IMPORTANT DATES
COLLEGE CAREER EXPO - October 29 from 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM, North Gym
NO SCHOOL - November 27-29
FINALS - December 18 - 20
WINTER BREAK, NO SCHOOL - December 23 - January 6
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES - February 6 from 4:00 PM -8:00 PM
YEARBOOK PHOTO DEADLINE - February 7
NO SCHOOL - February 17
SPRING BREAK, NO SCHOOL - March 10 - 14
NO SCHOOL - MARCH 31
NO SCHOOL - APRIL 18 & 21
PROM - April 26 - 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Beardmore Event Center
COLLEGE DAY - April 30 - More information to come.
HONORS NIGHT - May 6 - 7:00 PM, PLHS North Gym
SENIORS' LAST DAY - May 8
GRADUATION - May 11 @ 5:00 PM, Baxter Arena
ATTENTION PARENTS
We are getting to that time of year when students and parents start feeling the stress of what comes next. Sometimes your child's dream is not the same dream you have for them. That is OK!
- Openly discuss the cost and financial responsibility with your child.
- Encourage them to explore different options.
- Visit campuses if college is their plan.
- Communicate your expectations while ensuring them to feel empowered to make their own choices.
- Use your senior bulletin to explore different opportunities students have as they move forward and away from high school. Check out the Career & Trades Bulletin.
Last piece of advice, don't talk about college, scholarships, and careers everyday! Pick one day a week to catch up on what they are doing. Try to keep open communication and find the right balance.
THE MONARCH COLLEGE & CAREER EXPO IS COMING!
WHEN IS THE COLLEGE AND CAREER EXPO?
Tuesday, October 29
SENIOR TIMES
Session One: 12:45 PM -1:10 PM
Session Two: 12:55 PM -1:20 PM
WHERE IS THE FAIR?
This year the fair will be held in the North Gym. You will be dismissed from class to attend. Your teacher will let you know your time. CLICK HERE for details and to see the list of vendors attending.
HAVE YOU TAKEN YOUR SENIOR PHOTOS YET?
PLEASE SEND YOUR PHOTO TO BOTH MRS. BRADLEY AND YEARBOOK.
THEY CAN BE DIFFERENT PHOTOS.
- The photo you send MRS. BRADLEY WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE PIT AREA 2ND SEMSTER OF SCHOOL.
- The photos you send MR. ROHACIK WILL BE IN THE YEARBOOK.
"My senior doesn’t eat at school. Why would we apply for a free and reduced lunch program?"
There are fee waiver opportunities, scholarships available, and more to help support families with financial needs. Unless you complete the "Free & Reduced Lunch Application," you will be unable to take advantage of these opportunities. CLICK HERE TO APPLY.
ATTENTION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!
Have you been awarded a scholarship? If so, please email Mrs. Bradley a photo of your scholarship award letter! We would like to know about all the scholarships you have been awarded!
Would you like to see the list of scholarships students received last year? CLICK HERE
CONGRATULATIONS to this week's scholarship winners!
Cherish Hoaglund
University of Missouri, Kansas City, Roo Nation Award
Northwest Missouri State University, Bearcat Advantage Scholarship
Northwest Missouri State University, University Scholar
Wichita State University, Academic Scholar
University of Kansas, KU Performance Scholarship
METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE EVENT
Attention seniors interested in applying to Metropolitan Community College (MCC). MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
A representative from MCC will be at PLHS to help students apply to MCC as well as scholarships with a focus on the trades. This is an amazing opportunity to apply and learn about Metropolitan Community College's scholarship opportunities. In addition, you will also receive tips and help on how to apply and tips on how to write your essays. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
When: November 11
Where: Excellence Center
Time: TBA
Please email Mrs. Bradley if you are interested in attending this event.
DON'T MISS THESE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNTIES ALL MONARCHS SHOULD APPLY FOR
All of these scholarships are only offered to students in our school district. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to apply for scholarships that a limited number of students can apply for.
PAPILLION LA VISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PTO/PTN SCHOLARSHIP
If you attended an elementary or middle school in our district, there is a scholarship on this application for you.
PAPILLION LA VISTA SCHOOLS PRINCIPALS & SUPERVISORS ORGANIZATION SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: November 22
This application offers scholarships for students who plan to major in education.
PAPILLION LA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL SCOOP SCHOLARSHIP - Deadline: November 22
This scholarship is for students who have participated in show choir at PLHS.
PAPILLION LA VISTA HIGH SCHOOL PLEA MEMBER SCHOLARSHIP & PLEA EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Deadline: November 22
This scholarship application is for students who have parents who teach in the PLCS District and belong to PLEA and there is also a scholarship for students who plan to major in education.
Deadline: November 29
This scholarship application has a variety of scholarships on one application. There is something for everyone. Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, STEM, Cursing, and a few general scholarships.
Deadline: December 1
Anyone can apply for this scholarship.
Papillion La Vista High School Student Council Scholarship
Deadline: December 1
This scholarship is for students who have been on Student Council at PLHS.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO MAJOR IN EDUCATION?
Do you have a passion for teaching and a strong academic record? Apply for the Fall 2025 cohort of the UNO Teacher Scholars Academy. If you are awarded this scholarship, you will receive $5,000 per semester over 4 years. Successful candidates must be incoming freshman, be enrolled in a UNO teacher prep program for the 25-26 school year, have demonstrated academic excellence, and show a commitment to community through volunteer service and extracurricular activities. CLICK HERE for more information and to apply.
Questions, Contact
- Dr. Justin Andersson, TSA Director: jandersson@unomaha.edu
LOOKING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS?
CLICK HERE to view scholarships available to students at PLHS. This list is updated on a regular basis!
SCHOLARSHIPS WITH UPCOMING DEADLINES
Chick-fil-A Scholarship - October 24
American Culinary Federation Education Scholarship - Deadline October 31
Good Works Scholarship - Deadline October 31
Voice of Democracy Scholarship - Deadline October 31
DAR Good Citizen Scholarship - Deadline November 1 (See application below)
National Space Club Scholarship - Deadline November 1
NEW SCHOLARSHIPS ADDED THIS WEEK
Rumba Meats & USHLI Scholarship - Deadline November 30
This scholarship is for students who have at least one parent of Hispanic ancestry, have a 2.5 GPA , have a verifiable need for financial support, and have active participation in public and /or community serve activities.
Burger King Scholarship - Deadline December 16
Scholarships range from $1,000 to $60,000 and are intended to offset the cost of attending college or post-secondary vocational/technical school. Recipients are selected through an application process that takes into consideration their grade point average (GPA), work experience, extracurricular activities, community service, and financial need.
Foundation 649 Scholarship - Deadline March 1
This scholarship is for students entering college the fall of 2025 who are identified as Asian American/Pacific Islander and can demonstrate a financial need for this scholarship.
COLLEGE REP VISITS AT PLHS
UPCOMING VISITS
No visits are scheduled right now.
Sign up on MaiaLearning and visit with the college(s) in the Counseling Center. In MaiaLearning, click the "Events" tab on the left. Click the "Actions" on the right of the visit you would like to attend. Click "Attend". You will be signed up to attend!
If you sign up for a visit, please make sure you show up! You will not receive a pass!
APPLY TO COLLEGES IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY
Colleges are issuing acceptance letters already. If you have not already applied to your top colleges, do so soon. It would also be wise to apply to "safe" or back up schools. When the financial aid packages are put together in the spring, sometimes the most viable option is a school that was not initially a top choice. It is nice to have all your options in front of you and timely applications will allow your schools to present their financial award packages.
To put together those packages, colleges will want official transcripts even if you self-reported on the application. Either request via the PLHS website or let Vickie Bradley know where to send transcripts.
Through the end of October, UNL and UNK will waive their $45 application fee. Using the Nebraska application, use the waiver code “HUSKER” or “LOPER”. UNO’s application will remain free.
KEEP IN MIND THE LAST DAY YOU CAN APPLY TO UNL AND UNK FOR FREE IS NOVEMBER 1!
FAFSA
FAFSA is NOT just for four year colleges! It is also for trade schools and community colleges.
FAFSA can cover cost for your educational path based on need.
- Grants: FREE money that doesn't need to be repaid.
- Loans: Low-interest lows can pay for school. You need to repay these!
- Work Study: Earn money while attending school.
The FAFSA application will open December 1 for the 2025-26 academic year!
How to get started NOW!
Create your FSA ID now CLICK HERE (PARENTS be careful to use your OWN information for your account and the student will need to use THEIR OWN information to create their account.
UNDERSTANDING STUDENT DEBT
FEDERAL PERKINS LOANS & FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS
These federally backed and administered loans usually come with a low interest rate, making them attractive for students and parents. When the time comes to start making payments, only the student is obligated to repay these loans — not the parents. In fact, there’s no co-signer. If the student defaults on a federal student loan, it will affect the student’s credit and won’t be reported on the parent’s credit history.
FEDERAL PARENT DIRECT PLUS LOANS
Parents of eligible undergraduates can apply for the Parent Direct PLUS program to cover the remaining costs after other financial aid. The student just needs to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A parent PLUS loan can’t be transferred to the child. In other words, the parent borrower is legally responsible for the loan. Some families will create a side agreement for repayment. But remember, under the PLUS program, any lower payment, forgiveness or deferment options will be based exclusively on the parent borrower’s situation — even if it’s the student who makes payments back to the parents.
Co-signing a private loan
Most private student loans require co-signers — such as a parent or guardian. A co-signer helps in many ways — mainly by increasing the chances of getting the loan and by scoring a lower interest rate. But the co-signer is also responsible if the student is unable to repay the loan. It will also go on the co-signer’s record and count toward student loan debt, which means it can also affect their credit score. “Co-signing is essentially identical to taking on the loan itself; if it's not paid, your credit will be ruined. Even if the payments are made on time, the co-signed loan will still show up as an obligation on the co-signer’s credit history.
If you struggle to repay a loan
If you find yourself falling behind on a loan, it can dent your credit score – as loans considered delinquent are typically reported to three major credit reporting agencies. If you fall further behind, your loan may go into default and debt collectors could start contacting you.
A NOTE FROM COLLEGE POSSIBLE
Is your goal to attend college after graduation? College Possible may be for you!
My name is Chris, and I’m the College Possible coach at Papillion-La Vista High. I provide one-on-one coaching and group sessions on all things college - financial aid, scholarships, essays, and of course college applications. Our application is closing soon for seniors, and I want to make sure no one misses out on this awesome, FREE program.
Last year, Papillion-La Vista College Possible seniors were awarded over $250,000 in scholarships and all of them were accepted to college. Let us help you meet your goals!
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
2.5 minimum GPA
Meet family income requirements (if unsure if your family would qualify based on income, we always recommend applying and we will help determine your eligibility)
Interested in a 4-year (Bachelor’s) degree
Willing to commit to full program participation (one group session per month and one meeting with your coach per month)
Our senior application closes at the end of the month, so if you are interested, please visit www.collegepossible.org/apply and click on “Omaha”, or simply click here!
WHY SHOULD I TAKE THE AP EXAM?
PLHS does not mandate that exams are taken, but they are encouraged because of the many benefits they have. As AP Coordinator, Mr. Caruso would like you to consider taking the exams. There will be a window to make the deposit. This is essential for the exam to be ordered. AP Exam Deposit Payment Windows:
- For all year and 1st semester classes: September 27th – November 4th
- For 2nd semester only classes: February 4th – March 4th
How do I sign up?
Step 1: This step should have already happened in your student’s class. They will need to join the class and move the exam status to “YES” on the MyAP site.
Step 2: Pay the deposit and confirm intentions by 11/4 on APTSUSA.
