Guidance

School Counselor:  Ashley Lowe                                    Phone: 352-2133                Email: lowea@mckenzieschools.org

Student Support Specialist : NiCole Tippitt            Phone: 352- 2133               Email: tippittn@mckenzieschools.org

Career Coach: Sheila Ridley                                             Phone: 352-2133                Email: ridleys@mckenzieschools.org

 

The McKenzie High School counselor, Ashley Lowe has one main focus: helping students to succeed. She gives your student any information they may need to meet graduation requirements.

Mrs. Ashley can assist in class registration and makes sure MHS students have all the credits they need for graduation. For high school students, she has extensive knowledge on post secondary options. This also includes college information on topics such as FAFSA, and scholarships.


Graduation Requirements

The McKenzie High School counselor ensures students are enrolled in proper courses to earn an approved high school diploma.  Students are in charge of making sure they pass the courses.  Following graduation, students can go on to 4-year colleges, community colleges, enter the military, attend career or technical schools, and enter the workforce. MHS strives to prepare students for the path of their choice.

Each May, graduating seniors participate in a full graduation ceremony in MHS gymnasium.  MHS staff, school board members, and families are invited to celebrate seniors’ achievements.

McKenzie High School, as part of the McKenzie Special School District, follows both district and Tennessee Department of Education graduation requirements.

 

MHS Graduation Requirements 

Credit Area

Number of Credits Required

English

4

Math

4

Science

3

Social Studies

3

Fine Art

1

 Wellness                                                            

1

Physical Education/ Personal Finance

1

Economics/Government

1

Foreign Language 

2

Focus of Study                                                                               3


General Electives                                                                 5         

TOTAL                                                                                      28

 


 

 

ALL credits of the above requirements must be met for a student to graduate.

Students can complete 20  hours of community service each school year to be recognized at graduation.  All service must be completed between 9th and 12th grades.  Please fill out the form and turn it in to the counselor


Post Secondary Options

 

What are you going to do after high school graduation? There are many options! Talk to Mrs. Ashley to discuss your options.

 

4-Year College – After completing coursework at a 4-year college, students earn a Bachelor’s Degree. We will go to College Fairs to learn more about four year universities. 

Community College – Community colleges generally offer a variety of 1-3 year programs in which a student can earn a professional certificate (such as Medical Assistant or Veterinary Technologist) or Associate’s Degree.  Most community colleges are less expensive than 4-year colleges, provide specific job training, and have fewer entrance requirements. For entrance to most, students must have earned a high school diploma or GED, complete the application, and pay the application fee.

Military – Students who want to gain job skills, serve our country, be part of a team, and work right out of high school may want to look at military options.  With 5 branches and various ways to join (active duty, reserve, guard, academies), there are many options within the military. Each branch and section has different entrance requirements.  More information about the various branches, jobs, and entrance requirements can be found at: http://todaysmilitary.com

Career and Technical Schools – These types of schools provide job-specific training to students.  Programs will range in length from a few weeks to 2 or more years. Students come out with the skills and certifications for jobs such as certified nurse assistant, automotive technician, cosmetologist, or computer technician.

Apprenticeships – Some students want to gain professional job skills, but do not want to attend formal college. Apprenticeships may be a good fit for this type of student. Students can gain the skills, education, and certification to become Electricians, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Carpenters through job specific apprenticeships.  Generally, apprenticeships last several years with workers getting paid while they train.

Employment – Students who are ready to join the workforce following high school graduation will want to explore their employment options.  While it is often challenging to find a well-paying job without training or college, students ready to work right out of high school do have options.  Some companies offer paid training and advancement opportunities. Having a strong resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation will help students as they enter the workforce.

 

College Information


Community Colleges

2-years or less

Students graduate with a certificate or Associate’s Degree

Often less expensive than 4-year colleges

Students able to transfer credit to a 4-year college

Some have traditional campuses where students live in dorms, can participate in sports or clubs, etc

Others have commuter campuses where students live at home or on own

 

Public/state Colleges

These are state schools (such as Colorado Mesa University or University of Colorado)

Students earn Bachelor’s or higher degrees

Usually have a wide range of majors

Less expensive tuition than private colleges, though often also have less scholarships

 

Private Colleges

Students earn Bachelor’s or higher degrees

Usually have a wide range of majors

While more expensive than public colleges, private colleges often have more scholarship money available

 

Financial Aid


Scholarships are types of financial aid that do not have to be repaid.

Grants are financial aid from the government or other organizations that does not have to be repaid. Grant eligibility is generally determined through filling out the FAFSA.

Loans are money that is borrowed that must be repaid with interest.  There are many different types of loans available, each with different repayment requirements.  It is essential when getting an educational loan to look at the repayment requirements. Also, when looking at paying for college, it is important to look at the projected earnings of a career in relation to how much loans a student may owe.  Regardless of whether a student completes or drops out of college, loans must be repaid.

Work/study – The work/study program allows students to work on a college campus and earn money to help pay for school.  These programs allow students to find jobs that are in line with the college schedule and are usually located on campus.


More information on financial aid can be found at: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/


FAFSA – Federal Application for Student Aid –  The FAFSA is a application that provides financial aid from the government. This is required for every student who plans to attend a post secondary school (4-yr college, 2-yr college, TCAT, Community College) after high school.  This is also your application for the lottery money. (link to https://fafsa.ed.gov/  )

 

 TN PROMISE

The deadline to apply for TN Promise is  in November of each year.  The website is www.tnpromise.gov.  I will help students create their application during class time.  https://tnachieves.org/high-school-senior 



COLLEGE FAIRS

The Carroll County College Fair has partnered with Bethel Univesity to hold our College Fair each year. Students will be able to attend and learn about post secondary options.



APPLYING FOR COLLEGE

Most all college applications are online.  You should be narrowing down your list of college choices.  You can complete the applications now.  Please let me know when you complete an application and then I will mail your high school transcript.  No college will give you an admissions decision without your transcript.



COLLEGE DAY

Seniors are allowed to take one College Day.  Therefore, I would suggest you take advantage of every school holiday to visit colleges.  No College Day will be allowed after April 15 each school year.