Recommendations
Content
Westview High School
Counselor Letter of Recommendation
Colleges often ask for a letter of recommendation from your counselor. Since counselors do not see you daily, they need information about you from variety of sources. The quality and depth of the letter depends on the information you provide. Senior Counselor Contact Andre Abraham (A-G) Beth Johnson (H-LED) Kacey Farrens (LEE-O) Sue Long (P-Z) Information: WHS 503-259-5218 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
NOTE TO STUDENTS: *Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for your counselor to complete your letter. *You are responsible for mailing/emailing your part of the college application. Steps to Securing a Counselor Recommendation Letter: 1. This Counselor Letter of Recommendation packet includes the following; Notification Form indicating the colleges to which you will apply o Senior Information Sheet o Informal Teacher Comments Forms (x2) o Parent/Guardian Comments Form o One Outside Recommendation Form o Instructions and example for creating an Activities/Awards Sheet o A Permission to Release Form 2. Complete and distribute each piece of the Letter of Recommendation Packet. See each form for instructions. 3. COMMON APPLICATION Online (www.commonapp.org): send an invite to your counselors and teachers to send your recommendation electronically. 4. Schedule a meeting with your counselor. During the meeting turn in the counselor notification form and any other forms. Be prepared to discuss: *All of these forms *A due date for your letters *Anything else you feel your counselor should know about you.
1
Westview High School
Counselor Notification of Pending Applications
REMINDER: All materials are due to the counselor 3-4 weeks before the application deadline, (such as, midyear reports, letter of recommendation packet, etc.). Date_______________________ Email: ______________________ Name______________________ ID Number____________________ List all Public Colleges/Universities to which you are applying for admission, along with the application deadline. Name of College/University 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Application Due Date Mid-Year Reports Y/N Due Date
List all Private Colleges/Universities to which you are applying for admission, along with the application deadline. Name of College/University 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Application Due Date Mid-Year Reports Y/N Due Date
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Westview High School
Senior Information Sheet
Name________________________ Address______________________ ______________________ Phone Number______________ Profile Information Cum.GPA_______ AP scores____________________ _________________________ List your senior schedule of classes below Per. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Semester 1 Semester 2
Family Background Information Parent’s Name (with whom you are living)__________________________ Father’s Occupation_______________Employer____________________ Mother’s Occupation________________Employer___________________ Number of siblings___________________ Ages____________________ Military History of Father: ______________________ Military History of Mother: ______________________ 3
Club/Organizational memberships of parents/family.
If your parents graduated from college, where did they graduate from? 1. Mother: ______________________ 2. Father: ______________________ Student Information What majors or fields of study are you considering?
Explain briefly why you have chosen this major and/or career.
Academic Strengths What would you consider to be your areas of academic strength?
Extracurricular Activities Discuss in detail those activities you have been most proud of being involved in. Be specific about what you did or accomplished.
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Describe your most positive personality/behavior characteristics.
Describe any special talents you have.
What things make you unique? How would you distinguish yourself from other students in the senior class?
If you had a low grade in a particular class because of an extenuating circumstance, please explain the situation.
Describe any volunteer or paid work experience you have done.
References Please give the names of 3 references (2 teachers and 1 non-teacher who may be an employer, club or group leader, but not a family friend). 1.__________________________ 2._________________________ Teacher Course Teacher Course 3._________________________ Non-Teacher
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Additional Information Please use this space to write anything about yourself. Perhaps you could recall some significant experience that has affected you or discuss a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe the ways the person has influenced you. If you have overcome any obstacles this information could be helpful to convey a complete picture of you. (This page is extremely important to fill out!!)
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Westview High School
(Teacher) Comments Form
Dear _____________________Name of Student___________________ I am applying to a college or scholarship that requires a composite letter of recommendation from a school counselor. I would appreciate you completing this form by__________and submitting it to______________________ (date) (Name of School Counselor) Note To Teachers: Teachers are sometimes in a better position to observe students on a regular basis and therefore can be very helpful in providing specifics about student's academic abilities, effort, etc. Please answer the following questions adding specific examples whenever possible. 1) What three words would you use to describe this student? 1. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 2. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 3. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 2) Describe this student's academic abilities and performance in your class. You might want to comment on the student's study habits, dependability, creativity, willingness to go beyond minimum assignments, etc.
3) Describe any leadership skills this student has demonstrated in class or shown in activities in or out of school.
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4) What sets this student apart from other students?
5) Is there any other information about this student that would be important to mention in a letter of recommendation? For example, personal setbacks, extenuating circumstances, and/or obstacles the student had to overcome. Please feel free to attach a separate letter if you prefer.
Directions: Compared to other college-bound students in his or her secondary school class, how do you rate this student in terms of:
Below Average Average Good/Above Average Very Good/Well Above Average Excellent (Top 10%) Outstanding (Top 5%) One of the top few encountered
Creative, Original Thought Motivation SelfConfidence Independence, Initiative Intellectual Ability Academic Achievement Written Expression Effective Class Discussion Disciplined Work Habits Potential for Growth
8
Westview High School
(Teacher) Comments Form
Dear _____________________Name of Student___________________ I am applying to a college or scholarship that requires a composite letter of recommendation from a school counselor. I would appreciate you completing this form by__________and submitting it to______________________ (date) (Name of School Counselor) Note To Teachers: Teachers are sometimes in a better position to observe students on a regular basis and therefore can be very helpful in providing specifics about student's academic abilities, effort, etc. Please answer the following questions adding specific examples whenever possible. 1) What three words would you use to describe this student? 1. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 2. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 3. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 2) Describe this student's academic abilities and performance in your class. You might want to comment on the student's study habits, dependability, creativity, willingness to go beyond minimum assignments, etc.
3) Describe any leadership skills this student has demonstrated in class or shown in activities in or out of school.
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4) What sets this student apart from other students?
5) Is there any other information about this student that would be important to mention in a letter of recommendation? For example, personal setbacks, extenuating circumstances, and/or obstacles the student had to overcome. Please feel free to attach a separate letter if you prefer.
Directions: Compared to other college-bound students in his or her secondary school class, how do you rate this student in terms of:
Below Average Average Good/Above Average Very Good/Well Above Average Excellent (Top 10%) Outstanding (Top 5%) One of the top few encountered
Creative, Original Thought Motivation SelfConfidence Independence, Initiative Intellectual Ability Academic Achievement Written Expression Effective Class Discussion Disciplined Work Habits Potential for Growth
10
Westview High School
(Parent) Comments Form
Your child has applied for college entrance and/or for a scholarship which requires a counselor to prepare a composite letter of recommendation to accompany the application. Please answer the following questions. Anecdotes and specific examples are especially helpful. 1. What do you like best about your child?
2. Please give me your frank comments on your child's strengths and weaknesses.
3. Describe your child's community or school activities, awards, or special experiences that you think were worthwhile or interesting in some way.
4. Describe any specific life experiences your child has had that has affected who he/she is today. For example, a divorce in the family, a foreign exchange experience they had, a particular work experience, or person who enriched the student's life, etc.
5. Tell about anything else you feel the counselor should know to have an accurate "picture" of your student.
Please return this sheet to your son or daughter's counselor at least three weeks before the earliest college or scholarship deadline! Also, please feel free to use additional space or you may attach a separate letter. Thank you. 11
Westview High School
Outside Recommendation Form
Dear _________________________ I ____________________________ am applying to a college/scholarship that requires a school counselor to complete a composite letter of recommendation and evaluation form about me. I would appreciate you completing this form (or attaching a separate letter of recommendation) by____________(date). You can return it to me in a sealed envelope, e-mail it to my school counselor, or send it directly to my school counselor at the address below. Name of School Counselor _________________________ Westview High School 4200 NW 185 th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97229 My counselor will then summarize the information received to give a complete "picture" of me and may even quote things you say on this form in his/her letter of recommendation. Thank you for your help in my college/scholarship application. To Recommender: Please complete, if you can, the following questions about the above student. 1. What is your name and how do you know this student? (For example, soccer coach, employer, youth pastor, etc.)
2. Describe the activities or duties where you have observed this student.
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3. Describe the abilities and skills you have seen this student demonstrate.
4. Comment on this student's dependability, citizenship, persistence, initiative, and maturity.
5. Comment on this student's relationship with other people (communication skills, friendliness, etc.)
6. Describe any leadership skills this student has demonstrated.
7. Describe any personality characteristics or behaviors this student has demonstrated that you have appreciated.
8. Describe anything else about this student you feel a counselor should know to write an effective and specific recommendation letter.
13
Westview High School
Preparing a High School Activities & Awards Resume
A High School Activities and Awards Resume is a document you will be asked to prepare for the purposes of obtaining a Counselor Letter of Recommendation. It is a resume of your academic and extracurricular high school experience. This Activities and Awards Sheet can be also be included with your scholarship applications if the scholarship rules allow additional materials to be attached. Directions: Complete steps 1-5. See Sample Awards Resume (next page). 1. Write down all the activities in which you have participated and awards you have received, both in school and in the community, starting with the 9th grade. Include all activities you intend to participate in throughout your senior year. 2. Organize your activities and awards into the following categories: Academic Honors, Positions of Leadership, School Activities, Athletics, Community Activities, Work Experience and Other Information. When listing these items under a category, arrange them chronologically starting with most recent first. (If you do not have any items in a particular category, eliminate the category). 3. In the "Other Information" category, list any information that doesn't belong in any other category, such as AP test scores, special activities, private lessons, international travel, summer programs, etc. 4. Next to your activities indicate the grade level(s) you were in while participating in the activity and the usual number of hours per week or month you were involved in the activity. 5. Make several copies of your final resume for your own use all year with your college and scholarship applications.
• See sample "H.S. Activities and Award Form" on the next page 14
High School Activities and Award Form
Student's Name: Category
HONORS AP Scholar Award National Merit Semifinalist English Honors POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP Student Council Treasurer JVH Soccer Captain Japanese Club President SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Student Council National Honor Society Prowl Editor Japanese Club Cantores SPORTS Dragon Boat JV Soccer JVII Soccer Swim Team COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Outdoor School Counselor Boy Scouts of America Church Youth Group Sunday School Teacher Oregon Humane Society Volunteer W ORK EXPERIENCE Cashier (Target Stores) Lifeguard (YMCA) Baby Sitting OTHER INFORMATION Cumulative GPA : 3.85 Class Rank : 32 out of 649 Completed CIM Requirements
Grade
12th 12th 9th, 10th
Hours per Week
11th, 12th 11th, 12th 11th, 12th
10 hrs per week 10 hrs per week 2 hrs per week
10th - 12th 11th, 12th 11th, 12th 9th - 12th 11th, 12th
2 hrs per week 1-2 hrs per week 6 hrs per week 1 hr per week 4 hrs per week
12th 11th, 12th 9th, 10th 9th, 10th
6 hrs per week 15 hrs per week 15 hrs per week 12 hrs per week
11th, 12th 9th - 12th 9th - 12th 9th - 11th 9th, 10th (summers)
144 hours 2 hrs per 2 hrs per 2 hrs per 6 hrs per
week week week week
12th 20 hrs per week 11th, 12th (summers) 16 hrs per week 9th, 10th 10 hrs per week
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Westview High School
Release of Information to Colleges and Scholarship Organizations
I give permission for my Counselor,____________________________ to release the following information to colleges and scholarship organizations through letters of recommendation, lists, and verbal conversations. ______academic information (cumulative GPA, semester grades, test scores, skills) ______name, address, social and ethnic background ______extra curricular involvement ______personal information Student's Name (please print)___________________________________ Student's Signature__________________________________________ Parent's Name (please print)____________________________________ Parent's Signature___________________________________________
Date of release___________________. This release of information form will be in effect for one year from the date of release.
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Counselor Letter of Recommendation
Colleges often ask for a letter of recommendation from your counselor. Since counselors do not see you daily, they need information about you from variety of sources. The quality and depth of the letter depends on the information you provide. Senior Counselor Contact Andre Abraham (A-G) Beth Johnson (H-LED) Kacey Farrens (LEE-O) Sue Long (P-Z) Information: WHS 503-259-5218 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
NOTE TO STUDENTS: *Please allow 3 to 4 weeks for your counselor to complete your letter. *You are responsible for mailing/emailing your part of the college application. Steps to Securing a Counselor Recommendation Letter: 1. This Counselor Letter of Recommendation packet includes the following; Notification Form indicating the colleges to which you will apply o Senior Information Sheet o Informal Teacher Comments Forms (x2) o Parent/Guardian Comments Form o One Outside Recommendation Form o Instructions and example for creating an Activities/Awards Sheet o A Permission to Release Form 2. Complete and distribute each piece of the Letter of Recommendation Packet. See each form for instructions. 3. COMMON APPLICATION Online (www.commonapp.org): send an invite to your counselors and teachers to send your recommendation electronically. 4. Schedule a meeting with your counselor. During the meeting turn in the counselor notification form and any other forms. Be prepared to discuss: *All of these forms *A due date for your letters *Anything else you feel your counselor should know about you.
1
Westview High School
Counselor Notification of Pending Applications
REMINDER: All materials are due to the counselor 3-4 weeks before the application deadline, (such as, midyear reports, letter of recommendation packet, etc.). Date_______________________ Email: ______________________ Name______________________ ID Number____________________ List all Public Colleges/Universities to which you are applying for admission, along with the application deadline. Name of College/University 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Application Due Date Mid-Year Reports Y/N Due Date
List all Private Colleges/Universities to which you are applying for admission, along with the application deadline. Name of College/University 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Application Due Date Mid-Year Reports Y/N Due Date
2
Westview High School
Senior Information Sheet
Name________________________ Address______________________ ______________________ Phone Number______________ Profile Information Cum.GPA_______ AP scores____________________ _________________________ List your senior schedule of classes below Per. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Semester 1 Semester 2
Family Background Information Parent’s Name (with whom you are living)__________________________ Father’s Occupation_______________Employer____________________ Mother’s Occupation________________Employer___________________ Number of siblings___________________ Ages____________________ Military History of Father: ______________________ Military History of Mother: ______________________ 3
Club/Organizational memberships of parents/family.
If your parents graduated from college, where did they graduate from? 1. Mother: ______________________ 2. Father: ______________________ Student Information What majors or fields of study are you considering?
Explain briefly why you have chosen this major and/or career.
Academic Strengths What would you consider to be your areas of academic strength?
Extracurricular Activities Discuss in detail those activities you have been most proud of being involved in. Be specific about what you did or accomplished.
4
Describe your most positive personality/behavior characteristics.
Describe any special talents you have.
What things make you unique? How would you distinguish yourself from other students in the senior class?
If you had a low grade in a particular class because of an extenuating circumstance, please explain the situation.
Describe any volunteer or paid work experience you have done.
References Please give the names of 3 references (2 teachers and 1 non-teacher who may be an employer, club or group leader, but not a family friend). 1.__________________________ 2._________________________ Teacher Course Teacher Course 3._________________________ Non-Teacher
5
Additional Information Please use this space to write anything about yourself. Perhaps you could recall some significant experience that has affected you or discuss a person who has had a significant influence on you and describe the ways the person has influenced you. If you have overcome any obstacles this information could be helpful to convey a complete picture of you. (This page is extremely important to fill out!!)
6
Westview High School
(Teacher) Comments Form
Dear _____________________Name of Student___________________ I am applying to a college or scholarship that requires a composite letter of recommendation from a school counselor. I would appreciate you completing this form by__________and submitting it to______________________ (date) (Name of School Counselor) Note To Teachers: Teachers are sometimes in a better position to observe students on a regular basis and therefore can be very helpful in providing specifics about student's academic abilities, effort, etc. Please answer the following questions adding specific examples whenever possible. 1) What three words would you use to describe this student? 1. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 2. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 3. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 2) Describe this student's academic abilities and performance in your class. You might want to comment on the student's study habits, dependability, creativity, willingness to go beyond minimum assignments, etc.
3) Describe any leadership skills this student has demonstrated in class or shown in activities in or out of school.
7
4) What sets this student apart from other students?
5) Is there any other information about this student that would be important to mention in a letter of recommendation? For example, personal setbacks, extenuating circumstances, and/or obstacles the student had to overcome. Please feel free to attach a separate letter if you prefer.
Directions: Compared to other college-bound students in his or her secondary school class, how do you rate this student in terms of:
Below Average Average Good/Above Average Very Good/Well Above Average Excellent (Top 10%) Outstanding (Top 5%) One of the top few encountered
Creative, Original Thought Motivation SelfConfidence Independence, Initiative Intellectual Ability Academic Achievement Written Expression Effective Class Discussion Disciplined Work Habits Potential for Growth
8
Westview High School
(Teacher) Comments Form
Dear _____________________Name of Student___________________ I am applying to a college or scholarship that requires a composite letter of recommendation from a school counselor. I would appreciate you completing this form by__________and submitting it to______________________ (date) (Name of School Counselor) Note To Teachers: Teachers are sometimes in a better position to observe students on a regular basis and therefore can be very helpful in providing specifics about student's academic abilities, effort, etc. Please answer the following questions adding specific examples whenever possible. 1) What three words would you use to describe this student? 1. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 2. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 3. _____________________ Example___________________________ ___________________________ 2) Describe this student's academic abilities and performance in your class. You might want to comment on the student's study habits, dependability, creativity, willingness to go beyond minimum assignments, etc.
3) Describe any leadership skills this student has demonstrated in class or shown in activities in or out of school.
9
4) What sets this student apart from other students?
5) Is there any other information about this student that would be important to mention in a letter of recommendation? For example, personal setbacks, extenuating circumstances, and/or obstacles the student had to overcome. Please feel free to attach a separate letter if you prefer.
Directions: Compared to other college-bound students in his or her secondary school class, how do you rate this student in terms of:
Below Average Average Good/Above Average Very Good/Well Above Average Excellent (Top 10%) Outstanding (Top 5%) One of the top few encountered
Creative, Original Thought Motivation SelfConfidence Independence, Initiative Intellectual Ability Academic Achievement Written Expression Effective Class Discussion Disciplined Work Habits Potential for Growth
10
Westview High School
(Parent) Comments Form
Your child has applied for college entrance and/or for a scholarship which requires a counselor to prepare a composite letter of recommendation to accompany the application. Please answer the following questions. Anecdotes and specific examples are especially helpful. 1. What do you like best about your child?
2. Please give me your frank comments on your child's strengths and weaknesses.
3. Describe your child's community or school activities, awards, or special experiences that you think were worthwhile or interesting in some way.
4. Describe any specific life experiences your child has had that has affected who he/she is today. For example, a divorce in the family, a foreign exchange experience they had, a particular work experience, or person who enriched the student's life, etc.
5. Tell about anything else you feel the counselor should know to have an accurate "picture" of your student.
Please return this sheet to your son or daughter's counselor at least three weeks before the earliest college or scholarship deadline! Also, please feel free to use additional space or you may attach a separate letter. Thank you. 11
Westview High School
Outside Recommendation Form
Dear _________________________ I ____________________________ am applying to a college/scholarship that requires a school counselor to complete a composite letter of recommendation and evaluation form about me. I would appreciate you completing this form (or attaching a separate letter of recommendation) by____________(date). You can return it to me in a sealed envelope, e-mail it to my school counselor, or send it directly to my school counselor at the address below. Name of School Counselor _________________________ Westview High School 4200 NW 185 th Avenue Portland, Oregon 97229 My counselor will then summarize the information received to give a complete "picture" of me and may even quote things you say on this form in his/her letter of recommendation. Thank you for your help in my college/scholarship application. To Recommender: Please complete, if you can, the following questions about the above student. 1. What is your name and how do you know this student? (For example, soccer coach, employer, youth pastor, etc.)
2. Describe the activities or duties where you have observed this student.
12
3. Describe the abilities and skills you have seen this student demonstrate.
4. Comment on this student's dependability, citizenship, persistence, initiative, and maturity.
5. Comment on this student's relationship with other people (communication skills, friendliness, etc.)
6. Describe any leadership skills this student has demonstrated.
7. Describe any personality characteristics or behaviors this student has demonstrated that you have appreciated.
8. Describe anything else about this student you feel a counselor should know to write an effective and specific recommendation letter.
13
Westview High School
Preparing a High School Activities & Awards Resume
A High School Activities and Awards Resume is a document you will be asked to prepare for the purposes of obtaining a Counselor Letter of Recommendation. It is a resume of your academic and extracurricular high school experience. This Activities and Awards Sheet can be also be included with your scholarship applications if the scholarship rules allow additional materials to be attached. Directions: Complete steps 1-5. See Sample Awards Resume (next page). 1. Write down all the activities in which you have participated and awards you have received, both in school and in the community, starting with the 9th grade. Include all activities you intend to participate in throughout your senior year. 2. Organize your activities and awards into the following categories: Academic Honors, Positions of Leadership, School Activities, Athletics, Community Activities, Work Experience and Other Information. When listing these items under a category, arrange them chronologically starting with most recent first. (If you do not have any items in a particular category, eliminate the category). 3. In the "Other Information" category, list any information that doesn't belong in any other category, such as AP test scores, special activities, private lessons, international travel, summer programs, etc. 4. Next to your activities indicate the grade level(s) you were in while participating in the activity and the usual number of hours per week or month you were involved in the activity. 5. Make several copies of your final resume for your own use all year with your college and scholarship applications.
• See sample "H.S. Activities and Award Form" on the next page 14
High School Activities and Award Form
Student's Name: Category
HONORS AP Scholar Award National Merit Semifinalist English Honors POSITIONS OF LEADERSHIP Student Council Treasurer JVH Soccer Captain Japanese Club President SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Student Council National Honor Society Prowl Editor Japanese Club Cantores SPORTS Dragon Boat JV Soccer JVII Soccer Swim Team COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Outdoor School Counselor Boy Scouts of America Church Youth Group Sunday School Teacher Oregon Humane Society Volunteer W ORK EXPERIENCE Cashier (Target Stores) Lifeguard (YMCA) Baby Sitting OTHER INFORMATION Cumulative GPA : 3.85 Class Rank : 32 out of 649 Completed CIM Requirements
Grade
12th 12th 9th, 10th
Hours per Week
11th, 12th 11th, 12th 11th, 12th
10 hrs per week 10 hrs per week 2 hrs per week
10th - 12th 11th, 12th 11th, 12th 9th - 12th 11th, 12th
2 hrs per week 1-2 hrs per week 6 hrs per week 1 hr per week 4 hrs per week
12th 11th, 12th 9th, 10th 9th, 10th
6 hrs per week 15 hrs per week 15 hrs per week 12 hrs per week
11th, 12th 9th - 12th 9th - 12th 9th - 11th 9th, 10th (summers)
144 hours 2 hrs per 2 hrs per 2 hrs per 6 hrs per
week week week week
12th 20 hrs per week 11th, 12th (summers) 16 hrs per week 9th, 10th 10 hrs per week
15
Westview High School
Release of Information to Colleges and Scholarship Organizations
I give permission for my Counselor,____________________________ to release the following information to colleges and scholarship organizations through letters of recommendation, lists, and verbal conversations. ______academic information (cumulative GPA, semester grades, test scores, skills) ______name, address, social and ethnic background ______extra curricular involvement ______personal information Student's Name (please print)___________________________________ Student's Signature__________________________________________ Parent's Name (please print)____________________________________ Parent's Signature___________________________________________
Date of release___________________. This release of information form will be in effect for one year from the date of release.
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