Rock Bridge Student Earns Award for Aspirations in Computing

As part of an effort to encourage more young women to choose careers in technology, the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and Cerner Corporation recognized Rock Bridge Senior Kristen Buster for her accomplishments and aspirations in computing and technology at an award ceremony and reception at the Cerner Vision Center in Kansas City on February 7. 2014.  Kristen was one of sixteen high-school women in the NCWIT Western Missouri and Kansas region to win the award.  Kristen received a glass trophy, a Nexus-7 Tablet (courtesy of Perceptive Software), and a bag of “goodies” donated by many local companies and universities.

The NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing was created to encourage the computing aspirations of young women, introduce them to leadership opportunities in the field, and generate visibility for women’s participation in technology fields. Winners are acknowledged for their outstanding aptitude and interest in technology and computing, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary education.

Congratulations Kristen!

PTSA Survey & Informational Forums

The RBHS PTSA is planning forums to answer questions and provide information on topics of interest to RBHS parents and students.  RBHS parents and students are invited to submit questions and comments by replying to this survey by Friday, February 7th. (Note the deadline has been extended!)

All RBHS parents, guardians, and students are invited to attend a forum on Tuesday, February 18th or Monday, February 24th.  The forums will be the same. 

Scholarship Searches

Is your senior searching for scholarships? Visit the RB homepage, click on Guidance at the top of the page, then Scholarships from the menu on the left, to view national and local scholarships sent to our school. You will find a list of scholarships arranged by due date. By clicking on the scholarship you will find the eligibility criteria for the scholarship and, in some cases, a link to the application as well. This is just a small sample of scholarship opportunities. Visit websites such as www.cappex.com, www.fastweb.com, or visit the Guidance website under “Post-Secondary Planning” (http://www.columbia.k12.mo.us/rbhs/guidance/ways%20to%20pay%20for%20college.htm ) for additional information on finding scholarships. Lastly, be sure to check with the financial aid offices at the schools your student is applying to for more scholarship and grant opportunities!

Salute to Seniors Scholarships

The Salute to Seniors event will be held May 14 to honor seniors who will be receiving community scholarships as well as other certificates of academic distinction. The community scholarship booklet and eligibility requirements for each scholarship are available online via the Rock Bridge homepage or the Guidance homepage.  Counselors met with students  through senior English classes on Jan. 21 and 22 to explain the process for applying for the Salute to Seniors Scholarships. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is Monday, March 3^rd by 4:05 p.m. No late applications will be accepted. We encourage students to submit early so if there are any omissions or corrections that they can be detected and fixed before the deadline. 

Need help with filling out the FAFSA?

You can go to the Gudiance homepage, then “FAFSA” for information. Financial Aid is awarded on a "first come, first served" basis, so you should be completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible.  You will need your most recent tax information to completed teh FAFSA.  If you have not filed your 2013 taxes, you can still complete the FAFSA with your 2012 information and then make corrections once you file taxes this year.   

You should be registering NOW for your (PIN) personal identification number and begin the online process of registering for the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov).

FAFSA Frenzy

This year’s FAFSA Frenzy is Sunday, Feb. 9 from 2-4 p.m. at the Columbia Area Career Center.  There will also be a FAFSA Frenzy offered on Tuesday, Feb. 4 from 6-8 p.m. 

FAFSA Frenzy is offered  to assist students and families in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the primary application used by federal, state, and institutional financial assistance entities in determining an individual's eligibility for grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. Attending a FAFSA Frenzy event will give you:

• Free professional assistance completing the 2014-2015 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Free information regarding federal student aid programs and Missouri state aid programs.
• The chance to win a scholarship for attendance at a Missouri postsecondary institution for the fall 2014 term.

What to bring with you to the FAFSA Frenzy:

• 2013 W-2 forms.
• Copies of your 2013 tax forms, if they are ready. If you or your parents have not yet filed your 2013 returns before you attend a 2014 FAFSA Frenzy event, be sure to bring any statements of interest earned in 2013, any 1099 forms, and any other forms required to complete your taxes. This will allow you and your parents to submit your FAFSA online during the event you attend. You will then need to go back to the FAFSA and submit corrections once tax returns are filed. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool should be available to help submit your corrections accurately within a few weeks after your tax file date.
• Student PIN and parent PIN. You may apply for your PINs at www.pin.ed.gov before attending a CGS event.

Follow RBHS Guidance on Twitter

Follow Guidance on Twitter @RBHSGuidance for info regarding scholarships, visits from college reps, college deadline reminders, and other guidance announcements