Student Handbook

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Evacuation Procedures/Attendance Policy 4-5

School Closing/Phone Numbers/HS Graduation 5-6

Backpacks/Uniform Code/School Norms 6-7

Homework/Student Activities 8-9

Incentives for Excellence 9-10

Bus Behavior/Consequences 11-13

Suspension/Termination 14-15

Drug & Alcohol Policy 16-17

Health Services 17

Immunizations 18

Success Skills 20-22

Preparing for College 23-24

Evacuation Procedures

The Board of Trustees of TTA has established a security preparedness plan and staff is trained annually to effectively implement the plan.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Student Absences

State Law requires all children between the ages of six and sixteen to attend school regularly. Parents must call the school at 609-737-7733 ext. 106 on the day a student is absent to report the nature and the expected duration of the absence. When a pupil returns to school after any absence, a written excuse, signed by the parent or guardian, is to be presented to his/her homeroom teacher stating the dates absent and the reason for the absence as soon as possible after the student returns, but no later than four (4) school days from the first day of absence. An absence of three (3) consecutive days due to illness obligates the student to furnish a certificate from a doctor. If the student does not have a certificate from a doctor, it will be considered an unexcused absence. Every unexcused absence will effect the student’s behavior management level. The nursing staff will determine the student’s fitness to return to class.

Written Justifiable Reasons for Student Absence

Disabling Injury or Illness
Required court attendance
death in family
Religious observance
Such other good cause as may be acceptable by the principal.

The school is required to maintain a record of the legal custodian of each student. Only this individual can provide the written justification for the absence. *As required by law, written notification of absences will be sent to the sending district for every 5-day increment the student has missed (5, 10, 15, 20, etc.). A copy of the notice will be forwarded to the parent/guardian.

The administration shall recognize exemplary attendance and encourage good attendance by students.

The attendance policy with regards to grading is as follows:

In order for a new student to receive a grade for the marking period in which they enter The Titusville Academy, they must be present for a minimum of 8 class periods. If the student is not present for at least 8 periods, and NA will appear on the student’s report card.

Truancy

Truancy is an illegal and unexcused absence from school or class. The student will receive a grade of zero for any or all assignments.

Tardiness/Early Dismissal

Students shall not be permitted to leave the school before the close of the day unless the student is met in the school office by his/her parent or guardian or a person authorized by the parent or guardian to act in their behalf. Parent, guardian or authorized adult must sign the student out.

Reasons for Early Dismissal

Medical/dental appointment that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours
Family Emergency

School Closings

In the event of inclement weather, school closings will be announced on local radio and television stations:

NJ 101.5 FM Channel 6 Action News

WPST 94.5

The Titusville Academy Phone Numbers (609-737-7733):

Main Office ext. 100

Attendance ext. 106

Business Office ext. 131

Nurse ext. 150, 151

Social Workers ext. 103, 144, 146

High School Graduation Requirements:

A high school diploma will be awarded upon:
Mastery of basic skills as mandated by the state
Attainment of proficiencies in each of the courses for which graduation credit is awarded.
Compliance with the home district's attendance policy.
Completion of an Individual Education Program (IEP) in the case of a classified student.

A minimum of 120 credits is required for graduation. Each student is required to have at least: three (3) years of history, four (4) years of English, three (3) years of mathematics, three (3) years of science, four (4) years of Physical Education/Health, one (1) year of fine, practical, and/or performing arts, and ½ year of career education. Elective course credit is necessary to accumulate the required credit hours. In order to graduate, the students must also pass each section of the High School Proficiency Assessment (HSPA).

Grading Scale

A student must receive a D or higher to receive credit for a class. The following grading scale will be utilized for the 2009-2010 school year:

A 100-93 C+ 79-77

A- 92-90 C 76-73

B+ 89-87 C- 72-70

B 86-83 D+ 69-67

B- 82-80 C 66-60

Gym Uniforms

All students will be required to wear a gym uniform for participation in their daily Physical Education class. An acceptable gym uniform must consist of one of the approved tops, one of the approved bottoms, and all white or all black sneakers. Sweatpants, sweatshirts, t-shirts and shorts from any other source will be deemed unacceptable. Refusal to adhere to this policy will affect the student’s grade for Physical Education. In addition, this may also cause a loss of behavior points, which could cause a drop in level.

Backpacks

Any student wishing to carry a backpack or purse to school will be required to use The Titusville Academy Security Backpack. This will significantly cut down on the time needed to conduct student security checks upon admission to the building. In addition, all females will be administered a small pouch which may be used for personal hygiene items. Any student attempting to enter the building with an unapproved bag, other than a lunch bag, will have their bag confiscated and be issued an approved bag.

Current Student Uniform Code

All students must wear their Titusville Academy identification badge (provided).
All students must wear the approved dress shirt, tie, slacks, belt and shoes. Elementary female students also have the option of wearing the approved skirt and are not required to wear a tie. Female students must wear the TTA vest.
1. Tan or blue khaki Dockers or Dickie type slacks
2. Dark Dress shoe or ALL black sneakers No Work Boots or Open-Toed Shoes
3. Black or Brown belt
4. TTA Tie
5. TTA white or Light blue Button down dress shirt.
  1. If a Student wears a short sleeve shirt, his/her undershirt cannot be longer than the uniformed shirt
  2. Undershirts must be white with no writing that can be seen through the uniform.
6. TTA polo shirt or turtleneck (Friday attire).
7. TTA sweater or sweatshirt is required only if you wish to wear a sweater or sweatshirt over the dress shirt. NO LONG SLEEVE SHIRT MAY BE WORN UNDER A SHORT SLEEVE BUTTON DOWN OR POLO SHIRT.
8. All clothing must be worn appropriately and be appropriate size and length. (no more than one size bigger or smaller than actual size)
9. Slacks must be of ankle length and should not fall below the heel of the shoe.
10. Slacks must be worn at the waist.

Proper hygiene and grooming are required. All students should be in full uniform when they arrive at school. No sandals, clogs, open toe or backless shoes may be worn. If white socks are worn, they must cover and go over the entire ankle. No sport socks. Hair must be maintained in a clean, neat fashion to be determined by TTA administration. Eyebrow, tongue, and nose piercings are not permitted. Excessive jewelry is not permitted. Male students are not permitted to wear earrings.

Any student who does not arrive to school in accordance with the above-described code will be sent home immediately upon arrival.

School uniform tops must be purchased from Cramer’s Kids. Slack, belts and shoes may be purchased elsewhere.

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS - SCHOOL NORMS

We take pride in TTA
Education is sacred
No one has the right to hurt another person
We respect one another
We shall never behave in a manor that will discredit ourselves, our team or TTA

Arrival / Dismissal / Exchange of Classes – All Students will:

Arrive at school on time and prepared to learn
Enter and leave from front of building
Go directly to homeroom upon entering
Remain seated in homeroom while waiting fro bussed to be called at dismissal
Refrain from disrupting other classes, students or staff while moving through the building.
Obtain an appropriate hall pass prior to leaving the classroom.

Personal Searches:

A student’s person and/or personal effects (e.g., purse, book bag, etc.) will be searched upon arrival at school.

Homework

Homework is an extension of the instructional program of the school. It is the responsibility of each student, as a measure of independence and personal judgment, to complete each assignment with satisfactory effort by the set due date. If a student is absent for any reason, including field trips or sports activities, it is the responsibility of that student to acquire all missed work from their teacher(s). The student has one week from the day they return to school to acquire their missed work and hand it in to their teacher. After one weeks time the work will not be accepted and the student will receive a zero for the missed assignment.

Grade Level Class length - Minutes Per Day

Elementary School 40

Middle School 75

High School 75

Lunchtime/Earned Activity Period Expectations – All students will:

Go to homeroom for lunch and assigned area for activity period
Remain seated and use good manners while eating
Clean individual area.
Maintain appropriate conversation topics, language, volume and tone.
Follow levels system determining permission to go to activity period
Obtain an appropriate hall pass prior to leaving activity period
Follow directions of Titusville Staff
Use only the equipment designated for student use by Titusville staff
Cease recreational activities when directed to do so at the end of the period.
Refrain from participating in acts that are unsafe to self or others.

School Activities:

Attention Student Athletes:

Please be informed that prior to each sport season, you must submit a parent consent form signed by your parent/guardian. Also, athletes must have a medical examination by the school doctor or family physician.

Fall: Winter: Spring:

Soccer Basketball Softball

Bowling Powerlifting

Clubs and Activities:

Executive Bulldog

Yearbook Committee

Incentives for Excellence:

Bulldog Club:

Any student who achieves Blue Level status (94% or better) for 4 consecutive weeks automatically becomes a Bulldog. Bulldog privileges, along with the Monday blue level food treat, include: homework passes and dress-down Fridays. If a student falls below 94% for any week, the process starts again.

Executive Bulldog:

Any student, who has achieved Bulldog status for an additional 2 consecutive weeks and has shown behavior that is “above and beyond” expected, can be nominated by staff for Executive Bulldog status. In addition to all of the privileges awarded to Bulldogs, ‘Execs’ are permitted to wear street clothes on Fridays, are chosen first for any trip and are served a special lunch on a monthly basis.

Honor Roll/Principal’s List:

The Honor Roll of TTA serves to recognize distinguished achievement in academics. Students who receive grades of 90% or higher in all classes will be recognized as Honor Roll Students for the marking period. Students achieving 95% or higher in all classes will be recognized as Principal’s List Students for the marking period. Any student earning two or more marking periods on Honor Roll and/or Principal’s List will be recognized at the end of the year Awards assembly.

Computer usage – All students will:

Follow the contract terms when using the Internet
Use computer programs as instructed
Work quietly and avoid disrupting others
Handle all materials and computer parts with care
Follow the levels system determining recreational use of computer.

Lavatory – All Students Will:

Attend to his/her needs and return to class immediately.
Assist in maintaining the cleanliness of the lavatories.
Respect the privacy of others.

Automobile Searches:

On the occasion a student is permitted to drive to school, the school retains authority to conduct inspection of the exteriors of student cars on school property. The interiors of the student vehicles may be inspected whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that illegal or unauthorized materials are contained inside. Such patrols and inspections may be conducted without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.

BUS BEHAVIOR

All students will:

Be ready when bus driver signals horn for a.m. pickup.
Wait safely for the bus by standing back from the roadway.
Wait for the bus to stop before attempting to board or exit the bus.
Follow directions of the bus driver and/or aide
Sit quietly and refrain from participating in abusive or unsafe acts.
Go to assigned designation upon exiting the bus in a quiet, orderly manner.

Only bring objects on bus deemed appropriate for school.

INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORS

Disruptive Behaviors – Disruptive behaviors include, but are not limited to the following:

Disobedience
Defiance of authority
Fighting
Stealing/theft
Damaging school/classroom/staff/student property
Cutting/interfering with class
Leaving school grounds without permission
Smoking/use of tobacco products
Profanity/obscenity

The above disruptive behaviors may lead to the following

in-school consequences, which include, but are not limited to:

Loss of Points
In-class time out
Out-of-class time out
Loss of Activity Period (drop in weekly levels)
In-school detentions
After school detention
Suspension
Bus Suspension

Parent Conferences:

Parents may request a conference with their child’s teacher at any time during the school year. Please call your child’s counselor or an administrator for an appointment if a conference is desired. These conferences will be scheduled for times when there is no classroom instruction. Likewise, teachers or administrators may sometimes find it necessary to request a special conference at the parent’s convenience. Please make every effort to meet with your child’s teacher if you receive such a request. Scheduled parent conference dates include annual reviews.

After-School Detention Policy

The Titusville Academy’s “after school detention policy” will coincide with the existing “in-school detention policy” (See ISD policy in parent handbook.) The rationale for employing such a procedure is to deter those students for whom the current ISD procedures are ineffective. Parents/Guardians will be notified in advance via telephone of all after-school detentions.

Students will receive an after-school detention at the discretion of the administration. Parents/Guardians will be notified. Note: The school will not be responsible for transportation home.

Corrective Action Regarding Repeated or Serious Violations – The steps below may be taken:

Multi-Day suspension and follow-up conference.
Conference with Child Study Team to discuss appropriateness of educational program.
Placement in other program as deemed appropriate by the proper officials.

Corrective Action regarding Illegal Acts – The steps below will be taken:

Use of Illegal articles (e.g. drug paraphernalia, beepers, weapons, etc.)
Use/possession/ sale of a controlled substance
Use of alcoholic beverages

Step One: The police department will be notified and the Item(s) will be confiscated and submitted to the police

Step Two: Principal/ Social Worker/Student/Guardian conference

Step Three: Suspension with follow-up conference*

Step Four: Termination when warranted*

* When suspension or termination is considered, the following steps are to be employed:

Suspension Procedure:

The principal will conduct an informal meeting with the student at the end of the school day and give him/her an opportunity to discuss the issue. The principal will inform the student as to the number of days he/she will be suspended and when the student is permitted to return to school.

The Principal or a Crisis Manager shall contact the parent or guardian via telephone and notify them of the student’s specific behavioral issue on the day the suspension occurs. TTA representative shall inform the parent or guardian of the number of days suspended.
TTA shall provide written suspension notification to the parent or guardian detailing the reasons for such action and include the number of days suspended, when the student may return to school, and the cumulative number of days suspended for the year.
TTA shall provide written suspension notification to the LEA case manager detailing the reasons for such action and include the number of days suspended, when the student may return to school, and the cumulative number of days suspended for the year.
If a student has been suspended for 5 consecutive days, TTA will immediately notify the LEA case manager via telephone and/or mail so that academic services may be established as per N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.2(2)5.
If it is determined that the student has reached 10 cumulative days suspended, the principal, shall immediately attempt to contact the LEA case manager, via telephone and/or facsimile to discuss if a change in placement has occurred.
1. Once a student has reached 8 cumulative days suspended, TTA will provide written notification to the LEA case manager so they may prepare academic services should the student reach 10 cumulative days suspended.
2. Should it be determined that a change in placement has occurred, TTA will request written notification of the date and time of the scheduled manifestation determination meeting with the relevant members of the student’s IEP team.
3. At the time of the manifestation determination meeting, TTA representatives shall offer recommendations to assist the LEA in determining the extent to which services are necessary to enable the student to progress appropriately in the general education curriculum and advance appropriately toward achieving the goals set out in the student’s IEP.

Written notification shall be faxed to the appropriate LEA student transportation department or independent bus company directing them not to provide transportation for the student on the days of the suspension.
Relevant suspension data will be entered into TTA’s internal suspension log.
The incident of suspension will be entered into the New Jersey Department of Education’s Electronic Violence and Vandalism Reporting System by the school’s authorized EVVRS user.

Termination Procedures:

When TTA considers the termination of a student prior to the end of student’s academic year the following procedures shall be implemented.

The principal shall initiate a clinical staff meeting to discuss the continuation of services. The meeting participant’s shall include, but not limited to, the principal, the clinical services supervisor, the student’s school social worker and student’s homeroom teacher. When a determination is made that current program services are no longer appropriate for the student, TTA shall recommend conveyance of an IEP meeting in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14-2.3(k).
TTA shall contact the LEA case manager and request and IEP meeting with the relevant members of the IEP team to discuss TTA’s concerns and the possible termination of the student. TTA will request from the LEA written notification of the date and time of the scheduled IEP meeting to be held within 10 days of notification to the LEA.
Upon completion of the IEP meeting, and a determination to terminate the student placement, TTA will provide a written termination notice to the LEA summarizing the rationale for termination and specifying final date of enrollment for the student. TTA shall request written notice of termination from the LEA
Upon receipt of written notification of termination form the LEA, TTA will return the pupil records in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:14-7.9(a)1.
Termination shall be in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:23 and the provisions of the mandated tuition contract between TTA and the LEA.

DRUG & ALCOHOL POLICY

“Substance" means alcoholic beverages, controlled dangerous substances as defined at N.J.S.A. 24:212, anabolic steroids, “Jimson” weed (see N.J.S.A. 2A:170-77.8 and 2A:170-77.15), “date rape” drugs, including gamma hydroxybutrate (GHB ), Rohypnol (“ruffies”), and flunitrazepam (see N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5.2 and 5.3). Any chemical or chemical compound that releases vapors or fumes causing a condition of intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or dulling of the brain or nervous system, including, but

not limited to, glue containing a solvent having the property of

releasing toxic vapors or fumes as defined at N.J.S.A. 2A:17025.9 or over-the-counter and prescription medications which are improperly used to cause intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or dulling of the brain or nervous system.

"Involved with substances" means that the pupil is influenced by the use of substances by the pupil or a member of his/her family, whether or not on school premises or during the school day. A suspicion or determination that a pupil is involved with substances does not depend on a finding that the pupil is immediately under the influence of a substance or possesses or distributes a substance on school premises.

No unauthorized substance, including medicines, tobacco, alcohol, inhalants, paraphernalia, or any other material that can be dangerous to life and health, are to be brought to school.
Staff will take steps to remove such substances or paraphernalia when a student is suspected of, or actually is seen with suspicious materials. Legally, we are required to report possession of controlled substances and paraphernalia.
First offenders may be suspended when possession is verified, effects manifested, or distribution observed for up to one week, pending meeting with the parents and/or other individuals concerned with the welfare and supervision of the students.
Second offenders may be dismissed from TTA especially where substances or paraphernalia have been distributed to other students.
Students who have a history of drug and/or alcohol involvement will be subjected to screens as determined by TTA.
Staff should exercise discretion and judgment in dealing with a student involved in drug problems, especially in situations where the student has reported the problem and has asked for help or support. Disciplinary action should be strictly applied where there appears to be a deliberate effort to involve other students or to distribute dangerous substances to others.
Parents should be informed of both suspected or actual drug abuse or possession of paraphernalia. In the case of a suspected problem, the unusual behavior should be described as specifically as possible to the parents and they will be requested to investigate. Staff shall avoid naming substances or diagnosing on their own. All such reports or information should be cleared with the Director prior to contacting parents.
Both suspected or actual situations should be written up as unusual incidents and signed and dated by appropriate TTA personnel.

Substance Abuse Policy for Students Suspected of Drug and/or Alcohol Abuse

Students who are suspected of drug or alcohol use may be drug screened on a random basis, using urinalysis testing and/or a Breathalyzer exam. All tests will be confidential according to state law. To distinguish between recreational users and those students in need of more treatment, the following levels of consequence have been introduced into TTA’s Drug Policy:

First positive urine will be followed by a family meeting with the Principal. The student will be required to attend no less than twelve appropriate 12-Step meetings within a twelve-day period. A meeting book is to be signed and dated by the speaker at each meeting to record attendance.
A second positive screen will require a follow up family meeting. The student shall attend appropriate 12-Step meetings and produce a signed meeting book for no less than 90 days.
When a third positive test is confirmed, the student shall be referred out for treatment. In the case of marijuana use, any decrease in nanogram levels reported by the lab will be taken into consideration.

Health Services:

School health services are provided by the school physician and nurse for the purpose of:

1. Providing emergency care for illness or injury at school.

2. Performing screenings mandated by state law.

3. Providing health education and counseling for students, parents,

and staff.

4. Providing outreach into the community to provide a link to other

medical agencies.

The goal of the school health services office is to:

1. Identify health problems and needs of students and staff.

2. Assist students in becoming increasingly responsible for their own health.

3. Promote environmental safety and health within the school.

4. Promote the optimal level of health for students and staff.

Rules of the Health Office:

1. A pass from the classroom teacher is required. Medical emergencies (i.e. uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness) may be seen without a pass. Headaches, cramps, and stomachaches are not medical emergencies.

2. Permission is needed to administer medication during school hours. The appropriate forms need to be completed by the doctor, parent/guardian, and school nurse. This includes all over the counter medications, as well as prescription medication.

Parent cooperation is requested in the following situations:

Medication can only be dispensed to students by the school nurse when a written statement is received from the attending physician with a signed permission slip by the parent.

1. A note should accompany your child upon returning to school from an absence due to illness. Students are not permitted to carry medication at any time while in school.

2. In an event that a student becomes very ill in school, a parent/guardian will be contacted by telephone to take him/her home.

Immunizations:

All new students must, by law, present an up-to-date record of the following immunizations before being admitted to school:

1. DPT – Diphtheria, tetanus oxide, and pertussus vaccine

2. Polio 6. Rubella

3. T.B. Skin Test 7. Mumps

4. Measles 8. Hib.

5. Hepatitis B

* Please inform the school nurse of any injuries or necessary medical changes ASAP.

Success Skills

Listening Skills

Listening (unlike hearing, which is a physical process not requiring thinking) gives meaning to the sounds you hear. It helps you understand. Listening is an active process that requires concentration and practice. In learning, the teacher’s responsibility is to present information; the student’s responsibility is to be “available” for learning. Not listening means you will be unable to learn the material.

To help develop listening skills:

Approach the classroom ready to learn; leave personal problems outside the classroom. Try to avoid distractions.
Even if you do not sit close to the teacher, focus your attention directly on him/her.
Pay attention to the teacher’s style and how the lecture is organized.
Participate; ask for clarification when you do not understand.
Take notes.
Listen for key words, names, events, and dates.
Don’t make hasty judgments; separate fact from opinion.
Connect what you hear with what you already know.

Successful Homework Skills

Keep track of your daily assignments in this planning calendar so you will always know what you have to do.
Homework is an essential part of learning. Even though you may not have written work to do, you can always review or re-read assignments. The more you review information, the easier it is to remember and the longer you are able to retain it.
Realize that homework is considered an important part of learning. Not doing your homework because you do not believe in homework is self-defeating behavior.
It is your responsibility to find out what you have missed when you are absent. Take the initiative to ask a classmate or teacher what you need to make up. You also need to know when homework must be turned in. If you are out for three days you may request your homework assignment through the main office.
Have a place to study that works for you – one that is free from distractions. Be honest with yourself about using the TV or stereo during study time. Make sure you have everything you need before you begin your work.
Develop a schedule that you can follow. Be rested when you study. It is okay to study in short blocks of time. Marathon study sessions may be self-defeating.
Prioritize your homework so that you begin with the most important assignment first: study for a test, then do the daily assignment, etc.
Study for 30-40 minutes at a time, then take a 5-10 minute break. Estimate the amount of time it will take to do an assignment and plan your break time accordingly.

Plan for Success

Successful people don’t become successful by luck. Their success is the result of setting goals and working to achieve those goals. In other words, successful people plan to succeed. Don’t procrastinate – good intentions will not help you succeed. Start planning for success today!

Organization – Getting organized is the first step to success.

Remember that you are responsible for knowing about and completing your assignments and special projects.
Make sure you have a planning calendar to write down your homework, extracurricular activities, community activities, and home responsibilities.
Make sure you have all the materials you need when you go to class and when you do your homework.

Time Management – Managing time wisely will help ensure that you have the opportunity to do both the things you need to do and the things you want to do.

Plan a definite time to do your homework.
Plan time for extracurricular and social activities as well as home responsibilities.
Commit yourself to your time plan, but be flexible. For example, if something happens that makes it impossible for you to do homework during the regularly scheduled time, plan an alternate time to do the homework.

Setting Priorities – If you have lots to do, it is important to set priorities.

Rank each task in 1, 2, 3 order. Start with #1 – the most important task – and continue on down the list.
When doing homework, start with the subject that needs the most improvement.
Check off finished task.
If you frequently find that you cannot finish all the tasks on your list, you may need to prioritize your optional activities and eliminate some that are low on your priority list.

Goal Setting – Just wishing to get better grades or to excel in soccer accomplishes nothing. You need a plan of action to achieve your goals. Setting goals will result in better grades and higher self-esteem. Best of all, setting goals will make you feel in control of your life. Some hints for setting goals:

Be specific. List specific goals for each academic subject. Also list goals for other school and home activities.
Set time limits. Your goals can be both short term (within a month or on the next quiz or test) and long term (within the semester or within the school year).
Set realistic goals. For example, if math has always been difficult for you, don’t aim for an “A” in Algebra at the beginning of the year. If you usually get a “C-“ in math, you may want to begin setting a short term goal of “C+” or “B-“. Reaching that first short term goal will give you the confidence to raise your goal for the next test or the next grading period.
Draw up a step-by-step plan of action for reaching each goal; then go for it!
Write your goals down and put them in several places (your book bag, your planner, etc.) so that you will see them several times a day.
Share your goals with others – your parents, teachers, good friends, etc. They can give you encouragement.
Keep at it! Be determined and keep a positive attitude. Visualize yourself achieving your goals.
Reward yourself when you reach a goal.

Preparing for College:

The College Application Process

1. The application process begins in ninth grade. Your grades and coursework will directly impact your admittance to college.

2. Fill your schedule with a variety of subjects and difficulty. Colleges are looking for well rounded students who are highly motivated. Do your best in each class. Do not let a class slip because it does not interest you. Colleges are looking for a consistent performance in all subjects.

3. Take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year. If you feel the score does not reflect your ability, re-take the exam during your senior year.

4. Look at as many potential colleges as possible. Do not limit your options.

5. Visit as many campuses as possible and talk to students, staff and the office of admissions while at the college.

6. Send applications to prospective colleges beginning in early fall of your senior year. Applications and information can be obtained in the guidance office.

7. Fill out any potential scholarships and send them to the appropriate personnel.

8. Allow at least two weeks for your counselor to process your applications.

9. Many schools will respond to your application within four to six weeks.

Steps for Juniors Preparing for College

1. Talk to your counselor about filling your junior year class schedule with coursework from the areas of English, Foreign Language, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematics. It is recommended that students take as many Mathematics courses as possible.

2. Colleges are looking for well rounded students in the Arts, Business, Drama, and Speech.

3. Find out when potential universities are visiting your school or when your school is going on visitations to potential colleges.

4. It is not advised to visit campuses during vacation periods such as Spring Break, Christmas, etc.

5. Take a course that prepares you for the SAT or ACT.

6. At the end of your junior year, take the PSAT exam to practice and gauge yourself for the SAT.

7. Start applying for any scholarships that you feel you are qualified for.

8. If you know your intended field of study in college, schedule your senior year with an emphasis in that area.

9. Plan to visit as many colleges during the summer as possible.

Steps for Seniors Preparing for College

1. Attend as many college fairs as possible in your local area.

2. Visit as many institutions and universities as possible. It is advised that you visit campuses when classes are in session. (Not Spring Break, Christmas, or any major holiday.)

3. When visiting colleges, meet with the admissions office, financial aid office, as well as speaking with professors in your intended field of study.

4. Talk to older friends and students about that particular college or university.

5. Register for the SAT or ACT entrance exams.

6. Make a list of admissions deadlines at the colleges you are interested in attending.

7. Submit completed college applications to your guidance counselor and be sure to include any application fees.

8. File a Financial Aid Form if desired.

9. Inquire about any available scholarships and be sure to meet the appropriate requirements and deadlines.

10. Keep a file of any correspondence from potential colleges for future references.