1. Plano High School Senior Parent Night October 16, 2013

2. Student Services Ms. Cassie Gonzales- Guidance Counselor (A-L) Mrs. Eve Phillips - Guidance Counselor (M-Z) Mrs. Meghan Shook- Guidance Intern Ms. Amy Ferguson- Social Worker (A-L) Ms. Nina Gortowski- Social Worker (M-Z) Mrs. Linda Oleson- Student Services Secretary/Registrar

3. Administration Mr. Eric Benson- Principal Mrs. Laurel Mateyka- Assistant Principal Curriculum Mrs. Keri Olejniczak- Assistant Principal Discipline

4. How do you know they are a Senior? They finally realize that this is their last year of high school. Forced to make some major decisions Regret past performances in high school- wish they had studied more and been more involved in activities. Scared of what lies ahead

5. What are Parents to Do? Let them know that it’s ok be scared, but taking risks, and possibly failing are a part of life Try to let go! Keep an open mind. Respect their judgment. Be there to guide them!

6. Graduation is right around the corner!

7. Graduation Requirements 29 credits (adjusted for transfer students) 4 credits English 3 credits Math 3 credits Science 3 credits Social Studies (including US History & Government) 1 credit Freshman Academy 1 credit Technology Applications ½ credit Health ½ credit Drivers Education 3.5 credits Physical Education Students/Parents can request a Graduation Progress Sheet and Unofficial Transcripts

8. Failures Students who fail a required class for graduation will need to attend summer school in June 2014 to make up the credit(s). Students will NOT be able to walk in the graduation ceremony.

9. Getting Ready for Post-High School FALL 1 st Semester

10. Finding the Right School Programs offered Graduation Rate/Job Placement Rate Internships Cost Admission Requirements Plan a Visit *Apply to several schools, always have your “safe school”. Decisions do not have to be made until May

11. Applying to College Many schools have PRIORITY FILING DATES Filling out Online Applications Sending Transcripts Application Fees & Fee Waivers Sending ACT Scores

12. ACT Used a part of the admissions requirement Can Re-Take ACT Sign up at www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org ACT testing Dates December 14, 2013 February 8, 2014 April 12, 2014 Cost No Writing- $36.50 With Writing- $52.50 See your counselor for ACT waivers for students on Free/Reduced Lunch

13. Letters of Recommendation Most Schools require a Counselor Recommendation Core Teachers that can speak about your academic ability Coaches Allow plenty of time

14. College Visits Seniors- 3 college visit days Must get paperwork from Student Services 1 week prior to visit Contact the School’s Admission office Go on a tour See classrooms of programs you are interested it Visit Financial Aid office Admissions testing

15. Wednesday, November 6 th Senior College Bus Tours Aurora University & Waubonsee Community College Benedictine University & North Central College Lewis University & University of St Francis Northern Illinois University Students can sign up when they return the permission slip. Spaces are limited- first come first serve.

16. Getting Ready for Post-High School Spring 2 nd Semester

17. Financial Aid www.fafsa.ed.gov not.com www.fafsa.ed.gov Financial Aid Night Presentation Wednesday, January 29 th 7:00 pm Everyone should apply for Financial Aid Fill out your 2013 Tax forms as soon as possible FAFSA Completion Night Tentatively set for February 10, 2014 Mr. Jerry Triivallo- ISAC Corp member Check with Colleges that you apply to: They might have their own Financial Aid paperwork in addition to the FAFSA They may offer specific scholarships/aid for programs, academics, need based. Final Decisions (May 1 st ) Down Payments/Housing deposits

18. Scholarships Check Scholarship file in the Student Services Career Center Daily Bulletin on Powerschool Most local scholarships due May 1 st Watch Due Dates Be very neat Be careful of scholarship scams- never pay money to get free money Good Scholarship Websites www.fastweb.com www.cappex.com https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarship-search http://www.niu.edu/scholarships/search/index.shtml

19. Advanced Placement Exams Testing Dates May 5 th – May 9 th AP Chemistry, AP Calculus, AP English Literature, AP English Language May 12 th – May 16 th AP Biology, AP Human Geography, AP US History, AP US Government & Politics Exam Fees for each test is $89.00. The district is only charging students $10.00 per test. Students on Free/Reduced lunch can apply for fee waivers You will need to request that the College board send your official AP scores to the colleges you have applied to AP scores can be accessed online www.apscore.org Scoring is between a 1-5 Most Schools accept a 3 or higher for credit for a class or placement in an advanced college class Colleges will let you know over the summer after receiving your scores, about any credit, placement and/or course exemptions you have earned.

20. Course Placement Tests Assessments in English, Reading & Mathematic Based on the score- student will be placed in Remedial (Non-credit) or General (Credit) Waubonsee Community College will accept ACT scores to be exempt from placement testing and be placed in general courses. English- 18 Reading-21 Mathematics- 22 (or 28 for higher level courses)

21. Articulated Credit Some classes that students take in high school can also get you college credit at Waubonsee Community College. Students must receive an A or B in the class Documentation is sent to Waubonsee at the end of their senior year Students need to go to the Admissions Office at WCC WHEN THEY REGISTER for their first class. They will need to pay $10 per credit hour to have the placed on their transcripts.

22. What Classes Articulate Accounting II Early & Advanced Childhood Occupations Technology Applications MOST Indian Valley Vocational Programs

23. Military List of Recruiters Let Student Services or Administration know if there are any problems. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Programs that introduce students to theory and practice of military science. Prepares them for service as a commissioned reserve or active duty officer. Programs are offered in conjunction with regular college instructional programs.

24. Academic Watch Counselors/Social Workers seeing students weekly if they are receiving F’s Learning Lab teachers meeting with students weekly Parents being contacted

25. Questions