
Paul Duke STEM Newsletter
September 12th, 2022
Free and Reduced Lunch Forms. SY 22-23 Online application now available!
We want to make sure that families take advantage of the benefits that come from the Free and Reduced Lunch application.
Confirmed eligibility establishes a number of benefits for individual students such as free or discounted college-admissions tests, AP exams, and college applications; scholarship opportunities; and no- and low-cost access to technology and internet plans. In addition, the percentages of qualifying students at a school are used as a measure to secure additional federal funding (Title I) to support students and their education, promote family engagement, and provide additional technology and internet access. Title I funds pay for additional teachers, Parent Centers, additional learning opportunities for students, extra resources, added technology, and more.
Application Information
- The online application form will be available 24/7 and is a secure environment.
- Parents are welcome to complete and submit an online application form at any time.
- When you submit your online form, please make sure you receive a confirmation number.
- Later, you will be able to use this number to find out the status of your child’s online application
The Free and Reduced Form must be filled out every year.
Due to the expiration of USDA waivers, student meals will now be charged based on individual student eligibility. Therefore, families need to complete the Free and Reduced Price meal application in order to qualify for Free or Reduced-Prices meal benefits as soon as possible. Confirmed eligibility for free & reduced-price meals ensures access to many benefits beyond school meals such as free SAT/ACTs, free college application, and additional technology for schools
Deadline is September 14.
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!
Every year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the history, culture, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central, and South America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon B. Johnson; it was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period beginning on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.
September 15 is a significant date because it marks the anniversary of the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.
This year, we will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month here at Paul Duke STEM High School to recognize the contributions of many Hispanic Americans in our country.
Please join us in the celebrations:
September 15:
Spirit Week - September 19-23:
Join us for some fun dressing up and showing some spirit each day. Post your pics with the hashtag #pds_hhd22, tag us @pauldukehope, @peopleofpaulduke. Upload your pics to: https://tinyurl.com/PDSHHM
September 19 - October 14: Learn about Hispanic culture
Keep an eye out and listen to the Fact of the Day that we will be sharing each day to learn a little bit more about the Hispanic culture and about Hispanics’ contributions to our society. You can also see these facts posted throughout the school. Pay attention! These will be used for Trivia questions.
September 28th & October 5th: Trivia
All students are encouraged to join us for some Wednesday Trivia fun during lunch.
Wednesday, October 12:
All teachers will host traditional Hispanic/Latino games during intervention block.
Friday, September 16
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
Senior Pictures
The last opportunity to take senior pictures on campus is September 23rd!
Book your appointment today HERE. Be sure to read through the directions on how to prepare for the session too.
You can also make an appointment in the Norcross Studio. CLICK HERE for directions. Be sure to make your appointment BEFORE November 12th.
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
Deadline September 14!
Certified STEM School Banner
On Tuesday September 6th our school received the STEM certification banner from the Georgia Department of Education. Achieving Georgia DOE STEM certification, Paul Duke STEM is now.....
the LARGEST whole school STEM certified High School in Georgia
the FIRST Title I whole school STEM High School in Georgia
the FIRST majority Latino STEM High School in Georgia
the FIRST and ONLY non-criteria admission STEM High School in Georgia!
Thanks to the @gadoe_stem_steam for the support and recognition! #TeamGCPS Gwinnett Schools
PDS Teacher of the 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*
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)
September 13 & 27 – Starting by 10:00 a.m. (until supplies run out)
Lilburn Branch (4817 Church St NW, Lilburn, GA 30047)
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
PTSA MEMBERSHIP
What is the PTSA?
The Paul Duke STEM High School PTSA brings parents, teachers, students and administrators together to promote education, expand STEM exposure and cultivate a strong community.
By working together through PTSA membership, volunteering, community partnerships, and financial contributions, the PTSA can help make a HUGE impact in every child's potential a reality!
Questions?
Email us at pdshs.ptsa@gmail.com or check out our website at https://pauldukestemptsa.org
GIVEBACKS
Earn Cashback When You Shop Like Normal
Get hundreds in cashback for you and your favorite cause when you shop at the brands and restaurants you know and love.
Join the movement on Givebacks and earn cashback while supporting Paul Duke Stem PTSA
Earn perks with the Desktop Chrome extension in just a few clicks: https://www.givebacks.com/join/PaulDukeSTEMPTSA
Take it mobile and earn even more!
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