Letter from the Superintendent - February 2016
The excitement of the completion the a child’s first semester of college also brings about the reality of the enormous task of funding that college expense for the next three and a half years, let alone the presumed three years of graduate school beyond that for our oldest. When we add the costs of two more in college after two and a half years, then things really become frightening. I guess what I’m trying to say is, it’s never too early to start thinking about how that school financing process works and how you and your child expect to make that happen.
There are lots of ways to help, from starting a 529 savings account that not only has tax advantages for you but over years of time can make even a small monthly contribution a good start on your child’s college costs. Read and investigate how this whole financial aid thing works, from filling out the FAFSA form (federal government) to what schools really give out scholarships for. There are many things that schools give scholarships for, primarily ACT scores and grades in courses that exhibit an increasing level of difficulty. Yes, schools give scholarships for athletic ability, but they are getting really stingy with those “full rides” that we see a few athletes receive. Logically, those percentages of student-athletes that are offered scholarships tend to be those who also excel in the classroom. College coaches do not want to worry about whether their players will be eligible for their next contest, or semester for that matter. Colleges award scholarships for music, drama, speech, range judging, art; the list goes on. Have a willingness to do hard work, show great attention to detail, and commitment to excellence. It will matter when looking at students for scholarships. Attitude. Positive attitude. It matters.
Four years of college is not for everyone. A one or two-year training program is often as productive as or even more so than a four-year degree. Entering the military can be a great choice for many students. That same hard work ethic and attitude will take you far there, as well. There are still areas where you can enter the workforce and do well if you show the right set of skills. Show the willingness to work hard, ability to show up on time, and have a positive attitude. Learn how the company works, be willing to contribute, do your job well, and you can go far. The world is yours for the taking. There aren’t many options out there if you don’t graduate from high school, however. That is the first step on the road to success.