Extra Graduation Ticket Reminder

Seniors - you must turn in FAFSA confirmation e-mails and college acceptance letters to your counselor by noon on Tuesday, May 19th in order to get your extra graduation tickets.

If you have questions about how many graduation tickets you can get, click here for Mrs. Morrison's (activity director) end of year PowerPoint for seniors.

#ThinkAheadThursday - FAFSA Completion Rates

Did you know  

ONLY 1 in 3 REL seniors have completed 

the 2015-2016 FAFSA?! 

That means  

2 of every 3 SENIORS are leaving 

$$$ on the table 

even though 8 out of 10 SENIORS plan on attending college next year!

Completing and submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the single most important thing you can do to get assistance paying for college. The U.S. Department of Education uses the FAFSA to determine students’ eligibility for federal student aid. Every year, the federal government awards about $150 billion in the form of grants, work-study funds, and low-interest loans to help millions of students pay for college. Many state governments and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine eligibility for nonfederal aid.

$150 BILLION! 

Part of that could be yours - if you fill out the form!

Don't delay. Do it today!

Click here for more information about the FAFSA!

Junior Classroom Guidance Lesson from Ms. Patterson

Juniors, 

I promised you while I was in your English class that I would post the PowerPoint presentation on career and college readiness for you.

Click on link below to see the presentation electronically.

Junior Classroom Guidance Lesson


If you have any specific questions, please see your school counselor.

:)
Ms. Patterson

Important Information Regarding Graduation, College Acceptance, FAFSA, Commencement Ceremony and Senior Activities

Links to the PowerPoint presentations from last nights senior parent meeting are located on the right side of this blog under "Important Information".

Direct links:

School Counseling Presentation

Senior Activities and Commencement Ceremony Presentation

#FAFSAFacts

Did you know that Florida students left over $100 million on the Federal Government’s table last year simple because they did not complete the FAFSA?! (http://www.floridacollegeaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/FAFSA-Completion-in-Florida.pdf) As of today only 80 of the 363 REL Seniors have completed the FAFSA. That means more than 2/3 of the Senior Class is leaving free money for college in the Government’s bank!

Big props to students who have submitted a “Completed the FAFSA successfully” email to their counselor:

• Bailey Charles
• Jessie Clark
• Jerrica Gardner
• Sheayunna Holland
• Hannah Jones
• China Miranda
• Takyra Fowler
• Diamond Paulk
• Pamela Rueda
• Cienna Richards
• Jay Rodriguez 

These students have earned an extra ticket to REL Commencement Ceremonies (graduation)!

The federal government sets aside over $150 billion each year to help students afford college. Have you applied for your share yet? The FAFSA takes two people to complete correctly – the student and a parent/guardian. The form can be intimidating, but it can be done! If you would like some assistance with completing the FAFSA or the Florida Financial Aid form, mark your calendar for this event:

#ReachHigher Financial Aid Info Session – April 7^th at 6:00 p.m. in the REL Media Center

Parents and students who need assistance with financial aid forms can bring their questions to this event! Counselors will be on hand to help you with the FAFSA, Florida Financial Aid, and college aid applications. This event is open to all REL Seniors and parents!

For more information about financial aid or to apply, check out these websites:

FAFSA – www.fafsa.ed.gov

Florida Financial Aid (a.k.a. Bright Futures) – www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org/SSFAD/home/uamain.htm

#FAFSAFacts #ItTakes2   

Spring Into College! Parent Information Nights at REL

Spring is a great time of year for students and parents to jump into the next phase of their child's education. The school counselors at REL are excited to help parents understand how students can earn college credits while still in high school, how to manage college applications, and how to complete financial aid applications. Check out these events that will help your child Spring Into College:

March 31 - Senior Parent Night

Join us to get all of the details about the graduation ceremony, senior activities, college planning, FAFSA and scholarships.  This event is open to all REL Seniors and parents!

April 7 - Financial Aid Info Session 6:00-7:00
Parents and students who need assistance with financial aid forms can bring their questions to this event! Counselors will be on hand to help you with the FAFSA, Florida Financial Aid, and college aid applications. This event is open to all REL Seniors and parents! 

April 14 - How to Create a College Schedule!
Open to any parent who is interested in learning more about how to select classes for dual enrollment programs at FSCJ. This will be held in the REL Media Center from 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

April 21 at 6:00 p.m. - Moving up! Early College Freshmen Parent Night 
This event is open to all 9th grade Early College students and parents. Information will be provided regarding Early College Continuation Criteria, PERT Testing, and EOCs. This will be held in the REL Auditorium from 6:00-7:30 p.m. 

April 23 - Getting Ready for Senior Year! Junior parent night

Join us for information about graduation requirements, the college application process, financial aid, scholarships, and dual enrollment opportunities. This event is open to all REL Juniors and parents!

April 28th - High School Orientation for 8th Grade Students

This event, open to our incoming class of students, will provide information for students and parents about REL programs, expectations, and benefits of dual enrollment offered at Lee High School. This event is open to any 8th grade student and parent expecting to attend REL for the 2015-2016 school year.  

April 30 - How to Get Ahead in High School - 9th & 10th grade Parent Night

Join us for information about graduation requirements, scholarships, dual enrollment opportunities, financial aid, and resources to help your child think about careers. This event is open to all REL Freshmen, Sophomores, and parents! 

For more information about any of these sessions, please contact your school counselor!

SEAM students - Mrs. Crossley-Taylor

Early College students - Dr. Keefe

Students with last names beginning with A-G - Mrs. Cruz (formerly Miss Bishop)

Students with last names beginning with H-Q - Ms. Patterson

Students with last names beginning with R-Z or receiving ESOL support - Mr. Varady

Need Help with College Applications?

The Jacksonville Commitment Advisor, Ms. Shular, is available to assist students with college applications, scholarship searches, FAFSA, and more on March 9, 23, & 30 from 2:00-3:00 in rm 827

Want an EXTRA Graduation Ticket? - Complete the FAFSA!

Great news seniors and parents!

We’re giving one extra graduation ticket when you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)!  You’ll get a PROCESSED SUCCESSFULLY e-mail after the FAFSA has been processed successfully and sent to the school(s) that you selected = print that e-mail and give it to your school counselor.  If they are not in their office, slide it under the door.  The FAFSA processed successfully e-mail will have your name and e-mail address on it but make sure to print your name on the e-mail a second time just in case.  Please note, you will get the PROCESSED SUCCESSFULLY e-mail after the confirmation e-mail.  If you can’t print the e-mail then you can forward, screenshot or show your counselor the e-mail on your phone.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov and remember to list any and all schools you think you may attend.

Get Free Assistance Filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)