
Paul Duke STEM Newsletter
September 5th, 2022
Monday September 5th - Labor Day Holiday. Paul Duke STEM Is closed.
To support the transition to high school, ninth graders will be required to attend Flex Friday for the first six weeks of school – 8/5, 8/12, 8/19, 8/26, 9/2, and 9/9. Starting September 16th, students who are passing 6 or more classes will have the option to work from home on Flex Friday.
Music Under The Lights!
Who is invited: Students, Staff, Parents and the whole Family!
When: Friday, Sep. 16th, 7pm
Where: PDSHS
Event Information:
Bring the whole family, popup chairs, or picnic blanket for an evening of food, fun, music, games, prizes and community on the Paul Duke STEM Patio!
Make sure the food truck has what you want?
If you would like to prepay for your meal CLICK HERE!
Gwinnett County Public Schools has 4 digital learning days scheduled for the 2022-23 school year:
- Friday, September 16
- Tuesday, November 8
- Friday, February 3
- Friday, March 17
2022 PSAT NMSQT
On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, all Paul Duke STEM High School 9th and 10th graders will take the Preliminary SAT (PSAT)/ National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) at no cost. Interested 11th graders can register to take the PSAT by paying $18 through MyPaymentsPlus. The registration deadline is Friday, September 9th. Eleventh graders may speak with their counselor if finances are a concern.
The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test administered by the College Board. PSAT scores are used to identify National Merit Scholars and award merit scholarships based on their 11th grade score. The PSAT measures readiness for college and is a great and inexpensive way to prepare for the SAT. We encourage all students in grades 9-11 to take the PSAT.
MyPayments Plus
Acknowledge Forms must be signed through MyPayments Plus account
Parent Portal
Click here to access to the Parent Portal
Please contact Ms. Dobbs if you need assistance
at 470-323-3625
Free and Reduced Lunch
SY 22-23 Online application now available!
The applications help our school receive additional funding allowing us to provide more for our students. They must be filled out every year
Gwinnet County Youth Symphony
This past weekend, we had some of our string players audition for the Gwinnett County Youth Symphony.
GCYS is a honor orchestra group that only accepts the best players in Gwinnett County. They play professional works from the likes of Haydn to Rimsky-Korsakov
Maxwell Trinh- 12th Grade- Viola
Hyerin Chung- 10th Grade- Viola
Khang Tran- 10th Grade- Viola
Sophia Moreira-Chauvel- 9th Grade- Violin
Dylan Lenze- 12th Grade- Violin
Gwinnett County has purchased a wonderful college and career planner called Naviance. Counselors will be showing students all of the features in their classrooms, but as parents, you have access to explore as well. You will need to be logged into your student's Eclass page for access.
Please click on the links below for quick "how to" videos.
How to link your Common App to Naviance
Career Assessment and Exploration
*Click the link twice in order to open*
Thursday, Sept 8
Mini College Fair
College visiting our campus:
- Columbus State University
- Dalton State University
- Wesleyan College
- Gwinnett Technical College
- Georgia Gwinnett College
When - during all lunches
Audience - All Students
Friday, September 9
Thurs, Sept 15th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Paul Duke STEM is the host site for the Peach State Tour!
Admissions representatives from University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, and Augusta University will be here to share admissions updates.
You must register in advance http://www.peachstatetour.org/students.html
Friday, Sept 23 - Augusta University
Augusta University will be here to share admissions information and share detailed information regarding their Cyber Security program.
When - 2nd block in Media Center
Audience - 11th and 12th grade students
October 12 - Financial Aid Help Session - English only
When - 6:00 PM - 7:30PM in PDS Media Center (email will be sent detailing what to bring)
Audience - 12th grade students AND parents (no interpreters will be available)
Thursday, October 20 - Financial Aid Help Session - Spanish only
When - 6:00Pm - 7:30PM in PDS Media Center (email will be sent detailing what to bring)
Audience - 12th grade students AND parents (Spanish speaking)
COLLEGE RESOURCES
Applying to a college who requires supplemental writing prompts? Take a look at this website!
Supplemental Essay Guide 2022-2023. Essays are listed by college with writing tips!
Love working on cars and want to make it a career? Check out Gwinnett Tech's diploma program!
CARE TEAM WISHLIST
The Care Team has created a wish list to help keep our "Need One, Take One" personal care supplies stocked. It's been a tough year, and some may find themselves having to pick and choose what makes it into the grocery cart each month. We have placed a bin in one of our girl's and boy's restrooms, hoping to share items in a more discrete way.
Thank you for your support of our students!
BIRTHDAY SHOUT OUTS!
For only a $5 donation to the Counseling Care Team!
Form found in MYPayments Plus under School Fundraisers
Follow the Counseling Department on Instagram!
Certificate of Enrollment & ADAP
A Certificate of Enrollment is required to test for both driver's permit and driver's license. Students must submit a request form to receive this document. The request forms are available in the front office. The cost for this document is $3.
If you lost your ADAP certificate, you may get a replacement from the front office. ADAP certificates can be replaced for $5.
Please note there is a 48-hour turnaround for Certificate of Enrollment and replacement ADAP certificate requests.
Parking Information
Eligible licensed student drivers must provide proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and a completed parking application. Click here for an application. Additionally, students must pay $70 for their parking pass. Click here to pay through MyPaymentsPlus. Students parking without a valid parking pass will be subject to disciplinary consequences including a boot on their car.
Work Permits
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Are you planning on doing some community services but don't know where to start?
Contact Ms. Dobbs in the Parent Center or email at olaya.liranzo@gcpsk12.org
We need students who:
*Love their community
*Have a passion helping others
*Bilingual preferred but not required
COVID-19 Surveillance Testing
Routine COVID-19 testing (also called surveillance testing) can quickly detect individuals who are positive with COVID-19 and trace contacts who should quarantine. The testing, which is free and will be conducted on a weekly basis at the school, uses a short Qtip-type swab to collect a sample from inside the nose. This testing will allow GCPS to test, receive test results (within 24 hours), and notify individuals of a clinically significant reading. By participating, students and staff members can help to minimize the spread of the virus within our schools, which benefits us all.
Although participation in surveillance testing is not required for students or staff members, it is strongly encouraged. Participation will contribute to the success of this mitigation strategy and our schools’ ability to limit the spread of COVID and keep students learning in person.
Learn more about the COVID testing being offered to Norcross Cluster students and staff by reviewing our frequently asked questions.
HOST AND EXCHANGE STUDENT
Life 360
ife360 is a family communication, location and alert app for smartphones that allows users to share their locations with each other. Once set up on a phone, Life360 allows the administrating phone to set geo-fences defining chosen areas.
Screentime
Screen Time lets you see exactly how much time your kids spend on their phones and tablets, the times of day they're most active, and which apps they use the most. You can also set app time limits, filter inappropriate content, and schedule "downtime" -- basically, shut down the device -- whenever you want.
eTips
Encourage your teen to put opinions in writing
Many teens are interested in solving problems and improving situations in the world around them. Whether the cause is the environment or money for a new school building, getting involved is a good opportunity for learning. When your teen shows enthusiasm for a cause, suggest writing a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. Your teen will get an outlet for self-expression and practice organizing thoughts in writing. https://tpitip.com/?32hS18608
FOOD FINDER
To receive assistance with food, visit foodfinder.us
FREE ENGLISH CLASSES
1:00 pm- 3:00 pm
FOOD PANTRY
Norcross Branch (5735 Buford Hwy, Norcross, GA 30071)
Teacher Wishes
Through our Teacher Wish program, you can support our teachers and staff in creating innovative learning experiences for our students.
There are opportunities for everyone to support a specific teacher or a specific school department with an array of items from the Sign Up Genius Teacher Wish List.
Thank you for your continued support of our teachers, staff and students!
SAT/ACT Practice Test at Paul Duke STEM High School
When: Friday, Sep. 23rd, 7-11:30am
Where: Testing will take place in PDSHS Room: LH300
Paul Duke STEM HS is offering an SAT/ACT diagnostic test. Afterwards, a comprehensive score report will help you target areas for improvement and plan for your real test accordingly.
To register, go to www.applerouth.com/signup and enter event code: M520313
How do you PTSA?
However you PTSA, it’s all an investment in your student. PTSA to support your students', teachers and curriculum. PTSA to get connected and volunteer with other parents. PTSA to get informed. PTSA to build a stronger community.
How we PTSA!
In true trailblazing spirit here at Paul Duke STEM it's an active investment in each other, our teachers, and our students…all coming together with one voice!
The PTSA offers all parents, caregivers, students, teachers, and staff the opportunity to be engaged in our school's potential. Being a member of the PTSA means that you are a part of an action plan that is focused on programs, academic initiatives like Applerouth ACT/SAT Diagnostic Exam and Reflections, getting informed with Coffee and a Counselor, or getting connected as a community.
There is no wrong way to PTSA, join today!
Questions? Email us at pdshs.ptsa@gmail.com
You can support Paul Duke STEM PTSA and our school by shopping at Kroger!
Simply visit http://www.kroger.com. Once logged into your Kroger account, search for Paul Duke Stem HS PTSA either by name or SI217 and then click Enroll. New users will need to create an account which requires some basic information, a valid email address and a rewards card. If you do not have a Kroger rewards card, please visit the customer service desk at any Kroger. The closest Kroger to Paul Duke STEM High is at 3455 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard
Over the years, Publix Partners has contributed more than $30 million to over 4,500 schools giving back to support education. Simply sign up for a Publix.com account, select Paul Duke STEM, the enter your phone number at checkout. Please note that you have to re-enroll each year.
Donation to the PTSA to fill in the extra needs serving the teachers, staff, and students during the 2022-2023 first semester.
Diamond Partner ($5,000 Donation or more)
About us
Email: olaya.liranzo@gcpsk12.org
Website: https://www.gcpsk12.org/pauldukestemhs
Location: 5850 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard, Norcross, GA, USA
Phone: (470) 323-3600
Facebook: facebook.com/PaulDukeSTEM
Twitter: @Paul_Duke_STEM