The Rocket Dispatch
Person High School Weekly Newsletter | October 20, 2024
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Important Dates:
This Week:
- Week of October 21-27: College Application Week "CAW" (See "Senior News" Section Below)
- Week of October 21-27: College Application Spirit Week
- Monday, October 21: School Improvement Team Meeting (3:30-5:00pm in PHS Media Center)
- Wednesday, October 23: FFA Meeting
- Friday, October 25: End of First Quarter
Upcoming Dates:
- Week of October 28-Nov 1: Red Ribbon Week
- Monday, October 28: Teacher Workday
- Tuesday, October 29: Trunk or Treat
- Wednesday, October 30: ASVAB given at PHS
- Wednesday, October 30: Winter Sport Tryouts
- Monday, November 4: William Peace University visits PHS
- Thursday, November 7: East Carolina University visits PHS
- Tuesday, November 19: Makeup Picture Day (all grade levels)
PHS October Spirit Weeks
For more specifics: Click on the picture to the left or:
- Click this link for CAW Spirit Week - Oct. 21-25
- Click this link for Red Ribbon Week - Oct. 28-Nov.1
Home Athletics This Week
- Monday, October 21 @ 6:00 PM: Boys Soccer vs. Eastern Alamance (Senior Night)
- Tuesday, October, 22: First Round of Volleyball State Playoffs (Opponent and Location TBD)
- Friday, October 25 @ 7:00 PM: Varsity Football vs. Western Alamance (Senior Night)
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
Athlete of the Week
Congratulations to WILLIE LUNSFORD on being named the PHS Athlete of the Week by the Roxboro Courier-Times and Grissom & Holloman, PC!
Girls Got East Regional Qualifiers
ANGELA FLORES and CALLIE SHEPHERD both qualified for the 3A Girls Golf East Regional and will compete on Monday. GOOD LUCK, ladies!
Welcome to the PHS Family!
Please join us in welcoming PAUL AGOR to the Rocket Family!!
Hi, I’m Paul Agor, and I’m excited to serve as an EC teacher at Person High School. I am originally from the Philippines, earning my Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Special Education. I came to the United States in 2015 through a teacher exchange program. With over 12 years of experience teaching elementary, middle, and high school students, I am passionate about empowering each student to realize their full potential. My teaching philosophy focuses on fostering a positive and individualized learning environment where every student can thrive. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy hiking and photography, which inspire my creative approach to education.
Olde English Band Competition
The PHS Band competed in the Olde English Band Competition in Rock Hill, SC, this weekend! They earned an "excellent" rating and placed 3rd in their category!
IMPORTANT UPDATES
College Application SPIRIT WEEK
It's College Advising Spirit Week! Whether you are a senior applying to colleges or not, we encourage you to participate in the daily events below!
Winter Sports Tryouts: Wednesday, October 30, 2024
As the Fall Sports season comes to a close, the winter sports season is gearing up to begin! PHS offers basketball and wrestling for both boys and girls. Tryouts for all sports are Wednesday, October 30, as follows:
- Boys Basketball: 3:15-5:30 pm
- Girls Basketball: 3:30-5:30 pm
- Wrestling: 3:30-5:30 pm
Questions? Contact Athletic Director, Coach Dacus, at dacusc@person.k12.nc.us.
Join FFA!!!!
Future Farmers of America (FFA) meets this Wednesday in Mr. Haga's Room!!
Your help needed..... STUDENT TARDIES
2024 Santa's Helpers (ONE DAY ONLY)
Please mark your calendars for November 20, 2024 10am-6pm at Warren's Grove United Methodist Church! This event is for YOU if you need help for the holidays and satisfy the following criteria:
- Person County Resident
- Have custody of at least one child 0-16 years old
- Are not receiving other holiday assistance.
STUDENT SERVICES
CURRENT SOPHOMORES (10th GRADERS) ONLY:
Interested in Attending A Summer Leadership Conference This Year?
Dates: June 6th - June 8th, 2025
The Hugh O'Brien Youth State Leadership Seminar curriculum guides student ambassadors as they explore leadership through a three-phase process: personal leadership, group leadership, and service leadership. These student ambassadors participate in facilitated dialogue and abilities-based workshops to develop awareness of their leadership strengths and an understanding of their leadership values.
Let us know if you're interested in being considered as a nominee. Interested students should submit the HOBY Summer 2025 Interest Form by Oct. 31st. Counselors will compile all interested candidates and faculty/staff will have the final vote on which student is nominated to attend. See additional information in the link below:
- Hugh O'Brien Leadership Conference One-Page - Information Document
- HOBY Sample Leadership Conference Schedule
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
Free College Application Week .....October 21-27, 2024
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)
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!
Countdown to College Month: October is a fun College Foundation for North Carolina (CFNC) Countdown to College Month! Make those CFNC Accounts, Complete RDS, Complete Common Apps, and Organize your application timelines. 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)
December 7, 2024
- Registration Deadline: November 22, 2024
- Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, and Late Registration: November 26, 2024
ACT Test Dates:
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)
October is Countdown to College - Virtual Student Session
How to Pay for College
Oct. 29 - 6 p.m.
You may have already submitted a college application — congratulations! That's a huge accomplishment. Now, let's talk about how you'll pay for it. Attend this 30-minute session to learn financial aid basics, including completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Patrick Whitfield, a retired financial aid counselor at UNC-Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College, will join us.
Countdown to College x CAW Events IS HERE!!!🎓🎓🎓
Get assistance with completing your Common Applications, CFNC Applications, NCICU Applications, essay help, and more at our Countdown to College events!
Don't forget to check out our Spirit Week for Oct 21-Oct 25!!🥳🥳🥳🥳
What is College Application Week?
Through the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), many North Carolina colleges and universities participate in (Countdown 2 College Month,C2C) by waiving application fees during College Application Week (CAW), which begins on October 21 at 7:30 a.m. and ends on October 27 at 11:59 p.m.
Monday, October 21 - Free College Application Week Assistance: Registration Link
Tuesday, October 22 - Free College Application Week Assistance: Registration Link
Wednesday, October 23 - Free College Application Week Assistance: Registration Link
Thursday, October 24 - Free College Application Week Assistance: Registration Link
Friday, October 25 - Free College Application Week Assistance: Registration Link
Students are responsible for any missed assignments while preparing for and participating in College Application Week. It is strongly recommended that students with a grade below 75 do not miss class. Remember, it is important to keep up with your grades during senior year.
BIG UPDATE Regarding Fayetteville State University
BIG NEWS! Fayetteville State University will ONLY accept fee waivers next week. No fee waivers will be accepted after October 27th. If you know any students who may qualify for a fee waiver, please encourage them to apply next week—even if they’re only slightly interested in Fayetteville State—so they can take advantage of the waived application fee. Check out the attached flyers for more information on FSU scholarships and other important details!
Affordable Education through NC Promise Schools (ALL 4 FREE THIS WEEK)
NC Promise Website (Future Catamounts, Braves, Vikings, or Broncos it's TIME - APPLY TODAY)
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke: BRAVES LINK
Western Carolina University: CATAMOUNT LINK
Elizabeth City State University: VIKINGS LINK
Fayetteville State University: BRONCOS LINK (App Waiver only VALID Until 10/27)
Each school has different fees and costs in addition to the $500 semester tuition rate. Explore which school is the best fit for you!
Check out these Institutional Scholarships for
North Carolina State University 🐺
North Carolina Central University 🦅
North Carolina Agricultural & Technical University 🔵🟡
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.
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!
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:
- Cultural Awareness Club meets on Fridays from 3:15 to 4:15 pm in room 218
- 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.).
- Future Farmers of America (FFA): Meets Wednesday, 10.23.24, from 3:00-4:00 in room 149.
- 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 the last Tuesday of the Month - 3:15-4:15 in the Media Center.
- Student Council meets Thursdays 3:15pm-4pm 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)