Seniors:

This school year is going to fly by, we are already approaching the end of the fall sport season and for many of you that means your final home competitions and senior night celebrations. Congratulations!

Although you are approaching the end of your high school career, and probably have most of your graduation requirements taken care of, your first priority should still be your high school classes. How you perform this year in classes may determine where you go from here. Bottom line.... finish STRONG Wolves!

Meet with your counselor to make sure you have all the appropriate classes scheduled for second semester so there are no surprises in February.

Now comes the question, "what am I going to do after high school?" Students typically fall into one of four categories: College, Military, on-the-job training (Apprenticeships), and the Workforce. Read on for information about moving forward in each of these categories.

Remember, the senior grade level team are here to help anytime with questions or concerns.

Freda Evans, Assistant Principal

Tami Lester-Dame, Dean of Students

Sasha Puckett, Counselor (Last names A-K)

Janna Viergutz, Counselor (Last names L-Z)

Susie Nass, Career Counselor

Dave Goodwin

South Kitsap High School Principal

This includes two-year, four-year and technical colleges.

Even though you think you may not qualify for financial support, you should complete the FAFSA (Free Application For Student Aid) as soon as possible.

Students can also look into the following:

• Washington College Grant as an opportunity for paying for college.
• Financial Aid Calculator to help with an estimate of aid they may received.
• Families may also look into the CSS profile as another resource.
• Washington Student Achievement Council website for FAFSA assistance: https://wsac.wa.gov/apply

Look out for Family Financial Aid Information Events coming soon at the High School!

If you are planning to attend a 4 year university, hopefully you are already filling out college applications. Application deadlines begin as early as mid-November depending on the school you are applying to. It's important to look online at the colleges you are interested in now, so you do not miss an important deadline.If your school(s) require an SAT or ACT score, make sure you sign up to take them, if you have not already done so. See College Board for SAT dates and to sign up and/or the ACT website for the ACT test. You will report your score to the colleges of your choice.

2 year colleges like Olympic College and Tacoma Community College typically operate on a "rolling admissions" system which means they don't have a hard deadline. You may however, begin applying after January 1st for the fall quarter. SAT/ACT scores are not required for two-year colleges. They will have you take the ACCUPLACER upon admission.

Technical schools like Clover Park and Bates may have different deadlines based on the specific program you are interested in. Please research individual schools for more information.

2-year college checklist

4-year college checklist

An apprenticeship is a system of training where an employee learns while on the job. Puget Sound Naval Shipyard offers apprenticeships in fields such as pipefitters, electricians, mechanics, welders, and carpenters. In addition to the shipyard there are over 250 additional apprenticeship opportunities in Washington in the manufacturing and construction industries.

Most apprenticeships last from one to five years, depending on the occupation. Apprentices are paid an hourly wage, along with benefits which may include educational, medical, dental, retirement and paid vacation. After completing a registered apprenticeship program, apprentices receive a professional credential that is recognized nationwide.

Students can find more information about Apprentice programs by visiting the following websites:

Puget Sound Naval Shipyard

Department of Labor & Industries

For students interested in joining the military, they should begin by meeting with local recruiters for the branch they are considering. They will probably be told they will need to take the ASVAB to determine what skill sets and job best suit them for specialization while in the service. The ASVAB is offered at SKHS and students should visit the Career Center to sign up.

The Armed Services offer students many career and educational opportunities. When looking into these options, students should explore the wide range of programs available including enlistment opportunities, ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) scholarships, and GI Bill funding for higher education.

Military checklist

All branches of service have information detailing the programs available on their websites:

ARMY

MARINE CORPS

NAVY

COAST GUARD

AIR FORCE

SPACE FORCE

Do you have an updated resume? Have you written a cover letter? Do you have people in your life (outside of your family) who can speak about your good character? These are all things that will help you when applying for a job. Make an appointment with the Career Center to get help creating a resume or cover letter. Begin asking people if you can use them as a reference on job applications. (Don't just put their name down without asking them first). Get involved with clubs or volunteer organizations, if you are not already, these things will give you an advantage over other job applicants.

Most job applications are online these days. They will require you to have a current email address. This is a great time to make sure your email address, and all social media accounts, are appropriate for the business world. Clean up any questionable pictures or language. Most potential employers will check out your online presence and social media accounts before they will even offer you an interview.

Workforce checklist

If you would like a complimentary copy of you special senior photo in the yearbook, we do this for free! All you have to do is send a jpg file of the photo (with no watermarks) at a 300-600 dpi resolution to SKseniorphotos@gmail.com before Friday, December 1. This deadline is not negotiable and is required for us to send pages to the publisher by our deadline, so we cannot process or include photos sent after this date.

Senior photos turn out best if they are vertical, a three-quarter (waist and above), chest or head shot of your student. No graphic t-shirts or hats or background images featuring logos are allowed because of copyright infringement. No images on clothing or props that represent or appear to be alcohol, tobacco, guns or drugs are allowed.

You will receive an email confirming your student photo submission has been received from the yearbook. Questions? Email yearbook adviser, Theresa Meyers, at meyers@skschools.org.

The High School and Beyond Plan is a WA state graduation requirement and must be finished to participate in the graduation ceremony in June with your class.

This can be completed online at home or at school. You can get help from the Career Center anytime.

Log in to Xello from HelloID. If a login prompt comes up, use your school login and password.

Complete all required 12th grade assignments and any missing ones from previous grade levels.

If you have received an invite to the WA State History Google Classroom this means that you have NOT yet met this graduation requirement.

Login and complete the quizzes and final test as soon as possible to ensure this requirement is met.

If you have any questions about why you are enrolled in this class please see your counselor.

Order your cap, gown, tassel, stole, medallion, and announcements online. Class ring, Letter jackets and more options are available from Jostens. If you have any questions please reach out to our local school partner rep, Rick Morton at:

Phone: 253-210-0575

Email: Mortonroffice@jostens.com

If you do not already follow the Class of 2024 google classroom you need to join now. This is where everything important is posted for the senior class. From scholarship opportunities to college visits and "on-the-spot" admission event details to senior surveys, apprenticeship and job fair dates and application information.

If you need assistance joining the google class please see your counselor or the career center as soon as possible, you are missing out!