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The Pioneer Graduate
CLASS OF 2024 - Winter Edition
PIONEER - CLASS OF 2024
Good Afternoon Pioneer Seniors & Caregivers,
We are in the homestretch! Let's finish strong as we prepare for graduation! We know all of you have been so busy preparing for future plans by applying to scholarships and completing the FAFSA! Please review the recommended to do list from the Senior Class Office at Pioneer.
To Do List...
1. Review your student's name in PowerSchool for DIPLOMA!
2. Continue College Applications - you get up to 20 schools in the common app!
3. Complete the new FAFSA!
4. Apply for scholarships - Review Below
5. Review the Counseling Announcements below!
6. Review the Graduation Announcement
7. Review the Safety Regulations from EMU for the Graduation Ceremony.
8. Interested in purchasing a graduation suite? Review information below
9. Purchase your Bon Voyage Ticket if you haven't done so already :)
If you have any questions or needs, please email us directly at smithdes@aaps.k12.mi.us or
hyliardd@aaps.k12.mi.us, or contact the class OP at whitecat@aaps.k12.mi.us
Mr. Desmond Smith, Building Principal
Pioneer High School
Dr. Daniel Hyliard, Class Principal
Pioneer High School
Catherine Lee Class OP
Pioneer High School
PIONEER CLASS OF 2024 DIPLOMA NAME CORRECTION FORM
To ensure your student's name is correct on their diploma, please confirm their name in PowerSchool. Names on diplomas will be printed as shown in PowerSchool.
You can omit the middle name, change it to an initial, or add a middle name. Please complete this google form by Saturday, February 16, 2024.
**If everything looks correct and there are no changes, you do not need to complete this form.
COUNSELING ANNOUNCEMENTS
PIONEER COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
SENIOR INFORMATION 2023-24 / SECOND SEMESTER
2nd Semester Schedule Changes Please think carefully before making any changes to your 2nd semester schedule. Competitive colleges will still expect to see a full load of courses along with maintaining your usual rigor. Some of these schools will expect all four core academics (math, English, science, and social studies) on your schedule regardless of your intended major.
Mid-Year Reports
Some colleges will expect a mid-year report from applicants which includes the final grades of first semester senior year on the high school transcript. Not all colleges require a mid-year report so please do your research. Please email your counselor to send your mid-year report.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Regardless of income, all seniors planning to attend any 2-year or 4-year college should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible. There is a new application this year so be patient as they work out the glitches in the system. The FAFSA allows the federal government to determine a student’s financial need, and in turn, it will help colleges offer students a “financial aid package”. It is important that this is done soon to help with the timeline of this process.
Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation - Local Scholarships
Deadline of TUESDAY FEBRUARY 20, 2024 at 3 PM
https://www.aaacf.org/scholarships
The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation offers more than 45 local scholarships for seniors in the Ann Arbor School District. The deadline for this school year is fast approaching so please find time to review and complete the necessary items for the application.
Ann Arbor Public School Scholarships
Deadline of FRIDAY MARCH 17, 2024
Local scholarships available to Pioneer seniors who are interested in culinary arts or business. Some scholarships are for those who demonstrate financial need or are scholar-athletes.
Pioneer High School Athletic Department Scholarships
Earliest deadline is Feb. 20, 2024
A variety of available scholarships for students who participated in at least one sport. Some scholarships are based on need as well.
Washtenaw Community College Scholarships. https://www.wccnet.edu/afford/financial-aid/scholarships/
For those students who will attend WCC, there are scholarships that will pay for your entire tuition if you meet the criteria. Please be aware of various deadlines for each scholarship. Some scholarships due by March 22, 2024.
Scholarship Search Engines
These are websites for scholarship search engines which allow a student to enter their specific information and then receive ongoing emails of available scholarships where they meet the criteria.
https://www.fastweb.com/ https://www.scholarships.com/
Post-Secondary Options
If a senior has not applied to college and/or remains unsure about their path after graduation, then please encourage them to email their counselor for an appointment to discuss various options.
Gap Year Options
Many students are now considering a “gap year” where they join an organization to do service work, travel abroad, or gain work experience in a field of interest instead of going immediately to college. Many former PHS students have found this option both rewarding and enlightening. Here are two popular gap year options from previous Pioneer students:
https://americorps.gov/ https://www.cityyear.org/
OK2SAY
https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say/about
The State of Michigan’s student safety program which allows students to confidentiality report tips on potential harm or criminal activities directed at students, school employees, and schools. Please encourage your senior to use this for any situation where they feel like someone may need help. See the website for specific details.
GOOD CHOICES
It still remains important that seniors attend class consistently and maintain their best grades until graduation. Even though a college accepted a student, they can still rescind an offer based on a drop in academic performance for the final semester of high school, suspensions, and/or legal consequences. Seniors need to be aware of all their academic and personal choices.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
It is up to each senior to know their remaining graduation requirements and to confirm that they are in the correct courses to meet these remaining requirements and graduate in May. Counselors mailed home letters at the beginning of the school year with all remaining requirements. If your senior is not sure, then please have them make an appointment with their counselor.
****Scholarship and FAFSA Information available at the PHS Counseling Website: https://aapihicounseling.weebly.com
PIONEER GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENT - 2024
Eastern Michigan University Safety Protocols - 2024 - Please Read
799 N Hewitt Rd, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
The security measures include:
· All individuals will be subject to a metal detector screening upon entry into the Center.
· The following items are prohibited:
o Weapons including handguns, tasers and chemical sprays
o Fireworks
o Knives, box cutters and scissors
o Laser pointers
o Book bags, purses, briefcases, backpacks, paper bags, luggage, duffel bags, camera bags, wrapped gifts or gift bags
o Balloons
o Selfie sticks
o Beachballs or other projectiles
o Banners with poles/sticks
o Umbrellas with pointed tips
o Skateboards/rollerblades
o Noise making devices
· The following items may be allowed after inspection:
o Diaper bags
o Medically necessary items
o Child carriers
o Small clutch purses 4.5" x 6.5"
o Clear bags (must be no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a gallon Ziploc -- one side of the bag has to be completely free from décor)
· All guests should be prepared to place their wallets, cell phone, and keys into a bin during the screening process.
Signage will be visible in the parking areas prior to entering the George Gervin GameAbove Center, reminding graduates and guests of items that are prohibited and those that are allowed. Security staff and law enforcement professionals will be available to answer any questions prior to entering the facility.
George Gervin GameAbove Center Graduation Suites
Graduation Suites go on sale - APRIL 11
Call EMU Box Office for details
Call - 734-487-3669
Cost - $400
*the purchase of suites are not run by Pioneer High School or AAPS.
CLICK IMAGE BELOW TO ORDER - Image will take you to interactive form.
SUBMIT YOUR SENIOR MEMORIES FOR THE SENIOR MEMORY BOARD...it's Tradition
Upload your Senior Memory Photos
The Senior Memories Board is a new tradition at Pioneer. Pease upload your favorite memories of your senior year. Click HERE for the link to upload your photo.