Tuesday, October 27, 2009 6:30 – 7:30 pm GCM Auditorium

1. Senior Parent Night Tuesday, October 27, 2009 6:30 – 7:30 pm GCM Auditorium

2. Senior Night October 27th, 2009 6:30 – 7:30 PM Goose Creek Memorial Auditorium Information includes: Graduation Requirements Scholarship Information General College Admissions Financial Aid Testing Dates Senior Events Attendance Requirements Principal: Al Richard Ext. 50118 Academic Dean: Karen Smithson Ext. 50122 Senior Principal: Robert Shaw Ext. 50850 Senior Counselor: Janet Filla Ext. 50581 Senior Secretary: Jan Maybin Ext. 50801 Scholarship Information: Lisa Reasoner Ext. 50129

4. Graduation Requirements Continued … • GRADUATION PROGRAMS • All students who enter ninth grade before 2007 must complete at least the 24 units of credit and receive a passing score on each section (English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies) of the Exit –Level TAKS. Each student will graduate under one of the following graduation plans. To qualify for top ten local honors, students must complete the Recommended (REC) or Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP). College Board Advanced Placement courses may be substituted for requirements in appropriate areas. • English: English I, II, III, IV • Mathematics: Must consist of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II • Science: Must consist of Biology and 2 credits from: Integrated Physics and Chemistry (IPC), Chemistry, or Physics. • Social Studies: Must consist of World Geography, World History, U.S. History, Government (1/2) and Economics (1/2). • Physical Education: No more than two credits in Physical Education or substitutes (athletics and cheerleading). PE waivers may be earned in dance, ROTC, marching band (1st semester) and any specified 2 or 3 credit career and technology course) many count toward graduation. One semester of Foundations of Personal Fitness is required if a student opts for credit through a PE course. • Speech: Communication Application satisfies this requirement. • Technology: This requirement may be fulfilled by the following courses: Business Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Desktop Publishing, Web Mastering, Business Image Management and Multimedia, Digital Graphic Animation. (Two semesters of the same course) • Fine Arts: Courses meeting the requirement include Band, Choir, Orchestra, Dance, Theater Arts, and Art. • Electives: All state-approved courses, innovative courses, and JROTC satisfy this requirement. • Advanced Measures: Four advanced measures must be completed in addition to the 24 credits (see page 11). • State Mandated Assessment: Students entering high school in 2001 and thereafter must pass all sections of the Exit-Level Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS). • Minimum Plan- 22 credits [according to the state law, students are required to enroll in the Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Plan (DAP)]. The law further requires students to complete one of these two programs to receive a high school diploma. The decision of a committee (consisting of parent, teacher, counselor, and principal) is required to change one’s graduation plan to the Minimum Plan once in high school.

5. Goose Creek Memorial High SchoolGeneral Scholarship List

8. The Best Online Resources Resources for College Search and Admissions: www.collegeboard.com The College Board www.actstudent.org ACT www.learningexpresslibrary.com Learning Express Library for ACT/SAT test preparation www.number2.com Free ACT/SAT test preparation www.commonapp.org Common Application Resources for Financial Aid: www.college.gov Information for students and parents www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov Gives early predictor of financial aid www.pin.ed.gov Apply for student and parent PIN’s www.fafsa.ed.gov File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid www.collegeboard.com Instructions, demo and general information about the CSS Profile www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Information on NCAA eligibility requirements and how to register www.finaid.org Information on federal aid, financial planning, scholarships, EFC calculator, loan comparison www.tasfaa.com Texas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Other Useful Websites: www.srnexpress.comwww.fastaid.comwww.peterson.com www.fastweb.comwww.finaid.orgwww.absolutelyscholarships.com www.collegenet.comwww.gocollege.comwww.ed.gov/studentaid/

9. Helpful Websites • College and Financial Aid Search • www.wirescholar.com allows students to apply for many awards online • www.fastweb.com matches students with numerous awards and scholarships • www.anycollege.com assists students with college searches and scholarships • www.meritaid.com is the new free resource that helps students find merit aid scholarships from colleges before they apply • www.scholarshipexperts.com assists students with finding scholarships that are right for them. After filling out a comprehensive questionnaire, students are matched to scholarships that match their unique criteria • www.schoolsoup.com claims to be the world’s largest scholarships database. Students may also find up-to-date information about colleges and universities • www.fafsa.ed.gov is the website for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form must be submitted in the senior year (after January 1) for families applying for need based aid. It is preferred that students complete the application online • Print Resources • The College Handbook, published by the College Board • The Book of Majors, published by the College Board • Counselors and Mentors Handbook on Federal Student Aid, published by the US Department of Education (can be downloaded)

13. 2009 – 2010 SAT / ACT Testing Dates You can register for the SAT online at www.collegeboard.com or there are registration packets available in the guidance office that can be sent in by mail. You can register for the ACT online at www.act.org or there are registration packets available in the guidance office that can be sent in by mail.

14. CLASS OF ‘2010 Senior Calendar of Events