Thomas Jefferson High School
Senior Handbook 2015-2016
Table of Contents
School Counseling Staff . . …………………………………………………………………...p. 1
A World of Opportunity . ………………………………………………………………...... p. 2
Apprenticeship Option . . . ………………………………………………………………..... p. 2
Employment Option . . …………………………………………………………………….... p. 3
Military Option . . . ………………………………………………………………………….. p. 3
Community College Option……………………………………………………………...... p. 3
College and University Option. ………………………………………………………... . . p. 3
Selecting a College . ……………………………………………………………... . . p. 3
Sources of Information…………………………………………………………...... p.3
College Visit……...……………………………..………………………………...... p.4
Types of Admission...... p.4
College Admission Testing...... p.5
Completing Your College Applications...... p.6
College Application Essay ...... p.7
Submitting Your College Applications...... p.7
Financial Aid...... p.8
College Planning Checklist ...... p. 9
Senior Calendar First Semester...... p. 11
Personal Information Sheet/Recommendation Request Form...... p. 12
Class Quotes and Activities...... p. 13
Monticello Yearbook Advertisement Sale...... p. 14
Diploma Name Sheet ...... p. 16
Installation and Graduation Attire ...... p. 17
Thomas Jefferson High School
Senior Staff
Senior Sponsors:
Ms. Kathryn Mauro
Ms. Stephanie Vest
Senior Coordinators:
Ms. Danica Millner- Events
Mrs. Patty Weir- Financial
Senior Principal:
Mr. Marshall Andrews
Director of Guidance:
Mr. Willie Dupree (IB)
Counselors:
Dr. Zeno Hines (A-J)
Ms. Latoya Williams (K-Z)
Thomas Jefferson High School Hours: 8:00 a.m. — 2:45 p.m.
Phone (804) 780-6028 Fax (804) 780-6295
A World of Opportunity
After you graduate from Thomas Jefferson High School in June there will be many choices available to you: apprenticeship, direct entry into the work force, military service, career/technical training, 2-year or 4-year college/university or a combination of these. It is important to plan carefully. The Thomas Jefferson High School Senior Handbook is designed to help you in the process of making the choices that will best prepare you to reach your goals and keep you on track for graduation.
We have numerous resources available in the Thomas Jefferson High School Counseling Office. Make plans to visit your school counselor and during the coming year. The Counseling Office is located upstairs above the Administrative Offices and the Career Center is located on the first floor of the building near the Media Center.
Seniors who are unsure about career options will benefit from taking assessments found on the following website:
Consider the Options. . .
Apprenticeship
A training program for a skilled occupation. Includes supervised on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Available for numerous occupations including: electrical trades, heating/ air conditioning/refrigeration, automotive technology, carpentry, welding, masonry, cosmetology, metal fabrication and others. For more information you may contact:
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Apprenticeship Program North Run Business Park
1570 E. Parham Road
Richmond, VA 23228
You may also visit the Virginia Department of Labor/Industry web site at:
Private Career Schools Offer programs that are short-term, intensive and practical. Hands-on experience with business and technical equipment. For more information contact the Virginia Career College Association at (804) 346-2783 or at
Employment
Ask about training programs for entry-level employees that offer opportunities for advancement.
National job search sites:
Military Training
Learn about possible military occupations by taking the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) given by military teacher. The ASVAB is available free of charge. Parental permission is required. A few recruiters will visit Thomas Jefferson High periodicallythroughout the year to provide information.
For more information visit:
Community College Programs
Offer a variety of vocational and technical programs that lead to certificates, diplomas, or associate’s degrees. Offer two-year transfer programs and specialized training for industry. There are open admissions, with remedial and pre-tech courses available. Entrance requirements depend on the program. Visit to select and apply for a community college program.
College/University
Selecting a College
There are more than 3,000 colleges in the United States. There is more than one college that will meet your specific needs and career objectives. Selecting a college is a long process. The process includes research, weighing alternatives, and much thoughtful consideration of many aspects of your life.
A college search and other helpful resource information can also be found on: the College Board web site ( or the ACT web site (
Sources of Information on Colleges
The more information you have about colleges and universities the better chance you have of making a good decision. There are many sources of information available to you at Thomas Jefferson High. The following resources are readily available in the School Counseling Office for student and parent use.
Your counselor is available to meet with you and your parents to assist in obtaining information and considering options. Teachers, college students, and alumni are excellent sources of information about colleges.
College representatives will make visits to Thomas Jefferson High to meet with students. Their visits can provide an opportunity to learn about colleges. To take advantage of this source of information, listen carefully for announcements of visits and check the School Counseling Office for the dates of scheduled visits and upcoming events.
The College Visit
The college visit is a very valuable source of information. Make a visit to each school to which you plan to apply. If at all possible, plan your visit during the academic year so you are on the campus while students are there and classes are in session. To make the most of your visit, you might utilize the following suggestions.
* Take a tour arranged by the admissions office. Find information on the college Website. * Walk around the campus to get a feel for the atmosphere of the campus. * Talk with students to gain information on subjects that are important to you. * Visit a class; and if possible, talk with faculty members. * Plan a visit to the student center, the library, and the book-store. * Have a meal in the cafeteria. * Read the campus newspaper and bulletin boards as means of learning about cultural activities and issues on campus.
Many colleges recommend an interview with someone in the admissions office. This interview may serve not only as a source of information about you for the admissions representative, but also as a source of information about the college for you. For this interview, you might consider the following:
* Contact the admissions office and arrange an appointment.
* Be prompt.
* Dress appropriately.
* Prepare before the interview by checking the Website and making a list of questions.
* Know your SAT/ACT scores, approximate class rank, and your latest grades in the courses you are presently taking. Do not be bashful about your accomplishments!
* Learn the name of your interviewer. When you get home, write a thank you letter.
Remember: You are also interviewing the college. Do you want to hire them to provide your education?
Types of Admission
Colleges and universities may use one of the following types of admission:
Rolling Admission: A college using rolling admission does not set a due date for applications. Rather, the admission office reviews an applicant’s folder once it is complete. If the applicant meets the set criteria for admission, the student is offered admission to the college. It is advisable to apply early to schools that use a rolling admission policy.
Regular Admission: A college using regular admission sets a date by which all applications must be filed. After consideration is given to all the applications, decisions are mailed to the applicants.
Early Decision: Some colleges offer an early decision plan as a means of attracting top students. A student applying for early decision at highly selective schools should have a competitive application and standardized test scores and be certain that the college is their first choice. If a student is accepted under an early decision plan, the student is committed to attend. The early decision plans of colleges vary in their regulations. If considering this type of admission, review the conditions very carefully.
Early Action: Students receive a decision earlier than the standard response date but are not required to enroll or make a deposit prior to May 1. Deferred Admission: Students are permitted to postpone enrollment, usually for one year, after acceptance to the college.
College Admission Testing
TheSATusually taken the first time in the spring of the junior year and again in the fall of the senior year. Most four-year colleges require the SAT as part of the admission process composed of critical reading, mathematics and writing sections scores range from 200 to 800 on each section
Subject Tests: Some schools require subject tests as part of the admissions process these one-hour multiple-choice tests may be used in the admission decision or may be used by the college for placement. Consult the college Website or College Handbook for tests that may be required or recommended. You may not take the SAT and Subject tests on the same day. Be sure you plan your testing schedule wisely so all scores reach the colleges priorto the admissions deadline.
Visit the Website to register and get information about fees ~
Thomas Jefferson High School’s code for test reporting is 471-905
Test Dates ~ 2015-2016
Registration Deadline / Test DateSeptember 3, 2015 / October 3, 2015
October 9. 2015 / November 7, 2015
November 5, 2015 / December 5, 2015
December 28, 2015 / January 23, 2016
February 5, 2016 / March 5, 2015
April 8, 2016 / May 7, 2016
May 5, 2016 / June 4, 2016
The ACT most colleges and universities accept the ACT instead of or in addition to the SAT in the admissions process. The ACT measures classroom achievement in four broad content areas as well as the ability to reason and apply problem-solving skills. The content areas assessed by the ACT are Reading (Arts/Literature, Social Studies/Sciences), English (Usage/Mechanics, Rhetorical Skills), Mathematics (Pre-Algebra, Elementary Algebra, Intermediate Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Plane Geometry, Trigonometry) Science Reasoning. Writing (Optional)
Act Test Dates are as follows:
Registration Deadline / Test DateSeptember 18, 2015 / October 24, 2015
November 6, 2015 / December 12, 2015
January 8, 2016 / February 6, 2016
March 4, 2016 / April 9, 2016
May 6, 2016 / June 11, 2016
Thomas Jefferson High School’s code for test reporting is 471-905
Visit the Website to register and get information about fees ~
Completing Your College Applications
Here are a few tips for completing your college applications:
Apply on-line if possible. Save your work to return to it later to review your information. If completing the application on paper, copy the application to practice filling in the required information. Have an adult proofread your application and essay if one is required before you fill in the information on the actual application. Print out your on-line application for proof-reading. Type or neatly write in black ink. Your application makes a statement about you. Take pride in your application; it may affect the admissions decision. Consider how many applications they read – make it easy for them. Confirm that teachers have submitted the recommendation letters required by the college. Write a rough draft of your essay. Make certain you have completely answered the question(s). Proofread your rough draft before entering it on the application form. Remember that your application is incomplete without your high school transcript, standardized test scores and for some colleges the secondary school report and letters of recommendation. Contact the testing agency to have your test scores sent electronically. Watch Your Deadlines!! Remember to keep a copy of the completed application.
The College Application Essay (Personal Statement)
When you write your essay . . .
Do write lean! Say as much as you can with as few words as possible.
Do start early! Leave plenty of time to revise, reword, and rewrite.
Do read the directions carefully. Answer the question as directly as possible; follow word limits exactly. Express yourself as briefly and as clearly as you can.
Do focus on an aspect of yourself that will show your best side. You might have overcome some adversity, worked through a difficult project, or profited from a specific incident. A narrow focus is more interesting than are broad-based generalizations.
Do speak positively. Negatives tend to turn people off.
Do use perfect grammar and punctuation. Ask a teacher to review your work. But . . .
Don’t repeat information given elsewhere on your application. The committee has already seen it – and it looks as though you have nothing better to say.
Don’t write on general, impersonal topics. The college wants to know about you.
Don’t use clichés. Don’t go to extremes: too witty, too opinionated, or too “intellectual.”
Submitting Your College Applications
Step 1: Apply
Complete your college applications online and gather any supplemental materials they may require (secondary school report, letters of recommendation, essays, portfolio, etc). Bring these items with you when you complete the request for a transcript.
Step 2: Request a Transcript
Fill out and submit a Transcript Request Form (found in the Counseling Office) for EACH college or scholarship for which you will need a transcript. We require 2 weeks’ notice for transcript preparation during peak times. Requests submitted with less than 2 weeks’ notice may not go out on time. Plan ahead! College Deadline: Submit transcript form & other items to Counseling Office by:
College Application Deadline / Submit transcript requestNovember 1 / October 15
January 1 / December 1
January 15 / December 15
February 1 / January 15
March 1 / February 15
March 15 / March 1
Note: If your specific college deadline is not listed, please remember to submit your application to the counseling department two weeks prior to the due date.
Step 3: Supplemental Materials
Check to see if your college has a Secondary School form that needs to be filled out by your counselor. All schools using the Common Application require this, and many other schools have their own form. You must print these forms & submit them with your transcript request. If you would like your letters of recommendation, essays, or paper application sent with your transcript, these must be attached to your Transcript Request Form.
Other Things to Consider:
When asking teachers to write letters of recommendation, be sure to give them sufficient notice (3 weeks!). You may also want to ask teachers for extra signed copies of their letter for you to have on-hand for other applications.
Many colleges now require that your SAT and ACT scores be sent directly from CollegeBoard or ACT. Check your test registrations for this information & contact the test agency if necessary.
Look for e-mail confirmation (if provided on the transcript request form) from the School Counseling Office, which verifies when the transcript and/or other materials were mailed.
Dual Enrollment Students: Request a transcript from Reynolds Community College in order to have your JSRCC college credits transferred to the college you plan to attend in the fall.
Financial Aid Information
Financial aid information is available through the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia - SCHEV- A representative from GRASP (The Great Aspirations Scholarship Program- will visit Thomas Jefferson Highto meet with students and their parents. Make an appointment to meet with the GRASP representative beginning in October. Find a sign-up sheet on the door to the School Counseling Office.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at Remember not to submit the information until after January 1st. This must be completed for most types of financial aid awarded to a student by a college. A worksheet is available by late November.
Orders for Graduation Regalia and Accessories
Herff Jones is the vendor that provides students with class rings, announcements, and cap and gowns. If you need to place an order please visit their website: our school Sales representative Chris Hutto 804.598.0971.
Month by Month Career Path Checklist For The Senior Year
September
Take the career interest survey: . Research colleges that offer majors related to your interests. Research the application process, scholarship and financial aid information from college and university websites to compare admissions criteria, programs, costs, etc. Students are encouraged to apply to at least three schools of varying selectivity to ensure they have several options for admissions. (acceptance certain, acceptance likely, maybe not accepted, but want to go there badly enough to apply) Visit college campuses. Visit the Websites for tour and open house schedules. Check the college handbook for admission test requirements. Register for the ACT or SAT, if you have not already taken the required admissions tests. Check the availability of admissions test prep courses in your school counseling office. Attend information sessions college admissions offices hold at TJHS.
October
Check deadlines for admissions tests and register ASAP if you have not already! Think about teachers, counselors, coaches and others that you may ask to write letters of recommendation. Allow three weeks for this to be done. Complete applications for early decision and early action. Work on your application essays. Submit your senior quote for the yearbook
November
Continue to look for scholarships, read up on financial aid application procedures and talk with your parents about college financing strategies.
December
Take the ASVAB at TJHS see military teacher if interested in entering the military. Look for employment opportunities or apprentice ships. Discuss procedures for completing the FAFSA form with your family and the GRASP representative. Gather information needed to complete the FAFSA. Check deadlines on college applications and complete the process.
January
Submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. Work diligently to keep your grades high! Submit the Diploma Name form by January 15th.
February