Important Letter to Parents of Seniors:

 

Dear Seniors & Parents/Guardians:                                                                                                                                           June 2, 2009

 

Believe it or not, your senior year will go very quickly and there is a lot to be done.  Here are 10 important topics to consider NOW: 

 

1)      Visit colleges in July and August! Take a college tour, meet with an admissions counselor, set up an appointment with a financial aid advisor, and if you are interested in sports, meet the coaches.  Prepare before the visit by requesting information from the school, reading it over, and developing questions you would like to ask.  Other considerations while visiting a college include:  housing, technology, college size, and campus security, and religious affiliation, private or public, and extracurricular activities.  You should continue to visit prospective colleges through their open houses (either call ahead or e-mail the colleges to confirm an appointment).   For all open houses in New York State Private Colleges and Universities use the following website to set up college visits: http://www.nycolleges.org/openHouses.php.  For all open houses and applying to SUNY (The State University of New York – including University Centers and Doctoral Degree Institutions, University Colleges, Technology Colleges and Community Colleges) colleges on-line use the following website: http://www.suny.edu/. Lastly, many private and SUNY colleges waive application fees if you apply on-line.

 

2)      Many of you already took the SATs or ACTs.  If you have not taken them at this point, and are considering college in the fall, then you need to sign up immediately! The first SAT test will be offered on October 10th, and the deadline for this test is September 9th. If you choose to send your registration through the mail, see me; if you choose to register on-line at http://www.collegeboard.com (you will need a credit card for payment), make sure you print a copy of the last page (confirmation page; this is your admissions ticket for the day of the test), and write down your user id and password to access your scores early. The first ACT (ACT Plus Writing Test) test will be offered on September 12th, and the deadline for this test is August 7th.  The basic fee for the ACT if you don't take the Writing Test is less. If you want to apply on-line for the ACTs, access http://www.act.org.  Please check the ACT website to see if your college choices require or recommend the ACT Plus Writing Test.  Other test dates for SATs and ACTs will be published in the September edition of the West Valley Newsletter.

 

3)      Please see me the second week of school if you have concerns regarding meeting all graduation requirements.  We will further discuss your future plans, whether it is college, military, or employment in mid September.  If you are interested in one of the U.S. military academies, then you need to see me immediately. Any students interested in playing sports for a Division I or II institution must be registered with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse as soon as possible. To register, access http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.  You must be certified before practicing, competing, and/or receiving any athletic scholarships at a Division I or II institution.

 

4)      Friday, November 13th is the deadline for all college applications to be submitted to the Guidance Office.  Be aware that November 13th is my deadline.  Colleges may have earlier or later deadlines for applications. If you submit your application any later than Thanksgiving, you risk chances on openings, and possible financial aid.  If you choose to apply on-line to any college please let Mrs. Westfall know immediately, so she can send your transcripts and letters of recommendation.  Anyone interested in early action/decision (application deadlines are usually November 1st depending on the college) need to see me by September 11th to apply.    


5)      The college process is very involved and will demand a lot of your time, please realize that you must take an active role in the entire process.  You must assume the responsibility for knowing deadlines, establishing lists of colleges to investigate, contacting schools, obtaining necessary forms, and teacher recommendations (maximum of three letters) as required. Be selective when choosing someone to write you a letter, because they have the option to let you read it, or give it directly to me to be mailed, or mail it to the colleges themselves. Please provide a typed resume, and list of activities and accomplishments, so the person writing the letter can be more specific with his/her recommendation. The Guidance Direct program can assist you with writing your resume. In regard to your Guidance Direct (www.guidancedirect.com) account, you still have access to it over the summer.  If you don't remember your user id and password, contact me and I can provide you with this information.

                                

6)      The Western New York Consortium of Higher Education Association is on Monday, September 21st at West Valley Central School from 9:00 am – 9:45 am in the Auditorium.  There will be approximately 18 colleges and universities represented.  This is a chance for you to continue thinking about higher education and/or confirm your final choices.  Your parents are encouraged to attend this event.

 

7)      Financial Aid Forms cannot be filed until after January 1, 2010.  Financial Aid comes in several forms, such as: grants (actual cash that you do not have to pay back); scholarships (actual cash awarded for academics or sports achievement-which must be maintained in order for the money to continue being provided); loans (yes, they must be paid back); college funded awards (do not have to be paid back); endowments; and your own money (money from families).  Throughout the year I will continue to keep you advised of scholarships that apply to you. Approximately 90% of scholarship money comes from the individual colleges you apply to; therefore, it is imperative to meet the college application deadlines for the individual schools.

 

8)      The “Guidance Webpage” (http://www.wvalley.wnyric.org/) will be a very important communication tools for you this year.  In addition, the hallway by Ms. Benz’s room and the faculty room will be used for all college and scholarship information, guidance announcements and job information.   It is your responsibility to check the hallway on a daily basis. All announcements will be posted in this hallway.

 

9)      Enclosed with this letter is a "Senior Information Form".  This survey is important for us to determine eligibility for certain scholarships.  Please return the completed "Senior Information Form" at school no later than September 4th.

 

10)  Share this letter with your parents / guardians because it is essential that all of us stay in contact throughout this process. It is important to reiterate the deadline of November 13th in order to process all applications for the prospective colleges. In order to ensure that correct procedures are understood and followed, please contact me at 942-3293 extension 314 with any additional questions.

 

FALL 2009 WESTERN NEW YORK COLLEGE

CONSORTIUM OF HIGHER EDUCATION

 

By Matthew LaBrake

 

 On Monday, September 21, 2009, in the Auditorium, from 9:00 am to 9:45 am, the Western New York Consortium of Higher Education (which consists of approximately 18 colleges) will visit West Valley Central School. The academic programs available include two-year and four-year, private or public institutions. The college representatives will talk with our students regarding future academic opportunities.   This is an excellent chance for 10th - 12th grade students to either begin thinking about "higher" education (i.e. gathering lots of free materials and asking questions), or confirming their choices of what college they wish to attend next fall.  Parents are encouraged to attend as well!

 

2009 PSAT/NMSQT Registration Announcement

 

By Matthew LaBrake

 

On Wednesday, October 14, 2009, our school will administer the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) for tenth and eleventh graders. The PSAT/NMSQT includes five sections:

 

·        Two 25-minute critical reading sections

·        Two 25-minute math sections (bring a calculator)

·        One 30-minute writing skills section

 

The cost per student is $13.00, and checks are to be made payable to WEST VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOLS. The deadline to sign up and pay for the test is Wednesday, October 7, 2009 in the Guidance Office. Even if your child is not considering college at this time, he or she should take this test.  Just taking it can encourage a student to start thinking seriously about life after high school, goals, and the education necessary to reach those goals.

 

Here are some other reasons for a student to take the PSAT/NMSQT exam (www.collegeboard.com):

 

1)         It measures the reading, math, and writing skills needed for college (and for success in most jobs and careers in today’s world).  After the test, a score report will show the students' results in each of the sections. It will also target areas that need improvement before re-taking/taking the PSAT/SAT standardized tests. 

 

2)         This test gives students a chance to see how their skills compare with those of other students who will apply to college.

 

3)         For eleventh graders only, it is the first step in entering the National Merit Scholarship Corporation competitions for scholarships and recognition.

 

4)         The Student Search Service gives PSAT/NMSQT test takers (eleventh graders only) the option to voluntarily place their names and addresses in a pool of college-bound students interested in receiving admission and financial aid information from certified colleges, universities, and scholarship agencies.

 

5)         Lastly, it provides practice for the SAT exams, which most juniors take for the first time in May or June. 

 

Please encourage your son or daughter to sign up for the PSAT/NMSQT.

The time to start thinking about further education beyond high school is now!

 

The 11th Annual Financial Aid Night

                                               

By Matthew LaBrake

 

            Don’t rule out any college until you attend the "11th Annual Financial Aid Night" at West Valley Central School. At 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2009, in the cafeteria, Elisabeth Rankin, Financial Aid Counselor, from Saint Bonaventure University will provide information for 11th and 12th graders and their parents on the financial aid process including; completion of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms, grants, scholarships, and various student and parent loans.

            Financial aid is money that comes in many forms. It generally consists of a combination of grants (actual cash that you do not have to pay back), scholarships (actual cash awarded for academic achievement), and loans (must be paid back). These types of aid come from a variety of sources: the college itself, individual states, private donors, and the Federal Government (by far the largest source of aid). Once you’ve filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) via the internet (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/) colleges will extend to you the types of aid for which you are eligible.

 

PENN-YORK COLLEGE NIGHT 2010

 

By Matthew LaBrake

 

Interested in finding the college that best meets your needs?  Then all juniors and sophomores and their families should plan on attending the Penn-York College Night at Saint Bonaventure University in the Reilly Center on Wednesday, March 24th from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to speak with admissions representatives from over 110 colleges, and attend financial aid presentations.  There will be representation from four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, business, and technical schools, and military academies. Information will be available in the Guidance Office soon. Anyone interested in attending will have to provide his or her own transportation to Saint Bonaventure University.  There is NO cost for this event. Transportation will be provided with chaperones.

 

Guidance Direct (Career Connections): Second Year

 

By Matthew LaBrake

 

Career Connections – Guidance Direct (www.guidancedirect.com) is a unique online college and career planning tool designed exclusively for School Counselors and students in New York State. With the Career Connections website, students and parents can continue to access comprehensive college and career planning tools from school and home.  This resource assists students in identifying colleges and careers that best match their interests, and preferences. Students in grades 7-12 need to see me if they forgot their usernames and passwords. I will be accessing the students' electronic portfolios and meeting with them individually to provide direction and/or additional information pertaining to their various research findings. Here is a reminder of the resources that Career Connections provides students and parents:

 

  • Interest Profiler: An online interest inventory that helps students explore careers that might be right for them.  Students simply answer questions about their interest in some common work activities, and the Interest Profiler identifies their matching work related interest areas and suggests occupations for them to explore. 

 

  • Occupation Search: Students can search for occupations directly, or can use an advanced search to find occupations that best match their preferences. They can review in-depth descriptions and information on their occupations of interest and can link to related majors and colleges.

 

  • College Search: The college search includes in-depth information on over 3,700 colleges.  With powerful and easy to use search tools, students can customize college searches based on their interests.

 

  • Scholarship Search: Students and parents can use this tool to search for scholarships, grants, prizes, fellowships, and forgivable loans.  Information pertaining to over 5,000 private financial aid programs and college administered aid is included.

 

  • Resume Writer: This tool helps students create a resume. By using simple-to-use online forms, students can create an expertly designed resume. They can also select a resume style, select what information to include and export a copy in several formats.

 

  • Career Portfolio: Students can store and review information about college and career exploration in their career portfolio. Counselors then have access to viewing their student’s information to develop a better understanding of their students’ interests.

 

Statewide Student Financial Aid Days

·        Dates to be announced for February 2010…

·        www.suny.edu/studentevents or call SUNY Recruitment Response Center at 1-800-342-3811…

·        Need to request Federal Pin Number @ www.pin.ed.gov   prior to Financial Aid Days…

 

Fall 2008 Open House Schedule

 

September

 

14         St. Bonaventure University                                www.sbu.edu   

20         Buffalo State College                                         www.buffalostate.edu

27         Alfred University                                               www.alfred.edu

 

October

 

5          St. Bonaventure University                                www.sbu.edu   

11         Medaille College                                                www.medaille.edu

13         SUNY Fredonia (Columbus Day)                         www.fredonia.edu        

13         University at Buffalo                                         www.buffalo.edu

18         Alfred State College                                          www.alfredstate.edu

18         Canisius College (Business Majors)                      www.canisius.edu        

18         Daemen College                                                www.daemen.edu        

18         Niagara University                                            www.niagara.edu

18         Trocaire College                                                www.trocaire.edu        

18         University at Buffalo                                         www.buffalo.edu

19         St. Bonaventure University                                www.sbu.edu   

22         Villa Maria College                                            www.villa.edu  

25         Alfred University                                               www.alfred.edu

25         Hilbert College                                                  www.hilbert.edu

25         Pitt-Bradford                                                     9:00 Am Registration

25         SUNY Fredonia                                                www.fredonia.edu

29         Erie Community College                                    www.ecc.edu  

 

November

 

1          Canisius College (Education Majors)                        www.canisius.edu        

1          SUNY Fredonia (Transfers Only)                         www.fredonia.edu        

6          Niagara Co. Community College                                    www.niagaracc.suny.edu          

6          Bryant & Stratton College                                  www.bryantstratton.edu           

            (Buffalo, Amherst & Orchard Park Campus)

8          JCC-Olean Campus                                           www.sunyjcc.edu

8          Bryant & Stratton College                                  www.bryantstratton.edu

            (Orchard Park Campus)

8          Alfred University                                               www.alfred.edu

8          Buffalo State College                                         www.buffalostate.edu

8          Canisius College (Arts & Sciences Majors) www.canisius.edu

8          D’Youville College                                            www.dyc.edu  

8          Pitt-Bradford                                                     9:00 Am Registration

9          Alfred State College                                          www.alfredstate.edu

10         SUNY Fredonia                                                            www.fredonia.edu

11         Daemen College                                                www.daemen.edu        

11         Genesee Community College                              www.genesee.edu        

11         Niagara University                                            www.niagara.edu

11         University at Buffalo                                         www.buffalo.edu

15         Medaille College                                                www.medaille.edu

23         JCC-Jamestown Campus                                   www.sunyjcc.edu

 

 

December

 

5          Niagara University                                            www.niagara.edu         

10         Genesee Community College                              www.genesee.edu        

13         Hilbert College                                                  www.hilbert.edu

 

 

Scholarships as of September 15, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This list provides for web based search and application.

 

Contact the College for Information and Deadlines:

 

  • Jamestown Business College top 25% up to $9600
  • Alfred State Scholarships
  • St Bonaventure University -  Enchanted Mountain Scholarship
  • Jamestown Community College USA scholarship and Olean Business Institute Senior Scholarship

 

Eighth District Federated Garden Clubs of New York 

 

  • Scholarships are available again for students studying: Horticulture, Floriculture, Environmental Studies and related fields
  • For applications, please contact: Norma at 716-688-6691
  • Application deadline is December 15, 2008