Blue Valley High/Middle

KANSAS BOARD OF REGENTS

BV's Acceptable Courses for Qualified Admissions

Requirements

To qualify for admission to any of the six Kansas Regents universities, students may meet one of the following requirements:

1. Complete the pre college curriculum with at least a 2.0 grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale; or

2. Achieve an ACT score of 21 or above; or

3. Rank in the top one-third of their high school's graduating class.

UNITS REQUIRED

1. Four (4) units of English Language.

2. Three (3) units of social studies, which shall include one (1) U.S. History and at least one (1) unit

3. of Government including Constitution of the United States.

4. Three (3) units of science of which one must be a laboratory course.

5. Three (3) units of mathematics. *

6. One (1) unit of physical education.

7. One (1) unit of technology.

8. One (1) unit of fine arts.

9. Sufficient electives to complete graduation credit requirements.

   • Graduates will need twenty-four (24) credits.

   • The freshman class of 2012-2013 will be required to have twenty-six (26) credits.

10. Alternative for senior electives: credits earned at state accredited institutions of post secondary education may be substituted for senior electives provided the following requirements are met:

    • The credit is earned during the senior year.

    • The student is able to provide evidence of enrollment, regular attendance, and satisfactory completion of the courses pursued.

    • The student is enrolled in, and pursuing his or her course of post secondary education until the date of his or her class graduates or until the end of the term immediately proceeding that date.

    • Three semester hours of college credits are substituted for one (1) unit of high school credit or 180 clock hours of vocational training for one (1) unit of high school credit.

    • The student fulfills all other requirements of USD #384 and graduates with his regular class.

* The graduating class of 2015 and beyond will be required to complete (4) units of mathematics. A student can fill the 4th unit by passing a college level mathematics class or score 22 or higher on the mathematics portion of the ACT Test.

BV'S ACCEPTABLE COURSES FOR KANSAS STATE SCHOLARS/CURRICULUM COMPLETERS

Requirements
http://www.kansasregents.org/kansas_scholars_curriculum

The Kansas Scholars Curriculum consists of the following:

English - 4 years.
One unit to be taken each year. Must include substantial recurrent practice in writing extensive and structured papers, extensive reading of significant literature, and significant experience in speaking and listening.

Mathematics - 4 years.
Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and one unit of advanced mathematics suggested courses include: Analytic Geometry, Trigonometry, Advanced Algebra, Probability and Statistics, Functions or Calculus. Completion of Algebra I in 8th grade is acceptable (for the Kansas Scholars Curriculum, but not for Qualified Admissions).

Science - 3 years.
One year each in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, each of which include an average of one laboratory period a week. Applied/technical courses may not substitute for a unit of natural science credit.

Social Studies - 3 years.
One unit of U.S. History; minimum of one-half unit of U.S. Government and minimum of one-half unit selected from: World History, World Geography or International Relations; and one unit selected from: Psychology, Economics, U.S. Government, U.S. History, Current Social Issues, Sociology, Anthropology, and Race and Ethnic Group Relations. Half unit courses may be combined to make this a whole unit.

Foreign Language - 2 years.
Two years of one language. Latin and Sign Language are accepted.

State Scholar, Minority Scholarship Program, Kansas Teachers Scholarship

1. Designation is based on formula figuring ACT scores and GPA.

2. Financial need can also be part of the criteria to receive a scholarship.

3. Must be a Curriculum Completer to be considered for any of these programs listed.

UNITS REQUIRED

ACADEMIC PLANNING

BVHS Graduation Requirements - Class of 2009 - 2015

• 4 Credits of English

• 3 Credits of Math

• 3 Credits of Social Science

• 3 Credits of Science (one must be a lab course)

• 1 Credit of P.E./Health

• 1 Credit of Technology

• 1 Credit of Fine Arts

• 8 Credits of Electives

24 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

BVHS Graduation Requirements - Class of 2016 and Beyond

• 26 CREDITS REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION (2 additional Electives)

• Course Descriptions

Kansas Board of Regents Curriculum - Regents Schools

• 4 Credits of English (not to include Oral Communications or Technical Writing)

• 3 Credits of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or Advanced Math)

• 3 Credits of Social Studies

• 3 Credits of Science (one must be Chemistry or Physics)

• 1 Credit of Computer Technology

Kansas State Scholars - Kansas Board of Regents Scholarships

• 4 Credits of English (not to include Oral Communications or Technical Writing)

• 4 Credits of Math (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or Advanced Math)

• 3 Credits of Social Studies

• 3 Credits of Science (must include Chemistry, Physics, and a Biological Science)

  Separator

• 1 Credit of Computer Technology

• 2 Credits of Foreign Language

Out of State Schools

• See individual school for specifics

Other Information

NCAA Eligibility: See Counselor

Tehcnical Colleges: Board of Regents Curriculum is preferred

Kansas Board of Regents Schools

• Emporia State Universtity

• Fort Hays State University

• Pittsburg State University

• Kansas State University

• University of Kansas

• Wichita State University

Valedictorian and Salutatorian Qualifications

The following criteria will be used to determine the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for Blue Valley High.

Ties will not be broken and Co-Valedictorians will be honored.

1. Overall GPA

2. Completion of the following academic credits

   • 4 units of English (not to include Communications)

   • 4 units of Math (Algebra I at the 8th grade level will count as one of these units if taken in a High School Classroom)

   • 3 units of Natural Science (at least one unit must be Chemistry or Physics)

   • 1 unit of Technology, which must be Computer Applications

   • 3 units of Social Science

3. Achieve an ACT composite average score of 21 or greater, or achieve a total SAT score of 1700 or greater

Other students who meet these requirements will be recognized within the graduating class as a Blue Valley Ram Honors Curriculum Completer.

The following criteria will be used to determine the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for Blue Valley High School beginning with the graduating class of 2014.

Ties will be broken based on the ACT composite score of the individual applicants. If a tie still exists after the ACT composite scores then there will be Co-Valedictorians.

1. GPA will be based on the completion of the 16 core credits listed below

   • 4 units of English (not to include Communications)

   • 4 units of Math (Algebra I at the 8th grade level will count as one of

   • these units if taken in a High School Classroom)

   • 3 units of Natural Science (at least one unit must be Chemistry or Physics)

   • 1 unit of Technology, which must be Computer Applications

   • 3 units of Social Science

   • 1 unit of Physical Education

2. Achieve an ACT composite score of at least 21 or SAT score of at least 1700.

Other students who meet these requirements will be recognized within the graduating class as a Blue Valley Ram Honors Curriculum Completer.

Top Ten Tips for Winning Scholarship Applications
- by Kay Peterson

Ever wonder what the folks who award the scholarships want to see? Fast Web has polled scholarship providers across the country, asking for their tips on applying for scholarships.

Tip #1: Apply only if you are eligible.

Read all the scholarship requirements and directions carefully and make sure that you are eligible before you send in your application. Your application won't make one bit of difference if you aren't qualified to apply.

TIP #2: Complete the application in full.

Be sure to complete the entire application. If a question doesn't apply, note that on the application. Don't just leave it blank.

TIP #3: Follow directions.

Provide everything that is required. But don't supply things that aren't requested &emdash; you could be disqualified.

TIP #4: Neatness counts.

Make a couple of photocopies of all the forms you receive. Use the copies as working drafts as you develop your application packet. And always type the application, or if you must print, do so neatly and legibly.

TIP #5: Make sure your essay makes an impression.

The key to writing a strong essay is to be personal and specific. Include concrete details to make your experiences come alive: the 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' and 'when' of your topic. The simplest experience can be monumental if you present honestly how you were effected.

TIP #6: Watch all deadlines.

To help keep yourself on track, impose a deadline for yourself that is at least two weeks prior to the stated deadline. Use this 'buffer time' to proofread your application before you send it off.

If worse comes to worse, call the scholarship provider in advance and ask if it's possible to receive an extension. Don't just send the materials in late; the committee may refuse late applications. But don't rely on extensions &emdash; very few scholarship providers allow them at all.

TIP #7: Take steps to make sure your application gets where it needs to go.

Before sending the application, make a copy of the entire packet and keep it on file. If your application goes astray, you can always reproduce it quickly. Make sure your name (and social security number, if applicable) appears on all pages of the application. Pieces of your application may get lost unless they are clearly identified.

TIP #8: Give it a final 'once-over.'

Proofread the entire application carefully. Be on the lookout for misspelled words or grammatical errors. Ask a friend, teacher or parent to proofread it as well.

TIP #9: Ask for help if you need it.

If you have problems with the application, do not hesitate to call the funding organization.

TIP #10: Remember &emdash; your scholarship application represents you!

Your ability to submit a neat, timely, complete application reflects on you. It's your face to this organization. Take pride in yourself by submitting the best application you can.

SCAMS

Scam Alert: Protect Yourself from Scholarship Scams

Guess what? You're a 'finalist' for a scholarship. And you never even applied! Too good to be true? Probably so.

The sad truth is, there are scammers out there; posing as scholarship providers or scholarship matching services; who take your money and leave you with nothing. The good news is, you can protect yourself from scholarship scams with a little knowledge and a little caution.

Know Your Scams

Scams come in many flavors, but there are a few typical moves you should be aware of:

The phony scholarship: You receive a notice about a scholarship that promises you cash. All you need to do is pay the registration fee. So why not apply? Because there is no award. Or there is one small award used to lure you in.

The phony scholarship matching service: Pay a fee, and they'll do all the work. They'll find information that you can't get anywhere else! Not only that, they will guarantee that you'll win. The outcome? You never hear from them again or (even more frustrating) you receive a list of inappropriate or defunct awards. And forget your-money back guarantee: the company is long gone.

The phony educational loan: a low-interest loan in exchange for an up-front fee. You pay the fee, but never receive the loan.

The phony free financial-aid seminar: A thinly disguised sales pitch for a bogus scholarship search or insurance offer.

Scam Warning Signs

The fee. Your best rule of thumb: financial aid should never cost you.

Never invest anything beyond the cost of a postage stamp in your search for financial aid.

The 'money-back guarantee' dash; especially if the company tries to 'guarantee' that you will win an award.

Credit card verification. If they ask for a checking account or credit card number dash; for 'verification' or to 'confirm eligibility'- stop listening. Scammers use this ploy to get your financial information and then drain your account or run up charges on you credit card.

And remember: Don't be fooled by an 'official sounding' name. Just because a company uses words like 'National,' 'Federal,' 'Foundation' or 'Administration' in its title doesn't mean it is a legitimate operation.