DAILY NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

With the flip of a calendar, life at BPHS is moving faster than ever.  Second semester is filled with endless opportunities and expectations.

NAEP ASSESSMENT.  On Thursday, February 3^rd, our eighth graders will be participating in NAEP testing, which will include assessments in reading, math, and science.  This test is a nation-wide assessment; results are used for educational research purposes and to formulate the Nation’s Report Card.  Good luck to the eighth graders; we know you’ll make Iowa proud!

ITBS/ITEDs.  During the week of February 7^th, all first through twelfth graders will have the opportunity to demonstrate how much they’ve grown academically in the past year on the state-wide assessments.  Please remember to get plenty of rest and eat breakfast each morning, so you can do your best on the test!

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES.  On February 16^th and 17^th, all parents have the opportunity to speak with their student(s) teachers at conferences.  We’d love to see 100% representation as we share specific information about the progress of your student.  We hope to see you there!

FILL OUT THE FORMS NIGHT.  Fifteen very fortunate seniors and their parent(s) have reserved appointments for assistance filling out their FAFSAs (FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID).  All parents were mailed a letter in early January listing the necessary documents and information to bring.  If you cannot make your appointment, please contact me; we have a waiting list of eager seniors who would love to take your place.   Shay Stamp from the Iowa College Access Network will provide professional advice from noon until 8:00 p.m.; if you were unable to schedule an appointment, please remember you can always visit ICAN’s Cedar Rapids location for personal assistance.  Feel free to contact me for more information.  Please pay special attention to your designated college’s financial aid deadline.

LIFE AFTER BPHS.  Several members of the Class of 2010 returned to BPHS to share their “been there, done that” stories with the Class of 2011.  Their honest revelations about their first semesters in college and in the real world gave our current seniors a candid peek into what life may bring.  A huge thank you is extended to Bryce Buckley, Holly Brown, Claudia Wille, Curry Drahos, Brian Carlson, Jessica Landuyt, Lauren Kurovski, Mallory Brandt, Katie Pierce, Ariel Hawkins, Tad Mast, and Tony Jones.  It was great to see you back at BPHS!!

COLLEGE CRUNCH TIME.  The seniors are all considering which college will have the privilege of educating them.  Once your FAFSA is complete, you’ll be able to compare the price tags of the various schools.  Keep in mind that there are NUMEROUS scholarships still available, and that the local race hasn’t even really begun!

If you’re headed to a community college, have you received any information about attending a PROGRAM CONFERENCE for your intended major?  In some instances, this is mandatory to get into the program!  Also, the COMPASS assessment is commonly used by community colleges for placement purposes.  Have you made an appointment to complete this assessment?  If you’ve already taken the ACT and are happy with your scores, the community college may not need you to COMPASS test.  See Miss Daily for more information.

A reminder to juniors…it’s time to get serious about your post-secondary decision.  If you’re headed to college, plan to take the ACT on April 9^th.  You’ll need to register by March 4^th.  And don’t forget…you’re allowed one college visit second semester.  Please see Miss Daily to schedule your visit and plan to make the most of your travels.  We highly recommend a parent takes the trip with you!

COLLEGE NEWS.

The University of Dubuque invites all prospective students to attend an upcoming PREVIEW DAY either on Saturday, Feb. 5^th or Saturday, March 5^th.  These preview days are jam packed with great information about all UD has to offer!!

Simpson College is hosting Junior Visit Day on Friday, April 15^th.  See Miss Daily if you’d like to use this as your college visit next semester!

Iowa Central in Fort Dodge invites all high school seniors to Jam the Gym on February 5^th at 1:00 a.m.  You’ll receive a free T-shirt and have a chance to win a 12-credit hour tuition scholarship, an iPod, a GPS System, a DVD Player, a Digital Camera, a Microwave, a Pizza Oven, Book Vouchers, and many other prizes!!

ITT Technical Institute in Cedar Rapids is hosting a High School Senior Open House on Thursday, February 10^th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.  They offer programs in Information Systems Security, Information Technology, Electronics and Communications Engineering Technology, Construction Management, Computer Drafting & Design, Criminal Justice, and Paralegal Studies—a variety of 2 and 4 year degrees.  This college is brand new to Cedar Rapids with brand new facilities! See Miss Daily for more information.

SCHOLARSHIPS.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Keep Iowa Beautiful is offering up to four, $500 scholarships to Iowa high school seniors in 2011. Students across Iowa enrolling in an Iowa college or university to major in community enhancement or environmental areas of study are eligible. Students can download the application on-line at www.keepiowabeautiful.com and return it postmarked by February 15, 2011. Please contact the KIB office at 515-323-6507 with any questions.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Elberon American Legion Auxiliary is offering a Merit Award to a senior student with a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent who is, or was, a member of the Elberon American Legion or Auxiliary.  See Miss Daily for the application.  Applications are due April 1^st.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  DALE SCHROEDER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM is for students that reside in a community between 1 and 10,000.  Qualified applicants must plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree at one of the following universities:  Iowa State, UNI, or the University of Iowa.  You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA.  Applications are available online at www.act.org/daleschroeder.  The online application is available from Jan. 1^st through April 5^th.  All applications must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on April 5^th.  Students can be awarded up to $17,000 per year!!!  And this can be renewable for up to 3 years!  This is an AMAZING IOWA scholarship!!!

SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER to Students Headed to ISU:  The Christina Hixson Opportunity Award online application must be completed by February 1^st…that’s the first step in applying!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) are excited to announce a new scholarship program to aid in the development of future talent for the Iowa agriculture industry. This year Iowa Corn will award 10 scholarships through the Iowa Corn Future of Agriculture Scholarship program to undergraduate and
graduate students who are pursuing a degree in the 2011-12 school year. Applicants also must either be a member of iCGA or a dependent of a member. Scholarship applications are available online at www.iowacorn.org. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, January 28, 2011.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Miss Iowa Speedway Scholarship Program is offering a $1500 scholarship to applicants who meet the following criteria:  contestants must be 18 as of May 21^st, must be single, must be enrolled in an accredited college or university for the 2011-2012 school year, and submit a headshot along with your application.  Deadline for entry is Friday, March 25^th.  Finalists will be invited for a panel interview on April 14^th.  Miss Iowa Speedway will be expected to participate in 8 of Iowa Speedway’s main events and be present to crown next year’s winner.  The application and rules are available at iowaspeedway.com.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE HEADED TO IOWA STATE:  VEISHA is pleased to announce 2 scholarship opportunities…

#1      Leadership & Doug Harms Scholarship:  applicants must be accepted to ISU and plan to enroll in fall of 2011, rank in the upper 15% of high school class, have an ACT composite of at least 26, and exhibit involvement in high school and community activities, particularly in leadership positions

#2      Community Involvement Scholarship:  applicants must be accepted to ISU and plan to enroll in fall of 2011, have a minimum 3.0 GPA, exhibit dedication towards volunteering in their community, show potential for continued community involvement

A high school transcript, letter(s) of recommendation, and a self-addressed stamped envelope must be enclosed with the typed application and postmarked no later than Feb. 14^th, 2011 for consideration.  Students can find the applications and apply online at VEISHEA website:  www.veishea.iastate.edu.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The January/February edition of NextStepU magazine has arrived in the guidance office.  It’s the MONEY GUIDE, and there’s a chance to win $10,000 in free college tuition.  There are only 9 copies left!  Stop by soon!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Iowa National Guard Officers Auxiliary is pleased to offer one $1000 scholarship annual.  The following criteria must be met in order to apply:

1. Applicant must be the child/stepchild or grandchild/step-grandchild of an Iowa Nat’l Guard member, either currently serving, retired or a deceased retiree.
2. Applicant must be a high school senior or junior.
3. Soldiers/Airmen are not eligible.
4. Application must be received by Jan. 31^st.

Contact Ryan Barton at knrbarton@gmail.com or 319-530-6487 for application information.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance is offering fifty $1000 scholarships!!  Qualified applicants must be a client of the insurance agency, have a clean driving record, and have a 3.0 GPA.  Drahn’s Insurance will be sending application information to qualified applicants; please watch your mail!  Deadline is March 31^st, 2011.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Grand Lodge of Iowa, A.F. & A.M. is pleased to announce that two scholarship programs are now available for 2011 graduating seniors from Iowa’s Public High Schools.   One scholarship program is for graduating seniors from Iowa Public High Schools who will graduate in 2011 and plan to study in an academic field.  60 scholarships of $2,000 each will be awarded.  The deadline for applications is February 1, 2011. The second scholarship program is the “Mark Earl and Esther Ruth Spencer Technical Scholarship” or MCEC Technical Scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded to graduating Iowa High School seniors planning to enroll in a mechanical or trade course of study at an accredited Iowa Community College. 20 scholarships of $1,250 each will be awarded.   The deadline for applications is March 1, 2011.For more information about these scholarships, visit www.gl-iowa.org <http://www.gl-iowa.org/>

Have a great 2^nd semester!  Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.  I’m happy to help anyway I can.

Lisa Daily

Counselor

Belle Plaine Schools

610 13th Avenue

Belle Plaine, IA  52208

319-444-3720

DAILY NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

It’s beginning to look a lot like…FINALS WEEK at BPHS!  Once we complete our Christmas merriment, it’s back to the books for us at BPHS.  Classes resume on Monday, January 3^rd, and finals will begin on Tuesday, January 11^th.  Be sure you’re doing your part to finish strong this semester and increase your GPA!

SENIOR INTERVIEWS NEARLY COMPLETE!  There’s a lot of talk about the future!  Each senior and I have met individually to review his/her goals and the path to achieving those goals.  Each interview was followed up with a letter updating parents and advisors about our conversations.  Some common conversation points included:  scholarship applications, financial aid paperwork, and how to know which college and major is the right one to choose. Please continue to deliberate and tap into all available resources around you.  Seniors who have FAFSA appointments at BPHS on Wednesday, February 16^th will soon be receiving letters reminding them what paperwork and information is necessary for the meeting. 

SCHOLARSHIP & AWARD INFORMATION…

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Benton County Soil & Water Conservation District invites you to apply for multiple scholarships if you’re going to college to study the field of agriculture and/or natural resources.  Three scholarships will be given by the Conservation Districts of Iowa—one for $1800, one for $1200, and one for $1000.  They will also consider applicants for an additional $300.  Applications are available at www.cdiowa.org/awards.html.  Applications must be submitted to the Soil & Water Conservation district office in the county where the student lives by March 1^st, 2011.

The Benton County Soil & Water Conservation District Commissioners also offers a scholarship.  You must live in Benton County to apply.  Applications are available at www.beontonswcd.net.  It’s due in the office by March 1^st, 2011.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPPORTUNITY:  The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Iowa (RMHC – EI) is offering the RMHC Scholars Scholarship to graduating high school seniors.  Students are able to access the RMHC Scholars Scholarship application via the link given below.  The deadline for the 2010-2011 academic year is January 28, 2011.  Since the RMHC-EI Scholarship Program started awarding scholarships in 2008, RMHC-EI has awarded $38,000. http://rmhc.org/assets/RMHC-Scholarship-PDFs/RMHScholars2010-2011.pdf

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The First Friday Breakfast Club awards scholarships to Iowa high school seniors to recognize the student’s efforts to reduce homophobia and increase awareness and tolerance of issues in their schools and communities.  Awards are made in the amount of $2500 per student.  Applications are available at www.ffbciowa.org.  Deadline to apply is March 31, 2011.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is again offering 54-$1000 scholarships for the 2011 school year.  Sons & daughters of Iowa Farm Bureau members are eligible.  Applicants must apply in the county where their Farm Bureau membership is held.  The Benton County Farm Bureau Federation will also be awarding scholarships on a local basis—4-$500 scholarships.  Access the application and eligibility information at www.iowafarmbureau.com.  Application deadline is March 1^st, 2011.  Benton County applications must be returned to:  Benton County Farm Bureau Federation, Attn:  Scholarship Committee, 1105 West 9^th Street, Vinton, IA  52349.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) and Iowa Corn Promotion Board (ICPB) are excited to announce a new scholarship program to aid in the development of future talent for the Iowa agriculture industry. This year Iowa Corn will award 10 scholarships through the Iowa Corn Future of Agriculture Scholarship program to undergraduate and graduate students who are pursuing a degree in the 2011-12 school year. Applicants also must either be a member of iCGA or a dependent of a member. Scholarship applications are available online at www.iowacorn.org. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, January 28, 2011.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Burger King is offering scholarships to students with GPAs of 2.5 or higher.  Go to http://www.haveityourwayfoundation.org/burger_king_scholars_program.html for more information.  Deadline to apply is January 10^th, 2011.

SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER to Students Headed to ISU:  The Christina Hixson Opportunity Award online application must be completed by February 1^st…that’s the first step in applying!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN POLITICS & EDUCATION? The movie Waiting for Superman is hosting an essay contest.  The topic is:  “If you were given the chance, how would you help kids at your school graduate?”  Submissions should be a minimum of 500 words.  One winner will be selected to co-blog a post with a celebrity, politician or activist who shares your passion for change in the classroom.  See Miss Daily for more information.

SILVER CORD HONORS:  Any student with 160 hours of documented community service will graduate with special honors.  Service opportunities abound in our community.  You don’t have to wait for a notification to be in the daily bulletin to find somewhere to donate your time.  The best strategy is to strive to document at least 40 hours of service each year of high school.  Giving selflessly of oneself can be so rewarding…and also looks great on National Honor Society and scholarship applications!

SILVER CORD OPPORTUNITY FOR BPHS GALS:  MidwestOne Bank will be hosting a GO RED FOR WOMEN luncheon on Friday, Feb. 4^th.  They would like 6-8 responsible young women to work the event.  You would be absent from approximately 11:30 to 1:30; all make up work would have to be done ahead of time!  Please let Miss Daily know if you think you’d be interested.  They’d like to secure their volunteers soon.

2^nd SEMESTER SCHEDULES.  All students were recently given an updated copy of their second semester schedules.  Please see Miss Daily to make any revisions.  There are many exciting electives to explore!

PSEO BOOKS NEED TO BE RETURNED ASAP…Everyone who took a PSEO class this semester needs to turn his/her textbooks into the office.  This includes all Comp students and anyone with Anytime Anywhere classes.  If your textbook is not returned, you will be billed for the cost of the book.

DAILY NEWS FROM THE COUNSELING OFFICE

SENIORS—The goal was to submit your college applications by Thanksgiving.  Did you accomplish this goal?  Have you asked the office to forward your transcript(s)?  Now you can dedicate yourself to scholarship applications and the financial aid process that will officially begin January 1^st!  Remember to check into scholarships offered through your prospective colleges, your parent’s employer, insurance agency, church, etc.  There are many more opportunities out there!  Don’t limit yourself to the ones listed in the bulletin and in this newsletter.  Good luck with your search!

SENIORS…Do you need help filling out your FAFSA, the financial aid application, and you don’t have an appointment at BPHS on Wednesday, Feb. 16^th?  The ICAN experts will be doing a marathon of appointments on Wednesday, February 23^rd at Kirkwood Community College.  Talk to your parents and see Miss Daily if you’d like to schedule an appointment.  We realize it’s only December—but there’s no time to waste when securing financial aid for college!!!

MAKING YOUR LIST FOR SANTA?  Don’t forget to think about those items you’ll need as a college student.  For example, a new bathrobe may come in very handy when you’re walking down the hallway from your dorm room to take a shower!

FINALIZING 1^st SEMESTER.  It won’t be long until another semester’s grades are officially on your transcript.  Many classes have major projects and finals just around the corner.  Please plan ahead and strive to finish strong!

2^nd SEMESTER AWAITS!  Schedules are being finalized for all 2^nd semester courses.  Don’t forget to check out the offerings recently added to the possibilities:  Novels, Advanced Animal Science, Finite Math, Civics, and a new section of Ag Woods.  See Miss Daily to make scheduling adjustments and additions.

NEXT ACT REGISTRATION DEADLINE is January 7^th.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  “SCHOLAR ATHLETE MILK MUSTACHE OF THE YEAR”.  If you’re a graduating senior who pushes yourself to the limit, gives back to those around you, and takes care of your body making smart choices like drinking lowfat milk, then you could be rewarded with a $7500 scholarship.  Visit bodybymilk.com for complete rules, information, and an online application.  Deadline is March 4th, 2011.  75 seniors will win!

IMPORTANT SCHOLARSHIP REMINDER:  The December 10^th postmark deadline is less than 2 weeks away for students applying for the University of Iowa’s 2011 Presidential Scholarship Program.  It’s valued at $52,000.  To be eligible, students must have a GPA of at least 3.8 and a minimum ACT score of 30.  You must apply for admission and complete a separate Presidential Scholarship Application.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY REMINDER:  Go to www.axa-achievement.com to apply for a $2000 college scholarship by February 15^th, 2011.  They’re giving away up to $750,000!!!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The National Wild Turkey Federation is offering scholarships to the next generation of state conservation leaders in the senior class.  The local winner will receive a $250 scholarship, and then his/her application will be forwarded on to the state and national competitions.  Go to www.nwtf.org/jakes for more information and to download an application.  Miss Daily has the mailing address for the local National Wile Turkey Federation.  Your application is due to the local chapter by January 1st.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Dr. Seuss’ Oh, the Places You’ll Go Scholarship recognizes high school seniors who understand and value the limitless possibilities that education can offer with a scholarship award.  One $5000 scholarship will be awarded based upon your essay submission.  Deadline is January 15^th, 2011.  Access the details at http://www.seussville.com/OTPScholarship/.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR TAMA COUNTY SENIORS:  Students are eligible for two different scholarships if their planned course of study is in any of the fields of agriculture and/or natural resources.  The two scholarships are #1) Conservation Districts of Iowa Scholarship for up to $1800 and #2) The Tama County Soil & Water Conservation District Scholarship.  Applications are due in the county office by March 1^st, 2010.  Go to www.cdiowa.org/awards.html for the application.

EAST CENTRAL IOWA REC OPPORTUNITIES FOR JUNIORS & SENIORS:

#1         Hey, Juniors, want to visit Washington, D.C.?  You can win an all-expense paid trip to D.C. June 11^th-16^th courtesy of your local electric cooperative.  40 juniors will win!  Our own Connor Roth won this trip last year!!!  See Miss Daily for an application.  Deadline is February 25^th.

#2         Hey, Seniors, if your parents are East Central Iowa customers, you can win a $500 scholarship.  Deadline is February 25^th.  See Miss Daily for an application.

JUNIORS WHO TOOK THE PSAT THIS OCTOBER:  Your results will arrive by the beginning of next week.  Stay tuned for your score information!

JOB SHADOWING IN 2011.  Congrats to the 8 students who applied for 2^nd semester job shadows!  BUT…I bet there are many more sophomores, juniors, and seniors out there who would benefit from these opportunities.  PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE pay special attention to the bulletin and advertised deadlines.  We don’t want you to miss out on anything!

NOVEMBER’S Blood Drive was a success!!  We donated 49 blood products to help the Blood Center of Iowa and area hospitals save lives!  We had 54 donors register, and 30 of you were first time donors.  Thanks to everyone who donated and worked this event.  We appreciate your selfless service.

November 19, 2010

FALL 2010 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES WERE A SUCCESS!  86% of all 7^th-12^th graders were represented at parent teacher conferences.  If you were unable to attend on the designated day, please feel free to contact your student’s advisor to reschedule a conference time. 

FINANCIAL AID NIGHT was also held on Wednesday, November 10^th.  College bound seniors and their parents gained valuable insight about the entire financial aid process from Shay, the ICAN representative.  If you did not schedule an appointment for February’s Fill Out the Forms Marathon at BPHS, please feel free to contact the ICAN Center for an appointment at their Cedar Rapids location.

CHECK OUT the November/December issue of NextStepU in the guidance lobby.  A great magazine for students who are serious about their futures!

SECOND SEMESTER SCHEDULES:  Please make sure your schedule is in place before December 1^st!  This includes academic mentoring and PSEO courses.

MIDTERM is December 3^rd.  Please make sure your grades are where you want and need them to be for this next grade check!

FIRST SEMESTER PSEO COURSES.  Kirkwood’s first semester will be ending soon.  Please make sure all of your obligations are completed in your Anytime/Anywhere Courses!

SILVER CORD OPPORTUNITY:  10-12 volunteers are needed to help with Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, November 27^th from 12:30-3:00 p.m.  Please see Miss Daily if you’d like to volunteer your time.

ATTENTION SOPHMORES, JUNIORS & SENIORS:  The Work Place Learning Connection is now taking applications for 2^nd semester job shadows.  Applications and instructions are in the counter on the office; all applications must be returned to Miss Daily by December 1^st.  These are great CAREER INVESTIGATION OPPORTUNITIES!!

CULTURAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE Opportunity for Juniors & Seniors:  Buena Vista is hosting this on April 7^th-10^th.  If you have at least a 2.5 GPA and would like to be considered see Miss Daily.  The application requires a 300 word essay and is due December 16^th.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY for JUNIORS:  Hills Bank & Trust Company and the Iowa 4-H Foundation are pleased to offer scholarship applications to juniors with a 2.8 GPA or higher and who have demonstrated leadership, entrepreneurship, or other qualities related to community service.  Applications materials are available at www.extension.iastate.edu/4h/teens/scholarships.htm.  Application materials must be received by Feb. 1^st, 2011.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship is available to juniors who have participated in an Iowa Sports Foundation activity; this includes the Iowa Games, Net Fest basketball or volleyball, Hoopin’ at the Dome or the Mud Run.  If you’d like an application, please see Miss Daily.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Would a $20,000 scholarship help you?  KFC Colonel’s Scholars is looking for high school seniors with financial need and entrepreneurial spirit to qualify for the KFC Colonel’s Scholars Program.  Awards are up to $20,000 for tuition, fees, textbooks, room and board.  Applicants must have a minimum 2.75 GPA, enroll in a college or university within their state of legal residence, plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and demonstrate financial need.  Online applications are accepted December 1^st, 2010 through February 9^th, 2011 at www.kfcscholars.org.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  The Pearl Hull Falk Scholarships for $400 are available to approximately 80 graduating seniors in the Class of 2011.  Applicants must be of the Protestant faith, be a resident of the State of Iowa, and plan to attend the University of Iowa.  Applications must be submitted to the committee no later than May 1^st, 2011.  See Miss Daily for the application materials.

WALDORF SCHOLARSHIP DAY/OPEN HOUSE is on Dec. 4^th at 9:00 a.m.  Students can complete for one full tuition scholarship or five $2000 scholarships.  All other participants will receive textbooks at NO COST during their first fall semester at Waldorf College.  You must have a 3.25 minimum GPA and an 18 ACT or a 26 ACT and a 2.5 GPA.  See Miss Daily to discuss this great opportunity!

ATTENTION SENIORS HEADED TO UNI:  The School of Music is hosting scholarship auditions on Saturday, Feb. 26 and Friday, March 4^th.  Apply for a scholarship audition online at www.uni.edu/music.  The application deadline is three weeks prior to the audition date.

THE GUIDANCE OFFICE just received the 2010-2011 guide for majors, minors, and certificate programs for the University of Iowa.  Please stop by and take a look if you’re considering becoming a Hawkeye!

COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT:  Thanks to the juniors and seniors and their parent(s) that attended College Planning Night on Tuesday, October 6^th.  Valuable information was shared about applying to college, playing for college, and being successful in college.  The presentation featured Brit from the Iowa College Access Network.  The ICAN professionals provide FREE services to students in Iowa.  We really would like to see MORE students and parents at these sessions—you can never be too prepared for your future!  Check the school calendar for more upcoming ICAN presentations.  Their expertise can benefit EVERY student!

CAPRI COLLEGE CAREER FAIR is being held on October 28^th from 12:00-3:00 p.m.  You’re also invited to the Runway Show at 4:00.  See Miss Daily for more information.  This can count as one of your college visits!

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS:    Ideally, college applications are submitted by Thanksgiving.  Once you’re accepted to the college(s) of your choice, find out what scholarships they’re offering incoming freshmen.  For example, Iowa State University has 198 separate scholarships listed for incoming freshmen!

OUR SCHOOL ROCKS! WE’RE DRUG FREE!!  We’ll be celebrating Red Ribbon Week the week of October 26^th through 30^th.  Please watch future bulletins and your elementary student’s Wednesday envelope for more detailed information about our celebration.  The kick-off to the week includes a variety of local celebrities and high school role models who will be donating one hour to ROCK THE HALLS of BP Schools.  Rockers range from Fire Chief Russ Spading to Physician Assistant Deb Mescher to Plainsman Athlete Brian Crow.  Our non-stop rockin’ will remind students to TAKE A STAND against drug as our guests have a seat in a rocking chair.

JOB SHADOWS ARE HEATING UP:  Several BPHS students have recently been placed in some great job shadowing experiences compliments of the Work Place Learning Connection.  The Plainsmen have witnessed a variety of professionals ranging from doctors at the University of Iowa College of Medicine to expert mechanics at Automotive Technology Day.  Please help remind your students to complete their thank you note and evaluation form as a follow-up to their experience.  Watch your mail and/or e-mail for more exciting opportunities.

NEED A HOLIDAY/WEEKEND PART-TIME JOB?  Consider attending the “Fall Into Retail Job Fair” on Tuesday, October 20^th from 5:30-7:30 p.m.  All of the 35 employers represented are hiring!  Go to the Iowa Workforce Development Office at 800 7^th St SE.

FOUR PLAINSMEN SHARED THEIR EXPERTISE AT BPJH:  Seniors, Shelby Markham, Brandon Viall, and Nichole Tatge and Freshmen Melissa Stull and Zach Clement ventured to Mr. DeGraff’s class to share their knowledge about life at BPHS.  They provided great advice on academic planning, social success, and student/teacher relationships.  Great job, Shelby, Nichole, Melissa, and Zach!

CONGRATS TO THE 14 PLAINSMEN WHO TOOK THE PSAT:  They dedicated their morning on Wednesday, October 14^th to pouring their knowledge into this standardized assessment.  We’d like to thank Kristi at the Belle Plaine Library for allowing us to administer the test in the Henry B. and Patricia Tippie Room.  It was a great setting for testing success!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Check out www.anycollege.com.  There are random drawings for scholarships every three months!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Between 75 and 85 scholarships will be given to graduating seniors from the Pearl Hull Falk Trust.  Each recipient must be of the Protestant faith, a resident of the State of Iowa, and going to attend the University of Iowa.  All applicants must submit application materials by May 1^st.  See Miss Daily for application materials.

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  If you have a GPA or 2.5 or higher, work at least 15 hours a week outside of school, and plan on going to college, go to http://www.haveityourwayfoundation.org/burger_king_scholars_program.html for your chance to become a Burger King Scholar!  Applications are due February 1st!

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY:  Seniors who have a GPA of 3.0 and above are invited to apply to be a Coca-Cola Scholar.  Go to https://www.coca-colascholars.org for the application that’s due October 31st!