Athens High School
SENIOR NEWSLETTER
EAGLE EYES
Definition of eagle eye
1: the ability to see or observe keenly
2: one that sees or observes keenly
3: close watch
Like every senior class (and their parents) before, this year can be a bit overwhelming. Senior year does come with many decisions. The best way to make decisions is by arming yourself with the most current and pertinent information and to keep yourself from being distracted by false information. There is a balance between giving you every bit of knowledge you need to know all at once (which is quite overwhelming) and giving you information too slowly. I will do my best to balance that out for you so that you are well informed, but not "overlywhelmed" informed. I want to help you organize the information and keep a close eye out for what is next.
In each newsletter, I will break down 3 Eagle Eyes that you will need to focus on.
For the next two weeks, I would like for you to focus on the following:
3 EAGLE EYES
1. ACT Registration
2. College Visits- Virtual & In-Person
3. Complete FSA ID
EAGLE EYE ONE: SIGN UP TO TAKE THE ACT IN OCTOBER.
The next ACT test date that you can still sign up for is October 23rd. October is the last ACT that some schools will accept for scholarship consideration. The deadline to register is THIS Friday, September 17th.
Even if you are uncertain of your next step after high school, do not leave any opportunity unturned. Take the test. If you are on free or reduced lunch, you can take the ACT for FREE with a fee waiver. See Mrs. Smith to pick one up.
Sign up at WWW.ACTSTUDENT.ORG.
2021-2022 ACT TEST DATES
EAGLE EYE TWO: COLLEGE VISITS
A key part of deciding which college to go to is finding a good fit. And a great way to get more information is to visit the colleges in person.
Of course, visiting colleges may not be possible for everyone, but it’s a good idea to make the trips, if you can. It can help you determine whether a college is the right place for you.
A visit also gives you the chance to talk to students, faculty, and financial aid and admission officers. You can get answers to important questions, including:
- What is the average class size and the student-to-faculty ratio? Are most classes taught by professors or by teaching assistants?
- What is the campus meal plan like? How is the food? What are the options?
- What is the makeup of the current freshman class? Is the campus fairly diverse?
- What's the social scene like? What kinds of activities are available?
- Is there plenty of dorm space or is there a housing crunch?
- How many students are commuters and how many are campus residents?
A campus visit is your opportunity to get a firsthand view of a college. A college catalog, brochure or website can only show you so much. To really get a feel for the college, you need to walk around the quad, sit in on a class and visit the dorms.
Below are links to sign up for college visits at some of our most popular schools. Take advantage of the Professional Development Day, September 24th, and all of Fall Break to visit as well. You are allotted two college visit days this year that will NOT count against absences. You can pick up the required college visit form from Mrs. Anderson in Attendance. It must be completed and turned in prior to your day out. Upon return from a college visit, you must turn in proof of attendance. All schools will provide you with this.
If you simply cannot visit a school, there are virtual visits available as well.
College Visits
Fall Preview Days are a great way to see many facets of a college or university. I have linked the most popular school's websites below to sign up online to participate in their preview day. If you cannot make the preview day, then sign up online for a tour of campus. If the preview day or campus visit takes place on a weekday, make sure to fill out a College Visit form in advance so that absence does not affect your attendance. College Visit forms can be picked up in the attendance office.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
http://auburn.edu/admissions/visit/index.php
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA
https://visit.ua.edu/university-days/
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE
https://www.uah.edu/admissions/undergraduate/discover-uah/prospective-student-events
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY
https://www.aamu.edu/about/visit-us/visiting-campus.html
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA
https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/admissions/visitourcampus.html
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA
UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN BIRMINGHAM
https://www.uab.edu/admissions/visit/campus-tours
JACKSONVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY
http://www.jsu.edu/admissions/preview-day/index.html
UNIVERSITY OF MONTEVALLO
https://www.montevallo.edu/admissions-aid/undergraduate-admissions/tours/preview-day/
UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA
https://www.uwa.edu/admissions/visituwa
TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY
https://www.tuskegee.edu/tours
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
https://www.admissions.msstate.edu/visit
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI (OLE MISS)
https://admissions.olemiss.edu/visit/
SAMFORD UNIVERSITY
https://www.samford.edu/admission/visit
BIRMINGHAM SOUTHERN COLLEGE
Want to take a college visit, but can't right now? Check out the website below
EAGLE EYE THREE: Complete the FSA ID
The Alabama State Board of Education voted to add completion of the FAFSA as a high school graduation requirement in the state. The requirement will start with the graduating class of 2022, and it includes an opt-out provision for students and families. Research reveals 92% of students who complete their FAFSA before graduating high school enroll in college the following fall, while only 51% of non-completers do.
Getting ready to fill out the FAFSA? First, you’ll need an FSA ID.
What is and FSA ID? An FSA ID is a username & password you need to sign documents and access your personal information on Federal Student Aid websites.
Parents- You need your OWN FSA ID to sign your child's FAFSA electronically.
Below is a cheat sheet to Create an FSA ID. Both parents and students must complete these steps. Student, you will be completing your FSA ID during Connect on Tuesday, September 21st if you have not already done so.
NACAC Virtual College Fairs
Interested in a school you may not be able to visit or is too far away? Sign up to participate in one of the National Association of College Admission Counseling's Virtual College Fairs. Click the link below to sign up today. https://virtualcollegefairs.org/conventions
Senior Portrait Info
Prestige Portrait Studios sent out email blasts during the summer to seniors and their parents/guardians with emails on file. If you did not schedule an appointment over the summer, you can still do that new by either booking online at booknow.appointment-plus.com/yq20jemy or by calling 256-382-2798 to schedule by phone. Prestige will also be here on campus on November 2 and 3 for makeup portraits. More details about those days will be become available closer to time.
**IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES**
SENIOR MEETING
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021, 10:15 AM
AHS APAC
JUNIOR MEETING
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021, 09:00 AM
AHS APAC
JUNIOR/SENIOR PARENT MEETING
Tuesday, Sep 21, 2021, 06:00 PM
AHS APAC
Auburn University Student Reception
Auburn University will be hosting a reception in Huntsville this fall on Tuesday, September 28th, at 6:00pm at the Space and Rocket Center.
During this event, students will learn about the Admissions Application for Fall 2022 and have the opportunity to speak with representatives from the colleges and schools across our campus.
Any current seniors that are interested in Auburn University can register to attend at https://apply.auburn.edu/portal/prospectivestudentevent.
Tuesday, Sep 28, 2021, 06:00 PM
U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL, USA
Athens High School Career Fair
Tuesday, Oct 5, 2021, 11:15 AM
AHS Courtyard
FAFSA Opens
Thursday, Oct 1, 2020, 12:00 AM
undefined
Need a Transcript?
Athens High School has now partnered with Parchment to order and send your transcripts securely. You should have received an email in July with a link and code to create an account. You can create an account with or without the code, but registering with the code is much quicker and easier.
You will be able to order a transcript and track the process of your order all online!
Some things you should know:
- For current students, the first 5 orders are free
- After the first five orders, there will be a fee of $5 for each transcript ordered
- Your FINAL transcript upon graduation will be free if ordered by June 30th of your graduation year
- Paper Transcript Requests for current and former students will no longer be accepted
The link to order a transcript is available at the link below or on the school's main webpage as well as under the Guidance Page> Senior Resources
Need a Recommendation?
- Look at the recommendation criteria. It will be specific in who the recommendation can come from.
- Don't assume they will write one for you- ask.
- Choose someone with whom you've had a positive relationship.
- Provide them with a resume, what or who the recommendation is for, and when you need it completed.
- Let them know if it is to be returned to you or if they are to mail it. If they are to mail it, please provide them with a stamped, addressed envelope.
- Don't rush in the day before the deadline. Give them ample time to write the recommendation. A month before the deadline is preferable. The more time allow, the more thoughtful your recommendation will be.
**FEATURED WEBSITES**
SCHOLARSHIPS
All scholarships and special opportunities will be listed here in chronological order. This section will continue to grow throughout the year. Keep an eye out as new information is listed. If you see a scholarship that you are interested in and need an application, those are available in the scholarship box in the Guidance Office.
- The Heisman High School Scholarship program honors hundreds of the nation’s most accomplished, community-minded high school senior athletes each year. This year, the college scholarship amounts have been doubled, increasing support for each student-athlete’s education. They will recognize a winner from each high school in the nation that has student participation in the Program by way of application. The top male and female applicants from each state will be awarded $1,000. Among the top male and female applicants from each state, the twelve (12) most outstanding will be identified as national finalists and win at least $2,000. Of the national finalists, a male and a female winner will be selected as the winner of the $10,000 National Heisman High School Scholarship. Community-minded scholar-athletes can learn more and apply at https://heismanscholarship.com. Deadline is October 19, 2021.
- While the Army ROTC Program will teach you valuable leadership skills, military training, and discipline, ROTC can also provide you with money for tuition and other expenses through scholarships. More information and applications can be found at https://www.goarmy.com/rotc/high-school-students.html. Deadline is January 2022.
- Scholarship opportunities through Calhoun Community College open on October 1st. many scholarships have no minimum GPA requirement. Students must declare a major for eligibility and complete the FAFSA. For more information and to apply, visit www.calhoun.edu/scholarships. Deadline is February 1, 2022.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR 9-12
- The Athens Mayor's Youth Commission was established to teach students about local government’s role and their role to be engaged and informed citizens. If you are interested in applying for membership and have not served on Youth Commission previously, please complete application linked HERE. Requirements: Applicants MUST be students at Athens High, Athens Bible, Lindsay Lane or a home school student in the city and be in grades 10-12. Deadline is September 13, 2021.
- The University of Alabama College of Engineering will host an open house on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 8:30- 1 pm. If you are interested in learning more about admissions, housing, financial aid, scholarships, honors programs and more, register at eng.ua.edu/e-day. Deadline to register is September 17, 2021.
The William Randolph Hearst Foundation is sponsoring the 60th Annual United States Senate Youth Program. Brochures about the program may be obtained at www.ussenateyouth.org. The United States Senate Youth Program is a unique educational experience for outstanding high school students. Each year, two student leaders from each state, the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity spend a week in Washington, D.C., experiencing their national government in action. This year due to COVID-19 restrictions, participation in the program will be virtual. The United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week Online will be held March 5-12, 2022. Delegates will participate in interactive online policy addresses by senators, cabinet members, officials of the Departments of State and Defense, leaders of other federal agencies and senior members of the national media. Delegates traditionally participate in a meeting with a justice of the U. S. Supreme Court and the President of the United States. Speaking events typically include in-depth question and answer sessions. In addition, each delegate will be awarded a $10,000 college scholarship. Any Senior interested in being nominated for the Senate Youth Program must see Mrs. Smith by Friday, September 17th.
Mrs. Laura Lou Smith
Athens High School
Email: LauraLou.Smith@acs-k12.org
Website: www.athenhighschool.org
Phone: 256-233-6613