1. Planning Your Next Move…
Counselors-Students-Parents
Working Together
Lincoln Southwest High School – Class of 2010
Senior Parent Meeting Agenda:
College Admissions – Pat McBride
EducationQuest – Delmer Esters
LSW Counselors
Our goal for the senior class is to assist them in preparing to move in a direction of their life’s journey-whether that be continuing their education, working full-time, joining the military, or pursuing another option.

2. Moving toward the future…
“There you are in your cap and tassel
Ready to make the world your castle.
It seems just like yesterday
You were a kid watching
everything I did.”
~ Joanna Fuchs
Graduation is a milestone for both students and parents/guardians with the senior year passing by faster than expected. In preparing your child for college or moving on in other areas we want to share some helpful information.

3. Moving forward… LPS Graduation Requirements Avoid Senioritis
Grad Requirement Report
Government & Politics
Community service hours
Avoid Senioritis
Appropriate schedules
Stay involved in school/community activities
Graduation requirements are the basic minimum needed for graduation, not for college admission requirements.
A letter was mailed in August to seniors who needed additional graduation requirements.
Government and Politics hours need to be completed by their due dates
There is a direct link about Go/Po hours on Dr. Ted Larson’s (LSW Social Studies Dept Chair) home page
Appropriate schedules vary with the students’ individual goals
A rigorous schedule is recommended for students who are planning on attending a 4-year school
While some students are working & saving for college, students should continue involvement in school & community activities
Family decision-making should be a priority during the senior year.

4. The Counselor’s role… Conducts individual meetings with seniors
Checks seniors’ progress in completing graduation requirements
Assists seniors with clarifying goals
Provides information about
college and/or career
planning process

5. Communication updates…
Counseling Center’s
web site:
Handouts from senior meeting
Bulletin boards
Daily bulletin
Connect Ed – phone calls & s

6. Making Post Secondary Decisions is a Process
Every student and family will be at a different place at a different time in the process.
DO NOT get caught up in the frenzy of what others are saying and doing.
Trust that it will be fine in the end.

7. Preparing for options…
Employment
Military
Two-year college
Academic Transfer
Four-year college
Tonight we will be focusing specifically on the college process.

8. The student’s role… Use resources well
Bring questions to senior meeting
Counseling center resources
Computers
College guides
Workshops - 2:15pm on
early release Tuesdays
Counselor web site
Check calendar regularly

9. Student responsibilities…
Register for admissions tests
Complete college applications
Request teacher & counselor recommendations
Provide registrar with transcript requests
Search & apply for scholarships
Work with parents to file financial aid applications by deadlines

10. Resources for seniors…
Visit with college reps at LSW & College Fair
Participate in college campus visits
Attend Open Houses on campuses
Conduct scholarship searches
Research financial aid opportunities
NCAA student-athlete information

11. Senior year countdown…
Fall
Retake the ACT and/or SAT
Narrow your college selection
Complete 3 to 5 college applications
Apply for scholarships
Update your Activities Resume
Winter
Prepare for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Apply for Financial Aid Pin # (both student & parent)
Complete FAFSA on-line between January 1-March 1st
Select college
Expect acceptance letters
Spring
Expect Student Aid Report (SAR)
Notify college of choice
Send final transcript
Make housing deposit
Summer
Apply for student &/or parent loans if needed
Attend summer orientation at college of choice
As seniors begin counting down the days until graduation, here are some reminders about some basic events that will help them with college preparation.

12. Online assistance… LSW Counseling Center
Career Cruising
username: southwest
id: silverhawks
National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
ACT
SAT
National Scholarship Searches linked from Counselor’s page on LSW web site
EducationQuest
ScholarshipQuest
NE, LSW & LPS Scholarships
FAFSA
(submit after Jan. 1)
Military careers

13. Suggestions for parents…
Believe in your student’s abilities
Take an interest in what your student is studying
Encourage your student’s academic success
Stay in contact with your student’s teachers
Promote your student’s participation in school & community activities
Plan for your student’s future
Develop realistic goals
Give your senior responsibility
Use this year to help your child to become more responsible for his/her actions while still being there to encourage/support him/her in becoming more independent in the decision making progress.

14. Parent/Guardian responsibilities…
Expect stress as seniors deal with current responsibilities & post-secondary planning
Balance supporting & letting go
Consult rather than control
Explore options that are the “right fit”
“Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.”
~Roger Lewin
While realizing that your student may experience stress, senioritis, nervousness about the future, etc., remember that your role involves letting go so they can begin learning to experience these situations on their own.

15. Thank you for attending!
Counselors
Dr. Dee Simpson-Kirkland (A-G)
Eric Feeken (H-K)
Peggy Volker (L-P)
Colleen Finkhouse (Q-S)
Tim Ernst (T-Z)
Dr. Joyce Lehn (SPED A-Z)
“If you want children to keep their feet on the ground,
put some responsibility on their shoulders.” 
~Abigail Van Buren
~September 5, 2007