Summer STEM Opportunity from Rensselaer

Today, I received information about a summer learning experience from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.   I hope that students who are interested in pursuing a STEM career take the time to investigate this program and apply.

We invite you to apply to the PREFACE Summer Program 2014 at Rensselaer!

PREFACE is a two-week residential summer experience for talented high school sophomores and juniors who will enter 11th or 12th grade in fall 2014, from groups that have been historically and traditionally underrepresented or underserved in science, engineering, and technological fields, and are interested in pursuing careers in engineering and technological professions.

To qualify, applicants must be entering the 11th or 12th grade in September, 2014.  The PREFACE Selection Committee will review each application and make its recommendation to the Project Director. Criteria are high school academic performance, standardized test scores, quality of essay, and recommendations. In addition, since all programs are in English, students must have a strong understanding of the English language.

The deadline is March 31, 2014. Applications will not be accepted after that date. Annually, the number of applicants far exceeds available funding. Completed applications and supporting documents should be sent to

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
PREFACE Summer Program 2014
Dean of Students Office
110 Eighth Street, Academy Hall 4629
Troy, New York 12180-3590

Applications will be reviewed and notifications of acceptance will be made by early May 2014.
PREFACE Application form: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/doso/resources/precollege/docs/2014PREFACEapplication.pdf

Scholarship Information--December 13th

We received information on the following scholarships this week:

JP Medeiros Jr. Memorial Hockey Scholarship
This scholarship memorializes the sportsmanship and character of Mt. Hope alumnus, JP Medeiros.   The application can be found in the guidance office.  The deadline is Friday, April 25.

Desiree Mesolella Memorial Art Scholarship Fund--Student must major in art at a 4 year college.   This scholarship application requires students to submit a portfolio.   Detailed information can be found in the guidance office or at dm-artscholarship@cox.net.

Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund 
Deadline is May 1, 2014
Visit www.phillips-scholarship.org

Burger King Scholars Program
There is detailed information at www.bkmclamorefoundation.org/WhatWeDo/ScholarsProgram
Deadline is January 10, 2014

Progress Reports

Mid-term progress reports were provided to students in homeroom today.   If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the student's teacher.    As always, you can access your child's grades through IParent.

College Goal Rhode Island

College Goal Rhode Island will help college bound students and their family complete the FAFSA.    The program is free.  

Event Dates and Locations

January 15th, West Warwick High School, 6 p.m.
January 16th, Rogers High School, 6 p.m.
January 22nd, East Providence High School, 6 p.m.
January 22nd, Juanita Sanchez Educational Complex, 6 p.m.
January 25th , Rhode Island College, Alger Hall, 10 a.m.
January 28th, Westerly High School, 6 p.m.
January 29th, Central Falls High School, 5 p.m.

Scholarship Information---November 26

Hello,

I will post scholarship information that you just arrived to you today, Tuesday, due to the Friday holiday.   Please check frequently because this is the time that scholarship information arrives in our office.

Elks National Foundation--2014 Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars/mvs.cfm or stop by the guidance office for information.

Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund
This is a primarily need based scholarship.  The deadline is March 31st.   The application and additional information can be found in the guidance office.

Empire Beauty School Scholarship for those interested in pursuing a career in Cosmetology.
Visit www.empire.edu/highschoolscholarships

St. Anne's Credit Union of Fall River
Deadline is January 21st.
The criteria are academic performance, financial need, extracurricular activities, community service.
Please come to the guidance office for a scholarship.

Bristol Warren Educational Association
The deadline is April 11th.   Applications can be found in the guidance office.

College Financial Planning--Save the Date

On Tuesday, December 3rd, the guidance department will host its annual College Financial Aid Night in the Mt. Hope High School Library.   The College Planning Center of Rhode Island will be here to guide you through the process.

College Financial Planning Resources

While listening to NPR on my way into work this morning, I heard the advertisement for the Rhode Island Student Loan Authority.    I recommend that you begin to look at its website, risla.com.   It will provide you with a host of resources an information.

REPORT CARDS

We will issue first quarter report cards to your children during homeroom tomorrow, Friday, November 15th.    You can also check your child's progress on iParent.   If you have issues with your account, please contact the District Data Manager, Mr. Nat Squatrito at squatriton@bw.k12.ri.us.

Survey Works

Thank you to the parents who participated in last night's Survey Works.    We had five winners of a Dunkin Donuts gift card.   A special thank you goes out to Scott Pattie and his parents' advisory group for their generous donations of the gift cards

Visiting Nurse Services--Community Service Opportunities

The Visiting Nurse Services has community service opportunities for high school students.   They are looking for office assistants, maintenance help, archivists and flu clinic volunteers.   If you are considering a career in the medical field, this may be a good way to learn if it is a good choice for you.    Contact Dale Aubrey, Volunteer Coordinator at 6822100, ext. 1452

Scholarship Information

Scholarship information has begun to arrive to our office.   Typically, I will post on Fridays.   This week I decided to wait until the community was fully aware of our new and improved website.

The Hood Sportsmanship Scholarship
This is available to student varsity athletes who have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher, volunteered in the community and plan to attend a two or four year college.   Students must write an essay.   Information can be found at hood.com or call Lorraine Wark at 2027723119, ext. 21

The GE Reagan Foundation Scholarship
Students must demonstrate exemplary leadership, drive and integrity.    You can find additional eligibility requirements and an online application at www.reaganfoundation.org/scholarships

United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship
Students can use this for educational expenses.  Applications may be found in the guidance office or emailing the state chairman at ajr810@yahoo.com.   The deadline is December 30th.

Survey Works for Parents

We will administer the parent survey of Survey Works in the Mt. Hope Library tomorrow night during Parent/Teacher conferences.   If you have time, please stop into the library to take the survey.  You may take the survey electronically or on paper. The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete.   If you complete the survey tomorrow night, your name will be entered into a raffle for a small prize.

I hope that you participate.   The survey provides us with important information that allows us to make Mt. Hope a better school for your children.

Parent Teacher Conferences, Wednesday, November 13

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held tomorrow night at the high school from 5:30-8:30.   If you would like to add your child's guidance counselor into your schedule, please email the counselor to set aside a time.   Making an appointment with the counselor will ensure that you have the opportunity to speak with him or her.    Of course, the doors to guidance are always open and if a counselor is not speaking with another parent, counselors are available to speak with you.

We look forward to seeing you at Mt. Hope tomorrow night.

Mid-Term Progress Reports

1st Quarter Mid-Term Progress Reports were issued to students today.   If you have any questions about your child's progress, please contact your child's teacher or guidance counselor.

NECAP

11th graders will continue to take NECAP tests next week.   On Monday and Tuesday, students will take the reading portions of the NECAP.   On Thursday and Friday, students will take the math portions of the NECAP.

Homeroom will be first thing in the morning on NECAP testing days.

Our juniors have been wonderfully cooperative during the testing.   :)

Scholarship Information

Janice M. Scott Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship has been established to honor Janice M. Scott who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.  In order to be eligible for this scholarship, students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident with a 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale.   The student must plan to matriculate in a four-year college or university within the U.S.    This student should demonstrate leadership and the adjusted household income may not exceed $60000.    Applications for this scholarship can be found in the guidance office.

United States Service Academies---a message from Senator Reed

Senator Jack Reed asked us to communicate that the deadline for prospective candidates requesting a  nomination through his office is Thursday, October 31, 2013.    If you have questions or require additional information, please contact Steven Usler, Service Academy Coordinator to Senator Reed, at 401-943-3100 or Steven_Usler@reed.senate.gov.

This summer, I called Steven Usler because I had questions about the process.    Mr. Usler provided me with a thorough explanation of service academy applications, nominations and appointments.   It was an absolute pleasure to speak with him and he taught me a great deal.   I am confident that you will have the same experience.   He is a fabulous resource.  

37th Annual Rhode Island Regional College Fair

The 37th Annual Rhode Island Regional College Fair will be held on Sunday, October 6th from 1-3 at Rhode Island College in Providence.    For more information, go to www.riaao.com

Doodle for Google

There's a great competition from Google called "Doodle 4 Google"   It's an art competition based on a theme selected by Google.  The students will create a drawing and the winner will get their drawing displayed on Google's home page.

Last year, they gave away a $30,000 college scholarship, and a $50,000 technology grant for their school to the winner.

The competition for 2014 starts in January.

Here is the link to the page:  http://www.google.com/doodle4google/

Yoga Opportunity for Mt. Hope High School Students

Ms. Mastriano, English teacher at Mt. Hope High School, will offer free yoga classes to MHHS students.  Ms. Mastriano is in the process of earning her yoga teacher certification.   In order to earn her certification, she must complete a certain number of voluntary hours of service.  She will offer free yoga classes to MHHS students over the next 8-10 weeks (Thursdays, 2:45-3:45ish in the library classroom).   The class will be geared toward beginners, but students with experience are certainly welcome.  Ms. Mastriano wants to cultivate a safe, fun, “no-judgment zone” with the added benefit of exercise. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Mastriano.  

 

4Pi---Perfect Attendance Award

In the 2013-2014 academic year, Mt. Hope High School will offer an incentive to encourage students to come to school every day ready to learn. This incentive comes in the form of an attendance award which will be presented to a high school senior who has perfect attendance for each of the four years he or she has attended Mt. Hope High School.

The 4 Pi Attendance Award will be presented to a high school senior who has attended 720 continuous days of instruction.  The deserving student will receive $720 for this accomplishment, one dollar for each day of attendance.  Why is 720 the lucky number?  That sum is equal to the number of degrees in 4 pi radians.

This creation of this award is the brainchild of an anonymous donor who has established the 4Pi Attendance Award Scholarship Fund with an initial deposit of $10,000.  The one caveat to the creation of the fund is that the donor remains anonymous.  The only clue to this mystery is the name of the award itself!

Thank you...

Thank you to the students and families who joined us for the College Fair and College Information night last night.   We had a great turnout.

College Fair Update and College Visits

The following colleges and universities have confirmed their attendance at our College Fair on September 25th.

Anna Maria College

Assumption College

Bay State College

BCC

Becker College

Bryant University

Dean College

Elms College

Emmanuel College

Endicott College

Hofstra University

Johnson and Wales University

Keene State College

Lincoln Culinary Institute

Merrimack College

Pine Manor College

Providence College

Quinnipiac University

Rhode Island College

Roger Williams University

Sacred Heart University

Saint Anselm College

Southern New Hampshire University

The Arts

Unity College

University of Rhode Island

Wheelock College

Wentworth Institute of Technology

Western New England University Also, the following colleges will be here for individual site visits in the Guidance Office at 2:30. Western New England University--Wednesday, October 23 University of Massachusetts, Boston, October 24th Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, November 13

ACT Information

The ACT is another standardized measure that colleges utilize in their admissions decisions.   The ACT scores are accepted by ALL four-year colleges and universities across the United States.    There is an October ACT test.   It will be administered on October 26th.  You can find out additional information at www.actstudent.org/start   The registration deadline for the October test is September 27th.

Informational Meeting from the Harvard Club of Rhode Island

  


The Harvard Club or Rhode Island is hosting its annual information session about admission to Harvard College.

Sunday, October 6th, 2013

4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Moses Brown School

250 Lloyd Avenue

Providence, Rhode Island 02906

Featured Speaker: Meghan Stetson

Admissions Officer

The Officers and Directors of the Harvard Club of Rhode Island cordially invite interested high school juniors and seniors and guidance staff to the Sixty Third Annual Secondary School Information Session. We would like to extend a special invitation to you based on your academic achievements.

We will present a program on Harvard College, featuring a panel discussion by current Harvard undergraduates, a video about campus life, and our featured speaker, Meghan Stetson, who will discuss aspects of admission and life in Cambridge. Meghan is the admissions officer for Rhode Island.

Registration begins at 3:45 pm and the program will begin promptly at 4:00 pm.

RSVP BY Monday, September 30th, 2013 to:



E-mail: enovis@theyoungscientistsclub.com


Esther Novis and John Stafford Tobias Lederberg

Co-Chairs, Schools & Scholarships Committee President

Harvard Club of Rhode Island Harvard Club of Rhode Island

College Fair and College Information Night---more details---

Mt. Hope High School College Fair and College Information Night

 

 We will host our annual College Fair on September 25^th from 4-7 in the MHHS cafeteria.    To date, we have 30+ colleges and universities that have confirmed their attendance.     

In addition to the College Fair, the guidance department will hold two college application and information sessions on the night of the 25^th in the Mt. Hope High School library.    The first session will run from 5-6 in the library.   The second session will run from 6-7.    The guidance counselors will explain the ins and outs of the college application process: how to begin, the Common Application, essays, obtaining letters or recommendation.

If you have any questions, please contact me via email at copelandj@bw.k12.ri.us.

 

Upcoming College Fairs

The 4th Annual College Fair at McCoy Stadium will be held on Wednesday, September 18th from 6-8 p.m.   You can pre-register at www.cpcri.org.   There will be over 100 colleges and universities present at this fair.   Feedback from students and families has always been positive.

We will host our annual College Fair at Mt. Hope High School on September 25th in the Mt. Hope High School Cafeteria from 4-7.    Please consider attending this fair.

Day 2 of the New School Year

Welcome back!   The opening day of school went smoothly.    Next week, we will hold our class assemblies.    During the junior assembly, students will learn about the exciting academic and extra-curricular activities that occur during the junior year.   

There are some important points of information that I would like to share with the blog community for our junior students.    First of all, NECAP Writing, Reading and Math testing will begin on October 1st and conclude October 11th.     Also, juniors can elect to take the PSAT on Wednesday, October 16th at Mt. Hope High School.   This test gives students practice and valuable information before sitting for the SAT in the spring of junior year or fall of senior year.    Students may pick up registration forms for the PSAT in the Guidance Office.   The fee for the test is $25.    Checks should be made payable to Mt. Hope High School.   The deadline for registration is Monday, September 23rd.

Gearing up...

Greetings!
I hope that everyone enjoyed the summer.   This week feels like autumn is in the air.    Student schedules for 10th-12th graders will be available for pickup on Friday, August 23 from 8-11 in the Mt. Hope Attendance Office.

Writing Workshops

Due to lack of signups, the only writing workshop that will run this summer will be from July 9-11th.   There is still space available in this section.

Enjoy your summer.

Michael J. Mercurio Foundation Fundraising Golf Tournament

The Michael J. Mercurio Foundation generously donates scholarships to Mt. Hope High School graduating seniors, as well as to the Art Department.   This June 29th, the MJM Foundation will host its annual golf tournament at the Swansea Country Club.   It is an 18-hole tournament.   The cost per golfer is $100.   For more information about this fun tournament, please visit the website mjmgolf.com.

Progress Reports

4th Quarter Mid-Term Progress Reports were issued to students in homeroom today.

Scholarship Information

This week's Scholarship Information...

Mt. Hope Robotics Senior Scholarship

$500 Scholarship for Certificate, Associate's or Bachelor's Degree Program

This is a one time scholarship.   Students must be a current member of the Mt. Hope Robotics Club.   Additional criteria and the application can be found in the guidance office.    The application is due Monday, May 20th.

Rotary Club Scholarhsip

Applicant must be a high school senior and a resident of Bristol.   Students must show good academic performance and service in the school and/or community.    Additional criteria and application information can be found in the guidance office.   Applications are due on May 20th.

Scholarship

Save Bristol Harbor Scholarship
This is a $1000 scholarship to a graduating senior who plans to pursue a degree in Environmental Sciences.   The student must be a resident of Bristol or Warren.   Additional Scholarship information is available in the guidance office.    This application is due by May 15th.

Scholarship Opportunity for Current Juniors---It is not too early to start looking for scholarships.

The Association of Fundraising Executives, Rhode Island Chapter offers a $2500 Kaplan Scholarship.   Information can be found at www.afpri.org.   The deadline is August 1, 2013.

Science NECAP

All juniors will participate in the state required Science NECAP tomorrow through May 9th.  

Don't be Super-Sized!

You are invited to attend a viewing of Super Size Me, the award winning documentary that follows filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock, on his 30-day journey of eating only McDonald's fast food and the changes it had on his physical and psychological well-being.   Nutritionist Emily Delconte will join the group to answer questions about making healthier nutritional and lifestyle choices.  Helpful recipes and resources will be available.

This is a featured presentation of the BWRSD Health and Wellness subcommittee as part of the BWRSD Wellness week.  

Join the group on Saturday, May 4th from 1-3 at the Rogers Free Library Meeting Room at 525 Hope Street, Bristol.

This Week's Scholarship Information

We received information about two scholarships this week.

The First Congregational Church in Bristol will award $1000 to an eligible Mt. Hope High School graduating senior.   The criteria, application and essay can be found in the guidance office.   The deadline is May 25.

The Council 94--Local 581 Scholarship.
This scholarship is for students who have a parent/guardian who is a member of Council 94-Local 581.   The student must be a graduating senior who has been accepted to accredited institution to continue his education.   The deadline is May 17th.   Applications can be found in the high school guidance office.

College Essay Writing Workshops

Tackling the college essay is one of the more daunting tasks for any high school senior in the throes of the college application process.    This is one of the tasks that students usually leave for the fall of their senior year when they are filling out applications, taking SAT's, getting used to the demands of a senior year schedule, playing sports, working, trying to enjoy their senior year and juggling their busy lives.    Writing the essay typically lands at the end of the student's to do list.

This summer, I will offer college essay writing workshops during the month of July to Mt. Hope Class of 2014 members.   These workshops will be small two-three day work sessions so that students can write, receive feedback about their writing and revise.  

If you think that this is something that your child would like to attend or that you would like your child to attend, please have your student come to the guidance office to sign up for the workshop.   Once I have an idea of interested participants, I will create a schedule that offers your child some options that work for him.

The College Visit--Getting the Most Out of Your Visit

Shelley Honeycutt gave some great information at Wednesday's informational session.   If you were unable to attend, please contact your child's guidance counselor via email so that the counselor can get that information to you.

Some College Fair Information

There are a couple of national college fairs in the area that may be of interest to you.   This weekend, there will be a fair in Providence at the RI Convention Center in Halls A& B.   The fair will run on Saturday, April 27th fro 12-3.    If you cannot make this one, there will be another one in Boston at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on Summer Street in Boston.   This one runs for two day: Tuesday, April 30th from 9-12 and 6-8:30.  The second day is May 1st from 9-12.   You can look on the following website, www.nacacnet.org, for the most update list of participating schools.

Scholarships--April 19th

MHHS Student Council Scholarship
This award will be presented to Mt. Hope Students who have demonstrated leadership qualities and contributed to a positive school climate.   Applications can be found in the high school guidance office.  The deadline is May 21st.

Marcia F. King Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is presented to a graduating student who has pursued interest in science to enhance the local or school community.   Applications can be found in the guidance office.   The deadline is May 15th.

Class of 2009 Joseph Machado Memorial Scholarship
This award is presented to a students who has demonstrated talent to understand and to problem solve in a practical way.    The application can be found in the guidance office.   The deadline is May 3rd.

New England Institute of Technology Tech Camp July 8th through July 12th

Current high school juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply to participate in NE Tech's Tech Camp 2013.   This is a week long, hands on technology class at NEIT.   Tech Camp will run through Monday, July 8th through Friday, July 12th.    The only fee is the $75 non-refundable registration fee.    To learn more about Tech Camp, visit www.neit.edu.

This week's scholarships

Class of 2009 Joseph Machado Memorial Scholarship
This award is to be presented to an individual from Bristol or Warren that has demonstrated the talent to understand and to problem solve in a practical way such as building projects and using technology to improve the community.    The deadline is May 3, 2013.  Please pick up application in the guidance office.

Mt. Hope High School Student Council Scholarship
The award is presented to graduating seniors who meet the following academic and personal criteria: good academic standing; commitment to fostering a positive school climate; demonstrate evidence of leadership

The application can be found in the guidance office.   The deadline for applying is May 21.

Advanced Placement Score Reports for Summer 2013

AP Score Reports will be available online for the first time this July.   The CollegeBoard has created an awareness toolkit for students and families.   You can download the toolkit at http://noreply.collegeboard.org/13a08d65alayfousualsnybqaaaaaaa2dhf4arcrgeeyaaaaa

Please know that students must have a College Board account to access the online score reports.    If you have taken the SAT, you already have the account.   Please sign in to confirm that your user name and password work.

SCIENCE NECAP

Juniors will take the Science NECAP on May 7th, 8th, and 9th.    On these days, homeroom will be held first thing in the morning.  

This week's scholarship information

Bristol County Lions Club Scholarship--Complete applications are available in the guidance office.  The application is due on May 2nd.  

Rhode Island Association of Former Legislators Scholarship at the Rhode Island Foundation
This is a one time award of $1500.   The deadline is May 1, 2013.    You should log into www.rifoundation.org and follow the links to Scholarships.

Manuela Guedes Memorial Scholarship
This is a $1000 award presented to a Mt. Hope High School graduate.   This award is geared towards students who wish to commit to pursue higher education and a career in the health care field.   Further information can be found in the guidance office.   The deadline is May 10.

College Planning for Juniors

Juniors, it is April and you are thinking of prom, summertime and the beach.   However, you should add one more thing to your list.  College planning.    The summer of your junior year is the perfect time to begin your college search, write your draft of a college essay and determine your game plan.   

The Mt. Hope Guidance Office will host an informational workshop for juniors and their families about how to make use of the summer to begin the college planning/application process.     This workshop will be held on April 24th from 6-7 in the Mt. Hope High School Library.

Scholarship Information--March 28th

Hello,

I am publishing this week's scholarship information a day early as result of the upcoming holiday weekend.

Kayleigh Ann Raposa Memorial Scholarship:  This scholarship is given in memory of Kayleigh Ann Raposa. In order to be eligible, you must be a MHHS senior, accepted at an institution of higher learning, participate in JV or Varsity Soccer, Basketball or girls and boys track.   Additional application requirements can be found on the application in the high school guidance office.    The deadline is April 26th.

Rhode Island Italian American Hall of Fame: Due June 21st
This scholarship is for scholar-athletes.   Additional information can be found on the application form.   The application is in the guidance office.

Eastern States Exposition RI Trustees Scholarship Committee: Due May 1, 2013
This scholarship is available to students who participated in Eastern States Exposition Youth Programs.   Additional requirements can be found on the application which can be found in the guidance office.

Ladies Auxiliary of the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department:   Due May 5, 2013
You must be a Bristol resident and a child of an active or deceased member of the Ladies Auxiliary or Bristol Volunteer Fire Department, as well as a high school senior and have demonstrated financial need.   To apply, login into www.rifoundation.org

Nursing Scholarships from the Rhode Island Foundation: Due April 19, 2013
The purpose of these scholarships is to provide support for nursing students.   Criteria and application information can be found at www.rifoundation.org

The Portuguese Beneficial Association: Due May 31
This is a scholarship for college bound students of Portuguese descent whose parents are members of the association.    Applications can be obtained in the high school guidance office.

Course Selection Sheets

Course selection sheets are due in guidance today with a parent/guardian signature.   If you did not turn the sheet in today with a signature, please be sure to get the form into guidance on Monday morning.   Thank you.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Congratulations to Mt. Hope's thespians for their outstanding achievements this weekend at the RI State Drama Festival Awards!

Our students presented a cutting from Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451.    Individual students won the following awards:

The Stanley Anderson Award for Proficiency in Technical Theatre Work
The Terry Murray Award for Theatrical Achievement in Acting
All State Acting Company
Technical Merit Award for Sound Design

Due to privacy reasons, I chose not to list students' names without their permission.    If you are one of the talented students who won an award and would like me to list your name, please let me know.  I will be more than delighted to repost your achievement.

The entire production won the prestigious Franco Coli Award for Excellence in Ensemble Work.  This is not a yearly award.   This award is only bestowed upon a production that meets or exceeds the standards that honor Franco Coli.

Great job!

Please do not forget to buy tickets to the Mt. Hope Masqueraders' next production, Hello Dolly!

ZUMBA FUNDRAISER FOR DECA

Do something for DECA and for yourself.   Join us at the ZUMBA Fundraiser on Friday, March 29th from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at LaVida! Dance and Fitness Studio at 651 Metacom Avenue in Bristol.   There is a $10 donation.

Course Selection Season

The season to select courses has dawned once again at Mt. Hope High School.    I always welcome course selection because it serves as a harbinger of spring.  Guidance counselors have attended students' classes to inform them of the courses available in the 2013-2014 school year.   Each student has a Program of Studies and course selection sheet.    Students are conferring with their counselors and teachers to determine the best course of action.  

Families are the most contributors in this process.   We ask that you review the course selection sheet and program of studies with your child.    Your signature is required on the course selection sheet.   If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the teacher or guidance counselor so that we can work as a team to ensure the best placement for your child.

Course selection sheets must be returned to the high school guidance office by the end of the school day on Thursday, March 28th.    

Scholarships!

This week I recommend that you go to the following website, www.studentscholarships.org.   This organization sent us a list of scholarships: Gilbraitti Scholarship, Youth Volunteer Scholarship, Healthy Choices, Scholarship by Design, Caretenders Scholarship, LM Scholarship, Rogers Community Volunteer, Sedary and Associates and Lift Parts Express.    All applications and information for these scholarships can be found at the studentscholarships.org website.

Other scholarships....

5th Annual Alyssa E. Correira Memorial Scholarship
This is a $2500 scholarship.    Recipients will be chosen based on financial need, volunteer work and academic achievement.    Applications must be received by APRIL 13, 2013.   Additional information can be found at www.alysscorreiramemorialfund.org or the guidance office.

Bristol Warren Gridiron Club
A student is eligible for this award if he/she has a minimum of three years participation in the Mt. Hope High School Football program; demonstrated leadership and dedication to the football team; commitment to academics; positively represented the team in the community; accepted to a two or four year accredited college or university.    The application deadline is April 30.   Applications are in the guidance office. The completed application must be returned to the Guidance Office.

Rhode Island College EEP Scholarship
The EEP program at RIC will award three RIC/EEP scholarships to students who plan to enroll at RIC this fall.   Requirements and applications can be found in the guidance office.   The application must be postmarked by April 12th.

BWEA Scholarship
This scholarship is available to Mt. Hope High School graduates and children of BWEA members.   To be considered for this award, please come to the guidance office to pick up the application.   The application must be submitted by April 29, 2013.

George E. Dion Memorial Scholarship
This award is given by the East Bay Striders Running Club to a Mt. Hope senior who has participated in either cross country, indoor track or outdoor track for a minimum of two years.    Additional requirements include the following: earned All Division, All Class or All State honors at least once while at Mt. Hope High School; GPA in the top 40th percentile; enrollment in an accredited two or four year college or university.     There application can be found in the high school guidance office.  Completed applications should be returned to Ms. Nicastro in the high school guidance office by April 26th.

United States Service Academy Day

Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse invite you to attend their annual United States Service Academy Day on Saturday, April 20 from 9-12 at the CCRI Warwick Campus--Room 4080.    You and your family can learn about the exciting opportunities offered by the United States Service Academies and how you may be able to earn a Congressional nomination to attend one of these institutions.    There will be representatives available from each institution available to answer your questions.

For more information you can contact Steven Usler at Senator Reed's office at 4019433100 or Hollie Saunders at Senator Whitehouse's office at 4014535294.

DECA will Bring Back Summer

Mt. Hope High School DECA Marketing Chapter will host a fundraiser, Bring Back Summer Dinner, on Wednesday, March 27th.    The funds will assist eight Mt. Hope students attend the International Career Development Conferences in Anaheim, California from April 23th through APril 27th.  

This conference will allow students to develop leadership skills, explore a variety of career fields, expand resumes and prepare for college and careers.   You can help support these students by attending the dinner.   There will be hot dogs, hamburgers, lemonade and other favorite summertime treats.    There will also be a raffle and a live auction.   

Who doesn't need a bit of summer in a New England March?   Join us in the Mt. Hope High School cafeteria from 5:30-8:00 p.m.    Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 at all four lunches.   Tickets will also be available for $7 at the door.

Third Quarter Progress Reports

Third quarter progress reports will be distributed to students in homeroom on Friday, March 15th.   If you have any questions about your child's progress, please contact your child's teacher.

Hello Dolly!

The Mt. Hope Masqueraders will perform Hello Dolly from May 9-12.    The school store will sell box office tickets during lunch hours.   Tickets can also be purchased online through the school store website.  

POETRY SLAM

Mt. Hope's 3rd Annual Poetry Slam will be held in the high school cafeteria on Wednesday, March 20th.   If you would like more information, please contact Ms. Mastriano.

Support Local Talent at the Talent Show

The Mt. Hope Talent Show will be held on Monday, March 11th at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.   The cost of admission is $5.    Mr. Pellerin would like me to remind you that it will last approximately two hours, so that all Bachelor fans will be home in time to watch the finale.

Tons of Scholarships this Week

Greetings!

We received an awesome amount of scholarship information this week.  Many of these are from local organizations.  Thank you.

Community Concerts Series at St. Michael's Music Scholarship
This $1000 is open to a graduating senior who plans to pursue a music-related field at a two or four year college as a full time student.
The complete application is in the guidance office.

Bristol Prevention Coalition
The BPC will give one scholarship to a Mt. Hope students who has demonstrated the most to prevent substance abuse among peers.
The application is due on April 12th.   You can pick up an application in the guidance office.

Deanna M. Brule Educational Fund Scholarship
This will be awarded to a Warren reside who pursues an education in a technical program or a 2 or 4 year institution of higher learning.    Two recipients will receive a $500 scholarship.
The application and criteria can be found in the guidance office.   Completed applications must be postmarked by April 15th.

Rhode Island Association of Admission Officers
Students must be graduates of a RI high school or received a RI GED and be accepted as a first year degree or certificate candidate at an RIAAO institution.    Applications are available in the guidance office.   Applications must be postmarked by June 1, 2013.

Navigant Credit Union
This is open to any graduating senior entering an accredited junior college, college, university or technical institution.   Students must be a member or the immediate family member of a Navigant Credit Union member.   The deadline is May 1st.   Students can find the application at www.navigantcu.org or in the guidance office.  

Advanced Placement Informational Sessions

If your child is interested in taking an Advanced Placement course next school year, please join us for the Advanced Placement informational night on Tuesday, March 12th from 7:00-8:00 in the Mt. Hope High School cafeteria.    You can learn about prerequisites, the course syllabi and expectations for the 12 AP classes that we currently offer.

Open House for Incoming 9th grade students

We will hold our annual Open House for incoming 9th grade students at Mt. Hope High School on Tuesday, March 5th from 6:30-9:00.   At this meeting, families of incoming students can learn about the variety of academic opportunities that we offer at Mt. Hope.

This week's scholarship information---February 15

We received information about scholarships this week.

Matthew Siravo Memorial Scholarship Award
You must be under a doctor's care for Epilepsy.   You must be a RI high school senior applying to or accepted into college.   You can find more information about the requirements at www.mattyfund.org or come by the guidance office.

Alice Sullivan Memorial Fund
The purpose of this scholarship is to provide a scholarship to a female high school student athlete who expresses in an interest in coaching, officiating or athletic administration.  Applications can be found in the high school guidance office.

Shire 2013 ADHD Scholarship Program
The deadline is March 27, 2013.   For information on eligibility requirements, the scholarship application process and more, please visit shireadhdscholarship.com.

NECAP Reports--February 15th

NECAP student/family reports will be distributed to students today in homeroom.    If you have any questions about the report or what it means for your child, please contact your child's guidance counselor.

If your child earned a score of 1 on any of the the tests, Math, Reading or Writing, you will receive a letter from the principal, Mr. Rebello.   In this letter, Mr. Rebello will explain the next steps that we--Mt. Hope High School, the family and the student--must take together in order to bring your child to the level of proficiency required by the Rhode Island Department of Education.    Again, if you have any questions, please contact your child's guidance counselor.

The week after vacation, guidance counselors will meet with students who earned a 1 in order to explain the progress plan.

Scholarship Information February 8

2013 Lighthouse Computer Sciences/Tech Collective Scholarship for Computer Science
The deadline for this scholarship is April 12, 2013.   This a $1000 scholarship for a Rhode Island high school/post secondary students dedicated to pursuing a career in the Information Technology Field.   Additional information and applications can be found in the guidance office.

Rhode Island State Elks offers a scholarship to students planning to pursue a vocational/technical program leading to a two year degree or technical certification.    Applicants must be the child of an Elk in good standing.    The application and information can be found in the guidance office.

The Mario Della Grotta OCD Awareness
Applicants must have diagnosed OCD.   Application must be mailed on or before March 31.    Please come to the guidance office for additional information and application.

People's Credit Union Scholarship
The student or parent must be a member of People's Credit Union.   Students must submit an academic transcript, an essay, a list of volunteer and community activities and a letter of support from a person in authority at a non-profit organization.    Applications are due no later than April 3.  Additional information and applications can be found in the guidance office or online at peoplescu.com

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Accepting Applications for Seasonal Employment

The Rhode Island DEM is accepting applications for Seasonal/Summer Employment.   It offers seasonal jobs and college internship opportunities within the Agriculture, Fish and Wildlife, Forest Environment, Water Resources and Waste Management for qualified individuals.   There are also several opportunities at state parks, campgrounds and beaches.

Most positions do have an 18 year old minimum age requirement.   However, there are positions for the16-18 year old population.    The scheduled workweek is 40 hours with holidays and weekends a must.   Salaries range from $7.75-$13.75 hourly.   Positions are available April through OCtober.

Applications information can be found in the high school guidance office or http://www.dem.ri.gov/jobs/seasonal.htm.  You can also contact Janice Thurston, Chief Employee Relations Officer at 222-2774, ext. 4602.

School Safety Town Hall

The U.S. Department of Education and National PTA cordially invite you to a School Safety Town Hall with U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan and National PTA President Betsy Landers.    This event is Monday, February 11 from 6:00-7:45 p.m.   It will be held at Classical High School, 770 Westminster Street in Providence.    You must register by February 9th to attend.   Contact jchevalier@pta.org.

Mt. Hope Science Fair

Tomorrow, Mt. Hope will host its annual Science Fair in the cafeteria. The public is invited to see the work of our young scientists at 6 p.m.   Awards will be presented at 6:30 p.m.    We hope to see you there.

Wrestling Team Wants Your Support!!! February 6th

Wednesday, February 6th at 7 p.m. at the Mt. Hope High School Gym

Come support the Mt. Hope Huskies Wrestling team in its quest to bring home the Division 1 South Title against Johnston.    At this point in the season, both teams are tied.   A win in our column means that we would clinch the division title.  Let's fill the stands.   Remember to be LOUD and PROUD!!!

Scholarship Information

Scholarship information

1) Portuguese American Citizens Committee
The applicant must be of Portuguese ethnicity.     You must attach a letter explaining how your Portuguese ethnicity has influenced you.   Additional information and qualifications can be found in the guidance office.   The application is due by April 8.

2) It's My Heart New England CHD Awareness
In order to be eligible, applicants must be diagnosed with a Congenital Heart Defect, be the recipient of a heart transplant, or be a family member of a person with CHD.    Applicant must also be a resident of the New England States, be a high school senior with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, be accepted as a full-time student to an accredited 2 or 4 year college, university or technical school.   Additional information can be found in the high school guidance office.

3) Dunkin Donuts
Applications will be accepted from January 28-Febuary 28.    Applications and informationa are available online at www.dunkindonuts/scholarship.

Report Cards

Report cards were issued to students on Friday.   If you have any questions about your child's progress, please contact the teacher or guidance counselor.

Report Cards Friday

Today is the first day of the 2nd Semester.    Report cards will be distributed to students in homeroom on Friday, February 1.

Institute of Technology Tech Night

New England Institute of Technology is hosting an open house for prospective students on Tuesday, February 5th from 4-8 p.m.   For more information, please visit www.neit.edu/FebTN.

It is not too early to line up summer employment!

The EBCAP Youth Center is preparing for its summer contract.   If you are interested in summer job opportunities, it is important that you enroll as early as possible.   The only eligibility requirements for accessing this service from the youth center are that you are between 14-24 years olds and are a RI resident.   For further information, please contact Amie Carvalho at EBCAP Youth Center.   Ms. Carvalho can be reached via email at carvalhoa@bw.k12.ri.us.

MHHS Seeks Host Families for Visiting Students From China

Mt. Hope will have an opportunity in February to host five students from China during the week of February 4th.    Visiting students will attend Mt. Hope classes during the week.    On such notice, we are looking for host families in the community who will fbe willing to host these students for a total of 4 nights.   

The agency arranging this visit is in the process of considering an extended partnership between MHHS and a secondary school in China.    The international potential that this partnership has for our community could prove to be fascinating.

If you would like to host a student or know of someone who would, please contact the principal, Don Rebello, as soon as possible.

This week's news...

Thank you to the students and families who attended last night's scholarship informational meeting.   The presenter, Ms. Honeycutt, gave us some fantastic information.    As soon as she sends me a power point of the presentation, I will post it on the blog.   

Next Friday marks the end of the second quarter.    Report cards will go home on Friday, February 1st.   

This week's scholarship information...January 18th

This week we received information about three scholarships.   Applications can be found in the Guidance Office.


JP Medeiros Jr.  Memorial Hockey Scholarship

This scholarship is given in memory of JP Medeiros Jr..   He was a member of the Mt. Hope Huskies Hockey Team from 1995-1999.   The foundation of his game was sportsmanship and character.    He taught local youth hockey and tact on the ice.   He was a RI and World Scholar Athlete, as well as a member of the National and RI Honor Societies.   

Students should write a short statement as part of their application.   Students must explain how sportsmanship learned through Mt. Hope Hockey will assist them and their plans after they graduate high school.    More information and the application can be found in the Guidance Office.   The deadline for applying is April 26, 203.

Vincent J. Santo Memorial Scholarship

The Bristol/Mt. Hope Hockey Alumni Association will award 1 $1000 scholarship to an eligible graduating senior hockey player.   The criteria are as follows: active participation in the Mt. Hope High School Hockey Program; strong academic aptitude and acceptance to a post-secondary institution; display sportsmanship/leadership skills in the spirit of the team framework; demonstrate concern for fellow students and/or community at large.    This scholarship is not need based.   Please return completed applications to the Guidance Office by April 26, 2013.

Rhode Island Society of Professional Engineers

This organization is offering a scholarship to high school seniors who wish to pursue a college degree in engineering.    Applications must be received by March 20, 2013.   Applications can be found in the Guidance Office or at www.rispe.org.

Cap and Gowns

If you plan to graduate and participate in the ceremony on June 8th and HAVE NOT ordered your cap and gown, please see Mrs. Costa in the Office of the Deans as soon as possible.