Welcome to the Senior Class of 2016 and Their Parents and Guardians!!!
We hope you have a fantastic senior year!!
The Counseling 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:
Mrs. Lilja- Health Services Academy & International Baccalaureate Program
Mrs. Wagner- Engineering, Manufacturing, Technology Academy
Ms. Watters– PBD Academy
Mrs. Wass-Human Services Academy
Mr. Winter-Arts, Communication, and Business Academy
Student Services Administrative Assistant:
Mrs. Kleinendorst
CoOp Students:
Isaiah Burt
Lauren Reisinger
SENIOR YEAR
College Day at the McLeod Center: Seniors are provided the opportunity to attend this event on Tuesday,
September 15, 2015. 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 are made to students
throughout the week prior to the event, and students are 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 Counseling 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.
Counseling Services Resources: Students are welcome to visit Counseling Services located on the second floor across
from the IMC. There are ACT test prep books as well as information on the military branches. Additional
information, such as applications for Talent Search and Upward Bound, is available in Counseling Services.
There are several free ACT and/or SAT test prep websites. Here are a few:
www.actstudent.org
(this is also where you register for the ACT)
www.ihaveaplaniowa.gov
(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.)
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www.march2success.com
www.number2.com
www.varsitytutors.com/practicetests
www.prepfactory.com/invite
http://exampedia.org
It is recommended that students take advantage of these sites as other test prep study guides may charge fees.
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 his/her 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 or ACCUPLACER as their entrance/placement criteria. To
register for the ACT, students will need to go online to www.actstudent.org. Testing dates are listed on this website
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 your scores will be sent to West High. 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 Counseling 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:
www4.sss.gov/regver/register1.asp
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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. This form
authorizes colleges to review student transcripts and ACT or SAT exam scores. Students should see their counselor,
dean, Mr. Winter, or Dr. Pappas to file this release form and to get a detailed explanation of filing procedures. For
more information about the NCAA, visit:
www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
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:
December 18th is the deadline for submitting pictures to the yearbook. Students must fill 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. All information regarding submitting senior phots and requirements can
also be found at the West high website in the “Yearbook” section under the “Student Life” tab.
December 18th 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 one picture per senior. Pictures not adhering to these guidelines will not be published.
Questions may be addressed to Ms. Katherine Wagner, Yearbook Advisor.
GRADUATION
Mid-Year Graduates: A mid-year graduate may participate in Prom, Post-Prom, and the Commencement Ceremony.
Please make sure you come to Counseling Services to complete all paperwork required for early graduation. During
the last week of the first semester, mid-year graduates are required to see their counselor or dean for a checkout
form. These forms must be signed by all teachers, the 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 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/award and the dollar
amount by May 1st to Mrs. Wass:
wassj@waterlooschools.org
This information is needed for the Honor’s Assembly that is scheduled for Wednesday, May 12, 2016. The Honor’s
Assembly is primarily for academic recognition. Only students who will actually accept awards will be called upon for
recognition. We appreciate your cooperation in emailing this information early, so that you can be recognized for
your hard work and accomplishments!
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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 Counseling 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 the fall. A representative of HerffJones 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 October 6, during 4th hour, a representative from Herff-Jones will meet with students in the Commons to display
graduation announcements. Then, during parent-teacher conferences (October 27 and October 29), the Herff-Jones
rep will be available to take orders for announcements as well as for caps and gowns.
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 June 3, 2016, 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 Mr. Miehe. Graduates who choose not to participate in the commencement ceremony may pick up
their diploma after June 3, 2016.
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 be recognized at the Honor’s Assembly and at
graduation.
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.
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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 reference 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 COUNSELING 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 October 29 at 6:30pm 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
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 2015
income tax forms as soon as possible after January 1st.
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!
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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.sss.gov (Selective Service Registration)
www.ihaveaplaniowa.gov (includes college info, ACT/SAT prep, financial aid info, etc.)
http://exampedia.org
Please note:
This Senior Handbook is also available on the West High website under Counseling Services.
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