Osbourn Park High SchoolCounseling Department

Senior Breakfast

Class of 2016

Administration Mr. Neil Beech………….........................Principal Mr. Andrew Barton (A-DRO)................Assistant Principal Mrs. Legal-Brickey (DRU-LA)..………Assistant Principal Dr. Stefanie Rich (LE-RAM)...................Assistant Principal Mrs. Artise Gill (RAN-Z).......................Assistant Principal Ms. Pamela Gardner……………...…..School Counseling

Director Mr. Fernando Montanez……………...Administrative Intern Mr. Keith Laine……………………….Activities Director TBA.......................................... …………Biotech Coordinator

School Counseling Staff

Mrs. Maureen Andrada Counselor (A-BROA) Mrs. Suzanne Salvo Counselor (BROB-DRO) Mrs. Shronda Peake Counselor (DRU-HAW) Ms. Lillian Orlich Counselor (HAY-LA) Mrs. Keisha Mercer Counselor (LE-MORI) Ms. Taylor Oakley Counselor (MORJ-RAM) Mrs. Eleanor Engler Counselor (RAN-SO) Mrs. Melissa Bach Counselor (SP-Z) Mrs. Toni Gibson Registrar Mrs. Hilda Layne Secretary Mrs. Margaret Stielper Secretary Mrs. Tammy Hayter Testing Coordinator

Student Services Staff

Mrs. Brenda Miller Dorick SchoolNurseMrs. Tami Walberstein Clinic Secretary

Mr. Carlos Rosa School PsychologistMrs. Kathleen Bowden Social WorkerMrs. Laura Cantu Attendance Officer

Mrs. Heather Lontos Transition Specialist

Encouragement -a little bit can go a long way…

Encourage your child to:

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle- exercise, healthy eating, get enough sleep, and avoid bad habits

2. Set realistic short term and long term goals

3. Practice routine study habits

4. Learn to problem solve independently

Graduation RequirementsStudents entering 9th grade in 2011-12 and 2012-13

Standard Diploma: 22 Credits 4 Credits of English (9, 10, 11, and 12)

3 Credits of Math ( Alg. I or Alg. 1 Pt. 2, Geometry, AFDA or Alg. 2)

3 Credits of Science (i.e. E. Sci., Bio, Chemistry)

3 Credits of Social Science (World History/Geography, US & VA History, and US & VA Government)

1 Credit of Econ and Personal Finance

2 Credits of Fine Art/CTE/Foreign Language

2 Credits Health/PE

4 Electives

Graduation RequirementsStudents entering 9th grade in 2011-12 and

2012-13

Advanced Studies Diploma- 26 Credits 4 Credits of English (9, 10, 11, & 12) 4 Credits of Math ( Alg. 1or Alg.1 Pt 2, Geometry, Alg. II

or one higher) 4 Credits of Science (i.e. E. Sci., Bio, Chemistry, and

Physics) 4 Credits of Social Science (W. Hist. I, W. Hist. 2 or AP

Euro or AP World, U.S. & VA History, U.S. & VA Government)

1 Credit Economics and Personal Finance 3 Credits of a Foreign Language or 2 years of 2 different

languages) 1 Credits of Fine Art/CTE 2 Credits of Health/P.E. 3 Electives

SOL Requirements

Standard: English Reading and Writing, 1 Math, 1 Science, 1 Social Studies, and one additional in any core course for a total of 6.

Advanced: English Reading and Writing, 2 Math, 2 Science, 2 Social Studies, and 1 additional in any core area for a total of 9.

Guide to College Selection/Decision*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS LIST IS JUST A SUGGESTION AND DOES NOT REPRESENT ORDER OF IMPORTANCE. THE FINAL SELECTION IS A PERSONAL DECISION.

Location Size Environment Cost Admissions Requirements Academic

Important Factors in College Admissions Grades in college prep classes Strength of curriculum Admissions test (SAT and/or ACT) Grades in all classes Essay Students demonstrated interest Counselor recommendation Class rank Teacher recommendation SAT AP exams Portfolio SAT II test scores Extra-curricular activities Work

GPA and Class Rank GPA: A grade point average is a number representing the average

value of the accumulated final grades earned in courses over time. More commonly called a GPA, a student's grade point average is calculated by adding up all accumulated final grades and dividing that figure by the number of grades awarded.

Class Rank: is a mathematical summary of a student's academic record compared to those of other students in the class. It usually takes into account both the degree of difficulty of the courses a student is taking (AP®, honors, college-preparatory or regular courses) and the grade the student earns.

GPA can significantly differ depending on the school a student attends. Some high schools weigh certain courses and others do not so a 3.7 GPA at one school may be equivalent to a 4.5 GPA at another school, therefore, colleges consider GPA and class rank together to see what a student's GPA means at a particular school. The knowledge that student with a 3.7 is in the top 5% of her class seems a lot more impressive than if she is in the bottom 20% or if no information on rank is provided. Our transcripts indicate GPA and Class Rank.

Types of College Application Deadlines: Early Action- Usually Nov. 1 or 15th Deadline- Non-

binding. Admission based on end of year grades from junior year and SAT/ACT received by deadline.

Early Decision- Nov. 1st or 15th as well- Binding Regular Decision- Ranges depends on the school.

Decision usually includes semester grades from Senior Year.

Priority Deadline- Varies by school…Nov-Dec timeframe to be considered for scholarships

*Colleges will receive mid year and final transcripts and reserve the right to rescind acceptance based on Senior Year performance

Student must indicate in Family Connection/Naviance the type of admission-Early Decision, Regular Decision

College Application Procedure It is the student’s responsibility to check the admission

requirements for each college. Senior grades are important! Class Rank and GPA are computed during the

first part of Semester 1, at the end of the first semester and at the end of the year. At the end of the first term, the new GPA and Class Ranking are sent to all of the colleges to which the student has applied.

Now is the time to research the application process for each college which may differ depending on the college. Examples include:

Common Application School’s Individual Application

Apply to at least 3-6 colleges.

It the student’s responsibility to submit the application directly to the college or university. Students should complete application prior to requesting a transcript through Family Connection/Naviance.

Please allow at least two weeks for counselor and teacher recommendations to be processed. Do not wait until the day before or the day of to request a recommendation.

College Application Procedures (cont.)

In order for students to have their transcripts sent to colleges of their choice, an authorization for Release of Educational Record form must be completed. This form also includes authorization for scholarships and NCAA clearinghouse. These forms may be obtained in the school counseling office.

Students request transcripts through Naviance by identifying the schools to which the forms will be sent. The counselor will complete any reference forms required and upload along with the transcript.

Encourage your student to complete an activity resume and/or College Planning Questionnaire

Osbourn Park sends out three free transcripts. Each additional transcript will cost $5.00. Any unpaid balance is due by June 1.

College Application Procedure (Cont.)

Please allow 10 school days for the school’s portion to be processed by your counselor.

It the student’s responsibility to request teacher recommendations. Students must discuss recommendation with teacher in person and then put the request in Family Connection/Naviance.

Please allow teachers 5-10 school days to write a letter of recommendation. It is helpful if one gives a resume when requesting a letter of recommendation.

Calendar of Events

College Fair will be hosted by Osbourn High School on Monday, Sept. 28th from 6- 8 p.m. and at Hylton HS on Thursday, Oct. 15th from 6-8 p.m.

Financial Aid Workshop is Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. in the OPHS auditorium

Awards Program- June 2016

ASVAB Testing- November 13th 7:30 to 10:30am

Deadline for Transcript Requests- DECEMBER 4, 2015 if application is due on January 1, 2016.

NCAA Clearinghouse- Must register with the NCAA in order to be eligible to play collegiate sports.

SAT TEST DATES 2015-2016Test Dates Test U.S. Registration Deadlines (Expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S.A.)

Regular Late(a fee applies)

October 3, 2015

Current SAT

SAT & Subject Tests

September 3, 2015 September 18, 2015(for mailed registrations)

September 22, 2015(for registrations made online or by phone)

November 7, 2015

Current SAT

SAT & Subject Tests

October 9, 2015 October 23, 2015 (for mailed registrations)

October 27, 2015(for registrations made online or by phone)

December 5, 2015

Current SAT

SAT & Subject Tests

November 5, 2015 November 20, 2015 (for mailed registrations)

November 23, 2015(for registrations made online or by phone)

January 23, 2016

Current SAT

SAT & Subject Tests

December 28, 2015 January 8, 2016 (for mailed registrations)

January 12, 2016(for registrations made online or by phone)

March 5, 2016

Redesigned SAT

SAT only February 5, 2016 February 19, 2016 (for mailed registrations)

February 23, 2016(for registrations made online or by phone)

May 7, 2016

Redesigned SAT

SAT & Subject Tests

April 8, 2016 April 22, 2016 (for mailed registrations)

April 26, 2016(for registrations made online or by phone) 

June 4, 2016

Redesigned SAT

SAT & Subject Tests May 5, 2016 May 20, 2016 (for mailed registrations)

May 25, 2016(for registrations made online or by phone)

ACT TEST DATES 2015-2016

Test DateRegistration Deadline (Late Fee Required)

September 12, 2015 August 7, 2015 August 8–21, 2015

October 24, 2015 September 18, 2015 September 19–October 2, 2015

December 12, 2015 November 6, 2015 November 7–20, 2015

February 6, 2016* January 8, 2016 January 9–15, 2016

April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 5–18, 2016

June 11, 2016** May 6, 2016 May 7–20, 2016

Technology/Available Resources

School Fusion Parent Portal Email School Website Peer Tutoring by the National Honor Society

(NHS) Teacher Tutoring Activity Bus- Tuesdays and Thursdays Brown Bag Lunch

College & Career Resources SAT Testing Calendar and Registration visit

www.collegeboard.com

The College Place- Free individual assistance with the Financial Aid Process

Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The area of financial aid is broad in scope and a very important aspect of the total college admission process.

Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career school. Aid may come from:

The U.S. federal government Grants-financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid Loans-Borrowed money for college or career school Work-Study-a federal student aid program through which

you earn money to help you pay for school

The college you attend

A nonprofit or private organization

The state where you live U.S. Dept. of Education

Financial Aid Information Cont.Financial Aid Recommendations:

1. Attend financial aid information sessions. 2. As one applies for admission, inquire about financial aid

procedures at each college 3. Plan to enter the process in December (2015) so that you are

ready to file in January 2016. YOU CANNOT FILE UNTIL JANUARY 1ST OF YOUR SENIIOR YEAR!

4. Make use of scholarship websites and opportunities. Ex: The Money Tree (At OP)

5. Apply early! Financial Aid Workshops

Seniors/Parents- Tuesday, December 1, 2015, 7 p.m., Osbourn Park HS Auditorium

Seniors/Parents- “Super Saturday”, Tentative Date: February Stonewall Jackson High School

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn4OECMTh5w#action=share

Scholarship Opportunities The Money Tree-OP generated document that

contains multiple scholarship opportunities. The Money Tree is updated on a weekly basis and is available in the school counseling department.

Other sources of scholarship information include: Fastweb.com Scholarships.com Meritaid.com Cappex.com Collegenet.com

Career Center Resources

Employment Information Virginia Employment Commission 13370

Minnieville Rd, Woodbridge, VA offers services to those looking for employment. Call (703) 897-0407 for more information.

Prince William County One-Stop Employment Center located in the Ferlazzo Building 15941 Donald Curtis Dr. Suite 180, Woodbridge, VA offers free employment services to all county residents. Call (703) 792-4347 for more information.

Questions?