AUGUST-SEPTEMBER

 

GET A GOOD START: Start the year off right with good study habits, strong communications skills, the proper attitude and take the most challenging courses during the entire three semesters of your senior year.

 

SENIOR  CONFERENCE: Register for a conference in September:

 

1. Ask questions.  In fact have a list of questions prepared before your scheduled conference

2. Review your guidance folder, transcript, test scores and your career, program, and school interests.  Focus on career areas you enjoy and would like to work in.  Don't worry about selecting “THE ONE” career, but instead look for areas of interest within a career pathway.

3. Learn about resources to use during your senior year such as internet, the scholarship board, daily and senior bulletin announcements, on and off campus visitation programs, etc. 

4. Review your progress on the PEARLS Project and update your checklist.  Get as much done as you can for PEARLS now.  Goals, Personal Statement and Resume are due to advisors by September 21. (Component #1 will be graded by Mr. Griffin on October 5 for Mid-Term reporting.)

5. Order your diploma selecting the name you would like imprinted on the diploma.  Try to use the legal formal name that you have on your birth certificate and align your major identification documents by the same name. Now that your diploma is on order, don't forget to complete the work necessary to earn it!

 

PEARLS: During the first week of school seniors should:

 

1. MEET YOUR ADVISOR: During the first week of school meet with your assigned PEARLS advisor to review requirements and deadlines.  Remember grading deadlines to Mr. Griffin require seniors to get materials to their advisors AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE SCHEDULE DEADLINE.

 

2. COMPLETE FORMALIZE GOALS: Many scholarships require you to write an essay of 200 to 500 words on "why you want to continue your education and the reason you selected your particular area of study." PEARLS requires short term (this year and one year after high school) and long term (5 years after graduation) goals to be written.  Do this now. Have an adult proof read this essay. (Must be proofed and initialed by a staff member prior to being checked off.)

 

3. COMPLETE PERSONAL STATEMENT:  The personal statement is now required as part of  most college applications and of Component #1 PEARLS. This statement is a critical part of most college applications, scholarships and even some jobs.  It tells a committee “who you are”. When you write your Personal Statement, tell about those aspects of your life that are not apparent from information provided in the rest of an application form. Tell about the experiences that don’t show up on your transcript: a character-defining moment, a personal challenge faced, a hardship overcome, the cultural awareness you’ve developed or a significant high school experience that will help you in a career in the future.  Your Personal Statement is the best means an admission or scholarship committee has of getting to know you.  Samples and guidelines are available on the website.  Get your draft to your advisor at least one week before the graded deadline.

 

4. COMPLETE RESUME: Write a one-page information sheet about yourself.  List all honors, awards, activities, special classes, skills, leadership, community service, work experience, (both paid and volunteer), and unique experiences that you have had while in high school.  A statement of future study or career is also helpful.  Give this resume to persons who will write letters of recommendation.  This can also serve as a resource for filling out other applications. (Must be proofed and initialed by a staff member prior to being checked off.)

 

5. COMPLETE RECOMMENDATIONS: Select 3 to 5 persons whom are not relatives, such as school staff, coaches, employers, pastors, youth group leader, community leader, and family friends, who know of you, your high school career, abilities, and goals.  At least 1 should NOT be associated with the school.  Ask them to write a one-page letter of recommendation on some sort of letterhead if possible.  Address the letter "To whom it may concern".   Ask permission to copy this letter and use it during the year for various applications.  Keep the master letter in a safe location such as your guidance folder.  Three letters are required for PEARLS.

 

INVESTIGATE COLLEGE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS: Look at programs that allow qualified Seniors to earn both high school and college credit for their work.  Ask future schools transfer policies regarding these courses before enrolling.

 

GATHER INFORMATION: Write, email, call or visit schools asking for a: catalog, view book, school video, admission form, campus visitation, information on scholarships and financial aid from that school, including the specific department or major, and housing and meals programs (if you will be living away from home).  Take note of deadlines.

 

CREATE A SENIOR CALENDAR: Develop your own senior calendar to keep track of important due dates and deadlines such as admissions, housing/food applications, scholarship applications, honors programs, financial aid, visitations, orientations, required testing, PEARLS, etc.  Look for an example of calendars at http://www.zillahschools.org/ZHS/calzhs.htm

 

 

OCTOBER

 

SENIOR  CONFERENCE: Register for a conference in early October if you did not complete one in September.  Also follow up with Mr. Griffin on any questions or concerns raised at your September conference.

 

PEARLS: Component #1 will be graded by Mr. Griffin on October 5 for Mid-Term

 

PROGRESS & OPEN HOUSE: Check your mid-semester grade report to make sure you are continuing to make progress towards graduation. Bring your parents to the open house and pick up your mid term grade report.  Check the calendar for this event. (October 19-20)

 

VISITATIONS: If you haven't already visited the schools of your choice, complete this task by the end of October.  Most colleges have web pages on the internet for direct access. Most have on-line applications.  Visit schools throughout the world using this resource if a physical visit is impossible.  See if you can go on the state professional day (2^nd Friday of October) or during Fall Conferences (October 19-20) so as not to miss ZHS classes.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS: Use the Internet to increase your scholarship opportunities.  The Zillah School District has made Financial Aid and Scholarship search link pages http://www.zillahschools.org/ZHS/calzhs.htm  available to you FREE and also the ZHS Scholarship Board (on line) http://www.zillahschools.org/financial-aid/scholarship-list.htm . Use them if you wish to find sources of “Free Money”.  Don’t forget to ask your colleges about scholarships specifically for their school.  http://www.zillahschools.org/financial-aid/scholarshipforms.htm is a website that you can download and complete actual scholarship forms which are often won by ZHS students.

Many seniors develop a “Scholarship Calendar”.  This can be a spread sheet listing scholarships a student has found, their due dates and specific requirements.  Update this each month. 

 

VIDEOS: View the videos "College Freshman Survival Guide” and "Financial Aid."  They are available to be checked out overnight from the ZHS Library.

 

SENIOR ORDER: Make sure to place your order with Jostens (453-5279) for your cap and gown (required to participate in commencement) and any other senior items you wish, such as announcements and name cards.  They daily bulletin will have the specific dates/times.

 

 

NOVEMBER

 

INVESTIGATE MILITARY OPTIONS: Check the military option for a source of training and financial aid.  Get information from at least 2 branches to compare opportunities.  Military options currently carry the greatest amounts of financial support for any college study.  The military is not for everyone, but give it fair consideration before dismissing the opportunities.

 

SCHOOL SELECTION: Narrow your selection to the top three schools that will help you reach your career goals.  Consider programs, location, size, entrance requirements, and finances. Continue to read and use the Internet. Be an informed expert on the school where you may invest a great deal of time and money.

 

APPLICATIONS: Complete college applications and have them on the desk of the admissions office by November 1^st for early consideration.  Mail applications for regular consideration to your college during this month.  Colleges are filling up much faster than ever before.  Students who wait until after December to apply run the risk of finding no room available.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS: Continue to investigate sources of scholarship awards: employers, business, trade, unions, professional organizations, church and church fellowships, clubs, associations, activity groups, interest groups, hobby groups, ethnic organizations. Continue to use the ZSD websites for free scholarship searches. These websites are listed above in the OCTOBER section.

 

PEARLS: Component #2 Future Planning and Preparation is due near the end of this month (November 16). If you are missing only BEST WORKS 12-do the write up process now so you can go ahead complete your panel presentation.  Simply replace the write up with the actual best work later in the year when available.  Completing PEARLS now puts this graduation requirement behind you and would allow you to focus the remainder of the year on your academics, activities, scholarships, etc

 

FINALS: Finals for Fall semester will be November 20-21.  Check the calendar for specific times.  Transcripts with your official grades and ranking will be available one week after the close of the semester.

 

UPDATE CALENDAR: Continue to add to your senior calendar, keeping information current. 

 

 

DECEMBER

 

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS DUE: If you did not apply for the Early Consideration in November, mail your completed application and any required fees so that they are in the office of admissions by DECEMBER 1^st.  Most schools in Washington will begin reading applications and offering admission to the most qualified students starting the first week in December.  The earlier you apply, the more privileges, opportunities, and considerations you get for orientation, housing, registration, and financial aid.  Do not delay on this item past December 1.

 

BUDGET PLANS: Develop a tentative budget.  Identify sources of income such as summer job, savings, scholarships, etc. that you realistically have to help meet expenses of tuition, books, room and board, transportation, etc.  Know all your costs.  Your future schools can help.  Also the “Paying For College” booklet has sample budgets. Your budget is often required for scholarship applications.

 

FAFSA PROCESS: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA's) forms on line will be available for work at this time.  Go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ to being the process in December.  You will need a PIN number.  Go to http://www.pin.ed.gov/ to get this PIN number now.  You will need it in January.  All Seniors are encouraged to complete their FAFSA on line regardless of what they consider their financial situation or future plans to be.

 

PEARLS: If you would like to complete your PEARLS requirement contact Mr. Torres.  Presentations maybe scheduled during December. Completing PEARLS now puts this graduation requirement behind you before the Christmas Holidays and would allow you to focus the remainder of the year on your academics, activities, scholarships, etc.

 

VACATION TIME: Take advantage of vacation time to get caught up and move ahead on paper work dealing with financial aid and scholarships.  Many find that they can work ahead on scholarship applications that will be coming due in the next 4 months.  Get caught up or move ahead on your academic studies, and plan to have some fun.  You will be less stressed in January if you take care of business during December vacation.

 

UPDATE CALENDAR: Continue to add to the calendar keeping information current.

 

 

JANUARY

 

COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR FAFSA: January 1st is the earliest that a form will be accepted.  Forms submitted early increase your chance to gain financial aid.  DON'T COUNT YOURSELF OUT OF FINANCIAL AID!  Many students who could get financial aid don't, because they never complete the form.   Fill out the form and let it be processed.

 

PEARLS: Component #3 Senior Best works is due this month (January 11).  Early PEARLS presentations may be scheduled by contacting Mr. Torres.  Your essay is due to your advisor in early February. Now is the time to complete your first draft and seek advisor input.

 

PROGRESS: Winter semester Mid-term takes place this month (January 23). Check your mid-semester progress report to make sure you are continuing to make progress towards graduation.  These should be available the following week. Check the ZHS master calendar for specific dates.

 

WORK ON SCHOLARSHIPS, USE YOUR CALENDAR: The scholarship board should be checked weekly.  Keep up on web searches too.  Stay one to two weeks ahead on all applications.

 

CONTACT COLLEGE FAO: You should have made contact with your school Financial Aid Office with regard to any supplementary Financial Aid Information Sheets, scholarships for their school, or other requirements.

 

 

FEBRUARY

 

FOLLOW UP: Follow up on applications you have not heard from: Admission, Housing, Programs, financial aid, other.

 

PEARLS: The essay must follow a specified format and length and must be signed off by a staff member prior to this requirement being checked off. Presentation Essay drafts are due (February 1) to your advisor.

The final corrected and signed of version to your file in the guidance center (February 14). 

Early PEARLS presentations may be scheduled by contacting Mr. Torres.  The last day to pick your own panel and presentation date is February 15. 

All students who are not completed with all PEARLS requirements will be assigned a panel and presentation date by draw on February 16. 

Completed portfolios are due to advisors on February 20.

All PEARLS Portfolios must have been cleared by your advisor and checked off with Mr. Griffin by February 26.  You will now move on to complete your presentations and wrap up this graduation requirement in March.

 

CONTINUE TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: A majority of scholarships are due February-April.  DON'T GIVE UP!  Continue apply for all scholarships that you qualify for.  Follow suggested guidelines and get them in the mail two weeks before the deadline.  Continue to write for further applications 2 months prior to the deadline.

 

 

MARCH

 

FINALS: Final exams for winter semester are scheduled.  Check the master calendar. Semester transcripts with your new ranking should be available the week following the close of final exams. (March 8-9)

 

PEARLS: Presentation panels will be in operation March 12-16 and if needed March 22-23.  All seniors graduating and marching from ZHS must have their PEARLS completed at that time.

 

HONOR DIPLOMA: As soon as your Winter semester transcript is released, those students who have at least a 3.50 GPA and who are on track to complete an honors curriculum and will earn a minimum of 31 credits at graduation will be invited to apply for a ZHS Honors Diploma.  To be considered for Valedictorian or Salutatorian you must earn a ZHS Honors Diploma. To continue your membership in NHS and wear the Honor Stole at graduation seniors must earn this Honors Diploma. See the website or the ZHS handbook for specifics.  Applications are due March 21

 

DEPARTMENTAL HONOR AWARD: As soon as your Winter semester transcript is released, you may apply for your Departmental Honor Awards if you meet the requirements.  You must have a current total GPA of 3.5 or above during your entire high school career in all courses for a specific department and will have completed at least 8 semesters in that department by graduation.  Each department may have specific course requirements. Forms will be attached to your winter transcripts. Applications are due March 28.

 

UPDATE CALENDAR/CONTINUE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS: Continue to add to the calendar keeping information current. Don't forget to list scholarship deadlines.  By this time all scholarships through August will be posted for your viewing.

 

APRIL

 

SPRING VACATION: Focus on what you can do for scholarship work in-between a little leisure.  If you are behind in any subjects, catch up now before returning from Spring Break.

 

ASSET TESTS: All students planning to enroll at YVCC next fall should register and take their Asset tests during Spring Vacation.  There will be several opportunities during the week to complete this.  Taking the test now will give you early registration privileges and a better selection of courses. Call 574-4956 to schedule or test.

 

MAKE YOUR DECISIONS: All your options will come together in the spring.  Review your military, financial aid, school and housing options.  Make your decision and send in the final paper work with proper fees attached by the indicated due date.  If you feel you do not have enough information, or if some information is incomplete or unclear, CALL immediately.  You should have plans finalized by the end of this month.

 

SPREAD GOOD NEWS: Once you receive news of any award, share your good news.  Counselors, teachers, advisors, and references all are working to help you win that award. They would like to know if their help has paid off.

 

THANK YOU NOTES: When you win a scholarship, it is proper to write a short thank you note to the organization that selected you.  Don't forget to also thank those people helping to prepare your applications.

 

FINANCIAL AID: If you have not received a financial aid offer letter, contact the school and request at least an estimate of the aid offer.  Tell them you need this within one week in order to continue to consider their school.  If you have a financial aid offer, make your last attempt to increase your financial aid package by asking for review of any offers made that you are not satisfied with.  Remember to contact the FAO (Financial Aid Officer) assigned to your account.

 

 

MAY and JUNE

 

PROGRESS: Spring semester Mid-term reports will be out May 2.  Check to make sure you are continuing to make progress towards graduation.

 

MAKE UP CREDITS: Seniors who must make up credit for graduation outside of the regular ZHS day, must have this credit completed by May 1^st.  See Mr. Torres with the documentation of make-up credits ASAP.

 

PREPARE FOR GRADUATION: Continue to work right up to finals.  Take time to perform well on senior finals.  Check in all school materials and clear all fees & fines BEFORE final check out day.  Pay attention to daily bulletin announcements and the Senior Bulletin regarding important graduation news in your final days as a ZHS student.

 

SENIOR PLAN BOOK: Turn in your Graduation Plans & Awards sheet to Mr. Griffin on the announced due date. (Usually May 15)  Continue to inform Mr. Griffin right up to graduation of any additional scholarships you have won.

 

FINALS: Senior finals are scheduled for your last few days. (May 24-25)   Senior check out takes place on the last day.  Make sure to have all your fines and fees cleared.

 

SENIOR CLASS FIELD TRIP: The senior class field trip will be held on Tuesday, May 29.  The specifics will be determined in the spring and shared with all class members and parents.

 

BACCALAUREATE: Scheduled normally for the Wednesday before graduation at 7:00 pm.  Since the ministerial association rotates hosting from church to church, check the master schedule.  Wednesday, May 30, 7:00 pm at the Zillah Nazarene Church on Miles Drive.

 

SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT: Make plans to attend the Senior-Parent Awards night.  It will be held Thursday May 31 7:00 pm in the classitorium.  Academic awards and scholarships will be distributed.  A dessert and the senior slide show will follow.

 

PRACTICES: To be involved in Baccalaureate and Commencement you must attend (ON TIME) the practice sessions for those events.  Check out the end of the year information calendar for specifics on date and time and be there ready to go at least 5 minutes before the printed time.

 

COMMENCEMENT: Here is what all the hard work was about the commencement exercises.  This year seniors will graduate on Friday, June 1, 7:30 on the ZHS Leopard Field

 

WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK FOR HELP!:  This is a very busy and confusing time in your lives.  Don't be afraid to ask for help. RESOURCES:  counselors, parents, teachers, advisors, coaches, graduates, college officials, pastors.

 

I look forward to helping you achieve your goals.