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

Senior T-Shirt: Sale Extended Until Monday Afternoon (3/30)

Message from Mrs. Dalton, Senior Class Sponsor:

Good afternoon Seniors!!!

If you did not already purchase a senior package, read this email!!!!! (If you’ve already purchased a senior package, you already paid for your shirt.)

Senior shirts are for sale!  Mrs. Dalton will be taking money (cash or check) for senior shirts on Thursday and Friday of this week AND MONDAY, 3/30.  The shirts are $20.00.  You may pay during 1^st lunch or after school until 2:30 in the main office.  If you want a shirt, you must order and pay by Monday, March 30th.  Mrs. Dalton will ONLY order the amount of shirts that are paid for.  There will be NO extras!

If you have any questions, see Mrs. Dalton in room 893 or email daltona@duvalschools.org.

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

Senior T-shirt Voting Information

Senior T-shirt Voting Information:

Who:  Seniors
What: Voting on shirt design and shirt color scheme
When: Starts: March 6th, Thursday
            Ends:  March 8th, Saturday
Where: You have 2 options:
            1. Print out the form/get a copy from by Mrs. Dalton's door.  Fill it out and give to her in room 893 or mailbox.  Click here for link to form.
            2. Send an email to Mrs. Dalton (daltona@duvalschools.org) with your choices and student number.
                {Your student number must be on the email or on the form to vote}

Why: To decide on a senior t-shirt!

Notes:
        *You can only vote ONCE! 
        *You must put your student number on the form or on the email.
        *You must choose a design option and a color scheme.
        *If you paid for either of the senior packages, you will receive a t-shirt automatically
        *If you did not purchase a package and would like to order a t-shirt, that information will be announced next week.

Questions:
        See Mrs. Dalton in 893 (do not interrupt teaching time) or email daltona@duvalschools.org

Information from Senior Class Meeting (2/6)

SENIOR END OF THE YEAR EVENTS

Senior Parent Night Meeting                March 31, 2015 @ 6:00pm - Auditorium

Senior Locker Clean Out         

            Seniors will clean out lockers beginning on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 through Tuesday, May 19, 2015.  They will turn in their locks to their assistant principal.  Their name and combination must be on the lock.  Return all textbooks to the bookroom.

Debts Cleared                                     March 13, 2015

            Check with Ms. Albertie (bookroom), Mrs. St. Hilaire (bookkeeper) or Ms. Martin

Book Turn-In                                         May 14, 2015

Last Day for Seniors                             TBA

Caps and Gowns       

            Caps and gowns will be distributed on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 8:00am in the auditorium at the senior assembly and collected immediately after the graduation ceremony.  All debts must be paid and the senior must be cleared by the administration before receiving a cap and gown.  All gowns must be returned immediately following Commencement Exercises for the student to receive their diploma documents.

Graduation Rehearsal                                    

            There will be two rehearsals.

(1)  May 22, 2015        Lee Auditorium                        8:00 a.m.

(2) June 1, 2015         Veterans Memorial Arena        TBA

Students may dress casually but still must adhere to student dress code.  Rehearsal is mandatory for all students who plan to participate in the graduation ceremony.  Attendance will be taken and those not in attendance will not participate in the Commencement Exercises.   Young ladies should wear the shoes that they plan to wear during the graduation ceremony.

Graduation   Monday, June 1,2015 @ 5:00 p.m. at the Veterans Arena

          The ceremony will be at the Veterans Memorial Arena.  Seniors should arrive at 4:00 p.m.  All guests will be required to present tickets as they enter the arena.  All guests are encouraged to arrive early, as it will cost $5.00 to park at and/or near the Arena.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will return their gowns before leaving the Arena.  Parents, make sure you have taken your child’s picture in his/her cap and gown earlier.  Horns, helium balloons, signs, banners, confetti or anything distracting to the ceremony will not be permitted into the arena.

What NOT to bring to rehearsal or graduation – purses, book bags, food, drink, gum, candy, balloons, toys, streamers, confetti, nicotine products, alcoholic beverages, cell phones, etc.  Each graduate will be thoroughly searched TWICE.  If you are caught with these items, you will be pulled from the graduation line.  If you exhibit behaviors unbecoming of a graduate during the commencement ceremony, your diploma, report card, and final transcript will be held at the school until such a time when an appointment can be made with the principal, the student, and the parents/guardian of the student.

Tickets for Graduation

     Each senior will be issued ten (10) tickets for graduation at the same time that they will pick up their caps and gowns (May 28, 2015).  Additional tickets will be available using the following format:

 

 ◊ Attend Awards Program                              Receive 2 additional tickets                            

 ◊ Student’s parent/guardian attends

    Parent Meeting                                            Receive 1 additional ticket per meeting        

            

  ◊ Student turns in permission slip

  to Mrs. Morrison on or before

  April 1, 2015                                                               Receive 2 additional tickets           

 

 ◊ Student has been labeled

   “College Ready”                                          Receive 2 additional tickets

    (both math and reading)

All additional tickets will be given out on May 28, 2015 (at the cap and gown disbursement).  We anticipate having a large crowd in attendance; therefore, we must be able to control the number of guests.  If extra tickets remain, a sign-up sheet will be posted (location TBA).  Students will be allowed to sign-up to receive additional tickets on a first come-first served basis.  These tickets, if extra remain; will be issued to students on May 29, 2015 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  We appreciate your understanding and cooperation if all requests cannot be honored.  Children over the age of 3 years MUST have a ticket. 

Senior Class Package and Checking Names for Diplomas- Important Update for today, 2/2/15

Seniors-

Due to circumstances beyond her control, Mrs. Morrison will be off campus most of the day today.  However, she will be available from 1:15-2:15 today in the main office if you are ready to make a senior package purchase today.  The package will be on sale the remainder of the week as well.  

In addition, seniors will need to verify the spelling of their name for their diploma this week.  Seniors - keep an eye out for the senior class lists that will be posted around the school.  Be sure to correct any errors that you see.

Class of 2015 Winter Meeting

Information from the Class of 2015 Winter Meeting on 11/21/14

If you have any questions regarding the senior class package, grad bash or senior sweatshirts - please see Mrs. Morrison, Activities Director

Important Dates
January 16 - Grades Due
February 2-6 Second Senior Package on Sale
February 3 - Financial Aid Night
March 13 - All debts must be paid
March 16-20 - Spring Break
April 13-17 - Senior T-Shirt sale
May 1 - Grad Bash
May 16 - Prom
June 1 - Graduation

Notes
There are 90 seats left to attend Grad Bash trip.  If 90 students purchase the second senior package in February, we will NOT be able to offer individual Grad Bash ticket sales.  Please plan accordingly.

The second senior package is $250 and can be purchased February 2-6, 2015 in room 892 during lunch and after school.  The second package includes cap and gown, Grad Bash and a senior t-shirt.  This will be the only time we will sell the second package.  No purchases can be made after the 6th of February.

Mrs. Morrison anticipates senior sweatshirts to be ready to disperse prior to the Winter break.  Please listen to announcements and/or check www.dcps.planeths.com.  Once they arrive, you must have your student ID to pick them up from room 892 AFTER SCHOOL ONLY!  Sweatshirts will be dispersed after school only for all students.

All seniors must pay their debts by March 13th.  Failure to not pay your debts will result in you being barred from participation in all of the end of year activities (including but not limited to Prom, grad bash, graduation, etc.).  Beginning after we return from the Winter break, you may get a copy of your debt list from the bookroom on Tuesdays/Thursdays or from the bookkeeper during your lunch.  DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!

All dates listed can be changed at any time.  Please pay attention to announcements and www.dcps.planeths.com!  Also, information will always be posted outside of rooms 892 and 893 (3rd floor of the main building)!

If you missed the senior class meeting today

If you missed the senior class meeting today, please fill out a Herff Jones contact form which is located by the school counseling offices during lunch or after school.  It is important that you fill out the contact information form and give Herff Jones your height, weight and cap size so that you cap and gown will fit.

There are also packets available from Herff Jones by the counseling department offices as well.

Senior Class Meeting - Friday, November 21

SENIOR Class meeting at REL on Friday, Nov 21, at 8:15 a.m. Topics include: Senior Dates, Second Senior Package, and Graduation materials from Herff Jones. Contact Mrs. Morrison for more information. 

JUNIOR Class meeting on Friday, Nov 21, at 7:30 a.m. Contact Mrs. Thomas for more information.

Announcements - Week of 11/12-11/14

Announcements -

• Senior Sweatshirts - If you did not purchase a Senior Package, but do want to purchase a Senior Sweatshirt, the sweatshirts will be on saleNov. 12-14 in rm 892. Cost is $35 (cash, money order, or check). Students may purchase a sweatshirt after school. This is the only time Senior Sweatshirts will be on sale separate from the Senior Package.
• FAMU will be at REL to award admissions and scholarships to seniors on Nov. 14th. Sign up with Ms. Morrison if you are interested in attending.
• Senior Ads for Yearbook - deadline Nov. 25th at 8:00 a.m. See Ms. Thomas for more information.  
• REL Toy Drive - Nov. 3-25 sponsored by the REL Junior Class Counsel. Community Drop-off date - Nov 8 from 8:00-12:00 a.m. Evening Drop-off date - Nov. 18 Free admission to the Lady Generals Basketball game on Nov. 18th with toy drop-off (conditions apply).
• Community Service Hours opportunity - Help Riverside Avondale Preservation build luminary kits. Shifts available are: Saturdays 9:00-12:00, Saturdays 12:00-3:00, and Sundays 1:00-4:00. Project days are Nov 8- Dec. 21. Contact Torrie Parette for more information - torrie@riversideavondale.org or 904-389-2449.
• Yearbooks are on sale now for $65. Price increase on Jan 16 to $75. Price increases on March 14 to $85.
• Need community service hours? Activities have been scheduled that need volunteers! Sign up in rm 847. 

Previously Announced Scholarship & Program Deadlines -

• National Security Agency Scholarship - due Nov. 15. Click here for application! 
• Jan La Belle Scholarship - due Nov. 15. Click here for application!
• BBG Youth Volunteer Scholarship - due Nov 29. Click here for application!
• George W. Jenkins - due Dec 1 Click here for application! 
• Epsilon Sigma Alpha - Early Bird application due Dec. 15, traditional deadline Feb 1 Click here for application!
• Kappa Alpha Psi - due Dec 31 Click here for application! 
• FSU CARE program - due Jan 14 Click here for application!
• J. Ollie Edmunds - due Jan. 16 Click here for application!  
• James (Coach) Day - due Feb 1 Click here for application!
• Arts for Life - due Feb 2 Click here for application!
• The McCurry Foundation - due Feb 15 Click here for application!
• Asylees as Authors - due May 15 Click here for application!
• Aspiring Fashion Professionals - due June 1 Click here for application!  
• Aspiring Animation Professionals -  due June 1 Click here for application!
• Need more information about financial aid? Click here for a list of Financial Aid workshops.
• Interested in the Jacksonville Commitment Scholarship? Mr. Salery, UNF Jax Commitment Coordinator, is available Tuesdays and Thursdays after school in rm. 827.
• Need assistance with college or scholarship applications? Attend College Quest on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:00-2:45 in the REL Media Center.

Senior Sweatshirts

Senior Sweatshirts - If you did not purchase a Senior Package, but do want to purchase a Senior Sweatshirt, the sweatshirts will be on sale Nov. 12-14 in rm 892. Cost is $35 (cash, money order, or check). Students may purchase a sweatshirt after school. This is the only time Senior Sweatshirts will be on sale separate from the Senior Package. 

Reminder - Senior Packages go on sale in October

Senior Packages will be on sale every Monday and Friday in October after school in rm. 892. The cost is $375. Cash, checks, and money orders only. No partial payments will be accepted. See Mrs. Morrison (after school) for more information.

Senior Parent Night - September 17

Senior Parent Night has been scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th at 6:00pm in the auditorium.    

Items included on agenda:

Senior Package Information

Graduation and Grad Bash Dates

Graduation Requirements

Post-Secondary Readiness Information