The Lion's Share
BCHS Counseling Newsletter.....................November 2016
Applying for College---Now is the Time
College admission is becoming more and more competitive. Also, when it comes to college merit based scholarships and financial aid, sometimes the early bird really does get the worm. Most schools have strict deadlines that can cost procrastinators thousands of dollars. So, if seniors have not already begun the process of compiling and completing their college applications, now is a good time to start. Below are some tips from our counseling office as well as some helpful links. Every senior student at Boyd County High School will work on at least one college application during College Admissions Days on November 2nd and 3rd.
College Applications---How to begin
Quick Guide---The Anatomy of the College Application
Avoid These Big College Application Mistakes
- If you are still unsure about what school you want to attend, apply to all that you are considering. Completing the Common Application, the single application that is accepted by many colleges and universities around the nation, is also a good idea.
- For each school to which you are planning to apply, research their scholarship programs. Most have "automatic" scholarships that you will receive if you apply on time and meet certain criteria. But, they also have other scholarships for which you might be eligible. These could require a different application and have a separate deadline (often earlier than local scholarships to which you might apply). Look into departmental scholarships as well.
- Before you begin, read all applications carefully and make sure to follow directions.
- Ask for help. Make an appointment with your high school counselors, call the college or university admissions office, and so on. That is what these people are employed to do.
College Applications---How to begin
Quick Guide---The Anatomy of the College Application
Avoid These Big College Application Mistakes
Student Opportunities
Click here or visit the counseling website to see what kind of opportunities are available to all students.
Helping the Struggling Student
Deciding what to do for a child who is struggling can be difficult. It is important for students to be challenged and exposed to rigorous instruction. Managing time, prioritizing, being organized, and working through adversity are important life skills that can be learned in a demanding school environment. However, you never want a student placed in a situation where they cannot be successful. Below are some tips to finding the balance for students.First and foremost, encourage good study habits.
- Make sure students have the materials they need for school as well as a place set aside for quality studying and homework completion. Make sure they are getting their work done and turned in on time. Multiple missing or late grades is more often a sign of a lack of dedication and preparation rather than a lack of understanding. If a student is not doing their part, it is hard to determine what they are capable of or where they need help. Boyd County Schools offers student and parent portals in Infinite Campus where grades can be checked 24/7. If you need an IC account created or a password reset, call the Registrar's office or the Counseling office.
- Take advantage of tutoring. Many of our teachers come early or stay after school for tutoring every week. Below is a link to our school wide ESS services schedule. These sessions are available to all students. They just have to show up when they need help and bus transportation is available. We can always find additional help for students.
- Student should be encouraged to speak with their teachers. Being able to communicate one's needs effectively and appropriately is an important skill and one that shows teachers that the student is taking initiative for improvement.
- If more intervention is needed, then parents should contact the teacher directly. Email is often the preferred method of contact, but phone calls are also appropriate. The email format for school staff is firstname.lastname@boyd.kyschools.us.
- Parent/teacher conferences are always an option. These can be scheduled with one teacher or multiple, and through the teachers directly or via the counseling office.
- If all other means have been exhausted, call the counseling office and more options can be discussed.
Scholarships Available
For a complete and up-to-date list of scholarships available in the counseling office, click here or visit the counseling website.
Don't Forget About FASFA
Any senior who has not yet submitted their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) needs to do so before November 30th. You will need your family's 2015 tax information. Click the link below to get started.
FASFA Application
FASFA Application
Important Dates
November 1 HOBY deadline. Pick up information in the counseling office
November 3 EKU Open House at Bellefonte Country Club---6-8pm
November 3 Governor's Scholars workshop in the library after school
November 2-3 College Application Days (every senior will apply to at least one school)
November 4 December ACT Registration Deadline
November 5 University of Pikeville open house. Registration begins on campus at 9am
November 7-8 No School
November 11 Marshall "Finding a College Without Losing Your Mind" Student Day
November 12 Morehead State University Open House---9am Button Auditorium
November 17 EKU Admissions to BCHS during AEP. Sign up outside the counseling office
November 18 December ACT Late Registration Deadline
November 22 Space Science Day at Morehead State. Apply online.
November 23-25 Thanksgiving Break----No School
November 3 EKU Open House at Bellefonte Country Club---6-8pm
November 3 Governor's Scholars workshop in the library after school
November 2-3 College Application Days (every senior will apply to at least one school)
November 4 December ACT Registration Deadline
November 5 University of Pikeville open house. Registration begins on campus at 9am
November 7-8 No School
November 11 Marshall "Finding a College Without Losing Your Mind" Student Day
November 12 Morehead State University Open House---9am Button Auditorium
November 17 EKU Admissions to BCHS during AEP. Sign up outside the counseling office
November 18 December ACT Late Registration Deadline
November 22 Space Science Day at Morehead State. Apply online.
November 23-25 Thanksgiving Break----No School
Contact Your Counselors
Boyd County High School
steve.grannis@boyd.kyschools.us (10th and 12th grades)
brenda.lemaster@boyd.kyschools.us (9th and 11th grades)
julie.criss@boyd.kyschools.us (BCCTEC)
shelli.wilburn@boyd.kyschools.us (Registrar)
larry.barber@boyd.kyschools.us (Counseling Office Americorps worker)
steve.grannis@boyd.kyschools.us (10th and 12th grades)
brenda.lemaster@boyd.kyschools.us (9th and 11th grades)
julie.criss@boyd.kyschools.us (BCCTEC)
shelli.wilburn@boyd.kyschools.us (Registrar)
larry.barber@boyd.kyschools.us (Counseling Office Americorps worker)
Email: brenda.lemaster@boyd.kyschools.us
Website: http://www.boyd.kyschools.us/1/Content/282
Location: 14375 Lions Lane, Ashland, KY, United States
Phone: (606) 928-7100
Twitter: @CounselorsBCHS