Butte College Summer Bridge Program

This summer Butte College will be offering the Butte College Summer Bridge Program.  The Summer Bridge Program is designed to allow eligible students to participate in a 12-day program that will prepare them to successfully complete their educational goals at Butte College.  Students will have the opportunity to participate in the following activities:

·         Explore Major and Career options

·         Increase computer skills

·         Learn how to apply for Financial Aid and scholarships

·         Better understand the transfer process

·         Off campus outings

·         Understand how education relates to the job market

·         Meet with a counselor and establish an Education Plan

·         Participate in Study Skills and College Success workshops 

The Summer Bridge Program will be available for 30 students.   Priority will be given to those who apply first and the quality of their essay.  To be eligible, a student must meet the following criteria:

1.       Be a first generation college student

2.       Have or will graduate high school in 2011

3.       Plan on attending Butte College in fall 2011 semester

4.       Be able to come to the main campus each day Monday thru Thursday, June 13-30 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Eligible students who are accepted to the program will receive a free lunch each day along with free college supplies and material to help them succeed at Butte College.  

Come into the Counseling Office to pick up an application today. Deadline for registering is May 16, 2011

Registration Deadline for the June 4 SAT Test

If you are planning to take the SAT Test scheduled for Saturday, June 4, 2011 the registration deadline is Friday, May 6, 2011. Be sure to register on time to avoid paying late fees!

For more information and to register: www.collegeboard.org

Scholarships Due May 6, 2011

Deadline May 6, 2011

There are three LOCAL scholarships that are due next Friday May 6th. Come in to the counseling office and pick up applications for the following:

• Eureka-Humboldt Bay Kiwanis Club Scholarship
• Cutten-Ridgewood PTA Scholarship
• Henderson Center Kiwanis Scholarship

You still have time to apply for these great local scholarships.

Sanctuary Forest Scholarship Applications Are Due Monday May 2, 2011

Deadline POSTMARKED May 2, 2011

Sanctuary Forest, Inc. High School Scholarship Program applications are due! They must be postmarked by May 2, 2011 so you still have time!

Criteria:

• Demonstrated an active interest in the environment through summer work in environmental-related activities, school projects or long-term personal interest in school, community or outdoor activities, artwork, field notebooks or writing.
• Essay outlining the student's personal history of involvement with environmental issues and his/her plans and hopes for future involvement/employment in environment-related activities
• Copy of your high school with good to excellent grades
• Proof of college admissions (to receive the award)
• Financial resources available to you
• One letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, principal or other staff member.
• Current photo

Applications are available in the Counseling Office and online at www.sanctuaryforest.org/

You will need to mail six copies or your completed application to be postmarked by May 2, 2011 to:

Sanctuary Forest, Inc.

P.O.Box 166

Whitethorn, CA 95589

Summer Opportunity for Sophomore/Junior American Indian Students

Deadline for Registration May 2, 2011

American Indian Summer Institute is a FREE 5-day residential program for American Indian sophomore/junior level students who intend to go to a college or university. The program will be held June 26-30, 2011 at CSU Sacramento and will include the following:

• Team building
• Native leadership
• Applying for college, transcript review and eligibility requirements
• Academic and career planning
• Learning style assessment
• Exposure to Native students and faculty fro various colleges and universities
• Cultural excursions, cultural workshops and experiences with tribal leaders

Don't miss this wonderful FREE opportunity! For application and information, go to www.csus.edu

Due May 1, 2011 The Patenaude/Juell Masonic Memorial Scholarship Fund

Due date SUNDAY May 1, 2011

The Patenaude/Juell Masonic Memorial Scholarship Fund scholarship was established  in memory of two Masonic Brothers who dedicated their lives to public education, Clyde Patenaude and Leonard Juell. Annual scholarship award will be in the amount of $500-$2,000.

Criteria:

• Graduate of Humboldt County High School
• Minimum of 3.0 GPA
• Attending an accredited college, community college or university
• Preference given for a family relationship with a Freemason but not mandatory

What you need to submit:

1. Application form (available in the counseling office)
2. Personal statement: 1-2 page statement describing the importance of choices in your life an future goals
3. Official high school transcript
4. 2 letters of recommendation

May-Busy Scholarship Month

May is turning out to be the busiest scholarship time yet. There are many local and some national scholarships that will be coming due in the month of May so come by the counseling office and look through the scholarship box.

Don't miss out! Come in and grab some applications...

Let us know!

Remember, when  you receive a scholarship, an acceptance letter from a college and when you make a decision about where you will continue your education, come in to the Counseling Office and let us know! We want to celebrate with you and to make sure we have your information for Honor's Night (June 9, 2011) You have worked hard for these accomplishments and we want to recognize that hard work and determination!

Scholarships due this week!

The following scholarships are due this week!

• CalTrans District 1Scholarship due April 29, 2011
• Redwood Decorative Artists Art Scholarship due April 29, 2011
• Scotia Band Sewell Lufkin Memorial Scholarship due April 29, 2011
• Will to Win Scholarship due April 30, 2011

Applications are available in the counseling office and there is still plenty of time to apply!

Holy Names University Extends Application Deadline

There is still time to apply to Holy Names University in Oakland CA.

• Free online application available at http://www.hnu.edu/
• They will guarantee a spot in the freshman class for all admitted students regardless of application date
• 100% of our Fall 2011 Freshman will receive some sort of institutional grant or scholarship.

If you have any questions, call (510) 436-1195.

Eureka-Humboldt Bay Kiwanis Club Scholarship

Deadline Friday May 6, 2011

Applications are now available in the Counseling Office for the Eureka-Humboldt Bay Kiwanis Club Scholarship. There will be two $500 scholarships awarded to graduating seniors from Eureka area high schools (including home and charter school students)

Eligibility Criteria

• Graduating senior from Eureka area high school
• Minimum 2.5 GPA
• Attending an accredited college, community college or university
• Financial need is a factor
• Active involvement in school and community activities

What you need to submit:

1. Application form
2. Personal statement: 1-2 pages describing your most rewarding experience during high school and your career plans for the future
3. Official high school transcript
4. One letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or counselor who knows you well

Submit your application packet to the Counseling Office by Friday May 6, 2011

Tim Brownlow Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 25, 2011

Are you an athlete? This scholarship could be for you. The Tim Brownlow Memorial Scholarship has been established by the Brownlow Family in memory of their father and husband. There will be two $500 scholarships awarded one for a male student and one for a female graduating from Eureka High.

Criteria:

• Applicants must have demonstrated a strong commitment to education, as well as involvement in sports and community service activities.
• Must be enrolled full-time and attend an accredited community college, four-year college or university, vocational/career technical program or foreign exchange program
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• All other things being equal, financial need will be considered

What you need to submit:

1. Current official high school transcript (not in sealed envelope)
2. Two letters of recommendation
3. A list of extra-curricular/community service and sports activities you have participated in during you years in high school
4. Personal statement about yourself including your family background, your interests and educational and career goals
5. Financial need
6. Employment history (if any)
7. A 300 word or less essay discussing your most rewarding experience in sports that has left an impact on you.

Turn your completed application packet in to the counseling office no later than 3:30 on May 25, 2011

Quota Club International Scholarship

Deadline: May 19, 2011

The Quota Club of Eureka is offering a $500 scholarship to a Eureka High school graduation senior who demonstrates exceptional involvement and outstanding leadership in the area of community service learning. If you have done of a lot of service learning hours, this one is for you.

Applications are available in the Counseling Office in the scholarship box.

American Indian Summer Institute- for Sophomores and Juniors!!

This is an awesome opportunity for Sophomores and Juniors!!!

The American Indian Summer Institute is now taking applications and the deadline for turning them in is May 2011! The AISI will take place June 26-30, 201 at California State University Sacrament and is FREE! Here are the details:

The program will include the following:

• Team building
• Native leadership
• Applying for college, transcript review and eligibility requirements
• Academic and career planning
• Learning style assessment
• Exposure to Native students and faculty from various colleges and Universities
• Cultural excursions, cultural workshops and experiences with tribal leaders

Eligibility requirements:

• Must be currently enrolled as a Sophomore or Junior in High School
• Must be enrolled in a tribe (enrollment will be verified)
• Planning on going to college or University after graduation

What you need to submit by May 2, 2011:

1. Submit completed online application
2. Email or Fax signed letter of recommendation
3. Email or Fax essay
4. Email or fax Tribal enrollment documentation
5. Make sure you put your name in the subject line of all documents that you email or fax

(You may scan and then email your documents.)

You can fax your documents to
(916) 278-5491 Attention: Ricardo Torres or Kagat McQuillen


Applications are now available online. Click here to fill out the application.

Club Latinos Unidos Scholarship Applications Are In!

Deadline: Monday,  May 16, 2011

Applications are now available in the Counseling Office for the Club Latinos Unidos Scholarship.

This scholarship is for graduating seniors of Latin American descent and is based on financial need.

Criteria:

• Must be of Latin American descent
• Financial need
• Must have a 2.0 GPA
• May attend any college, university or vocational school
• May pursue any major/field of study

What to turn in:

1. Completed application
2. High school transcript

Turn in  you completed application package on or before Monday, May 16, 2011 at 3:30.

Ralph E. Bumpus Memorial Scholarship Due May 18, 2011

Deadline: May 18, 2011

Applications are now available in the Counseling Office for the Ralph E. Bumpus Memorial Scholarship.  This scholarship is geared toward EHS graduation seniors for continuation of their education in the field of automotive technology. This scholarship is for $1,000.

Criteria:

• Eureka High graduating senior
• Minimum GPA 2.0
• Plans to attend an accredited college or vocational/career technical program and pursue a degree/certificate in the area of automotive technology.
• Preference will be given for students planning to attend College of the Redwoods Automotive Technology Program.

What you need to submit:

1. Completed application form
2. Official high school transcript
3. Two letters of recommendation

Completed application packets are due in the Counseling Office before 3:30 on Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

James Kwan Memorial Scholarship Due May 18, 2011

Deadline: May 18, 2011

This scholarship has been established in memory of Jimmy Kwan, an EHS student who died in an unfortunate accident at the beginning of his junior year. He excelled in his academics and in music and this $200 scholarship has been established for high-level academic students who hold the same values Jimmy did.

Criteria:

• Graduating senior from Eureka High
• Minimum GPA 3.0
• Will attend an accredited college, community college or university
• Must be planning to major in the area of fine arts, including visual arts and performing arts.

Please submit the following:

1. Completed 2-page application
2. Personal statement: 1-2 pages describing your feelings on the interplay of education and fine arts, your involvement in fine arts activities and your career plans for the future
3. Official high school transcript
4. Two letters of recommendation.

Return the completed application packet to the Counseling Office no later than 3:30 on Wednesday, May 18, 2011.

Ginny Wythe Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 18, 2011

Applications for the  $500 dollar Ginny Wythe Memorial Scholarship are now available in the counseling office.

You are eligible for this scholarship if you have benefited from academing tutoring or mentoring through the After School Tutoring Center, AmeriCorps or the Odyssey Program here at EHS.

Criteria:

• Benefited from academic tutoring/mentoring through the After School Tutoring Center, AmeriCorp or the Odyssey Program at EHS
• Plan to attend an accredited college or vocational/technical trade school after graduation
• Minimum 2.0 GPA
• Demonstrated an overall improvement academically during your high school years.
• Financial need is a factor.

What you need to turn in:

• Completed application
• One letter of recommendation from a teach or counselor that knows you well
• Current High School Transcript
• A personal essay describing how you have benefited from tutoring/mentoring here at EHS; any obstacles or hardships you have overcome in life; and your educational and career plans (Academic or vocational)

The deadline for this scholarship is Wednesday May 18, 2011. Pick up your application today.

Attention Students Attending CSU Schools!!! Important Testing Information

The last day to register for the FINAL CSU system English and Math placement tests is next Wednesday April 20, 2011!

Register here today!

April 15, 2011! Scholarship Applications Deadline!

The following scholarship applications are due this Friday April 15, 2011.

• Humboldt Association of Realtors Scholarship
• Eureka Rotary Club Scholarship
• Humboldt Builders Exchange Community Fund Scholarship
• Italian Catholic Federation Eureka Branch #145 Scholarship
• A to Z Eye Care Health Career Scholarship

Applications for all of these are available in the counseling office. The deadline is THIS FRIDAY so come in today to pick them up. The deadlines will NOT be extended.

More Scholarship Congratulations!

Congratulations to Amy Strombeck for winning a $10,000 scholarship in Photographic Imaging to the Art Institute of Tennessee!!! Way to go Amy!

Humboldt Association of Realtors Scholarship Applications Available

Deadline April 15, 2011

Requirements for this scholarship are:

• Must complete an application and write an essay explaining your future plans and how they relate to the real estate industry
• Must be a student from Humboldt County who is enrolled or will be enrolled at a college or university.
• Field of study: professions that are centered on or support at career in real estate sales, real estate finance, real estate management, real estate appraisal, real estate investments, real estate economics, escrow/title, real estate law, interior decorating, construction technologies, landscaping, woodworking, cabinet making, architectural design, engineering and/or drafting.
• GPA of 3.0 or better
• One letter of recommendation
• Scholarship proceeds MUST be used for academic fees and/or academic supplies.

Applications are available in the counseling office and online at http://www.harealtors.com/scholarship

Deadline is April 15, 2011.

Civil Service Employees Scholarship Opportunity

Deadline May 13, 2011

Civil Service Employees Insurance Company Youth Automobile Safety Scholarship 2011 Essay Competition for Children of Public Employees

Civil Service Employees Insurance Company is offering several scholarships ranging from $500 to $1500 to graduating seniors living in Northern and Southern California, Arizona and Nevada.

Eligibility requirements:

·        Must be a California, Arizona, or Nevada resident and a senior in high school

·        GPA of at least 3.0

·        Must have been accepted to an accredited 2 or 4 year college, university or trade school in the US with the intent to enroll full-time by Fall 2011

·        Parent or legal guardian must be currently employed full-time by (or if retired/deceased, must have been employed full time) by a government entity. This includes but is not limited to: peace officers; firefighters; educators; postal employees; military personnel; federal and state government workers

·        CES employees, relatives, and vendors are not eligible

What you need to submit:

·        Essay: Original work; typed double spaced on 8 ½ x 11 white paper; in English; not to exceed 500 words. Enclose 2 copies. Name and city of your high school on only one copy. Will be evaluated on originality, creativity, and written proficiency displayed in the essay.

·        Topic of essay: Discuss ways the teenage automobile accident rate can be reduced.

·        Signed and completed application form

·        Letter of recommendation written on school letterhead by a faculty member or administrator

·        Letter of acceptance form your college

·        Official school transcript in a sealed envelope

Mail to:

Scholarship Contest

CSE Insurance Group

P.O. Box 8041

Walnut Creek, CA 94596-8041

Deadline is May, 13, 2011. No fax or electronic submissions will be accepted. All directions on the application must be followed exactly and all requirements for submission must be met.

Winners will be notified by May 20, 2011

Congratulations!!!

We would like to extend our congratulations to Stephanie Yang a senior here at Eureka High for being chosen as a Dell Scholar! The Dell Scholars program is a nationwide program that seeks to recognize students who have demonstrated their desire and ability to overcome barriers to achieve their goals. Stephanie has received a $20,000 scholarship!

She has been accepted to a couple of schools but thinks she will be attending California State University, Sacramento. She is planning to major in the Medical field. Stephanie worked hard to get this scholarship, putting in many hours on her application as well as working with EHS counselor Monica Rivera.

We are so proud of you Stephanie! You truly are on your way to a very bright future!

Summer Classes at College of the Redwoods

Any high school student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher can take classes at College of the Redwoods. If you are interested in taking a class to catch up or to get ahead on credits, summer school at CR is one way you can do that. Classes will fill up fast, so you should register right away. You will need to see your counselor to get the paperwork and get it filled out.

Here is a list of the college prep classes being offered at CR this summer:

Section #	Name	Date/Day/Time	Location	Teacher	# of Credits
PHIL-15-9250 029250	Religions of the World	06/27/2011-07/21/2011 MTWTH 1:00PM-4:00PM	Eureka Campus FM Room 204	T. Walendy	3.00
PSYCH-1E9251 029251	General Psychology	7/11/2011-08/04/2011 MTWTH 9:00-12:00PM	Eureka Campus CA Room 109	A. Ahn	3.00
SOC- 3-E9202 029202	Human Sexuality	6/27/2011-7/21/2011 MTWTH11:00AM-2:00PM	Eureka Campus FM Room 201	D. Maher	3.00
ANTH-3-E9208 029208	Cultural Anthropology	6/27/2011-8/18/2011 MTWTH 11:00am-12:30pm	Eureka Campus LS Room 112	A. Garwin	3.00
OL-10-E9258 029258	Environmental Geology	6/20/2011-47/14/2011 MTWTH 9:00am-12:00pm	Eureka Campus PS Roon 111	D. Bazard	3.00

For  more information on classes go to http://www.redwoods.edu/.
Remember, you MUST see your counselor to pick up the requited petition/paperwork so you can take these classes.

Eureka High School PTSA Scholarship Applications Are Here!

Deadline: 4:00pm May 27, 2011 (return to the counseling office)

Eureka High School PTSA is offering a scholarship to recognize students who have demonstrated good citizenship through volunteer service at the school and the community and who plan to go to college, university , community college or a trade school.  You must be a member of EHS PTSA to apply.

Criteria:

• Must have at least a 2.0 GPA
• Scholarship money must be used in the following academic year at the student's chosen school.
• A 150-200 word essay consistent with the PTSA philosophy describing their  most rewarding experience during their high school years
• Neatness, correct spelling, grammar and punctuation count!
• Must be a member of Eureka High PTSA.
• Application due in the counseling by 4pm May 27, 2011

Applications are in the scholarship box in the counseling office. Come by and pick one up today.

Seniors Going to a Community College Financial Aid Deadline Information

FAFSA application GPA Verification forms deadline for Seniors going to a community college is September 2, 2011. The GPA Verification form that asked you for your Social Security Number was given to you by the counselors in the computer lab when you worked on your FAFSA applications. If you need a form, come to the counseling office to pick one up. Transcripts are NOT accepted in lieu of the GPA Verification form. Turn in your completed forms to the counseling office as soon as possible so it can be processed in a timely manner.

Attention Seniors!!!!!

How is your college search is going. Have you been accepted to a school?? Have you recieved scholarships?? We want to know about it so we can sing your praises!
You can stop by the counseling office and tell your counselor or the secretary, you can email your counselor or the secretary, you can drop off a note for us! We don't care, we just want to know about it!

Email addresses:

Ms. Gosvener: gosvenera@eurekacityschools.org
Mrs. Cox: coxc@eurekacityschools.org
Ms. Rivera: riveram@eurekacityschools.org
Lee Rowley (secretary): rowleyl@eurekacityschools.org

Award Congratulations!!!

We are proud and pleased to announce the winners of the following awards!


Each year the Soroptimist International of Eureka and the Soroptimits International of Humboldt Bay offer several Awards. Below are this years recipients. :


Violet Richardson Award:
This award recognizes young women who make the community and world a better place through volunteer efforts.

• Soroptomist International of Eureka awarded its Violet Richardson Award to EHS student Kassi Brownlow. Kassi is involved with student government as the Student Body president and is involved with several local nonprofit organizations. She works with Betty Chinn's Blue Angels whose mission is to show the homeless of Eureka love, comfort and basic humanity. Soroptimist International of Eureka awarded Kassi $750 and gave $250 to Betty's Blue Angels.
• Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay awarded EHS senior Morgan Bass their Violet Richardson Award. Morgan is very active in school, taking AP Honors courses and concurrent courses at College of the Redwoods. She led the volleyball team as team captain and is president of the California Scholarship Federation Club at Eureka High. She as a volunteer at Eureka Chamber Music Series events and has won the Congressional Art Award for Photography. Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay awarded her $1,000.

Distinguished Youth Award:
The Distinguished Youth Award Scholarship ($1,000) is awarded to qualifying Eureka area seniors who take an active part in service in the home, school, and/or their community. This scholarship recognizes outstanding contributions made by young people to home, school, community, country and the world. The recipient must show a high degree of cooperation, courtesy and consideration for others; to have demonstrated the ability to lead with self control, dignity and responsibility; and to have pursued goals with commitment and purpose.

• Soroptimist International of Eureka has chosen Imogene Carson as their Distinguished Youth Award recipient. She is the Associated Student Body treasurer and California Scholarship Federation vice president. She traveled to Belize with her class and became aware of how much the local population was reusing and recycling. She cam home determined to encourage her family and friends to do so. She is involved in the Six Rivers Running Club and has been chosen by the Rotary organization as a Youth Ambassador to Sweden.
• Soroptimist International of Humboldt Bay has chosen Lauren Bakke as their Distinguished Youth Award Recipient. She is heavily involved in her community including volunteering for the Toy Drive, Santas for Seniors, Miranda's Rescue and The Discovery Shop. She was involved in raising more than $1,400 for Darfur for her senior project and was president of Amnesty International Club here at Eureka High.

Congratulations to these four young women who have shown outstanding achievement and service to our community. We can't wait to see where you go next!

April 15, 2011, It's not just tax day!

There are four local scholarships that are due next Friday, April 15, 2011! Don't miss out! Applications for all of these are available in the counseling office:

• Eureka Rotary Club Scholarship
• Humboldt Builders Exchange Community Fund Scholarship
• Italian Catholic Federation, Eureka Branch #145
• A to Z Eye Care Health Career Scholarship

Each of these are local scholarships offered by local organizations. They each have different eligibility requirements so come in and check them out today. You can also look at past blog posts to find descriptions of each of these scholarships.

Jazz Ensemble Tour 2011 Music, Magic and Medieval Times

The Eureka High Jazz Ensemble just returned from a successful trip to the Jazz Festival.
The band placed placed 8th out of 21 bands and 4 points out of 3rd place in their division! Awesome job guys! So when you see one of the members of our wonderful Jazz Ensemble, tell the congratulations!

Mr. Young chronicled their adventure, the good the bad and the ugly! Read all about it!

Day 1:

A mudslide that buckles the road fifty feet on both sides has started our story before we leave the parking lot.  What should have been a four hour first leg to our journey has turned into 9 hrs. We loaded the bus at midnight with 19 students, instruments, 3 fearless chaperones and a cantankerous director. We haven't played any music yet, but this group is already working together. No complaining, just blissful slumber and quiet conversation. I can see distant lights. John tells me those are called stars.

Day 1 part 2:

20 hours after departure we arrive at the Holiday Inn in Buena Park. Everyone is in good spirits. Only one student's stomach is not diggin' the long drive. We arrived at the hotel and only two of them took advantage of the pool. Sleep was the chart they are reading tonight.

Day 2 part 1:

We are now at the Jazz Festival and are duly impressed and pumped to play. They are attending clinics, master classes and watching other groups. Fullerton is taking care of the rookie director. On a side note. I'd forgotten how different the light is in So Cal. Diffuse at times and others blazing down without relief. We play in just three hours and I can't wait to show jazz Nor-cal style. Kickin' and laid-back!

Day 2 Part 2:

Our students played for three adjudicators who loved us.  We got a special clinic from the pros. We are ready to do our best at the HSU Jazz Festival next Friday. Our students have been listening to some studs in the land of jazz. Just heard a 5-4 version of Beatles "Come Together". In our session we played well together and once again EHS students are striving to shine. I get a glimpse of the amazing adults they will become. Let's pack the house on May 24th at the Arkley center. Next is swords, chain mail and jousting.

Day 3:

Disneyland!

Medieval Times the night before was a blast! Our knight was Sir Conor and there was much rejoicing from the red and yellows upon his entrance. Our young ladies on the tour were happy to ask for an autograph at the conclusion. While our knight was defeated early, the food was messy and filling.

The following morning many of the students made the 7:30 shuttle and entered the gates of the happiest place on earth. All rode the big rides right away. By the the time the late group arrived the place was full with 1 hour waits.

At 1 pm we met our stage mgr. Whitney. She gave us the rundown of the next 2 hours then took us to a huge two door gate in Toon Town. Cameras were brought out, pictures of the gate were taken and we walked in a tiny door right next to it. Awkward! Backstage the happiest place becomes a Wizard of Oz moment. It wasn't dirty.  It just wasn't magical. After changing into our uniforms and a little warm up we hit the stage. Unlike other groups during the day whose audience was peopled mostly by chaperones, we were pulling them in! Several people were into what the Eureka Jazz Ensemble had to say.

After some more time in the park, fireworks and some last minute retail therapy. Jazz Ensemble was back to the hotel by 10:45, happy at the thought of not having to get back to Eureka through Saskatchewan. Leaving So Cal for the happy haunts of the Redwood Curtain and the chance of uninterrupted sleep longer than four hours. As I post this I am glad to be coming home, but not glad to be done taking these amazing young people on this tour of four days, one and half spent on the road. If you see these players ask them about the trip and thank them for representing EHS so well.

Post Script is that the band came in 8th place out of 21 bands and 4 points out of 3rd place in our division. Oh so close!

April Newsletter

Hello Blog Readers,

March has come and gone as quickly as it came. Spring has sprung, and April has arrived! It seems that as the school year progresses time begins to move with an increasing pace! We now have behind us the college application deadlines and financial aid deadlines which cause inevitable nail-biting, so our seniors who survived can give themselves a pat on the back. However, the year is not over yet! We still have about 2 months to count down before we can get out to enjoy our accomplishments and sunny days! Hang in there, students, now is the time to stay focused on your goals!

Seniors:

April is a month filled with more college planning for our seniors. Here are a couple of upcoming dates to keep in mind:

• On April 26^th and 27^th College of the Redwoods will be hosting the “Accuplacer” placement tests on our campus in IT101. Each student who plans to attend a community college should sign up for this testing session, regardless of the community college they plan to attend. Test scores can be used at most California Community College Campuses. Check your campus website to determine if the Accuplacer is the placement test for your community college. In order to test on April 26^th or 27^th, students must first apply to CR at www.redwoods.edu  at least two days before the test date. Sign up sheets can be found in the counseling office. See your counselor if you have questions.

• May 1^st is the date by which seniors must notify college universities of your intent to attend their campus.

Seniors who submitted the FAFSA form by March 2, 2011 should have received a Student Aid Report (SAR) by this time. The student aid report provides the estimated family contribution (EFC), which is the amount of funding the federal government expects your family to be able to pay toward college. If you have questions about the EFC, or have not received a SAR by now and have filed your FAFSA form, be sure to contact Federal Student Aid at: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) to determine if there are any outstanding issues with your financial aid application. Students who submitted a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form on or before March 2, 2011, can check their Cal Grant award status and amount at: webgrants4students.org. Each student will need to create a username and password in order to access their CalGrant information. If you have not yet filed your FAFSA, it is not too late to receive some aid. Do it now!!! (www.fafsa.ed.gov)

Juniors:

Juniors, now is the time to plan visits to colleges and universities of your interest in order to prepare for your fall college applications. Spring break and summer are great opportunities for you and your parents to visit campuses and talk to advisors or admission officers about your main concerns for choosing a university that fits your needs. Campus visits provide an opportunity for students to get a feel for the campus, its culture, location, and setting. Campus visits are a powerful way for you to choose a university that is uniquely suited for you!

Juniors who plan to attend a four year university following their senior year should also sign up to take the SAT and ACT tests this year. We recommend that students take the test once in the spring of their junior year, and then again in the fall of their senior year. There are some distinct differences between the two tests, so stop by the counseling office to pick up testing information, including a graphic comparison sheet which outlines the differences between the ACT and SAT tests. Information, practice tests, and test dates can also be found at: www.collegeboard.com and www.actstudent.org.  Fee waivers for the ACT and SAT are available to students who are in AVID or who are enrolled in the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch Program.

Everyone!

We have approached a time of year which is filled with many fun activities and events. Spring is also a time of year that beckons each of us outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. Distractions from academics are high throughout the school year, but spring is arguably the easiest time to lose sight of goals. Colleges are still watching senior grades and will not admit if grades slip! Universities primarily consider sophomore and junior year grades when each student applies to college in fall of their senior year. At all times, remain focused on your goals, both short-term and long-term, and stay consistent in your efforts and focus to finish strong at the end of the year. Best wishes to a successful fourth quarter!

Sincerely,

Audra Gosvener, on behalf of the Eureka High School Counseling Department