for students in 12 th grade - prairiepride.org · Prairie High School Policies and Guidelines...

for students in 12th grade

_________________________________________________________________

Counseling Office Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 College Community Schools Mission Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Prairie High School Counseling Mission Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 School Counseling in the 21st Century . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Counseling Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Prairie High School Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-7 Checklists/Planning Pages for 12th grade students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Opportunities After High School

✰ Military . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ✰ Employment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-17 ✰ Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18-24

2 Prairie High School Transition Guide

Prairie School Counseling Office Information

_________________________________________________________________

: The counseling office secretary is available from 7:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Monday-Friday. School counselors are available for appointments from 8:00-4:00 each day. Arrangements can be made for appointments outside of school hours. Students are welcome to stop by and see their counselor at any time.

: Laura Fisher, Counseling Secretary:

Phone . . . . . . 848-5344 Email: [email protected]

Angela Amunson, 10-12th Counselor, Letters A-G Phone . . . . . . 848-5340 ext. #2056

Email: [email protected]

Steve Stumpff, 10-12th Counselor, Letters H-O Phone . . . . . . 848-5340 ext. #2088


Clay Stoffer, 10-12th Grade Counselor, Letters P-Z Phone . . . . . . 848-5340 ext. #2096


Mary Gudenkauf, 10-12th Career Dev. Specialist Phone . . . . . . .848-5387


Lora Danker, 10-12th ELP/Differentiation Specialist Phone . . . . . . . 848-5500



mailto:[email protected]


















CCSD Schools Mission Statement

To Ensure Quality Learning Today for Tomorrow

CCSD Counseling Dept. Philosophy/Mission Statement

Counseling Philosophy Statement We believe that all students can progress and achieve when provided the appropriate support and respect for their individual learning styles. Systematically planned guidance, managed by professional school counselors, includes academic support, career planning, and personal/social skill development for each student. Program decisions are made based upon student needs and data evaluation. We believe the counseling program, along with the support of parents, staff, and community, is integral and necessary to this growth process. Each counselor will abide by professional school counseling ethics as advocated by the American School Counseling Association and participate in a professional development that leads towards an articulated K-12 comprehensive school guidance program. Counseling Mission Statement To provide a comprehensive K-12 program that empowers students in becoming effective learners capable of reaching their potential in academic, career, and social/emotional areas in order to become productive members of society.

School Counseling in the 21st Century School Counselors work with all students, school staff, families, and members of the community as an integral part of the education program. School counseling programs promote school success through a focus on academic achievement, advocacy, social/emotional development and career development. The purpose of the school counseling program is to impart specific skills and learning opportunities in a proactive and preventive manner which ensures that all students can achieve school success through academic, career and personal/social developmental experiences. The school counseling program is a foundation for school success.


Prairie High School Policies and Guidelines Course Load Students in grades 10-11 are required to carry a minimum of 6 classes per semester. 12th grade students are required to carry a minimum of 5 classes per semester. Pass/Fail Students may elect to take a course for “Pass/Fail”. The following guidelines apply:

✰ Courses used to meet the minimum requirements for graduation in math, science, English, and social studies may not be taken Ps/F

✰ A grade of “C-“ or higher must be earned in order to receive credit. ✰ Parent signature is required. ✰ Deadlines for applications: 6th weeks into the semester. ✰ Once this option is chosen, it may not be reversed at a later date.

Drop-Add Deadlines

PHS Classes Last day to add a Prairie class each semester is (1 Calendar Week) Last day to drop a Prairie class each semester is (6 Calendar Weeks) Procedure for dropping core classes: Complete online form to add or drop a core class (English, Math, Science, Social Studies), world language, or dual credit class. The online form will notify counselors of requested change. Also, the form will require a guardian’s email, and they will have to verify the request either through email or phone before a counselor will make the change.

Again, this is only for students dropping core, world language, or dual

credit classes.

The online link is on the PHS Main Page or under the Counseling/Student Services Tab, Form Tab, Course Drop Form.

Kirkwood Dual Credit Classes

Linn County Regional/PHS/Kirkwood Main Campus: ● Alt. Concurrent and Concurrent Enrollment students have 30 days to drop

class. ● After 30 days students would receive an "F" at Prairie.


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uSpwcXa7xOYaISGNL0qIcBxiKn1RMtqWAjwOmGLu_r0/viewform

Early Graduation Students who have met the minimum academic requirements, with parental consent, may graduate early. Applications are available in the main office and must be submitted to the principal by Oct. 1st. Students who graduate early are not eligible to participate in co-curricular activities. They may, however, attend Prom and participate in graduation. Weighted Classes All Advanced Placement (AP) and Project Lead The Way classes have a weighted GPA. A = 5.0 B = 4.0 C = 3.0 D= 2.0 F= 0.0 Graduation Requirements Prairie High School students are required to earn 24 credits in order to graduate. In addition, the following department requirements must be met in order to earn a diploma:

✰ English- 4 credits. Must include English 9, English 10, English 11, and Senior year of English.

✰ Mathematics- 3 credits. Three years must be taken in grades 9-12. ✰ Science- 3 credits. Must include physical science, biology, and a 3rd year of

science. ✰ Social Studies- 3 credits. Must include World History, U.S. History, and

American Government/Economics. ✰ Health/P.E.- 2 credits. One semester must be taken every year. ✰ Vocational- .5 credits. One semester class must be taken in one of the

following areas: Industrial Tech/Info. Tech/Family Consumer Science/Business.

Letter Requirements Students who achieve a 3.50 or higher grade point average for two consecutive semesters are eligible for a Prairie High School academic letter. Academic letters are presented to students at the Awards Assembly each fall and spring. Volunteer Graduation Cord Volunteer Awards will be based upon service projects. These projects will need to be submitted for acceptance BEFORE the project has begun. Forms are available online under the counseling website. Students are required to participate in 2 of the 3 categories: School, Community or Church Seniors: Must complete 18 (180hrs) service points to qualify for a graduation cord. You will also be required to meet the category requirement of service in 2 of the 3 areas and the hours need to submitted by the 1st week in May of the student’s senior year.


August

✰ Determine career interests and decide which kind of college best suits you.

✰ Request information from colleges of interest for admission, scholarship, and financial aid information.

September

✰ Register to take the ACT or SAT tests if you haven’t already taken one or both (PHS Code 160-686).

✰ Take ALEKS and ACCUPLACER test for 2 year/vocational colleges. ✰ Visit with admissions counselors from colleges when they come to PHS. ✰ Collect information about schools ✰ Parents: Gather your taxes from last year. You will need it for financial aid

eligibility and verification for the FAFSA and many scholarship applications. ✰ Sign up for a FSA ID pin ✰ Look for and read Senior Post Secondary Packet ✰ Check email often for senior opportunities and news ✰ See your counselor for more information

October

✰ Take/Re-Take the ACT and /or SAT test if necessary. ✰ Take ALEKS and ACCUPLACER tests for 2 year/vocational colleges. ✰ Begin writing essays for your admission application, if necessary. ✰ Select colleges to visit and call their admissions offices for an appointment ✰ Attend College Application Day ✰ Check colleges for early application deadlines. ✰ Submit your completed FAFSA as soon as possible after Oct 1.

FAFSA online at http://www.fasa.ed.gov/ ✰ Remember to keep copies of all forms you submit to colleges and

agencies November

✰ Narrow your college choice. ✰ Finish applications to colleges. ✰ Request letters of recommendation ✰ Check for scholarships in the counseling office and on Naviance Student ✰ Request transcripts be sent through Naviance Student ✰ Check priority deadlines for submitting the FAFSA with schools of your

choice.


http://www.fasa.ed.gov/

December

✰ Finalize outside grant and scholarship applications. ✰ Stay focused! Grades in your senior year can affect your admittance to the

college of your choice and your scholarship eligibility. ✰ ACT/SAT re-takes

January

✰ Request Transcript(s) through Naviance Student ✰ Complete scholarship applications

February

✰ Check to see if your first semester transcript(s) have been sent to the schools to which you have applied.

✰ Watch for FAFSA deadlines posted by post-secondary institutions ✰ Complete scholarship applications ✰ Check admission status

March-April

✰ Watch for results of the FAFSA you filed. This report is called the SAR (Student Aid Report).

✰ Contact the financial aid offices of each of the colleges you listed on your FAFSA to see if they received your SAR information.

✰ Be prepared to submit a copy of your latest tax forms to the colleges of your choice.

✰ Watch the mail for letters of acceptance from the colleges of your choice. ✰ Compare the finalized aid packages from the colleges to which you have

been accepted. ✰ Make a final decision about the college of your choice and send in the

required deposit, sign, and return financial aid award letter, and note other school deadlines.

✰ Notify the other colleges to which you applied that you will not be attending.

✰ Complete scholarship applications ✰ Call admissions counselor with any concerns

May-June

✰ Complete the counseling office Senior Exit Survey. ✰ Take AP or CLEP exams for which you qualify for. ✰ Complete loan and scholarship papers with bank/school ✰ Finalize housing and financial aid details ✰ Complete Senior Presentation ✰ Graduate!


Graduation from high school is an exciting time in anyone’s life, but it often leads to questions about one’s future and confusion as to what lies ahead. The next few pages will describe a number of opportunities available to students after graduation from high school.

Local Military Contacts

Army US Army Recruiting Station 4444 1st Ave NE. Lindale Mall, Ste 200 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Phone: 319-395-9834

Iowa Army National Guard 10400 18th St SW Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Phone: 319-363-9254

Navy Marines Navy Recruiting Station Marine Corps Recruiting Station 4444 1st Ave NE. 4444 1st Ave. NE, Ste 402 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Phone: 319-393-8340 Phone: 319-393-7866

Air Force

Air Force Recruiting Office 4444 1st Ave. NE Lindale Mall, Ste 406 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Phone: 319-393-4047


Employment For many students, finding employment is a high priority after graduation. Here are some helpful tips for finding that desirable job. (information taken from Clinton High School in Clinton, IA) The first item is a form titled, “A, B, C’s of Job Hunting”. This form helps to provide guidelines for job hunting timelines, interview tips, and information about the interview process. The second item is a document that gives information on how to fill out a job application and how to prepare a resume. When you consider that your application and resume are your very first impressions given to employers, it is easy to understand how important these two items are. You will get basic information about what to do, as well as what not to do when completing these forms. Also included is an explanation of a resume format and a sample resume to help serve as a template. Once you have completed a job application and resume, the next step is the “call back” for an interview. To help you be successful, we’ve provided some guidelines on how to make a good impression during an interview. Hopefully, these materials will help you to make the transition from high school to employment.

11

Prairie High School Transition Guide

The A,B,C of Job Hunting


How to Fill Out a Job Application

A prospective employer’s opinion of you can be influenced by the way you fill out the job application. If there are cross outs, unanswered questions, incomplete answers, mistakes in following directions, or if it is sloppily filled out, it reflects poorly on your abilities. On the other hand, a neat, clean, and complete application shows that you can follow directions, think clearly, express yourself, and also that you care about getting the job. Follow these helpful tips on filling out an application form: 1. Be sure to use ink, not pencil, when filling out applications, or fill out the application electronically if possible. 2. Read all the instructions and follow them carefully. 3. Think before you write. 4. Fill out the application neatly. 5. Answer all the questions. If a question does not pertain to you, put a dash or “N/A” (not applicable). 6. Use your complete name. Don’t use nicknames. 7. Be prepared to answer questions about your education and work history, so bring along all the pertinent dates, names, and addresses. Have a copy of your resume with you. 8. Have your Social Security number with you. 9. Know that in most cases you are asked to list your most recent experience first.

How to Prepare a Resume A resume is a summary of your personal, educational, and occupational experiences. It is a form of “marketing” yourself to a prospective employer. It should distinguish you from other candidates and point out your most desirable qualities. On the first reading, the personnel manager will spot-read the resume. Therefore, it is important to simplify the reading by presenting information in a clear, concise, distinct manner. The preparation of a good resume requires these steps: 1. Collect and organize personal information required.

a. Personal data (name, address, phone) b. Employment objective c. Work experience d. Social Security number e. References- at least three

2. Write your resume in a clear, concise manner. Review it for clarity, spelling and punctuation. 3. Submit it to someone to analyze, critique, and change if necessary. 4. Prepare it for final form by typing and making copies. 5. Include the resume with all applications. Your resume is putting your best foot forward. Readability, eye appeal, and total positive impression should be your resumes goal; therefore, information should be presented in a logical, easy-to-follow sequence.


Resume Format

Many individuals prefer the chronological resume format, because it will allow you to describe your achievements and responsibilities.

Elements of a Chronological Resume Heading Include name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number. Objective Opinions differ widely among employers and career professionals as to the value of including a career objective. In general, an objective on your resume is helpful, but it is not an essential component of a successful resume. Your objective should convey specific information about what you are seeking. An example of an effective objective is: To obtain an entry level position as a cashier with hopes of aspiring to sales. Education Indicate your graduation date. If registered to take community college or college courses, indicate this as well. Activities and Awards Note: If you have one or two academic awards, such as dean’s list and honor society, incorporate them in the education section. Include only scholarships based on merit. Selected Courses List courses (up to six) that pertain to your objective and employer needs. For example an individual applying to work as a cashier might indicate relevant courses such as keyboarding, general business or finance math. Experience This section should include diverse experiences, both paid and unpaid. Include part-time and full time work, summer jobs, internship experiences, volunteer experience, and extracurricular activities. Describe experiences that demonstrate you can succeed in the position you are pursuing.


Sample Resume:

Jane Doe

123 Main Street, Marion, Iowa 52302 [email protected] Tel: (319) 377-1234

OBJECTIVE: An enthusiastic and hard working high school graduate who is eager to find a position in a major accounting practice. Reliable, trustworthy, numerate and meticulous. Worked for a firm of chartered accountants last summer and gained a good understanding of an accountancy practice. Able to work on own initiative or as part of a team and can deal with administrative duties competently. EDUCATION:

● Praire High School, Graduated 130th in class of 400 students and received honors with a GPA of 3.7.

AWARDS:

● 3.0 Club for 4 years ● National Honor Society ● Key Club Member of the Year

EXPERIENCE:

Intern, Johnson & Stevens, 2007

● Assisted the Senior Partner with audits on major companies in the area. ● Handled incoming telephone calls to the Senior Partner from other companies and

members of the public. ● Organized and maintained the Senior Partner’s filing system. ● Typed reports on a PC using Microsoft Word. ● Devised a new filing system to maintain the files held by the department. ● Solved users PC problems including sorting out spreadsheets, explaining how to

use complex features in word-processing packages. REFERENCES:

● Dr. Andrew Brown Tel: (319) 377-1111 ● Mrs. Jack Smith Tel: (319) 377-2222 ● Ms. Lee James Tel: (319) 377-3333




Sample Interview Questions An interview, whether for college or employment, is an opportunity to demonstrate abilities for oral expression. It helps the interviewer make more accurate judgments about attitudes and personality than the written application provides. Although questions may vary, by thinking about and rehearsing some possible answers to the following, you may have greater success in the interview. Why do you want to attend this college or apply for this job?

What three words best describe you?

How would others characterize you?

What is your most outstanding characteristic?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

How do you handle anxiety or job stresses?

How hard are you willing to work on academics?

What can you contribute to the college you attend or the position for which you

are applying?

What experiences in your past have contributed most to your current successes?

How did your high school benefit from you being a student there?

What have you learned or accomplished through activities and special interests?

How does participation in high school activities benefit you?

What are your favorite free-time or school experiences?

What needs to be improved the most at your high school or place of

employment?

What would you do if you received a lower grade than you thought you should

have or were unfairly treated on the job?


Education

For many seniors, the next step after high school is to continue with education. Whether a community college, trade school or a liberal arts college, there are a variety of educational opportunities available to you. The first item in this section of the Senior Planning Guide is a listing of factors to consider when

● Choosing a College (created by ACT). This will help you identify those factors that are important to you when choosing a college to attend. Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, it is a good idea to make campus visits.

● Visiting a College Campus checklist is a handy way to remember

things that should be explored when going to visit a school.

● How to Make the Most of Your Campus Visit provides

guidelines of what to do during the visit, questions to ask the admissions counselor, and questions for the tour guide.

● The College Application Process form helps students and

parents understand the steps involved in applying for college.

● Financial Aid Sources and Programs


Important Factors in Choosing a College

(created by ACT)


How to Make the Most of Your Campus Visit The purpose of the campus visit is to provide a firsthand impression for you and your family

about the college: people, programs, and facilities. Your presence on the campus and your

readiness to talk about yourself and your plans indicate a seriousness of purpose to that school.

This is also an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your goals and to discover what is

available on this campus for living and learning.

Before you visit:

1. Read the catalog, especially the sections on admission requirements, tuition, scholarship data,

and programs of study. Review the history of the college for insights.

2. Look over your high school performance (GPA/Rank) and your standardized test scores.

Colleges will be looking for SAT or ACT.

3. Call the admissions office to set up an appointment.

4. Be prepared to answer questions about a possible major, extra curricular interests, and special

needs or concerns.

During your visit:

1. Plan to meet with an admissions officer and financial aid officer. Verify admissions

requirements and application procedures, check on costs and types of financial aid available.

2. Talk to faculty members, especially in your field of interest.

3. Sit in on classes.

4. Stay overnight in a dorm.

5. Eat a meal on campus. Ask about food plan options.

6. Visit the library and check out computer facilities.

7. See the dorms around campus.

8. Ask about student support services.

9. Walk through the student union.

10. Visit the surrounding community.

11. See current issue of school newspaper.

12. Notice the atmosphere: Is it friendly? Sophisticated? Fun-loving?


Questions for the admissions counselor:

1. What kinds of financial assistance are available?

2. When are the deadlines for applications and financial aid?

3. What opportunities are available for on and off campus employment?

4. How diverse is the student population on this campus?

5. What percentage of students graduate?

6. How does the residence hall staff deal with roommate problems?

7. What is the typical class size?

8. How important is Greek life?

9. What are the freshman core courses?

10. How can I receive advanced placement or CLEP credit?

11. How is security handled?

12. What health services are available? Are counselors available for personal problems?

13. Who teaches courses: number of foreign professionals, teaching assistants, etc.?

14. What pressures might a varsity athlete experience?

15. How much contact is there with faculty?

16. What firms visit for job opportunities after graduation?

17. Are career planning services available?

18. Are tutoring services offered? Who do you contact if you need assistance?

19. What are my chances for success?

20. What is the placement record for graduates in my field?

Questions for the tour guide:

1. What helped you decide to come to this college?

2. What do you like best? Least?

3. What is there to do on weekends?

4. Is this a “suitcase” college?

5. What kinds of things need to be considered in selecting a dorm?

6. How are roommates chosen?

7. What is the academic environment like?

8. How much will I probably have to study to be successful?

9. What student activities are offered (clubs, intramurals, organizations, etc)?

10. What social activities are available?

11. What are the transportation options?

After your visit:

1. Make notes on your reaction to the school.

2. Complete your formal application as soon as possible if you are interested.

3. Send thank you notes or letters.


The College Application Process

Application Strategies

Students generally apply to six or eight colleges or universities. This number varies from person

to person. What is critical in developing a college list is that the final list include schools that the

student would be happy attending. Students often choose colleges from the following three

categories:

Reach A students top choice college. A reach refers to colleges that

generally accept students with GPA’s and standardized test scores

higher than those of the applicant.

Realistic This category refers to colleges that generally accept half or more

of the students with GPA’s and standardized test scores similar to

those of the applicant. Realistic colleges are those at which the

probability of admission is 50:50 or better.

Safe This category refers to colleges that almost always accept students

with GPA’s and standardized test scores below those of the

candidate. Safe colleges are those in which the student is highly

likely to be admitted.

Application Procedures

Once you have selected the schools that you have interest in, the first stop is to obtain

information about those schools. Many applications and college information can now be found on

the internet.

It is extremely important that students read and follow the directions contained in the

information received from schools. Students will receive instructions on how to complete

application forms and will be told exactly what additional materials will be needed to support the

application.

Students have the responsibility for knowing specific details applicable to each school to which

they are applying. Make sure you check deadlines, admission requirements, tests to be taken,

etc. Fill out applications as legibly as possible. When possible use a computer, or complete the

applications online.


The Application Package: Putting it all Together

There are two parts of an application package: the student portion and the high school portion.

Student Portion: The student should begin by completing his or her portion of the application

and then mailing it (or submitting it electronically) to the college.

School Portion: The school portion of the application must be completed by the school

counseling office. Students who require a copy of their high school transcripts must complete a

“Transcript Request” form. This form must have a student’s signature. The registrar will then

send the transcript to the selected college.

Additional Materials: Students are often required to include letters of recommendations with

their college applications. Students can obtain letters of recommendation from their teachers or

counselors.

When requesting a letter of recommendation, the student should:

● Provide the teacher with a timely request. Teachers prefer that students allow at

least 2 weeks for the completion of a recommendation letter.

● Provide the teacher with current academic info. activities, and other relevant info.

needed for a letter.

● For each college letter, provide the letter writer with an addressed envelope with

correct postage.

● Write a thank you note to the teacher for taking the time to write your

recommendation.


Financial Aid: Sources and Programs

Financial aid programs are designed to assist those who, without such assistance, would

be unable to meet the costs of a post secondary education. Financial aid comes from

different sources: federal and state government, college/universities, local private

organization, scholarship programs and banks.

In general, eligibility for financial aid is based on student need. Other forms of financial

assistance are available for scholastic excellence, athletics, or other specialized talents.

The amount “need” varies from school to school according to the cost of attending each

school and how much the student/family is expected to contribute.

The student/family’s expected contribution (EFC) is an amount determined by a formula

established by the US Congress that indicates how much of a student’s/families

resources should be available to pay for school. The student/family financial information

is provided by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA should

be completed as soon as possible after January 1st to assure that the results are

obtained prior to the financial aid deadlines provided by the college. The organizations

and colleges that are to receive the FAFSA results must be included on the FAFSA forms

or through a written request at a later date. Colleges may also require students to fill

out financial aid forms specific to their institution.

A student qualifying for aid will likely be offered a financial aid package composed of self

aid (student loans and work study programs) and gift aid (grants and

scholarships).Some schools may vary the proportion of each kind of aid based on the

student’s academic standing and other factors. The amounts awarded in the various

programs listed may vary from year to year depending on government funding available.


for students in 12 th grade - prairiepride.org · Prairie High School Policies and Guidelines...

Documents

Transcript of for students in 12 th grade - prairiepride.org · Prairie High School Policies and Guidelines...