The US Department of Education and the Obama administration have introduced several reforms aimed at making college more accessible to low and middle income families. The Free Application for Federal Student Ad (FAFSA) is being revamped to make it "shorter, simpler and more user friendly". Effective in May 99, the DOE also began giving students instantaneous approximations of their Pell grant and loan eligibility. Other student aid changes include: 1) The Recovery Act which increases Pell grants by $5000 to $5350/year, 2) The act also includes the "American Opportunity tax credit," a $2500 credit towards four years of tuition, and 3) The "Perkins" loan Program will be expanded to 2600 extra schools and 2.7 million more students.

CHS is pleased to host several colleges for visits the week of 9/29 to 10/2. Students and parents are reminded to check with your counselor or the College and Career calendar from the CHS website. This is also an important source for updated scholarship information. Please check often as the information is "ever changing!"

Special notice to parents/guardians of seniors: time is winding down if you wish to honor your graduating senior in the yearbook. Pertinent information and order form is attached. Act now as first deadline is October 1. Senior Ad Info Forms

The PSAT/NMQST is scheduled for Saturday, October 17th in the Media Center. The cost is $20/student payable in the bookstore beginning September 15, 2009. Registration for test begins at 7:30 AM in the Media Center and the test will begin at 8:00 AM.

The PSAT/NMSQT measures skills important for college success and provides students with the tools they need to start planning for the future.

National Merit Scholarship Corporation uses the PSAT/NMSQT as an initial screen of entrants in its annual academic competition for recognition and college scholarships.