Senior Newsletter #2
September 17, 2013
Attendance Policy for Seniors
A senior student must not have more than 6 unexcused absences during the school year. After the 6 th unexcused absence,
the student will be denied the opportunity of participating in ALL graduation exercises (including Senior Breakfast and the
Graduation Ceremony) for their senior class. The student will receive his/her diploma if he/she meets graduation
requirements, but will forfeit the opportunity to participate in graduation exercises. Students may pick their diploma up in
the front office on Monday AFTER commencement.
Seniors Must Graduate College or Career Ready
To graduate with the class of 2014, ALL seniors must be either college or career ready as defined by KDE & the Simpson
County BOE. Even if a student meets the 32 course work credit requirement, he/she will not receive a diploma if one of
the following are not met:
1. To be College Ready, students must meet the ACT Benchmarks of: English-18, Math-19, Reading-20 or make the
equivalent scores on the ACT COMPASS College Placement Exam of: English-74, Algebra-36, Reading-85.
2. To be Career Ready, students must complete 3.0 credits in a KDE approved career pathway, earn a state issued
industry certificate in that area, and pass one of the following academic components: ACT Workkeys-Silver
Certificate, ASVAB-50, ACT-meet benchmarks, or COMPASS-meet benchmarks.
Applying for College (What do I do?)
If you are serious about applying to college, you need to do the following:
 Apply for admission to colleges you are interested in by Thanksgiving or December 1st at the very latest.
 You may apply to as many colleges as you want. Most students apply to at least 3, some as many as 9.
 Visit the colleges to which you have applied. Louisville may sound great now, but how are you going to like living
in a large city? You need to experience it first hand before you make your final decision.
 Ask teachers for recommendation letters early. It takes time to write a great letter about you. Provide a resume of
the clubs, athletics, honors, work/volunteer experience, etc. to the person writing your letter.
 When January rolls around, fill out the FAFSA. It’s the only way you can get free money and student loans.
 If you need guidance on the college application process, please come and make an appointment with Mrs. Bills,
Mr. Satterly or Mrs. Tyler.
ACT and SAT
ACT testing dates
October 26th
December 14th
Regular Deadline
September 27th
November 8th
Registration Fee
$36.50 (no writing)
$52.50 (plus writing)
Both of these testing dates are given here at FSHS. If you have not taken the ACT, you most definitely need to take it one
of these two dates. You can stop by Mrs. Tyler’s office and get instructions for registering online at www.actstudent.org.
SAT testing dates
October 5th
November 2nd
Regular Deadline
September 6th
October 18th
Registration Fee
$51.00
The October testing date is given at Warren Central High School in Bowling Green and at Western Kentucky University.
The November testing date is given at Warren Central only. You can register online at www.collegeboard.org.
Announcements

Letters of Recommendation- Sometimes college applications or scholarships will require letters of recommendation
from teachers, counselors, or community members. If you need a recommendation letter, you need to give the
person you are asking at least 2 weeks notice AND provide them with a resume. Your resume should include any
clubs/activities you have been involved in, any leadership roles you’ve had, AND what things you were responsible
for while a member. A list of clubs is simply not enough information for someone to write you a quality letter.
The resume should also include any awards won, community service experience (with descriptions), any paid job
experience (with descriptions) and your goals for life after high school. Make it easy for your teacher to write that
letter for you!!

College Visits for seniors are excused absences as long as the following procedure is followed. 1. Schedule college
visit with college. 2. Get a College Day slip from Mr. Satterly (Rm 125 in the library) at least 1 week in advance. 3.
Have all your teachers sign it. 4. Turn it back in to Mr. Satterly the next day. 5. Visit your college AND bring back
a school excuse. 6. Turn your school excuse in to the excuse box in the front office the day you return.

Regional College Fair at WKU- Juniors and Seniors with a 2.5 GPA may attend the college fair at WKU on
Wednesday, Sept 25th. Admissions counselors from several colleges will have tables set up in Diddle Arena for
students to get information and ask questions. See Mr. Satterly in the library for a permission slip. All permission
slips are due back this Friday, Sept. 20th.

Campbellsville University Trip- Mrs. Magers will be taking a group of interested students to Campbellsville
University for a campus visit on Tuesday, Oct 1st. Permission slips can be picked up from Mrs. Magers and are due
back to her by Monday, Sept 30th.

Berea College- An admissions counselor from Berea will be here to talk to seniors in the cafeteria during AT on Sept
26th and will have a table set up during all lunch shifts to talk to interested students.

Morehead State University- An admissions counselor from Morehead State will be here to talk to seniors in the
cafeteria during AT on October 22nd.

Brescia University- An admissions counselor from Brescia will be here during all lunch shifts on October 24 th to talk
to interested students.
Scholarships-in order by due date (**New**-Indicates new scholarship not on last newsletter)
Wendy’s High School Heisman Award
This award honors both male and female high school seniors who excel in academics, athletics, and student leadership.
Criteria include at least a 3.0 GPA and participating in at least one school sponsored sport this year. Two winners will
be named from FSHS in late October and will receive a certificate and a Wendy’s High School Heisman patch. State
finalists will be announced in November. The application must be completed by 5:00 pm, central time, on October
2nd, and must be reviewed by me online by October 4th, so you have to let me know as soon as you’ve applied. Don’t
wait until October 2nd!! To apply go to www.wendysheisman.com.
AES Engineers Scholarship **New**
Our scholarships are intended for future leaders across a wide spectrum of fields of study. You are not required to be
taking Engineering courses to be eligible. Write a 500-1000 word essay on the following: Reflecting on your personal
experiences and/or circumstances, tell us something about yourself that distinguishes you as a potential scholarship
candidate. To apply, go to www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm & submit your essay by October 4th.
Horatio Alger Association Scholarship Programs
This program provides financial assistance to students throughout the nation who have financial need and have
exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity.
Scholarship criteria include:
 high school graduation in spring 2014
 commitment to pursue a bachelor’s degree
 critical financial need- $55,000 or lower adjusted gross income per family (copy of 2013 tax return) is required
 involvement in co-curricular and community service activities
 minimum GPA 2.0
 demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity
 U.S. citizenship.
Scholarships range in value from $2,500- $20,000. Register online at www.horatioalger.org/scholarships. There is an
online form I need to fill out once you complete your part of the application. You will need to enter my email address,
Amanda.bills@simpson.kyschools.us, for me to complete the form. Deadline to register is October 25th. You need to
complete the application 1 week early in order for me to complete my part in time to meet the deadline. We have
had students at FSHS win this scholarship in the past.
Coca Cola Scholarship
This scholarship is open to any senior that demonstrates leadership in academics, school, community and civic activities,
as well as personal character and the motivation to serve and succeed. There are 200 stipends in various amounts, 50
scholarships for $1,500, 50 for $1,250 and 50 for $1,000. If you are interested, apply online at
www.coca-colascholars.org. Deadline for this scholarship is October 31st and at least a 3.0 GPA is required.
Voice of Democracy Essay Contest
The “Voice of Democracy” contest is open to students in grades 9-12. You have to record your original 3-5 minute
essay to a CD on this year’s theme. Label your cassette or CD and neatly typed essay with your name and complete
the entry form. This year’s theme is “Why I’m Optimistic about our Nation’s Future.” If you would like to enter this
contest, apply online at www.vfw.org/Community/Voice-of-Democracy/. Deadline is Nov 1st and must be in the hands
of the local VFW post.
KSBA First Degree Scholarship **New**
One male and one female senior who are a first generation college student can be selected by the school board for a
$2,500 scholarship drawing. To qualify, applicants must have at least a 20 READING score on the ACT and NOT have
a parent/guardian or sibling that has earned a 2 or 4 year college degree. Applications can be picked up from Mrs.
Tyler and do require parent verification of first generation status. Applications MUST be signed by Mrs. Bills! All
applications with a note from parent verifying first generation status are due back to Mrs. Bills by Friday, October 4th in
order to make the October school board meeting.
The Kentucky Ready-Mixed Concrete Association Essay Contest **New**
Open to 16-18 yr olds. You must write an essay up to 600-words on a theme centered around concrete such as
concrete’s benefits to society; how concrete affects the environment; and using concrete to build homes, commercial
buildings, bridges, or roads. Essays should demonstrate a student’s awareness of concrete’s role as a building material in
homes, commercial buildings, streets and high ways. Deadline is November 1st. See Mrs. Tyler for an official entry
form. The state scholarship winner will receive $1000 with a chance to win a $5,000 scholarship at the national level.
The 2014 Prudential Spirit of Community Award **New**
The Prudential Spirit of Community Award was created in 1995 to recognize students in grades 5-12 who have
demonstrated exemplary community service. If you have completed 100 hours of community service in the last 12
months and would like to apply go to http://spirit.prudential.com for more details. Deadline is November 5th to allow
enough time for your certifier (principal, head of local chapter of 4-H or Girl Scouts) to certify your application. The
state level award is $1000.
Happening Events
Campbellsville University
Preview Days are September 21st and November 2nd from 9am to 1pm (EST). For more information and to register, go
to www.campbellsville.edu/previewday. You may also call 1-800-264-6014 ext. 5220 if you need further assistance.
Transylvania University
Admissions reception for students interested in Transy will be at the River Park Center in Owensboro on Monday,
November 12th from 7:00-9:00pm. Talk with current students and faculty members and learn about scholarships and
financial aid. For additional information or to RSVP you may call 1-800-872-6798 or go to
www.transy.edu/admissions/events/your_area.htm.
Transy’s Fall Preview day is Saturday, September 28th. To register, go to www.transy.edu/admissions/visit/options.htm.
Linsdey Wilson College
Fall Open Houses will be held on October 12th and November 16th. The day includes: a guided tour, mock classes, a
parent question and answer session, a student question and answer session, academic exploration with professors and
lunch. Register online at www.lindsey.edu/admissions/visit-lwc/open-house-dates.aspx.
Kentucky State University
Fall Open House is November 9th from 8:00-3:00 at Bradford Hall Auditorium. Families can meet with admissions,
financial aid, and tour campus. Free football game KSU vs. Morehouse College. Register at
http://www.kysu.edu/admissions/OpenHouse.htm.
Murray State University
Racer Day II will be held on November 23rd. For more information and to register, go to
http://enroll.murraystate.edu/racerdays.aspx or call 1-800-272-4MSU, ext 1. Students and parents can attend browsing
sessions on academic majors, clubs, athletics, Greek life, etc. There will also be a sit-down session on financial aid and
scholarships, plus talk to professors in your area of interest and receive a campus tour.
University of Evansville
U of E will be having a Fall Friday preview day for families on October 25 th. To register, go to
www.evansville.edu/visit/fallfriday.cfm. This is a general session day to see the opportunities available at U of E.
IMPACT visit dates for U of Evansville are October 5th and November 9th. Call 1-800-423-8633, ext. 2468 or visit
www.evansville.edu/visit/impactday.cfm to register. Students may attend financial aid sessions, meet with admissions
counselors & speak with a career advisor.
Western Kentucky University
WKU’s Open House for prospective students and their parents will be Tuesday, October 22nd at 6:30pm. WKU
alumni, students, faculty and staff will be on hand to greet you on WKU’s Main campus in the Mass Media &
Technology Hall in Bowling Green. To RSVP, please visit www.wku.edu/admissions/openhouses/bowlinggreen.php.
University of Louisville
Campus Preview Day is October 12th from 10:00 – 4pm EST. For more information go to
http://louisville.edu/admissions /visit/cpd. During the day, you will be able to talk with representatives from academic
units across campus at the Information Fair, attend a variety of workshops covering information from financial aid to
the honors program and visit with offices all over campus. This event does NOT require a reservation.
Eastern Kentucky University
Spotlight Days are October 5th, October 26th, and November 9th from 8:30 – 2:30 EST. For more information and to
register go to http://admissions.eku.edu/spotlight. During the Spotlight program, prospective students and their
families will visit an academic and Student Services Showcase where they can browse informational booths, meet
faculty and staff from all departments and see first-hand the numerous opportunities awaiting them at EKU!
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Open house for families will be November 16th from 8:30-1:00. There will be tours of campus and opportunities to
meet with faculty and current students. Information on financial aid, athletics, student life and more will also be
available. Register online at www.kwc.edu/page.php?page=493.
Getting the Facts
A free personalized Getting the Facts report will help Kentucky students and their families in selecting a college. The report
will provide estimates of how much the family can expect to spend and how much financial aid the student may receive.
Students can get those estimates for up to 6 colleges across the US, not just for Kentucky colleges.
The report is provided by KHEAA. To obtain a free report, students must log into or set up a MyKHEAA account on
www.kheaa.com. They should then select their state of residence, enter their anticipated graduation date and click on the
Getting the Facts link.
Students and parents must provide estimated income and asset data, and students must provide their Social Security number
to set up an account. For more information, call a member of the KHEAA College Access Team at 1-800-928-8926.
KHEAA College Connection September 2013 Newsletter
Facebook, Google and College Admissions
Don't Let Social Networking and Your Online Image Sabotage Your
Chances
By Allen Grove, About.com Guide
In a 2012 survey of 500 admissions officers from top colleges (350 responded), the education experts at Kaplan Test
Prep learned that roughly 26% visit social networking sites such as Facebook to learn more about applicants. 27%
Googled applicants. Be sure to check out the Kaplan survey1. The bottom line: an applicant's online image matters,
and in 35% of cases in which admissions officers looked up a student, they found information that made a negative
impression.
On a related note, an UMass Amherst study2 in 2011 showed that 100% of colleges use social media in one form or
another and the Kaplan survey reveals that 87% of colleges use Facebook to help them recruit students, and 76% use
Twitter.
These numbers should be cause for reflection, but they don't mean you should quickly pull the plug on your Facebook
account. In fact, many college staff members and professors (myself included) have Facebook accounts and enjoy
using them to network and connect with students. Also, more and more colleges are using Facebook to get accepted
students in touch with each other before classes begin in the fall.
As you apply to college, however, keep in mind who might be looking at your social networking sites or Googling you:





College admissions officers
Teachers who are writing you letters of recommendation
Potential employers for summer jobs and internships
Your friends
Classmates who aren't your friends
Once you get to college, you'll find that your exposure on social networking sites increases. Likely audiences for your
online materials include:








The admissions staff as they connect you to your roommate and other new students
Your new peers at your college
Your professors
Potential employers, both on and off campus
Your RA (Residential Advisor)
That creepy kid who is obsessing over you
The campus judicial board (should you get in trouble)
Campus and local police (should you get in trouble)
So, what should you do to clean up your online image? Here are the basics:












Remove or block any photos that show you drinking alcohol, even if you were in a situation where it was legal
Remove or block any photos that show you with people who are obviously under the influence
Remove or block photos with rude gestures (someone who doesn't know you won't find that middle finger shot
funny)
Remove or block photos that are sexually suggestive
Remove or block any photos that portray illegal activity
Remove or block any photos that would make an admissions officer question your character or judgment
Unsubscribe from any groups that show bias or bigotry (those "I hate Jane Doe" and "Old People Shouldn't
Drive" groups suggest you're NOT the type of person a college wants to admit)
Unsubscribe from any groups that promote illegal activity (again, the "I Love Getting Stoned" and "Budweiser
Rules" groups will give the admissions folks reservations about your application)
Remove contact information such as your phone number and address--not only is this a safety issue, but
inclusion of such information shows bad judgment on your part.
Choose an attractive and professional-looking photo for your profile picture
Visit your site frequently to untag any unflattering photos your friends may have posted
Don't Tweet or write anything on your wall that you wouldn't want a college admissions officer to see
Many people will suggest that you block access to your account so that no one but your friends can view your site.
This is good advice, but some housecleaning is still a good idea. It's hard to keep track of your online friends once you
have hundreds of them, and it's hard to know who might be looking over the shoulder of one of your "friends."
Also, realize that you can actually turn the tables on those nosey employers and admissions officers who might be
snooping around your site. Use your site to make yourself look good. Think of it as a free place to promote yourself
and increase your chance of acceptance. For example, you can




Post pictures that show you doing constructive things (reading to kids, doing volunteer work, restoring a car)
Post pictures that show you and your friends in a positive light -- colleges and employers want applicants with
healthy social skills
Post travel pictures -- those worldly experiences are a plus
Join groups that have positive messages (breast cancer awareness, peace not war, and so on)
If approached thoughtfully, social networking sites can be one more tool to help you get into your top choice colleges.
http://collegeapps.about.com/od/theartofgettingaccepted/a/Facebook.htm
©2013 About.com, Inc. All rights reserved.
FACEBOOK AND COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
source: www.ecampustours.com
Does your Facebook profile represent the kind of person that you would like to portray to college admissions officers? If
not, you may want to make some changes. Recent studies show that more and more college admissions officers are turning
to Facebook to get information about prospective students. Check out these ways to let your Facebook profile work for
(rather than against) you in the college admissions process.
Use the information section to your advantage. The information section on Facebook has several areas where you can
showcase your individualism and appeal to college admissions officers. Include activities in which you are involved, such as
volunteering, fundraising for charities, playing sports, playing instruments, etc. In the favorite books and movies sections,
keep the fun stuff but also add titles that will display your intellectual side. Hint: Consider books/movies that you have
enjoyed from your high school English classes.
Display appropriate photos. Be smart with your photo albums and tagged photos on Facebook. To really impress
admissions officers, create albums that demonstrate your scholastic and extracurricular activities (i.e. don't be embarrassed
to post pictures of yourself at a recent awards ceremony or band recital). You can also post pictures of yourself hanging out
with friends but be sure to choose ones that don't incriminate you in any inappropriate or illegal activities. Ask your friends
not to tag you in these kinds of pictures either. If you choose to display questionable photos (not recommended), change
your privacy settings to where people whom you don't want viewing your pictures can't see them.
Censor your applications. You can make your Facebook entertaining and keep it clean at the same time. There are many
applications on Facebook that are fun to use, but they sometimes display inappropriate content. Popular applications such
as flair and bumper stickers can occasionally have profanity-laden or offensive content. You want admissions counselors to
view you in a positive light, so ditch any flair, bumper stickers, or other apps that are in poor taste.
Post content carefully. Be cautious about posting negative content on your profile, especially about the admissions process.
Many admissions counselors look at your postings and may place more emphasis on what you write than even the pictures
you display. Don't bash the admissions process on your status updates and don't have discussions with your friends via wall
postings about which schools are better than others, etc. Doing so will only make you look pessimistic in the eyes of the
admissions counselors.
With the majority of high school students having a Facebook profile, it's no wonder that college admissions officers are
picking up on the social-networking phenomenon. College admission is a very competitive process, so you should use every
avenue to your advantage, including your Facebook profile. For more information about Facebook etiquette, check out
Social Networking Sites: Etiquette and Safety