APPLYING FOR FINANCIAL AID: IT’S EASY AS STEPS 1, 2, 3

Every year college costs go up and scholarship money is not awarded, low cost government loans are not evaluated, work study programs are left unfulfilled because students (or parents) think they won’t qualify and do not complete the appropriate financial aid forms. Remember: no application, no money!! Let the colleges decide if you qualify.

The Aliso Niguel Guidance department would like to encourage every student to complete both the online FAFSA and the Cal Grant GPA verification form (GPA must be 2.0 or greater to apply for a Cal Grant). To be considered for a Cal Grant you must also complete the FAFSA. Private colleges may also require the CSS Profile (deadlines vary by college). Some scholarships and/or colleges may have an earlier FAFSA deadline. Students who will be attending community college, trade/technical schools should also complete financial aid forms.
Paper copies of the FAFSA worksheet and the FAFSA/financial aid evening presentation are available in the Guidance office for your assistance or you may print the worksheet from the FAFSA website.

Finally, you do not need to pay anyone to fill out the FAFSA or CSS Profile. Please check the FAFSA website for online and phone contacts for FREE help directly from FAFSA. You may also contact the Financial Aid office of the each colleges to which the student applied for assistance.

To file the FAFSA for school year 2009-2010
Step one:
Complete the online application for electronic pin numbers: one for a parent and one for the student
Step Two:
Gather the necessary paperwork for both the parent and the student. Print the paper FAFSA worksheet and fill in the information offline. Once done, you will go online to enter your data. Save your information often during the process so you won’t lose it if your connection is lost.
Step Three:
Be sure you are filing for the 2009-2010 FAFSA. Follow the instructions to complete the FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ . You can save it as you go along but be sure to Submit no later than March 2, 2009 (February for some colleges and/or scholarships) You MUST complete the FAFSA if you wish to be considered for Federal loans.

To Apply for a CAL GRANT:
Step One:
Print a verified grade point average (GPA) form Complete the student portion of the GPA verification form then drop off the form in the envelope labeled GPA verification forms (hanging outside Registrar’s office). Mrs. Beck will complete the GPA information.
Step Two:
Student picks up the completed form the next day from the registrar, Mrs. Beck
Step Three:
Mail the form to the California Student Aid Commission by no later than March 2–(pay for a certificate of mailing at the post office). For students attending Community College in California, some schools will accept the Cal Grant form as late as September 2, 2009. First come, first served however. Schools grant monies until it is gone so be sure to file as early as possible.
Step Four:
Be sure to Complete and submit the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 2, 2009

To file the CSS PROFILE:
Step One:
Follow the online instructions to complete the CSS Profile for those private schools that require this form.
NOTE: UC and Cal State do NOT require this form!

DON JUAN AVILA MIDDLE SCHOOL
DJAMS NEWS
Principal: Chris Carter
January 29, 2009
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DJAMS TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to DJAMS’ Teacher of the Year, Ms. Mandy Berndt! Ms. Berndt came to DJAMS in 2005. She teaches 8th grade English and is our PAL Advisor. Ms. Berndt and her kids created our Bronco Store. She is part of the EBS Team, coordinates our Talent Show, and does so much more for our school. Ms. Berndt even ran with SRLA last year. She is definitely a deserving Teacher of the Year! Thanks for all you do, Ms. Berndt!

NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 30

There will be no school for students on Friday, January 30. Teachers will be busy wrapping up the end of the first semester.

DJAMS ANNUAL SPELLING BEE

DJAMS’ 8th Annual Spelling Bee will be held on Thursday, February 5, at 10:00 a.m., in the MPR. The top 10 spellers from this round will go to the county-wide written round on Monday, February 23. Then, on Monday, March 2, the county-wide oral round will take place. Good luck to all of our wonderful spellers!!

2009 DJAMS TALENT SHOW

Student auditions will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, February 3rd and 4th, after school. Students will be performing at the annual Talent Show on Thursday, February 26, in the MPR, 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $5.

SRLA

Our SLRA team is training hard to be ready for the LA Marathon which has been rescheduled to Monday, May 25, 2009, Memorial Day. On February 8, the team will be running in the Chinatown Firecracker 10k. On April 19, they will be running in the 18 mile Hansen Dam Friendship Run. They are all working hard and doing a great job, even when they have had to run in the rain! Good luck runners!

NEW CUSD COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASSES

New CUSD Community Education classes begin in February. Don’t delay, sign up today! Next week join us for a free adult “try it you’ll like it class.”

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Tap Dance, 2/2, Monday, 6:00 pm @ DJAMS, room 817

Tai Chi, 2/2, Monday, 7:00 pm @ Niguel Hills MS, blue commons

Early Riser Boot Camp, 2/3, Tuesday, 5:30 am (yes AM) @ Niguel Hills MS

African Drumming, 2/3, Tuesday, 6:30 pm @ DJAMS MPR

Yoga, 2/3, Tuesday, 7:00pm @ DJAMS 817

Writing Your Memoirs, 2/3, Tuesday, 7:00 pm @ Upper Campus 6

Belly Dance, 2/4, Wednesday, 6:30 pm @ DJAMS 817

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For directions and class descriptions go to capousd.org/adult.

CUSD employees (and their families) can receive a discount call today and ask for Brooke or Barb.

$5.00 off any class under $100

$10.00 off any class over $100

Brooke Beahm

CUSD Community Ed

489-7202

NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

Capistrano Unified School District participates in the National School Lunch Program. Your children may qualify for free or reduced price meals if your household income is within the limits of the Federal Income Eligibility guidelines. You may submit an application at any time during the school year. It will be processed by our department and a letter sent to your home notifying you if your children qualify for meal benefits. Just download an application from our website at www.capousd.org/campus or call us at 949-234-9509 and we will mail an application to your home.

PREVIOUS NEWS

YEARBOOK SALES – LAST GUARANTEED CHANCE!

Yearbooks will be sold on Tuesday and Wednesday, February 3 and 4, before school and at lunch times in the quad. If you are not sure that you purchased a yearbook, please check the list in the front office. Yearbooks are $40, checks made out to DJAMS. This is your last chance to be guaranteed a yearbook! If you have any questions, please email Mrs. Olson at seolson@capousd.org.

COLLEGE PREP NIGHT – ALISO VIEJO MIDDLE SCHOOL

Meeting College Entrance Requirements – What Middle School Parents Need to Know – Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Aliso Viejo Middle School. The PTSA’s at both DJAMS and AVMS are working in partnership with school administration to bring you important information at College Prep Night. Presentation by former CUSD high school curriculum expert Patrick Levens. Please mark your calendars and plan on attending this educational event.

CUSD OPEN ENROLLMENT 2009/2010

The 2009/10 Open Enrollment timeline has been established and is as follows:

· February 9, 2009 – Open Enrollment Applications and Brochures available

· February 11, 2009, 6:00 pm., Board Room – Open Enrollment Parent Information Meeting

· February 11-12, 2009 – School Visitation Days for schools in the Limited Space and One-to-One Categories only

· February 17-20, 2009 Open Enrollment Application Submission Period

· April 3, 2009 – Parent Notification begins

INCOMING 6TH GRADE PARENT NIGHT AT DJAMS

Parents of incoming 6th grade students are invited to attend DJAMS annual Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night on Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the MPR. AAA/GATE Parent Meeting will be held from 6:00-6:30 p.m. before the main presentation.

ONGOING WEIGHT TRAINING CLASS

It’s never too late for students to join Mr. Binley’s weight training session. Classes are held from 3:40 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, in our DJAMS Weight Room. This class is designed for all 7th and 8th graders interested in beginning weight training. To register for this class or other classes offered through Capistrano Community Education, please log on to www.capousd.org/adult or call 489-7202. Feel free to contact Mr. Binley if you have any questions regarding the class.

DATES TO REMEMBER

January 29 End of First Semester

January 30 No School/Student Holiday/First Semester Wrap-up Activities

February 2 Second Semester Begins

February 4 7th/8th Grade Band Performs at Disneyland

February 10 7th/8th Grade Orchestra Performs at Disneyland

February 11 PTSA Domino Pizza Night Fundraiser

February 11 College Prep Night @ AVMS, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Focus on High School Requirements A-G)
February 13 Lincoln Day, Legal Holiday
February 16 Washington Day, Legal Holiday
February 26 Talent Show

March 12 PTSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Library

March 13 Pi Day
April 6-10 Spring Recess – No School

April 22 Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night, 6:30 p.m., MPR
May 14 PTSA Meeting, 2:30 p.m., Library
May 20 Open House, 6:30 p.m.
May 25 Memorial Day, Legal Holiday

May 25 SRLA Team Runs the L.A. Marathon
June 18 Last Day of School

South County Outreach Food Drive at ANHS

http://www.saddlebackoutreach.org/

Second Semester Back to School Night Edition

A Can a Kid: that’s all we suggest

Back to School Night Tues. 2/17

and during the week

Monday through Thursday

2/16-2/19

Please donate one item:*

Canned meat, tuna, fruits and vegetables

Canned beans, soups, chili

Peanut butter and jelly

Pasta, pasta sauce, macaroni and cheese

Cold cereal

Drop off donations at the main office or your first period teacher

Sponsored by Coordinated Science II

Ms. Brown, Rm 708

*more than one item will be gladly accepted