive years Complete at least two courses eligible for college credit ~AP (Advanced Placement) courses ~Dual credit courses ~Tech Prep courses ~IB courses (for transfer students only)

What is Tech Prep? CATE courses that you may earn college credit for upon high school graduation. See requirements on Page 9 of the Junior-Senior Handbook The county college credits for the technical courses may/may not transfer to a 4-year university. The credits are FREE, and you have two years upon high school graduation to claim your credits.

Texas Scholars is all about options and being more prepared for the next step… 4 year college Two year programs and trade schools Military

Not so eerie…Education Pays MORE

Ways to help our “pumpkins” reach their fullest potential! No two are exactly alike! What’s unique about your “pumpkin”? The NHS counselors are here to help! Ways we are helping…

The NHS Counseling site Scholarships Summer Opportunities College Visits Community Service Opportunities Junior/Senior Handbook

Scary Scholarship Search Where to look for scholarships? #1 Electronic scholarship drawer or the physical scholarship drawer #2 FREE online search engines #3 Contact the universities regarding their scholarships for entering freshmen

Money Mondays

The Go Center Inside our Go Center... Let’s take a look!

Fridays

College & Career Day “Witch” path to choose? So many “hats” to choose from… Nov pm

Junior – Senior Handbook

the Table of Contents

the Junior Timeline Highlighting just a few items… Research colleges and careers Review PSAT scores and begin preparing for the SAT (or ACT) Register to take the SAT and/or ACT Create a personal file

the Senior Timeline Highlighting just a few items… Register to take the SAT/ACT if you have not so already Complete college apps./scholarship apps. Pay close attention to deadlines! Submit your FAFSA (

Senior Leadership Conference 2010 What: Resume writing tips, interviewing skills, career development, and money management When: Friday, February 12 th, 10am-3pm Where: N.I.S.D. Administration building Who: Northwest & Keller I.S.D. seniors The first 45 NHS seniors to express interest will attend. Sponsored by the Alliance Human Resource group. Many, many door prizes will be given.

Senior Wall of Fame and Scholarship Recipients We want to know where you’re headed! Bring us a COPY of your college acceptance letter, military letter, and/or scholarship award letter(s). We want to RECOGNIZE your future and any scholarships you are awarded! …”your blood, sweat, and tears.”

“Costume” Day June 7, 2010 UNT Coliseum 4pm What’s scary is time will go by fast!

The counselors will be here after the completion of the program to individually answer your questions.