WINDHAM HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT SENIOR BULLETIN MARCH 2016

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1 WINDHAM HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SERVICES DEPARTMENT SENIOR BULLETIN MARCH 2016 COLLEGE BOUND SENIORS TIME LINE FOR THE THIRD & FOURTH QUARTERS IT S TIME TO APPLY FOR LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS! Complete the initial application for local scholarships (attached) and return by April 14th if you wish to be considered for any of the scholarships given out at Awards Night. PLEASE NOTE: In order to be eligible for local scholarships, you must have completed the FAFSA. A copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) must be submitted to Student Services Office. (Sample Attached) Students attending community and technical colleges are encouraged to apply for local scholarships! MARCH Please notify the Student Services office when you receive college decisions. With your permission, we will announce the good news! Keep Naviance updated with your status. BE SURE TO CHECK NAVIANCE FOR A FULL LIST OF SCHOLARSHIPS. REVIEW SCHOLARSHIPS IN PREVIOUS BULLETINS! If you are unsure about your plans after graduation, please make an appointment with your school counselor. IT S NOT TOO LATE! with your school counselor. Be sure to check your college regularly. Interested in applying to college for the Fall 2016 semester? Make an appointment APRIL Review your college acceptances and financial aid offers with your parents and counselor. Visit colleges that you have not yet visited. Make final decision! Notify colleges of your decision and send deposit by May 1. Apply for additional scholarships. Submit your application for LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS by APRIL 14, 2016 ****** MAY SAT I/II May 7th Take AP exams if eligible. May 1 - common reply date for college decisions JUNE SAT I/II June 4th GRADUATION!!! Good luck! 1

2 WINDHAM HIGH SCHOOL Initial Application for Local Scholarship Complete this form and submit it to the Student Services NO LATER THAN APRIL 14, 2016 *COPY OF STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR from your FAFSA) REQUIRED TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR LOCAL SCHOLARSHIPS. Name: Date: Name of college you hope to attend: Have you been accepted? yes no(please check) Have you received any college or outside merit scholarships? If yes, please list names and amounts: Is either parent a veteran? yes no. If yes, which parent? Does either parent belong to an American Legion Post or Legion Auxiliary? yes no If yes, name of Post? Will you be living on campus? Commuting from home? Commuting from apartment? Major course of study: 4 year 2 year other (please explain) Occupation and employer of father Occupation and employer of mother No. of children in family Ages of those younger Names of those presently in college: Parents income: $20,000 - $40,000 $80,000 - $90,000 $40,000 - $60,000 Over $90,000 $60,000 - $80,000 Did you file the F.A.F.S.A.?* Did you or your parents attend the Financial Aid Workshop in January 2016 yes no ************************************************************************************* To be completed by Student Services Tuition and Fees: Room & Board (or commuting costs): Books/Supplies: Transportation: Personal: TOTAL COLLEGE COSTS FOR THE YEAR (over)

3 SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Please update and note years of participation (ie. Ping Pong team 1,2,3,4) SPORTS/SCHOOL ACTIVITIES: Indicate the number of interscholastic athletic teams participated in each year: Indicate any sport in which you served as a captain or co-captain and /or received a varsity letter. Sport Sport Sport Sport Sport Sport ACTIVITY Academic Decathlon B.L. A.S.T. Big Brothers/Big Sisters Chamber Singers Civil Rights Team Class Council Class Officer Community Service Club Drama Club Eagle Eyes Newspaper Envirothon Exemplar FOR Club-Friends of Rachel French Club French Nat l Honor Society Gay/Straight Alliance Geek Squad Geeks Templar Green Roots Interact Club Indicate any offices you have held such as: President, Treasurer, etc Key Club Latin Club ACTIVITY Latin National Honor Society LEAF Leo Club MathTeam Mission Wellness National Honor Society Outing Club Prom Committee RSVP Science Olympiad Spanish Club Spanish National Honor Society Student Council Student Outreach Trim M Music Varsity Club Windonian Yearbook Other: COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: Community organizations to which you belong (ie. Scouts, Youth) Group) Volunteer Service: Type of service Total number of hours of participation. Sponsored by club/organization self-initiated Volunteer Service: Type of service Total number of hours of participation. Sponsored by club/organization self-initiated EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES: Do you work during the school year? yes no. If yes, number of hours/week Paid employment during the summer? yes no. If yes, average # hours/week

4 IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING COMPLETING YOUR FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION If you provided estimated income and tax information on the FAFSA and have now completed your taxes and filed them, you will need to have your data transferred from the IRS to your FAFSA. This is called IRS Data Retrieval. This ensures that financial aid awards are based on accurate information. Using IRS data retrieval is best as it updates and verifies information in one step. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool is available 2-3 weeks after filing electronically or 8-11 weeks after filing by mail (the timeframe is longer for those who owe a payment to the IRS See Chart of Time Frames). Here s how to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool: Go to your FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov. Log in under Returning User using your FSA ID. Click on Make FAFSA Corrections, and create a Save Key. Go to the Financial Information section. Locate the Have you completed your IRS income tax return? question and change the response from Will file to Already completed. Filter questions will appear that will determine whether the IRS DRT can be used. If all filter questions can be answered no, click on Link to the IRS (a parent will have to provide his or her FSA ID to retrieve parent tax information). Once in the IRS site, provide the required information and click Submit. In order for retrieval to work, the address entered must match the address on file with the IRS exactly. Once the retrieved information is displayed, click on the box to enable the Transfer Now button. Click on the Transfer Now button and the information will transfer back to the FAFSA. DO NOT change any of the information that was transferred from the IRS. Repeat this process for the parent(s) and student if both parties filed a tax return. If one party was not required to file a tax return, be sure that is indicated on the FAFSA. Once all updates and transfer are complete, review your FAFSA summary and submit the FAFSA. The information will be processed by the federal processing center and sent to all schools listed on the FAFSA.

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6 Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter If you have filed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will receive a financial aid award letter or notification from the colleges where you have been accepted. Many colleges begin sending (or ing) financial aid awards in mid-march. They will also post your award in the college portal so make sure you have activated your college portals. Make sure to finalize any other requirements after you file your FAFSA such as IRS data retrieval or completing additional verification documentation. If you don t complete these in a timely manner it will hold up your financial aid award. Comparing Financial Aid Awards Use the worksheet on the next page to help you compare your financial aid award letters. Gift aid (grants and scholarships) is the best form of financial aid as it doesn t have to be repaid. Questions to ask about grants and scholarships: What do I have to do to keep my scholarship? Is there a minimum grade point average (GPA) or other condition? Do I have to do anything more than maintain satisfactory academic progress? Can I expect to receive the same assistance each year I m in college? What happens to my aid if I win an outside scholarship? Do I need to report outside scholarships? Can the aid be increased if my family has financial problems? Loans must be repaid. The maximum in federal loans a student can borrow their freshman year is $5,500. For more information about federal student aid go to studentaid.ed.gov. If you need any help with your financial aid please see your school counselor or Mrs. Sturgis. Information from famemaine.com and collegeboard.org

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8 SCHOLARSHIPS Visit for a complete list of scholarships open to Maine residents! Churchill Family Scholarship Competition Amount: $1000 Deadline: March 15 APPLY: Eligibility: Must be pursuing a 4-year degree program in vocal music education or performance; must prepare four pieces for audition. Police Athletic League Scholarship Amount: up to 4 at $1,000 Deadline: April 3 APPLY: Eligibility: Write 300 word essay on topic stated on application requirements. Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarship Amount: $2500 Deadline: March 31 APPLY: Eligibility: Must be planning to attend a four year college, have maintained a minimum 3.0 GPA, write an essay describing college and future plans, and demonstrate leadership abilities through participation in community services or other extra curricular activities. Two letters of recommendation also required. Windham PTA Scholarship Amount: $750 Deadline: Postmarked by April 15 - Applications available in Student Services. Eligibility: Parent/guardian must be a PTA member, complete application, obtain one letter of recommendation and his or her chosen work on the theme: Continuing my education is important because. Alpha One Powering Education Scholarship Amount: $2,000 Deadline: April 1, 2015 APPLY: -secondary education. Eligibility: Specifically for students with disabilities who wish to pursue post Abbott and Fenner Scholarship Amount: $1000 Deadline: June 10 Apply- Beal College Scholarship 2014 Mary Beal Scholarship (5) $500 scholarships Deadline: April. Must be planning to attend Beal College. Majors include: Allied Health, Business, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood, Social and Human Services, Professional Office Technology & Support. Write a 500 word essay addressing essay prompt on scholarship form. APPLY: Maine State Grange Agricultural Scholarship Amount: $500 Deadline: April 30 APPLY: Eligibility: Pursuing a career in agricultural or agriculturally related field including Equine Science. Scholarships for Gay Youth Amount: Varies Deadline: Varies. For information on scholarships log on to campuspride.org, then to Campus Pride Index, and then to Scholarships Ayn Rand Essay Contest Amount: $50 $10,000 Deadline: April 26. Eligibility: Write an essay based on Rand s The Fountainhead and click on The Fountainhead Bridgton Art Guild Scholarship Amount: $500 Deadline: May 1 APPLY: applications in student services or Eligibility: Planning to major in art. Based on art ability and potential. Must provide portfolio including sample of 3 works. Portland Water District Amount: $1500 per year Deadline: May 15. Scholarship will be awarded in September. FMI: to apply *Maine Community Foundation* Amount: Varies Deadline: Varies - Over 30 Scholarships to apply for online. APPLY: Cappex Scholarships Amount: $1,000 $5,000 Further information available at Maine Society of Women Engineers Scholarship Amount: $500 Deadline: April 25. Eligibility: Female student furthering her education in engineering, well rounded student and academic achievement. Essay required. APPLY:

9 Maine State Golf Association Amount: $1,500 with renewal annually to a maximum of $6,000 Deadline: April 1 Eligibility: Students shall have shown an active interest in golf, provide evidence of financial need, be a prospective graduate of an accredited Maine secondary school, and be outstanding in character, integrity and leadership. APPLY: Ruffed Grouse Society Amount: $4,000 Deadline: April 1 Eligibility: Planning to major in wildlife conservation, Forestry, biology, wildlife law enforcement or related field. APPLY: Maine Innkeepers Association Amount: Varies Deadline: April 10 APPLY: industry (hotel administration/culinary Arts) at a 2-4 year college. Eligibility: Planning to major in the hospitality Maine State Chamber of Commerce Scholarship/MES Scholarships Amount: (2) $1500 Deadline: April 15 APPLY: click on Scholarships Eligibility: Two scholarships are given: one to a student who is planning an associates degree in a technical program and one student who is planning to pursue a bachelors degree in a business-related area. Preference may be given to students attending Maine Colleges. Maine Manufacturers Association Scholarship Amount: varies Deadline: April 15 APPLY: Eligibility: The scholarship is restricted to the study of metal working trades and will be used to pay tuition costs, textbooks, lab fees, supplies, room and board. Mechanics Savings Bank Amount: $1,000 Deadline: April 30- APPLY: Eligibility: Planning to attend 2 or 4 year college, university or technical school; grade average of 82 or better for three years; demonstrated service to school, community and/or family; financial need. AEMP Education Foundation Scholarship Amount: $500 per semester up to 4 semesters Deadline: May 1 Eligibility: Must be planning to attend a college that offers a diesel technology program. Must have maintained a 2.0 GPA in high school and have an interest in a career as a heavy equipment technician. APPLY: who-we-are/foundation/for-students/ Maine Legislative Memorial Scholarship/MES Scholarships Amount: $1000 Deadline: April 15 Eligibility: One scholarship is awarded to one student from each Maine county. Must be accepted to a Maine college or technical school. Awards based on academic excellence, contributions to community and employment and financial need. Essay required. APPLY: NEACAC Essay Contest Amount: $900 Deadline: April 10 Eligibility: Submit a 500 word essay on the following topic: Describe a counselor, teacher or coach who has had the greatest influence on your decision to attend college. How has this individual impacted your future? What will you do in college or beyond that will make a difference in your community? APPLY: go to Awards & Grants and Click on Essay Contest and Information Fistal Family Nursing Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: April 17 FMI and to APPLY: Eligibility: Jewish student planning to pursue an Associate or Bachelors Degree in nursing. Submit a 100 word statement on why he/she wants to become a Registered Nurse. Also submit high school transcript, description of extracurricular activities and letters of recommendation from two teachers and one other person that is familiar with your accomplishments. Maine Rural Rehabilitation Fund Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: April 15 APPLY: Eligibility: Must have maintained a GPA of 2.7 or better; planning to major at a 2 or 4 year college with a degree in Agriculture (including animal sciences, plant sciences, agricultural engineering, agricultural business, soil science, sustainable agriculture). Tyler Technologies Amount: Up to$6,000 Deadline May 4 Tyler Technologies of Yarmouth is hosting the 2nd annual Maine App Challenge. The Challenge is an opportunity for Maine high school students to win money for college while exploring the world of mobile app design. Contestants will submit an app they've built to meet a need in their school or community, along with a short video showcasing the app. Perfect for the student with a knack for computer science, however no prior experience is necessary. Up for grabs is $10,000 in total scholarships, with first place winning $6,000! For complete details and dates click over to Stephen Brent Jacobson Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: April 15. Eligibility: Student who exemplifies compassion, leadership and drive. Preference given to a Jewish student. Send a resume or letter detailing your achievements, your transcript. A brief personal statement highlighting a particular achievement or area of interest is strongly encouraged. FMI and to APPLY: 9

10 The President s Cup Scholarship Award Eligibility: Student with highest GPA from among the applicants. Send a resume or letter detailing your achievements, your transcript. Deadline: April 17. A brief personal statement highlighting a particular achievement or area of interest is strongly encouraged. FMI and to APPLY: about-us/awards-and-grants Robert J. Agger Memorial Award Deadline: April 17. Eligibility: Student who has displayed sportsmanship, leadership and athletic ability throughout high school career. Send a resume or letter detailing your achievements, your transcript. A brief personal statement highlighting a particular achievement or area of interest is strongly encouraged. FMI and to APPLY: Maine Chiefs of Police Memorial Scholarship Amount: $500 Deadline: April 15. Eligibility: Planning to major in some area of law enforcement. Essay required indicating what area of law enforcement you wish to pursue and why you have made that choice. APPLY: Maine State Employees Association Scholarship Amount: Varies Deadline: April 17. Eligibility: Must be a dependent of a MSEA member and entering a post-secondary educational or vocational program for the first time as a freshman. Dependents of teachers not eligible. Russ Casey Scholarship Amount: $1000 Deadline: May. Eligibility: Available to students pursuing a degree in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management. Typed letter of not more than 300 words describing your affiliation with the hospitality industry, why you are applying for the scholarship, and your career goals. Two letters of reference also required. APPLY: MEDEA Scholarship Maine Driver Education Association Amount: (2) $250- Deadline: April 15. Eligibility: Must have completed a Driver s Ed course, and write a 300 word essay regarding: Why did you choose the driving school you attended? What qualities do you think make a good driver education program. Raymond Fire Rescue Association Scholarship Amount: $1,000 Deadline: April 30. Eligibility: Graduating senior from Raymond furthering his/her education in the medical or public safety area. APPLY: Student View Scholarship Amount: $500-$4000 Deadline: April 22. Eligibility: Complete an online survey about colleges in your area. APPLY: and complete a minute application survey about colleges

11 Central Maine Community College March 16th CMCC Admissions Counselors will be here at WHS to review applications and meet with interested seniors. No application fee! Sign up in the Career and College Center (room 128) Do you need to take the Accuplacer for college placement? See Mrs. Sturgis in the Career and College Center (room 128) *Keep checking your college accounts for notices and information* ****************************************************************************** Don t forget to fill out your WHS Local Scholarship Application! OVER $50,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE AWARDED!!! Turn in application along with your completed SAR from your FAFSA (required to be eligible for scholarship). Don t forget to refer to previous newsletters for scholarships!! Some scholarship applications and information contained in this newsletter available in Student Services. **************************************************************************** SUMMER PROGRAMS Information on academic, enrichment and volunteer programs available in the student services office and on Naviance EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT! Thanks to Opportunity Maine, students who graduate from a Maine college and live and work in Maine, can claim a tax credit that reimburses their student loan payments. Further information available at Wondering if an organization is a valid organization offering scholarship? Log on to: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Merle B. Shaw Scholarship for Windham Area Students The Merle B. Shaw Scholarship Fund was established at the University of Maine Foundation by a trust from Merle B. Shaw, a University of Maine alumnus from the Class of Students attending UMaine or USM are eligible. Selection is based on financial need, a satisfactory academic record and residency in Windham or Raymond. Application Process: To assist in finding eligible students, the Windham High School Student Services Office is contacted each spring by The University of Maine to receive a list of students who plan to attend USM or UMaine. Students who believe they are eligible for the Merle B. Shaw Scholarship may also apply at the Student Financial Aid Office at either the University of Maine at: or for the University of Southern Maine. Students are required to demonstrate financial need by filing a FAFSA and maintain a satisfactory academic and conduct record. Award recipients are announced at the Senior Awards Ceremony in June. Scholarships may be renewed provided the student continues to meet the scholarship criteria. The number of awards and the award levels vary each year and are based on available funding and the size of the applicant pool. 11