Guidance Newsletter to Juniors

Fall 2007

 

Juniors,

I hope this letter will help guide you through your Junior year at FRHS.  Share this with your parents, and keep it in a place that you can reference it often.  Good luck!                                                     -Mrs. Kaiser

 

1. Guidance Newsletter:  Pick one up each month—there is important information for all students.  This newsletter can also be accessed online via the High School Website.
2. PSAT:  This test will be given at FRHS on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 periods 1-4. The cost of the test is $14 (check payable to “Amy Kaiser”) and I currently have 10 tests on order.  This test is actually a scholarship competition where the highest scores in the nation are awarded a National Merit Scholarship.  The PSAT is a difficult test and is usually only given to students who are ranked in the top 10 percent of their class.  Interested students must sign up in the guidance office (with payment) by September 18th.
3. A.C.T.  The ACT is a required test for most colleges and universities in the state of Ohio and in many out of state schools.  Juniors should take the ACT for the first time in February, April or June.  Many students take the ACT several times, hoping to get a higher score.  Some colleges require a minimum/suggested score on the ACT for admission.  The 2007-2008 cost for the ACT is $30 for the basic battery (English, math, reading, and science).  I strongly suggest that each student take the writing portion (just one time) of the ACT as well.   Some schools are requiring the writing test for admission.  The cost of the ACT + writing is $44.50.  Registration packets, practice test booklets, and specific test dates are available in the guidance office.  Online registration is encouraged at:  http://www.actstudent.org/.  FRHS code is: 362-165.   Students are responsible for their own registration.
4. Activity Sheets:  Fill these out now, and the school keeps them on file in the office.  Use a pencil and press hardJ, so the activities you circled copy well.  You will be given these sheets again when you are a senior to add to or correct any mistakes and they will be helpful in filling out scholarship/college applications.  If you would like me to make a copy of this sheet for you, please raise your hand.
5. Transcripts:  Look your transcript over carefully, and let me know ASAP if you feel there is a mistake (missing/repeat grades, etc.).  Please check for 8^th grade credits as well.
6. Transcript Release:  Please sign and date the transcript release and ask your parents to do the same.  Do not write under the column “Where sent”.  Return all forms to the guidance office ASAP.
7. ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) will be given on Thursday, December 6, 2006 periods 5, 6, 7, and 8.  All juniors take the ASVAB and the test is free.  This test identifies strengths and weaknesses and possible careers for each student, and is required of any student wishing to enlist in the military.
8. Scheduling:  You will be signing up for next year’s classes in February or so.  It is important that you take classes that will help you academically.  Many colleges are looking at high school course selections in addition to your GPA and ACT scores.  A strong high school schedule (with advanced and AP courses) looks good on scholarship and college admission applications.  Begin thinking about your future now!
9. If you are applying for a 2-3 year healthcare degree program (nursing, dental hygiene, radiology, etc.), you may want to apply in the spring of your junior year. These programs can be very competitive, and usually have waiting lists!
10. Job Shadowing:  You may job shadow someone for one day if you wish.  Pick up the paperwork in the guidance office.  (Refer to p. 5 of your student handbook.)
11. Career Mentorship:  We have the opportunity each year to participate in this program sponsored by the Mercer County Educational Service Center.  Students are allowed to choose the person they wish to mentor with and spend up to 14 hours in mentoring between December 1^st and March.   There are additional requirements other than the contact hours.  If you are interested, student proposal applications are available in the guidance office and are due by October 19, 2007.
12. Keep documenting your community service and service learning hours!  Forms are available in the guidance office.
13. College Visits at FRHS:  See attached sheet
14. Check out the guidance website: (www.noacsc.org/mercer/fr/frhs/guidance/) and bulletin board outside the office for important updates!