1450 W. Cermak ~ Chicago, IL 60608 Phone: (773) 534 -7042 ~ www.benitojuarez.

net

Benito Jurez Community Academy Class of 2014 Newsletter

I M P O R TA N T DA T E S TO REMEMBER April 23, 2014 Senior Panoramic Picture Cap and Gown Orders Information on Purchasing Graduation Rings May 23, 2014 Senior Final Grades Due May 29, 2014 Graduation Rehearsal & Locker Clean -Out May 30, 2014 Cap and Gown Distribution May 30, 2014 Senior Prom June 2, 2014 Graduation Ceremony
Dear Graduating Senior and Family: Benito Juarez Community Academy is a wonderfully unique learning community that values and demonstrates respect for the individual and the educational experience at every level. Our school was founded on the principle that el respeto al derecho ajeno es la paz and the graduating class of 2014 has consistently exhibited respect for each other and those around them. It is a class that is morally and socially conscience of the fact that the world around them must be made better through action. You are gifted and dedicated students that continually exemplify what is possible at Benito Juarez Community Academy. You are the soaring eagles of the Benito Juarez Community Academy class of 2014 and that means something deep and profound. It means something more than just a piece of paper. As the graduating class of 2014, you embody what the Benito Juarez Community Academy graduate truly is: competent, open to growth, ethically and morally rooted, committed to building communities, committed to improving the world. As you leave us to start down your new path, you must never forget where you come from or the community that helped shape who you are today. Congratulations to the class of 2014. Go Eagles! Juan Carlos Ocon Principal

Whats inside

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Student Good Standing Policy (Reminder of Senior Event Participation Expectations 2 Senior Activity & Graduation Fees.................... 3 Senior Final Grades Due... 3 Cap & Gown Order , Pick up & Panoramic Picture Information........... 3 Graduation Rehearsal & Locker Clean-Out .............................................. 4 Senior Prom.. 4 Graduation Ceremony......................... 5 Diploma & Final Transcript request.. ............ 5 Summer before college ............................. ...6 BJCA School Counselor Contact Information..................................................... 7

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Reminder of High School Senior Event Participation Expectations Your son/daughter will be excluded from senior events (Senior Prom & Graduation) if they do not meet academic and attendance criteria: 1) Academic Expectations: Students must pass ALL their classes in order to participate in senior activities. Make sure your student continues to attend class, completes assignments, and strives to maintain the highest grades possible. Colleges ask for a final report card, and make adjustments to scholarships based on those grades. Student must complete all of the diploma requirements in order to walk in the Graduation Ceremony.
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2) Good Standing Attendance Expectations: Your student must attend school every day on time. Total absences (any combination of excused and unexcused) will result in exclusion from certain events. Note that Senior-specific events take into account attendance for the full year while general school events are dependent on absences per semester.

Senior Specific Events Total Absences (Full year): 21 or more 27 or more Excluded From: Prom ( May 30, 2014 ) Graduation ( June 2, 2014)

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Senior Activity & Graduation Fees

ALL senior fees are due May 1st Prom: $80.00 Graduation: $75.00 includes 5 tickets, Cap & Gown and Diploma Cover ALL school, senior activity & graduation fees that are pending should be paid in full before May 1st in the main office.

Acceptances and Scholarships

94% of all seniors have applied to college College Acceptances: 423

Senior Grades Due!

Senior Grades are due May 23, 2014. It is important that all seniors are passing their classes and submit all work to teachers. If any student does not meet the academic requirements for graduation parents will be notified in advance. Any questions please ask your student's assigned counselor.

(4 Year-Universities)

Cumulative Scholarship Total: $7.3 million FAFSA Completion Rate: 92% of eligible students

Cap & Gown Order Pick-up Information

Seniors will order their Gap & Gown on Wednesday April 23, 2014. Students can also place an order for their graduation ring. Seniors will pick up their cap and gown on Friday May 30, 2014 from 7:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Senior Panoramic Picture & Graduation Rings

Seniors will take their panoramic picture in the gym on Wednesday April 23. Seniors will also receive information on purchasing graduation rings.

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Our students are soaring to

Albion College Columbia College DePaul University Dominican University Drake University Illinois College Kent State Knox College Lake Forest College Loyola University-Chicago Northern Illinois University Southern Illinois University St. Xavier University University of Illinois at Chicago University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Iowa

Graduation Rehearsal
Seniors that have met all the requirements for graduation will participate in the graduation rehearsal. Graduation rehearsal will take place on May 29, 2014 in the Benito Juarez high school auditorium from 7:45am - 10:15am.

Locker Clean-Out
After graduation rehearsal on May 29, 2014, students will clean out their lockers and return text books to the teacher.

Senior Prom 2014

Date: Friday, May 30 Time: 7pm-midnight Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel 163 E Walton Pl. Chicago, IL 60611
Outside Guest Protocol If students outside of Juarez want to attend the prom they must have their school dean contact Juarezs school dean and state that the student is in good standing. That student must also bring his student ID to the dance. College students under 21 will be allowed. College students must bring their college ID.

Questions about Prom? Western Illinois University Ms. Hadeel Shabib, Senior Council Advisor Hhshabib@cps.edu

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Senior Student Spotlights

Ricardo Rangel is the Winner of the POSSE scholarship to the University of Wisconsin and the recipient of a full tuition Scholarship at Iowa State University. Violetta Montanez, Sandra Garcia & Mauricio Santamaria are our current Gates Millennium Scholar Finalists. Daisy Torres is a 2014 Golden Apple Scholar Recipient.

Graduation Ceremony
Date: Monday, June 2 Time: 6pm-9pm Location: Navy Pier Grand Ballroom Address: 600 E Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611 Ticket Information: Each student will receive 5 tickets for the graduation cermony. Time: Graduation will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. Students are asked to arrive at least an hour before. Guests are advised to arrive at least a half hour in advance. Graduation protocol states that there should be no balloons. Parking: There is on-site parking available in Navy Pier. Parking garage rates range from $20.00 to $30.00.

Final Transcript Request & Diploma Information

Students will receive a slip on May 29th after graduation rehearsal to fill out a final transcript request. The final transcript will be sent to . their final college choice. Please allow between 2 or 3 weeks for delivery after graduation. If there is any change in request please speak to the assigned counselor. During the ceremony, students will receive their diploma cover. Counselors will give students their actual diploma after the graduation ceremony. We ask that families be patient while students receive their diploma.

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College-going tips...
Colleges have on-site programs that help students transition to college. It is important that your child access these services as soon as they enroll in college to ensure they are successful. Most of these services are free! Examples of Support Services: Career Centers: They can help students write resumes, find employment and internships. Tutoring & Writing Centers: Students can get help with essay revisions and homework. Counseling Services: If you're having a tough time coping with stress, a counselor at the college can help. Financial Aid Office: They can help explain your financing and loan options. They are experts at finding ways to pay for school and can introduce you to strategies you may not have considered.

Summer before College...

There are important steps that need to be completed over the summer in order for a student can enroll in college The tasks listed below are common to most colleges, but you should check the acceptance materials or contact the college to see if there are other tasks specific to your college. To find out how to complete any of the tasks below at your college, call your admissions office or ask a BJCA school counselor . 1. CONTACT A SCHOOL COUNSELOR IF YOUR CHILD NEEDS HELP OVER THE SUMMER! Counselors will be working this summer to help you with any challenges that arise. Counselors will be available by email and onsite. 2. Check the status of financial aid: Check the most recent award letter to see whether there are additional steps you need to take to apply for aid. 4. Register for your colleges orientation: Many colleges hold required orientations for all first-year students. Some colleges have family orientations. Check what documents you are required to bring with you to orientation. 5. Check whether you need to complete placement testing before you start school. Colleges often require placement tests in math, reading, and writing. Some colleges do these tests at Orientation; others require you to do the tests online or on campus beforehand. 6. If your child is living on campus make sure you complete any housing forms, if your college offers housing: Most colleges require you to pay a housing deposit and complete a housing form in order to be eligible for oncampus housing. You may also need a current physical exam. Please schedule a doctors appointment accordingly. 7. If your student is attending community college it is important they contact the college after graduation to take placement exams and register. Students should meet with an academic advisor periodically to ensure they have an academic plan that will transfer their credits to a four year university. 8. Students will still be getting college updates through Naviance. Make sure that your child logs in periodically.

Parents are important part of the college process! Please ask your child's school counselor if you need any assistance with transition to college.

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Benito Jurez Community Academy School Counselor Contact Information

Ms. Evelyn Snchez Ms. Bertha Ruiz (773)534-7042 Esanchez113@cps.edu (773)534-7063 Bjruiz@cps.edu (773)534-7047 Rachavez1@cps.edu (773)534-7106 Gckarvelas@cps.edu (773)534-7056 Ivkogan@cps.edu (773)534-7061 Ulopez@cps.edu (773)534-7045 Gudino1@uillinois.edu Divisions 409.410.411 Divisions 408.415 Divisions 401.402.407 Divisions 403.404.412 Divisions 413.414 Divisions 405.406 ICAC Advisor

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Ms. Raquel Chavez Ms. Georgine Lekkas Ms. Irina Kogan Mr. Uvaldo Lopez Ms. Ivette Gudino

BJCA School Counseling Department Vision The vision of the counseling department is to advocate for each student and facilitate a culture of educational excellence in which every student will be academically prepared to be a lifelong learners and productive members of our community and society. The Counseling department will provide a data driven department that supports the continuous improvement of the school and the district. This is achieved through collaboration and consultation with parents, community members and other educators support student achievement and long-term student success.