FCHS Counseling Newsletter

Wendy Ricker-9th Grade Counselor Tiger Academy

Rachel Booth-10th-12th Grade Counselor Last Name (A-Ga)

Jen Travis-10th-12th Grade Counselor Last Name (Ge-N)

Maria Mack-10th-12th Grade Counselor Last Name (O-Z)

Sheila Garcia- Student Information Systems Specialist

Maria Cauthen- Records Clerk

Isalia Jones- Graduation Coach

Counseling Department Hours 8:00am-3:45pm

Progress Reports:

The 4.5 Progress Report is available to be viewed in Infinite Campus. 9 week Progress Reports will be available for viewing on Thursday October 12. If you have any questions regarding your student's progress in a class, you can communicate with your student's teacher.

Tutorial Schedule:

If students need additional assistance, the 2023 - 2024 FCHS Tutorial Schedule is available here.

Exam Exemption Policy:

Academic Final Exam Exemption:
Each semester, as a reward for academic excellence, a student may choose to exempt up to three final exams (if the student is enrolled in seven classes at the home school) or two final exams (if the student is enrolled in six or fewer classes at the home school) provided the student has a grade of 95 or higher in the selected course(s).

Attendance Exam Exemption:
Each semester, as a reward for exemplary attendance, students may exempt one final exam provided the student has five or less unexcused attendance transactions (including tardy to school) that semester and has a grade of 70 or above in the class he/she wants to exempt.

Senior Final Exam Exemption (SECOND SEMESTER ONLY)
A high school senior who will be graduating at the end of the second semester may exempt the final exam in any course(s) provided the senior has a grade of 80 or higher in that course. A senior may use the Attendance Final Exam Exemption in lieu of the Senior Final Exam Exemption if the student chooses.

For all final exam exemptions:

• If a student qualifies for both general and academic final exam exemptions, the student must choose only one type of
• exemption (academic or attendance). A student may not combine the two types of exemptions.
• A student may not exempt the first or second semester final exams for courses with an End of Course
• Milestones assessment, AP courses, and IB courses.
• Final exams in dual enrollment courses are under the jurisdiction of the post-secondary institution. FCPS final exam exemption
• procedures do not apply to dual enrollment courses.

*Counselors met with all seniors during their Econ/Govt classes the last week in August to help them with their action steps for college/career/graduation. Individual Senior/School Counselor meetings have also begun. Each senior will have the chance to meet with their assigned School Counselor to discuss their next steps. Please be patient as it will take most of the semester to work our way through close to 300 seniors:)

*Tiger Time - Sept. 19th - The Counselors will be available between 8:00 and 8:30 and from 3:45-4:15 in the Career Center to help students with any questions they have with their applications. This is a drop in event - stop by with any questions you have!

*Scholarship Lunch and Learn - Sept. 21st. The link to sign up will be sent through Schoology

*Senior Information Night - Sept. 28th 6-8. We had an amazing response for this event and all of our sessions are full! If you RSVP'd in advance, your schedule for the evening will be ready for you at the check in table in the Commons. We look forward to this amazing evening that we hope will be full of information for you and your students as we all work together to plan their next steps after high school! The following sessions will be offered:

College Admissions 101

Scholarship 101

College Admission Essay Tips

Navigating Naviance

Technical College - is it the right fit?

Military and other Career Options

We have collaborated with numerous outside agencies to plan an informative and engaging evening and look forward to seeing you all there!

PROBE College Fair will be at Sandy Creek High School on Oct. 25th from 6:00-8:00 pm. Register in advance at www.RegisterProbe.com

Please join us at Next Step Education's 10th Annual College, Career & Services Fair

Greetings,

The Next Step Education team, in partnership with the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, Clayton County Public Schools, and College Readiness 101, will host our 10th Annual College, Career & Services Fair at Morrow High School on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Since it's our Executive Director's 20th graduation class anniversary, we're heading to his alma mater to commemorate our work in the Clayton County community.

The fair is open to all high school students. Seniors should bring copies of their transcripts and test scores for possible on-the-spot acceptances and scholarships.

It is Nov. 3rd. We will send a registration form through Schoology. Students will sign up for either the 9-11 session or the 1-3 session. This is a wonderful opportunity to apply to schools throughout the state of Georgia for FREE!

We're excited to share an upcoming event that is tailor-made for students aspiring to make a difference in the medical field. Our school proudly presents the "Beyond Boundaries: Exploring Global Health and Medical Diversity" conference, and we'd like to extend a warm invitation to your students.

Conference Details:

• Date: September 30, 2023
• Time: 10am-1pm EST
• Location: Virtual Event

"Beyond Boundaries," the theme of our conference, echoes the global nature of healthcare and the imperative to address medical challenges on an international scale. This event offers an enriching platform for students interested in traditional pre-medical studies, nursing, and even the dynamic field of biomedical engineering.

Key Highlights:

• Cultural Exploration: Attendees will embark on a captivating journey, delving into medical practices and traditions from diverse cultures and regions. This immersive experience enhances their understanding of the multifaceted nature of healthcare.
• Networking Opportunities: Participants will virtually connect with real professors, pre-med students, and like-minded peers. These connections can be transformative, fostering relationships that offer support and growth throughout their academic and professional journeys.
• Certificate of Participation: All registered attendees will receive a certificate of participation, a noteworthy addition to college applications and resumes, highlighting their commitment to global health awareness.
• Focus on Accessibility: The conference addresses healthcare disparities and underscores the critical need for accessible healthcare, encouraging students to think holistically about the global impact of these issues.
• Humanitarian Perspective: We'll spotlight the pivotal role of medical professionals in tackling global health issues and providing humanitarian aid. This perspective encourages students to embrace their potential for positive change on a global scale.

Registration and Fee:

• To ensure access to this experience, there is a nominal fee of $5 for attendance. This nominal fee goes towards covering event expenses, allowing us to continue providing enriching opportunities to our students.

The conference has been carefully created to cater to students pursuing various medical fields, from traditional pre-med to nursing and biomedical engineering. We kindly request your support in spreading the word about this virtual event to your interested students, using your school's communication channels.

For registration and more information, please visit https://www.leaptheproject.com/events. If you have any questions or need further details, don't hesitate to contact us at info@leaptheproject.com. Your support in helping us offer students this exceptional learning opportunity is greatly appreciated.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call 9-1-1, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text “MHFA” to 741-741 for 24/7 confidential counseling from the Crisis Text Line.

Peer pressure. Bullying. College applications. Extracurricular activities. High school students today face a number of personal challenges, and sometimes these challenges can be difficult to manage alone.

This pressure and stress can affect overall mental health and well-being now and in the long-term. One in five teens lives with a mental health challenge. This means that one in five teens around you is struggling with a mental health condition right now.

Do you know what to do if you see your neighbor, classmate or friend in need? Whether you are facing your own personal mental health challenge or you know someone else who is, the teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) Action Plan will help you understand how to manage a crisis situation and help a friend when they need it the most.

The teen MHFA Action Plan
teen Mental Health First Aid teaches young people how to recognize the signs of mental health problems and crises, offer and provide initial support and enlist the help of a trusted adult. The most critical time to use this action plan is when a friend or peer is experiencing a mental health crisis, but the best time is before that crisis occurs.

1. Look for warning signs.
   Sometimes your friend might show multiple signs of a mental health or substance use challenge, but sometimes they might not show any.It’s important to know what signs of a mental health crisis are so you can recognize it right away. It’s also important to keep in mind that your friend is at especially high risk if they show one or more of these warning signs and has recently been through a difficult situation, such as an argument, relationship breakup, loss of loved one or bullying.Warning signs fall into different categories, but all indicate that there is risk of harm:Possible injury or death

   
   

   Looking for ways to hurt or kill themselves

   Threatening to hurt or kill themselves

   Acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities

   Talking, writing or communicating about death, dying or suicide (including in schoolwork, creative writing, artwork or online)

   Displays of rage or anger, being aggressive towards others, seeking revenge or threatening violence toward others

   Loss of purpose or direction

   Having no reason to live or no sense of purpose in life

   Having a sense of hopelessness or helplessness

   Feeling trapped like there’s no way out

   Dramatic changes in behavior or emotions

   Intense anxiety, agitation or paranoia

   Sudden changes in mood

   Withdrawing from friends

   Decline in school performance

   Changes in eating or sleeping patterns.

2. Ask how they are.
   If you see warning signs of a possible crisis, you should approach your friend immediately. Try to stay calm and talk to them in a respectful and caring way.Ask them how they’re doing and if there’s anything you can do to help. If your friend is open to getting help, call an adult you know and trust. If your friend gets angry, agitated or aggressive, it might be best to walk away and call an adult for help.

1. Listen up.
   We all need someone to talk to. It’s important that you take time to listen to your friend and believe what they tell you. Sometimes a person in a crisis will not be able to communicate very well, so just listen as best you can to understand your friend’s problem.
2. Help them connect with an adult.
   Warning signs of a mental health crisis need to be taken seriously and a responsible, trusted adult should be involved. Ask your friend which adult they would feel comfortable talking to. If your friend does not want to tell an adult, you could try explaining the reasons why getting support from an adult is a good idea.If your friend refuses to tell an adult about their problem, you may need to tell an adult yourself without your friend’s consent. Remember that your friend’s life and health are most important and an adult will be able to bring the help needed to keep your friend safe.
3. Your friendship is important.Once your friend is with a responsible and trusted adult and getting the support they need, it might be a good idea to reach out to them again. Ask your friend what help or support they would like from you and remind them that you are always going to be there for them as a friend. Remember that a good friend is someone who looks out for their friends in every way, including their mental health and well-being. And by taking these steps, that’s exactly what you’re doing.

Remember when there is risk of harm, the most important priority is safety and connecting your friend with a responsible and trusted adult who can assist them to reduce their risks and stay safe. Never place yourself in danger while trying to help your friend, and do not try to take on more than you can handle. Taking care of yourself is an essential part of practicing effective teen Mental Health First Aid.

To learn more about how to help your peers who may be struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge, watch this video about the new teen Mental Health First Aid program, run by the National Council and supported by Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation. This course teaches high school students how to identify, understand and respond to signs of a mental health problem or crisis among their friends. Right now, eight high schools across the country have trained students in teen Mental Health First Aid. We’re looking forward to expanding to more schools across the country in the coming years so every young person can #BeTheDifference.

We can all help prevent suicide. Every year, the Lifeline and other mental health organizations and individuals across the U.S. and around the world raise awareness of suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month.

About National Suicide Prevention Month

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.

National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to share resources and stories, as well as promote suicide prevention awareness.

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10. It’s a time to remember those affected by suicide, to raise awareness, and to focus efforts on directing treatment to those who need it most.

#BeThe1To

#BeThe1To is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline’s message for National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond, which helps spread the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline network and its partners are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, to actions that can promote healing, help and give hope.

Ask

Research shows people who are having thoughts of suicide feel relief when someone asks after them in a caring way. Findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.

Get #BeThe1To Ask

Be There

Keep Them Safe

Help Them Stay Connected

Follow Up

Learn More

Get in touch

Call the Lifeline

Download Logos and Ribbons

Share the 988 Lifeline logo and prevention ribbons to raise awareness for suicide prevention.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Augusta University is hosting See Augusta preview day on September 30 from 8:30am -1:30pm, and we want to invite you and your students to join us!

During See Augusta students will have the unique opportunity to spend the day learning about AU and all we offer. They will get the chance to:

• Learn about the next steps to becoming a jag: Meet with their admissions counselor to understand our enrollment process.
• Engage with our Academic Programs: Explore our academic colleges and departments and hear about various undergraduate research opportunities.
• Get to know our Campuses: Visit both our historic Summerville and our dedicated Health Sciences campuses.
• Discover life at AU: Tour the freshman residence halls and learn about campus engagement opportunities available to Jags.

Please share our upcoming preview day with any students who may be interested They can save their spot by registering at this link!

Go Jags!

Students are invited to join us for an upcoming SCAD Day in Atlanta and Savannah!

The stars align at SCAD Day

A universe of wonder awaits at a SCAD open house event. Buzz through energizing spaces, find your hive with fellow future SCAD Bees, and get to know your favorite majors from SCAD's 100 degree programs.
Atlanta:
Saturday, Sept. 23 - Register
Saturday, Nov. 4 - Register
Savannah:
Saturday, Oct. 7 - Register
Saturday, Nov. 11 - Register

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Students can explore campus with some of our tour guides in a student-produced video series called “10 Questions With a Tour Guide.”

• Explore Forbes Residential College with Zizi
• Walk Through Some Engineering Classrooms with Cristina
• Experience Firestone Library with Brad
• Stroll Frist Campus Center’s Front Lawn with Emilio
• Tour the Mathey College Common Room with Bobo
• Visit Nassau Hall and Cannon Green with Rachel

Please feel free to contact Jessica Wilson jessicawilson@princeton.edu with any questions or suggestions for how we may assist you in the college search process.

Greetings from the Georgia Institute of Technology!

The GT Counselor Buzz is here to provide you with all the information you need regarding changes to our admission process, application data, resources, special opportunities to visit campus, and more.

New this year:

Georgia Tech applicants now have the opportunity to submit up to four optional letters of recommendation, one from a counselor, up to two from academic instructors, and one from another recommender.

The College of Sciences now offers degrees in Solid Earth and Planetary Science, Environmental Science, and Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences.

Upcoming Events and Campus Visits

Don't forget to save your spot for the Peach State Tour, and to share these opportunities with your students. We are excited to partner with Augusta University, Georgia State University, and the University of Georgia again this year.

Preview Georgia Tech Open House
This open house event is for high school seniors who are interested in majors within the College of Design, College of Sciences, Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts, and Scheller College of Business. Students can Register Now

• Friday, September 29, 2023

Students may apply for first-year admission exclusively with the Common Application in either non-binding Early Action or Regular Decision.

View Application Deadlines

Application Review Process

First-year applicants to Georgia Tech are reviewed in a selective, holistic admission process. Our application review includes consideration of a variety of factors.

Review Admission Factors

Are you interested in learning more about Duke University? Please plan to attend the "Discover Duke" information session on 9/20 at 7:00 pm at the Westin Hotel near the Atlanta Airport. Register in advance HERE

VCU Engineering is an UNCOMMON Experience

The College of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University provides students a real-world education with collaborative and multidisciplinary partnerships. Students turn great ideas into breakthrough technologies. See what your students will experience at VCU.

A place UNLIKE any other VCU Engineering is proud to be recognized by the American Society for Engineering Education for bringing women and underrepresented minorities into the field. Our recent enrollment numbers for women and underrepresented minorities in computer science, for example, have more than doubled and tripled, respectively.

Top 10% guaranteed admission VCU Engineering guarantees admission for all graduating high school seniors who rank in the top 10% of their classes and are degree-seeking, first-year students applying for the first time.

For fall 2024, standardized test scores are not required for admission to VCU College of Engineering. All applicants will be eligible for test score optional review, regardless of GPA.

Students have UNLIMITED opportunity at VCU Engineering, we move research from the lab to the larger community. Undergraduate students can be part of the prestigious Vertically Integrated Projects (VIP) consortium.

Look inside our departments what do students in the five departments at VCU Engineering do? They pursue research areas including: sustainability and energy engineering; micro and nano electronic systems; pharmaceutical engineering; mechanobiology and regenerative medicine; big data mining; and device design and development. Take a look!

The Voice of Democracy Scholarship

Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars is now open!

Deadline to submit a patriotic audio essay is 10/31. The topic for the audio essay this year is "What are the greatest attributes of our Democracy?" Winners could earn up to $35,000. Application packets and more information are available in the Counseling Office!

Greetings, U.S. Presidential Scholars Program Coordinators,

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program nomination window is open from September 1 to November 1. Any high school senior may complete the application, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined by the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The student informational brochure includes information on the application criteria and the two required essays. The application, program criteria, and informational brochure are on the Excellence Recognitions USPS webpage. Applications are due by November 1 at 5:00 p.m.

Application: 2024 USPS Application

Required Verification Forms: Click Here

Student Informational Brochure: Click Here

Coordinator’s Guide: Click Here

U.S. Presidential Scholars website: Click Here

The Nike HSI Scholarship Program Application is now open and closes on September 15, 2023, 5:00 PM PT. We encourage you to share this opportunity with students in your network.

About

The Nike HSI Scholarship Program is designed to empower young leaders who currently attend a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).

An HSI is an institution of higher education with an undergraduate student enrollment that is at least 25 percent Hispanic. Please reference the latest US Department of Education NCES list to confirm if an institution is designated as an HSI.

Award

Scholars are selected based on merit. Award amounts range from $5,000 to $10,000, based on demonstrated financial need.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be of Hispanic heritage
• Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
• Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited, public or not-for-profit, four-year university that is officially designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) – as defined by the Higher Education Act of 1965. For more information, visit the US Department of Education NCES list.

Other

• No documents are required for the successful submission of Phase I. In October, students selected to proceed in the application process will be required to submit their undergraduate transcript(s), financial aid award letter, and enrollment verification.
• Students who are first-year undergraduates, and who do not have undergraduate grades for summer/fall 2023, must submit their high school transcript in October, if they proceed in the application process. Students who submit a high school transcript must have obtained a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).

How to Apply

Phase I of the Nike HSI Scholarship Program application is now open and closes on Friday, September 15, 2023, 5:00 PM PT.

Apply Now!

The Counseling Department is now on Social Media!

Email: johnson.yolanda@fcboe.org
Website: https://www.fcboe.org/fchs
Location: 1 Tiger Trail, Fayetteville, GA, USA
Phone: (770) 460-3540
Twitter: @FCHS_Counselors