Application Guidelines for Admission (2017-2018)

APPLICATION GUIDELINES FOR ADMISSION (2017-2018)

Eligibility: The Academy of Liberal Arts Newton High School will accept applications from current 8th students that meet the following requirements: currently enrolled in a Newton County school, parent(s) or guardian(s) is a resident of Newton County, or parent or guardian is employed at any Newton County Public School.

Application: Applicants must have Sections I, II, III, IV & V of the Application for Admission completed and received by the ALANHS Coordinator at Newton High School by no later than the end of the school day (3:15pm) on February 28, 2017. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS DEADLINE.

Special Note: All home school/private school students need to submit the application packet in a sealed envelope from the accrediting agency or school registrar. Must be postmarked by February 28, 2017.

Non-NCSS students Transcripts: Official transcripts should be provided after first semester grades have been recorded. Transcripts submitted without first semester grades will not be considered in the application process. (See your School Counselor to obtain transcripts)

Evaluation Forms (Sec. IV): One evaluation form is required. The evaluation form and questions MUST be completed by applicant’s current 8th grade core subject (Math, Science, Social Studies or ELA) teacher.

Letters of Recommendation (Sec. V): Recommendation form NOT provided. One Letter of Recommendation must be from a community/service organization leader or a club sponsor/coach who can attest to the applicant’s abilities in his/her talent area (i.e. piano teacher, dance coach, club sponsor, youth group leader, enrichment program coordinator, etc.). This recommendation should speak primarily to the length of time & capacity in which the individual knows the applicant, as well as the applicant’s maturity, special talent(s), qualifications, character, dependability, and work ethic. Please submit recommendation on letterhead, if applicable.

In the School System’s evaluation of applications to the ALANHS Program at Newton High School, Newton County Public Schools’ personnel wish to solicit and receive evaluations and letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, and others familiar with the applicant. In order to allow those completing evaluations and letters of recommendations to speak with complete candor, Newton County Schools is requesting that all applicants consent to the solicitation and receipt of confidential evaluations and letters of recommendation. Newton County Schools also requests that the Parents and/or Guardians of the applicant waive any and all rights to inspect confidential evaluations and/or letters of recommendation. The said waiver specifically includes those rights created by the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act in addition to any other rights created by Federal or State law to access educational records. This waiver will only apply to confidential evaluations and letter of recommendation received through the application process, and any evaluations or letters of recommendation received during the application process will only be used for purposes evaluating the applications.

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Parent Initial

Open House: All students and parents interested in learning more about the ALANHS Program are encouraged to attend ALANHS Open House Night on Wednesday, February 8, 2017, at NHS. Open house begins at 6:30pm. Doors open at 5:30pm.

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted from March 11 – 28, 2017. All qualified applicants will be asked to attend a large group recruitment meeting. He/she will participant in a series of interactive workshops working in small groups designing projects and discussing contemporary issues. After the large group interview selected applicants will be called back as semi-finalists. Each semi-finalist will come to Newton High School to be interviewed individually by ALANHS Selection Panel. The interview process will include an opportunity for the student to display his/her unique talent. This is NOT a requirement for pre-selection. If your child would like to present a special talent to the interview panel, please limit the presentation to 5 minutes or less. Presentations may be inclusive of, but not limited to: Social science presentations, creative writing sample, oratorical speech, creative dance, visual arts, portfolio samples, musical selection, etc. If there are any questions regarding an appropriate “audition piece” please contact an ALANHS Coordinator.

Notification of Finalists & Waitlist Finalists: The total number of students being accepted into the 2017-2018 ALANHS Cohort has been limited to 56 total students. Finalists will be notified on April 12, 2017, and must confirm acceptance no later than April 19, 2017, at 3:15pm. Waitlist Finalists will be on standby until June 2, 2017.

Funding & Resource Group (FRG): The Funding and Resource Group is a parent resource group for the ALANHS Program. It is the belief of ALANHS that parental involvement is a critical component of academic success. The most direct benefit of this initiative will be higher levels of student achievement and improved school and community relations. The ALANHS Funding & Resource Group is dedicated to establishing and acquiring funding and resources for the Academy of Liberal Arts beyond the standard financial resources provided by Newton County School System. For parents of ALANHS students, membership in the ALANHS Funding & Resources Group is required. Dues for the 2017-2018 school year is $85 per student enrolled in the ALANHS Program. *subject to change.

Orientation Night: Finalists, as well as any remaining Wait List Finalists, are required to attend Orientation Night on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at NHS. At this meeting, parents and applicants will submit ALANHS paperwork and receive information about transitioning to high school and into the ALANHS Program (i.e. scheduling, Summer Institute).

APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION (2017-2018)

SECTION I (Completed by STUDENT &/ PARENT/GUARDIAN)

SECTION II: Information Release and Testing agreement (Completed by STUDENT & PARENT/GUARDIAN)

I, Click here to enter text., parent(s) and/or guardian(s) of the applicant waive any and all rights to inspect confidential evaluations and/or letters of recommendation received during the application process will only be used for purposes evaluating the applications. The said waiver specifically includes those rights created by the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act in addition to any other rights created by Federal or State law to access educational records. We, the applicant and parent / guardian of the above named student, hereby request that ALL school data in support of this application to the ALANHS Program (@NHS) be released to School Counselor & ALANHS Coordinator.

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Parent / Guardian Signature Date

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Applicant’s Signature Date

Applicant’s Name: Click here to enter text.

SECTION II: (To be completed by STUDENT)

Career Interests:

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Awards, Certificates, Projects, and other Recognitions received:

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Extracurricular, Community Service, Volunteer Activities (In and Out of School):

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Hobbies and Interests:

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Leadership Positions and Activities:

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Applicant’s Name: Click here to enter text.

SECTION III: (To be completed by STUDENT)

A. Write an essay about yourself, describing the special abilities, skills, and experiences that qualify you for admission. Be sure to describe the contributions you will make to the ALANHS Program and how both the academic and liberal arts experience will enhance your development as a scholar and a person. Please respond to the questions below using blue or black ink. Be concise as space is intentionally limited.

B. Select Question #1 and ONE additional question and provide brief responses to each.

1.  Select a personal accomplishment (other than grades) you have achieved in school, a community organization, or a competition related to your area of talent in the arts. Describe the accomplishment, the actions you took to achieve it, and why you think this accomplishment is important. *must answer

2.  Describe the MOST challenging academic course you have taken and how you met the challenge.

3.  Are there any special circumstances, background information, or other factors (positive or negative) that have affected your performance in school?

4.  Discuss reasons why the ALANHS Program would be an appropriate educational opportunity for you. Include a description of your interest in the arts, as well as your goals and objectives.

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No students shall be denied the opportunity to participate in any program or activity on the basis of socio-economic status, gender, race, color, creed, religion, belief, national origin, disability, or ethnic group.