Can you believe that we are less than four months away from graduation? Wow, this time is flying, and with so much to look forward to, now is the time to get organized and focused on what you want to experience in the last four months of high school. If you are interested in Senior Experience, please start exploring your options and making contacts with individuals who may be open to mentoring you for the three weeks at the end of May and first week of June. In addition, if you are not where you need to be academically, now is the time to start working with your teachers, Building Better Futures, and other supports (some we will be promoting in the next two weeks) that will help you prepare for graduation AND life after high school. We’re looking forward to seeing many of you at Saturday’s HBCU Festival (more information below) where there will be scholarship and onsite admission opportunities available to those of you who come prepared (ie. transcript, test scores, professional dress, etc.). Also, we wish the best of luck to those of you taking the SAT on Saturday at George Washington Middle School (NEW LOCATION). Be sure to print out your new test ticket with the changed location.
There is so much more, so please keep in touch with us, and keep reading…
UPDATED SNOW MAKE-UP SCHEDULE
Day 5: Make-up on March 4
Day 6: No make-up (YAY!)
NOW Day 7: Make-up on April 22
If we have an additional snow day:
Day 8: No Make-up (YAY!)
Upcoming Events
February 18-19: Mid Year Reports are being sent to colleges (colleges are aware that due to our late start and all of the snow our second quarter did not end until recently, and that we are making sure we are sending the most accurate grades as soon as possible)
February 18th & 19th: Early Release Days for Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 19: LAST ASVAB test for military placement held at TC (sign up has begun in the College and Career Center and fills up QUICKLY!)
February 20th: Alfred Street Baptist Church HBCU Festival @ TC (info and registration link) AND Rescheduled SAT at GWMS (reprint your ticket)
February 23rd: Last FAFSA/CSS Profile Completion Workshop @ TC
February 27th: NOVA Pathways Program Kick Off to College Program at George Mason University! (More to come for accepted students!) AND Rescheduled Winter Formal Dance
Spring Sports Schedule link (with some Senior Night’s highlighted!)
March 1st: Presidential Primary (for registered voters)
March 4th: NOVA Open House Event 9-11 AM (flier link) AND School Day (Snow Make up day #2)
March 8th and 9th: Writing SOL administered
March 15th: Mandatory Drivers Education Meeting at 7PM (if you still need it, don’t miss this!)
March 21-25th: Spring Break!!!!
March 30th: Northern Virginia Regional College Fair (Info Link)
FAFSA (and CSS Profile) Workshop Update
Class of 2016, did you know that many colleges award financial aid first come, first served? It is critical that every senior submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) immediately to qualify for free money from the federal government, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and colleges. Even if you are not sure whether or not you plan to attend college next year, complete the FAFSA now to keep your options open! FAFSA does not require essays or consider your grades.
Come to the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s final FAFSA Completion Workshop on Tuesday, February 23rd. Drop by room C-206 any time between 5 and 8pm to enjoy free pizza and complete the FAFSA in less than 30 minutes!
The HUGE HBCU Festival is HERE!
Saturday is the day we have been talking about for months. With gorgeous weather in the forecast we’re sure this event will be packed. Be sure to register ahead of time, and come prepared to impress and interview for college admissions and scholarship offers on the spot!! We will be available in the College and Career Center if you need help printing documents for onsite admission and scholarship opportunities.
Alexandria Youth Law Enforcement Academy
Are you interested in a career in law enforcement? Consider joining the next class of Alexandria’s very own Law Enforcement Academy…
Stress Management
Senior year is exciting, but also very stressful. We are very aware that many of you are experiencing a range of emotions right now, and we want you to know that we are here to help. You are definitely not alone if you are feeling stressed, but you need to know that talking about it and finding healthy coping skills will go a long way in preparing you to deal with stress throughout your life. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health and needs to be taken care of so that you can get the most out of your every day life.
Also, thanks to Giselle, we have learned of another great online resource for teens to access as they look for strategies to deal with all types of life events. Take a journey to Seven Cups via this link..
Speaking of Stressors…
Have you ordered your cap and gown yet? If not, we are less than four months away from graduation, and the price is changing. Please visit the Herff Jones site right away so that you can be properly outfitted for that special day. Visit their website at: highschool.herffjones.com
The next four months are going to fly by, but please take time to enjoy the journey. We are here to help, and want to make sure that you not only make it to graduation, but also to a successful life after graduation. We noticed that only half of this graduating class has started the application process for college (see chart below from Naviance), and we need to make sure that you have a plan in place to achieve your post secondary goals.
Counselors will be meeting with students to review their plans, and help revise where necessary because we are looking beyond June 18th to make sure you are ready for wherever life will lead you.
Have a wonderful weekend!