This is Tripp Crayton, Principal at Wakefield High School, with your weekly announcement.  We look forward to having everyone back on Monday.  The district has slated Monday, March 23, 2015 as a school-make up day.  Once we receive information regarding the other three make-up days, we will let you know.

Wakefield High School’s annual Multicultural Festival ("Culture Fest") will take place on Friday, March 6, 2015 from 6-8pm in WHS’s gymnasium and commons area.  Hosted by WHS’s National Achievers Society and Key Club, Culture Fest showcases the wonderful diversity of WHS and has helped in building a sense of community and pride.  Families, students, and staff of WHS and its feeder schools are invited to this free event that will have henna tattoos, food samples, a motivational speaker, entertainment, dance, music, arts & crafts, and educational/informational booths.  Participants who visit the cultural booths and get their passport stamped will be eligible for a drawing of gift cards and other prizes.  Please join us on Friday, March 6^th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for the free event.

As mentioned several weeks ago, all Juniors are required to take the ACT on March 3^rd as part of the state’s accountability model.  Due to the inclement weather this past week, Juniors will begin completing the background portion in preparation of taking the test starting tomorrow.  As a reminder, scores from this test can be used for college and university admissions, scholarships, etc.  I encourage you to speak with your child regarding the importance of taking this test seriously due to the nature of the test and effects it can positively have on your child.

AP exam registration will be open through March 11.  All students wishing to take any AP exam in May will need to go to the online registration site (Total Registration) by March 11 to register.  There is no fee for AP exams this school year as long as the student is enrolled in the course this year.  All AP students were given a bulletin and registration instructions.  These can also be found on our website.

The remaining portion of this message is for seniors and their parents:

Does your senior want to attend college but feels that college is unattainable based on financial reasons or because grades are not as high as they should be?  College Round-Up is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to meet with over 30 college representatives who will make every effort to assist with applications and the financial aid process needed to attend their institution.  This will take place on March 14 at 8am at Edgecombe Community College in Tarboro.  If you are interested in attending, please have your senior pick up an application in Student Services by March 7.

Are you concerned about the cost of college tuition and interested in applying for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, and work study programs?  In order to be eligible for all federal and most state financial aid programs, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed before each year, usually by March 1.  The State Employees Credit Union, in partnership with the College Foundation of NC, is hosting FAFSA DAY.  SECU will be open state-wide on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9am-Noon to assist families with the FAFSA form. Register for the event at your local SECU branch or online at www.CFNC.org.  Be sure you've requested a PIN number from https://fafsa.ed.gov/ ahead of time and take your 2014 tax information.       

Cap and Gown Pictures will take place on campus on Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 7:30 am until 3:00 pm.  Lifetouch will be mailing appointment cards to all seniors. This event is a proof program with a $10 session fee. Those paying the session fee will have the option of purchasing 2 Keychains for $10.  You can contact Lifetouch at 1-800-343-5735, if you have questions or concerns.

Remember it’s all about the W! Enjoy the rest of your day, and let’s have an amazing week.  Goodbye.