Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the student application and a flyer.  Both can be reproduced and passed out to any qualified and interested students in your school.  The flyer can be posted in the school to generate interest.  Students can also obtain information and an application by accessing our website at: www.iu08.org and then clicking the ATOMS Scholars Program link in the Information for Parents menu. 

Listed below is some important information concerning deadlines and changes that have taken place in the program.  Please read this information and pass it along to your faculty & staff members, students, and parents.

• Incomplete applications will automatically be disqualified.
• All Basic programs are five days in length and operate from 8:20 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.  The Mini programs are either three full-days or four half-days in length and provide 15 hours of instruction.
  
  
• Students who enter and display projects in the Central PA Science Fair, sponsored by IU 8 in the spring, will receive extra points on the ATOMS application. 
  
  
• The student application has three parts.  Parts 1 and 2 should be completed by the parent and student.  Part 3 needs to be completed by the teacher.  Parents should complete their sections and forward the application to the school for completion of their portion. The completed application should be mailed or faxed from the school and not given back to the parent.
  
  
• If the parent is requesting financial aid, proof of income must accompany the completed application.  This proof can be a copy of the student's lunch program form indicating his/her eligibility for free or reduced lunches or a copy of the parents completed 2006 or 2007 income tax form.
  
  
• Teachers are strongly encouraged to write specific comments regarding the student's suitability or unsuitability for this program.  In many cases final determination of acceptance into the program is based on the teacher recommendation.  Comments are always confidential.
  
  
• Teachers whose students are applying for admission but do not have percentage grades on report cards, should use the average of the classroom test scores for the math and science percentages. PSSA test levels can also be used as criteria for application (Proficient for a Mini Program and Advanced for a Basic Program.)
  
  
• Make sure that parents and students understand that selection for this program is competitive and a students receipt of an application does not guarantee admission.  Class size is limited to a maximum of 15 students and competition for the slots is based on the criteria listed on the application.  Any student who meets the criteria may apply. 
  
  
• Students will receive written notification of their acceptance into the program during the month of April.  Upon receipt of the letter of acceptance, students will be required to send in a non-refundable acceptance fee to reserve their slot. 
  
  
• Application deadline to be eligible for placement in the program is: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 4:00 PM (Must be postmarked by 2/26/08 if mailed.)  Late applications will be placed on the alternate list and notified if a cancellation occurs.
  
  
• The completed application and proof of financial need (if applicable) should be sent to:  Appalachia IU 8, ATOMS Program, 4500 Sixth Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602  Fax: 814-949-0984.

Please contact me if you have any concerns or questions.  My phone number at my office is (814) 940-0223 ext. 393 and my e-mail address is jconway@iu08.org.  Thank you for your time and cooperation.