FHS Counselors Newsletter. FRISCO ISD Class of 2016 Wednesday, April 8th at 6:30 p.m. Wakeland High School Auditorium

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1 FHS Counselors Newsletter Important Upcoming Events: 1) FISD Presents JUST JUNIORS: COLLEGE ADMISSIONS 101 FRISCO ISD Class of 2016 Wednesday, April 8th at 6:30 p.m. Wakeland High School Auditorium The guest panel for this presentation will consist of representatives from the following colleges and universities: Collin College Southern Methodist University Stephen F. Austin Texas Tech University University of North Texas University of Oklahoma University of Texas at Dallas The presentation includes an overview of the college application process as well as tips and strategies from the perspective of the college admissions representatives. Students and parents should park on the North side of Wakeland and enter through the Auditorium doors. 2) Upcoming Destination College Events for Parents and Students

2 Collin College Pre-Admission Partnerships: Transferring to Universities 6-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 Living Legends Conference Center Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E. Spring Creek Pkwy., Plano Representatives from each of Collin College's pre-admission partner colleges/universities will provide information about their program's benefits, the application process, financial aid scholarships and ways to prepare for college. The partners will meet parents and students during individual breakout sessions. Information tables from university partners and Collin College will be available for browsing. Collin College's University Partners are: Austin College, Baylor University, Dallas Baptist University, Southern Methodist University, Texas A&M University - Commerce, Texas Tech University, Texas Woman's University, Texas Wesleyan University, The University of Texas at Dallas, and the University of North Texas. Please note: Browsing tables will be available from 6-6:20 p.m. Welcome remarks and breakout sessions will begin at 6:30 p.m. Registration for this workshop will open on Friday, Jan. 30, Thank you for your interest. To register, visit 3) Coffee with the Counselors: The FHS Counseling Department hosts periodic parent only sessions geared towards sharing information on topics important to parents. These sessions take place on the FHS Campus in the Lecture Hall at 8:30am. Please mark your calendar with the dates below. We look forward to having you here! Date February 20, 2015 Topic Dangerous Phone Apps for Teens

3 4) Frisco ISD to Host New Parent Orientation Frisco ISD invites new parents, or any parent interested in learning more about the District, to a parent orientation session on Tuesday, February 24. The event will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Administration Building Board Room, 5515 Ohio Drive in Frisco. The goal is to help new parents become familiar with FISD operations, programs and policies and to help ease the transition for families into a new school and school district. Frisco ISD welcomes an average of 3,000 new students each year from across Texas, the United States and around the globe. It is ranked among the fastest growing school districts in the state and nation. We are constantly welcoming new families to our schools and working to help them feel connected to our community, said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeremy Lyon. This is a deliberate effort on our part to encourage open communication and build strong relationships as the District continues to grow. Parents are encouraged to bring their questions regarding FISD, its schools and programs. Scholarship Opportunities: 1) The Student-View Scholarship is a unique opportunity for high school seniors. It is open to all students regardless of academic achievement or financial need. Student Insights will award the following prizes: (Select your state below to apply)

4 One (1) individual prize of a $4,000 scholarship. Two (2) individual prize of a $1,000 scholarship. Ten (10) individual prizes, consisting of $500 scholarships each It is exceptionally easy to apply: * NO minimum SAT or ACT score * NO minimum grade point average * NO lengthy, time-consuming paperwork * NO essays * NO application fees Simply complete a minute online survey about local colleges. You will then be automatically entered into a random drawing for a scholarship award. Visit to apply. 2) The North Dallas Bank & Trust Co. James W. Tyra Memorial Scholarship North Dallas Bank & Trust Co. ( NDB ) has always endeavored to work with and serve the communities around its locations. In 1994, in honor of the bank s very first Community Reinvestment Act ( CRA") Officer, the bank established the James W. Tyra Scholarship. Mr. Tyra was committed to advancing the hopes and dreams of the local public, and tirelessly gave of himself for the benefit of the youth in the community. As we enter 2015, the Scholarship Program begins its twenty-first year and the bank will, again, award TWO $1,000 scholarships to seniors from local area public high schools to help offset college costs. Official 2015 Rules

5 Eligibility: Applicants must be current high school seniors, in the top 25% of their graduating class, attending a public school located within the bank s trade area* (approximately 5.50 miles from any NDB banking center). Applicants must be recommended by school counselor or principal and demonstrate financial need (having an annual household income of less than $69,000**). Applicants must be a full-time student and maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0. Entry Information: Complete the Scholarship Application (available after January 30, 2015, in the counselor's office of public high schools situated within the bank s trade area or by request from the NDB Marketing Department). All sections of the application must be completed for an applicant to be considered eligible. A current official academic transcript, two letters of recommendation (one from high school teacher, counselor, or principal and one from a community member), a student letter outlining personal and educational goals, any other information an applicant would like to share with the selection committee, and all sources of financing for education must also accompany the application. Amount of Scholarship: A maximum of $1,000 per year, with a limit of $500 per semester, will be awarded and paid directly to the financial aid office of the college/university. Failure to enroll by the fall semester of 2015 constitutes forfeiture of all rights to the scholarship. The scholarship may be renewed annually for a period of up to three additional years. To continue eligibility, after completing classes, recipients must remit the prior year s transcript prior to enrolling for the ensuing school year. Failure to abide by these requirements will invalidate the bank s obligation to renew the scholarship. Additional Terms: Board members, officers and employees of North Dallas Bank & Trust Co. and their family members are NOT eligible for this program. Applicant Agreement: By applying and participating, applicant agrees and consents to: the official rules and the decisions of the committee and/or NDB representatives; allow the use of names, likenesses, and/or photographic images for advertising and promotional efforts, including social media and publicity purposes, without further consent or compensation; and release and hold harmless NDB and/or its employees from any damages arising out of the applicant s participation in this program. Recipient Notification/Claiming Scholarships: Beneficiaries will be determined by an internal bank committee. The decision of the committee is final. Recipients will be notified by a bank representative either by phone, letter, or in person. NDB does NOT discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, age, or disabilities. Send application requests and/or return completed applications and documents to: North Dallas Bank & Trust Co.

6 Attn: Marketing Department Preston Rd Ste 208 Dallas, TX All applications must be post marked by Friday, March 27, 2015, and received no later than Friday, April 03, 2015, by 5:00 PM (CST) to the address above. Students can see Mrs. Appel in the counseling office for the application and can visit for additional details. 3) COLLIN COUNTY AGGIE MOMS CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS Every year the Collin County Aggie Moms raise funds to provide scholarships to deserving Collin County Students on their way to Texas A&M University in College Station. To learn more, visit 4) STEM Scholarship for girls WTS: Advancing Women In Transportation is an international organization with over 5,000 members and 57 chapters. WTS is committed to excellence in the transportation industry and provides an opportunity for member career advancement through the exchange of information, ideas and experiences. WTS network provides professional support to its members through a variety of services, including career development assistance, seminars on current transportation issues, and regular newsletters. The Greater Dallas/Fort Worth chapter of WTS, working with Gorrondona & Associates, Inc., has created a new scholarship for female high school seniors in the amount of $2,500 and up to four scholarships will be awarded in Applications from students attending a high school in the Dallas/Fort Worth area will be accepted. The Gorrondona & Associates, Inc./WTS High School Scholarship was founded in 2015 with the goal of encouraging female high school seniors to pursue STEM studies at the community college or university level. These scholarships are targeted towards Dallas/Fort Worth area students with a financial need, who are among the first of their family members to attend college, are working to

7 contribute to a family budget or participating in activities outside of schoolwork, and wish to pursue a career in the transportation field. Please encourage your students to apply for these scholarships. Your school/district may have several deserving young women who are eligible for this scholarship and we are asking for your assistance in making the application form available to them. Please encourage any young women meeting the minimum criteria to apply. The application is simple and straightforward and may be downloaded from The application form and accompanying transcript, short-answer questions, and letter(s) of recommendation must be post marked or ed no later than Friday, March 27, 2015, in order to be eligible for the scholarships. We expect to notify the women selected in April We appreciate your assistance and wish your candidates the best of luck. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (817) or awilson@nctcog.org. 5) Picture Freedom Scholarship Contest From Feb. 22 to 28, students 13 and older are encouraged to share original photos and artwork on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #PictureFreedom. A panel of educators and First Amendment experts will pick the top 25 posts based on originality, creativity and clarity in conveying the theme of freedom, and the winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship. "Picture Freedom" is supported by the American Society of News Editors, the Journalism Education Association, John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies at Middle Tennessee State University, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Newseum Institute's First Amendment Center, and hundreds of teachers and journalists. Visit for additional information. 6) Delta Sigma Phi Man of Achievement Scholarships *** Each of the last eight years, Delta Sigma Phi, a fraternity at the University of Missouri-Columbia, has offered two scholarships to deserving incoming freshmen male students. It is NOT necessary to join Delta Sigma Phi to receive the scholarships, and last year neither winner did.

8 Please see the three attachments at the bottom of the newsletter titled MOA for details on this scholarship. 7) Registration is now open for the next "I am Applying Scholarship" that will be awarded this summer (July 2015). Students can apply at 8) Seniors that come to our Centenary Preview in Dallas on Saturday, February 21st, 2015 will receive a $2,500 Visit Scholarship if they apply by February 21st. This could be a great opportunity for students that have not yet had a chance to visit our beautiful campus but may have schedule conflicts at this point. This event is open to all students from all grades. For a list of all the scholarships available, please visit our scholarship page. Get a taste of Centenary at the Hilton Dallas Park Cities! Learn about Centenary and about the admission process and as you hear from current Centenary students, faculty, and staff. Saturdays from 10:00am until 12:00pm- October 18th, 2014 and February 21st, High school seniors who attend the Dallas Preview on February 21st are eligible to receive our $2,500/year Campus Visit Scholarship! Texas residents may also qualify for our $5,000/year Texas Equalization Grant, worth $20,000 over four years. REGISTER FOR FEBRUARY 21, ) OU Club of Collin County Scholarships Each year we award scholarships to deserving high school seniors from Collin County that are bound for OU. Scholarships start at $1,000 (half as a scholarship and half as a tuition waiver), but often they are more than that. This will help each student pay for necessary, academic tools to help their year be a bit less of a financial burden. In 2013, we gave away $12,000 to four deserving Sooners. Visit for details and to apply.

9 Yale Young Global Scholars The Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS) Program was founded as a small pre-collegiate summer program fourteen years ago under the name Ivy Scholars. YYGS has now expanded to accommodate 600 participants and currently runs three distinct sessions: Politics, Law, and Economics; International Affairs and Security; and Science, Policy, and Innovation. Summer 2014 was the first year of the Science, Policy, and Innovation session, which focuses on understanding and confronting emerging global challenges in the areas of public health, environment, and energy. The 2012 name change from Ivy Scholars to Young Global Scholars reflects the program s continuing mission to educate increasing numbers of international students and to expose students from the United States and abroad to global issues, international affairs, American government in comparative perspective, and policy leadership. In summer 2014, participants represented all 50 states and 80 countries. Countries represented included China, Brazil, Turkey, India, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, as well as Myanmar, Tunisia, Kenya, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Poland, Afghanistan, and many more. Yale University directly administers the program through the Yale Office of International Affairs. The members of the program leadership team are all employees of the university and most of our instructional support staff are Yale affiliates, including current Yale undergraduates, recent Yale College graduates, and Yale graduate students. Those few who are not Yale degree holders have backgrounds at schools like Harvard University, the University of Oxford, and Brown University. The program is highly selective and gives students an unforgettable summer experience. To give students room to flourish in a new learning environment and to explore new academic interests, YYGS does not offer course credit, nor do students receive any quantitative evaluation during or after the program. Apply now the summer 2015 online application can be found here. Application deadline is February 26, 2015

10 Summer 2015 applications are available online and due by February 26. Session 1 Politics, Law, and Economics June 23 - July 6 Session 2 International Affairs and Security July 9 - July 22 Session 3 Science, Policy, and Innovation July 25 - August 7 Texas A&M University Texarkana Upcoming Spring Eagle Open House at TAMUT campus on Saturday, February 21 st from 10am 5pm. This will be a great opportunity for any students interested in A&M Texarkana to speak with Admissions & Financial Aid representatives, turn in missing documents, tour the campus, sign up for Housing, and speak with professors from their prospective majors. Students can register here: Information on the redesigned SAT: The content on the Redesigned SAT will be very similar to that which is on the ACT. The major difference is in how the concepts are tested and the steps students will have to take to solve problems correctly. Students will have to reason their way through this exam by tackling problems in a linear and sequential fashion; a student s ability to process information quickly will be key.

11 Highlights: The new test is composed of Math sections (1 section with a calculator and 1 without), and Evidence- Based Reading & Writing sections. Scoring: Math- 800 points possible Evidence-Based Reading & Writing 800 points possible Maximum points The Essay Section is Optional and generates a separate score outside of the total 1600 points possible. Length of test: 3 hours (without essay) 3 hours, 50 minutes (with essay) * Many schools will require this essay, as they do with the ACT Essay. The Redesigned or NEW SAT test will affect the class of 2017 and beyond. Some students may find the Redesigned SAT more friendly: There will not be a penalty for wrong answers, so students won t have to worry about losing points for guessing incorrectly. There will be only 4 answer choices instead of 5. Students may be more familiar with some of the vocabulary tested, but they will need to know multiple definitions of those words. Some students may find some of the changes more challenging: Questions will require multiple steps to get to an answer. The reading passages will include complex structure and vocabulary. Foundational math skills will be more important. Reasoning and critical thinking skills will be paramount There will be fewer sections on the Redesigned Test, but they will be longer in time than the current SAT

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