HHS PTSA - Winter Newsletter 2013

Principal’s Letter 1 President’s Letter 2 Health & Safety 3-4 Reflections 5-9 Technology Committee 10 Spectrum 10 Freshman Acad. Preview 10 Anchor Club 10 Mu Alpha Theta 11 MTNA Finalist 11 HHS Theater 12-14 HHS Band 15-16 Jazz Night Ticket 17 Commemorative Bricks 18 HHS Choir 19 HHS Panther Soccer 20 HHS Baseball 21 HHS Softball 22 HHS Cheer 22 HHS Golf 22 HHS Swim and Dive 23-26 AFJROTC 27-30 College Information 31-39 31-

Winter 2013

HHS PTSA Newsletter Winter Edition (and abridged College Edition)

The 2013 Winter Edition of the HHS PTSA Newsletter is proud to bring to you updates, save-the-dates, brags, and general information pertaining to the HHS PTSA and all Huntsville High School activities. Please pay special attention to the article from Health and Safety regarding emergency preparedness.

Last year we dedicated the winter edition of the PTSA newsletter to college preparedness. We decided we would give you an abbreviated college edition this year. This can be found beginning on page 31.

Freshman Academy Preview A site map and a virtual tour of the new Freshman Academy have been added to the HHS website: http://www.huntsvillehigh.org

Principal’s Letter HHS Parents and Students, We have had a great start this semester. As we begin February, I would like to pass along some important information.

Registration for 2013-2014 will begin this month. You will be receiving information from the counselors beginning the middle of February.

Plans for the Freshmen Academy continue to develop. We are planning a community information night during the next month in order to keep you informed.

Procedures have been implemented that will improve our school security and safety. We will continue to conduct various drills to ensure everyone is aware of proper procedures in emergency situations.

Thank you to our PTSA Newsletter Sponsor:

Thank you for your support during the past few months. I am honored and excited to be named the Principal at HHS! My goal is to continue the long tradition of excellence at Huntsville High School.

Our faculty and staff continue to do great things. They work daily to provide our students with the best education possible. Thanks to them for their hard work and dedication.

Thank you, Mark Mincher

President’s Letter Welcome to 2013! I hope each of you enjoyed a healthy and happy holiday and are experiencing a wonderful new year. Our Huntsville High School family and community are fortunate to have such outstanding faculty, administration and staff, as well as wonderful students, PTSA volunteers and parents.

Thank you—each and all of you!

You and your PTSA volunteers are the greatest. Here is a partial list of recent activities: The Newsletter Committee (Carmen Thompson and Kris Valentine, Co-Chairs), and Susan King, working with our sponsors, continue to publish an excellent PTSA Newsletter where we can read expanded articles on HHS happenings and also have an opportunity to see some pictures from our school and community. You can find the current and archived copies of the newsletter at www.hhsnewsletter.com.

The Hospitality Committee (Holly Butler and Talitha Yokley, Co-Chairs) continued their outstanding support of the teachers and staff with a Holiday Cookie and Hot Chocolate event in December and their famous Crock Pot Chili Luncheon on the first day back to school from winter break!

Our First VP, Programs, Kari Smith, planned two of our most popular events: our Lunch and Learn with Mr. Mincher, and our Club Fair and Rising Freshman Orientation, which will be held on February 26. The Lunch and Learn was fabulous and we filled the room. Special thanks to Mr. Mincher for being willing to answer our questions and to Mrs. Lambert for hosting us.

PTSA assisted the HHS Counselors at their January 12 event, “Parental Strategies for Today’s High School Challenges”. This free community event received excellent feedback from attendees and PTSA looks forward to assisting in coming years. Thank you to Nancy Wolfe and the rest of our Counselor Staff, David Whitener, Quaynteece Mosby and Catherine Taylor, for providing excellent counseling services to our students and our school. Thank you also to our community expert speakers and our Sponsors.

The Technology Committee (Susan and Steve Solomon, Co-Chairs) continues to support and enhance technology available to our students. Thank you, Susan and Steve! Please take time to read the Technology Committee report in this issue of the Newsletter.

The Health and Safety Committee (Michelle Packard, Chair) is planning to share some important information with all HHS students. We are grateful to be able to use the latest technology and our talented student production team to bring this information to the HHS family The Student Activities Committee (Karen Kimbrough, Chair) continues to support the InterClub Council--a group where all clubs and organizations can meet and share information.

Panther Postings (Elise Taylor, Chair) continues to send out the most current HHS information to subscribers. If you are not receiving Panther Postings and wish view the archives, please go to: http://archive.benchmarkemail.com/pantherpostings. To subscribe, simply click the “subscribe now” button found on each Posting. To submit information for publication, send to pantherpostings@gmail.com .

We have been able to fulfill many teacher requests due to your generosity. More requests are being received this semester and we have been able to help with these. Your membership and your donations make all of this possible!

Thank you again to all dedicated PTSA volunteers and parents—we simply could not do this without each one of you.

Warmest regards,

Lisa Miller President, HHS PTSA lmillerhsv@comcast.net

Nominating News

PTSA Committee News

The Nominating Committee will soon begin work on a proposed slate of HHS PTSA officers for the 2013-2014 school year. If you are interested in serving as an elected officer, please email Evey Rouse at eveyrouse@comcast.net.

In addition to elected officers, PTSA committees always need your help. If you are interested in serving as a Committee Chair, CoChair or as a member of a PTSA Committee, please contact Lisa Miller at lmillerhsv@comcast.net.

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PTSA Committee News

Health and Safety At Huntsville High school we are very blessed to have an established cooperation between our administration and our concerned parents. With the nation focused on safety in our schools since the Connecticut tragedy in December, Michelle Packard, Health and Safety Committee Chairman, recently met with administration and security representatives: Principal Mark Mincher, Assistant Principal Jason Hass, and Officers Duncan and Whelpley to discuss how Huntsville High School will handle several different scenarios and how we, as parents and families, can assist them in taking care of our students. The following information is the result of that discussion.

RECENT SCHOOL ACCESS CHANGES

To improve security at the school, access is now restricted to the attendance office entrance. All other doors, including the main doors by the office, are secured at all times. Once admitted, please remember to sign in and wear a label identifying you as a visitor.

PREPAREDNESS IS KEY HHS continues fire drills, weather drills, lockdown drills, and last spring even had the entire student body participate in bus evacuation drills. These drills contribute to the efficiency and rapidity of response in the case of an emergency.

Preparation like this is also necessary for parents and guardians. Consider possible reactions to different events before they happen. Discuss these courses of action as a family so that everyone knows what to expect. Make sure everyone is prepared to act in a calm, responsible manner. It is easier to do this when a plan is in place.

Parents can assist the school by: 

    

Remembering to be patient. The administration and staff’s priority is the safety of the students, and they take that trust and responsibility extremely seriously. All school officials can communicate with each other and have specific duties in times of crisis. Information will be released as soon as the crisis is over and when verified, accurate information is available.

Refraining from rushing to the school in an emergency—this will allow the staff or emergency response team to perform their duties without interference or distraction.

Refraining from making calls to the school, which could jam the phone lines. The prevalence of texting allows communication with your student directly.

Keeping emergency cards up to date with correct phone numbers and names of people authorized to pick up students.

Being prepared to display photo identification if a student pick-up scenario is implemented so authorities can release your student to you or your designee. Again, be patient… every student must be accounted for.

Maintaining a façade of calm and patience. Students do not need to see panicky adults—it will add to their agitation.

WHAT TO EXPECT Inclement weather: When bad weather is possible, the call to cancel or delay school will usually be made no later than 5AM the morning the weather is expected. In the case of winter precipitation, the determination is made after several key roads in the area are examined for safety and passability. In some cases, the determination may be made the previous evening. The information on cancellations and delays will be disseminated to the community through the local media and the school system’s automated calling system.

In the event that weather moves into the area (severe storms, tornados), the decision to cancel school will be made at the HCS level, and the information will be released through the usual avenues. If the National Weather Service has issued a WATCH, and you would like to collect your child, you may check them out in the routine manner.

When a WARNING is issued, the students are moved as quickly as possible to the safest areas of the building. The administration strongly suggests that parents remember that it is most unwise to travel during a warning. Parents who arrive during a warning:     

May find that due to the sheltering procedures, it will be difficult to find your child.

May find the staff too busy completing their duties and maintaining order to assist you—remember your child’s safety comes first!

Will be encouraged to assist the staff and remain in a place of shelter.

Will be reminded that check outs during a WARNING are highly discouraged.

Will be asked to return to the school if they are in the parking lot when a warning sounds. Cars are not good shelter in a tornado, and it is better to return to a sturdy building for shelter.

Again, if deemed necessary, automated calls will go out only AFTER safety is re-established and verified, accurate information is available.

Should school dismiss, but your student is not comfortable traveling home, they may shelter in place. Staff will remain as long as students are present.

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Evacuation If an evacuation of the student body becomes necessary for any reason, the students will be transported to a secure location, and parents will be notified where and when to pick their children up. In some instances, student drivers may be able to transport themselves home, but not until every student has been accounted for. All information will go out through the familiar channels.

Threats Any threats that are received by the school are thoroughly investigated. Generally, notification of families will not occur until comprehensive action has been taken. Please do not expect automated calls to be made in the middle of a crisis.

Lockdowns There are two forms of lockdown at HHS. The first would be if there is a threat in the area surrounding the school, like a bank robbery with perpetrators on the loose. In this case, the students will return to the school building from other areas, doors will be sealed and class schedules will continue as close to normal as possible without students entering or exiting the building. The second form would be if there is a threat within the school itself. In that scenario, students will be sheltered within their classrooms, away from points of access. Your students have been briefed and know what to expect. The school conducts drills regularly so that everyone knows what to do.

Violence in the School In the event of criminal violence in the school, the school will go into the second form of lockdown. No one will be allowed to enter or exit, and the school automatically becomes a crime scene. However difficult it may be for concerned parents, it is best to allow the professionals to respond to the situation and to not complicate matters by attempting to get to, or into, the school. As the areas of the school are cleared, students will be placed in secure locations until they can be reunited with their parents/guardians. Again, information will not be disseminated through school channels until accurate information is obtained and verified.

OTHER GENERAL IDEAS FOR PEACE OF MIND Discuss family plans for different emergency situations, and allow your children to give you feedback about what you have planned. Adjust the plan to include any suggestions they may have.

Discuss with your family how to communicate with each other in an emergency. Remind them that texting usually works, even if phone lines don’t.

Determine an out-of-area contact that everyone knows to keep apprised of their location and situation.

Maintain a supply of water, food, emergency supplies, and a small amount of cash at home.

Purchase and program a weather alert radio so you may be informed of weather emergencies.

Ensure everyone in the family knows the “safe” locations in the house for weather emergencies.

Make sure every family member has access to the house. If your student usually uses a keypad to let themselves in, and there is a power outage, they will be stranded outside.

Discuss with your family where you would congregate in your neighborhood should you need to vacate your home.

OTHER QUESTIONS This is just a general overview of some common sense actions that make protecting our students easier. Should any parent/guardian have any questions or concerns, they are encouraged to contact the school at 256-428-8050 and ask to speak to Officer Duncan or Officer Whelpley.

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Reflections

The Magic of a Moment - Reflections 2012-13 All six of Huntsville High School’s entries placed at the city level for Reflections and all 6 of our HHS students’ entries have made it to state, to be announced in April!

This year’s theme was “The Magic of a Moment” and has inspired the artistic minds of many students. Our students provided a variety of art expressions this year.

1st place film production - John Wachs – “belleza de la noche” 1st place literature - Max Moseley – “The Solace of the Angel” 2nd place musical composition - Matthew Brown – “Starlight Fantasia” 1st place photography - Jessica Russell – “Fountain Fun” 2nd place photography - Tiffany Hnetynka – “The magic of a moment” 1st place visual arts - Brandon Stephens – “The Painted Lady” The students were honored at an awards ceremony at Columbia High School the night of January 24. The 1st place city winners advanced to the state level and will be awarded in April in Birmingham.

The PTA® Reflections Program is designed to enhance rather than replace a quality arts education. It provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts. It is an annual program where students in preschool through grade 12 create and submit works of art in six areas: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts. A special artist category has also been added. It is one of the largest student arts recognition programs in the country. Please see http://www.ptareflections.org/ for more info.

Next year’s Reflections theme is “Believe, Dream, Inspire” for those of you that want to begin thinking about your contributions next fall!

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This year’s winners from HHS are:

Matthew Brown – musical composition – “Starlight Fantasia” Tiffany Hnetynka – photography – “The magic of a moment” Max Moseley – literature – “The Solace of the Angel” Jessica Russell – photography – “Fountain Fun” Brandon Stephens – visual arts – “The Painted Lady” John Wachs – film production – “belleza de la noche”

Matthew Brown – musical composition – “Starlight Fantasia” Artist’s Statement: “It is a very emotional piece. It starts mysteriously and builds into an exhilarating finish. It captures all the emotions that come into momentous occasions and the magic that these moments create.”

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Tiffany Hnetynka – photography – “The Magic of a Moment” Artist’s statement: “The most magical moments in life are found in nature. This photo is special to me because I took it while hiking on a mountain with my mom. The sun was starting to set and the light reflected through the trees. The magical rainbow effect was created when the sunlight filtered through the multi-colored fall leaves.”

Max Moseley – literature – “The Solace of the Angel” Artist’s statement: “This story is about letting go and accepting that everything will be okay. It’s hard to do, but when you do, it’s a magical moment.”

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Jessica Russell – photography – “Fountain Fun” Artist’s statement: “It was a hot day in Philadelphia and my group and I were sitting by the fountain and this little girl jumps in. Her mother then follows her in, holding her hand so she does not trip. Then members of my group got in and followed this little girl’s example. She changed a hot day into a wonderful moment of relaxing and playing in the fountain.”

Brandon Stephens-visual arts- “The Painted Lady” Artist’s statement: When I started this painting, it was a light blue mess with black pits for eyes and a pumpkin orange face. One year later, it was finished. When I stood back and looked at it, I experienced the magic of a moment when you realize all your hard work and time has finally paid off. There were so many times when I would look at my un-finished portrait and think “Oh my gosh, this looks horrid.” But I decided to just keep working and finish it. Maybe it would come out good or maybe it wouldn’t, I really couldn’t tell at the time. But finally, after months and months of painting, I was able to step back and say “Wow, it’s finished.” That right there was when I felt “The Magic of a Moment”.

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John Wachs – film production – “belleza de la noche” Artist’s statement: My entry, "belleza de la noche," or "beauty of the night," is a collection of time-lapse sequences I made to contrast the chaos of civilization and the beauty of nature often overlooked in our day to day lives. By noticing and capturing these scenes over long periods of time, I reveal the moments that go unnoticed. I chose night sequences to capture light in moments of darkness. I chose electronic background music to enhance the images in the presentation. (still shot image from film)

The PTA® Reflections Program is designed to enhance rather than replace a quality arts education. It provides opportunities for students to express themselves and to receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts. It is an annual program where students in preschool through grade 12 create and submit works of art in six areas: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts. A special artist category has also been added. It is one of the largest student arts recognition programs in the country. Please see http://www.ptareflections.org/ for more info.

Next year’s Reflections theme is “Believe, Dream, Inspire” for those of you that want to begin thinking about your contributions next fall!

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Technology Committee

Freshman Academy Preview Available We will soon be breaking ground on the Freshman Academy.

A site map and a virtual tour of the new Freshman Academy have been added to the HHS website: http://www.huntsvillehigh.org The Principal's corner has also been updated to include information concerning the new Freshman Academy.

The Huntsville High School PTSA Technology Committee has had an exciting semester. We helped to distribute laptops to the students this summer and then watched the technology unfold this fall. We know it has been a challenging journey, but all ready, new doors have been opened at Huntsville High School. As the Huntsville City Schools has embraced the one to one digital initiative, the HHS PTSA Technology Committee no longer has to spend its’ funds on student/teacher computers and classroom Active Boards. We can focus on providing those “extra” technology components that will help HHS classrooms excel in new directions.

The use of video technology in HHS classrooms has been steadily increasing. Mrs. Britton’s classes have been using video cameras on a regular basis this year. As seen with the “Panther Pause”, video media provides a fun and effective way for students to communicate. Ms. Davis plans to utilize video equipment in some of her science projects this spring and Ms. Ballard will be using video cameras to record and evaluate student presentations in her business classes.

The Technology Committee is helping to make video equipment more available to the classroom. A Canon video camera and tripod/monopod were purchased this semester for the library. Teachers and staff will now be able to access video equipment for special projects without relying on personal equipment.

The PTSA Technology Committee is always looking for new ways to help Huntsville High School. If you have some new ideas or are interested in helping the committee, please email us at ssssolomon@comcast.net.

Steve & Susan Solomon

http://www.huntsvillehigh.org

New Huntsville City Schools Volunteer Site http://volunteer.hsv-k12.org/ Huntsville City Schools has an online Virtual Volunteer Center. On this site, teachers can post supply needs as well as volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in the needs of particular schools, you can filter by one or more schools.

Check this site often to support our teachers with needs they may have.

Anchor Club THANK YOU to all parents and students who supported Anchor Club's book drive!!! We were able to donate over 750 books to the children at Lincoln Village Academy. We were thrilled by the enthusiastic support of the HHS community to this project.

Thank you again!

Julie Williams

We are pleased to announce the theme for Spectrum 2013, which will be “Labyrinth.” A labyrinth is similar to a maze. A maze has many complex paths, and it is easy to get lost within; however, a labyrinth is a single non-branching path, which leads to a center. Spectrum Labyrinth will highlight the most original, beautiful, and unusual pieces of literature (poetry, prose) along with artwork and photography from our own talented Huntsville High students.

Students must submit original items by Thursday, February 28, to Room 223 (Mrs. Bowman’s room) or on Spectrum’s Edmodo page (GEL5P0), or by email (HHSSpectrum@gmail.com).

Submit to Spectrum!!

You can purchase “Spectrum Labyrinth” for $8 in the lunchroom or in Room 223 in May 2013.

Support HHS PTSA http://www.hsv.k12.al.us/schools/high/hhs/

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Mu Alpha Theta 2012 Inductees Erin Arcuri Anna Blair Bruce Bowlin Ashley Braddom Rachel Brock Anna Catherine Brooks Lily Brooks Clayton Brown Jordan Burlingame Will Carter Mark Chodaba Jon Clegg Lowell Crook Luke Damian Peyton Davis Kurt Delay Lindsay Douglas Kevin Ellison Hollis Gilbert Sam Howard Rachel Joffrian Chip Johnson Alaina Knott Sarah Larsen Hyunjee Lee Maliha Lubna Jenneca Mahesh

Emily Mantooth Sarah Gwin Moore Hudson Morris Taylor Morrow Samuel Motz Erin Neighbors Zac Newmann Binh Nguyen Kate Nunn Victorai Offei-Dua Emma Pair Briana Parker Jonathan Prozan Clay Pruett Susan Purvis Cate Rasco Mary Anna Rose Teddy Rotenberger Jason Seale Thomas Seitz Laurel Sharp Cara Sharpe William Stewart Emily Sutphin Sarah Reagan Tepool Marquis Toney Alex Vroom Erin Westbrook Allison Wire

Congratulations!

MTNA National Finalist Ariana Maloney, a senior at Huntsville High School, has been selected as a National Finalist in the Music Teachers National Senior Performance Vocal Competition.

Ariana earned this opportunity after winning the State and then the Southern Division of the MTNA Vocal Competition.

The National MTNA Vocal Competition will take place March 10, during the MTNA National conference at the Disneyland Resort, in Anaheim, California. The National winner of this competition receives a cash prize and will perform in the Winners Concert during the conference.

Congratulations Ariana!

Huntsville High Theater Department Presents…

The classic MGM movie comes to life on the stage April 12- 20 in the HHS Auditorium.

Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion face the Wicked Witch of the West with the help of Glinda, the Good Witch. You’ll love this production with 53 cast members, 11 specialty dancers, 12 children and 1 dog! “We are pulling out all of the stops,” exclaims Mr. Chappell, who embarks on his 3rd production of “Oz” (his 2nd at HHS). With a popular show like “Oz’” it is customary to repeat it in seven to ten years.

That way a whole new generation is introduced to it. We had such a great time eleven years ago that I wanted to bring it back. And there are so many new and improved “technical” toys that we can play with since 2002. This show is going to be a grand, exotic, and beautiful production with many special effects. Not to give too much away, but expect to see monkeys flying…and the witch…and Glinda! We hope that you’ll be singing in the aisles to “Ding, Dong the Witch is Dead”…”We’re Off to see the Wizard’” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road.”

Little ones will enjoy our Wizard of Oz Character Breakfast on Saturday, March 16. Enjoy a pancake breakfast along with crafts, games, and photo opportunities with all of the characters – we’ll even make the Wicked Witch be nice!

You won’t want to miss this show! Tickets are for sale online February 1 st and will be at our ticket outlets (Southerland Station and Cotton Cottage) March 18th. The Theater Box Office will be open daily beginning April 1st.

The Wizard of Oz Cast Dorothy Gale - Peyton Satterfield (Dorothy understudy – Olivia Hendrick) Hunk/Scarecrow - Hunter Hladky Hickory / Tin Man - Kurt Delay Zeke – Cowardly Lion - Tyler Graham Glinda the Good Witch - Claire Quirk Wicked Witch of the West - Emily Pullen Professor Marvel/ Wizard of Oz - -Sam Holder Uncle Henry /Emerald City Guard – Eric Witteveen Auntie Em - Cate Rasco The “Jitterbug” - Peyton Davis 12

Munchkinland School Teachers:

Emily Cragon and Katie Russell

Mayor of Munchkin City: Christian Daschle The Barrister: Georgia Claire Park City Leader #1: Emily Glass City Leader #2: Chris O’Neil Coroner: Jacob Abbott Mothers of “Sleepy Heads” Marie Beverly, Anna Leigh Fountain, Peyton Ann Mickle Trumpeters Sara Hardiman, Taylor Morrow, and Mary Grace Railey

The Lullaby League Lauren Bakke, Ann Dillon Loflin, and Cameron Overton The Lollipop Guild

Mason Baumann, Parker Johnson, Peyton Davis

Munchkin Guards

Ryan Davidson, Brandson Stephens, William Noble, Gentry Patterson Munchkins

Sarah Bradley, Chelsie Crossen, Anna Leigh Fountain, Polly Gartrell, Emily Glass, Alex Green, Olivia Hendrick, Mattie Holden, Tristan Hughes, Makenzie Jaggers, A,K. Kimbrough, Maddy Lewis, Jenna Marshall, Keeley McMurray, Peyton Ann Mickle, Hannah Oswalt, Mabry Palmer, Aaron Patton, Cate Rasco, Meredith Seymour, Matt Speakman, Drew Tucker, Kyle Vallely and Eric Witteveen.

Tree #1 – Keeley McMurray Tree #2 – Meredith Seymour Tree #3 – Matt Speakman

*Merry Ole Land of Oz Beauticians Makenzie Jaggers, Alex Green and Olivia Hendrick 13

Polishers Jacob Abbott, Ben King and Tristan Hughes Manicurists Maddie Lewis, A.K. Kimbrough and Hannah Oswalt Ozians Lauren Bakke, Marie Beverly, Sarah Bradley, Emily Cragon, Chelsie Crossen, Christian Daschle, Ryan Davidson, Anna Leigh Fountain, Polly Gartrell, Emily Glass, Mattie Holden, Parker Johnson, Ann Dillon Loflin, Keely McMurray, Peyton Ann Mickle, Taylor Morrow, William Noble, Mabry Palmer, Gentry Patterson, Mary Grace Railey, Katie Russell, Meredith Seymour, Matt Speakman, Brandon Stephens, Drew Tucker, Kyle Vallely

*Wicked Witch’s Castle Nikko, the Head Monkey – Aaron Patton 2nd in command - Christian Daschel 3rd Flying monkey - Ben King Winkie General - Tristan Hughes Specialty Dancers *Munchkins, Crows, Snowflakes, Jitterbugs Emily Brown, Laurel Clem, Emily Ann Clemons, Breanna Corning, Tiffany Hyentnka, Jordan Lee, Mary Margaret Ragland, Meg Smith, Madison Ann Stanley, Evie Sutton, Katherine Wilson

Wizard of Oz Character Breakfast on Saturday, March 16.

Tickets are for sale online February 1st and will be at our ticket outlets (Southerland Station and Cotton Cottage) March 18th. The Theater Box Office will be open daily beginning April 1st.

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HHS Band Congratulations to our senior marching band and color guard members who were recognized at halftime on Senior Night, November 1, 2012! Our senior are: Greg Artalona, Godfrey Cooper, Chelsie Crossen, Amy Cutter, Caleb Eversole, Anna Gant, Nicholas Hawke, Gena Helton, Emily Hickman, Arryana Hyde, Sarah Johns, Jonathan Jones, Mallory Kobler, Reed Miller, Amanda Nagle, Lydia Nance, Bahman Patel, Nicholas Patton, Amesha Petty, Thomas Pigott, Abigail Ray, Jessica Russell, Brandi Seavers, Haley Sims, Shaterra Turner, Alexander White, and Scott Zook.

In November, nine advanced band students performed with the UAHuntsville Invitational High School Honor Wind Ensemble.

The students spent two days in master classes and practices, culminating in an afternoon performance on November 17, 2013.

The following students were selected for the Honor Band: Gus Arnold, Lily Brooks, Clay Brown, Amanda Clark, Reed Miller, Lydia Nance, Thomas Pigott, and Scott Zook. Congratulations to these accomplished musicians!

The band has kept busy with several performances over the past few months. All members participated in the Hoover Invitational Marching Festival on Saturday, October 20, 2012. The band also marched in the annual Huntsville Christmas Parade in downtown Huntsville on December 1, 2012.

The annual Holiday Concert featuring the HHS Symphonic Band was presented on December 13, 2012 in the Huntsville High School auditorium. This free event was a great way to begin the holiday season! Concert-goers had the opportunity to do some holiday shopping at the Holiday Marketplace, held in conjunction with the concert. A variety of local businesses with an array of holiday gifts for purchase supported the marketplace. Also, there was a Silent Auction benefitting the band, featuring items donated by local businesses. A reception for all band members and their families followed the concert. Thank you to all who made this event enjoyable and successful!

On Friday, January 25, thirty students participated in tryouts for the District One Honor Band and the All-State Band. Tryouts were held at Sparkman High School. Congratulations to the hard-working and dedicated students who participated! The following students were selected for the District One Honor Band: Gus Arnold, Clay Brown, Lydia Nance, Maxwell Heeschen, and Amanda Clark. Several of these students were further honored with selection for the All-State Honor Band: Gus Arnold, Clay Brown, Lydia Nance. Congratulations to these exceptional musicians!

The Advanced Band has been honored by an invitation from the University of Southern Mississippi to perform at the 2013 USM All-South Honor Band Clinic on Saturday, February 9, 2013. Band parents can visit the band website for more trip details. Weekly band emails will also provide additional information. The band is also traveling to Chicago on April 4-7, 2013 to participate in the Dixie Classic Chicago Music Festival! Students will visit the Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Science and Industry. They will also enjoy a performance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Please continue your generous support of band fundraisers to help the students raise money to participate in these exciting trips!

On Thursday, February 21 and Friday, February 22, the HHS Band will once again host the Music Performance Assessment (MPA) at Huntsville High School. Over 40 area middle school and high school bands will perform. There is a need for chaperones/volunteers to help with bus parking, greeting bands, escorting bands to practice and holding areas, manning registration table, and assisting in the hospitality room. Contact Mike Seavers at micseavers@comcast.net to chaperone/volunteer to help during the MPA. The band is currently conducting its annual Cookie Dough sale! Orders are being taken through January 30, 2013 for this annual sale, featuring delicious pre-formed cookie dough, cheesecakes, cinnamon rolls, and other food items. See any band member to order or contact Cynthia Smith at smithh5@msn.com. Your support will help the band raise funds to support all aspects of our music program, to include trip fees, music competition fees, instrument purchases and maintenance, as well as fee scholarships and support for students with financial hardships.

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Make plans to support our band by attending the upcoming "A Night of Jazz" concert! The concert takes place at 6:30pm on Thursday February 7th at the Hampton Cove Middle School Cafeteria Stage. Acts include the HHS Jazz Band, the HCMS Jazz Band, Microwave Dave, Gene Swanner & Friends, and several other talented jazz musicians from the Huntsville area.

Presold tickets are $6 each and include a trip through the dessert line at intermission. Tickets will be $8 each at the door. Get your tickets early by filling out the order form, placing it in an envelope with your check (made payable to HHSBPA), and dropping it off in the band room or the band mail box in the main office. Order forms and money can also be given to any band student and they will turn it in for you. Your tickets will be waiting at the door when you arrive for the concert. Questions?

Contact Rich Arnold at ryarnold18@yahoo.com or Cynthia Smith at smithh5@msn.com.

Watch for the Barbequed Boston Butt sale featuring BBQ prepared by Ed Cain! Orders will be taken beginning February 15, 2013. Pick-up date will be March 2, 2013 from 10am – 2pm. A Boston Butt and a jar of Ed Cain’s delicious sauce will be offered for only $35. Stop by the band room or see any band student to place your order. Contact Rich Arnold at ryarnold18@yahoo.com or Cynthia Smith at smithh5@msn.com if you have any questions.

Engrave your name in the history of Huntsville High! Commemorative bricks for the courtyard are still available. Keep them in mind for a great birthday or graduation gift! Look for the order form in this newsletter, talk to a band student about ordering, or download a form from the band website at www.eteamz.com/huntsvillehighband.

IMPORTANT DATES: January 30, 2013 – Last day to turn in Cookie Dough orders February 5, 2013 – Next HHS Band Parent Association Meeting, 7:30pm in Band Room February 7, 2013 – “A Night of Jazz” concert, Hampton Cove Middle School Cafeteria February 8-9, 2013 - University of Southern Mississippi All-South Honor Band Clinic, Hattiesburg, MS February 12, 2013 – MPA Pre-Contest Concert, HHS Auditorium February 15-March 2, 2013 – BBQ Boston Butt Sale February 21-22, 2013 – District Music Performance Assessment, HHS Auditorium April 4-7, 2013 – Chicago Trip April 18, 2013 – All-State Band, Von Braun Center May 7, 2013 – Spring Band Concert, HHS Auditorium

16

HCMS & HHS – Combined Band Fundraiser

“A Night of JAZZ” Thursday, February 7th 2013 - HCMS Cafeteria CONCERT at 6:30pm with a Sweet and Yummy Intermission!

Please join us for “A Night of Jazz!”

We are inviting the whole family and Huntsville community to come out Thursday Evening - February 7th at 6:30 p.m. for some wonderful music & sweets.

All proceeds from the night will benefit the HCMS &HHS Band Programs.

Performing will be: HHS Jazz Band, HCMS 7th and 8th Jazz Bands, Gus Arnold, as well as Mr. Gene Swanner & Friends.

You really don’t want to miss this night, we are very proud of ALL our Jazz Bands!

So Purchase Tickets now for only $6.00 per person! Price goes up to $8.00 on night of event.

Menu: Music & A Sweet Intermission Please fill out the form below along with your check payable to HHS BPA(mark in memo “Jazz Night”) and turn in to the band room box. The cut-off to purchase early $6.00 tickets is Wed. Feb 6th.

Questions, call Rich Arnold at 931-624-0172 or ryarnold18@yahoo.com.

HCMS & HHS - Band Fundraiser

“A Night of JAZZ” CONCERT - 6:30pm Thursday, February 7th, 2013 – Hampton Cove MS Cafeteria PARENT NAME:______________________________________ PHONE:____________________ EMAIL:_________________________________________ STUDENT NAME:____________________________________ GRADE:__________ TICKETS: Concert: $6.00 ea: #________ x $6.00 = $___________________ TOTAL Amount enclosed: $______________________ Check #_____________ (Make checks out to HHS BPA, mark in Memo “Jazz Night”)

HHS Choir

Huntsville High Choirs have a very busy second semester ahead! Our 5 All-State Show Choir participants just returned from a wonderful festival where they performed for the Alabama Music Educators at their Winter Conference. They will perform again at the regular All-State Choral Festival in March. Those students are: Paige Davis, Anna Claire Hefner, Nick Patton, Jenna Marshall, and John Collin Powell. We have 20 students who will travel to Birmingham March 7-9 to participate in the All-State Choral Festival at Samford University.

Our Crimson Beat and APPLAUSE! Show Choirs will travel to Belmont University in Nashville on February 16 to compete in the Music City Show Shoppe Show Choir Competition. We will also have a student ensemble from the HHS Band to accompany them in this event!

All the HHS choirs will participate in the State Choral Performance Assessment March 1 at Lee High School. The performances are open to the public and free of charge! Please be on the lookout for these performance times in the Panther Postings.

The choir will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast fundraiser at Applebee's in February. Please be on the lookout in Panther Postings for this upcoming event and come out and have some great pancakes while also supporting our choral program!

SHOW CHOIR AND CONCERT CHOIR AUDITIONS. Please consider auditioning for one of the many choirs we have at Huntsville High School. These auditions will take place in a few weeks.

Applications can be picked up in the choir room. We are always looking for people who love to sing and if you love to sing AND dance, we have a place for you as well!

Our Spring Concert will be May 9 in the school auditorium at 6:30 p.m. Please plan to join us for a fun evening of song and dance as we close out the year. The concert is open to the public and free.

Sherry Smith Choral Director Huntsville High School 256-428-8050 ext. 191

19

HHS Panther Soccer

Kat Crump commits to Regis University January 15, 2013 - Huntsville High School soccer player Kat Crump has committed to play college soccer for Regis University and Coach J.B. Belzer. She will make her commitment official when she signs a National Letter of Intent next month. The Panther’s senior goalkeeper first visited the Denver, Colorado campus in the summer of 2011 while in Denver for an event with her club team. She returned for an unofficial visit later that fall before giving her verbal commitment to Coach Belzer in October 2011. Kat will feel very much at home in the mountains having spent many summer vacations in Colorado while growing up.

The Rangers compete in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, where they are the two time defending regular season conference champion, and have qualified for the NCAA tournament in each of the past four years. In addition to its success on the soccer pitch, it was the university’s offering in her chosen field of study that first caught Kat’s attention. Regis offers one of the country’s most esteemed programs in Physical Therapy through its Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions. The combination of an outstanding soccer program, the opportunity to study in a renowned academic program, and the familiar Colorado lifestyle gave Regis the nod over opportunities closer to home.

Congratulations Kat! We’re proud of you and know that you will represent Huntsville High well in Colorado.

Abby Thornton commits to Washington & Lee January 22, 2013 - Huntsville High senior Abby Thornton will play soccer for Washington & Lee University beginning in the fall of 2013. The Lexington, Virginia school quickly became a favorite after an unofficial visit over Spring Break in 2012. A second visit in the summer confirmed her choice and the Panther midfielder gave her verbal commitment to Head Coach Neil Cunningham soon after returning from the General’s soccer camp in July. Abby’s commitment was made official when she was notified in December of her acceptance into the University.

Washington & Lee is the ninth oldest college in America and is most often cited for its outstanding academic environment.

The opportunity to study at one of the country’s leading Universities was the primary attraction to Abby. Its idyllic setting in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley added to its appeal and the opportunity to play soccer for Coach Cunningham made W&L an easy choice. In addition to her studies, Abby looks forward to helping the Generals continue a tradition of success on the soccer pitch. W&L competes in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, where they regularly challenge for the conference championship. Under Coach Cunningham’s leadership since 2001, the Generals have compiled a record of 170-40-24, earned five NCAA tournament births, won three conference championships, and have advanced to the ODAC tournament semi-finals twelve consecutive years.

Congratulations Abby! You’re a great representative of Huntsville High School and Panther Soccer!

20

Come out and support Panther Soccer!

Schedule for Girls and Boys Varsity and Girls and Boys JV: http://www.hhspanthersoccer.org/Schedules/2013/HHSMasterSchedule2013.pdf Season kicks off February 12th

Enjoy a delicious hickory smoked Boston butt and support Huntsville High Baseball. Price - $35 To Purchase online, visit: https://leagueathletics.com/UserForm.asp?RegID=85881&snid=dIGA%5D4H2Y&org=hhs-baseball.com

For Schedule and events, please visit: http://www.hhs-baseball.com/

21

HHS Softball HHS Softball Season kicks off of at the Huntsville Sports Plex on February 22. The full schedule can be found online at: http://www.hometeamsonline.com/t eams/default.asp?u=HUNTSVILLESOF TBALL&t=c&s=softball&p=schedule&f ormat=List&d=ALL&orderBy=Time

Come out and support the Lady Panthers.

HHS Cheer Dates for 2013 Cheer Tryouts:

HHS Golf Golf Season is right around the corner. The boys and girls teams tee off in early March as they head for the State Tournament which will be held this season on May 13th and 14th at RTJMuscle Shoals. The boys schedule includes a two-day tournament at O'Colony in Tuscaloosa, home of the Crimson Tide golf teams, the Bill Easterling Memorial Metro Tournament at RTJ-Hampton Cove, the Hogan Vaughn Memorial at Valley Hill Country Club and the Cullman Invitational at Terri Pines Country Club.

The girls schedule includes the Metro, along with stops at Goose Pond, Canebrake, Municipal and the Ledges. A highlight of the season is the Boys Sub State Tournament on May 7th that will be hosted at RTJ-Hampton Cove by HHS. If you are interested in helping out in any way at the tournament, feel free to contact Coach Pate at clifford.pate@hsv-k12.org 2013 Schedule: http://www.hhspanthergolf.com/HHS_Golf/Schedule.html

Clinic: March 17th - 20th Varsity Tryouts: Thursday March 21st JV Tryouts: Friday March 22nd

HHS Golfer Blake Messer Signs with Auburn Senior Blake Messer fulfilled a lifelong dream by signing to play golf at Auburn University. Messer won the AJGA Huntsville event at The Ledges and used the momentum from that event to have a great summer and earn the attention of many schools.

All students trying out for cheer must have had a physical within the last year, dated March 22, 2012 or later. If not you will need to have a physical done and a form turned in before you can tryout on March 21 (Varsity) or 22 (JV) of 2013.

Mandatory - Parent/Student meeting for Varsity and JV cheerleading tryouts will be on Thursday Feb. 28th at 6:30* in the Lecture Hall.

22

HHS Swim and Dive On November 30th - December 1st, 2012, the HHS Swim and Dive season came to a final victory at the AHSAA State Meet at Auburn University with boys winning a State Swimming and Diving Championship. What an honor and accomplishment! It took the Panthers three decades to find their way back to the top, and they did it in dramatic fashion at Auburn University, edging defending champ McGill-Toolen by 2.5 points(239.5-237).

The divers competing at State this year were Savannah Ledbetter, Julia Keller, Emily Caramanian, Shelby Christian, Jordan Bagwell, Ryann Holden, and Ian Taylor. The swimmers competing at State were Taylor Larsen, Karter Smith, Cade Overbeek, Jared Sutphin, Carter McDonald, Trey Winzinger, Ciaran Stephens, John Smith, Parker Baldwin, Stone Strankman, Matthew Brown, Dylan Holder, Jennifer Starck, Amanda Clark, Kelley Cooper, Elise Maurel, Grace Orahood, Liz Olson, Ellery Jones, Faith Tiller.

Huntsville's John Smith had a pair of top - 10 finishes, placing fifth in the 100 - yard butterfly and sixth in the 200 freestyle.He was also a member of the first-place 200 freestyle relay team and 400 freestyle relay team that finished second.

Huntsville now has 11 state crowns in program history.

In the girls division, Huntsville placed fifth with 131 points, 34 behind winner McGill-Toolen. Also, Huntsville's Jennifer Starck was third in the 100 breaststroke and fourth in the 200 IM .

In the diving competition, Huntsville' Jordan Bagwell finished third in the boys division.

Huntsville Sweeps City Swim Champtionships, and North Alabama Championships in the same season. What an honor!

Individual wins come from Senior Jennifer Starck in her 100 Br and Sophomore Elise Maurel in her 200 Fr and 100 Ba. For the boys: Individual wins come from Junior John Smith in his 200 Fr and 100 Fl, as well as Junio Trey Wintzinger in his 50 Fr. HUNTSVILLE TIMES ELITE BOYS SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAM SWIMMER OF THE YEAR is John Smith, Huntsville, Junior. He helped lead the Panthers to a state championship with a pair of top-five finishes: fifth in the 100-yard butterfly and sixth in the 200 freestyle....was also a member of the first place 200 freestyle and second-place 200 freestyle relay teams...Won the 200 free and 100 butterfly at the North Alabama Championships meet.

Carter McDonald, Huntsville, Junior. Placed fifth in the 100 freestyle and eighth in the 100 backstroke for the state champs...Was a member of the Panthers second-place 400 freestyle and third place 200 medley relay teams...Finished third in both the 100 Free and 100 back at the NAC meet.

Jordan Bagwell, Huntsville, Junior. Finished third in the 1-meter dive at the state meet...Won the event at the NAC meet.

HONORABLE MENTION Trey Wintzinger, Huntsville Karter Smith, Huntsville Jared Sutphin, Huntsville Ryann Holden, Huntsville

23

HUNTSVILLE TIMES ELITE GIRLS SWIMMING AND DIVING TEAM SWIMMER OF THE YEAR is Jennifer Starck, Huntsville, Senior. She had a pair of top-five finishes at the state meet, placing third in the 100-yard breaststroke and fourth in the 200 IM, as the Panthers placed fifth overall, the best showing among area girls teams...Also swam on the fourth-place 400 freestyle relay team and 200 medley relay team...Won the 100 breaststroke at the North Alabama Championships Meet, where she also placed third in the 100 butterfly...

Elise Maurel, Huntsville Sophomore. She was fifth in the 200 freestyle and sixth in the 100 backstroke at the state meet...Swam on the fourth-place 400 freestyle relay team,and the 200 medley relay team...Finished first in both the 200 freestyle and the 100 backstroke at the NAC meet.

HONORABLE MENTION Julia Keller, Huntsville Job well done to all HHS Swimmers and Divers! To see all team results, please go to the HHS Swim and Dive Team web-site at http://www.hhspantherswimanddive.com The season ended with a banquet and awards. Thank you to Coach Allison Brol recognizing all swimmers and divers who received academic awards.

Returning swimmers and divers for the 2013 season, please continue to check the team web-site for announcements, and dates and times for physicals and tryouts. Again, thanks to all the coaches, swimmers, divers, parent boosters, and supporters for an outstanding swim and dive season!!

Congratulations and Good Luck to Huntsville's Senior, Jennifer Starck, signing on with University of West Florida!!

Congratulations and Good Luck to the HHS Swim and Dive Team Seniors!

We say a sad farewell to seniors We will miss you!

Thank you to Tina Jones, Teacher Rep, and swim coaches Allison Brol, and Susan Swing, and dive coaches Steve Hall, and Donald Overbeek.

24

Congratulations and Farewell to our wonderful Huntsville High School Swim and Dive Team Seniors! We will miss you all!

Huntsville High School Swim & Dive Team Seniors, Jennifer Starck (Swim Team), and Jordan Bagwell (Dive Team) both placed third at Auburn State Meet on 12/01/12.

Congratulations Seniors!

HHS Diving Team with their Coach Steve Hall, and Coach Donald Overbeek, 11/30/12 @ State Meet Auburn University.

Congratulations HHS Boys! 1st Place 2012 State Swim & Dive Team!!

HHS Girls took 5th Place!

26

January 2013

AL-941

Huntsville High AFJROTC Promotions AL-941, Huntsville High School’s AFJROTC unit, holds a promotion ceremony 3 times annually. The first ceremony of the year is held at the end of the 1st quarter solely for 1st year Cadets. Additionally, all cadets are eligible for promotion at the end of each semester, based on Cadet Evaluation Scores, Report Card Grades, JROTC Grades, and a Promotion Test Grade.. The 2012 1st semester promotions occurred on 18 Jan, when 106 cadets were given new rank, and in many cases new staff responsibilities. Three cadets were also recognized for exceptional accomplishments during the semester. Cadet Captains Rachel Stough and Victoria Offei-Dua were presented with “Outstanding Performer” Award for their efforts during the August AFJROTC Unit Evaluation. Victoria Offei-Dua was also recognized as the Sons of the American Revolution’s “Outstanding Cadet” for the entire North Alabama Region.

C/Colonel Nick Hawke

Cyber Patriot February 1, the JROTC Cyber Patriot Computer Security Team will compete in their fourth and final competition of the year. After completing Round 3; placing 13th out of over 660 JROTC teams representing all military branches both in the United States and overseas, they will now be going head to head against all Cyber Patriot teams, JROTC and Civilian alike, in the state of Alabama. There are several teams in the Madison County area alone, including New Century School of Technology which placed high in last year's state Open Division (Civilian) competition. Operating on 3 separate servers, 5 of the team’s members- Nick Hawke, Rachel Stough, John Widner, Dylan Munroe, and Jasmine Price- will be competing for 6 straight hours that Friday. Following competition, the team will use the remainder of the year to become professionally certified, embark on Linux projects, participate in various national and college level competitions separate from the formal Cyber Patriot Association's, and train and transition to next year’s members.

C/Captain Rachel Stough

Rocketry Team With the help of Mr. Andrew Schwartz, HHS cadets have

“Once you have tasted flight,

formed a rocketry team. Wynton Scott is team captain and

you will forever walk the earth with your eyes

members include Hayden Fry, Kevin Matis, and Kenady Wright.

turned skyward, for there you have been, and

The team is currently designing a rocket to compete in The 2013

there you will always long to return.”

American Rocketry Challenge (TARC) competition. Their rocket

~Leonardo da Vinci

must meet strict specifications, and be capable of transporting an egg to a designated altitude and safely retrieving it in 50 seconds.

Cadets use a computer simulation program to evaluate their design ideas. Occasionally, however, the team performs more practical tests outside of the simulator. In order to test payload module ideas, the team performed numerous egg drops from the school’s front steps. Before Christmas break the team met at the rocketry park near Airport Rd where they launched model rockets they made from kits partly to view variables not present on the

CAP Flights

simulator and partly to have explosive fun.

Cadets in Huntsville High School’s Air Each team in the competition has three launch dates to test

Force JROTC class have the opportunity to

their designs before being graded by TARC representatives. The

experience the thrill of flight first hand. Does

team’s first test launch will be in March followed by two more over

putting an inexperienced Cadet behind the

the next month. The cadets on the team are getting closer to

controls of an aircraft, several thousand feet

finishing their design and performing their first launch. The unit

above the ground sound intimidating to you?

hopes that this first year will be the start of another more permanent

Under the instruction and supervision of a

team.

certified Civil Air Patrol pilot, you are safer in the air than simply driving to the airport itself.

C/Lt Col Hayden Fry

Personally, in my 4 years of experience in JROTC, Civil Air Patrol (CAP) Flights have been the highlight event of my entire High School experience.

(continued on next page)

January 2013 (CAP Flights continued)

Drill Competition The Cadets who partake in CAP

There is nothing that pays off like winning trophies at a drill

Flights meet at the Madison Executive

competition. The months and hours of extensive practice in the cold seem

Airport, where they are grouped with another

to melt away at the sight of the reward – trophies. Huntsville High’s

Cadet and pilot. The Cadets and the pilot

AFJROTC’s drill team has won several trophies throughout the years, and

will board their aircraft and the pilot will

the current team is determined to continuing this tradition in 2013. The

brief the Cadets and parents on the safety

drill team participates in several drill meets all over the southeast.

protocol regarding the flight. The flight

On January 26, the Drill Team gets another opportunity to prove

begins with the CAP certified pilot taxiing to

itself at the North Side High School Drill Competition in Tennessee.

the runway, taking off, and flying up to a safe

Hour-long practices have been held in the afternoon, four days a week to

altitude. Once at altitude, one of the Cadets

prepare ourselves for the competition. Since precision and

will take control of the aircraft for

synchronization of movements are the distinguishing factors between a

approximately 30 minutes. The pilot will

first place trophy and a third place trophy, the drill team has worked

then resume control, land, and the process is

tirelessly to polish our movements. The drill team has worked incredibly

repeated.

hard this year and adapted splendidly too many changes.

C/Colonel Nick Hawke

After this competition, in the spring, the drill team will compete in the J.O. Johnson Drill Meet here in Huntsville. In past years, we have always placed in the top three. Until March 9th, the Drill Team will be practicing vigorously for this competition, in the hopes of taking first place this year.

One part of being part of a team is working cooperatively with other team mates. Altogether, the drill competitions, though stressful, serve the purpose of bringing the drill team together. As we practice and try out new techniques and activities, we learn from one another and bond with each other. As part of our dynamic nature, we learn lessons from past drill competitions and apply them in the next event to make us more successful. It is continuous learning process.

C/Captain Victoria Offei-Dua

Thank you to our HHS PTSA Newsletter Sponsor:

In the following pages, please find some resources to help guide you and your student into the college process. This information is applicable to all grades.

Online Resources for College Preparation The information below has been taken from College Preparation websites (linked below) for your easy‐access convenience. You are able to access the highlighted links directly from this newsletter. They have been grouped in the following order:       

Preparation suggestions by grade Test preparation (ACT, PACT, SAT, PACT) Factors for Choosing a College Application Top 10 Application mistakes Financial Aid Alabama Colleges and Universities

Please take the time to access the following links for more great information about college prep: http://www.actstudent.org http://www.collegeboard.org/

Check list by Year http://www.actstudent.org/college/checklist.html

Freshman Year             

Find out how to make the most of high school Plan challenging high school courses Find out why you should go to college Become familiar with college entrance requirements Take EXPLORE®—a set of four tests that measure academic achievement; EXPLORE results can be a benchmark before taking PLAN® and the ACT® test Review EXPLORE results with your parents and school counselor Start thinking about reasons for attending college Join/continue extracurricular activities Attend summer camp at a college to experience a college-like atmosphere Research college costs Continue/start saving for college Meet with your college/career counselor at least once a year Explore careers on the Internet by using DISCOVER®

Sophomore Year   

Continue to take and plan challenging high school courses Continue to meet with your college/career counselor at least once a year Keep exploring careers on the Internet by using DISCOVER®

31

          

Think about what kind of education/training different careers require Take PLAN® Review PLAN results with your parents and school counselor; compare these to your EXPLORE® results to measure growth Start collecting college information Visit colleges and talk with college students Be ready with a list of questions to ask on your campus visit Use this list of college characteristics to decide how to evaluate different colleges Begin filling out the college comparison worksheet (PDF; 1 page, 64KB); for assistance with PDF files, see these tips Continue/start saving for college Consider your reasons for going to college and how they relate to your career interests Join/continue extracurricular activities

Junior Year                

Keep meeting with your college/career counselor at least once a year Continue to take and plan challenging courses Keep your grades up Join an academic club Register for the ACT. You should be academically ready to take it by spring. If not, take it early in your senior year.

Read our key information about the ACT test Talk with your parents and high school counselor about colleges that interest you Prepare a list of questions to ask on campus visits Continue to visit colleges and talk with college students List, compare, and visit colleges Start or update an academic resume Consider putting together a portfolio that highlights your special skills and talents Keep filling out the college comparison worksheet (PDF; 1 page, 64KB); for assistance with PDF files, see these tips Investigate scholarship opportunities Volunteer for activities and clubs related to career interests Get a part-time job, apprenticeship, or internship; or job shadow in a profession that interests you

Senior Year Senior year is finally here, and it's full of things to do to get ready for college. Use this senior year checklist to keep track of your progress and upcoming deadlines for testing, admissions and financial aid.

August  

Sign up for the ACT (if you didn't take it as a junior, or if you aren't satisfied with your score, or if you've learned a lot since you first took it.)

Review ACT test results and retest if necessary 32

August – December            

Visit with your school counselor to make sure you are on track to graduate and fulfill college admission requirements Consider taking courses at a local university or community college Keep working hard all year; second semester grades can affect scholarship eligibility Ask for personal references from teachers, school counselors, or employers early in the year or at least two weeks before application deadlines. Follow your school's procedure for requesting recommendations.

Visit with admissions counselors who come to your high school Attend a college fair Begin your college essay(s) Apply for admission at the colleges you've chosen Avoid common college application mistakes Find out if you qualify for scholarships at each college you have applied to Start the financial aid application process See your school counselor for help finding financial aid and scholarships

January – May            

If you need it, get help completing the FAFSA Ask your guidance office in January to send first semester transcripts to schools where you applied. In May, they will need to send final transcripts to the college you will attend.

Visit colleges that have invited you to enroll Decide which college to attend, and notify the school of your decision Keep track of and observe deadlines for sending in all required fees and paperwork Notify schools you will not attend of your decision Continue to look for scholarship opportunities Keep track of important financial aid and scholarship deadlines Watch the mail for your Student Aid Report (SAR)—it should arrive four weeks after the FAFSA is filed Compare financial aid packages from different schools Sign and send in a promissory note if you are borrowing money Notify your college about any outside scholarships you receive

33

Test Prep http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html



Preparing for the ACT (PDF; 80 pages, 1,075KB) or Preparación para el examen de ACT (PDF; 86 pages, 1.18MB) –FREE

   

A free student preparation booklet available from most high schools and colleges—includes test information, complete practice tests with scoring keys, and a writing prompt with sample essays.

Practice test questions–FREE Alternate Format Practice Tests Order Form (PDF; 1 page, 45KB)–FREE Test tips–FREE Test descriptions–FREE

College Board Tests provided by collegeboard.com Follow the links below to register online for the SAT, view and send your SAT scores, and find all the information you need — including exam dates and fees — for the SAT, SAT Subject Tests™, PSAT/NMSQT, AP, and CLEP. SAT & Subject Tests

PSAT/NMSQT

AP

CLEP

About

About

About

About

Registration

Registration

Registration

Registration

Calendar

Calendar

Calendar

SAT Practice

Preparing

Preparing

Preparing

SAT Subject Tests Practice

My College QuickStart™

Grades

Scores & Transcripts

Scores

Scores & Review

Contact

Contact

Contact

Contact

AP Subjects

CLEP Exams Getting Credit

Test taking Tips: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/index.html http://www.satexamprep.com/index.html

34

Applying to Colleges

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/apply/index.html

Applying to college takes thought, effort, and organization. Our tools and expert advice can help you keep track of applications, apply to college online, and write solid admission essays.

Articles The Application       

College Application Calendar College Application FAQs Preparing for Admission Tests Your Counselor and the Application Process Is Part of Your College Application Really Missing? NEW! Avoid Sending Too Many Applications See all Articles

Essay Skills    

Sample College Essay Questions Recipe for a Draft Three Steps to a Great College Essay See all Articles

The Letters Are In...    

No Acceptance Letters: Now What?

College Decision-Making Guide What to Do if You're Wait-Listed See all Articles

Top 10 College Application Mistakes http://www.actstudent.org/college/mistakes.html Senior year is hectic, but don't let that affect the quality of your college applications. Take your time, pay attention to detail and plan ahead so you can meet the deadlines.

Following are some of the top responses from counselors and admissions staff who shared the most common mistakes on college applications.

1.

Misspellings and grammatical errors—This is a big pet peeve of admissions people. Misspellings on something as important as the application shows that either you don't care or you aren't good at spelling. Some students even misspell their intended major. But don't stop with a spell check. Proofread for grammatical errors, too.

2.

Applying online, but the application isn't actually submitted—If you apply online, you should receive confirmation that the college or university received it. Confirmation could be an email message, a Web page response or a credit card receipt.

Follow through and make sure that your application has been received.

3.

Forgotten signatures—Make sure you sign and date the form. Often students overlook that part of the form if it's on the back. Check that all spaces are completed.

4.

Not reading carefully—For example, if the form asks what County you live in, don't misread it as Country and write United States.

5.

Listing extracurricular activities that aren't—Those that make the list include sports, the arts, formal organizations and volunteer work. Talking on the phone and hanging out with friends don't make the cut. Make sure your activity information is accurate. Colleges may check with your high school.

6.

Not telling your school counselor where you've applied—Let your counselor know which colleges you're applying to, and ask him or her to review your high school transcript before sending it to colleges. Sometimes transcripts have errors.

7.

Writing illegibly—First impressions count, so take your time and use your best handwriting. It will make a better impression.

8.

Using an email address that friends might laugh about, but colleges won't—Select a professional email address. Keep your fun address for friends, but select an address using your name for college admissions.

9.

Not checking your email regularly—If you've given an email address, the college will use it. You don't want to miss out on anything because you didn't read your email.

10. Letting Mom or Dad help you fill out your application—Admissions people know if your parents help, whether you have two different styles of handwriting or your admissions essay sounds more like a 45‐year‐old than a 17‐year‐old. It's fine to get advice, but do the work yourself.

Paying for College and Financial Aid http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html

Understand all of your options when it comes to paying for college. We can help you get the latest information about college costs, scholarships, financial aid applications, education loans, and college financing.

Use college costs and financial aid tools:

 

Scholarship Search Financial Aid EasyPlanner

Articles Add It Up

   

What It Costs to Go to College Net Price Calculator Financial Aid FAQs See all Articles

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Scholarships & Aid

Ways to Pay

Loan Center

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Types of Financial Aid http://www.actstudent.org/finaid/types.html

Financial assistance to attend college comes in many forms.

Federal Aid Programs—Federal programs are based on financial need. They are the largest single source of financial aid for college.

State Aid Programs—Most states support various aid programs (both need‐based and merit). Generally, eligibility for state need‐based programs follows the federal guidelines.

Grants and Scholarships —Awards based on merit or merit plus need. They don't have to be repaid.

Loans—Funds loaned through a lending institution or college. Interest rates vary by program. For federal loans, qualifying students—based on need—will not have to pay interest while in school. Loan programs also are available to eligible parents to help with college expenses of their qualifying children.

Military programs—The military offers several options to help you pay for college.

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Work‐study programs—Jobs that allow students to earn money toward their education while they are enrolled in school. Students can sometimes get jobs related to their program of study.

Working and Savings—As the cost of a college education rises, more students and parents will need to put money aside.

Lots of college students have part‐time jobs to help make ends meet.

Most people use a combination of these forms of aid to pay for college.

Thinking about an in‐state school? The following list represents a variety of colleges and universities in Alabama. You can learn a lot by visiting a school’s website – things like average ACT score requirements, application deadlines, campus tour dates, and courses of study.

Alabama Colleges and Universities Public Universities

Alabama A&M University ‐ Normal, AL Alabama State University ‐ Montgomery, AL Athens State University ‐ Athens, AL Auburn University ‐ Auburn, AL

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Auburn University at Montgomery ‐ Montgomery, AL Jacksonville State University ‐ Jacksonville, AL Troy University ‐ Troy, AL The University of Alabama ‐ Tuscaloosa, AL University of Alabama at Birmingham ‐ Birmingham, AL University of Alabama in Huntsville ‐ Huntsville, AL University of Montevallo ‐ Montevallo, AL University of North Alabama ‐ Florence, AL University of South Alabama ‐ Mobile, AL University of West Alabama ‐ Livingston, AL University of Alabama System ‐ Tuscaloosa, AL

Armed Forces Army – www.army.com Navy – www.navy.com Air Force – www.airforce.com Marines – www.marines.com

Alabama Southern Community College ‐Monroeville, AL Bevill State Community College ‐ Sumiton, AL Bishop State Community College ‐ Mobile, AL Calhoun Community College ‐ Decatur, AL Central Alabama Community College ‐ Alexander City, AL

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Non‐Profit Independent Institutions Amridge University ‐ Montgomery, AL Birmingham‐Southern College ‐ Birmingham, AL Concordia College ‐ Selma, AL Faulkner University ‐ Montgomery, AL Huntingdon College ‐ Montgomery, AL Judson College ‐ Marion, AL Miles College ‐ Birmingham, AL Oakwood University ‐ Huntsville, AL Samford University ‐ Birmingham, AL Spring Hill College ‐ Mobile, AL Stillman College ‐ Tuscaloosa, AL Talladega College ‐ Talladega, AL Tuskegee University ‐ Tuskegee, AL United States Sports Academy ‐ Daphne, AL University of Mobile ‐ Mobile, AL

Public Two‐Year Colleges

Chattahoochee Valley Community College ‐ Phenix City, AL Drake State Technical College ‐ Huntsville, AL Enterprise State Community College ‐ Enterprise, AL Faulkner State Community College ‐ Bay Minette, AL Gadsden State Community College ‐ Gadsden, AL Ingram State Technical College ‐ Deatsville, AL Jefferson Davis Community Collegev ‐ Brewton, AL Jefferson State Community College ‐ Birmingham, AL Lawson State Community College ‐ Birmingham, AL Lurleen B. Wallace Community College ‐ Andalusia, AL Marion Military Institute ‐ Marion, AL Northeast Alabama Community College ‐ Rainsville, AL Northwest‐Shoals Community College ‐ Muscle Shoals, AL Reid State Technical College ‐ Evergreen, AL Shelton State Community College ‐ Tuscaloosa, AL Snead State Community College ‐ Boaz, AL Southern Union State Community College ‐ Wadley, AL Trenholm State Technical College ‐ Montgomery, AL Wallace State Community College (Dothan) ‐ Dothan, AL Wallace State Community College (Hanceville) ‐ Hanceville, AL Wallace Community College (Selma) ‐ Selma, AL