Hopefully you were able to use Senior Success Week to get caught up, and on top of all of your school work, as well as post secondary planning. As we get ready for a sensational Spirit/Homecoming/ACT (on Saturday) week, we have some things we would like you to keep in mind as you celebrate, and test (Writing SoL (for some) and ACT), next week:
Deadlines! Deadlines!! Deadlines!!
Last week saw the first major college application deadline of October 15th come and go. This was a wake up call to many that we are in the midst of application season, and if you are not organized with your time and plans, deadlines will sneak up on you, and opportunities may slip away. November 1st is the next major application deadline, and we encourage you to make sure you are prepared with everything you need it you are aiming to reach that deadline. In addition, time is ticking on the November 6th Northern Virginia Community College Pathways Program deadline.
Lastly, one major deadline for many is the October 20th deadline to apply for Free/Reduced lunch status. If you have not completed/submitted your application yet, you will no longer be able to use last year’s status to receive lunch. You can apply via the paper format, or online at https://www.schoolmealapp.com/Register.aspx. Don’t miss this deadline because it impacts not only your meal benefits but also the ability to obtain SAT/ACT waivers, benefits for medical/dental purposes, etc… Sign up today, don’t delay!
Last Chances for ACT and SAT Testing
Speaking of deadlines, we are coming up on the last opportunities to take the ACT or SAT for seniors interested in applying to start college in the fall of 2016. Here are the upcoming registration deadlines and corresponding testing dates for the SAT and ACT:
Looking for an Alternative Year After High School
In all the talk about college, some of you have been thinking about an alternative experience for that first year out of high school. Have you thought about taking a year to enhance your skills and learn more about the world of work before you commit to a major. Well then take a moment to think about taking a Year Up! This is a program designed for recent high school graduates to spend a year exploring their opportunities, while making the most of their resources. They have been holding informational sessions over the past month (flier link), and you can learn more via their flier and/or website. Please see Mrs. Parcell for more information about this great alternative that could lead to a great future.
Mayor’s Campaign to End Bullying Kicks Off for 2015
October is Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. It’s time to continue the efforts to end bullying in Alexandria.
The next Mayor’s Campaign to End Bullying stakeholder’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the T.C. Williams High School King Street Campus, in the Rotunda. We hope to see everyone there! If you haven’t had the chance to attend previous meetings, please come – it’s never too late get involved. Let us know you’re coming: RSVP online by October 23.
FREE Performing and Visual Arts College Fair
The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) will be hosting a Performing and Visual Arts College Fair (PVA) in Washington, DC on Sunday, October 18, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The PVA program is an important resource for fine arts students interested in pursuing undergraduate programs of study in the areas of music, theater, dance, visual arts, graphic design, film production, and other related disciplines. A workshop on Navigating the Performing and Visual Arts College Fair will be offered from 12:10 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. in Meeting Room 102 B. Students can pre-register for free and view the list of schools attending at www.gotomypvafair.com. For more information, please visit our web site at www.nacacnet.org/pva or call us at (800)822-6285 or see this flier and card.
Here are some exciting upcoming opportunities to learn about some of your future career options:
Interested in learning more about pursing a medical career at Northern Virginia Community College? Don’t miss their huge Open House event on October 17th. Take a look at this link to their Open House event on the NVCC Medical Campus (flier link) and sign up today!
October 18 George Mason University Open House (must register ahead, and spaces are filling up fast! (link))
The University of Virginia Women in Engineering special High School Visitation program is scheduled for November 14th. Sign up today if you would like to attend this exciting and informative overnight experience. The application deadline is October 23rd, so don’t delay! Flier link & website link
Are you looking for tutoring to help with those challenging assignments? Take a look at this program that is being offered by Mount Zion Baptist Church in Arlington (just up the road). Flier link
In addition to all of the colleges that visited for our annual College Fair on Tuesday (so great to see sooooo many of your there), and the colleges that come to the College and Career Center throughout the fall, this is prime time to visit colleges to help make your application decisions more clear. Take a look at this link for tips on how to make the most out of your college visits, and don’t forget to sign up in Naviance for colleges that are coming to visit in our College and Career Center. The list keeps getting updated every week.
October/November College Visits Schedule
Last, but certainly not least, mark your calendars for these important upcoming dates:
Class of 2016 College Planning Meetings link
Happy Homecoming Week!