EASTERN @ 14
News of Note for the Class of 2014 for April
SENIOR FINAL EXAMS & ACTIVITIES
Final Exams
Final exams for seniors will be one period in length.
Wednesday, May 28th - Period 4
Thursday, May 29th - Periods 3 and 5
Friday, May 30th - Periods 2 and 7
Monday, June 2nd - Periods 1 and 6
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
Monday, June 2nd - 3rd & 4th period - Class Meeting
Tuesday, June 3rd - Senior Breakfast (hosted by PTSA) & Distribution of cap & gowns
Wednesday, June 4th - 10:00 a.m. Graduation Practice @ Freedom Hall
Thursday, June 5th - 8:30 a.m. Honors Program in the auditorium
Friday, June 6th - Senior Olympics
Monday, June 9th - Noon - GRADUATION @ Freedom Hall
DID YOU EARN A SCHOLARSHIP? AS A PART OF THE HONOR'S PROGRAM, WE WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIP MONEY THAT THE CLASS OF 2014 EARNED. PLEASE STOP BY STUDENT SERVICES AND SPEAK TO MRS. WILLIAMS OR MRS. WEBER. BE SURE TO BRING YOUR SCHOLARSHIP AWARD LETTERS - EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO ATTEND THAT PARTICULAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY.
GRADUATION!
Monday, Jun 9, 2014, 12:00 PM
Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY, United States
KEEP IT REAL - KEEP IT POSITIVE!
The last few weeks of a semester provides a unique level of energy. Final projects, exams, and SPRING FEVER can be difficult "land mines" to navigate. Add on to that the transition to college with orientation programs and high school award programs and one could find it challenging to keep it all together!
My best advice to STUDENTS is to slow down -- just a little bit and ENJOY these last few weeks of school. Soak them in; cherish the ordinary conversations with teachers and friends. Keep one eye on your studies (grades especially) - to ensure that you are graduating in “good standing”; but understand that things are slowing down right now. If you have made your college choice, take a deep breath and celebrate. If you are still up in the air about your decision, find someone neutral that you can talk to. Often verbalizing your thought process will help you to find clarity (and soon after the answer).
My best advice to PARENTS is to take a step back and trust that your student is doing the right thing. You have worked hard these 18 (or so) years preparing for this moment. The transition is happening now (regardless if you are ready or not). Remember there is great power in LISTENING. Take note of what your student is not saying - or what they are saying through their body language. Remember - we have two ears and one mouth for a reason -- we need to listen twice as much as we talk!
My most important piece of advice for EVERYONE is to KEEP IT POSITIVE! There is enough negativity. Start with thinking positive thoughts (you will be AMAZED at how powerful this is) - smile at each other, do something kind for one another, there are precious few days of high school remaining. Enjoy them and prepare for the new adventure a head.
DID YOU KNOW?
Counselor Obvious here...if you are NOT passing all of the classes you need for graduation you will not be able to walk with the class (once the date for graduation is set).
But did you know that you couldn't purchase your prom ticket if you have an outstanding debt to Eastern? This is a FACT! If you owe for a broken tablet or an over due library book - you must settle your debt before you can purchase tickets to prom.
SENIORITIS - Yes...it is real!
Senioritis, Senior Apathy, call it what you will - it is a real issue that our students are dealing with first hand. Senioritis in high school may cause the incoming college freshmen not to be as adequately prepared for college as they could be. A decrease in academic performance due to senioritis may also create difficulties such as rescinding a letter of acceptance. While you may think that senioritis is just a stage your student is going through, much like the ones you went through or that 'everyone' goes through, be warned that the consequences of senioritis can last a long time and be devastating for a students and their family.
Here are a few tips that can help combat senioritis:
1. Talk about your expectations.
Clearly explain what grades you would like to see and set some parameters as to how to obtain them. If study time needs to be increased, find ways that it can be increased.
2. Help them think about the future.
What do they want to get out of their last few weeks of high school? How will it fit with their future plans.
3. Keep their future in the forefront of their mind by giving them work they need to get there.
In some cases getting a part-time job or volunteer opportunity is important as it will help with time management. Sometimes having too much time makes one loose interest in what is really important. Remember you know your student best.
4. Check up on your student.
Just knowing that a parent or an influential adult is keeping an eye on their work is enough motivation for students. Others may need to know that privileges are based on responsibilities. We all need a little push now and then - this is that time.
SENIOR PROM: SUIT & TIE
Brown & Williamson Room @ Papa John's Cardinal Staduim
Dinner starts at 7:00 p.m.
Dancing from 8:00 to MIDNIGHT
TICKETS: $45.00 per person
Tickets will go on sale starting April 21st. We will sell tickets for three weeks. The last day to purchase tickets is Friday, May 9th.
** *ALL SENIOR DEBTS MUST BE PAID BEFORE STUDENTS CAN PURCHASE TICKETS TO THE PROM***
Picture packages start at $10.00 from Craig Paul Studios
Saturday, May 17, 2014, 07:00 PM
Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, South Floyd Street, Louisville, KY, United States
WHO ARE YOU TAKING TO PROM?
If your date for Prom is not a current Eastern student you must have the "REQUEST TO BRING A GUEST FOR THE SENIOR PROM" form filled out and returned when you purchase your tickets. The "REQUEST TO BRING A GUEST FOR THE SENIOR PROM" is available in Student Services.
DRESS CODE FOR DANCES
Our staff is happy to volunteer personal time to provide activities such as the dances students enjoy so much. However, in recent years the length of some of the female students’ skirts have continued to climb, making it very difficult to monitor our ticket lines of students coming into the dance as we deal with dress code. In light of this, we are clarifying the dress code for the events and need your help in making sure in advance that clothing is appropriate:
Dresses must be no more than 1 inch above the top of the kneecap (measurement will be taken at the end line of the main fabric of the dress, not at the end of any sheer material enhancing the dress)
Slits must be no more than 1 inch above the top of the kneecap
Dresses must be complete with no cut outs or sheer material that expose the stomach or sides
Dresses must not have plunging necklines or backs that are cut out below the natural waist
Attire for those not wearing dresses, must include:
Collared or Tuxedo Shirt
Tie
Dress Pants
Dress Shoes
Suit or Tuxedo Jacket
Students will not be allowed to wear jeans, tennis shoes, or baseball caps.
Students must be dressed appropriately to be admitted and must remain in dress code for the duration of the event. Ticket prices will not be refunded if a student is not dressed appropriately and has to be turned away or removed from the event.
We realize that many of the local retailers provide a large selection of evening and party dresses, but our events are not "club events" or "private party" events. They are for high school age students. We appreciate in advance your assistance in ensuring students are dressed appropriately for these events.
For examples: http://easternhs.org/parents/dressrequirements.pdf
WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP?
You have been admitted to college and you have completed the FAFSA form. The next step in the process can feel like falling off of a cliff because everything can happen so quickly. There is HOUSING, ORIENTATION, REGISTRATION, SUMMER PROGRAMMING, all while you are in the midst of wrapping up your senior year, final exams, prom, AP testing, and more! It can become overwhelming.
On top of this each college/university has their own way that they will communicate with you regarding all of this information. If you haven't made your college choice yet, you should be getting information from a variety of colleges. Some colleges are more persistent than others and can get annoying. If you have applied to a college or university and it has been WEEKS since you have heard from them make some time this week to reach out to the OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS - and talk to someone. Maybe they are missing a 7th semester transcript or test scores (or maybe it is something else).
Remember, you will still request your transcript by completing a blue transcript request form (provide a stamp if you would like us to mail it for you). Request your ACT scores by going to www.actstudent.org.
WHAT IS PROJECT GRADUATION?
All Graduates are invited to a Free all night Amazing Party. This is a get together for you and all of your school friends to celebrate all of your hard work for the past four years. Project Graduation is a long standing tradition at Eastern High School & we hope that every one of our Graduates will participate.
There will be Food, Games, DJ, Hypnotist, Photo Booth, Inflatables, Vollyball, Basketball, Entertainment, Prizes & Gifts for each Graduate attending. Store Gift Cards, Cash, Microwaves, Televisions, and so much more!
DATE: To be announced by JCPS - The same evening as your Graduation
LOCATION: Mid-America Sports Center 1906 Watterson Trail
TIME: 11:30pm till 5:30am
Registration forms & more information will be available the first week of Apri
So - You are going to college...
NOW (not tomorrow) is the time to contact your school's admissions office (especially if you haven't heard from them).
Your college may have tried to contact you regarding any missing components of your application. Check the email that you shared with them on your application.
BEING SUCCESSFUL IN COLLEGE: MANAGING YOUR TIME
In order to be considered a full time student (for the purposes of receiving finanacial aid) you will need to take a MINMUM of 12 credit hours. This equals a total of 4 classes (with each class meeting three times a week for 1 hour each day). If you stop to consider how studying and work will play into this equation. This is just an example of what it could look like:
You are in class for 12 credit hours of class per week. It is said that you will have (on average) 2 hours of homwork/studying for every 1 hour you are in class (which equals 24 hours). Add the two together - and you have 36 hours of involvemnt in school . This is almost a 40 HOUR WORK WEEK and we haven't added a job to this mix yet.
It will be extremely important for you to continue (or begin) to manage your time approprately in order for you to be successful at the college level.
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
This is the "official" FAFSA website: http://www.fasfa.ed.gov/ Remember to use the ed.gov site. Other sites may ask that you pay to submit your FREE APPLICATION FOR STUDENT FINANCIAL AID. Remember the first F stands for FREE.
If you estimated your tax information - don't forget to go back in and update your FAFSA form. Colleges/universities are currently putting packages together for their students.
As we get further along in the financial aid process, some of you will be "selected for verification" - please don't be upset by this request, simply provide all of the information that your school asks you to provide. Stay in communication with your Financial Aid Office at the college/university that you plan to attend. They will be able to walk you through this process.
FAFSA NEWS...
According to information that we have received from KHEAA – state grant funds were scheduled to be exhausted as of early February. If you haven’t taken the opportunity to complete the FAFSA – please understand that federal funds may be the only funds available to you. We are still encouraging students to complete the FAFSA before March 1st!
Many colleges & universities are preparing their financial aid packages right now and should be arriving in your hands in the next few weeks. If you estimated your tax information and you need to update your FAFSA form, the first date that you submitted the FAFSA form is what colleges/universities look at! So be sure to update your information so that you can get the most accurate information from the college/university.
At this time seniors should be narrowing their college choices and submitting housing information. Remember it is the polite thing to do to let the colleges who have accepted you know that you will not coming – as they could possibly extend the invitation to another person on their waiting list.
KEES MONEY? HOW MUCH HAVE YOU ALREADY EARNED?
Did you know that you are earning money for college? It is really no surprise. But you will be surprised if you don't access your KEES account to see how much money you have earned.
Accessing your KEES account is easy! Just go to www.kheaa.com and click on the Sign In button in the top right hand corner of the page to access or register for a free, personalized account. Use this customized tool to:
· View and verify your KEES award amounts
· Request your personalized breakdown of college costs and estimated financial aid based on your specific college choices and your family’s unique financial circumstances
· Apply for state scholarships
Do yourself a favor and check this out NOW so we can identify and solve problems before it is too late!
HOW DO I ORDER MY TRANSCRIPT?
PLEASE do not make any more requests for transcripts on Parchment. For the remainder of the year we will take care of all requests for transcripts through physically printing them, stamping them “official” and placing them either in your hands or in the US Mail (but you will have to provide a stamp). To request transcripts you will fill out the familiar blue form available in Student Services near Mrs. William's desk.
If you need FIRST SEMESTER GRADES (also called a 7th semester transcript) - they are available NOW!
** If you are applying for a scholarship that requires you to UPLOAD a pdf form of your high school transcript, please send a message to Mrs. Weber and she send it to you electronically.
PROJECT GRADUATION!
Project Graduation is a safe, fun, alcohol and drug-free event that takes place after graduation day ceremonies. This all night party is supervised/chaperoned by parent/guardian volunteers. All graduates are encouraged to participate as it truly is a celebration of friendships forged during high school.
Melissa Brown mellybrown@att.net
Peri Scott peribscott@aol.com -Selina Ferguson sfky@aol.com
WHERE IS THE FILE CABINET?
You simply must check out the file cabinet in Student Services! It is just outside of Mrs. Weber's office. Be sure that you check it regularly!
· TOP DRAWER contains all of the information that we receive from area colleges and universities. View books, school specific scholarships brochures, and other college materials are ready for you to sort through and take for your very own.
· SECOND DRAWER contains scholarships that we receive in our office. All Mrs. Weber asks is that you not take the last piece of information in the file folder. PLEASE NOTE -- Scholarship season begins in November/December and continues through March/April.
ACT!
YOUR ACT SCORES ARE NOT INCLUDED ON YOUR TRANSCRIPT! YOU WILL HAVE TO REQUEST THAT YOUR SCORES BE SENT TO THE SCHOOLS OF YOUR CHOICE. GO TO WWW.ACTSTUDENT.ORG TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!
Be proactive and contact your college/university to be sure that they have all of the documents that they need to make an admissions decision.
It is your future - TAKE CHARGE!
NEW ACCESS CODE!
We have a new access code!
wfyi29
If you have parents that would like to log on -- tell them that they can type this url into their web browser and access our page - any time they are interested!
REMEMBER THIS IS THE PLACE WHERE MRS. WEBER POSTS SCHOLARSHIPS THAT SHE RECEIVES! COPIES OF THESE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE ALSO PLACED IN THE DRAWER!
CAP & GOWN
o you realize that the fee for the cap and gown increases each month? It is to your benefit to purchase early!
April's fee is $70.00
May 1st the fee increases to $75.00
You can order on-line at www.kyanabalfour.com or give them a call at 502.499.7100 for additional information.
ACT REGISTRATION! ONLY TWO TEST SESSION REMAIN!
The next ACT will be offered on SATURDAY, June 14th. Remember, you must register before Friday, May 9th at midnight. If you are interested in registering - do so early! Go to www.actstudent.org. Remember, if you are a student on fee waiver, see Mrs. Weber to get a fee waiver paper for the ACT!
IF THIS IS TOO LATE FOR YOU - AN YOU KNOW THAT YOU WANT TO GO TO A PARTICULAR COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY - BE SURE TO CALL THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE TO SEE IF THE SCHOOL OFFERS A RESIDUAL ACT. IT WILL COST A LITTLE MORE - BUT YOU WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO USE THE SCORE AT THAT COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY. IT WILL NOT BE TRANSFERABLE TO ANY OTHER COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY. If you are certain about where you want to go, this may be an option that you would wish to explore.
ILP - What is it good for?
Absolutely EVERYTHING!
Are you torn between two schools? Are you looking for money to finance your college education? Are you still considering careers? Get back into your ILP and put it to work for you! You can compare college costs, search for scholarship money - even build your resume! AND - YOU WILL STILL HAVE ACCESS TO YOUR ILP INTO THE SUMMER! I know - this is too exciting and you will need to sit down and rest after this shocking news.
Keep in Touch!
Heidi Weber, Senior Counselor
EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL
12400 Old Shelbyville Road
Louisville, KY 40243
PHONE: 502.485.8596 (direct) 502.485.8243 (school)
FAX: 502.485.6082