Welcome to the Senior Class of 2013 and Their Parents and Guardians!!!
We hope you have a fantastic senior year!!
The Student Services at West High School has compiled information in this Senior Handbook to assist you and your
family to make informed decisions regarding your senior year, graduation, and post-secondary education and
training. The information provided here is only intended to be a starting point for answering your questions. If at
any time, you or your parent(s) have specific questions, please make an appointment to see your assigned school
counselor. Counselor assignments are:
Dr. Riehle- Human Services Academy
Mrs. Barton- Arts, Communication, Business Academy
Mrs. Lilja- Engineering, Manufacturing, Technology Academy
Mrs. Thielen- Health Services Academy
Mrs. Beth Hunemuller – PBDA Academy
Student Services Administrative Assistant:
Mrs. Kleinendorst
CoOp Students:
Alex Hottle
Meghan Payne
SENIOR YEAR
College Day at the UNI-Dome: Seniors are provided the opportunity to attend this event on Tuesday, Septembe18,
2012. Representatives from a wide variety of post-secondary institutions (4-year colleges/universities, community
colleges, vocational programs, etc.) are available to provide information concerning their schools and programs of
study. Announcements informing students of this opportunity will be made to students throughout the week prior
to the event, and students will be encouraged to register.
College Representatives and Military Recruiters:
Throughout the year, representatives from universities, colleges, community colleges, nursing schools, and the
military services come to West. As a student, if you are interested in visiting with these representatives to learn
more about their programs, you are encouraged to listen to the announcements and sign up in Student Services.
Notification of these visits will also be posted on the West High website.
College Campus Visits:
Seniors are allowed school days for college visitations. No visitations are allowed after the first Friday in May.
College visits need to be arranged through the college admissions office of the school you are interested in visiting.
You can obtain a guided visitation by either writing or calling the school’s Office of Admissions. BE SURE to make
arrangements through the West High Attendance Office and secure a Planned Absence Form several days in advance
of your trip to the college campus.
Student Services Resources:
Students are welcome to visit Student Services located on the second floor across from the IMC. Numerous college
catalogs are there as well as information on the military branches. Additional information, such as applications for
Talent Search and Upward Bound, is available in Student Services.
A free ACT test prep study guide is available through the website:
ihaveaplaniowa.gov
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If a student does not have an account, one will need to be set up. Your child’s counselor can help set up an account.
It is recommended that students do take advantage of this opportunity as other test prep study guides can cost
$19.95 or more.
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), Dual Enrollment, Contracted Classes:
Juniors and seniors may have the opportunity to enroll in college classes while in high school. There are specific
entrance requirements with each program. Students who are enrolled in Post-Secondary (college) PSEO courses
during their senior year are responsible for contacting their counselor for the necessary paperwork. If a student
drops a PSEO class, it is the student’s responsibility to contact their dean or counselor. Students are required to carry
a minimum of five courses each semester, whether they are all taken at West High School, or a combination of West
High School classes and PSEO classes. Failure to do so could result in academic probation and being dropped from
school.
November 30th is the deadline to enroll in PSEO classes for second semester.
Students are exempt from PE if they are enrolled in PSEO classes. If students drop, they may need to have PE added
to their schedule. Students and parents are responsible to know the various drop dates/penalties for PSEO classes.
If these classes are used for college credit, students must request official transcripts from the appropriate schools.
College Entrance Exams:
Colleges and universities require prospective students to take either the American College Testing Program (ACT) or
the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for entrance. In addition, community colleges, such as Hawkeye Community
College, offer the Compass Test as their entrance/placement criteria. Registration packets are available in Student
Services. Testing dates are on these packets and can be found on the West High website. Students are responsible
for ACT/SAT registration. West High’s school code is: 164-520. Using this West High code guarantees that West will
receive your scores. You may designate up to four colleges to receive your test results. If you want a report sent to
NCAA Clearinghouse, you code 9999. ACT and SAT results are mailed directly to the student.
UNI Educational Talent Search (ETS):
Talent Search is a free program that helps students and their families prepare for college. This program can help
students in the following ways:
 register and prepare for the ACT/SAT
 research college options
 college visitations
 assistance in completing college applications
 scholarship searches
 applying for financial aid
All ETS services are free, voluntary, and available at school. To learn more, call 433-1200 or visit the UNI-CUE
office at 800 Sycamore St, Waterloo. Talent Search applications are available in the Student
Services and at UNI-CUE.
Selective Service Registration:
All men are required by law to register with the Selective Service thirty days prior to or after their 18th birthday.
Registration forms are available at any U.S. Post Office, or online at:
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www4.sss.gov/regver/register1.asp
NCAA Athletic Eligibility:
Students who plan to participate in athletics at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I or II colleges
MUST file a “student release” form with the NCAA Clearinghouse in. This form authorizes colleges to review student
transcripts and ACT or SAT exam scores. Students should see their counselor, dean, Dr. Riehle, or Dr. Pappas to file
this release form and to get a detailed explanation of filing procedures. Visit:
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
for more information about the NCAA.
It is best to register in the spring of your junior year in high school. You may register during your senior year as well.
Senior Pictures for the Yearbook:
NOVEMBER 1st is the deadline for submitting pictures to the yearbook. Students must file these requirements:
 4x5 inch, vertical photo
 COLOR
 high resolution CD preferred, glossy print acceptable
 headshot (head and shoulders) only, no full body
 plain background – gray or blue preferred
 no outdoor shots or bright backgrounds
 appropriately dressed
 NO hands, arms, props, or hats in photo
If photos do no adhere to these guidelines, The Wahawk will use a school picture. If there is no school picture, the
student will not be pictured in the section.
November 1st is the deadline for the optional wallet-sized shot. This photo will be in the front or back inside cover of
the book. It can be any pose and may be included on the same CD as the formal pose. No weapons allowed in this
shot and only picture per senior. Pictures not adhering to these guidelines will not be published.
Questions may be addressed to Mrs. Ellen Shay, Yearbook advisor.
GRADUATION
December (Mid-Year) Graduates:
A January graduate may participate in Prom, Post-Prom, and the Commencement Ceremony. Please make sure you
come to Student Services to complete all paperwork required for early graduation. During the last week of the first
semester, January graduates are required to see their counselor or dean for a checkout form. These forms must be
signed by all teachers, business office, the media center, and parent. When the form is complete, return it to your
counselor or dean. At that time you must complete the graduation intent form to indicate how your name is to
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appear on your diploma. Your school records will not be sent unless you have properly checked out and paid all of
your financial obligations.
Senior Honors Program:
All seniors who receive scholarships/awards should email the name of the scholarship/awards and the dollar
amount to Mrs. Thielen:
thielenb@waterlooschools.org
st
by May 1 .
All of this information is needed for the Honor’s Assembly that is scheduled for Wednesday, May 15th. The Honor’s
Assembly is primarily for academic recognition. Only students who will be actually receiving awards will be called
upon for recognition. The email information will also be sent to the Courier for publication. We appreciate your
cooperation in emailing this information early, so that you can be recognized for your hard work and
accomplishments!
Ordering your Diploma:
You will fill out a sheet in December with your full legal name. A list will be posted for you to confirm that your name
is spelled correctly. If your name is spelled incorrectly, or is not on the list, it is your responsibility to make the
correction in Student Services. If the correction is not made before diplomas are ordered, you will have to pay for
the corrected diploma.
Ordering Graduation Materials:
There will be a special display for all seniors in September. A representative of Jostens will provide students with
information about ordering graduation announcements and other commemorative items. These are optional
purchases. More information will be in the student announcements. Packets will be available in the Business Office.
On December 6th, Herff-Jones will be in the auditorium foyer from 7:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to measure students for
cap and gowns. A deposit will be required for an order to be placed and the balance must be paid when you pick up
your order.
Students are not allowed to pick up their graduation materials until all fees are paid (fee reminders are sent with
every report card).
Students must have a cap and gown to participate in the graduation ceremony and are not allowed to participate
unless all fees are paid by noon of the Friday before graduation.
Commencement Activities:
Commencement will be held on May 23rd, 2013, in the McLeod Center located on the University of Northern Iowa
Campus. Graduation practice will be held the morning of graduation, also at the McLeod Center. Students must
participate in the entire graduation practice in order to be permitted to attend the graduation ceremony. If any
students need transportation to the McLeod Center for graduation practice, please notify your counselor or Ms.
Morris. Graduates who choose not to participate in the commencement ceremony may pick up their diploma after
May 23, 2013.
Academic Recognition:
All seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 4.0 at the end of their senior year will be recognized as
Valedictorians of their graduating class and will recognized at the Honor’s Assembly and at graduation.
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Iowa Assessments Cords:
A gold cord is awarded to seniors who achieved the required percentiles on the 11th grade Iowa Asessments.
UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES/TECHNICAL TRAINING SCHOOLS:
 Universities and colleges offer a four year degree leading to a Bachelor’s Degree
 The three Iowa Regent Universities require an RAI of 245, or higher, for admission. See your dean or
counselor for detail
 Community Colleges offer an Associate’s Degree
Completing College Applications:
Seniors should begin completing college applications in the fall of their senior year. Most colleges accept either
paper or online applications; some are free, others require an application fee. Please take this into consideration if
you choose to apply to numerous schools. A word of advice: many colleges want to see the types of activities in
which you have been involved and/or honors or recognitions you may have received. It would be helpful to you to
compile a list of these things ahead of time (think of it as an informal resume) so that you do not have to come up
with this list several times over. If possible, please provide a copy of this information to your counselor, as this
person will also be asked to recommend you. It would also be wise to provide this information to any person writing
a recommendation on your behalf.
Letters of Recommendation:
Start early by asking adults whom know you well, such as teachers, employers, coaches, clergy, and community
leaders to write a letter of recommendation for you. Out of respect for people’s time, you should try to give two
weeks’ notice and provide a stamped and addressed envelope for each letter requested. Please do not wait until the
last minute to request a letter; your recommender may not have the time to “drop everything” to complete your
request. STUDENTS: Please be sure to complete all student information on forms before leaving those forms with
your counselor.
IT IS APPROPRIATE TO WRITE A THANK-YOU TO PEOPLE WHO WRITE LETTERS FOR YOU.
Transcripts:
A transcript is a record of your grades during your high school years. Colleges often require a copy of your transcript
with the application. If accepted, a final copy following graduation will be required. All transcripts used for
scholarship applications are free. The first three transcripts mailed for college applications are free. After three,
additional transcripts printed and mailed on your behalf will cost $1.
TRANSCRIPTS ARE NOT OFFICIAL UNLESS MAILED FROM STUDENT SERVICES.
Upon completion of your senior year, you will need to request a final transcript be sent to the college you will be
attending in the fall. The final transcript will be at no cost.
FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Financial Aid Night:
This event is scheduled for December 12th at 6:00 in the Little Theatre. Students and parents who are applying for
scholarships, grants, or loans should attend. A financial aid officer will present a program designed to help you
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understand the process of filling out an application for financial aid (FAFSA). These forms, both paper and online
versions, will be discussed. It is highly recommended that families attend this meeting and also complete their 2011
income tax forms as soon as possible after January 1st.
During the Futures class, on December 14th, a financial aid officer will present this program to all seniors.
Scholarship Information:
Scholarship opportunities are listed on the West High website. Scholarship opportunities are occasionally read in the
daily announcements. Please note: Due to the wide variety and number of scholarships available, counselors
cannot personally notify individual students when a particular scholarship for which they may qualify becomes
available. Please make a habit of listening to the announcements and checking the West High website.
Scholarship Scams:
Be cautious! Like all things in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! In the past, students have been
contacted for money for an outside company to perform scholarship searches. Do this at your own risk; in general,
no student should ever have to pay for scholarships as they have many options that are free!
HELPFUL WEBSITES OF INTEREST
www.collegeboard.com
www.petersons.com
www.icansucceed.com (Iowa College Access Network/College Planning Center)
www.iowacollegeaid.com
www.collegeanswer.com
www.schoolsoup.com
www.fastweb.com
www.finaid.com
www.fafsa.ed.gov (Official FAFSA website….it’s free to file the FAFSA) www.fafsa.com charges a fee
www.actstudent.org
www.collegeboard.com
www.sss.gov (Selective Service Registration)
www.ihaveaplaniowa.gov (includes college info, ACT/SAT prep, financial aid info, etc.)
Please note:
This Senior Handbook is also available on the West High website under Student Services.
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