We are SO excited to kick off the 2024-2025 school year here at GCA! Whether you are a returning student or brand new to GCA, we are thrilled to have you enrolled as a GCA Champion. 🦉Please take a moment to view our monthly newsletter so that you too can learn "what's poppin" this school year. These newsletters are sure to be packed with all things related to counseling, college, Dual Enrollment, Work-Based Learning and more!

If you have not yet heard about the changes that GCA has made to a block schedule, please check out this short video from our interim Principal Zimmerman explaining this new schedule. The other good news is this schedule will allow students to earn 8 credits in a school year as opposed to the previous 6!

Are you unsure if you are listed in the right grade? Grade level is determined by the amount of credits that you have earned. We have included a chart that will help you to see what the credit requirements are for each grade level. If you have any questions about this, reach out to your high school counselor.

• Academic skills support (Organization, studying, test-taking skills, etc.)

• College/Career planning (college searches, SAT/ACT, resumes, recommendation letters, scholarships, scheduling)

• School adjustment issues
• Individual and group counseling
• Depression and anxiety

• Coping, problem-solving, decision making concerns

• Peer relationships and conflict resolution

• Divorce, separation and family changes

• Experiencing loss, death and grief

• Substance abuse awareness
• Questions about credits and lots more! Never hesitate to reach out!

At GCA, we are committed to pouring into our 9th grade students to help ensure that they are set up for success on their high school journey. We are pleased to introduce the 9th Grade Counseling Team. Featured from left to right are Derek Therrien, (Lead) Jennifer Susko, Justin Simon, Kendall Griffin and Alexis Mincey. If you would like to schedule an appointment with any of these counselors, you can click HERE to request an appointment.

Once students successfully complete their freshman year requirements, they are transferred to the 10th-12th counseling dream team where they will remain with the same counselor until graduation, (unless the student chooses to participate in dual-enrollment) At GCA, you are not just a name, you are more like family. Featured from far left to right are counselors: Danielle McCarthy, Rasheda Shaw, Charlene Polite (Lead), Derrick Westry, Brittany Ladson. Front left, Madeenah Alwakeel-Dawson, Clair Collins, and Amy Grasso.

Interested in Dual Enrollment? Don't delay - this is a great time to learn about this fabulous opportunity! You might be able to start as soon as this spring semester. (Featured from to left to right are Jay Wiley and Jolie Ganley, our dynamic dual enrollment counselor duo)

Dual Enrollment (DE) is a program that provides funding for GCA students in grades 10-12 to take approved college-level coursework for credit towards both high school and college graduation requirements. Students can take academic core classes or technical classes through colleges on the approved list. A list of participating colleges can be found HERE. Students can begin as early as the summer after 9th grade.

New this year, students interested in dual enrollment can check out the dual enrollment page on the GCA website, go HERE for more information.

More questions? Review the Dual Enrollment Information Newsletter

Reach out to your Dual Enrollment Counselor! We hope you will take advantage of this AWESOME and FREE opportunity!!

Last name:

A-N Jay Wiley jwiley@georgiacyber.org

M-Z Jolie Ganley jganley@georgiacyber.org

What is a CTAE Pathway?

Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) is preparing Georgia’s students for their next step after high school. A CTAE pathway is a group of 3 courses related to a student’s area of study (there are currently 197 courses). Courses can be taken at the high school level or through Dual Enrollment. Students may also take the End of Pathway Assessment (EOPA), which is a credentialing exam in their field of interest. Students will earn an additional elective credit.

CTAE Delivers!

The CTAE Department would like to wish you all a great school year!!! Our CTSOs (Career Technical Student Organizations) are gearing up for their annual membership drive. From Fall leadership rallies, state conferences and Leadership conferences you're certain to have a blast while being involved with CGAs CTSOs. FBLA, DECA, HOSA, TSA, FCCLA and First Robotics are amongst the CTSOs we have this year. Please stay tuned for the announcement to join. Remember, CTAE Delivers!!!!

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an opportunity to receive high school course credit through job placement while working in an environment related to your Career/CTAE pathway.

Requirements

• You must be at least 16 years old
• You must have reliable transportation
• You must have at least a 2.2 rolling GPA and a 2.0 from the previous semester
• Complete application packet

Benefits

• Gain experience in your desired career field

• Develop employability skills including positive work habits and attitudes.

• Improve your job prospects after graduation and gain a competitive advantage.

• Make professional connections that will help you in the future.

• Earn elective credit and a paycheck! (if placed in a paid position)

• Opportunities available across Georgia

WBL Application Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0kJzuqVRl0rukYK_Rqk_BdEjB4T6HJCpzksiD30pe_rDgGg/viewform

For More Information Contact: Erica Butts ebutts@georgiacyber.org (Last Name A-M) or Tricia McCoy tmccoy@georgiacyber.org (Last Name N-Z)

State School Superintendent Richard Woods seeks students in grades 10-12 to serve on his 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council. These students will meet with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom and other education-related issues. They will serve as the Superintendent's ambassadors for their respective schools.

Applicants must be enrolled in a Georgia public high school (including charter schools) for the 2024-2025 school year as a sophomore, junior, or senior. Virtual learning students are still considered enrolled. The Student Advisory Council will meet four times in person during the school year; meeting dates are listed in the application.

"Student Advisory Council allows students to share their feedback directly with me and other state leaders and to help shape the future of education in Georgia," Superintendent Woods said. "We want to hear from students about what's working, what's not, and what we can do to make our schools better places to learn. Meeting and learning about each council member are highlights of my work. Their feedback, opinions, and perspectives provide insight Georgia Department of Education leadership, staff, and I use to make the best possible policy choices."

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About the Student Advisory Council

The State School Superintendent's Student Advisory Council is a group of students in grades 10-12 who discuss how decisions made at the state level affect students throughout Georgia. Members meet throughout the school year with State Superintendent Woods and act as advisors who act as liaisons between the Department of Education and Georgia students.

Service Project

Each year, members of the Student Advisory Council are required to participate in a service project as part of their commitment to the organization. This project allows students to engage with their community, develop leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful causes.

Meetings

The 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council will meet four times on the following dates. Members are expected to attend all scheduled Student Advisory Council (SAC) meetings to demonstrate commitment to their roles and responsibilities and contribute effectively to the council's activities. GaDOE will provide overnight lodging for members who live 50+ miles from the meeting location.

§ November 14, 2024

§ January 23, 2025*

§ March 6, 2025*

§ April 24, 2025*

*2025 dates are subject to change. We will notify SAC members of any changes well in advance.

Application Instructions

Click here for the 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council application. Applications must be submitted by September 6, 2024, at 5 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted.

Students in grades 10-12 enrolled in a public high school (including charter schools and virtual students) are eligible to apply.

Selected students will be contacted via email. All students may visit

gadoe.org/studentadvisory on September 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. to determine if they have been selected.

Please note that we typically receive hundreds more applications than we can accept. Not being selected for the Student Advisory Council does not mean the student's application did not meet the qualifications.

Students may apply for the advisory council HERE.

Contact

Any questions should be submitted to students@doe.k12.ga.us.

Greetings GCA Champions,

The GCA Counseling Department is focused towards assisting in your career preparation after your high school matriculation. This preparation includes students who are possibly interested in learning more about careers in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, National Guard, and Space Force. Please complete the following survey that ensures that we provide guidance and assistance towards addressing your military career interest: https://forms.gle/iHMWxtVNrhV64zjx7

We have two wonderful SGB social workers and they both have the last name Louis or Lewis. 😀If you are not a transitional student, you would contact Mrs. Louis. This is the contact information for Mrs. Louis, LMSW, Jlouis@georgiacyber.org | 404-334-4790 Ext. 3408 If you are considered a transitional student, then you would contact Ms. Mia Lewis. Her contact information is a little further below.

You can contact Ms. Lewis, LMSW at mlewis@georgiacyber.org | 404-334-4790 Ext. 3139

Questbridge is an awesome opportunity for academically outstanding seniors that come from a family of four with a combined income of $65,000 or less. Do you meet these qualifications but feel that some of the nation's top colleges might be financially out of reach for you? Through this college and scholarship application process, you can apply for free to the nation’s best colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship. Former GCA students have matched with some top colleges through this program, you could be next!

Apply Here by September 26. Watch this video to learn more.

The Gates Scholarship (TGS) is a highly selective, last-dollar scholarship for outstanding, minority, high school seniors from low-income households. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to exceptional student leaders, with the intent of helping them realize their maximum potential.

Selected Scholars will receive funding for the full cost of attendance to earn a bachelor’s degree, that is not already covered by other financial aid and the expected family contribution, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the methodology used by a Scholar’s college or university. Costs covered include tuition, fees, books, and room and board, and may include additional personal costs.

Eligibility requirements:

• A high school senior
• From at least one of the following ethnicities: African American, American Indian/Alaska Native*, Asian/Pacific Islander American, and/or Hispanic American
• Pell-eligible
• A US citizen, national, or permanent resident
• In good academic standing with a minimum cumulative weighted GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent)

An ideal candidate will also have:

• An outstanding academic record in high school (in the top 10% of his/her graduating class)
• Demonstrated leadership ability (e.g., as shown through participation in community service, extracurricular, or other activities)
• Exceptional personal success skills (e.g., emotional maturity, motivation, perseverance, etc.)

Application deadline: Phase I is due by Friday, September 15, 2024, 5:00 PM PT.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to students in their final year of high school. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive this $20,000 scholarship.

The 2024 application is now open here for students who will graduate during the 2023-2024 academic year. View eligibility requirements here.

The deadline to apply is September 30, 2024, by 5 pm Eastern.

To sign up, click here: Sign up for Going Merry!

Happy applying – and good luck winning, like these students did!

These are optional tests, however, if you are interested in attending a 2 or 4-year college, you should look into taking the SAT/ACT in order to meet admissions criteria. You can check the admissions page of the college(s) you are interested in to see specifically what test scores, if any, are required. Some scholarships also require standardized test scores. If you are not sure which test is right for you, you can always discuss this with your high school counselor.

The SAT is offering test dates on: August 24, October 5, November 2, December 7, March 8, ,May 3 and June 7.

*Please note that registration deadlines usually fall several weeks prior to that month's test date.

Link to SAT website with test dates, deadlines and registration. https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register/dates-deadlines

The ACT is offering test dates on: September 14, October 26, December 14, February 8, April 5, and June 14.

*Please note that registration deadlines usually fall several weeks prior to that month's test date.

Link to ACT website with test dates, deadlines and registration. https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/registration.html

If you would like to see if you are eligible for a fee waiver for the SAT/ACT. Please fill out this survey. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfTYh-ShOrpkQ-3qHl1UEJ1kvgCWYKG3pl5FCgdEK3PJr-zqA/viewform

Or you can scan the QR code above for quick and easy access to the survey. You can click the link below for quick and easy access to the SAT and ACT dates in one place.

The GCA Counseling Department is conducting our first In-Person College Tour of the year at Georgia State University on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 11:30am to 1pm.

You and your parent/guardian, if they are planning to attend, will drive and meet us at the campus (itinerary with all relevant information will be sent after registering). This is not a virtual tour and please do not register if you are not able to attend in person. Students, please consult with your parents or legal guardians before completing the registration form to ensure you will make it to the campus in Downtown Atlanta.

We will tour the campus, receive information about their collegiate programs and majors, and have the opportunity to eat lunch at their cafeteria. If you are planning to stay for lunch, we will arrive at their cafeteria at 1:15pm and will leave at 2:30pm. Lunch is not free, please be prepared to pay $10 (CARD ONLY). There is also a parking fee of $10 for all cars in their M Parking Deck. Review the college website and video below and use the sign up link at the bottom if you are interested in viewing what GSU can offer for your academic future. There are only 50 reserved slots for this tour so sign up today! The deadline to register is September 8, 2024.

You can register HERE

Are you artistic? Do you enjoy capturing scenes from nature? This contest might be for you! The winners of this contest will have the honor of having their artwork displayed at the State Capitol during the 2025 legislative season.

Here are the key details about the contest:

Eligibility: The contest is open to all Georgia high school students in 9th – 12th grade during the 2024-2025 school year.

Theme: Students are asked to draw or paint a landscape, historic structure, or a piece of the natural world that references the beauty and value of state parks.

Medium: Accepted mediums include painting and drawing. Artwork must be two-dimensional.

Submission Deadline: The deadline for submissions is October 31. Students must submit a high-resolution digital image of their artwork to https://gastateparks.org/artcontest

Judging: A panel of judges from Representative Lim’s team will evaluate the submissions based on creativity, technical skill, and adherence to the theme. Winners will be announced after the October 31 deadline.

Prizes: The chosen winners will have their artwork prominently displayed at the State Capitol during the legislative season.

This contest provides a unique platform for young artists to showcase their skills and gain recognition for their work at the state level.

For more information about the contest, including the full rules and entry form, please visit our website at https://gastateparks.org/artcontest.

We will be back with a brand new edition of this newsletter next month, until then, be sure to be thinking about what post-secondary plan is right for you! You can begin meeting with your school counselor to develop the best plan for YOU!

GCA SGB Counseling Department

Stay in the know! Follow us on X@gcacounseling or on Instagram @gcacounseling

Website: https://www.georgiacyber.org/school-life/counseling
Location: 1745 Phoenix Boulevard, College Park, GA, USA
Phone: 404-334-4790
Twitter (X): @gcacounseling