GET READY - Dobyns-Bennett High School - Website

Dear Students:
GET READY
Underclassman Newsletter
DOBYNS-BENNETT HIGH SCHOOL
FALL 2008
The Dobyns-Bennett Counseling Department would like to take this opportunity to introduce you
to “GET READY”, a newsletter for sophomores and juniors. We call the newsletter “GET READY”,
because we hope the information here will assist you in making the most of current opportunities, as well
as helping you prepare effectively for “life after high school.”
The Counseling Department would like to encourage you to read over this newsletter, share it
with your friends and parents, and apply for any and all opportunities which interest you. Scholarships
are available to students in grades 9 through 11.
Student, please be very careful about the information you make available about yourself online.
Once you post information/photos online there is ALWAYS the possibility that people or organizations you
do not expect to view it or would not want to view it may indeed gain access to it. Before you post
ANYTHING, especially photos or video clips online, ask yourself if you would be OK with your prospective
admissions office or future employer having access to that information. You should also be very careful
not to include personal information that could put you at risk for identity theft or could make you
vulnerable to person who might seek to locate you for harmful reasons.
TN/VA Scholars
• 4 English courses
• 4 Math courses (with at least 1 math higher than Algebra II)
• 3 Sciences courses (Biology I, Chemistry I, + 1 higher science)
• 3 Social Studies (same social studies required for graduation on any path at D-B)
• 1 Wellness course
• 1 Fine Arts
• 2 Foreign Language courses in the same language
• 2 Career Technical Education courses (one of which must be computer-related)
• 20 hours of community service
• Grade of “C” or higher in all TN/VA Scholars courses
• 95% attendance (over the course of 4 years)
• NO out of school suspensions
• Successful passing of all Gateway Exams or state graduation criteria
NCAA Eligibility
• Starting August 1, 2008, 16 core courses will be required for NCAA Division I schools. Division II
schools have a 14 core course rule.
• High school athletes should register with the NCAA Clearinghouse by the end of their junior year
or beginning of their senior year.
• Apply online at www.clearinghouse.net – print the transcript release authorization pages (copy
1&2), sign and bring to the Counseling Office – your transcript must be attached to release form
before mailing to NCAA Eligibility Center.
• Your ACT/SAT scores need to be sent directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center

COLLEGE PLANNING CALENDAR
Junior Year
1. Think about why you want to go to college. What type of college should you attend? Small? Large?
Two-year? Four-year? Coed? Urban? Rural?
2. Write for catalogs and applications. Use the reference material in the Counseling Office or library for
short descriptions and addresses.
3. Set up a simple filing system for storing references, catalogs, forms, and correspondence. MAKE
COPIES OF EVERYTHING YOU SEND!!!
4. Note deadlines. Decide when to take admission tests. Save money by meeting the normal
deadlines.
5. Identify teachers and other adults who can give you letters of recommendation. Prepare a resume
listing extra curricular activities, honors, and personal goals to help them in preparing your
recommendation.
6. If you plan to attend a US Military Academy, you must start now. See your counselor for details.
7. Start thinking about how to pay for college.
8. Visit colleges
a. Call or email ahead for appointment interview, campus tour, classroom visitation, dorm
stay. Be prompt.
b. Know the basics about the school and be interested.
c. Take a copy of your transcript.
d. Stay overnight during the week, if possible.
e. Dress comfortably, neat and clean.
f. Write a thank-you note.
9. Volunteer. Many scholarships are based on volunteer activities.
KINGSPORT PUBLIC LIBRARY
At the Job & College Information inside the Kingsport Public Library you can find online
resources, books, and DVD’s for job searches, interview techniques, college catalogs, financial aid and
much more.
The testing and Educational Reference Center and Career Module is part of the TEL (Tennessee
Electronic Library) database collection. The Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center and Collegesource
Online are not part of TEL and are listed separately.
There is special resume software on the computers in the library’s reference area to help you
prepare and customize your resume. This program shows how to create a chronological or functional
resume or how to combine both styles to suit your specific needs for either college or employment. The
software also includes a job interviewer that allows you to practice responding to common interview
questions as well as links to popular job search engines.
The Job and College Information Center books and DVD’s are located on the top floor of the
library or you can check out the online resources at www.kingsportlibrary.org (you’ll need a Kingsport
Public Library card to use the online resources remotely).

CAREER EXPLORATION OPPORTUNITIES
http://tcids.tbr.edu – TCIDS (Tennessee Career Information Delivery System) provides career information
and services to middle, high school, and college students. A number of resources are available for career
planning, assistance with resume development, mock interview sessions, and personality and skills
assessments. This site also has direct links to Tennessee colleges and training programs in specific
career interest areas.
www.planningyourdreams.org – Excellent site for career exploration. Allows students to use the
Tennessee College and Career Planning System to assess their interests, skills, and work values. You
will also find college planning links to Tennessee colleges and universities, Tennessee technology
centers, and TSAC (Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation). There are also career planning links
and financial aid links.
When you register, you will be asked to enter a school code. Enter: 4204. You will also have to enter
the school’s zip code: 37664. In order to take any of the three assessments available at this website,
Dobyns-Bennett students must use the following batch codes:
Interest Inventory – I838748MYN
Skills Assessment – S838752KYY
Values Inventory – V838749YFH
ACT TEST PREP SITES
Sample questions: www.actstudents.org/sampletest/index.html
Test Taking Tips: http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/index.html
Timed ACT Practice Tests: www.learningexpressadvantage.com
1. On the Learning Express advantage homepage click on New User.
2. Enter 10563 for the Account ID number.
3. Create a password of your choice.
4. Learning Express Advantage will assign you a unique User Name.
5. Print your registration confirmation and/or write down your User Name and Password.
6. You then have unlimited access to Learning Express Advantage.
7. Click on “Courses and Test Directory” to access ACT practice test and other skill improvement
exercises.
8. Take timed, practice test in each subject area and then review incorrect answers to determine areas
of weakness.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Several scholarships are available to students in grades 9 through 11. Students who are
interested in the scholarships can get additional information in the Counseling Office, going on line, or by
calling the telephone numbers listed. Information is usually available in the Counseling Office four to six
weeks prior to the deadline listed. The deadline date listed is based on last year’s information and is
subject to change. Some scholarships require recommendations or nominations, transcripts and test
score information. Please see your counselor or the appropriate teacher at least four weeks before the
scholarship deadline.
AMERICAN LEGION NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL ORATORICAL CONTEST
Description: Up to $18,000 scholarship. Prepare oration plus assigned topic discourse. Open to
grades 9-12, citizen and lawful resident of Tennessee. www.tennesseelegion.org
AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION ALLIANCE
Description: National winners - $500 EE savings bonds; 2 nd place winners - $300 EE savings bonds;
3 rd place winners - $100 savings bonds. Grades 9-10, essay.
Apply at www.apaalliance.org. click on projects.
Deadline: March 19
ARMED SERVICES SCHOLARSHIP
Description: Tuition, fees, books, stipend
Deadline: Please see your counselor
BEREA COLLEGE WOODSON ENDURING LEGACY AWARD
Description: 4 year tuition scholarship. Nomination, African American, leadership, academic,
character, 3.2 GPA.
Deadline: February 17
BOYS STATE INC.
Description: Summer Program at Tennessee Tech. Upcoming 11 th grade boys, character, conduct,
scholarship, letter of recommendation, nomination.
Deadline: Early March
CENTRE COLLEGE – Danville KY
Description: Centre Fellows Scholarship Program - minimum $10,000, nomination of juniors taking
strong college preparatory curriculum. Top 5%, ACT 28, SAT 1250 (math & verbal),
involvement in school, community and/or church.
Deadline: Nominations due by May 1 www.centre.edu/web/admission/fellows_porgram/
CONGRESS BUNDESTAY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Description: 50 awards-full scholarship, 3.0 GPA, ages 15-18, US citizen, national or permanent
resident. Online at: www.ciee.org/cb/ or call 1-800-448-9944 ext 4118
Deadline: December 16
DISCOVER CARD TRIBUTE AWARD SCHOLARSHIP
Description: 10 $30,000 scholarships available to juniors nationwide. Must demonstrate
accomplishments in four areas: special talents, leadership, community service, and
obstacles overcome. 2.75 GPA Materials available online December 1, 2008.
Deadline: January 31 www.discoverfinancial.com/community

DUPONT CHALLENGE SCIENCE ESSAY AWARDS PROGRAM
Description: Up to $3,000. Essay of 700-1000 words discussing a scientific or technological
development, event or theory that has captured your interest and attention. Essay must
be submitted electronically. Grades 9-12. www.thechallenge.dupont.com
Deadline: January 31
FURMAN UNIVERSITY – Greenville SC
Description: Furman Scholars day. Juniors only. Nomination. $5,000 renewable scholarship. Top
5% of class, SAT 1350, ACT 30, PSAT 135, unweighted GPA 3.75
Deadline: January - please see your counselor. www.furman.edu
HUGH O’BRIAN YOUTH FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP SEMINARS
Description: Open to sophomores only. Online registration at www.hoby.org
Deadline: November 30 – nomination deadline. Please see your counselor immediately.
KODAK YOUNG LEADERS AWARD
Description: Junior award for strong leadership and academic achievement. Eligible for $7,500
scholarship at University of Rochester. www.rochester.edu
Deadline: Please see your counselor before Dec 11.
KOHL’S KIDS WHO CARE SCHOLARSHIP
Description: Up to $5,000. Age up to 18, community service, nomination forms available online or
from local Kohls stores. www.kohlscorporation.com/communityrelations/
Deadline: Nomination forms available Feb 1 – March 15
L RON HUBBARD’S WRITERS & ILLUSTRATORS OF THE FUTURE AWARD
Description: Awards vary. Original work up to 17,000 words – science fiction, fantasy, horror
Illustrators submit 3 works in black and white – science fiction, fantasy
Deadlines: December 31, March 31, June 30, September 30 www.writersofthefuture.com
LADIES AUXILIARY
Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States
Award: Up to $10,000
Qualifications: Must be a junior girl member of the Ladies auxiliary, grades, extra curricular activities,
letters of recommendations, up to 16 years old.
Deadline: March 11
Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Outstanding Young Volunteer of
the Year Award
Award: $5,000 savings bond
Qualifications: Age up to15, outstanding community volunteer from Jan 1 to Dec 31 2006, essay,
application, letters of recommendation.
Deadline: February 1
Ladies Auxiliary Young American Creative Patriotic Art Awards
Qualifications: Artwork on paper or canvas, entry form, art done during current school year
Deadline: March 31 to local auxiliary
LADIES AUXILIARY WEBSITE: www.ladiesauxvfw.org
LEAD AMERICA CONFERENCES
Description: Various Conferences, grades 9-12, B average, service and nomination
Go online at www.lead-america.org/conferences/cslc/index.html
MISS TENNESSEE TEEN PAGEANT
Description: Scholarship and travel. Ages 15-19, single, no children.
Deadline: www.misstennesseeusa.com

NATIONAL PTA REFLECTIONS THEME
Award: Varies
Qualifications: Must create art based on theme. Enter through the D-B PTSA. www.pta.org
Deadline: Check with D-B PTSA President
NATIONAL PEACE ESSAY CONTEST
Description: $1,000 state award. $2,500, $5000, and $10,000 national awards. 1,500 word essay.
Open to grades 9-12. www.usip.org/ed/npec/
Deadline: February 1. Please see your counselor before December 15.
NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE CAMP
Description: No cost, rising seniors interested in science. www.nysc.org
Deadline: February 17
PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE JUNIOR FELLOW PROGRAM
Description: Nomination, excel academically
Deadline: March 6 www.presby.edu
PROFILES IN COURAGE ESSAY CONTEST
Description: Awards up to $8,500. 1,000 word essay. Open to grades 9-12.
Deadline: Accept essays starting September 1 – January 10, 2009 www.jfkcontest.org/
PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY
Description: $1,000 state; $5,000 national award. Exemplary community services. Open to grades 5-
12. Down load application at www.prudential.com/spirit
Deadline: October 31. Please see your counselor immediately.
SHOUT!
Description: Youth leadership program for rising 10 th and 11 th grade students.
Deadline: February 1 See counselors for more information.
TEAM ROCKET CONTEST
Award: Up to $60,000
Qualifications: Team Design, build and launch model rocket, application online at:
www.aia-aerospace.org/tarc
Deadline: December 1
TENNESSEE READY MIXED CONCRETE ASSOCIATION
CONCRETE ESSAY CONTEST
Description: $100 - $5,000, essay, age 16-18. For details call: 615-360-7393
Deadline: November 27 www.trmca.org
TENNESSEE LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Description: Sophomores and juniors, youth leadership, student government. Cost $50 7
accommodations. Located at University of Tennessee at Martin.
Dates: Go online for updated information at www.utm.edu/youthleadershipsummit/
Deadline: February 12
TN SOCIETY OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS SUMMER PROGRAM
Description: Free attendance, GPA, test scores, open to juniors and seniors. Information in Summer
Program File in the Counseling Office.
Deadline: April 18

US SENATE YOUTH PROGRAM
Description: Week in Washington, D.C., March 7-14 2009. Expenses paid, $5,000 scholarship.
Junior or senior served in student government, civic, educational organizations.
www.hearstfdn.org/ussyp/
VFW AUDIO ESSAY CONTEST – VOICE OF DEMOCRACY
Description: Up to $30,000 scholarship. Recorded essay – see website for theme. Open to grades 9-
12. Rules and entry forms in Counseling Office.
http://www.vfw.org/ondex.cfm?fa=cmty.level&did=150
Deadline: November 1
YOUNG EPIDEMIOLOGY SCHOLARS COMPETITION
Award: Varies up to $50,000
Qualifications: www.collegeboard.com/yes/ Juniors and seniors, outstanding research project that
applies epidemiological methods of analysis to a health related issue.
Deadline: February 2
YOUTH FOR UNDERSTANDING NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Description: Scholarships vary. Go online for information at www.yfu.org
NOTE: DEADLINES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
SCHEDULE OF COLLEGE TESTING 2008-2009
TEST DATE REGISTRATION LATE
TEST
DEADLINE REGISTRATION CENTER
ACT DEC 13, 2008 NOV 7, 2008 NOV 20, 2008 DBHS
ACT FEB 7, 2009 JAN 6, 2009 JAN 16, 2009 DBHS
ACT APR 4, 2009 FEB 27, 2009 MAR 13, 2009 DBHS
ACT JUN 13, 2009 MAY 8, 2009 MAY 22, 2009 DBHS
SAT DEC 6, 2008 NOV 5, 2008 NOV 18, 2008 DBHS
SAT JAN 24, 2009 DEC 26, 2008 JAN 6, 2009 DBHS
SAT MAR 14, 2009 FEB 10, 2009 FEB 24, 2009 DBHS
SAT MAY 2, 2009 MAR 31, 2009 APRIL 9, 2009 BEARDEN
UTK
SAT JUN 6, 2009 MAY 5, 2009 MAY 15, 2009 DBHS
Registration materials are available in the Counseling Office. The cost for the ACT is
$31.00 (No Writing); ACT Plus Writing - $46.00; Late Fee - $20.00. The cost for the SAT is
$45.00; Late Fee - $23.00. The basic fee for the SAT II is $20.00. Each test is an additional
fee. The Language Test with Listening is $20.00 and all other tests are $9.00 each. You should
ask for an ACT voucher to cover the basic cost of the test. Every student is entitled to ONE free
voucher for the ACT. You are responsible for any late fees or the writing tests.
Please request a transcript with your GPA before filling out the ACT or SAT registration
form. This will assist you in completing the inside portion of the registration form. It is very
important that you complete ALL sections of the ACT and SAT registration forms. This will help
ensure that you receive the HOPE scholarship. Students are encouraged to register online for
both tests but you may obtain forms in the Counseling Office. Please apply as soon as possible
to avoid last minute confusion concerning which test students may wish to take.
Dobyns-Bennett school code number for registration is 431045.
Dobyns-Bennett test center code number: ACT 184840 SAT 43-155

AP EXAM SCHEDULE 2009
WEEK 1 8:00 AM 12:00 PM
Monday, May 4 Govt. and Politics: French Language
United States
Tuesday, May 5 Computer Science A Statistics
Computer Science AB
Spanish Language
Wednesday, May 6 Calculus AB
Calculus BC
Thursday, May 7 English Literature
German Language
Friday, May 8 United States History European History
Studio Art (portfolios due)
WEEK 2 8:00 AM 12:00 PM
Monday, May 11 Biology Physics C:
Music Theory Mechanics at 12:00
Tuesday, May 12 Chemistry Psychology
Wednesday, May 13 English Language
Friday, May 15 Latin Vergil