Athens High School Senior Cheat Sheet
Your Senior Year Survival Guide
Congratulations on reaching your final year at Athens High School! This cheat sheet contains essential information to help you navigate through senior year with confidence. From graduation requirements to college applications, we've compiled everything you need to know in one convenient resource.
Important Dates & Deadlines
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Senior Orientation | August 15 |
| School Photos | August 20 |
| Senior Portraits Due | October 5 |
| Homecoming Week | October 16-20 |
| FAFSA Opens | October 1 |
| College Application Day | November 8 |
| Senior Class Trip Deposit | November 15 |
| Midterm Exams | December 15-20 |
| Winter Break | December 22-January 5 |
| Semester 2 Begins | January 8 |
| Prom | April 13 |
| AP Exams | May 1-15 |
| Last Day for Seniors | May 17 |
| Senior Awards Night | May 20 |
| Graduation Practice | May 24 |
| Graduation | May 26 |
Graduation Requirements
To receive your diploma from Athens High School, you must complete the following requirements:
- Earn a minimum of 22 credits
- Complete 40 hours of community service (submitted to guidance office by April 15)
- Pass all required end-of-course assessments
- Complete the Senior Exit Interview
- Clear all financial obligations (fines, textbooks, fees)
Credit Breakdown
- English - 4 credits
- Mathematics - 3 credits
- Science - 3 credits
- Social Studies - 3 credits
- Physical Education - 1 credit
- Health - 0.5 credit
- Fine Arts - 1 credit
- Electives - 6.5 credits
College & Career Planning
College Application Process
- Research colleges during summer before senior year
- Request teacher recommendations by September 15
- Submit applications before December 1 for early consideration
- Request transcripts at least two weeks before application deadlines
- Schedule college visits through the guidance office
Financial Aid
- Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) beginning October 1
- Attend Financial Aid Night with parents (October 12)
- Research institutional scholarships at each college
- Complete CSS Profile if required by your colleges
Career Preparation
- Meet with the career counselor to explore options
- Participate in job-shadowing experiences
- Update your resume with senior year achievements
- Attend College & Career Fair (November 2)
- Create a professional LinkedIn profile
Senior Year Opportunities
Make the most of your final year with these special events:
- Skip Day: April 26 (requires completed permission form)
- Senior Breakfast: Quarterly celebrations (September, December, February, May)
- Senior Trip: Virginia Beach, May 4-7 (Deposit due November 15)
- Prom: April 13 at Hilton Grand Convention Center
- Senior Awards Night: May 20
- Yearbook Distribution: May 23
Senior Privileges
Earned by maintaining good academic standing and clean disciplinary record:
- Early lunch dismissal on Fridays
- Priority parking spots in the senior lot
- Access to the senior lounge during study periods
- Voting rights for homecoming court and superlatives
- Designated senior section at athletic events
Testing Requirements
- SAT: Register at collegeboard.org 4+ weeks before test date
- ACT: Register at act.org 4+ weeks before test date
- AP Exams: Payment due by March 1 (fee waivers available)
- State Assessments: Dates determined by individual teachers
Guidance Office Resources
Your counselors are your allies during senior year. Visit often!
- Hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm, Monday-Friday
- Appointments recommended but walk-ins welcome when possible
- Email for transcripts: transcripts@athenshigh.edu (48-hour processing time)
- College representative visits scheduled throughout fall semester
- Free FAFSA workshops: October 5, 12, 19
Your Senior Counseling Team
- Ms. Alvarez (Students A-F): alvarez@athenshigh.edu
- Mr. Benson (Students G-L): benson@athenshigh.edu
- Mrs. Chang (Students M-R): chang@athenshigh.edu
- Mr. Daley (Students S-Z): daley@athenshigh.edu
Important School Contacts
| Department | Phone |
|---|---|
| Main Office | (555) 123-4560 |
| Attendance | (555) 123-4561 |
| Guidance Office | (555) 123-4562 |
| Athletics | (555) 123-4563 |
| Library | (555) 123-4564 |
| Cafeteria | (555) 123-4565 |
Senior Year Policies
- All senior privileges can be revoked for disciplinary infractions
- Diplomas held until all fees and obligations are cleared
- Attendance policy strictly enforced, especially after spring break
- Colleges monitor final grades - acceptance can be revoked for poor performance
- Cap decorations must be pre-approved by administration
- All community service hours must be documented on official forms
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I exempt final exams in my senior year?
A: Yes, with an A average and no more than 3 excused absences, or a B average with no more than 2 excused absences. Unexcused absences disqualify you from exemption.
Q: How do I order graduation announcements?
A: Jostens representatives will be at school in September and October. You can also order online from the Jostens website using code ATHens2024.
Q: What is the deadline for community service hours?
A: All 40 required hours must be completed, documented, and submitted to the guidance office by April 15.
Q: Can I bring a guest to prom if they're not a student?
A: Yes, guests up to age 20 may attend with prior administrative approval. Guest forms are available in April and must be submitted by April 10.
Q: How many graduation tickets will I receive?
A: Each senior receives 8 tickets. Additional tickets are available through lottery if requested by May 1.
Q: Can I still participate in sports during senior year?
A: Absolutely! Senior athletes often have the opportunity to serve as team captains. Just remember that academic eligibility still applies.
Q: What if I need help paying for college applications?
A: Talk to your guidance counselor about fee waivers. Most colleges offer application fee waivers for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Senior Year Survival Tips
- Stay organized. Use a planner or digital calendar to track deadlines.
- Keep grades up even after college acceptance letters arrive.
- Say thank you to teachers who write your recommendations.
- Document special moments with photos and journaling.
- Start building connections with teachers and administrators who can write future letters of recommendation for jobs or graduate school.
- Balance social activities with academic responsibilities.
- Talk to your family about post-graduation plans early in the year.
- Take time to enjoy traditions and create lasting memories.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
- Celebrate your accomplishments along the way!
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