WELCOME TOSOPHOMOREPARENT NIGHT

September 2015

POINTS TO PONDER……

Everything COUNTS

Concentrate on academic preparation

Continue to develop basic skills and co-curricular interests

Begin Career Exploration

KEYS TO SUCCESS

o Focus on academics

o Get involved in clubs and/or organizations

o Start long-term planning

o Be prepared by taking standardized tests

o Know the details

o Use your resources

ACTIVITIES Students should be keeping an

updated resume of all activities, especially awards received or volunteer/community service hours logged.

Students should use their ILP

SPORTS CLUBS VOLUNTEER TIME COMMUNITY SERVICE CHURCH YOUTH GROUPS

LONG - RANGE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE

Begin to make college visits, if you haven’t already, for students that want to continue their education.

Take advantage of Fall Break and long weekends.

KEES – KY EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP

KEES is a scholarship program that rewards students who earn C+ or better grades with scholarship money to attend one of Kentucky’s colleges or Technical schools.

The higher the grades the student makes the more money that he/she earns. A bonus award for the highest ACT (15 or higher) composite or SAT scores can also be earned. Over the 4-year high school period students could earn as much as $2500 to apply toward their post-secondary education each year for up to four years of post-secondary school. That is $10,000 for a 4-year program and $5000 for a two-year program. There are GPA requirements for the renewal of the scholarship each year.

Students and parents can visit www.kheaa.com to see a complete listing of post-secondary schools that can accept the KEES scholarship and to find more information. Students are encouraged to create an account and check their KEES accounts at the end of each year.

KEES – BASE AWARDGPA GPA AmountAmount

2.52.5 $125$125

2.62.6 150150

2.72.7 175175

2.752.75 187187

2.82.8 200200

2.92.9 225225

3.03.0 250250

3.13.1 275275

3.23.2 300300

3.253.25 312312

3.33.3 325325

3.43.4 350350

3.53.5 375375

3.63.6 400400

3.73.7 425425

3.753.75 437437

3.83.8 450450

3.93.9 475475

4.04.0 500500

KEES – BONUS AWARDAct ScoreAct Score BonusBonus

1515 $36$36

1616 7171

1717 107107

1818 143143

1919 179179

2020 214214

2121 250250

2222 286286

2323 321321

2424 357357

2525 393393

2626 428428

2727 464464

28+28+ 500500

TESTING INFORMATIONACT & SAT

EXAMS:ENTRANCE AND OTHERS

Encourage your students to take standardized tests.PLAN (required 10th)PSAT/NMSQT (can take 10th and 11th)

ACT (required 11th)SAT (can take 11th and 12th)

PLAN TEST DAYS

Tuesday & Wednesday, September 15 & 16

8:00 am – 11:25 am ALL Sophomores will take the PLAN. There is

no charge for the test. PLAN test scores are a predictor of ACT scores. Tests in English, math, reading, and science –

just like the ACT A career interest inventory that can help find

the best career choices for the student A guide that explains what the student’s scores

mean and how you can use them

To learn more about the PLAN test visit www.planstudent.org

PSAT/NMSQTCollege-bound 10th & 11th graders Test Date: Wednesday, October 14 Measures critical reading, math problem-

solving, and writing skills The best preparation for the SAT Test Register to take the PSAT at

www.TotalRegistration.net/PSAT/180740 Deadline to register is Wednesday, Sept 23 Fee $20***The only way for juniors to enter the National Merit

Scholarship Competition

ACT Required assessment in spring of junior

year (this one is FREE) Make take multiple times Must register online at

www.actstudent.org 4 areas: English, Science, Mathematics,

and Reading Fee - $39.40 Optional Writing Test (add $17.00) For more information & practice tests visit

www.actstudent .org

SAT REASONING TEST

Junior/Senior Year 3 areas: Reading, Math, and Writing Subject Tests also available SAT Fee (Oct – Jan) = $54.50 (with essay) SAT Fee (March – June) = $43 SAT Subject Test Fee = $26 (registration

fee) + $18 per test ($26 for language with listening tests)

For more information:https://sat.collegeboard.org/home

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ACT AND SAT?

The ACT is an achievement test, measuring what a student has learned in school. The SAT is more of an aptitude test, testing reasoning and verbal abilities.

The ACT has up to 5 components: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and an optional Writing Test. The SAT has only 3 components: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and a required Writing Test.

The College Board introduced a new version of the SAT in 2005, with a mandatory writing test. ACT continues to offer its well-established test, plus an optional writing test. You take the ACT Writing Test only if required or requested by the college(s) you're applying to.

The SAT penalizes you for wrong answers, so guessing is discouraged. The ACT is scored based on the number of correct answers with no penalty for guessing.

The ACT has an Interest Inventory that allows students to evaluate their interests in various career options.

http://www.studypoint.com/ed/act-vs-sat/ http://www.princetonreview.com/college/sat-act

STATE TESTINGEnd of Course Assessments

English 2, Algebra 2, Biology, & US History

May 2016Will count as 20% of yearly grade

for classOn-Demand Writing

2 Writing PromptsMay 2016

COMPETITIVE HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS

SOPHOMORE PROGRAMS

HOBY Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Selected students attend our three- or four-

day seminars and participate in hands-on leadership activities, meet leaders in their state, and explore their own personal leadership skills while learning how to lead others and make a positive impact in their community.

The seminar curriculum is based on the Social Change Model of Leadership and develops leadership from three perspectives: Personal Leadership, Group Leadership, and Leadership for Society.

Last spring, nearly 10,000 high school sophomores from across the country had a fun, life-changing experience at HOBY.

HOBY Application:

Submit a copy of your leadership experience Submit a response to the following: In 100 words or

less, please describe the most rewarding and challenging aspect of being a leader in your school or community

EHS will select one student representative and one alternate out of the submitted applications.

Fee: $195 – student representative (responsibility of the student to pay directly to HOBY); $350 – alternate (responsibility of the student to pay directly to HOBY) ***Fee amounts are for summer 2015

Time & Location: Early June at a Kentucky college/university

For 2015, at EKU June 11 – June 14 www.hoby.org

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RISING SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The Rising Scholars program has become one of the premiere leadership honors given by the University of Kentucky.

Students who are selected will be invited to an exclusive event at UK this summer, and they will receive additional unique opportunities, mailings, and information from the University of Kentucky over the next few years of high school.

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY RISING SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Because we can only choose one sophomore student to represent EHS, this decision will be based on strength of the student’s record, potential for academic success, demonstration of leadership and community service, and contribution to diversity.

How To Apply (Due late April): Submit a copy of your resume which should

include your leadership and community service Explain your plans after high school (Where you

will be attending, what you will be studying, etc) Submit a response to the following: In 150 words

or less, please describe how you contribute to diversity.

JUNIOR PROGRAMS

HARDIN COUNTY YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Applications available in September in guidance office.

The program’s objective is to develop leadership skills of future community leaders.

Students will attend 8 sessions during the school year.

Sessions will be held throughout Hardin County and will meet once per month during the school day.

Students who complete the program will be recognized at the Youth Leadership graduation program in May.

6 juniors from EHS are selected for this program http://hardinchamber.com/about-hccc/youth-lea

dership-hardin-county/

AMERICAN PRIVATE ENTERPRISE SEMINAR(APES)

A 2-day workshop in November that provides competitive lessons on cooperatives, corporations, and the business world.

Applications available in Guidance Office in September/October

8 juniors from EHS are selected to attend Students who are chosen to attend APES are

expected to study about different business types to take quizzes on different business topics.

The top six students at APES are selected to attend State APES in June and have chance at Nationals. Scholarships are awarded at the State Level competition.

http://www.uky.edu/Ag/apes/students.html

***Students that are selected for Hardin County Youth Leadership will not be chosen for APES.

GOVERNOR’S SCHOLARS PROGRAM

(GSP) Stimulating, five-week, free residential summer

program for outstanding Kentucky students completing their junior year in high school.

Provides academic and personal growth in a challenging, non-traditional experience that balances a strong liberal arts program with a full co-curricular and residential life experience.

7 – 8 students from EHS will be selected and sent to the state selection committee

1 teacher recommendation required from one core academic teacher from 9th – 11th grade

1 community leader recommendation required (may not be employed by the school)

GOVERNOR’S SCHOLARS PROGRAM

(GSP) Applications available in Guidance Office in

early October Application deadline mid-November Must have a standardized test score (PSAT,

ACT, or SAT) – need to take either 10th or Early Fall of Junior year

www.gsp.ky.gov

LINCOLN TRAIL YOUTH SALUTE

The Lincoln Trail Youth Salute (of Hardin County, KY, and surrounding counties) is part of a national program sponsored by the National Council on Youth Leadership. NCYL is a non-profit organization.

Program Requirements: be a high school junior at time of entry have a 3.0 GPA have served in 2 peer-elected leadership positions be an overall exemplary citizen

Students are nominated by their teachers and counselors to participate in the program.  Students’ applications are then evaluated by the LTYS committee.

Students accepted into the program will then participate in a photography session designed to highlight their interests and activities. There is no charge for the photography session.

www.ltys.org

NOLIN RECC YOUTH TOUR

Nolin RECC sponsors a Youth Tour Contest for an all-expense-paid trip to Washington,D.C. in the summer.

In order to qualify you must receive electric service from Nolin and be a high school junior between the ages of 16 and 18.

Application information is sent to Guidance office in February/March.

http://www.nolinrecc.com/washingtonyouthtour.asp

GIRLS AND BOYS STATE American Legion Boys States and Girls States are among

the most respected and selective Educational Programs of Government instruction for High School students.

They are participatory programs where each participant becomes a part of the operation of his or her Local, County and State Government.

During Boys State and Girls State programs, participants are exposed to the Rights, Privileges, Duties, and Responsibilities of Citizenship.

Very similar to KYA program. Can qualify for Girls/Boys Nation.

Applications sent to Guidance Office in the spring. Boys State info: http://www.kyboysstate.org/ Girls State info: http://kyamlegionaux.org/girlsstate.html

CENTRE COLLEGEFELLOWS PROGRAM

Centre Fellows is simply a scholarship program—there is no event on campus related to it, nor is there any cost.

When a student is nominated by the high school counselor and chooses to become a Centre Fellow, he or she is guaranteed a minimum scholarship level of $14,000 per year.

EHS can only nominate 2 junior girls and 2 junior boys who meet the following criteria: Rank in the top 5% of the junior class PSAT score of 125 or higher; SAT of 1250 or higher; or ACT

of 28 or higher Have a sincere interest in a liberal arts & sciences education

and are outstanding citizens of their high school & community

Nominations are taken in the spring of the junior year http://www.centre.edu/admission-aid/cost-aid/scholars

hips/centre-fellows/

MURRAY STATE UNIVERSITYCOMMONWEALTH HONORS

ACADEMY

CHA is a three week academic, personal, and social development program for outstanding high school students in the summer after their junior year.

Benefits of the Commonwealth Honors Academy: Three weeks of academic and enrichment experience

at MSU Six hours of tuition-free, transferable university credit Six additional tuition-free credit hours during the

student’s senior year Guaranteed four-year, $2,000-per-year housing

scholarship to Murray State University Collaboration with other honor students and

outstanding university and secondary faculty in a campus living-learning environment

COMMONWEALTH HONORS ACADEMY (CHA)

Qualifications: All students applying for the Commonwealth Honors

Academy should have a 3.5 GPA (on a 4 point scale) and a 25 Composite ACT score (or the equivalent PSAT, SAT, or PLAN score).

The deadline for applications is March 1 of each year.

http://www.murraystate.edu/cha/index.htm

CHA VS. GSPCHA GSP

Three-week program on the Murray State campus

Five-week program on several campuses in central Kentucky

Available to students from Kentucky and out of state

Only open to Kentucky residents

No more than 150 students 300-350 students per campus

Graduates awarded a four-year, $2,000-per-year housing

scholarship to Murray State, if they choose to attend

Graduates offered scholarships of varying amounts at many major

universities in Kentucky

Graduates complete and receive credit for six hours of college-level

courses(and are eligible to take six

additional cost-free hours during their senior year)

No grades or course credit

$195 tuition processing fee* No cost except for personal expenses.

MULTI-GRADE LEVEL PROGRAMS

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS(GSA)

Available for Sophomores and Juniors On-line GSA Summer Program applications

available beginning Oct. 1st Provides hands-on-arts opportunity for the

states talented high school students who are dancers, actors, instrumental and vocal musicians, creative writers, future architects or visual artists.

Primary component includes a three week summer residential program, regional arts workshops and master classes, college and career day and an artistic roster of performing and visual artists made up of GSA Alumni.

Deadline is Dec. 31st For more info visit www.kentuckygsa.com.

GSA & ARTSHOPS Each fall, GSA schedules four workshops in

communities throughout Kentucky.  The purpose of these ArtShops is to provide high

school freshmen, sophomores and juniors with the opportunity to spend a day in a facility close to their hometown in a hands-on arts enrichment opportunity. 

Workshops are conducted by the region’s most outstanding teaching artists in nine arts disciplines that include architecture, creative writing, dance, drama, instrumental music, musical theatre, new media, visual art and vocal music. 

Students also learn about the GSA summer program, audition and application procedures, as well as other arts opportunities in their area.  Parents and teachers are informed of the specifics of the summer program during an information session.

GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR ENTREPRENEURS

(GSE) The Governor's School for Entrepreneurs (GSE) is a

college and career ready program giving Kentucky high school students a hands-on, experiential immersion into innovation and entrepreneurship in order to empower them to make a positive impact on their communities through innovation and to become business leaders of tomorrow.

A 3 week free residential program at Georgetown University (last year, it was June 12 – July 2)

Individuals or teams in 9th – 11th grades can apply Application process opens October 19th. Includes a

2 minute video, written application, and 2 letters of recommendation. Applications are due December 21, 2015

http://kentuckygse.com/

U.S. SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM

Any high school junior or senior student is eligible for the program provided he or she has not previously been a delegate to the program and is currently serving in a school wide, district, regional or state ELECTED capacity in a student government, civic or educational organization.

Selected students should also possess a keen interest in government, have above average grades and be very articulate, as they will be participating in discussion groups with national leaders in Washington.

The U.S. Senate Youth Program offers two student leaders from each state a $5,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC, to observe the U.S. Senate in action. It is funded entirely by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation.

Applicants must currently be serving in an elected capacity in any one of the following student government offices:  Student body president, vice-president, secretary or treasurer Class president, vice-president, secretary or treasurer Student council representative A student who serves as a

representative for a community, regional or district-level civic or education organization may also be nominated. 

In addition, applicants must also submit a completed application, official high school transcript and take a timed test.

http://osse.dc.gov/service/united-states-senate-youth-program-ussyp

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITYBRIDGE BUILDING PROGRAM

The mission of this 3 week residential program is to introduce rising high school students to the fields of environmental science and Geographic Information System (GIS) through hands-on experiential learning, research, and college-prep projects.

Students learn through: Research Hands-on experience College-prep projects

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITYBRIDGE BUILDING PROGRAM

Requirements: Entering 10th or 11th grade 2.5 GPA minimum Two teacher recommendations School transcripts Responses to five prompts

Program Value - $4,000 Awarded competitively Includes room, board, tuition, and classroom supplies

http://kysu.edu/academics/cafsss/research-extension/environmental-education/summer-bridge-program/

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY4-H AG DISCOVERY

The mission of this 3 week residential program is to introduce rising high school students to the fields of environmental science and Geographic Information System (GIS) through hands-on experiential learning, research, and college-prep projects.

Students learn through: Research Hands-on experience College-prep projects

http://kysu.edu/academics/cafsss/research-extension/4-h-youth-development/agdiscovery/

GATTON & CRAFT

GATTON ACADEMY OF MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE IN KENTUCKY

Each year, the Gatton Academy admits 60 Kentucky students who apply during their sophomore year and are awarded admission based on ACT/SAT scores, grades, responses to essay questions, recommendations, and personal interviews.

Instead of spending their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students are dually-enrolled at the Gatton Academy and live in a uniquely dedicated residence hall. Taking courses offered by WKU, students earn at least 60 college credit hours in addition to completing high school.

Housing, tuition, and meals are all paid for through funding by the Kentucky General Assembly in order to make this opportunity available to all qualifying students.

Visit their website www.wku.edu/academy for more details.

CRAFT ACADEMY FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS

a dual-credit residential high school for academically exceptional Kentucky students. The Academy will be housed on the campus of Morehead State University, consistently ranked as one of the safest campuses in the Commonwealth.

Craft Academy applicants are high school sophomores who will have completed geometry, algebra I, and algebra II by the end of their sophomore year. Students are selected based on ACT or SAT scores; academic grades from ninth and tenth grades; interest in advanced careers in science, technology, engineering and math; student responses to application essay questions; interviews by Academy staff members; and recommendations from teachers and other individuals who can attest to a student’s need and preparedness for the program.

February 1, 2016 - Class of 2018 Application Deadline http://www.moreheadstate.edu/craft-academy/

GATTON ACADEMY & CRAFT ACADEMY PRESENTATION

When: Thursday, Oct 1st from 5pm-8pm

Where: Hardin County Early College & Career Center located at 200 University Drive

Representatives and students from both Academies will be there to present their schools

ELIZABETHTOWN COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGESEEK Program – Senior Year

ECTCSEEK PROGRAM

Securing Educational Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) students are those individuals who live in a county that has no Area Technology Center and who choose to pursue one of 12 designated technical programs.

Students attend ECTC during their senior year, during which they fulfill established high school graduation requirements as well as complete college-level technical courses, at no cost for tuition.

All SEEK students must provide their own transportation.

ECTCSEEK PROGRAM

Requirements:Be on track to graduateHave no major discipline infractionsHave a decent attendance recordHave at least a 2.5 cumulative GPABe interested in one of the twelve technical

programsHave the appropriate test scores for the

program you are interested in

ECTCSEEK PROGRAM

Technical Programs: Air Conditioning Technology Automotive Technology Computer Aided Drafting Computerized Manufacturing & Machining Construction Technology Culinary Arts Diesel Technology Electrical Engineering Technology Electrical Technology Industrial Maintenance Technology Plumbing Technology Welding Technology

OTHER COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIESJUNIOR & SENIOR YEAR

WKU Dual-Credit Chemistry (junior year – taught at EHS) Fundamentals of Public Speaking (taught at EHS) Online classes

http://www.wku.edu/dualcredit/ Cost around $250 plus textbook

ECTC Dual-Credit College Algebra (taught at EHS) English 101 & 102 (taught at EHS) Cost is $50 per semester plus textbooks

ECTC Dual-Enrollment Students may take classes at ECTC Cost is regular tuition rate

EARLY GRADUATION

EARLY GRADUATION CERTIFICATE

Awarded by the district and signed by the principal and superintendent, that shall make the recipient eligible for a scholarship award equal to one-half (1/2) of the state portion of the average statewide per pupil guaranteed base funding level, to be used at a Kentucky public two year community or technical college or a Kentucky four year public or non-profit independent institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

EARLY GRADUATION Definition –

A student meeting the performance criteria for graduation and doing so in three years or less of high school and before the age of 18.

Graduation Requirements – Early Graduation is an amendment to 704 KAR 3:305,

Minimum Requirements for Graduation. In the amended regulation, Early Graduation is an alternative path to graduation that does not require the 22 minimum credits for graduation.

Criteria – • Meet proficiency benchmarks on KBE required end-of-

course exams (ENG II, ALG II, BIOLOGY, US HISTORY) Meet CPE-ACT defined college readiness benchmarks

(English = 18, Mathematics = 19, Reading = 20)

EARLY GRADUATION Incentives – Scholarship

One time scholarship equal to one-half (1/2) of the state portion of the average statewide per pupil guarantee for one year. This award amount is determined in the biennial budget for each fiscal year. For the academic year 2013-2014, the statewide per pupil guarantee was $3827 (half of that would be approximately $1913).

Early Graduation Certificate funds shall be available only during the academic year following graduation.

The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) will administer the scholarship; funds will be forwarded directly to the institute of higher education.

KEES – Fourth Year Award Students must have attended a Kentucky high school

for three years to be eligible for the KEES equivalent fourth year award. Otherwise, students are only eligible for KEES for the years they attended a Kentucky high school).

EARLY GRADUATION Success Indicators

GPA – Student has demonstrated high academic potential in rigorous courses.

Attendance – 95% average attendance rate Leadership – Letter of recommendation from a club

sponsor or community member Discipline – Students should not have excessive

behavior issues. This indicator will be reviewed on an individual basis.

Thoughtful conversations with families, counselors, and the student have occured

Student is academic or career goal oriented with a reason for graduating early

Student is emotionally mature – may be “out of step” with course progression - in order to meet Early Graduation requirements

EARLY GRADUATION Early Graduation is not a “loop hole” or “short

cut” to getting a diploma. The four courses required; English II, Algebra II, Biology and US History have been determined as courses that prepare students for college success without remediation. The ACT college readiness exam scores have strong correlations with student success in college. Students who wish to pursue Early Graduation who have not shown academic success in prior coursework or do not indicate the ability to self-regulate or study independently may not be good candidates for the program.

EARLY GRADUATION Letter of Intent

Each student desiring to complete an early graduation program shall indicate to the secondary school principal his or her intent prior to the beginning of grade nine (9) or as soon thereafter as the intent is known. The intent shall be indicated on a form provided by the Kentucky Department of Education and signed by the parent.

Intent letter must be signed within the first 30 days of school.

For advising purposes, the earlier the better. Students may withdraw from Early Graduation

intentions at any time but must then meet all KY graduation requirements.

EARLY GRADUATION Planning Considerations

EOC Courses ACT Testing Foreign Language College Admission Deadlines College Scholarship Deadlines

Not for Everyone School Experience (Senior Events) Athletic Participation Programs such as Governor’s Scholars that occur

after Junior Year Independent Living Skills Academic Skills

EARLY GRADUATION Do Early Graduation students get a

diploma? Yes. The student will be issued a diploma and may

participate in graduation ceremonies if all performance requirements have been met for EOC benchmarks and ACT readiness.

Can students graduate in December? If a student graduates before completing three full

years of high school, you may not qualify for the KEES equivalent award.

The scholarship award would not be available until the fall of the year the student graduates.

What if a student graduates and then changes his or her mind after graduation?The student may not return to high school after

graduating.

EARLY GRADUATION

ContactsRex Hanson, EHS Counselor (A-J)

Rex.hanson@etown.kyschools.usMelissa Butler, EHS Counselor (K-Z)

Melissa.butler@etown.kyschools.usJo Anna Breunig, EIS Coordinator for

Gifted EducationJoanna.breunig@etown.kyschools.us

EARLY GRADUATIONSources

Much of the Early Graduation information presented is from documents available on the Kentucky Department of Education's webpage for Early Graduation:

http://education.ky.gov/educational/AL/earlygrad/Pages/default.aspx

WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION Remind101

Text @elizhs18 to 81010 Or text @elizhs18 to (720)924-4307

EHS websitehttp://etown.kyschools.us/sch_EHS/

defaultehs.htm EHS Guidance website

http://www.etown.kyschools.us/EHS_Guidance/counselor/

Infinite Campus emails

CONTACT INFORMATION

Guidance Counselors:

Mr. Hanson – last names A–J Rex.Hanson@etown.kyschools.us

Mrs. Butler – last names K–Z Melissa.Butler@etown.kyschools.us