January Senior Newsletter

You have done an excellent job staying on track this year, and you should be proud of that. Finish out the first semester strong; after tomorrow, you only have the second semester separating you from becoming a graduate!

Recurring Topics

Some topics sent out in the senior newsletters recur monthly due to the different aspects of that same topic. While reminders will still be included for that given topic, all details have been spared since they have been covered extensively in prior newsletters. Additionally, it helps with brevity of the newsletter considering there are many topics covered each month.

However, if you need a refresher, you can revisit any prior month’s Senior Newsletter on Bloom-Carroll’s website by clicking here. You can also stop in to the counseling office or email Mr. Kelley. 

College & Scholarship Recognition

Recognition is in order for a few students whose hard work has paid off for the next steps of their education! Congratulations to the following students:

Joshua Eisnaugle - Ohio University 

Carter Price - Ohio Dominican University

Benjamin Ebright - United States Navy 

Garret Noland - Hocking College

Reminder- If you would like to be recognized, whenever you receive an acceptance letter/offer from a college (from one of your top two colleges that you plan on attending), from an employer, or from the military, please forward the acceptance email to Mr. Kelley ([email protected]) or hand deliver a copy of the physical acceptance letter/offer to the guidance office.

FAFSA - Open

Bloom-Carroll High School has received feedback from several families that they have been able to complete the new FAFSA already and the process was smooth. On the other hand, BCHS has also heard from some other families that the website was a little slow and glitchy at times. Families that encountered the slow, glitchy FAFSA website mentioned that a viable solution is just login to the website at a different time; it may take several times of trying this but it will work.

FAFSA - Website Guidance From Sallie Mae

Want to complete FAFSA on your own but would like some general guidance? Sallie Mae has you covered. Sallie Mae has a portion of their website to help you complete FAFSA via providing you step by step guidance. Each step shows you what needs to be complete and how to ensure you are submitting accurate information. Sallie Mae’s FAFSA guide can be accessed here.

BCHS Scholarship Resource

This is a reminder that the BCHS Scholarship is a great place to start when searching for scholarships. The BCHS Scholarship Resource houses scholarships that range from the national level down to the local level. Lastly, over the next couple of months many more scholarships are expected to be added.

College Application Deadlines

As mentioned in previous newsletters, one of the most popular, regular decision college deadlines is January 1st. While the January 1st deadline has passed, there are plenty of additional colleges with later application deadlines. Some later regular decision application deadlines include February 1st, with some college application deadlines extending into March and early April. 

Finding Answers & Information-

As you become even more independent, finding information becomes more important. Here is a quick and effective methodology for finding information/answers to your questions. When practicing this method you will generally find that it saves you a lot of time and energy. Please note: this is NOT intended to be a comprehensive analysis of finding information but rather an overarching structure.

A good place to start is a search engine like Google or Bing (there are a lot more, too). Within a few clicks of typing in your question(s), you have access to answers like “how do I apply to Common App” or “what are the differences between Regular Decision and Early Decision college applications types.”

There is a possibility the search engine returns unclear results. In this case, the next best step is to ask a friend. Friends may have picked up something you missed, or simply give you confidence and reassurance with the information you did find.

By this point, the majority of questions would have already been answered. However, some questions still remain unanswered due to the complexity or other various factors. An excellent next step is to ask an expert in the field of your questions or contact the organization that is responsible for the information.

Free Senior Spotlight Ads

Don’t miss your chance to commemorate a special year in the life of your favorite Senior.  It is a special time filled with memories, accomplishments, and new things ahead.  As a Senior supporter, you have the opportunity to show your love and pride by honoring your favorite Senior in the Yearbook. We are offering the opportunity for a FREE “Senior Spotlight” advertisement.  Make sure your son, daughter, or loved one has an ad ALL ABOUT THEM to look at when the Yearbook comes out next fall.  Some possible ideas include a good luck note, a graduation congrats or something unique for your Senior, along with a digital picture (either a current picture, or a special picture from the past). 

Personal messages are limited to 40 words or less.

Pictures and messages are DUE by MARCH 1st. 

Space is limited, so Spotlight Ads will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis. 

If you have any questions please contact Mr. Bookman.

Email pictures and messages to: [email protected]

Graduation Date Reminders

This is a reminder that graduation will be on the evening of Friday, May 23rd. Graduation rehearsal will be the same day as graduation, Friday, May 23rd, in the morning and attendance is required for all seniors participating in the graduation ceremony. Additional details will be communicated out at a later time.

Cap & Gown

If you have already placed your cap and gown order, cap and gowns will be distributed early March.  Additional details will be communicated out at a later time.

Attendance

This is a reminder that your attendance matters. If you are habitually tardy and/or absent, unexcused hours add up and may prevent you from attending prom and/or graduation: prom and graduation are a privilege, not a right. Please make sure that anytime you miss school that you provide the appropriate documentation (Doctors notes, etc). For specific details, please reference the student handbook.