Week 9: OCT 18

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PARENTS, we need help with After Prom (it's solely operated by volunteers so can't happen without you). The next meeting is October 20th at 7pm in the HRHS library. Be there or be square *************************************************************************************

Test optional means that a college or university does not require applicants to submit SAT or ACT standardized test scores as part of their admission application.

Key Details of Test-Optional Policies

• Student Choice: You decide whether or not to include your test scores. If you feel your score reflects your academic ability, you can submit it. If you feel it does not, you can leave it out without penalty.
• Holistic Review: Admissions officers focus more heavily on other application parts, such as your high school GPA, transcript course rigor, personal essays, recommendation letters, and extracurricular activities.
• When to Submit Scores: You might still choose to submit a score if your GPA is near or slightly below the school's average or if specific merit scholarships and specialized programs (like honors or certain STEM majors) request them.
• Exceptions May Apply: Some test-optional schools still require scores for specific majors (such as nursing or engineering), homeschooled students, or international applicants. Always check the specific school guidelines.

Christ Lutheran Church (located on Broadway in Highlands Ranch, Colorado) is seeking a possible current or past student for a position as a Nursery Christian Coordinator. This position would involve: preparing craft projects for children attending the nursery after the Children's Lesson on Sunday mornings and potential Sunday school lesson planning. The current Coordinator will be leaving this position as of October 25. There is a small stipend available. The website address is clchr.org if you would like to view information.

In Naviance, please make sure to add any colleges in which you might be interested to the "colleges I am interested in" section. When colleges reach out for nominations for fly ins or early acceptance scholarships, we would love to include your name. Schools like Swathmore, Embry Riddle, High Point University, and others may ask and I'd love to be able to suggest you.

OCT 17 NACAC National College Fair @Convention Center 1:00-4:00pm

NOV TBD FAFSA Night

FEB 10 Future Planning Night (9th, 10th, 11th Grade Parents)

FEB 21 Practice SAT for Juniors

MAR TBD RMACAC College Fair

MAR 9 College Fair @HRHS (During Access)

MAR 23 Senior Graduation Meeting

MAY 17 Senior Honors Convocation by invitation only 5:30 pm

MAY 18 Senior Breakfast/Mandatory Senior Mtg/Graduation Practice

MAY 19 Graduation @ Red Rocks Amphitheater 7:00 pm

Looking for more resources to prepare your college applications? Check out the self-paced Applying to College 101 Course on Coursera.

The Common App opened up on August 1 and many of you have begun filling out applications already. Please be mindful of college application deadlines and plan ahead so that you are not scrambling at the last minute to get everything submitted. Whether you are applying via common app OR direct to the institution, here is the process you should follow for requesting supplemental materials at HRHS:

1. Create your brag sheet/high school resume. Fill out the "Student profile" for both counselors and teachers in Naviance if you will be requesting a letter of recommendation. In Naviance click on "About Me" then click on "Surveys from your School". Both surveys are housed there. You can use this for scholarship recommendation letters as well.
2. Research Colleges and finalize your list. Several colleges will have meet and greets in post grad this fall(see above) so make a list of the school visits you want to attend and mark them as “Colleges I’m Applying To” or “Colleges I’m Thinking About” in Naviance.
3. Complete your personal college essay.
4. Retake the ACT/SAT if you want a higher score.
5. Visit the college website to check for application requirements and/or to apply. You may be able to apply through Common App for many colleges.

• Next, you will request transcripts and letters of recommendation (if required) through Naviance.
• You should only ask 1 or 2 teachers about writing you a letter of Recommendation IMPORTANT- please make sure to ask them via email or in person and receive a YES response from them BEFORE adding the letter of recommendation request in Common App/Naviance. Once they have agreed, send them your brag sheet or let them know your student profile is complete in Naviance.
• Go to colleges I'm applying to - red + to add colleges - request transcript. If you applied through Common App, match your account.
• You will then pay for transcripts through MySchoolBucks. Look for HRHS TRANSCRIPTS and complete the form. (This is not invoiced to your account...you pay prior to me sending the transcripts)
• The last step will be for students to email me to let me know everything you intend to send (transcript, letters of recommendation, if you applied through common app) or communicate with me in some way so that I can help you through the process. The earlier the better so we don't miss deadlines. Make sure you check your email everyday as I will communicate via email if there is an issue with your application or transcript, etc.
• I will send an email confirmation once transcript, etc. is sent to the student email and the account listed for myschoolbucks.

Admissions representatives will be in POST GRAD starting in September. Reps will provide a brief overview of each institution, information on admissions and financial aid, and a chance to speak informally with admissions representatives. You should register to attend and then come by post grad to pick up a hall pass if the visit is during class time.

• Call or e-mail Post Grad (contact info on the Post Grad home page)
• Register with RepVisits

• 10/19/26, Bentley University, Waltham, MA, 11:00am
• 10/19/26, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 11:30am
• 10/19/26, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, 12:30pm
• 10/20/26, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, IA, 11:00am
• 10/20/26, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 12:00pm
• 10/20/26, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 12:30pm
• 10/20/26, Fort Lewis College, Durango, CO, 1:00pm
• 10/20/26, Colorado State University Pueblo, Pueblo, CO, 2:00pm
• 10/21/26, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 12:30pm
• 10/22/26, Clark University, Worcester, MA, 8:30am
• 10/26/26, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 11:30am
• 10/26/26, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 12:00pm
• 10/26/26, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, Prescott, AZ, 12:30pm
• 10/29/26, University of Denver, Denver, CO, 1:00pm

No time to visit campus in person? Try watching The College Tours. Each episode of the award-winning TV series shares the story of a single college or university through the authentic lens of its current students. Learn from real students about their real experiences on campus. This TV series is a comprehensive guide to aid your college research, helping you answer the ultimate question: ‘Which college is best for me?’ Take the ultimate campus tour now by watching episodes of this informative TV series. The College Tour at High Point University

• ACT's "My Journey" is a free series of live and on-demand webinars designed for high school students and families to navigate college planning, admissions, and career readiness. Led by Collegewise experts, these sessions cover topics like building application roadmaps, finding scholarships, and selecting colleges.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it on time. Your registration includes a recording of the event delivered straight to your inbox.

• Check the Scholarship website on the HRHS website for scholarships and scholarship search engines to help you find scholarships that meet your qualifications.
• I update scholarships that are sent to HRHS seeking potential applicants weekly. It is sorted by application due date.
• I will also post some in this newsletter

In 1994, The White Rose Scholarship Foundation was created. A program of the Rocky Mountain Court System Inc., this foundation was created to award scholarships to ALL Colorado residents, enabling them to continue their college education. The money is donated directly to the schools with the stipulation that the scholarship award is to be used for tuition or to purchase textbooks. The eligibility criteria are that the applicant must reside in Colorado and attend an accredited higher learning institution. Annual disbursements have averaged $15,000 over the last 11 years, and are given out in amounts ranging from $500 to $2,500.

Scholarship eligibility requirements:

• Citizenship: Must be a United States citizen OR permanent resident of the United States AND a resident of the State of Colorado for the past year (365 days). (Permanent residents, attach a copy of your residency card).
• Demonstrate financial need: Please submit the first 2 pages of your PREVIOUS YEAR’S federal personal and/or your parent’s tax return.
• Community Service: The WRSF is a community service-based scholarship; the applicant must be involved in one or more community service activities, (i.e. school, church, civic, LGBT, etc.).
• Post-Secondary Education: Must be either applying to, admitted and enrolled, or attending an institution of higher learning or an accredited technical or vocational school.
• GPA: Have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0, or GED equivalent. (Evidenced by high school and/or college transcript)

Applications due January 31, 2027

Graduating high school seniors in the United States, who reside in a state that has a JCI Senate scholarship chairperson or contact. Colorado's JCI Scholarship Chairman is Dale Hill, who can be reached at 303-466-1192 and dlh.coloradoroadrunner@hotmail.com

• STUDENTS MUST HAVE A GPA OF 3.75 AND ABOVE TO BE CONSIDERED.
• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this scholarship.
• You must attend a college or university in the United States to be eligible.
• You must begin your college career in 2027.

Scholarship grants in amounts of $2000 or $2500 will be awarded to graduating high school seniors in the United States, who plan to continue their education at an accredited post-secondary college or university within the United States. Fifty (50) grants will be awarded to 2027 graduates by the United States JCI Senate Foundation.

The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest are intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The program is open to all senior class students. United States citizenship is not required. The student selected as the school’s DAR Good Citizen must have the qualities of: truthfulness, loyalty, punctuality, and being worthy of trust cooperation, courtesy, and contributing to the welfare of others personality, self-control, ability to assume responsibility, ability to inspire others, and a decision-maker devotion to and support of one’s country, supporting service members and veterans, working for causes that make one’s community stronger, and appreciating the cultural and historical importance of America’s unique population. Our school is only able to select one student to submit an essay for this scholarship so if you are interested in being considered, please submit your name to Mrs. Sadler.

Celebrating Colorado students who strengthen their communities:The Colorado Council on High School and College Relations (CCHS/CR) is proud to continue its longstanding commitment to supporting students who make a meaningful difference in the world around them. Our Community Service & Volunteerism Scholarship recognizes high school seniors and continuing college students who demonstrate exceptional dedication to service, leadership, and positive community impact.

Apply Now!

Scholarship Overview

• Total Scholarships: 12
• Amount: $2,000 per scholarship
• Eligibility: High school seniors graduating in Spring 2027 or continuing college student (must be a CO resident)
• Use of Funds: May be applied toward tuition, fees, books, or other educational expenses at any accredited postsecondary institution

Who Should Apply
This scholarship is designed for students who:

• Have made a sustained commitment to community service or volunteer work
• Demonstrate leadership, empathy, and initiative
• Have positively impacted their school, neighborhood, or broader community
• Can clearly articulate the significance of their service and what they’ve learned from it

Service can take many forms: organizing local food drives to mentoring younger students, supporting cultural or environmental initiatives, volunteering with nonprofits, or creating new programs that address community needs.

Application Requirements
Applicants will be asked to submit:

• A completed online application
• A short essay describing their community service experience and its impact
• A letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, supervisor, or community leader familiar with their service
• A high school transcript

Why This Scholarship Matters
CCHSCR believes that service minded students strengthen Colorado’s future. By recognizing and supporting young leaders, we aim to encourage lifelong civic engagement and empower students to continue making a difference as they transition into college and beyond.

Timeline

• Application Opens: September 1, 2026
• Application Deadline: February 1, 2027
• Award Notifications: End of April / Early May
• Scholarship Disbursement: Summer 2027

Seniors took their first SAT in April 2026, and many choose to take it again this fall to improve their score. The SAT can help you keep your college options open, demonstrate your unique strengths, and even qualify for scholarships. And with 100% free practice resources, now including enhanced tailored practice based on your prior test scores and free small-group tutoring, you’ll have everything you need to get prepared.

Upcoming SAT Test Dates (Registration Deadline)

• November 7 (October 23)
• December 5 (November 20)

Upcoming ACT Test Dates (Registration Deadline)

• December 12, 2026 (November 6)
• February 27, 2027 (January 22)
• April 10, 2027 (March 5)
• June 12, 2027 (May 7)
• July 10, 2027 (June 4)

There are several tutors hoping to help students with various subjects or testing. A list can be found on the post grad website.

This is available for free in the Library every Access period, after school Mon-Thurs from 2:45-3:30, before school on silver days from 7:15-8:10!

Students sign up online for tutoring using this google form: Sign up for NHS Tutoring

What kind of help can you get from a tutoring session?

• One-on-One tutoring session -- specific skill or assignment

• A study buddy -- study and review for a test

• A homework helper -- while you work on your homework

• A writing coach -- organize your thoughts/edit your written work

• A reading buddy -- help you with your assigned reading

General Reminder: All seniors need to complete and turn in 20 hours of community service. Your completed hours are posted on your unofficial transcript. Need ideas?

Help us prep the garden for growing season - Help us maintain the garden and pick our crops. Will include whatever is ready -- beans, cucumbers, squash, carrots, or beets. Pulling weeds. No experience needed. Please provide your cell phone number when you sign up in case of weather issues.

When: Wednesdays - October 7th and 14th from 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm

Saturdays - October 10th and 24th and November 7th - 9:00 am - 11:00 am

Location: Food Garden at Grace Presbyterian Church

7900 Hope Place, Littleton, 80125

Link to volunteer

To honor the dedication and bravery of former HRHS students serving in the military, we have a recognition wall for service members at HRHS. If you know of a former student enlisted with the military, I would like to include them in our display case. It is an opportunity for our school community to express gratitude and support for these individuals. Please email me the contact info and I can reach out to them to include their name, branch of the military and a photo/write up if available.

Army National Guard:

• November 11

Marines:

• October 21

Follow the HRHS Postgrad Instagram Page!