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Applying to Foothill - Academic Year 2008-2009

Application Process

The 2009 VUSD School of Choice Application is used to apply to Foothill Technology High School (FTHS). The window of opportunity for submission starts in mid-January 2009 and runs through the start of February 2009, applications accepted until 4 p.m. Applications cannot and will not be accepted after that time. Early applications will have no advantage over those received by the 4:00 p.m. deadline. Students are admitted through a random lottery process. Completed applications should be turned into the District Office, 255 W. Stanley Avenue, Ventura, or the Office Manager at FTHS prior to the closing date.

Applications will be available at FTHS for PICK UP and DROP OFF during the application window only..

Informational meetings for parents are being held at Foothill Tech HS, 100 Day Road in Spirito Hall:

Date 2009 TBA from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Spirito Hall
Date 2009 TBA 2008 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Spirito Hall

Students are candidates for Foothill Technology High School IF they have the ability and willingness to be successful in a challenging learning environment.

Suggested Guidelines:

• Reside in the Ventura Unified School District and be able to provide two proofs of residency at the time of enrollment.
• Prepared to enter the Algebra 1 level in math or higher.
• Prepared to enter English classes that require grade level reading and extensive writing (college preparatory English).
• Have a record of good attendance since Foothill is on a block schedule and attendance is extremely important for academic success.
• Have a strong interest in the career pathways of health science, communications and/or technology.
• Prepared to participate in FTHS technology literacy program at an appropriate level.

Students active in athletics can participate in those programs at their boundary school. All other clubs and activities - yearbook, service clubs, ASB, and dances - are available at FTHS.

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Can a student play sports at Ventura or Buena while attending Foothill Technology High School?

Yes. A student will take his/her period 7 class at Buena or Ventura. A student may only participate in sports at their boundary (zone) school. Many sports programs have tryouts and practice prior to the start of the school year. Therefore, you must let your counselor know at the time of registration what sports you are interested in. However, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to ensure they know when try outs are held. All students must try out for each sport of interest and maintain academic eligibility.

After graduation, what percentages of students are attending a four-year university?

Sixty percent of Foothill graduates attend four-year universities compared to the state average of approximately twenty percent. FTHS courses are "college preparatory", and we do offer Honors and AP courses. All students work closely with their school counselor to plan for appropriate courses and ensure they are meeting the CSU/UC entrance and GPA requirements. Seniors are provided information regarding scholarships and financial aid via the Senior Dragon News. Financial aid, scholarship, and application process workshops are provided for students and parents throughout the year.

Does a student need computer skills to be accepted at FTHS?

No. All students will be trained on computers their first year.

What support services does Foothill Technology High School offer?

• Three school counselors provide comprehensive counseling program including: academic advice/monitoring, college and career advice, personal counseling, and consultation.
• Career Specialist and Job Developer provide on-going college and career planning assistance by: meeting with each grade level 2-3 times a year, using Bridges and other interest inventories, arranging for job shadows, guest speakers, and tours of various businesses.
• Foothill Intervention, Reinforcement and Enrichment program (FIRE) providing access to teachers for homework assistance and tutoring is required for all 9th graders and available to all students.
• After-school Intervention is provided for students at risk of not passing the high school exit exam.
• National Honor Society (NHS) peer tutoring is available during FIRE.
• All teachers serve as student advocates and support a college going culture
• Health services are provided by a health technician and school nurse

How will students meet the physical education requirements?

All ninth and tenth grade students must take P.E. We offer a variety of options to include:

• taking P.E. as an Independent Study class and working out at a private fitness facility such as Maverick's or the YMCA.
• taking P.E. courses at Ventura College (10th grade and above, only)
• taking P.E. courses in dance or conditioning at Foothill Tech during Periods 1 - 7
• playing sports at Ventura or Buena

Will my child need to use a computer at home for schoolwork?

For some homework assignments, yes. An investment in a home computer is an investment in your children's future. Our technology coordinator will be happy to answer any questions about purchases you might have.

Will my child earn college credit for his/her college course and will there be fees?

Yes. Students completing college coursework at Ventura College may earn dual credit; meaning both high school and college credit for the college course. Students must work closely with their counselor and ensure Foothill receives an official transcript from the college for courses completed. There is no tuition for high school students; however, they are responsible for health and lab fees, as well as all books. At this time, Foothill's regular high school-level coursework, except for AP classes in which a student has passed the AP exam, does not qualify students for college-level credit.

What type of student attends FTHS?

We want to have a diverse student body. Students will choose to attend FTHS for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

• wanting a smaller, more intimate environment
• having daily access to state-of-the-art technology
• preparing for college success
• interest in integrated curriculum with significant exchange among all subject areas
• having access to higher paying jobs upon graduation
• looking for a challenge
• interest in multimedia
• enjoy learning
• wanting to learn technology skills
• having parents who encourage them to attend
• interest in the medical or communications field
• needing a different learning environment

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