SENIOR NEWSLETTER
Coon Rapids High School
@CRHSCounseling
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March/April 2015
Helping you achieve post-secondary credentials through certificate, diploma, 2
year and bachelor education planning!
A-K
M-Z
AVID & BioMedical Program
Career and College Specialist
Counselor Assignments (seniors)
Ms. Kalmoe
Mrs. Storrick
Mrs. Fjeld
Mrs. Sherga
506-7152
506-7127
506-7221
506-7220
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
We will be posting scholarships we receive in Naviance. Once logged in, please go to the
scholarship section at the bottom of the “Colleges” tab. There are local and national scholarship listings.
The scholarship lists are extensive; the following are some highlighted for your attention.
Coon Rapids Community Scholarship
Mission: The Coon Rapids Community Scholarship Association recognizes the achievement of Coon Rapids High
School seniors by awarding scholarships to encourage their future. Scholarship money is raised by soliciting Coon
Rapids area businesses, organizations and individuals, and by sponsoring a student drive. It is the hope of the association
that all of Coon Rapids will help invest in its youth. Scholarships are awarded based on scholastic achievement,
extracurricular activities, and service to the school and community. Awards are given without regard to race, disability,
religion, sex or national origin. Scholarships are awarded for education at a four year private, public college or university,
community college, technical college, or an accredited professional school. The Scholarship began in 1966, so far over $3
million dollars has been awarded to over 5,000 students. Scholarship awards are based on academic performance
(usually cumulative GPA 3.0 and above), involvement in extracurricular activities, and service and work in our community.
Students attend an application session between March 23- April 10, 2015. Sign up for application sessions via
Naviance this spring. If awarded, the scholarship recipient needs to be present to accept the award on June 3, 2015
during Scholarship night.
AMRTC Auxiliary Rose Fund Scholarship
The AMRTC Auxiliary Rose Fund supports individuals living with a mental illness. They work towards alleviating the
stigma of mental illness and advocate that treatment of mental illness is as important as any other illness. The AMRCT
Auxiliary Rose Fund received a trust fund allowing their scholarship committee to award scholarships to Anoka High
School and Coon Rapids High School senior students who have plans to pursue post-secondary education. Criteria to be
eligible for the scholarship include: - Diagnosis of a mental illness (including but not limited to: depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, reactive attachment disorder). - Student must be enrolled in a post-secondary program (2 year
technical, community, vocational, or 4 year college) in the fall after graduation. - Student has demonstrated resilience and
ability to overcome adversity. - Student would benefit from financial assistance towards college tuition. Applications are
available to download via Naviance or make an appt with your counselor.
ESA Foundation Scholarship list
The Epsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation is dedicated to continuing education and to activities that make a positive difference
in the world. The ESA Foundation’s major emphasis is service to others, which is illustrated in its motto: Serving the
World Community...Because We Care. The information about the scholarships, requirements and applications are
available on their website www.epsilonsigmaalpha.org. Click on “scholarships & grants” to see a list of available
scholarships. There are different requirements and deadlines for each scholarship. Please note: There may be a
processing fee.
Defenders of Soil, Air, Woods, Waters and Wildlife scholarship
The Walter J. Breckenridge Chapter of the IWLA is located on the Mississippi River in Brooklyn Park,
Minnesota. These scholarships were established by the Walter J. Breckenridge Chapter to encourage
students from the area to pursue their interests in the environment and environmental issues as part of
their post-secondary studies. The $500.00 scholarships are awarded annually and are potentially
renewable for up to four years. Scholarship winners will also receive the benefits of a student
membership in the IWLA.
The IWLA is a grassroots environmental conservation organization that was founded in 1922 to combat
water pollution in lakes and streams. Deadline is April 15, 2015
KOPP FAMILY FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Kopp Family Foundation will award a scholarship to Coon Rapids High School student. The Foundation is dedicated
to both helping students in need and providing scholarships to students who share their belief that using one’s talents to
serve others is important. For more information and an application, see Mrs. Nelson in the Counseling Office.
Scholarship awards will vary. The deadline for application is Friday, May 8, 2015.
US BANK SCHOLARSHIP
US Bank is awarding scholarships to high school seniors planning to attend accredited two or four year colleges full-time
next fall. Scholarship award recipients are selected through a random drawing process. Scholarship online applications
will be accepted until September 17, 2015.
https://www.usbank.com/community/financial-education/scholarship-application-form.html. Applicants must also
“complete all eight Financial Genius for Life education modules located at atwork.everfi.net/usbankscholarship. These
modules are also available in Spanish.”
EMPOWER SCHOLARSHIP
The EMPOWER scholarship stands for “Encouraging Minority Participation in Occupations With Emphasis on
Rehabilitation”. The scholarship is to encourage ethnically diverse students to enter the health care field. Applicants
must have demonstrated interest in the medical or rehabilitation field and have done volunteer work in the healthcare field.
For an application and a list of other requirements, go to www.CourageCenter.org and search for “empower scholarship”
or see Mrs. Nelson in the Counseling office. The deadline to apply is May 15, 2015.
BIG SUN SCHOLARSHIP
The Big Sun Organization is proud to continue to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. All student
athletes are eligible to apply regardless of which sport they are participating in. The deadline to apply is June 19, 2015.
Go to http://www.bigsunathletics.com to apply.
SOCIETY IN WOMEN ENGINEERS FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIP
The SWE Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to women admitted to accredited baccalaureate or graduate
programs, in preparation for careers in engineering, engineering technology and computer science. Eligible students must
have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.5 or above & meet other criteria, which is listed on the SWE website.
Detailed information and the complete application are available on SWE’s website. Go to www.swe.org and follow the
navigation bars on the left marked “Scholarships.” Applications must be postmarked by May 15, 2015.
AMERICAN LEGION SCHOLARSHIP
There are scholarships available for veteran dependents through the American Legion. For more information, go to
www.legion.org/scholarships
PAGE EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Page Education Foundation was established to increase the participation of students of color in Minnesota postsecondary schools. In return, scholarship recipients are required to volunteer a couple of hours each week to work with
younger children of color, acting as mentors/role models.
Scholarships will be available to minority Minnesota graduating seniors who will be attending post-secondary schools in
Minnesota. The deadline for application is May 1, 2015. Two letters of recommendation, a transcript, a copy of your
parents’ federal tax return from 2013 or a copy of your FAFSA, as well as a 500 word essay are required. Go to
www.page-ed.org for more information and an application.
2015 STUDENT-VIEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The 2014 Student-View Scholarship Program is offering scholarships to high school seniors who plan to attend a fouryear college, community college or career school. The program includes:
 One $4000 scholarship
 Two $1000 scholarships
 Eight $500 scholarships
To apply, log onto www.student-view.com and complete a 15-25 minute application survey about colleges in the area.
The scholarship will be awarded via a random drawing of all completed applications. The scholarship deadline is April
22, 2015.
8th ANNUAL MINNESOTA ATHLETES IN SPORTS MEDICINE SCHOLARSHIPS
Two $2500 scholarships will be awarded, one to a male student athlete and one to a female student athlete. Applicants
must attend college to pursue a career in sports medicine and have been involved in an interscholastic sport each of their
four years in high school. Applications must be postmarked by May 1, 2015.
ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is available to male and female African-American students who will be graduating in 2015 and have a
minimum GPA of 3.0. The application deadline is April 15, 2015.
http://www.akaeaf.org/undergraduate_scholarships.htm
ABBOTT AND FENNER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
$1,000 scholarships are available through the Abbott and Fenner Scholarship program. Go to
http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm for the essay topic. Essays are due by June 15, 2015.
THURSTON LOANS
The Harlan Thurston Foundation offers loans to graduates of Anoka-Hennepin high school students to attend two or four
year colleges. Loans are interest free until four months after graduation at which time repayment will begin. The
application deadline is June 2, 2015.
U OF M FARMHOUSE FRATERNITY SCHOLARSHIP
The U of M Twin Cities Farmhouse Fraternity is offering a scholarship to incoming freshmen males for the 2015-16 school
year. Scholarships are awarded based on the individual’s quality of Academic Achievement, Leadership Experience,
Athletic Involvement, and Career Motivation. Please go to www.minnesotafh.org for an application.
Other Senior Year Information!
BACCALAUREATE – June 2nd
Please join us for Baccalaureate on Tuesday, June 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. Baccalaureate is a
non-denominational worship service honoring all seniors. Everyone is welcome to attend, so bring your friends
and family! There will be a reception following Baccalaureate in the cafeteria. Stop by room 211 if you have
any questions.
GRADUATION
Graduation will take place on Sunday, June 7th at 1:00 p.m. at Mariucci Arena. Graduates need to be at
Mariucci Arena by 12:00 noon to line up. You will receive additional information about graduation at the senior
meeting during Advisory on May 20th. All obligations, financial or otherwise, must be completed before the end
of the school year in order to pick up your cap and gown and receive your diploma. Do this immediately!
SENIOR PICNIC
Seniors…your last day is June 3th and there will be picnic starting at 11:15am. This is a great time to celebrate
with your friends and enjoy some good food!
CAP AND GOWN DISTRIBUTION
Plan to pick up your cap & gown on June 2nd from 2:30-3:30 at the West end of the fieldhouse. If you are not
able to be here at that time, you can pick them up in the counseling office on June 3th.
SENIOR Coon Rapids Community Scholarship MEETING
All seniors who will be receiving a Coon Rapids Community Scholarship on Coon Rapids Community
Scholarship Night must attend a meeting in the auditorium at 9:45 am on Wednesday, May 20. Members of
the Coon Rapids Community Scholarship Association (CRCSA) will be presenting important scholarship
information to you. This meeting will be held directly after the all-senior meeting led by Mrs. Madison. Your
teachers will have a list of students to be excused. Invitations to the Scholarship evening will be mailed home
soon.
SENIOR RECOGNITION CEREMONY
A list of all students graduating with Honor, High Honor and Highest Honors will be posted outside the
Counseling Office and the first floor. Invitations will be mailed home for the Senior Recognition Ceremony on
Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 9am in the CRHS Auditorium. CRHS Honors, academic and athletic
achievement awards will be presented at this ceremony.
From previous newsletters:
Accuplacer
If you are planning to attend a two-year MN State Community or Technical College, the ACT
is not required. Instead, they offer the Accuplacer as their college readiness assessment.
From CollegeBoard: “What is ACCUPLACER?
ACCUPLACER is a suite of tests that determines your knowledge in math, reading and writing as you
prepare to enroll in college-level courses.”
Testing Services at Anoka Ramsey Community College: Coon Rapids Campus
(Walk-in!) Testing Services at Anoka Technical College (must bring ID)
763-433-1180
763-576-7830
Senior All-Night Party
The Senior All-Night Party (SANP) is a long-standing tradition at Coon Rapids High School where graduates go to a
"lock-in" party on the night of commencement. This party ensures the safety of the students on a night that is
historically a dangerous party night for teenagers. The 2015 party will be at the Mermaid Entertainment Center on
June 7th. Committee members help plan entertainment, food, prizes, fundraisers and security for the party. For more
information, please contact
Bill and Kim Kiecker (763-780-0785) or Doug and Ann Stalboerger (763-427-5490)
Save the aluminum cans!!!
Coon Rapids Community Scholarship Association was able to award 5 scholarships to graduating
seniors in 2014. We would LOVE to have the opportunity to award more to the class of 2015!
Your help is appreciated! Please drop off your aluminum cans to the recycling bin located in the
east parking lot of CRHS!
Important Senior Year Dates to Remember!
April 17, 2015
May 20, 2015
May 27, 2015
June, 2, 2015
June 2, 2015
June 3, 2015
June 3, 2015
June 7, 2015
Prom @ International Market Square
Senior Graduation Meeting during advisory (graduation ceremony info provided)
Senior Recognition Ceremony during advisory (honors grads, letters, special awards)
Cap and Gown Distribution. All fees must be paid.
Baccalaureate 7pm Auditorium
Seniors last ½ day with BBQ provided by CRHS Administration
Coon Rapids Community Scholarship presentations 7pm
Graduation @ 1pm. Mariucci Arena at the University of MN.
June 7, 2015
Senior All Night Party @ Mermaid Entertainment
No limit on invitations for family and friends!
*sponsored by senior parents!
Family Connection is a customizable planning portal tool for students and families including self-discovery assessments,
goal-setting, college research tools, course planning, career exploration resources, and individual learning plans.
Students log in to:
Naviance Student Log-In
https://connection.naviance.com/coonrhs
UserName ~ student login
First5firstname_First5LastNameLast3ID
Password
Student ID
Email Karen Sherga [[email protected]] for your parent registration code!
COLLEGE APPLICATIONS and TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
All college applications are available online and also require a high school transcript. If your application requires written comments or
a form to be completed by the counselor, please give that portion of the application to your counselor at least two weeks before the
required deadline.
ONLINE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS
1.
Carefully read and follow all directions.
2.
Naviance has links to college websites via the “colleges” tab.
3.
Complete the online application and “submit” it.
4.
Add this college to your “Colleges I’m Applying To” in Naviance and click “Request Transcripts.”
5.
If you have requested a letter of recommendation (see below), make sure it has been uploaded to Naviance by
the teacher!
6.
Check with the college to determine whether Official or Unofficial ACT or SAT scores are required. Official scores
must be requested directly from the testing agency and can be done online. Unofficial scores are copies of the ACT or
SAT High School Report and can be included with your transcript upon your request.
7.
Go to the Counseling Office and complete the BLUE Transcript Request Form. Transcripts cost $3.00 and can be paid
for in cash or by a check written to Coon Rapids High School.
8.
We will send your Transcript, Letter of Recommendation (if needed), and ACT scores (if requested) all at once!
9.
Be aware of deadlines…they are your responsibility.
2014-15
Coon Rapids High School
College & Career Center
Room 212
Open to the Public 4/14 & 5/12 5:30-7:30
Appointments suggested
763-506-7220
Karen Sherga
(other days and times by appointment)
2015 Yearbooks—Pre-Order & SAVE!
The 2014 yearbook SOLD OUT so pre-order yours today!
Yearbooks can be ordered online at www.jostensyearbooks.com.
There is an option to pay in three installments.
If you have any questions, please contact Kari Berg at [email protected] or 763-506-7141.
SENIOR FEE
There is a non-refundable $10.00 fee that needs to be paid by all seniors. The fee covers such things as the
senior picnic, security, flowers and other costs not covered by the district for Commencement. Please pay this
fee by stopping by the finance office located in the main office anytime during the school day.
If you have any questions please stop in and see Mrs. Madison.
WHAT DO I STILL NEED TO DO TO GRADUATE?
Your counselor sent home a letter in October providing an update on your graduation and GRAD test status.
They indicated what courses you still needed to take to earn your diploma and if you still have GRAD test
requirements. Please refer to the letter or contact your counselor if you have questions. GRAD test
requirements have changed; please read “GRAD TEST REQUIREMENTS” below for further explanation.
WHAT IF I FAIL A REQUIRED COURSE THIS YEAR???
If you fail a course that is required for graduation, make an appointment as soon as possible with your
counselor. You will need to enroll in night school. Night school is held (traditionally) on Wednesday evenings is
located at the Crossroads High School Main Campus on Coon Rapids Blvd (next to LilyPutt). As night school
serves all Anoka-Hennepin high schools, space is limited and there may be waitlists to enroll. If you fail a
required course trimester 3, we will need to sign you up for summer school to make up the credit(s). A failed
course may impact your ability to walk at graduation. Please see your counselor for more information.
GRAD TEST REQUIREMENTS
The graduation assessment requirements have changed. According to the State of MN Department of
Education, Grade 12 students in School Year 2014–2015 (first enrolled in grade 8 in 2010–2011)
Meet or have met graduation assessment requirements through GRAD in writing, reading, and mathematics by:
achieving proficiency on high school standards-based accountability assessments; passing GRAD retests (Minnesota
Alternate Assessment: Writing can still be administered to students who need an alternate assessment to meet the
requirements for writing); and/or meeting GRAD alternate routes [GRAD alternate routes for this group of students refers
to, individual passing score, ELL exemption, and pass other state (reciprocity)].
OR
Take or have taken ACT/WorkKeys/Compass/Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to meet
requirements in writing, reading, and/or mathematics.
OR
Have or receive a score on equivalent assessment (district determined) to meet requirements in writing, reading,
and/or mathematics. Our district has determined the Accuplacer to be an equivalent assessment.
Transferring Earned College Credits
I’ve earned college credit while in high school. How do I determine what will transfer?
http://www.mntransfer.org/
https://www.transferology.com/
“Transferology is a nation-wide network designed to help students explore their college transfer
options. Our goal is to save students time and money by providing a quick, intuitive way of getting their
college transfer credit questions answered. Students can answer the question "Will my courses
transfer?" by adding coursework, exams, and/or military learning experiences to see how many schools
in the Transferology network have matching courses that may be awarded when they transfer. They
can also find out what their options are for taking classes over the summer (or whenever) at another
school to transfer back to their current school by using the "Find a Replacement Course" feature.
Source: Designed, created, and supported by CollegeSource, Inc. Transferology was first released in the
spring of 2014.”
How about University of Wisconsin System schools and transfer?
https://www.wisconsin.edu/transfer/
The Transfer Information System (TIS) is a statewide initiative to improve transfer for Wisconsin
students, and includes tools like the Credit Transfer Wizards, Transfer Guides, Articulation Agreements,
and Transfer Plans.
Transfer Wisconsin, a website maintained by the University of Wisconsin System, is the result of a
collaborative effort by UW System (UW) and Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) to help
students transfer between all public, post-secondary institutions in Wisconsin.
What about the Articulated Credits I earned taking career classes at CRHS and STEP?
http://ctecreditmn.com/
What about earning credit for my AP courses?
https://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores
***The links above are excellent resources for transfer information. However, it is a good idea to meet
with the transferring college/university to verify course equivalencies.****