The Rocket Dispatch

• Week of October 7: Homecoming Spirit Week
• Tuesday, October 8: UNC Greensboro visits PHS
  
• Wednesday, October 9: School Picture Day
• Wednesday, October 9: Community Connection Circle Meetings
• Friday, October 11: ACT WorkKeys Exemption Letters Due
• Friday, October 11: Homecoming Pep Rally, Parade, and Football Game
• Saturday, October 12: Homecoming Dance @ PHS
• Week of Oct. 14-18: Anti-Bullying, Unity & Kindness Spirit Week
• Wednesday, October 16: Deadline to sign up for the ASVAB
• Wednesday, October 30: ASVAB given at PHS
• Monday, November 4: William Peace University visits PHS
• Thursday, November 7: ECU visits PHS

• Monday, October 7 @ 6:30 PM: JV Football Makeup Game vs. Southern Alamance
• Wednesday, October 9 @ 6:00 PM: Boys Soccer vs. RCS
• Thursday, October 10 @ 5:00/6:15 PM: JV and Varsity Volleyball vs. Williams
• Friday, October 11 @ 7:00: Varsity Football vs. Orange

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.

We are excited about all of the wonderful things going on inside PHS Classrooms! Our Core Construction, Carpentry, and Electrical classes are hard at work learning how to safely operate power tools as well as put the finishing touches on sheds they have been building.

The PHS JROTC Raiders competed this weekend in their first challenge in almost a month. They showed up ready and made the two-hour trek to East Surry High to go against some of the top teams in the state. An absolute MONSTER performance by both Rocket teams that competed, slugging their way through the 5K run, Physical Fitness Challenge, Litter Carry, Logistics Relay and the one-rope bridge.

The PHS band competed in the Compass Classic Marching Band competition held at West Johnston High School this weekend. Congratulations to the band on improving their score from the last time they competed there by 14 points!!!!

Person High School is supporting community efforts to assist those in western NC recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Please support one of the efforts listed below:

1. Person County Sherriff's Department: The PCSD is collecting items to fill two more trailers to take to western NC. The trailers are currently parked at Lowe's and Walmart. Items they are colleting are:

diapers, formula, batteries, brooms, mops, bleach, cleaning supplies, shovels, Benadryl (oral and topical), calamine lotion, foot powder, diabetic med supplies, antacids, deodorant, earplugs, flashlights, blankets, pillows, sleeping bags, matches, stoves, propane tanks, plastic cutlery, paper plates

2. Person County Emergency Services: PCS is partnering with the Person County Emergency Services in collecting new stuffed animals and new or gently used books to be delivered to children in counties to our west affected by Hurricane Helene. If you have items to donate, they can be dropped off at any Person County school!

Make plans to participate during each day of HOMECOMING SPIRIT WEEK being held October 7-11.

Monday, October 7: Decades Day (Wear clothes from your favorite decade!)

Tuesday, October 8: Disney Day (Dress like your favorite Disney Character!)

Wednesday, October 9: Dress to Impress (It's School Picture Day, so look your best and dress to impress!)

Thursday, October 10: No Rhyme or Reason Day ( dress up with a partner or small group of friends and wear costumes that rhyme but don't necessarily connect thematically; i.e. Kangaroo and Pooh, Dairy and Merry, etc.)

Friday, October 11: Pride in Person Day (Wear PHS Colors!)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!! There will be a Homecoming Dance at PHS on Saturday, October 12, from 7-10pm for all grade levels. Tickets are $25 for an individual ticket and $45 for a couple. Tickets will be on sale again this week at each lunch Tuesday, October 8, and ending Thursday, October 10. Any PHS student bringing a guest that is NOT from PHS must complete and submit the form linked below (also available in the main office and at the ticket sales table) no later than Thursday, October 10, in order for the guest to be approved to attend: https://bit.ly/3zN9vNY

School Pictures will be taken at PHS on Wednesday, October 9 in the small gym. Picture order forms were sent home last week through 3rd period classes (and additional forms are available in the main office). Click on the online order form at right for more information.

There will be a Homecoming Pep Rally for students on Friday, October 11. The modified bell schedule for Friday to allow time for the pep rally can be found in the image at right (click to enlarge).

All clubs, team, and student organizations intending on participating in the Homecoming Parade after school must inform Mr. Porrin (porrinb@person.k12.nc.us) so that he can make arrangements for transportation to the staging area of the parade (not at PHS this year). The parade starts at 4:00pm at the intersection of Morehead and Main Street, ending at Gordon Street.

The WorkKeys assessment is designed to measure students’ career readiness as they prepare to enter the workforce and allow them to demonstrate their abilities to potential employers using standardized, quantitative metrics. North Carolina administers the three WorkKeys assessments, Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents, that form the basis of the ACT® WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC®).

Person High School will be administering the fall ACT WorkKeys is within the testing window of November-December.

WorkKeys Testing Exceptions:

If students have previously taken WorkKeys and earned a Silver, Gold, or Platinum certificate, they do not have to participate in the WorkKeys administration. However, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the school that they do not wish to participate in the test administration.

Please see THIS LETTER regarding the ACT WorkKeys and more information regarding exemption qualifications.

The ACT WorkKeys Exemption Form can be found linked HERE.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Bradley Porrin.

The ASVAB CEP is a complete career planning program. Students are given the opportunity to take the ASVAB at no cost and no commitment to military service. The ASVAB CEP also provides an interest assessment and planning tools to help young adults explore career field entry requirements and various career paths, both military and civilian.

High school students in grades 10, 11 and 12 and those enrolled at post-secondary institutions can participate in the ASVAB CEP. Students in 11th grade and beyond receive valid scores for enlistment.

Please complete the form below by Wed., Oct. 16, 2024. to indicate your interest in taking the ASVAB at Person High School on October 30, 2024.

ASVAB Sign Up Sheet

If you’d like assistance preparing for the ASVAB, you can use the resource below or talk with Lt. Col. Hill or Sgt. Mjr. Myers in Room 212.

• ASVAB preparation

• https://asvabpracticetestonline.com/ -

• Take in sections as a pre assessment, then do individualized instruction on each section and retest to see improvement.

• When all section tests are complete, do the full practice test in the testing setting.

The Person High School School Improvement Plan (SIP)Team meets at 3:30pm on the following days in the PHS Media Center: October 21, November 18, December 9, January 27, February 24, March 24, May 12. All meetings are open to the public.

The PHS SIP Team is in need of parent representatives. If you are interested in being a part of the PHS School Improvement Team, please email honeycuttm@person.k12.nc.us.

Families and Students: We need your help with tardies to class. There are an excessive number of students in the hallways once the bell has rung for the start of class. It is the administrative team's hope that students will solve this problem themselves by getting to class on time, but please note that tardy sweeps (resulting in after-school detentions) are coming soon to help the process along. Students being in class on time is vital to their learning, but also to their safety. Parents and Guardians, we thank you in advance for having a conversation with your student about the importance of being on time to class.

Theme of the Month: Supernatural September (Not able to be explained by physical laws)

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.

Anti-Bullying, Unity & Kindness Spirit Week Activities Announcement!

During the Week of Oct. 14th - 18th, 3rd Period Teachers will be providing students with access to PHS Anti-Bullying, Unity & Kindness Spirit Week Activities each day. More information will come next week to help everyone prepare to find ways to promote kindness and build community in our school while having the chance to win prizes!

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!

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 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.

To help our seniors adequately prepare for their graduation and upcoming events, a senior fee is in place, paid in two parts:

1. 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.)
2. Past Due: $56 paid directly to Person High School (can be paid online through the Online School Payment Center)
   

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)

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)

UNC System Virtual Open House

Oct. 7: 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

(Reminder schools document every interaction you sign-up for when reviewing your application)

Admissions Counselors from each institution will share helpful information about the admissions process and current students from each university will share about their college experience and answer your questions live. Featuring Elizabeth City State University, North Carolina A&T University, NC State University, UNC Asheville.

Sign up today!

UNC System Virtual Open House

Oct. 8: 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

(Reminder schools document every interaction you sign-up for when reviewing your application)

Admissions Counselors from each institution will share helpful information about the admissions process and current students from each university will share about their college experience and answer your questions live. Featuring North Carolina Central University, UNC Pembroke, UNC Charlotte, and UNC Greensboro.

Sign up today!

Where to Find Career Info and Select Colleges for CAW

Oct. 9 - 4:30 p.m.

Don't miss this 30-minute session covering the career and college search capabilities on CFNC.org, taking the SAT/ACT, and minimum course/admissions requirement basics. Melonie Carlton, a career development coordinator at Athens Drive High School, will join us in answering your questions. It's an important week as you narrow down which colleges to apply to during College Application Week (CAW).

Sign up today!

Let's FOCUS on IT! NC Countdown to College Virtual Career Fair

Oct. 10 - 5:00 p.m.

Are you interested in Information Technology? Be sure to join our 4th Virtual Career Fair, where we'll have panelists who both work in IT and teach IT programs at colleges across North Carolina. We'll discuss website development, Artificial Intelligence, computer systems, and more. Come with your questions, as our expert panel will be there with answers. The Virtual Career Fair targets high school juniors and seniors, but all are welcome.

Sign up today!

UNC System Virtual Open House

Oct. 14: 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

(Reminder schools document every interaction you sign-up for when reviewing your application)

Admissions Counselors from each institution will share helpful information about the admissions process and current students from each university will share about their college experience and answer your questions live. Featuring Appalachian State University, East Carolina University, UNC school of the Arts, and Fayetteville State University.

Sign up today!

UNC System Virtual Open House

Oct. 15: 6:30 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

(Reminder schools document every interaction you sign-up for when reviewing your application)

Admissions Counselors from each institution will share helpful information about the admissions process and current students from each university will share about their college experience and answer your questions live. Featuring UNC-Chapel Hill, UNC Wilmington, Western Carolina University, and Winston-Salem State University.

Sign up today!

Where Do You Go for Info During CAW? Where Do You Apply?

Oct. 17 - 4:30 p.m.

It's time to prepare for College Application Week (CAW). Let's examine the application process, where to seek help, and how to understand the differences between CFNC and Common App. Patti Harris, director of GEAR UP NC, and Bree Shepard, IT client support manager of CFNC Pathways, will join us.

Sign up today!

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.

Sign up today!

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.

"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

• 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 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.

Are you ready to MAKE A DIFFERENCE and CHANGE THE WORLD? Come check out the PHS Key Club!

Key Club is an all-inclusive, student-led service club that will help you make a difference in your school,

community and the lives of others.

> Serve your community

> Make friends

> Develop leadership skills

The PHS Key Club meets this Wednesday, October 9, @ 3:15 PM in Mr. Carringer's Room (room 125).

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

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).

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)