Howard High School

Class News

Class of 2008

SENIORS

SENIORS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2008!!!

  • CONGRATULATIONS ~ to our many seniors that have been accepted to a variety of colleges and universities across the country!
  • If your student is having a difficult time deciding on their next steps after high school, please encourage them to stop by the Guidance Office to speak with their counselor. It is not too late to apply to college if that is what your student wants to do. Many colleges have rolling admission deadlines, which means you can apply right up until the first day of classes.
  • BE CAREFUL!!! Don’t let the dreaded “senioritis” ruin what has been a good year for your student. This is especially true for those students already accepted to college. How you finish out the school year is still important. Some colleges may ask for written explanations from the student addressing any changes or decline in academic performance the 2nd semester. A decline in a senior’s grades during their senior year frequently means a student will have difficulty responding positively to the demands of college-level work.

To Do:

  • Seniors should have completed a “Brag Sheet”/ information sheet telling us the colleges where they have been accepted to and scholarships they have been offered. Such information is compiled for the Senior Awards Ceremony.
  • OUTSTANDING OBLIGATIONS -- if your student owes money, a signed Release of Records form, owes a textbook or material to the Media Center or to a Teacher, then they need to fulfill this obligation. Students will NOT receive their graduation tickets when they are distributed at the end of the year until this is done.
  • Male and 18 years old? Friendly reminder…males need to register with the Selective Service by federal law within 30 days of their 18 th birthday. If your student is 17, they can submit their registration information early at www.sss.gov. During one of the graduation practices, seniors will be able to register to vote as well.

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Class of 2009

JUNIORSJuniors

  • Juniors, begin thinking about your senior year and preparing for the many events!
  • TRANSCRIPT PROCESS UPDATED
    • Counselors will visit 11th grade classrooms to share changes in the transcript application process during the week of June 2-6.
  • RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
    • College-bound students who wish to apply to a college through an early decision application may wish to ask teachers for letters of recommendation before summer break. If the request is made early, teachers may be able to work on the letter over the summer break so that it is ready for the early application.

Next Path in Life …Juniors, if you have not already done so, now is the time to begin thinking “what is my next path in life” after high school.

Do I want to go to college, enter an apprenticeship or a vocational program or possibly head straight into the work-force? Please help your student make the best possible choice for them…visit your School Counselor to assist with the process. In the meantime, even if your child has the slightest interest in attending college, have them register for the SAT. Look on Choices Planner (www.access.bridges.com) and review their interests, possible career choices and what is required to enter those career fields. Visit a college campus so that your student can gain a better understanding of college.

Take Advantage of Summer Vacation …

  • Have your student use the summer break to do something meaningful that is in line with their interests. Consider enrichment programs at home or away, community service, jobs, internships and educational travel.
  • Summer is also a great time to work on college essays…Your student might want to set a goal to write and finalize a few essays in preparation for the college application process.
  • Plan college visits; call now for tours and appointments!

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Class of 2010

Sophomores

  • Remember that passing the HSAs are part of the graduation requirements for the Class of 2010. HSAs are mandatory for English 10, Biology and American Government and sophomores will be taking all three tests in May. The majority of sophomores have taken and passed the Algebra 1 HSA their freshman year. There are after-school sessions designed to offer extra support in theses areas. If you are interested in getting your child involved in these programs, please call the Guidance Department.
  • For those of you who are considering, even slightly, the idea of going to college, the SATs are right around the corner. If you go to www.collegeboard.com, you can take a practice test and read about test-taking strategies.
  • It is never too early to begin looking at colleges and careers. Planning ahead for life after high school is the smart and mature thing to do. Start now and get a jump on your future.
  • Review your child’s schedule of classes for their junior year. Please make certain that your child has the correct classes so that they can graduate on time with their class. Please call us and we can sit down and review your child’s records and make sure they are on track for graduation.
  • VOLUNTEER your time this summer…this is a great way to not only connect with your community but to also boost your application as you prepare for college. See below for information on how to volunteer.

Volunteer Opportunities …You may have heard that volunteering helps you get into college, but keep in mind they're not just looking for a list of organizations and dates. Colleges want to see a complete picture of you, and real examples of your commitment, dedication, and interests.

Reasons to Volunteer

Gain Valuable Life Experiences and Skills
Whether you build houses for the homeless or mail flyers for a local politician, you'll experience the real world through hands-on work. You can use this experience to explore your major or career interests.

Meet Interesting People
Volunteering brings together a variety of people. Both the recipients of your volunteer efforts and your co-workers can be rich sources of insight. For example, maybe you'll learn about the legal profession from a former lawyer you visit at a convalescent center.

Send a Signal to Colleges
Colleges pay attention to your life inside and outside the classroom. Your extracurricular activities reveal a great deal about you, such as what your interests are, whether you can manage your priorities and maintain a long-term commitment, what diversity you'd bring to the student body, and how you've made a meaningful contribution to something.
Keep in mind, colleges are not interested in seeing you do it all. It's more meaningful to colleges to see your dedication to one or two causes or activities than to see that you've spread yourself thin.

How to Get Involved

There are many people, places, and organizations that need volunteers. Here are some tips for getting started:

  • Look around your community and in the phone book to see what programs are there. Call and ask if they need help.
  • Visit your city or town website. It may list volunteer opportunities in your community.
  • Contact your local United Way, cultural arts association, student organization, or another association that can point you in the right direction.
  • Ask your library, church or synagogue, and/or community colleges if they sponsor any volunteer groups.
  • Check out the following websites to learn more about causes and to find volunteer opportunities near you.
  • SERVEnet
  • Network for Good
  • Idealist.org
  • VolunteerMatch
  • Do Something

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Class of 2011

FRESHMENFreshman

9th grade parent email list : Please email (shannon_grieve@hcpss.org) to be placed on the bulk 9 th grade email list. Messages are sent out monthly to keep 9th grade parents current on the events pertaining to the freshmen. Use the Subject "Class of 2011," and be sure to include your name and your child's name.

  • Freshman grades count! The final exam will be 1/10 of the grade for the year. Students need to make the most of the remainder of the year. School is in session until the very end.
  • Remember that passing the HSAs are part of the graduation requirements for the Class of 2011. Most freshman will be participating in the Algebra I high school assessment. HSAs are also mandatory for English 10, Biology and American Government. There are after-school sessions designed to offer extra support in theses areas. If you are interested in getting your child involved in these programs, please call Ms. Grieve at 410-313-2871.
  • Promotion Policy : It is Howard County Public School System policy that students must earn at least 5 credits, one of which must be English, and have failed no more than 2 courses (for the year) in order to be promoted to grade 10. This is not negotiable.
  • GET INVOLVED! Although it is the 4 th quarter and the school year is coming to a close, it is never too late to get involved in extra-curricular activities. http://www.collegeboard.com/ student/plan/high-school/113.html

Life Outside the Classroom … Colleges Care

The good news is that colleges pay attention to your life both inside and outside the classroom. Yes, your academics come first, but your activities reveal a great deal about you, such as:

  • How you've made a meaningful contribution to something
  • What your non-academic interests are
  • Whether you can maintain a long-term commitment
  • Whether you can manage your time and priorities
  • What diversity you would bring to the student body

 

Class of 2012

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8700 Old Annapolis Road | Ellicott City, MD 21043 | 410-313-2867