Science Hill High School Newsletter

We want to ensure that all of our students graduate from Science Hill with the knowledge and skills necessary to follow their chosen path in life. If your chosen path includes college, September is a great month to explore different colleges, apply to colleges and apply for scholarships. The month of September is designated as Tennessee College Application and Exploration Month. Here are a few important items related to college/university application and exploration:

• The week of September 16 is designated as Free College Application Week, with several schools waiving application fees all month. Check with counselors for details.
• You will need to create an Federal Student Aid ID in order to complete the FAFSA. You can create the ID now and FAFSA will open in December.
• TN Promise covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for students attending any of Tennessee’s 13 Community Colleges, 24 Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT) or other eligible institutions offering an Associate Degree Program. The application deadline for TN Promise is November 1.
• TN also offers the HOPE Scholarship to graduating seniors. Students must have a non-weighted, cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students can also qualify with an ACT composite score of 21 or higher. If you have any questions about qualifying for HOPE, please see your counselor. There is no application for HOPE. The FAFSA serves as an application for HOPE.
• Science Hill will offer the ACT Exam to all Seniors on October 2 during the school day. ACT scores impact college acceptance and often impact scholarship offers. A score of 21 is universally recognized as College Ready and as mentioned above qualifies a student for HOPE. A 25 is the next threshold at most colleges and universities for Merit-Based Scholarships.
• SHHS is hosting ACT Bootcamp for Seniors. Sessions are from 3 to 4:30 pm Tuesdays, September 3-24 in room 405A with Dr. White and Thursdays, September 5-26 in room 403B with Dr. Laufenberg. Attend as many or as few as you want.
• COLLEGEFORTN provides resources for application and exploration.

If you have any questions about college applications or scholarship applications, please reach out to your counselor.

Homecoming Week

Next week is Homecoming Week (Sept. 9-14). We look forward to a week of celebrating SHHS and our students. Here a few items to remember for Homecoming:

• Dress-Up days for students
• JV Football vs Providence Academy (Monday, September 9 at 5 pm)
• Crowning of the 2024 SHHS Homecoming Freshman Princess during halftime of the JV Football game on Monday, September 9
• Homecoming Parade on Friday @ 5:30 pm
• Crowning of the 2024 SHHS Homecoming Queen (Halftime)
• Varsity Football vs Union, VA – Friday @ 7 pm
• Homecoming Dance (Sponsored by PTA) on Saturday, September 14th ( 7 – 10 pm ). SHHS STUDENTS ONLY

Thank You, Students

I wanted to take another moment to give a sincere thank you to all of our students at SHHS. Our students have responded so well to wearing IDs and to our new Cell Phone policy. The students have done an outstanding job with both of these changes!

Go Toppers,

Josh Carter,

SHHS Principal

My name is Trea’zur Cassidy and I am a 17-year-old first-generation college student aspiring to pursue a degree in Communications. I have a passion for writing, weightlifting and meeting new people. I thrive on creating connections and fostering relationships for others. My involvement in various extracurricular activities aligns with my career goals, including a recent internship at ETSU with the Department of Communications.

Cassidy is also starting a student-focused podcast for Science Hill called "Hill Talk" that will help provide valuable resources to students, parents and everyone in our community. Each episode will feature guests, highlights clubs and organizations throughout Science Hill High School.

Can you tell us about your summer internship experience at ETSU and how it influenced your interest in pursuing a career in communications?

This internship was one of three I have completed so far. At ETSU, I interned under Executive Communications Director Melissa Nipper and shadowed the marketing and communications team. I gained foundational knowledge in marketing and communications within a higher education context. The internship provided valuable skills in blogging, podcasting, advertising and software development, and allowed me to contribute my perspective as a student. I had the opportunity to voice a byline audio podcast and write a blog about my personal experiences in ETSU’s Upward Bound Trio program, which also facilitated my internship. This experience broadened my understanding of the various pathways within communications and highlighted the benefits of teamwork in creating a welcoming environment at ETSU. It reinforced my desire to build connections and contribute to my community.

What are some of your fondest memories of your time at Science Hill, and what advice would you provide to freshmen?

My fondest memories from Science Hill revolve around the classes I took and the experiences shared with my classmates. Each class and interaction contributed to shaping who I am today. I can’t pinpoint a single favorite memory, as all were special and integral to my growth. My advice to freshmen is to remain true to yourself, embrace every opportunity, and understand that high school will be filled with both triumphs and challenges that will help shape your future. Friends will come and go, but each relationship will contribute to your personal development. Remember to enjoy the journey and appreciate the value of solitude.

What excites you most about the field of communications, and what areas do you hope to explore further as you continue your education and career?

What excites me most about communications is the opportunity to connect with people and uncover their stories. The field offers the chance to explore diverse perspectives and facilitate understanding. I am particularly interested in pursuing international opportunities, as I have a strong desire to travel and support others. My goal is to contribute to the growth and empowerment of minorities and make a positive impact on a global scale.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to attend a four-year college and study abroad to enrich my educational experience. My aim is to earn a master’s degree in communications and use my knowledge to support and uplift minorities, demonstrating that with determination and faith, anything is possible.

What advice would you give to other students who are considering internships?

I recommend pursuing multiple internships in different areas within your field of interest. This will help you discover what you enjoy most and refine your skills. Take full advantage of your internship experiences by asking questions and taking notes. Don’t hesitate to seek advice and learn from your mentors, as they have navigated similar paths and can offer invaluable insights.

September 9-13 is Homecoming Week! It's not only about football, it's a chance for students to come together and show their school spirit. This Homecoming Week, get involved, have fun and GO TOPPERS!

Each day of Homecoming Week is a themed Spirit Day, with a different corresponding dress code. Dress up and show off your school spirit to your classmates!

Dreamy Monday

Roll out of bed and come to class in your pajama pants and sleep masks. Messy hair, don't care!

Tacky Tuesday

Button up your Hawaiian shirts and slip those slides over your socks when you dress like a tacky tourist. Fanny packs are optional, but recommended.

Who's Who Wednesday

Dress like your favorite character. It's Halloween in September!

Thursday Throwdown

Do you prefer dirt roads and cowboy boots or popped collars and golf claps? Show your allegiance by dressing the part when it's country v. country club.

Friday Color Frenzy

Each class dresses in their assigned color. Seniors: Maroon, Juniors: Gold, Sophomores: Gray, Freshmen: White.

Monday, September 9

• JV Football vs Providence Academy, 5 pm. Come cheer on the Junior Varsity squad as they take on the Knights from Providence Academy. The 2024 Homecoming Freshman Princess will be crowned during halftime.

Friday, September 13

• Homecoming Parade, 5:30 pm. The parade departs from the top lot of Freedom Hall and will make its way to the stadium. More than 30 groups are signed up to participate, plus the Topper Band, students in the ROTC program, the 20 Homecoming Queen candidates and Principal Carter.
• Varsity Football vs Union, Va., 7 pm. Let's fill the student section and show the Bears from Big Stone Gap what school spirit is! The 2024 Homecoming Queen will be crowned at halftime.

Saturday, September 14

• Homecoming Dance, 7 to 10 pm. The semi-formal Homecoming Dance in Grand Topper Hall is sponsored by the PTSA. The dance is open to all current Science Hill students with a valid ticket. The $10 tickets may be purchased Wednesday through Friday (Sept. 11-13) during lunch (10:30 am to 1 pm) in the Hillside Cafe. The cost may be paid in cash or through Venmo to @SHHSPTSA.

Is a hypotenuse part of a triangle or a brain? Maybe that's a hypothalamus? Are you hypothesizing about ways to boost your grades? Come to tutoring and you can unlock the secrets to academic success. And that's no hyperbole.

Geometry Tutoring is available every morning from 7:15 to 7:35 in Room A215 or A219. In the afternoon, you can attend tutoring sessions from 2:45 to 4 in Room A218 on Monday, Room A215 on Tuesday, Room A208 on Thursday or Room A221 on Friday. Please show up by 3 for afternoon tutoring.

Biology Tutoring is available Tuesday and Thursday at 7 each morning and from 3 to 4 each afternoon in Room 413.

September is Attendance Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of regular attendance for student success. Even as students become more independent, families play an essential role in ensuring they attend school, engage in learning, and understand the value of showing up for their future success. Let’s work together to make every school day count!

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s attendance, please contact our Attendance Coordinator, Cody Ewing, by calling 423-232-2190 ext. 2034 or emailing EwingC@jcschools.org.

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a career assessment that will be administered at SHHS on September 26. There is no cost for this exam and is available to any junior or senior. It is one of the best career assessments on the market, and it is not just for students planning to enlist in the Armed Forces. It is intended for any student that would like to explore career options that are best suited for them.

Students can register for the ASVAB with this online form. For more information, watch this video or contact Josh Jarnigan in the CTE Main Office and at jarniganj@jcschools.org.

All students need healthy meals to learn. Children in households that receive TN SNAP or Families First benefits or meet federal income eligibility guidelines may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Prior to the start of school, parents of previously enrolled children should have received communication informing them of their children's eligibility. If children were not pre-approved, and parents believe they qualify for free or reduced meals, the parents should fill out the EZMeal Application available on the Johnson City Schools Food Service website. The application is free and easy to fill out, and the student's status is kept confidential by Food Service staff.

The choral department will be presenting a free public concert on Monday, September 9 at 7 pm in the Science Hill Auditorium. Music for this concert features well-known songs from the 50's, with choir students dressed in costumes of that era. Students from Topper Chorus, Treble Choir and Chamber Choir will all be performing. The program also includes dance numbers, such as "Razzle Dazzle" from the musical "Chicago".

Take a look at our online calendars to stay up to date with what's going on at Science Hill:

Science Hill hosts dozens of student clubs, offering everything from sports to community service. Whatever your interests, there's probably a club where you can find like-minded fellow students and have a little fun!

One of those, the Ultimate Frisbee Club, aims to promote exercise, team work and competition among co-ed students in grades 9-12. The club's faculty sponsor is Michael Laviano. Members meet Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 to 4 pm on the Band Practice Field.

Find the right club for you on the list of clubs on Science Hill's website and get involved!

The PTSA is collecting water and candy for the Homecoming Dance. They're looking for hard, individually wrapped candy, no chocolate or gummy candy that may melt, and 8 oz bottles of water.

Sign up to donate online and drop off your donations to the SHHS front office from September 11 to 13. Please label all items for the PTSA. Everything should be delivered by 2 pm on September 13.

Can't physically drop off items? No problem! Make a monetary donation, and it will be used to purchase supplies!

Every little bit helps! Let's make this Homecoming Dance a night to remember! Thank you for your support!

Join the PTSA or contribute by visiting the PTSA store.

Everyone needs a little advice and support at times. Our dedicated counselors are always ready to help! Check out the SHHS Counseling page, or email a counselor directly below:

• Joe McPherson (last names A-Carp) mcphersonj@jcschools.org
• Kim Thompson (Carr-E) thompsonk@jcschools.org
• Dr. Stacey Philbrick (F-Hon) philbricks@jcschools.org
• Ryan Goines (Hoo-Maq) goinesr@jcschools.org
• Suzanne Reaves (Mar-Pa) reavess@jcschools.org
• Seth Douglas (Pe-Sti) douglass@jcschools.org
• Eva Price (Sto-Z) pricee@jcschools.org
• Josh Jarnigan (Career Counseling) jarniganj@jcschools.org
• Chad Plaisted (Topper Academy) plaistedc@jcschools.org

Daily Announcements
Check out our announcements page that are updated daily on the website! This is where you can find more information about detailed events, student opportunities, club meetings and more! Follow the link above or press the button on the website's main page that can be found by scrolling halfway down.

Social Media

Social Media can be a great communication tool to push out important events and information in a fun and entertaining way. Both our official Instagram (handle: sciencehill_jcs) and Facebook (ScienceHillJCS) are used to showcase what's going on at the hill both academically and athletically while keeping both families and students informed with the most updated information

All student and parent forms can be found in our Main Office in two main places: on a grid on the wall by the main entrance or on our counters.

On Wall in the Main Office

PTA Forms - How to sign up and be informed with PTA events and news.

JCS Communication Tools - Information on how to stay connected with Johnson City Schools.

Gradebook Portal Request Form - To request access to PowerSchool parent account.

DMV Form - Needed to obtain their learner's permit. It must be filled out and signed before taking it to the DMV.

Community Service Hours Form - Log form for students' community service hours. Must be signed by a the volunteer supervisor.

Transit Request Forms - Must be filled out, approved, and on file before students can use the school bus system.

Medicine Administration Permission Form - Must be filled out and turned into the nurse if students have medicine that needs to be taken during the school day.

Parent Observer Request Form - To request access to Canvas parent account.

On the counter in the Main Office

Lunch Form - For more information about our lunch program. There is a QR code that will direct on how to fill out forms regarding free and reduced lunch.

School Map - For a layout of the school so that students are able to locate their classes.

Drop-Off/Pick Up Map - For car drop off and pick up locations.