Senior Newsletter
ADA Compliant Senior Newsletters
March 2019
How to Apply for College
Deadlines for applications for college admissions at 4-year, 2-year and technical colleges are quickly approaching. Some colleges may have already closed admissions. Seniors are encouraged to submit applications TODAY.
APPLYING:
Complete the application online
UW Colleges - www.applywisconsin.edu
Wisconsin technical college – www.witechcolleges.org
(or get a paper application in the Student Services Center)
WI Private Colleges – www.wisconsinprivatecolleges.org
* Some in-state and a variety of out of state private colleges require the Common Application. To apply go to: www.commonapp.org. Upon completion of applying to the private college(s) of your choice bring all necessary paperwork, including the full name and address of the college(s) to Student Services.
BRING THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS TO STUDENT SERVICES:
Senior Transcript Form (available in the Student Services)
If you do not pay online, bring in a check made payable to:
UW Wisconsin for all UW colleges or
Name of Technical College or
Name of Private College
#10 business sized white envelope with 2-First Class Stamps (DO NOT ADDRESS THE ENVELOPE, DO NOT PUT YOUR RETURN ADDRESS ON THE ENVELOPE) We will address this for you!
STUDENT SERVICES WILL ATTACH YOUR TRANSCRIPT AND MAIL THE APPLICATION DIRECTLY FROM PARKER HIGH SCHOOL.
ACT/SAT scores must be sent by the ACT/SAT company. If you did not have your scores sent to the college you are applying to when you took the ACT/SAT go online to actstudent.org or collegeboard. com to have your scores sent.
OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS MUST COME DIRECTLY FROM THE SCHOOL.
TURN TRANSCRIPT REQUEST and ENVELOPE with 2 STAMPS IN TO STUDENT SERVICES
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY!!!!
Next Steps for Admitted Students
Once students have been admitted, they should follow these next steps:
- Apply for financial aid
- Explore university housing
- Sign up for an admitted student event
- Join the official Facebook group for their class
After students have committed to UW-Madison by confirming their enrollment and paying their class deposit, they should follow these next steps:
- Sign up for placement test
- Sign up for Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR)
- Send final transcript(s)
- Send AP/CLEP/IB scores
If you have been notified that you are receiving an award or scholarship from the college you will be attending or any other organization and would like to be recognized at Senior Awards Night, bring a copy of the written notification (letters, certificates, emails, etc.) to Mrs. Schroeder in Student Services by May 5th.
Students who are invited to the Senior Awards program will be notified by mail the week of May 8th. Awards night is Wednesday, May 15th at 6:30pm in the Parker auditorium.
ARE YOU ENLISTED IN THE MILITARY AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
Stop in the student services office and give your name and branch of service to Mrs. Schroeder. Jostens supplies military cords for you to wear with your cap and gown for graduation
College Representatives Visit Parker
College representatives come to Student Services on a regular basis. If you would like to meet with them, come to student services prior to the visit and get a pass. Sign out with your classroom teacher and come to the Student Services office on the day and time of the visit. Students will be excused from class during presentation times but you are responsible for any missed work.
Additional visits are added daily so listen for announcements!
Colleges reschedule visits in the spring
Technical College Application Dates
The following programs often have waiting lists so apply as soon as possible. Radiology, Nursing, Physical Therapy Assistant, Health Unit Coordinator, Auto Technician, Diesel and Heavy Equipment, Electric Power Distribution, Welding and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
The date your application is received will determine your spot on the waiting list.
Scholarship Application Procedures
Follow these procedures when you apply for scholarships.
1. Get the application form from the appropriate source. Scholarship applications may be available from Student Services, on-line from the Parker Home Page, from other websites or from outside agencies.
2. Type the application if possible. Make it as neat as possible. Use black pen. Never fill out an application in pencil.
3. Request recommendations at least a week in advance. Also give the person who is to write the letter a personal information sheet (located in Student Services) about you detailing information that they may not know. (Clubs, leadership roles, honors and awards, work and volunteer experience, etc.)
4. Request a transcript from Student Services if it is required.
5. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DEADLINE DATES. Scholarship committees do not accept late applications.
6. Note in the newsletter or on the application if you are to return the application to Student Services or mail it yourself.
Scholarship Information
World’s Largest Scholarship Database:
Helps you find money for college:
Scholarships @ UW-Madison
Financial Aid
The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the primary form that the federal government, states and colleges use to award grants, scholarships, work study and student loans. Grants and scholarships are free, but you have to earn the work study dollars and pay back the loans.
All students should consider applying for financial aid.
- Financial aid information (FAFSA) is available beginning in October (previously January). This better aligns the financial aid and college application processes and gives students more time to apply.
- The application must be completed on-line at www.fafsa.edu.gov Families can use their prior-prior year tax information to complete the form instead of the prior year’s tax information. This allows families to file the FAFSA before they file their previous year’s taxes.
Senior Slide
Admission Offices throughout Wisconsin have issued a warning to seniors regarding the importance of doing well during the entire senior year. Colleges do rescind acceptance of students who do poorly, especially during the second semester. Also, colleges expect the student to notify the admissions office regarding any 2nd semester schedule changes. Colleges do not look favorably on taking an easy 2nd semester course schedule.
How Do You Become an Apprentice?
Every apprenticeship is different, from the application process to the length of your training program. For more information on Wisconsin’s apprenticeship requirements and opportunities, visit the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards online or call (608) 266-3332. Before you can enroll in a BTC apprenticeship program, you'll need to complete these steps:
- Find an approved employer who'll hire and train you
Finding an apprenticeship is very similar to a typical job search. Check job search sites like the Job Center of Wisconsin for opportunities.
- Submit your application
The application process depends on the trade you choose. Visit the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards for more information.
- Get approved by the state
If you meet all the application requirements, you’ll become a registered apprentice, and you and your employer will sign a legal document called an Apprentice Contract.
- You're ready to enroll
It’s important to know financial aid is not available for apprenticeship programs. However, your paycheck as an apprentice is guaranteed by Wisconsin law and will increase as your skill level climbs.
Don't ask "Could you write a letter of recommendation for me?" Just about anyone can write a letter. The problem can be what they are going to include in the letter. Rather, ask "Do you feel you know me well enough to write me a good letter of recommendation?" By giving the following information such as your g.p.a, your rank, your outside activities, leadership positions and volunteer work to the person who is being asked to write the letter of recommendation you can be assured that those who say "yes" will be enthusiastic about your performance and will write a positive letter.
Letter of Recommendation forms can be found in the student services office. Fill out the form and include this when you request a letter of recommendation. Always allow at least two weeks to complete the letter. Your teachers will do a better job on your letter if they don’t have to rush. Also, keep a copy of the letter(s) for use later in the college application and scholarship process.
New General Scholarships
Elks Ladies Scholarship -2 scholarships are available to males and females at Craig and Parker. Applications are available in the Student Services office and are due to Student Services by April 12th.
Jessica Joy Arnold Memorial Scholarship – Available to any graduating senior with at least a 3.0 GPA. Must show leadership (preference will be given to those who have been actively involved in 4-H, FFA or the Arabian Horse Association). Student must show letter of acceptance to a college or university for the fall taking at least 12 credits. Letters of recommendation and high school transcripts are required. The application is available in the student services office and must be returned yourself by April 15th.
Lincoln Elementary School PTA Scholarship – Available to any student who attended Lincoln Elementary. Applications are available in the Student Services office and must be returned to student services by April 16th
Southwestern Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Scholarship – Applicants must be producers, family or employees of Producers shipping their milk to SWCMA member plant, must be enrolled in a college/university in a Dairy related field. Applications are available in student services and must be returned yourself by April 13.
Steve Stricker American Family Insurance Foundation Scholarship – Applicants must be a high school senior with at least a 3.0 GPA. Must demonstrate participation in the game of golf through competitive participation, recreational participation, employment at a golf course or golf retailer and/or volunteering at a golf tournament. Application deadline is April 2. Apply at: https://www.scholarsapply.org/strickeramfamscholarship/
Washington PTA Scholarship – Available to any student who attended Washington Elementary School. Applications are available in the student services office and must be returned yourself by March 31st.
Previously Published Scholarships
AB Nicholas Scholarship Foundation – Available to any male or female basketball player/manager who plan to attend any of the University of Wisconsin system schools. For more information visit www.AbNicholasScholars.org. Deadline for applying is April 30.
Abbott & Fenner Business Consultants – Awarding up to $1000 each year. Log on to: http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm
for more information.
Scholarship Deadline is June 14.
Badger Chordhawks Vocal Scholarship – Available to graduating seniors who plan to make music a part of their college studies. Applications are available online at:
www.badgerchordhawks.com/scholarships.html.
Deadline for applying is April 1.
Carrie Crystal Stuckert Memorial Art Scholarship – Available to any student enrolled as an Art major at an accredited institution of higher learning in the United States (includes Art Therapy) All applicants must be US citizens. Applications can be obtained in the student services office. Deadline for applying is April 26th.
Color of Hope 10517 – The Color of Hope 10517 was inspired by Andrew, who passes away at the age of 14. Andrew taught himself to play the guitar and piano, write songs, and perform for anyone who would listen. These scholarships were established to help students interested in pursuing a degree in Music, Art or the study of Psychology. Logon to: https://www.thecolorofhope 10517.com and scroll down to Scholarships in Honor of Andrew for instructions. All that is required is an essay explaining why you chose this field of study and why we should chose you for this award. Essays will be accepted from January 1st - March 31st.
Franklin Middle School PTSA Alumni Scholarship – For any student who attended Franklin Middle School. Applications are available in student services and must be returned yourself by April 13th.
JFFC Firefighter Scholarship – Available to any student who is pursuing a degree in firefighting or EMS. Applications are available in student services and must be returned to student services by April 1.
Janesville Catholic Women’s Club – Student must be a practicing Catholic with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Student must have a friend or a relative who is a member of the Janesville Catholic Women’s Club. Based on active involvement in the Catholic Church, academic standings and other extra-curricular activities in church and school. Applications are available in the Student Services office. Return to Student Services by April 1.
Janesville Noon Kiwanis Scholarship - Available to any student pursuing a post-secondary education. Applications are available in student services and must be returned to student services by April 1st.
Janesville Noon Lions Club Scholarship – Available to any student pursuing a post-secondary education. Applications are available in student services and must be returned to student services by April 1st.
J.P. Cullen Foundation Scholarship – Available to any young women or man who are interested in entering the construction field. Applications are available in the Student Services office and must be returned to J.P. Cullen by March 31st.
Kid’s Chance of Wisconsin – Provides educational scholarships to the children of Wisconsin workers who have been seriously injured or killed due to work-related accidents. Apply by May 1st by using the application form available at www.kidschanceof wi.org.
Laura Watson Volunteer Service Memorial Scholarship – This scholarship is in memory Laura Watson, a longtime member of Lincoln PTA, The Janesville Area Council PTA and the Wisconsin PTA. Laura was also an employee at Parker High School. Applicants should have volunteer service. Applications are available in the Student Services office and must be returned to Student Services by April 23rd
Parker High School PTSA Scholarship – Must be a PTSA member and have attended two meetings of the Parker PTSA prior to the scholarship application. Will be paid after providing proof of at least a 2.75 GPA your first semester of college. Applications are available in the student services offices and must be returned to student services by Friday, March 23rd.
Parker Viking Athletic Booster Club Scholarship – Students must graduate from Parker, have completed SIX athletic seasons during high school, which includes athletics, Pom Pons, Cheerleaders and managers. Must be of good character who is dedicated and exemplifies team sportsmanship. Applications can be picked up in student services and returned to student services by NOON ON APRIL 12th. There will be no exceptions.
Polish Heritage Club Scholarship – Applicant must be of verifiable Polish ancestry OR studying the Polish language, history, society or culture OR be significantly engaged with Polish culture, must be a US citizen or a legal permanent resident, must be a Wisconsin resident, must be enrolling in and educational program seeking the associated or bachelor’s degree in any field, and has demonstrated excellent academic performance (3-4 GPA)
Applications are available at: http://www.phcwi-madison.org/index.php/scholarship
Applications must be postmarked no later than May 15th.
Riverside Men’s Golf Association Scholarships – George Clatworthy Memorial Scholarship and Gene Thorp, Fred Parkinson, Don Kazda Memorial Scholarship – Available to any senior going to a 4 year, 2 year, vocational-technical, beauty school, business school, etc. who is a member of high school golf team or a son/daughter of a RMGA member. Application forms can be downloaded at: http://golfrmga.org/scholarships.html. Download the application, fill it out and email back to: jcrawf43@outlook.com
Application deadline is April 15.
Recovery Village Health Care Scholarship – Available to any US citizen or permanent US resident who is enrolled or accepted in an accredited college or university and pursuing a health-related degree. Areas of study that will be considered include counseling, social work, emergency medicine, pre-med, nursing, psychology. Applicants must submit and essay no more than 500 words describing why they are passionate about health care. More information and applications are available at: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/scholarships/
Deadline for applying is June 30, 2019
South Central WI Builders Association – Student must demonstrate the following: Interest in pursuing a career in a building industry related field, be enrolled as a full-time student and have a GPA of at least 2.5. Applications are available in student services and must be returned to the SCWBA office by March 29th .
Student-View Scholarship – Available to any seniors who plan to attend a four-year college, community/junior college or career school. No minimum SAT/ACT score or gpa, no essay required, no lengthy application forms, no application fees. Simply log on to: www.student-view.com. And complete a 15-20 minute application survey about colleges in your area. The scholarship deadline is April 22nd.
St. William Catholic School Scholarship – Available to any student who attended St. William School for at least three years. Applications are in the Student Services office and must be returned to St. William School by March 29th
Van Buren Elementary School PTA Scholarship – For any student who attended Van Buren Elementary School. Applications are available in student services and must be returned yourself by April 13th.
Vietnam Veterans of America Rock River Chapter #236 – Applicant’s father, mother or grandparent must be a Vietnam-era Veteran. The veteran does not have to have served in the Republic of Vietnam. The application must be accompanied by proof of service dates. Applications are available in the Student Services office and must be returned by you postmarked no later March 20th.
Wisconsin Towns Association Scholarship – Available to high school seniors graduating in 2019 and plan to enroll in a Wisconsin college or university in 2019. The winners will be determined by independent judging of essays about the following topic: “Explain the importance of high speed broadband access to town economic and community development”. Essays must be postmarked by May 31, 2019. The application form is available in student services.
BLACKHAWK TECHNICAL FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
This scholarship is available to any student who will be attending BTC in the fall of 2019. Applicants must have two letters of recommendation and a written statement answering the four questions provided on the application.
Applications are available in the student services office and must be returned to BTC financial office by May 1st. For additional private scholarships go to: http://www.blackhawk.edu/FinancialAid/ScholarshipsandAwards/PrivateScholarships.aspx
UW College Scholarship Websites
Parker High School is not aware of all scholarships available through your college. Listed below are specific UW college websites. Check out the websites for scholarship opportunities.
UW Eau Claire Scholarships
We are excited to share a groundbreaking scholarship program: The Centennial Scholarship. This is a $5000 scholarship which provides $2500 to students in their first year and then they bank $2500 to use toward experiences such as study abroad, research, internships, etc.
More details and scholarship application here: www.uwec.edu/admissions/scholarship.
We now use a separate scholarship application for most of our scholarships and it needs to be submitted by February 1 (December1 for early awards).
UW Green Bay Scholarships
The deadline to apply for new student scholarships is February 15. Scholarship information and application instructions are available at www.uwgb.edu/financialaid/scholarships/index.asp.
UW La Crosse Scholarships
Our Foundation Office offers pages and pages of scholarships. In order to be considered, seniors need to apply for the Foundation Scholarships by February 15. The scholarship application is available at uwlax.academicworks.com.
The application for admission is used to determine recipients of scholarships awarded through the Admissions Office. The most academically-talented students from the pool of admitted students will receive scholarships and will be notified by mail.
UW Madison Scholarships
Find information on all our available scholarships at scholarships.wisc.edu.
UW Oshkosh Scholarships
Students must submit applications to receive UW-Oshkosh scholarships. We do not use the application for admission to award scholarships. Deadlines vary between January and March. Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholars may receive renewable benefits that include $2000 for tuition, half the cost of room/board, $400 for books, and a $1500 work opportunity in addition to the State tuition award of $2250 www.uwosh.edu/admissions/scholarships/.
UW Platteville Scholarships
Students must apply and be admitted to UW-Platteville before submitting the application for any of the following scholarships. All applications are available online at www.uwplatt.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-nf.
UW River Falls Scholarships
Scholarship awards will begin early December and continue throughout the spring. For consideration, your students need to be admitted and have submitted the scholarship application by February 5, 2015. The scholarship application is available at uwrf.academicworks.com/users/sign_in.
UW Stevens Point Scholarships
Our freshman scholarship application is available at www.uwsp.edu/admissions/Documents/UWSP_Scholarship%20Application.pdf.
Priority consideration will be given to admit students who have submitted the scholarship application by January 15. Substantial tuition scholarships are available to National Merit semifinalists and finalists.
UW Stout Scholarships
The Stout University Foundation Scholarship deadline is now the first Monday in February of the student’s senior year in high school. We also offer academic merit based scholarships for incoming freshmen including:
Stout Scholars, Chancellor’s Scholarship, Polytechnic Scholarship
Check these out at www.uwstout.edu
UW Superior Scholarships
Our application for admission is also a student’s scholarship application. Apply by February 1 in order to be eligible for scholarships. If a student qualifies for a UW-Superior scholarship, they will be sent an email of their next steps in March, which includes submitting a letter of recommendation. Admissions, scholarships, housing or campus visit questions can be answered at (715) 394-8230 or admissions@uwsuper.edu. Visit www.uwsuper.edu/admissions to learn more!
UW Whitewater Scholarships
The admission application also serves as the scholarship application for freshman. Applicants must be admitted by February 1, 2015 to be considered. Scholarship consideration extends to individuals ranking in the top 25% of their high school class with at least a 25 ACT.
Free Scholarship Searches
Each of these interactive sites allows students to search for possible scholarships based on personal information provided by the student. Once an application posted to the Web has been completed, the user is able to search for scholarships using different criteria.
Absolutely Scholarships - Absolutely Scholarships is a searchable database that has over 200,000 available scholarships. The search is performed in two comprehensive scholarship databases.
College Quest - College Quest allows students to search for a campus to meet their needs as well as search for scholarships and other awards.
Collegeboard.com - Collegeboard.com enables students to match their educational goals with internships, scholarships, and loans. It offers a wide variety of facts and tips to aid students when planning for college.
Financial Aid Search Through the Web (fastWeb) - fastWEB is a database of more than 270,000 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans
Kaarme.com -Provides tools, reference materials, and connectivity for college-bound students, counselors and parents. You may easily browse scholarships; no login information is required.
MOLIS - The Minority on-Line Information Service provides information about scholarship and fellowship opportunities for qualified minority applicants.
MACH25 - The CollegeNET MACH25 database contains listings of more than 500,000 private sector awards (including school-specific awards) from 1,570 sponsors. MACH25 uses residential, personal, academic, organizational affiliation, and general criteria to match the student's profile against the award listings.
SRN Express - Scholarship Resource Network Express (SRN Express) gives students access to a database of over 150,000 awards. The information is available to undergraduate and graduate students. There is also information about student loan repayment.
Wired Scholar - Wired Scholar allows students to complete an online profile to see for which scholarships they are eligible. Gain access to over 600,000 scholarships, grants, fellowships and internships. This database is available to undergraduate and graduate students.
Valuable Websites
Parker Home Page
Fast Web http://fastweb.monster.com
UW Helpline http://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu
Scholarship Search http://CollegeNet.com
Financial Aid information http://Finaid.org
Financial Aid information http://wasfaa.net
Military Information
Selective Service
When males turn 18, they must register with selective service.
Where? At the Post Office or www.sss.gov.
To learn more about the military, check out the following web sites.
Army www.goarmy.com
Marines www.marines.com
Navy www.navy.com
Air Force www.airforce.com
Coast Guard www.gocoastguard.com
Military recruiters are in the Parker commons during lunch periods.
Campus Visits are Essential
One of the best ways for a prospective student and his/her parents to determine if a college is a good choice is to visit the campus. In addition to providing the opportunity to meet with admission personnel, campus visits allow a student to see the campus through a guided tour. Students can also make arrangements to meet with faculty, coaches or other university staff by pre-arranged appointments.
Campus Preview Days or Close-Ups offer a more extensive agenda. These programs are typically half-day events that feature informational sessions with faculty, student service representatives and current students.
Scheduling early is key when arranging a campus visit or making plans to attend a preview day. Students should schedule with the campus at least one to two weeks in advance of the date they wish to visit. The reservations for some tour and preview days fill quickly, especially on teacher convention days, so it is important to plan ahead.
You can find Preview Day and tour information on the websites of the individual colleges. All of the Wisconsin private and state campuses home pages have a link from the Parker Home Page. You can also call the admissions offices of the campuses using the numbers listed below.
UW-System Wisconsin Private Colleges
UW-Eau Claire 715-836-5415 Alverno College 800-933-3401
UW-Green Bay 920-465-2111 Beloit College 608-363-2500
UW-La Crosse 608-785-8939 Cardinal Stritch 800-347-8822
UW-Madison 608-262-3961 Carroll College 800-227-7655
UW-Milwaukee 414-229-3800 Carthage College 800-351-4058
UW-Oshkosh 920-424-0202 Concordia University 888-628-9472
UW-Parkside 262-595-2355 Edgewood College 800-444-4861
UW-Platteville 608-342-1125 Lakeland College 800-242-3347
UW-River Falls 715-425-3500 Lawrence College 800-227-0982
UW-Stevens Point 715-346-2441 Marian College 800-262-7426
UW-Stout 715-232-1232 Marquette College 800-222-6544
UW-Superior 715-394-8230 Milwaukee School
UW-Whitewater 262-472-1440 of Engineering 800-332-6763
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design 888-749-6423
Technical Colleges Mount Mary College 800-321-6265
Blackhawk Tech 608-757-7713 Northland College 800-753-1840
Chippewa Valley Tech 800-547-2882 Ripon College 800-947-4766
Fox Valley Tech 800-735-3882 St. Norbert College 800-236-4878
Gateway Tech 800-247-7122 Silver Lake College 800-236-4752
Lakeshore Tech 888-468-6582 Viterbo College 800-848-3726
Madison Area Tech 608-246-6205 Wisconsin Lutheran 888-947-5884
Mid-State Tech 715-422-5300
Milwaukee Area Tech 414-297-6370
Moraine Park Tech 800-472-4554
Nicolet Area Tech 715-365-4451
Northcentral Tech 715-675-3331
Northeast Tech 800-422-6982
Southwest Tech 800-362-3322
Waukesha Cnty Tech 262-691-5200
Western WI Tech 608-785-9571
“Careers in Construction”
The Building and Construction Trades Council of South Central Wisconsin will be hosting the 16th Annual “Careers in Construction” event on Wednesday, March 20 from 9 AM to 3 PM at Steamfitters Local 601’s Training Center
6310 Town Center Dr., Madison, WI 53718
Representatives from various building trades unions will be doing hands-on interactive displays. Students will participate in masonry, plumbing, electrical, painting, crane simulation and more. This is a free event for high school students, teachers, and industry representatives.
Call of email to RSVP:
Dave Branson
Executive Director
Building and Construction Trades Council
Of South Central Wisconsin
Phone: (608) 256-3161
Email: executivedirector@btrades.com