First semester report cards will be handed out to all students on Tuesday January 22, 2001. Parents are asked to go over each grade carefully. If a student fails a year long class he or she may be required to re-take the failed class next fall. Senior parents should be extra vigilant when looking at semester grades. If a senior fails a class this may jeopardize his or her chances for graduation. Please call your counselor for a grade check review if you feel it is necessary. Our number is 734–284–1875.
Third Quarter reports will be distributed to parents at our Report Card Conferences on Thursday, March 22, from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., and March 23, from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The Guidance office offers afternoon and evening options to try to accommodate all families and work schedules. These conferences each fall and spring provide parents with an excellent opportunity to talk with teachers about the progress of students they are with each day. Whether your son or daughter is doing well or poorly, teachers enjoy meeting the parents of their students. Please mark on your calendar now and plan to attend. No reminder letters are sent. Since these dates and times have been on the school calendar that was mailed out last summer, we are always disappointed when a parent says they were not aware of the conference.
Second semester grades are very important to all seniors. Many colleges hold up acceptance or “wait” until second semester grades are finalized. Parents should encourage seniors to continue to work hard to achieve high grades.

New Student Registration
Formal planning for the 2001–2002 school year begins on Friday, January 26 when acceptance letters are mailed to all 8th graders welcoming them to the GR family. In order to assist your son or daughter in making the most of the educational opportunities available at Gabriel Richard High School; please take note of the following information regarding registration for next year. All grades will have a different registration form to complete and return back to his counselor at the earliest possible date. In order for us to construct the 2001–2002 budget, build the school schedule, and determine the exact number of teachers needed, the registration process must be returned to the counseling office by February 28th, 2001

Advanced Placement
What is the AP Program? The College Board’s Advanced Placement Program (AP) is an opportunity for students to pursue college-level studies while still in secondary school. Through this program, they may earn credit, advanced placement, or both, for college. By challenging and stimulating students, the AP Program provides access to high quality education, accelerates learning, rewards achievement, and enhances both high school and college programs.
How do students, teachers, and school benefit from taking the AP test? Students demonstrate scholarship on national and international academic levels. Taking an AP Examination enables students to compare their knowledge and understanding of college level subjects with the high academic standards established by college faculty. Students who study AP classes study in greater depth. Students develop analytical reasoning skills, and form disciplined study habits that can contribute to continued success at the college level.
College admissions personnel view AP experiences as one indicator of future success at the college level. As college admissions become more selective, participation in an AP course is a great advantage. AP grade reports are sent in July to each student’s home address, high school, and if requested by the student their designated college(s). At the time of the exam students can write to AP Program and request that the grades be sent to other colleges as well. Over 90% of the colleges and universities in the United States, as well as colleges and universities in 19 other countries, use AP grades. Gabriel Richard offers the following AP Courses: English Literature, Calculus, Chemistry, Psychology, Am. History, Art, Biology, and Government. In the last three years 196 GR seniors took one or more AP tests, 74% of our students received some college credit for their freshman year.

Bogus Scholarships
Parents please do your homework to avoid bogus scholarship offers from companies that offer your son or daughter “new found” money from a list of scholarships unknown to counselors and colleges. If a scholarship company “requests” a small fee for research, ignore it. Rarely should a parent pay money for information on a scholarship or give money to an organization claiming they will find a scholarship for your senior. Parents need to be warned about the growing problem of scholarship fraud. The Guidance department reviews all types of scholarships, grants and other financial information for accuracy and tries to combat the financial aid con artist. With tuition bills skyrocketing, and room and board going through the roof, students and their families are looking for creative ways to finance a college education. One rule of thumb is “if it costs you money to apply for a scholarship it is usually suspect”. When in doubt call the Guidance Office.