Senior Fall Newsletter
Class of 2023
Can you believe you are starting your senior year!?
As you begin your senior year of high school, you will need to be taking specific steps toward your next journey after graduation, and we are here to support you. Whether you want to head to college (technical, 2 year or 4 year), enlist in the military, join the trades, or get right into a job, we’re here to help you figure out how to make connections to do those things! Scroll through this newsletter to find the pathway you're hoping to pursue and learn about your next steps.
Come see us any time in the Student Pathways Center!
Kris & Morgan
Senior Calendar
The Senior Calendar is updated regularly as we add dates, times and places to important events for seniors. To view the senior calendar, please click here.
IMPORTANT: Graduation Requirement
Washington State requires that each student complete a High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP). You should complete all of the Core Lessons listed on the left-hand side when you log into Xello. Every student, regardless of program, including Running Start, IB, and Cascadia Tech must complete this requirement.
To log into Xello, go directly through Classlink, or go to xello.world and login with vps-IDnumber and your 8 digit birthdate. If you are struggling to log in, please connect with Morgan Parker (morgan.parker@vansd.org).
You must complete the CORE LESSONS on the left-hand side of the screen to complete the graduation requirement.
Applying To a 4 Year School
What should I be doing now?
SAT/ACT
If the cost of taking the SAT is a hurdle, come see us and we can discuss a fee waiver.
Early Action/Early Decision
Requesting Transcripts
Follow these directions to request official transcripts:
- Log into Xello through ClassLink
Click on "College Planning"
Then add each school they want a transcript sent to in the "College Applications" section
After adding the school, click on that school and hit the "request" button by transcript
Kris or I will fill these requests at least once a week on Tuesdays
If you have questions about requesting a transcript, connect with Kris Walther in the Student Pathways Center: kristina.walther@vansd.org.
Requesting Recommendation Letters
Community Colleges
Considering a Trade?
Trade and Technical Schools
Apprenticeships
Not sure what type of trade you may want to pursue? Here's an overview of available union apprenticeships in our area.
Want to learn more about what an apprenticeship is? Check out this video.
Not sure where to start with deciding if apprenticeships are the right path for you? Come chat with us in the Student Pathways Center!
Military
Check out these resources to see if the military might be a match for you:
ASVAB Testing
Wondering what the ASVAB is? The ASVAB is a career exploration program that includes an aptitude test and an interest assessment. You do not have to be planning to go into the military to take the exam and receive your career matches!
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid Opens October 1st!
Scholarships
Many of you have been inquiring about scholarships. Here are a few great resources for finding scholarships. Pro Tip: Focus on local scholarships! Often times our local scholarships do not get enough applicants to give out all of the money! Your chances of winning are very high, just for applying.
- Check out our website. We add scholarships here every week as they come available!
- theWASHBOARD.org is another great site to search for scholarships
- Remember that most universities or colleges you apply to will also offer scholarships based on your GPA, so check out their deadlines for submitting essays!