The Rocket Dispatch
Person High School Weekly Newsletter | September 22, 2024
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Important Dates
- Sunday, September 15- Tuesday, October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
- Monday, September 23: Required Teacher Workday (No School for Students)
- Tuesday, September 24: Appalachian State visits PHS
- Tuesday, September 24: Senior Parent Night
- Wednesday, September 25: Progress Reports Released
- Wednesday, September 25: Deadline for required vaccine documentation
- Wednesday, September 25: CACRAO College Fair (See Senior Section for more info)
- Wednesday, September 25: Deadline for submission of senior vaccine documentation
- Monday, September 30: School Improvement Team Meeting, 3:30-5:00 PM, PHS Media Center
- Monday, September 30: Rocket Community Engagement Committee Meeting, 5:30-6:30 PM, PHS Media Center
- Tuesday, October 8: UNC Greensboro visits PHS
- Friday, October 11: Homecoming Pep Rally, Parade, and Football Game
- Saturday, October 12: Homecoming Dance @ PHS
- Monday, November 4: William Peace University visits PHS
- Thursday, November 7: ECU visits PHS
Home Athletics This Week
- Monday, September 23 @ 4:00 PM: Girl's Golf at Caswell Pines
- Monday, September 23 @ 4:30 PM: Girl's Tennis vs. Orange
- Monday, September 23 @ 6:00 PM: Boy's Soccer vs. Orange
- Thursday, September 26 @ 5:00/6:15 PM: JV and Varsity Volleyball vs. Southern Alamance
Reminders:
- Clear Bag Policy: Spectators are limited to one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and less than 12"x 12"x 6"— exceptions will be made for medical and baby needs.
- No Re-Entry: Spectators that voluntarily leave an athletic contest will not be allowed reentry into that contest.
- Student Supervision: All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult when attending PHS athletic events.
- Spectator Seating: All spectators must remain seated in the bleachers unless visiting the concession stand and/or using the restroom facilities. Only athletes, cheerleaders, halftime performers, officials, school personnel, or law enforcement are permitted to stand outside the confines of the bleachers during the event.
Tickets: Tickets to athletic events cost $10 (5 and under and 65 and over are free). Cash only. There is no online payment option.
CELEBRATIONS
Courier-Times PHS Athlete of the Week
Welcome Little Cheerleaders!
The cheerleaders hosted aspiring PHS cheerleaders at Friday night's football game! Great job, ladies!
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15-Oct 15)
Military Appreciation Friday, 9/20
IMPORTANT UPDATES
PHS School Improvement Team | Parent Involvement Needed
The Person High School School Improvement Plan (SIP)Team will be meeting Monday, September 30, 3:30-5:00 PM, in the PHS Media Center. All meetings are open to the public.
The PHS SIP Team is composed of parent representatives, faculty members (each department chair – elected by their respective faculty/staff), and the school’s principal and assistant principals. Elected members serve a two-year term and attend monthly meetings. PHS meetings are held on the first Monday of each month (see the school’s website/calendar/announcements for exact dates and times).
The School Improvement Team is responsible for the following:
- Helping to develop the School Improvement Plan.
- Soliciting input and hearing concerns of constituents about school programs and student life.
- Making decisions on major, policy-level issues that impact the school's philosophy, programs, personnel and students.
- Advocating for programs and funding in order to provide the students and staff what is needed to fulfill the School Improvement Plan.
Rocket Community Engagement Committee (RCEC) Meeting Monday, September 30 @ 5:30 PM
The Rocket Community Engagement Committee (RCEC), Person High School's Parent-Teacher-Student Organization, will meet Monday, September 30, at 5:30 PM in the PHS Media Center. All parents, teachers, and students are invited to attend to help plan ways to support PHS students and teachers throughout the school year!
Progress Reports Distributed Wednesday, September 25
Progress Reports will be distributed in each PHS class on Wednesday, September 25. All assignments indicated as "Missing" must be completed by the end of the day Wednesday, October 2, for any credit.
Parents/Guardians: If you do not have access to monitor your student's grades and attendance via Infinite Campus, please complete the form linked below ASAP.
Your help needed..... STUDENT TARDIES
Homecoming Court Application (Due Friday, September 27!
All students in grades 9-12 interested in participating in the 2024 Homecoming Court (Prince and Princess for grades 9-11, King and Queen for seniors) MUST print and complete the Homecoming Representative Court Informational Packet by September 27th at 3:00 PM. The application can be turned in to the front office or to Mr. Roberts (Room 227). Please note that applications require TWO letters of recommendation from teachers as well (please request those from the teachers no later than Tuesday, September 24, to give them time to complete them).
Only applicants who are notified by email/phone call will be eligible to attend the Homecoming Court meeting on October 2nd @ 3:30 in room 227. All interested candidates accepted will be added to the election ballot and voting will take place during Homecoming Week.
If you have any questions regarding the packet, please contact Mr. Roberts by email at robertsm@person.k12.nc.us
Homecoming Dance- Saturday, October 12 @ PHS
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! There will be a Homecoming Dance at PHS on Saturday, October 12, for all grade levels. More information will be coming soon including information on ticket sales and prices.
PHS Doodle Art Contest
Theme of the Month: Supernatural September (Not able to be explained by physical laws)
This Week's Prompts:
9/9: Forgotten
9/10: Kaiju
9/11: Turtle
9/12: Lock
9/13: Rabbit
9/14: Dragon
9/15: Rock
Scan the QR Code for rules, directions, and specific daily prompts!
Questions? Reach out to Mrs. Olson, Art Teacher, at olsona@person.k12.nc.us.
PHS 24-25 Cell Phone Policy
Parents/Guardians: Please review the information with your student regarding the expectations surrounding cell phone use at PHS for the 2024-2025 school year:
The 2024-2025 PHS Cell Phone Policy is as follows:
Students may have “silenced” cell phones in their possession during the school day. Students who are in possession of cell phones must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, Acceptable Use Policy, and all Board Policies, particularly Internet Acceptable Use. Each user is responsible for his/her own cell phone and should use it responsibly and appropriately. Person High School takes no responsibility for stolen, lost, or damaged cell phones, including lost or corrupted data on those devices.
During instructional time, students may not use their cell phones and must have them out of sight at all times. This includes students who are in the hallways or in the restrooms during instructional time.
During non-instructional time (before and after school, lunch and between classes), students can access their cell phones. However, students may not use their cell phones to make phone calls during this time.
STUDENT SERVICES
North Carolina School of Science & Mathematics (NCSSM) Site Visit
Have an affinity for STEM ideas and concepts? Considered living on a high school residential campus to further your possibilities in STEM research?
NCSSM may be a great option for you! The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics educates academically talented students to become state, national, and global leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Founded as the nation’s first public, residential STEM high school, we let North Carolina students design your future through challenging programs driven by instructional excellence and the excitement of discovery.
A NCSSM representative will be coming 9/30 at 1:45pm to PHS to share about the programs offered, admission requirements, and the application process for current 10th graders. Invitations to attend the information session will be sent to PHS students who have demonstrated an interest in STEM and are currently pursuing an academically rigorous pathway. Students should respond to with their intent to attend by completing the Google Form in the email to attend.
Need to Meet with a School Counselor?
Attention Students: Important Update on Student Services Meeting Requests
ALL students who need to allocate time for planning or address a concern must submit a 24-25 Request to Meet With A Member of Student Services and must wait until the assigned counselor calls them for a scheduled time.
Please note that emails will no longer be used for scheduling a meeting with your counselor or adviser. If you send an email, you will be redirected to complete the Request to Meet form. Form submissions will be prioritized, ensuring your concerns are addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
SENIOR NEWS
Important Senior Dates
PHS Prom .......................................April 12, 2025
Cap and Gown Distribution ............April 16, 2025
Senior Spirit Week ..........................May 12-16, 2025
Athletic Banquet .............................May 12, 2025
Scholar Banquet .............................May 13, 2025
Mandatory Senior Meeting ............May 14, 2025
Senior Field Day/Cookout ..............May 14, 2025
Award & Scholarship Programs......May 15, 2025
Decision Day ...................................May 16, 2025
2nd Semester Exams .....................May 23-30, 2025
Senior Graduation ..........................June 3, 2025
Senior Meetings - Looking forward to your next steps after graduating?
Senior Meetings Will Begin the Week of 9/23 and will run through October.
ALL Seniors will be met with to plan and prepare for their next steps after graduation. Due to application deadlines, students who have indicated they plan to attend a 4-year university will be prioritized first. Students attending 2-year colleges, trade schools, and entering the workforce will be met with directly after this group. So, please don't think we've missed you! :) Google Calendar Invitations will go out through email. Meetings will be held in-person in your counselor's office (or with Mr. Ceballos). A few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your senior meeting:
- Begin A Brag Sheet - This document will help you list out all the activities, roles, awards, skills, etc. you've built over the years to prepare for college applications, essays, and to outline your resume.
- Share this sheet with your counselor so they can provide additional guidance.
- This sheet will also help you brainstorm important items your counselor will need to write any needed recommendation letters. Need a recommendation letter completed? Please complete the Form for Recommendation Letter .
- Bring A List -
- Going to College? - Create a list of all schools you are thinking about attending. Use this resource to help make your list by considering cost, programs offered, location, type, etc.
- Starting a Career? - It's important to know what job field you are wanting to enter. Use the NC Careers Site to help you find the right career field for you. We highly suggest completing all the quizzes and self-assessments to help you explore many options you may not have considered. Once you decide this, come with a list of possible employers you may want to apply to.
- Enlisting in the Military? - Explore the branches before your senior meeting so you have an idea of what branch is right for you. We can then connect with a recruiter to plan your enlistment path.
Senior Fees
To help our seniors adequately prepare for their graduation and upcoming events, a senior fee is in place, paid in two parts:
- Due December 6, 2024: $60+ tax/fees (or $70.16) paid directly to Josten’s through this link: Jostens.com ( Jostens will also be handing out information at the senior breakfast. Watch THIS VIDEO for help navigating to the $60 cap/gown package on the Jostens website.)
- Past Due: $56 paid directly to Person High School (can be paid online through the Online School Payment Center)
Required Senior Vaccines (FIRM DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 25)
Seniors, please make sure you have submitted the required vaccines listed at right to Nurse West (room 203) by September 25!
PER STATE LAW: SENIORS THAT HAVE NOT SUBMITTED THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION OF REQUIRED VACCINATIONS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO ATTEND SCHOOL AFTER WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 UNTIL IT IS SUBMITTED. THESE ABSENCES ARE NOT ABLE TO BE EXCUSED.
Questions? Reach out to Nurse West at westma@person.k12.nc.us.
Class of 2025 Senior Parent Night (Tuesday, September 24 @ 6:00 PM)
CLASS of 2025 SENIOR PARENT NIGHT!
Tuesday, September 24, 2924
6:00-8:00 PM
PHS Media Center
Attend Senior Parent Night for important senior information, including this year's timeline of important deadlines and events!
From Your College Adviser (Mr. Ceballos)
It is so great to be back for a third year as your college adviser. It's now your turn to start thinking about college, the workforce or enlisting after graduation. I am here to provide guidance on your path this year as you discover your next steps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out via email or our college & career advising Instagram page @phs_collegeadvising. I am currently planning our schedule for college and career events, including college visits, guest speakers, and plenty of planning sessions. If you would like to assist in the planning or have suggestions, please let me know. I want this to be a collaborative year, focusing on the events you specifically want.
College/Career Advising Meetings: My link for setting up a college/career advising meeting is now live! Please check our Instagram Bio or here for the meeting link. Remember, only take yourself out of classes you're passing (ideally, no skipping PCC classes), and try to avoid scheduling during Science or Math. All seniors will meet with me sometime this fall, but take advantage of scheduling your own time!
Scholarship & Application Prep Month: September is Scholarship & Application Prep Month! Know your deadlines and start tracking down those scholarships—#GimmeFreeMoney!
Seniors interested in attending a public UNC system school, please be aware that the testing requirements have changed from the COVID testing guidelines. For students entering in the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 semesters (Juniors do note that you should consider studying and testing in the Spring as the next application year will require a specific score needed for the SAT or ACT):
- High School GPA: A minimum weighted GPA of 2.5 is required.
- Standardized Test Scores: Students with a weighted high school GPA between 2.50 and 2.80 are required to submit a standardized test score (ACT or SAT)
If you are in the new range that now requires you to submit either the ACT or SAT, please review the following test dates. Note that many national, state, and local scholarships may also require a test score from either the ACT or SAT.
SAT Test Dates: (We are an SAT Testing Facility take advantage of this opportunity)
October 5, 2024
- Registration Deadline: September 20, 2024
- Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration: September 24, 2024
November 2, 2024
- Registration Deadline: October 18, 2024
- Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration: October 22, 2024
December 7, 2024
- Registration Deadline: November 22, 2024
- Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration: November 26, 2024
ACT Test Dates:
October 26, 2024
- Regular Registration Deadline: September 20, 2024
- Late Fee Applies After: October 7, 2024
- Late Registration Deadline: October 7, 2024
December 14, 2024
- Regular Registration Deadline: November 8, 2024
- Late Fee Applies After: November 22, 2024
- Late Registration Deadline: November 22, 2024
February 8, 2025
- Regular Registration Deadline: January 3, 2025
- Late Fee Applies After: January 20, 2025
- Late Registration Deadline: January 20, 2025
If you would like to receive more scholarships based on merit (often determined by test scores), sending your ACT or SAT scores to colleges is important. Also, if you think you qualify for a fee waiver for either test, please let me know as soon as possible, as some registration deadlines are approaching.
Looking forward to a fantastic year ahead!
Best,
Mr.Ceballos (ceballosj@person.k12.nc.us)
East Carolina University Free College Application Week - Sept 23 - Sept 27
Join our ECU Pirate application afternoon sessions! Get help on your application and send it for FREE! Dodge the $75 fee, but only until Friday. Those interested in the @ecu_honors college are highly encouraged to take advantage of this free application week! If you send your application this week, send me a screenshot via email or our Insta DMs and be entered into our ECU SWAG RAFFLE!
Upcoming College Visits to PHS
Register for the following college visits in advance through the links provided. Please note that the admissions officers attending these sessions are often the same individuals who review your applications, so it's important to make a great first impression.
Appalachian State University Admission Rep Visits us TUESDAY!!
Western Carolina University Admission Visit (Oct 4)
This event is intended for juniors and seniors interested in learning more about Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC and the application process. Be sure to register HERE by October 3!
UNC Greensboro Admission Visit (Oct 8)
This event is intended for juniors and seniors interested in learning more about the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Greensboro, NC and the application process. Be sure to register HERE by October 7!
William Peace University Admission Visit (Nov 4)
This event is intended for juniors and seniors interested in learning more about William Peace University in Raleigh, NC, and the application process. Be sure to register HERE by Nov 3!
East Carolina University Admission Visit (Nov 7)
This event is intended for juniors and seniors interested in learning more about the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in Greensboro, NC and the application process. Be sure to register HERE by November 6!
Person High School CACRAO College Fair
The CACRAO College Fair is your opportunity to shine, Class of 2025 & Class of 2026! Explore colleges, connect with admissions officers, learn about scholarships, and take the first steps toward your future. Please make sure to check your email this week for the sign-up link.
YOU MUST COMPLETE THE NEXT 2 STEPS TO ATTEND THE PHS CACRAO FAIR
Step 1: Register for a time slot:https://forms.gle/qKPUrskJ43cTAAmF8
Step 2: Register Account for event entrance: https://app.strivescan.com/students/en?id=15438
For dual-enrolled students at PCC: if you have a class during the fair, you can choose to attend, but it’s your responsibility to communicate with your instructors, as this will not count as an excused absence. If you’re unable to attend, your parents are welcome to join in your place. Please email Mr. Ceballos to coordinate and add them to our parent-attendee list.
CALLING ALL INTERESTED JUNIORS AND SENIORS: Apply to join Duke University College Advising Corps - Student College Ambassador Team!
- For more information about the positions check out the application here!
- UPDATE: Application Deadline extended until Tuesday, Sept 24th.
STUDENT CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
GET INVOLVED AT PHS!
"Participating in extracurricular activities has positive effects on students’ success... Being involved in extracurricular activities offers important opportunities for adolescent development, such as peer relations, appropriate social conduct, and basic skills for academic achievement. Students’ academic achievements are the basis of most of the curricular outcomes that teachers use to evaluate students’ success. However, it is becoming increasingly important that students have opportunities to learn much more than just the curricular outcomes. Adolescents who participate in extracurricular activities demonstrate higher levels of academic achievement, greater character development, greater social development, and a greater sense of the importance of community involvement."
Read more here: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1230758.pdf
Club Meeting Information:
- Drop-In Art Hour meets the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month from 3-4pm in room 146.
- National Art Honor Society meets the first Friday of the month from 3:00-5:30 PM in room 146.
- Club L.O.V.E. meets Monday. September 30, at 3:15 PM in room 17.
- Dungeons and Dragons Club Meets every Friday from 3:00-4:30 PM in room 227.
- Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) meets every Friday from 7:35-8:00 AM in room 150 (you don't have to be an athlete to attend.).
- Gamer Club meets every Wednesday from 3:00-4:30 PM in room 214.
- Key Club meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month after school in room 125.
- MODAV8 meets every Tuesday from 3:10-4:00 PM in room 122.
- My Life Matters (MLM) meets every Wednesday morning 7:40-8:00 AM in room 205, as well as every Thursday during all lunches in room 205 and Thursday afternoons at the MLM warehouse.
- National Honor Society meets this Tuesday, September 24, from 3:00-4:30 PM in the Media Center.
- Student Council meets this Thursday, September 26, starting at 3:00 PM in room 227.
- Theater Club meets every Wednesday from 3:15-4:15 PM in room 150.
General PHS Club and Organization Information
Information about all PHS Student Clubs and Organizations can be found at the link below:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10RetIuFwZckmMz2QvBxNKzn-9KwdzgVdZ1KnUf8AMVw/edit?usp=sharing
SUPPORT PHS
Adopt-a-Teacher
To help show our teachers how much we truly appreciate them, their hard work, and their dedication to the students of Person County, we are seeking community members, parents, businesses, etc. to “Adopt-a-Teacher” by making a donation to help cover a few meals and small tokens of appreciation to start the year off right!
Donate online through the Online School Payment Center at https://osp.osmsinc.com/PersonNC/ (Select “Adopt-a-Teacher” under the Person High School options).
CONTACT US
About Us
Website: https://www.pcsnc.org/o/personhs
Location: 1010 Ridge Road, Roxboro, NC, USA
Phone: (336) 599-8321
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/personhighschool
Administration:
Michelle Honeycutt, Principal (honeycuttm@person.k12.nc.us)
Bradley Porrin, Assistant Principal A-M (porrinb@person.k12.nc.us)
Megan Riggs, Assistant Principal N-Z (riggsm@person.k12.nc.us)
Administrative Assistants:
Melonie Carpenter, Data Manager (carpenterm@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20820)
Michelle Gary, Receptionist (garym@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20010)
Cynthia Petty, Bookkeeper, Drivers Ed, Transcripts (pettycy@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20806)
Rhonda Salvitti, Assistant to Admin (salvittr@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20028)
School Counselors
LaChelle Allen, P-Z School Counselor (allenlac@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20013)
Libra Boyd, A-F School Counselor (boydl@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20019)
Jenn Whitman, G-O School Counselor (whitmanj@Person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20020)
Kelly Woody, Special Programs (woodyk@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20026)
Additional Contacts
Tamara Carter, EC Lead Teacher (carterta@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20023)
Emily Davis, PCC Liasion (davise@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20156)
Mary West, School Nurse (westma@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20203)
LaRika Whitt, School Social Worker (whittl@person.k12.nc.us, 336-599-8321 x 20021)