HRHS Senior Newsletter
October 2018
I hope everyone had a smooth start to the school year. Throughout the fall I will continue to meet with seniors to help you with your plans for after high school. Feel free to come in whenever you have questions.
Keep reading to find information about upcoming events for students interested in two-year colleges and the military as well as information pertaining to four-year college applications.
-Ms. Scully
Financial Aid Information
Financial Aid Night
Financial Aid Workshop
When:
Tuesday, Dec. 5th– Advisory and Period 6
Wednesday, Dec. 6th - Advisory and Period 5
Who should attend: Any student going to a two or four-year college. We will review the financial aid application process, discuss loans, and learn how to review financial aid packages. Please sign up in the guidance office.
Two-Year College Applicants
Two-Year College Workshops
When: Wednesday Nov. 14th during period 7
Thursday, Nov 15th during advisory and period 4
Who should attend: All students applying to GCC, HCC and STCC (or any other two-year college). Students who checked the 2-year college box on the senior questionnaire will automatically be signed up for one of these workshops. Any student applying to a four-year college who would like HCC, GCC or STCC to be a back up, please sign up for a workshop in the guidance office.
What will be covered: the application process, placement testing, field trip to HCC, transferring to four-year colleges.
Open Houses/Campus Tours at HCC, GCC, STCC
Holyoke Community College
HCC offers Welcome Wednesdays held every Wednesday at 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. in KC 205, these information sessions offer prospective students the opportunity to meet with an admissions counselor, learn about the admissions, financial aid, and transfer process, and take a personalized tour of the HCC campus. It's also a wonderful opportunity meet current HCC students and faculty, ask questions, and discover what makes HCC the community's college.
Sprigfield Technical Community College
Fall Open House 2018
October 17, 2018 from 4pm-6:30pm in Building 2, 7th Floor.
Talk to professors, advisors, admissions, and more
Learn how STCC can help you reach your goals!
Greenfield Community College
GCC offers campus tours at the following times. Go to the GCC website to register for a tour.
Decision Days with HCC, STCC and GCC
In December, admissions representatives from HCC, GCC and STCC will come to HRHS for Decisions Days. During Decision Days, students will formally be accepted into the colleges. Prior to the Decisions Days, students will complete their applications.
- HCC - December 11th
- STCC - December 13th
- GCC - December 18th
Military Information
Military Workshop
When: Tuesday, Nov 7th– Advisory and Period 2
Who should attend: Students interested in joining the military should attend this panel of speakers from the Air National Guard, Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines. Students who checked the military box on the senior questionnaire will automatically be signed up for this workshop. All other students must sign up in the guidance office to attend.
ASVAB Testing
Each branch of the military requires potential recruits to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) in order to match people with career paths within the military. Students have the opportunity to take the ASVAB at HRHS on November 14th at 7:45. This is a low stakes testing opportunity as the scores are not sent to any branch of the military.
If you are interested in taking the ASVAB please sign up in the guidance office.
SAT, ACT and AP Tests
Reminder: Students must request to have their SAT, ACT, and AP scores sent to colleges directly from the testing agency. The guidance office will not send out test scores.
Don't Forget to Use Khan Academy to Study
SAT and ACT Dates
There is still time to register....
November 3rd SAT - Registration Deadline is October 5th
October 27th ACT - Late Registration Deadline is Oct. 14th
College Representatives Visiting HRHS
If interested in meeting with one of the representatives, students should sign up in the guidance office or on Naviance and ask their teacher for permission to miss class.
Here is the schedule of visits for October & November.
Listen to announcements or check Naviance for updates.
- Oct. 1st @ 8:45 - Worcester State University
- Oct. 1st @ 12:30 - Simmons College
- Oct. 2nd @ 1:15 - Endicott College
- Oct. 3rd @ 7:45 - College of the Atlantic
- Oct. 3rd @ 9:45 - Niagra University
- Oct. 4th @ 9:45 - Springfield Technical Community College
- Oct. 4th @ 12:30 - University of Massachusetts, Lowell
- Oct. 5th @ 1:15 - Elms College
- Oct. 5th @ 12:30 - Becker College
- Oct. 10th @ 7:45 - Bentley University
- Oct. 10th @ 9:45 - SUNY Albany
- Oct. 12th @ 7:45 - Babson College
- Oct. 12th @ 1:15 - Boston University
- Oct. 15th @ 12:30 - Curry College
- Oct. 17th @ 1:15 - Wentworth Institute of Technology
- Oct. 18th @ 8:45 - University of Massachusetts, Amherst
- Oct. 18th @ 12:30 - Springfield College
- Oct. 22nd @ 12:30 - Framingham State University
- Oct. 23rd @ 7:45 - Roger Williams University
- Oct. 29th @ 9:45 - Emmanuel College
- Oct. 29th @ 12:30 - Western New England University
- Oct. 31st @ 12:30 - Castletown University
- Nov. 5th @ 7:45 - Lesley University
- Nov. 7th @ 9:15 - University of Southern Maine
- Nov. 8th @ 7:45 - Unity College
- Nov. 8th @ 9:45 - Newbury College
- Nov. 16th @ 12:30 - Southern Vermont College
- Nov. 28th @ 8:45 - University of Hartford
- Nov. 29th @ 9:45 - Salisbury University
Scholarships
Students can find more information about available scholarships by going to the Scholarship section on Naviance. Fastweb.com is a great resource for scholarships as well.
SMART Scholarship for STEM Students
Planning to major in science, technology, engineering, or math in college? You could get paid to earn a degree – and then get hired at graduation. The Science, Mathematics, and Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program offer scholarships (full tuition and related expenses, paid summer internships, and up to $38,000 in cash) for undergraduate and graduate students. The scholarships assist any students seeking a degree in any of the STEM disciplines, including chemistry, computer science, oceanography, mechanical engineering, and behavioral science.
Sound interesting? Applications are due December 1, 2018 at 5pm. Visit the SMART website for more information.
Horatio Alger Massachusetts Scholarship Program
The Horatio Alger Massachusetts Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students in the State of Massachusetts who have exhibited integrity and who aspire to pursue higher education. Ten $7,000 scholarships will be awarded.
Eligibility
To be eligible, a student must:
1) Be a US citizen and be enrolled full-time as a senior in the US with plans to enter a college and pursue bachelor’s degree at a non-profit public or private institution in the US no later than the fall following 2018 graduation.
2) Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income).
3) Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities and display integrity and perseverance in overcoming diversity.
4) Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher
Click here for more information. The application deadline is October 25, 2018.
Big Y Scholarships
Big Y scholarships recognize academic merit and achievement. They are awarded to academically outstanding students in the Big Y market area. Over 300 scholarships will be awarded, totaling more than $250,000.
Eligibility
To be eligible, a student must:
1) Have a permanent address within Western or Central Massachusetts, Norfolk County, or the state of Connecticut.
2) Include a copy of their transcript (need not be official).
3) Include a copy of College Board scores, if taken (need not be official).
4) Submit at least two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a teacher
Click here for more information. Applications are accepted from October 1, 2018 to February 1, 2019.
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's best four-year colleges and universities. Up to 40 students will become Jack Kent Cooke Scholars and have access to funding for up to four years for undergraduate studies.
This highly competitive scholarship includes:
- Up to $40,000 per year to attend a four-year accredited undergraduate school
- Ability to pursue any area of study
- Personal advising about selecting a college and navigating financial aid
- Multifaceted advising about how to transition to college and maximize the college student experience
Selection Process
A rigorous application review includes analysis of grades, standardized test scores, participation in available advanced courses, student essays, letters of recommendation, and family finances. Each year 30-40 students will be selected into the program.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
At a minimum, applicants must:
1) Plan to graduate from high school in spring 2019.
2) Intend to enroll in an accredited four-year college beginning in fall 2019.
3) Earn a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above.
4) Receive standardized test scores in the top 15%: SAT combined critical reading and math score of 1200 (old SAT scores) or above and/or ACT composite score of 26 or above.
5) Demonstrate significant unmet financial need. We will consider applicants with family income up to $95,000.
Click here to apply. This application is now open with a deadline of November 20, 2018.
Career Spotlight
Top Ten Jobs for the Next Ten Years
Advanced medical technologies, aging baby boomers, demand for higher quality child-care, advanced medicines and rapidly changing technology will contribute to the increase of the growth of the following careers.
Computer Programmer– In the past, companies within a wide variety of fields would use the same exact software programs to conduct their business. The current trend is for companies to create their own custom software to solve problems and create products. Technology is ever changing and businesses need fresh minds to create ways to keep up.
Day Care Provider– Quality day care is in high demand and therefore people are willing to pay more for day care centers with great reputations. Day Care Providers with a background in early childhood education and special education will be earning more money in the years to come.
Elder Care Specialist– The fast growing senior communities that are designed to house and assist the “Baby Boomers” will need a variety of healthcare specialists to care for the residents.
Employment Specialists– Employment specialist work for employment agencies matching employees who are looking for short-term jobs or jobs with flexible schedules with employers looking for qualified workers.
Environmental Engineers– Engineers are needed to help solve problems as our population continues to grow. They need to juggle the task of create new water, sewer, and electrical systems while also protecting natural resources.
Home Health Aide– Many baby boomers wish to live at home or be cared for at home while recuperating from injuries or illnesses. Home health aides can be nurses or adults without a specific training that help adults care for themselves in their homes.
Management Consultant– Companies often look outside their staff when trying to solve problems or challenges. Consultants can work with companies all over the world while working in their home offices or they can travel the country to meet with business executives.
Network Specialists– Network specialists are in charge of creating and maintain technology systems within companies. They control company’s servers, trouble shoot hardware and software challenges and give IT support to employees.
Physician’s Assistant– People hoping to pursue a career in medicine often choose the PA track since it requires less education than that need to become a doctor. Physician’s Assistants can do many of the tasks that doctors can do including prescribing medication, performing simple surgeries, and acting as a primary care provider.
Social Services Coordinator– Coordinators monitor the safety and wellness of groups of people and make sure that clients have access to a variety of assistance programs. Social Services Coordinators work with people of all ages and work within a variety of organizations.
Information taken from www.worldwidelearn.com