Junior Space
It’s a Great Time to Be a
Dawn
McNeeley, Counselor
for the Business & Technology Academy
829
– 6327 mcneeleyd@sedalia.k12.mo.us
Carmen
Brock, Counselor for the Arts &
Humanities Academy
Jacqueline
Lollis, Counselor for the Health
& Sciences Academy
Smith-Cotton Phone
Numbers
Principals
Office 851 - 5300
Attendance
Office: 851 - 5305
A+
Office: 851 - 5316
Counselor/Registrar
Office: 851 - 5306
Is being offered to any Junior. The cost of this voluntary test is $13. Test date is October 13, 2010, in the morning.
Sign up for this is in the Counseling Office by Monday, September 13th by 3:30 PM
ASVAB
All Juniors will be taking the ASVAB Career Exploration Test. This will be done on December 8-9, 2010 from 8:30 - 11:30.
Your Junior will be getting more information regarding their testing day.
$$$$ Do You Want To Be a Member of the
“A” Team?
You could win a $100 Savings Bond from Central
Missouri Electric Cooperative
Requirements:
· Parent or legal
guardian must be a current CMEC member
· Student must attend
school in Pettis,
· Students must be in
the 9th – 12th grades
· Report card must have
an “A” in both Math and Science
· The parent’s CMEC map
number, phone number and student’s school name and date of birth must be on the
report card
Students will need to
drop off or mail a copy of their report card with the above information to
Central Missouri Electric Cooperative.
A drawing is held
approximately 4 weeks after each school quarter is completed. There are two $100 savings bonds given away
each quarter. Winners must wait one year
before entering again.
Call Central Missouri
Electric Cooperative at 826-2900 if you have questions.
The Attendance
Policy for 2010-11
Any absence beyond six (6) times per class per
semester may result in loss of credit without medical documentation or
administrative approval.
However, every student should continue to come to
school and do the work for each class.
The reason for this is that the loss of credit will not be determined
until the end of the semester by the administrators.
If you do get
into the situation where you have too many absences, you may make up the “seat
time” by going to NETS (after school tutoring) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is located in the library right after
school from 3:40 until 4:40.
COLLEGE
PREPARATORY STUDIES CERTIFICATE
The Missouri State Board of
Education awards the College Preparatory Certificate to
The certificate is awarded in addition to their high school diploma. The certificate is designed to provide
incentive and recognition to high school seniors who exceed the minimum
requirements for graduation.
Requirements for the CPC are as
follows:
1.
The course program must include at least the following:
English,
4 units
Math,
3 units
Science,
2 units
Social
Studies, 3 units
Fine
Arts, 1 unit
Practical
Arts, 1 unit
PE,
1 unit
Specified
Core Electives, 3 units
General
Electives, 6 units
Total
of 24 units of credit.
2. Earn at least a 3.0 GPA on a
4.0 scale, in the combined subject areas of English, Math, Social Studies and
Science.
3.
Score above the prior year’s national average on the ACT test.
4.
Complete a strong academic program:
●
English – English I, II, III and IV or one unit of speech or debate can be
substituted.
●
Math – three units that are Algebra I and above, one of which must be Algebra
II
●
Science – At least two units, (NOT general science) selected from biology,
chemistry or
physics;
one course must be a lab class. *see
your counselor about the science requirement.
●
Social Studies – At least three units one of which must be Am. History and at
least one
semester
of Am. Govt.
●
Fine Arts – One unit in visual arts, music, dance or theater.
●
Specified Core Electives – At least 3 units selected from foreign language,
(two units of the
same
language is strongly recommended) and/or combinations from two or more of the
following
course areas: English, math, social
studies, science and fine arts.
●
General Electives – At least 6 units sufficient to meet state and local
requirements.
► Ask your counselor for the complete College Preparatory Studies
Certificate guidelines.
How
to Calculate Grade Point Average
And
Conversion
to 4.0 Scale
Smith-Cotton is on an 11 point scale. Colleges typically use a 4 point scale. The conversion from an 11 point GPA to a 4
point GPA is made by simply multiplying by .3636.
11 point scale
A = 11
points
A- = 10
points
B+ = 09
points
B = 08
points
B- = 07
points Formula:
C+ = 06
points Grade Point
Average = Total number of grade points
C = 05
points Number of classes
C- = 04
points
D+ = 03
points Conversion:
D = 02
points 11 point
GPA times .3636 = 4
point GPA
D- = 01
point
F = zero
NC = zero
I = zero
1. Assign
each of your child’s course grades the correct point value.
2. Add all
the points for a total amount.
3. Divide the
total amount of points by the number of classes taken. This number is the students GPA on an 11
point scale.
4. If you
wish to convert to a 4 point scale then just multiply the 11 point GPA by .3636
and you will have the actual GPA converted to a 4 point scale.
To Calculate Your Class Rank Percentile:
Subtract your rank in class from the number of students in your class,
and then divide that number by the number of students in your class. For example, if you are 24 in a class of 200,
your class rank percentile is 88.
Example:
200-24=176 and 176/200=.88 or the 88th percentile
Independent Study Classes
Center for Distance and
Independent Study
136
1-800-609-3727
Web site at
http://cdis.missouri.edu
The
University of Missouri Center for Distance and Independent Study offers an
entire high school curriculum by mail and via the net. MU High School has been providing an
alternative to traditional high school education since 1999, when it began
offering an accredited diploma program.
Students are choosing to enroll in the program for a variety of reasons,
from being gifted and wanting to graduate early to needing to work full time. Many students enroll through their high
school counselor to supplement their traditional high school education in
course offerings that are not available in their local high school. Students that are experiencing summer trips
abroad can take courses that keep them on schedule for traditional
graduation. You do have to pay the cost
of tuition and books. Typically a ½
credit course is $125.00 plus the cost of books, shipping and handling.
Contact me
if you are interested in this opportunity.
Community
Service Course for ½ Credit
Earn ½ unit of credit this summer
by enrolling in a community service course.
Community service for credit is
actually an independent study course. Students
must enroll and register with their counselor. Community service for A+ is NOT the same. Students register for A+ with Mrs. Ribble. Students enroll for the community service
course with their counselor. Again,
these are separate registrations.
This course is designed for any student
with the desire to spend time in documented, approved service to some agency or
project with a community service orientation, registered as not for
profit. Eighty hours of documented
service will equate to ½ unit of elective credit. Up to tow units of elective credit may be
counted toward graduation. Each student
will maintain records of dates, times and services rendered. The time sheet will contain each volunteer
entry and will be signed by the person(s) responsible for the supervision of
the student. A checklist will also rate
the success of the effort. The student
will also compose a two-page summary of the total experience and submit it
along with the documentation in order to receive credit. The volunteer work will be preformed outside
of regular school hours. Examples of
this would be assisting in local service club projects, aiding city and state
agencies, and schools.
You could contact:
Salvation
Army
Boys
and Girls Club
Open
Door
Children’s
Your
church
Your
school
Any
non-profit community service agency
** You enroll for the community service course through your
counselor.
Paying for College
Myths and Realities about
Paying for College
Myth: College tuition
costs more than $20,000 a year.
Reality: Of the 3,600
colleges and universities in America, 200 charged $20,000 or more for tuition
and fees in 2002-03. Nearly 80 percent of full-time undergraduates at 4 year
institutions face tuition of less than $8,000.
Myth: Private colleges are always more expensive than public colleges.
Reality: On average, private
colleges usually cost more than public institutions, even after aid is
deducted; however, there are instances in which a private college is less
expensive, after student aid, than a public institution. For example, the cost
of a private institution, less student aid, often is less than a public
institution outside one's home state.
Myth: Only the very rich can afford college.
Reality: Nearly 20 percent of
traditional-aged undergraduates come from families with income below $25,000
per year. The federal government, states, and institutions all offer financial
aid to help low-income students afford college.
Myth:
The middle class gets socked by college costs -- there's no help for them.
Reality: A wide variety of
aid programs are available to help middle-income families, including many
grants and scholarships as well as tax incentives and benefits related to
higher education. At public 4 year colleges, about 40 percent of students with
family income between $40,000 and $80,000 receive grants averaging $2,900. At
private institutions, almost 75 percent are awarded grants or scholarships that
average $9,300.
Myth:
It actually hurts you to save for college because you get less financial
aid.
Reality: Those who save will
be expected to contribute more toward their children's education than those who
don't save. However, the formulas for determining the expected family
contribution count income far more heavily than savings, so the difference is
usually not substantial. Furthermore, a family that saves will have the funds
necessary to meet their expected contribution, while a family that does not
save may have to borrow -- with interest charges more than making up for the
smaller expected contribution.
Myth:
You really don't need college to be a success -- look at Bill Gates.
Reality: Bill Gates' story is
exceptional. Today, the average annual income of full-time workers with a
bachelor's degree is almost 45 percent higher than for those with a high school
diploma. Those with an associate degree earn 19 percent more than high school
graduates. Today, some postsecondary education or training is necessary for
almost every good job.
Myth:
Only big-time athletes get scholarships.
Reality: In 1999-00, less
than 1 percent of undergraduates received athletic scholarships. Most student
aid is awarded on the basis of financial need -- not athletic talent.
Myth:
Only minorities get extra help.
Reality: The majority of
student aid is awarded on the basis of financial need. Very little aid is
awarded solely on the basis of students' race or ethnicity. According to a
recent survey of financial aid officers, less than 10 percent of institutions'
budgets for non-need-based scholarships go toward scholarships for members of
specific minority groups. Generally, students from racial or ethnic minority
groups are more likely to receive scholarships because they are more likely to
have financial need.
Myth:
Only white people know how to pull the strings to get to college.
Reality: Socio-economic
status and previous experience with higher education are much more important in
determining who goes to college than race or ethnicity. The admissions and
financial aid process is daunting for many families, but especially for those
with no previous college experience. Families can get help from a number of
sources. This website is a great place to start. Libraries and high school
guidance offices offer resources and assistance. In addition, many communities
have a federally funded Educational Opportunity Center with trained counselors
to help students and parents through the admissions and financial aid process.
Myth:
It's not what you know when it comes to college and financial aid -- it's
who you know.
Reality: It is most important
to forge relationships with people who can provide solid information and
advice, such as high school guidance counselors and college admissions or
financial aid personnel.
Myth:
Community colleges offer only vocational education.
Reality: Community colleges
provide a wide range of educational options, all at a low cost to students. In
addition to career and technical education, community colleges offer the first
two years of academic course work to transfer to a four-year institution. They
also help workers upgrade their skills and provide courses for lifelong
learning and personal enrichment. Open admissions, nearby locations, a wide
array of courses, flexible class schedules, and low tuition prices make community
colleges readily accessible to everyone.
Myth:
Colleges charge whatever they want -- they've got a monopoly.
Reality: Public and private
colleges set their tuition in very different ways. Generally, state policy
makers set tuition for public institutions. Tuition decisions are driven by the
funding colleges receive from the state. When states cut their appropriations
for colleges and universities, they have to raise tuition to make up at least
part of the resulting budget shortfall. Private colleges set their own tuition,
but they operate in a very competitive environment. They have to construct
tuition and aid policies that allow them to fill their classes and offer the
programs and facilities that will keep them competitive.
Myth:
There is no basis for the soaring increase in college prices.
Reality: Many factors
influence college cost increases - technology and facility costs, faculty
salaries, student aid expenditures, and cuts in state appropriations to name
just a few. Despite cutbacks in state appropriations and decreasing endowment
values colleges are trying to do even better, searching for new and innovative
ways to cut costs and minimize tuition increases.
http://www.acenet.edu/Content/NavigationMenu/ProgramsServices/CIP/PayingforCollege/Myths_Realities.htm
What can my child do outside the classroom to prepare for college?
A student's interpersonal and leadership skills as well as outside interests and goals are all important for college preparation. Independent reading and study, extracurricular activities, and work experience will all help your child develop his or her skills, interests, and goals.
Independent Reading
Independent reading and study will help your child to prepare academically for college. This is a good way to develop interests, expand knowledge, and improve the vocabulary and reading comprehension skills needed for college and the SAT or ACT. Encourage your child to read all kinds of books for fun -- fiction and non-fiction. The school library and the local public library are good sources of books, magazines, and newspapers.
Extracurricular Activities
Many school, community, and religious organizations enable high school students to explore their interests and talents by providing activities outside the classroom. Colleges are often interested in a student's extracurricular activities such as school clubs, the student newspaper, athletics, musical activities, and arts and drama, especially if a student has excelled in one or more of these areas.
Work Experience and Community Service
Work experience -- paid or volunteer -- can teach students discipline, responsibility, reliability, teamwork, and other skills. A summer job may be a good way to gain experience and earn money for college as well. If your child works during the school year, he or she should not work so many hours that the job interferes with school work.
Some students also participate in community service activities such as tutoring elementary school children or volunteering in a local hospital. Such activities make valuable contributions to society and also help students to identify their career interests and goals, gain workplace skills, and apply classroom learning to real-world problem solving. Many colleges view community service as a valuable experience that enhances a student's college application.
Some schools offer academic credit for volunteer work through
service-learning. This is a teaching method that integrates hands-on learning
(through service to the community) into the school curriculum. To find out if
your child's school offers service-learning, talk to your child's teacher,
guidance counselor, or school principal. For information on how to start a
service-learning program, contact the Learn and Serve
Taken from http://www.ed.gov/pubs/Prepare/pt2.html
A+ Students
- If you are participating in the A+ program, you will need to submit a copy of your social security card for your file. Please drop a copy by the A+ office at your earliest convenience.
- If you have ANY previous tutoring hours please turn them in before the end of school. Be sure to make a copy for yourself.
- Grades are based upon UNWEIGHTED grade point average. Please be aware that the minimum GPA for A+ is 6.875 on an UNWEIGHTED scale.
- You must maintain a 95% attendance rate. That means don’t go over your allotted days each year!
ACT Testing Information
At the ACT website
you can click on the “Writing Test” and go to a page that will let you type in
the name of a college and find out if the writing test is required, recommended
or not needed. Web site: www.actstudent.org
You can also click
on “college search” and find out very helpful, basic information about colleges
you are considering. The information
will include:
Admissions criteria
Tuition cost
Room and board cost
Applications deadlines etc.
This is a fast and
easy method for parents to check and compare costs without going to each
college’s homepage.
A third item of
interest is to click on “test prep” and you will see that you can order a “Real
Test Prep Manual” directly from ACT. The manual will include ACT tests
including Writing. There are several
items there that could be worth the investment if you are really trying to
improve your score.
www.actstudent.org/aap/writing/index.html = list of colleges
and status on ACT writing test
www.actstudent.org/aap/writing/sample/comment.html
= if you took the writing test you can read comments
made on your essay.
Smith-Cotton NHS Selection Process
All sophomores, juniors, and seniors with a cumulative 9.5 GPA and above will be invited to the auditorium in late February or early March and given information about NHS.
Included will be NHS Information Sheets for them to fill out and return to the Guidance Office if they are interested in being considered for membership in this elite organization. Students do NOT apply to join NHS nor do they fill out “applications.”
Rather, those students who meet the NHS standards of scholarship, leadership, character, and service are invited to join after the entire S-C faculty evaluates each person submitting a sheet and their information sheets are carefully reviewed by the NHS Faculty Council. After the Faculty Council evaluates all materials, they will make the final selections.
(The adviser does not take part in the
selection process but does oversee the selection process to ascertain that all
NHS standards are observed. Also, one
teacher does not have the power to exclude any individual from
membership.) Those who are invited to
join NHS will be called to the auditorium in late February or early March.