HHS PTSA Newsletter Winter Edition (and abridged College Edition) Thank you to our PTSA Newsletter Sponsor: Principal’s Letter 1 President’s Letter 2 Health & Safety 3-4 Reflections 5-9 Technology Committee 10 Spectrum 10 Freshman Acad. Preview 10 Anchor Club 10 Mu Alpha Theta 11 MTNA Finalist 11 HHS Theater 12-14 HHS Band 15-16 Jazz Night Ticket 17 Commemorative Bricks 18 HHS Choir 19 HHS Panther Soccer 20 HHS Baseball 21 HHS Softball 22 HHS Cheer 22 HHS Golf 22 HHS Swim and Dive 23-26 AFJROTC 27-30 College Information 31-39 31- Winter 2013 The 2013 Winter Edition of the HHS PTSA Newsletter is proud to bring to you updates, save-the-dates, brags, and general information pertaining to the HHS PTSA and all Huntsville High School activities. Please pay special attention to the article from Health and Safety regarding emergency preparedness. Last year we dedicated the winter edition of the PTSA newsletter to college preparedness. We decided we would give you an abbreviated college edition this year. This can be found beginning on page 31. Freshman Academy Preview A site map and a virtual tour of the new Freshman Academy have been added to the HHS website: http://www.huntsvillehigh.org Principal’s Letter HHS Parents and Students, We have had a great start this semester. As we begin February, I would like to pass along some important information. Registration for 2013-2014 will begin this month. You will be receiving information from the counselors beginning the middle of February. Plans for the Freshmen Academy continue to develop. We are planning a community information night during the next month in order to keep you informed. Procedures have been implemented that will improve our school security and safety. We will continue to conduct various drills to ensure everyone is aware of proper procedures in emergency situations. Thank you for your support during the past few months. I am honored and excited to be named the Principal at HHS! My goal is to continue the long tradition of excellence at Huntsville High School. Our faculty and staff continue to do great things. They work daily to provide our students with the best education possible. Thanks to them for their hard work and dedication. Thank you, Mark Mincher
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Transcript
HHS PTSA Newsletter Winter Edition (and abridged College Edition)
Thank you to our PTSA
Newsletter Sponsor:
Principal’s Letter 1
President’s Letter 2
Health & Safety 3-4
Reflections 5-9
Technology Committee 10
Spectrum 10
Freshman Acad. Preview 10
Anchor Club 10
Mu Alpha Theta 11
MTNA Finalist 11
HHS Theater 12-14
HHS Band 15-16
Jazz Night Ticket 17
Commemorative Bricks 18
HHS Choir 19
HHS Panther Soccer 20
HHS Baseball 21
HHS Softball 22
HHS Cheer 22
HHS Golf 22
HHS Swim and Dive 23-26
AFJROTC 27-30
College Information 31-39
31-
Winter
2013
The 2013 Winter Edition of the HHS PTSA Newsletter is proud to bring to you updates, save-the-dates, brags, and general
information pertaining to the HHS PTSA and all Huntsville High School activities. Please pay special attention to the article from
Health and Safety regarding emergency preparedness.
Last year we dedicated the winter edition of the PTSA newsletter to college preparedness. We decided we would give you an
abbreviated college edition this year. This can be found beginning on page 31.
Freshman Academy
Preview
A site map and a
virtual tour of the new
Freshman Academy
have been added to the
HHS website:
http://www.huntsvillehigh.org
Principal’s Letter
HHS Parents and Students,
We have had a great start this semester. As we begin February, I would like to pass along some
important information.
Registration for 2013-2014 will begin this month. You will be receiving information from the
counselors beginning the middle of February.
Plans for the Freshmen Academy continue to develop. We are planning a community information
night during the next month in order to keep you informed.
Procedures have been implemented that will improve our school security and safety. We will
continue to conduct various drills to ensure everyone is aware of proper procedures in emergency
situations.
Thank you for your support during the past few months. I am honored and excited to be named
the Principal at HHS! My goal is to continue the long tradition of excellence at Huntsville High
School.
Our faculty and staff continue to do great things. They work daily to provide our students with
the best education possible. Thanks to them for their hard work and dedication.
Welcome to 2013! I hope each of you enjoyed a healthy and happy holiday and are experiencing a wonderful new year. Our Huntsville High School family
and community are fortunate to have such outstanding faculty, administration and staff, as well as wonderful students, PTSA volunteers and parents.
Thank you—each and all of you!
You and your PTSA volunteers are the greatest. Here is a partial list of recent activities:
The Newsletter Committee (Carmen Thompson and Kris Valentine, Co-Chairs), and Susan King, working with our sponsors, continue to publish an
excellent PTSA Newsletter where we can read expanded articles on HHS happenings and also have an opportunity to see some pictures from our school
and community. You can find the current and archived copies of the newsletter at www.hhsnewsletter.com.
The Hospitality Committee (Holly Butler and Talitha Yokley, Co-Chairs) continued their outstanding support of the teachers and staff with a Holiday
Cookie and Hot Chocolate event in December and their famous Crock Pot Chili Luncheon on the first day back to school from winter break!
Our First VP, Programs, Kari Smith, planned two of our most popular events: our Lunch and Learn with Mr. Mincher, and our Club Fair and Rising
Freshman Orientation, which will be held on February 26. The Lunch and Learn was fabulous and we filled the room. Special thanks to Mr. Mincher for
being willing to answer our questions and to Mrs. Lambert for hosting us.
PTSA assisted the HHS Counselors at their January 12 event, “Parental Strategies for Today’s High School Challenges”. This free community event received
excellent feedback from attendees and PTSA looks forward to assisting in coming years. Thank you to Nancy Wolfe and the rest of our Counselor Staff,
David Whitener, Quaynteece Mosby and Catherine Taylor, for providing excellent counseling services to our students and our school. Thank you also to
our community expert speakers and our Sponsors.
The Technology Committee (Susan and Steve Solomon, Co-Chairs) continues to support and enhance technology available to our students. Thank you,
Susan and Steve! Please take time to read the Technology Committee report in this issue of the Newsletter.
The Health and Safety Committee (Michelle Packard, Chair) is planning to share some important information with all HHS students. We are grateful to be
able to use the latest technology and our talented student production team to bring this information to the HHS family
The Student Activities Committee (Karen Kimbrough, Chair) continues to support the InterClub Council--a group where all clubs and organizations can
meet and share information.
Panther Postings (Elise Taylor, Chair) continues to send out the most current HHS information to subscribers. If you are not receiving Panther Postings
and wish view the archives, please go to: http://archive.benchmarkemail.com/pantherpostings. To subscribe, simply click the “subscribe now” button
found on each Posting. To submit information for publication, send to [email protected] .
We have been able to fulfill many teacher requests due to your generosity. More requests are being received this semester and we have been able to help
with these. Your membership and your donations make all of this possible!
Thank you again to all dedicated PTSA volunteers and parents—we simply could not do this without each one of you.
At Huntsville High school we are very blessed to have an established cooperation between our administration and our concerned parents. With
the nation focused on safety in our schools since the Connecticut tragedy in December, Michelle Packard, Health and Safety Committee
Chairman, recently met with administration and security representatives: Principal Mark Mincher, Assistant Principal Jason Hass, and Officers
Duncan and Whelpley to discuss how Huntsville High School will handle several different scenarios and how we, as parents and families, can
assist them in taking care of our students. The following information is the result of that discussion.
RECENT SCHOOL ACCESS CHANGES
To improve security at the school, access is now restricted to the attendance office entrance. All other doors, including the main doors by the office, are
secured at all times. Once admitted, please remember to sign in and wear a label identifying you as a visitor.
PREPAREDNESS IS KEY
HHS continues fire drills, weather drills, lockdown drills, and last spring even had the entire student body participate in bus evacuation drills. These drills
contribute to the efficiency and rapidity of response in the case of an emergency.
Preparation like this is also necessary for parents and guardians. Consider possible reactions to different events before they happen. Discuss these courses of
action as a family so that everyone knows what to expect. Make sure everyone is prepared to act in a calm, responsible manner. It is easier to do this when a
plan is in place.
Parents can assist the school by:
Remembering to be patient. The administration and staff’s priority is the safety of the students, and they take that trust and responsibility extremely
seriously. All school officials can communicate with each other and have specific duties in times of crisis. Information will be released as soon as
the crisis is over and when verified, accurate information is available.
Refraining from rushing to the school in an emergency—this will allow the staff or emergency response team to perform their duties without
interference or distraction.
Refraining from making calls to the school, which could jam the phone lines. The prevalence of texting allows communication with your student
directly.
Keeping emergency cards up to date with correct phone numbers and names of people authorized to pick up students.
Being prepared to display photo identification if a student pick-up scenario is implemented so authorities can release your student to you or your
designee. Again, be patient… every student must be accounted for.
Maintaining a façade of calm and patience. Students do not need to see panicky adults—it will add to their agitation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Inclement weather:
When bad weather is possible, the call to cancel or delay school will usually be made no later than 5AM the morning the weather is expected. In the case of
winter precipitation, the determination is made after several key roads in the area are examined for safety and passability. In some cases, the determination
may be made the previous evening. The information on cancellations and delays will be disseminated to the community through the local media and the
school system’s automated calling system.
In the event that weather moves into the area (severe storms, tornados), the decision to cancel school will be made at the HCS level, and the information will
be released through the usual avenues. If the National Weather Service has issued a WATCH, and you would like to collect your child, you may check them
out in the routine manner.
When a WARNING is issued, the students are moved as quickly as possible to the safest areas of the building. The administration strongly suggests that
parents remember that it is most unwise to travel during a warning. Parents who arrive during a warning:
May find that due to the sheltering procedures, it will be difficult to find your child.
May find the staff too busy completing their duties and maintaining order to assist you—remember your child’s safety comes first!
Will be encouraged to assist the staff and remain in a place of shelter.
Will be reminded that check outs during a WARNING are highly discouraged.
Will be asked to return to the school if they are in the parking lot when a warning sounds. Cars are not good shelter in a tornado, and it is better to
return to a sturdy building for shelter.
Again, if deemed necessary, automated calls will go out only AFTER safety is re-established and verified, accurate information is available.
Should school dismiss, but your student is not comfortable traveling home, they may shelter in place. Staff will remain as long as students are present.
3
3
4
Evacuation
If an evacuation of the student body becomes necessary for any reason, the students will be transported to a secure location, and parents will be notified where
and when to pick their children up. In some instances, student drivers may be able to transport themselves home, but not until every student has been accounted
for. All information will go out through the familiar channels.
Threats
Any threats that are received by the school are thoroughly investigated. Generally, notification of families will not occur until comprehensive action has been
taken. Please do not expect automated calls to be made in the middle of a crisis.
Lockdowns
There are two forms of lockdown at HHS. The first would be if there is a threat in the area surrounding the school, like a bank robbery with perpetrators on the
loose. In this case, the students will return to the school building from other areas, doors will be sealed and class schedules will continue as close to normal as
possible without students entering or exiting the building. The second form would be if there is a threat within the school itself. In that scenario, students will
be sheltered within their classrooms, away from points of access. Your students have been briefed and know what to expect. The school conducts drills
regularly so that everyone knows what to do.
Violence in the School
In the event of criminal violence in the school, the school will go into the second form of lockdown. No one will be allowed to enter or exit, and the school
automatically becomes a crime scene. However difficult it may be for concerned parents, it is best to allow the professionals to respond to the situation and to
not complicate matters by attempting to get to, or into, the school. As the areas of the school are cleared, students will be placed in secure locations until they
can be reunited with their parents/guardians. Again, information will not be disseminated through school channels until accurate information is obtained and
verified.
OTHER GENERAL IDEAS FOR PEACE OF MIND
Discuss family plans for different emergency situations, and allow your children to give you feedback about what you have planned. Adjust the plan to include
any suggestions they may have.
Discuss with your family how to communicate with each other in an emergency. Remind them that texting usually works, even if phone lines don’t.
Determine an out-of-area contact that everyone knows to keep apprised of their location and situation.
Maintain a supply of water, food, emergency supplies, and a small amount of cash at home.
Purchase and program a weather alert radio so you may be informed of weather emergencies.
Ensure everyone in the family knows the “safe” locations in the house for weather emergencies.
Make sure every family member has access to the house. If your student usually uses a keypad to let themselves in, and there is a power outage, they will be
stranded outside.
Discuss with your family where you would congregate in your neighborhood should you need to vacate your home.
OTHER QUESTIONS
This is just a general overview of some common sense actions that make
protecting our students easier. Should any parent/guardian have any questions
or concerns, they are encouraged to contact the school at 256-428-8050 and ask
to speak to Officer Duncan or Officer Whelpley.
Reflections
The Magic of a Moment - Reflections 2012-13
All six of Huntsville High School’s entries placed at the city level for Reflections and all 6 of our
HHS students’ entries have made it to state, to be announced in April!
This year’s theme was “The Magic of a Moment” and has inspired the artistic minds of many students. Our students
provided a variety of art expressions this year.
1st place film production - John Wachs – “belleza de la noche”
1st place literature - Max Moseley – “The Solace of the Angel”
2nd place musical composition - Matthew Brown – “Starlight Fantasia”
1st place photography - Jessica Russell – “Fountain Fun”
2nd place photography - Tiffany Hnetynka – “The magic of a moment”
1st place visual arts - Brandon Stephens – “The Painted Lady”
The students were honored at an awards ceremony at Columbia High School the night of January 24. The 1st place city winners
advanced to the state level and will be awarded in April in Birmingham.
The PTA® Reflections Program is designed to enhance rather than replace a quality arts education. It
provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for
their artistic efforts. It is an annual program where students in preschool through grade 12 create
and submit works of art in six areas: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical
composition, photography, and the visual arts. A special artist category has also been added. It is
one of the largest student arts recognition programs in the country. Please see
http://www.ptareflections.org/ for more info.
Next year’s Reflections theme is “Believe, Dream, Inspire” for those of you that want to begin
thinking about your contributions next fall!
5
This year’s winners from HHS are:
Matthew Brown – musical composition – “Starlight Fantasia”
Tiffany Hnetynka – photography – “The magic of a moment”
Max Moseley – literature – “The Solace of the Angel”
Jessica Russell – photography – “Fountain Fun”
Brandon Stephens – visual arts – “The Painted Lady”
John Wachs – film production – “belleza de la noche”
Matthew Brown – musical composition – “Starlight Fantasia”
Artist’s Statement:
“It is a very emotional piece. It starts mysteriously and builds into an exhilarating finish. It captures all the emotions that come into
momentous occasions and the magic that these moments create.”
6
Tiffany Hnetynka – photography – “The Magic of a Moment”
Artist’s statement:
“The most magical moments in life are found in nature. This photo is special to me because I took it while hiking on a mountain with my
mom. The sun was starting to set and the light reflected through the trees. The magical rainbow effect was created when the starlight filtered
through the multi-colored fall leaves.”
Max Moseley – literature – “The Solace of the Angel”
Artist’s statement:
“This story is about letting go and accepting that everything will be okay. It’s hard to do, but when you do, it’s a magical moment.”
7
Jessica Russell – photography – “Fountain Fun”
Artist’s statement:
“It was a hot day in Philadelphia and my group and I were
sitting by the fountain and this little girl jumps in. Her
mother then follows her in, holding her hand so she does
not trip. Then members of my group got in and followed
this little girl’s example. She changed a hot day into a
wonderful moment of relaxing and playing in the fountain.”
8
Brandon Stephens-visual arts- “The Painted Lady”
Artist’s statement:
When I started this painting, it was a light blue mess with
black pits for eyes and a pumpkin orange face. One year
later, it was finished. When I stood back and looked at it, I
experienced the magic of a moment when you realize all
your hard work and time has finally paid off. There were
so many times when I would look at my un-finished
portrait and think “Oh my gosh, this looks horrid.” But I
decided to just keep working and finish it. Maybe it would
come out good or maybe it wouldn’t, I really couldn’t tell
at the time. But finally, after months and months of
painting, I was able to step back and say “Wow, it’s
finished.” That right there was when I felt “The Magic of a
Moment”.
John Wachs – film production – “belleza de la noche”
Artist’s statement:
My entry, "belleza de la noche," or "beauty of the night," is a collection of time-lapse sequences I made to contrast the chaos of civilization
and the beauty of nature often overlooked in our day to day lives. By noticing and capturing these scenes over long periods of time, I reveal the
moments that go unnoticed. I chose night sequences to capture light in moments of darkness. I chose electronic background music to enhance
the images in the presentation.
(still shot image from film)
The PTA® Reflections Program is designed to enhance rather than replace a quality arts education. It
provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their
artistic efforts. It is an annual program where students in preschool through grade 12 create and
submit works of art in six areas: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical
composition, photography, and the visual arts. A special artist category has also been added. It is one
of the largest student arts recognition programs in the country. Please see
http://www.ptareflections.org/ for more info.
Next year’s Reflections theme is “Believe, Dream, Inspire” for those of you that want to begin
Ariana Maloney, a senior at Huntsville High School, has been selected as a National Finalist in the
Music Teachers National Senior Performance Vocal Competition.
Ariana earned this opportunity after winning the State and then the Southern Division of the MTNA
Vocal Competition.
The National MTNA Vocal Competition will take place March 10, during the MTNA National
conference at the Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, California. The National winner of this competition
receives a cash prize and will perform in the Winners Concert during the conference.
Congratulations Ariana!
Mu Alpha Theta 2012 Inductees
Erin Arcuri Emily Mantooth
Anna Blair Sarah Gwin Moore
Bruce Bowlin Hudson Morris
Ashley Braddom Taylor Morrow
Rachel Brock Samuel Motz
Anna Catherine Brooks Erin Neighbors
Lily Brooks Zac Newmann
Clayton Brown Binh Nguyen
Jordan Burlingame Kate Nunn
Will Carter Victorai Offei-Dua
Mark Chodaba Emma Pair
Jon Clegg Briana Parker
Lowell Crook Jonathan Prozan
Luke Damian Clay Pruett
Peyton Davis Susan Purvis
Kurt Delay Cate Rasco
Lindsay Douglas Mary Anna Rose
Kevin Ellison Teddy Rotenberger
Hollis Gilbert Jason Seale
Sam Howard Thomas Seitz
Laurel Sharp
Rachel Joffrian Cara Sharpe
Chip Johnson William Stewart
Alaina Knott Emily Sutphin
Sarah Larsen Sarah Reagan Tepool
Hyunjee Lee Marquis Toney
Maliha Lubna Alex Vroom
Jenneca Mahesh Erin Westbrook
Allison Wire
Congratulations!
Huntsville High Theater Department Presents…
The classic MGM movie comes to life on the stage April 12- 20 in the HHS Auditorium. Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion face the Wicked Witch of the West with the help of Glinda, the Good Witch. You’ll love this production with 53 cast members, 11 specialty dancers, 12 children and 1 dog! “We are pulling out all of the stops,” exclaims Mr. Chappell, who embarks on his 3rd production of “Oz” (his 2nd at HHS). With a popular show like “Oz’” it is customary to repeat it in seven to ten years. That way a whole new generation is introduced to it. We had such a great time eleven years ago that I wanted to bring it back. And there are so many new and improved “technical” toys that we can play with since 2002. This show is going to be a
grand, exotic, and beautiful production with many special effects. Not to give too much away, but expect to see monkeys flying…and the witch…and Glinda! We hope that you’ll be singing in the aisles to “Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead”…”We’re Off to see the Wizard’” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.” Little ones will enjoy our Wizard of Oz Character Breakfast on Saturday, March 16. Enjoy a pancake breakfast along with crafts, games, and photo opportunities with all of the characters – we’ll even make the Wicked Witch be nice! You won’t want to miss this show! Tickets are for sale online February 1st and will be at our ticket outlets (Southerland Station and Cotton Cottage) March 18th. The Theater Box Office will be open daily beginning April 1st.
The Wizard of Oz
Cast
Dorothy Gale - Peyton Satterfield
(Dorothy understudy – Olivia Hendrick)
Hunk/Scarecrow - Hunter Hladky
Hickory / Tin Man - Kurt Delay
Zeke – Cowardly Lion - Tyler Graham
Glinda the Good Witch - Claire Quirk
Wicked Witch of the West - Emily Pullen
Professor Marvel/ Wizard of Oz - -Sam Holder
Uncle Henry /Emerald City Guard – Eric Witteveen
Auntie Em - Cate Rasco
The “Jitterbug” - Peyton Davis
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Munchkinland
School Teachers: Emily Cragon and Katie Russell
Mayor of Munchkin City: Christian Daschle
The Barrister: Georgia Claire Park
City Leader #1: Emily Glass
City Leader #2: Chris O’Neil
Coroner: Jacob Abbott
Mothers of “Sleepy Heads”
Marie Beverly, Anna Leigh Fountain, Peyton Ann Mickle
Trumpeters
Sara Hardiman, Taylor Morrow, and Mary Grace Railey
The Lullaby League
Lauren Bakke, Ann Dillon Loflin, and Cameron Overton
The Lollipop Guild Mason Baumann, Parker Johnson, Peyton Davis
Munchkin Guards Ryan Davidson, Brandson Stephens, William Noble, Gentry Patterson
Munchkins
Sarah Bradley, Chelsie Crossen, Anna Leigh Fountain, Polly Gartrell, Emily Glass, Alex Green,
Engrave your name in the history of Huntsville High! Commemorative bricks for the courtyard are still available. Keep
them in mind for a great birthday or graduation gift! Look for the order form in this newsletter, talk to a band student about
ordering, or download a form from the band website at www.eteamz.com/huntsvillehighband.
IMPORTANT DATES:
January 30, 2013 – Last day to turn in Cookie Dough orders
February 5, 2013 – Next HHS Band Parent Association Meeting, 7:30pm in Band Room
February 7, 2013 – “A Night of Jazz” concert, Hampton Cove Middle School Cafeteria
February 8-9, 2013 - University of Southern Mississippi All-South Honor Band Clinic, Hattiesburg, MS
February 12, 2013 – MPA Pre-Contest Concert, HHS Auditorium
February 15-March 2, 2013 – BBQ Boston Butt Sale
February 21-22, 2013 – District Music Performance Assessment, HHS Auditorium
April 4-7, 2013 – Chicago Trip
April 18, 2013 – All-State Band, Von Braun Center
May 7, 2013 – Spring Band Concert, HHS Auditorium
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HCMS & HHS – Combined Band Fundraiser
“A Night of JAZZ” Thursday, February 7th 2013 - HCMS Cafeteria
CONCERT at 6:30pm with a Sweet and Yummy Intermission! Please join us for “A Night of Jazz!”
We are inviting the whole family and Huntsville community to come out Thursday Evening - February 7th at 6:30 p.m. for some wonderful music & sweets.
All proceeds from the night will benefit the HCMS &HHS Band Programs. Performing will be: HHS Jazz Band, HCMS 7th and 8th Jazz Bands, Gus Arnold, as well as Mr. Gene Swanner & Friends.
You really don’t want to miss this night, we are very proud of ALL our Jazz Bands! So Purchase Tickets now for only $6.00 per person! Price goes up to $8.00 on night of event.
Menu: Music & A Sweet Intermission
Please fill out the form below along with your check payable to HHS BPA(mark in memo “Jazz Night”) and turn in to the band room box. The cut-off to purchase early $6.00 tickets is Wed. Feb 6th. Questions, call Rich Arnold at 931-624-0172 or [email protected].
HCMS & HHS - Band Fundraiser
“A Night of JAZZ” CONCERT - 6:30pm
Thursday, February 7th, 2013 – Hampton Cove MS Cafeteria
Check list by Year http://www.actstudent.org/college/checklist.html
Freshman Year
Find out how to make the most of high school Plan challenging high school courses Find out why you should go to college Become familiar with college entrance requirements Take EXPLORE®—a set of four tests that measure academic achievement; EXPLORE results can be a
benchmark before taking PLAN® and the ACT® test Review EXPLORE results with your parents and school counselor Start thinking about reasons for attending college Join/continue extracurricular activities Attend summer camp at a college to experience a college-like atmosphere Research college costs Continue/start saving for college Meet with your college/career counselor at least once a year Explore careers on the Internet by using DISCOVER®
Sophomore Year
Continue to take and plan challenging high school courses Continue to meet with your college/career counselor at least once a year Keep exploring careers on the Internet by using DISCOVER® 31
Think about what kind of education/training different careers require Take PLAN® Review PLAN results with your parents and school counselor; compare these to your EXPLORE® results to
measure growth Start collecting college information Visit colleges and talk with college students Be ready with a list of questions to ask on your campus visit Use this list of college characteristics to decide how to evaluate different colleges Begin filling out the college comparison worksheet (PDF; 1 page, 64KB); for assistance with PDF files, see
these tips Continue/start saving for college Consider your reasons for going to college and how they relate to your career interests Join/continue extracurricular activities
Junior Year
Keep meeting with your college/career counselor at least once a year Continue to take and plan challenging courses Keep your grades up Join an academic club Register for the ACT. You should be academically ready to take it by spring. If not, take it early in your senior
year. Read our key information about the ACT test Talk with your parents and high school counselor about colleges that interest you Prepare a list of questions to ask on campus visits Continue to visit colleges and talk with college students List, compare, and visit colleges Start or update an academic resume Consider putting together a portfolio that highlights your special skills and talents Keep filling out the college comparison worksheet (PDF; 1 page, 64KB); for assistance with PDF files, see
these tips Investigate scholarship opportunities Volunteer for activities and clubs related to career interests Get a part-time job, apprenticeship, or internship; or job shadow in a profession that interests you
Senior Year
Senior year is finally here, and it's full of things to do to get ready for college. Use this senior year checklist to keep track of your progress and upcoming deadlines for testing, admissions and financial aid.
August
Sign up for the ACT (if you didn't take it as a junior, or if you aren't satisfied with your score, or if you've learned a lot since you first took it.)
Review ACT test results and retest if necessary
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August – December
Visit with your school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate and fulfill college admission requirements
Consider taking courses at a local university or community college Keep working hard all year; second semester grades can affect scholarship eligibility Ask for personal references from teachers, school counselors, or employers early in the year or at least two
weeks before application deadlines. Follow your school's procedure for requesting recommendations. Visit with admissions counselors who come to your high school Attend a college fair Begin your college essay(s) Apply for admission at the colleges you've chosen Avoid common college application mistakes Find out if you qualify for scholarships at each college you have applied to Start the financial aid application process See your school counselor for help finding financial aid and scholarships
January – May
If you need it, get help completing the FAFSA Ask your guidance office in January to send first semester transcripts to schools where you applied. In May,
they will need to send final transcripts to the college you will attend. Visit colleges that have invited you to enroll Decide which college to attend, and notify the school of your decision Keep track of and observe deadlines for sending in all required fees and paperwork Notify schools you will not attend of your decision Continue to look for scholarship opportunities Keep track of important financial aid and scholarship deadlines Watch the mail for your Student Aid Report (SAR)—it should arrive four weeks after the FAFSA is filed Compare financial aid packages from different schools Sign and send in a promissory note if you are borrowing money Notify your college about any outside scholarships you receive
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Test Prep http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html
Preparing for the ACT (PDF; 80 pages, 1,075KB) or Preparación para el examen de ACT (PDF; 86 pages, 1.18MB) –FREE A free student preparation booklet available from most high schools and colleges—includes test information, complete practice tests with scoring keys, and a writing prompt with sample essays.
Practice test questions–FREE Alternate Format Practice Tests Order Form (PDF; 1 page, 45KB)–FREE Test tips–FREE Test descriptions–FREE
College Board Tests provided by collegeboard.com Follow the links below to register online for the SAT, view and send your SAT scores, and find all the information you need — including exam dates and fees — for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests™, PSAT/NMSQT, AP, and CLEP. SAT & Subject Tests PSAT/NMSQT AP CLEP
Applying to Colleges http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/index.html Applying to college takes thought, effort, and organization. Our tools and expert advice can help you keep track of applications, apply to college online, and write solid admission essays.
Articles
The Application
College Application Calendar College Application FAQs Preparing for Admission Tests Your Counselor and the Application Process Is Part of Your College Application Really Missing? NEW! Avoid Sending Too Many Applications See all Articles
Essay Skills
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Top 10 College Application Mistakes http://www.actstudent.org/college/mistakes.html Senior year is hectic, but don't let that affect the quality of your college applications. Take your time, pay attention to detail and plan
ahead so you can meet the deadlines.
Following are some of the top responses from counselors and admissions staff who shared the most common mistakes on college
applications.
1. Misspellings and grammatical errors—This is a big pet peeve of admissions people. Misspellings on something as important
as the application shows that either you don't care or you aren't good at spelling. Some students even misspell their
intended major. But don't stop with a spell check. Proofread for grammatical errors, too.
2. Applying online, but the application isn't actually submitted—If you apply online, you should receive confirmation that the
college or university received it. Confirmation could be an email message, a Web page response or a credit card receipt.
Follow through and make sure that your application has been received.
3. Forgotten signatures—Make sure you sign and date the form. Often students overlook that part of the form if it's on the
back. Check that all spaces are completed.
4. Not reading carefully—For example, if the form asks what County you live in, don't misread it as Country and write United
States.
5. Listing extracurricular activities that aren't—Those that make the list include sports, the arts, formal organizations and
volunteer work. Talking on the phone and hanging out with friends don't make the cut. Make sure your activity information
is accurate. Colleges may check with your high school.
6. Not telling your school counselor where you've applied—Let your counselor know which colleges you're applying to, and
ask him or her to review your high school transcript before sending it to colleges. Sometimes transcripts have errors.
7. Writing illegibly—First impressions count, so take your time and use your best handwriting. It will make a better
impression.
8. Using an email address that friends might laugh about, but colleges won't—Select a professional email address. Keep your
fun address for friends, but select an address using your name for college admissions.
9. Not checking your email regularly—If you've given an email address, the college will use it. You don't want to miss out on
anything because you didn't read your email.
10. Letting Mom or Dad help you fill out your application—Admissions people know if your parents help, whether you have
two different styles of handwriting or your admissions essay sounds more like a 45‐year‐old than a 17‐year‐old. It's fine to
get advice, but do the work yourself.
Paying for College and Financial Aid http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html
Understand all of your options when it comes to paying for college. We can help you get the latest information about college costs, scholarships, financial aid applications, education loans, and college financing. Use college costs and financial aid tools:
Scholarship Search Financial Aid EasyPlanner
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Apply Early and Follow All the Rules See all Articles Ways to Pay Reducing College Costs College Tuition Tax Credits Paying for College Is a Shared Responsibility See all Articles Loan Center The Borrowing Process and How It Works See all Articles 36
Types of Financial Aid http://www.actstudent.org/finaid/types.html Financial assistance to attend college comes in many forms.
Federal Aid Programs—Federal programs are based on financial need. They are the largest single source of financial aid
for college.
State Aid Programs—Most states support various aid programs (both need‐based and merit). Generally, eligibility for
state need‐based programs follows the federal guidelines.
Grants and Scholarships —Awards based on merit or merit plus need. They don't have to be repaid.
Loans—Funds loaned through a lending institution or college. Interest rates vary by program. For federal loans,
qualifying students—based on need—will not have to pay interest while in school. Loan programs also are available to
eligible parents to help with college expenses of their qualifying children.
Military programs—The military offers several options to help you pay for college. 31
Work‐study programs—Jobs that allow students to earn money toward their education while they are enrolled in
school. Students can sometimes get jobs related to their program of study.
Working and Savings—As the cost of a college education rises, more students and parents will need to put money aside.
Lots of college students have part‐time jobs to help make ends meet.
Most people use a combination of these forms of aid to pay for college.
Thinking about an in‐state school? The following list represents a variety of
colleges and universities in Alabama. You can learn a lot by visiting a school’s
website – things like average ACT score requirements, application deadlines,
campus tour dates, and courses of study.
Alabama Colleges and Universities
Public Universities
Alabama A&M University ‐ Normal, AL
Alabama State University ‐ Montgomery, AL
Athens State University ‐ Athens, AL
Auburn University ‐ Auburn, AL 37
Auburn University at Montgomery ‐ Montgomery, AL
Jacksonville State University ‐ Jacksonville, AL
Troy University ‐ Troy, AL
The University of Alabama ‐ Tuscaloosa, AL
University of Alabama at Birmingham ‐ Birmingham, AL
University of Alabama in Huntsville ‐ Huntsville, AL
University of Montevallo ‐ Montevallo, AL
University of North Alabama ‐ Florence, AL
University of South Alabama ‐ Mobile, AL
University of West Alabama ‐ Livingston, AL
University of Alabama System ‐ Tuscaloosa, AL
Armed Forces
Army – www.army.com
Navy – www.navy.com
Air Force – www.airforce.com
Marines – www.marines.com
Non‐Profit Independent Institutions
Amridge University ‐ Montgomery, AL
Birmingham‐Southern College ‐ Birmingham, AL
Concordia College ‐ Selma, AL
Faulkner University ‐ Montgomery, AL
Huntingdon College ‐ Montgomery, AL
Judson College ‐ Marion, AL
Miles College ‐ Birmingham, AL
Oakwood University ‐ Huntsville, AL
Samford University ‐ Birmingham, AL
Spring Hill College ‐ Mobile, AL
Stillman College ‐ Tuscaloosa, AL
Talladega College ‐ Talladega, AL
Tuskegee University ‐ Tuskegee, AL
United States Sports Academy ‐ Daphne, AL
University of Mobile ‐ Mobile, AL
Public Two‐Year Colleges
Alabama Southern Community College ‐Monroeville, AL
Bevill State Community College ‐ Sumiton, AL
Bishop State Community College ‐ Mobile, AL
Calhoun Community College ‐ Decatur, AL
Central Alabama Community College ‐ Alexander City, AL 38
Chattahoochee Valley Community College ‐ Phenix City, AL
Drake State Technical College ‐ Huntsville, AL
Enterprise State Community College ‐ Enterprise, AL
Faulkner State Community College ‐ Bay Minette, AL
Gadsden State Community College ‐ Gadsden, AL
Ingram State Technical College ‐ Deatsville, AL
Jefferson Davis Community Collegev ‐ Brewton, AL
Jefferson State Community College ‐ Birmingham, AL
Lawson State Community College ‐ Birmingham, AL
Lurleen B. Wallace Community College ‐ Andalusia, AL
Marion Military Institute ‐ Marion, AL
Northeast Alabama Community College ‐ Rainsville, AL
Northwest‐Shoals Community College ‐ Muscle Shoals, AL
Reid State Technical College ‐ Evergreen, AL
Shelton State Community College ‐ Tuscaloosa, AL
Snead State Community College ‐ Boaz, AL
Southern Union State Community College ‐ Wadley, AL
Trenholm State Technical College ‐ Montgomery, AL
Wallace State Community College (Dothan) ‐ Dothan, AL
Wallace State Community College (Hanceville) ‐ Hanceville, AL