Financial Aid Resources

 

LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program

 

LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program The LIFE Lessons Scholarship Program awards amounts between $1,000 and 10,000 to students who write essays or make videos about how the loss of a parent has affected their lives. Applications are accepted from February 1 to March 1. Eligibility requirements are listed below. View the application here.

 

Peach State announces the availability of more than $167,000 in scholarships!

Gary Hobbs Student Scholarship Application 

 

Covington Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarship

 

Walton Electric Trust Scholarship Opportunity

 Walton EMC/Walton Electric Trust Scholarship 

Walton EMC is excited to announce an additional scholarship opportunity! This scholarship is for seniors who are served electricity by Walton EMC. Up to 32 $4,000 scholarships will be awarded! Scholarships much be used at an accredited college, university, or technical school. Finalists will be awarded $1,000. Click the link below for more information, and to access the application. Application deadline is January 29, 2021.  See Mr. Kulp or Ms. Fleeman if you have any questions. 

Walton Electric Trust Scholarship Application

Athens Technical College Visit

 

Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

 

MIDTERM SCHEDULE: REMOTE STUDENTS IN MEDIA CENTER

Remote Students CLICK HERE to sign up for in person mid-term exams

Midterms will be taken In Person during the week of Dec. 14-18.

Students will take their midterms socially distanced in the media center.

Remote learners will take their midterm on the same day that the in person learners take their midterm.  For example, on Monday December 14th remote learners will take their 3A and 4A midterm.

The first week of December, remote learners will receive an email with a link to sign up for a timeslot each day to take their midterms.  Time Slots will be 1.5 hours and go from 8-3:30pm.

Students are welcome to check in/out that day.  Students will check in through the front office and report to the media center.  If the student plans to check out after they finish their midterm, please write a note with a parent signature and phone number and have the student give the note to Ms Wanek.

 If a student can’t check out, we will provide a place for them to work the rest of the day.

Job Opportunity for 18 and Older Applicants

 

Marksman Security Corporation provides security services for the Facebook hub that is presently being built in Social Circle.  They are looking for security personnel at least 18 years old and up.  This would be an ideal job for anyone who is interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice or law enforcement.  Entry-level positions start at $15/hour and go up from there.  If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, contact William Bowen at w.bowen@marksmansecurity.com or at (650) 521-1677.  

Win $10,000 in scholarships by attending Virtual Christian College Fairs!

Here's your chance to win up to $10,000 in scholarships all while exploring options in Christian Higher Education. You can register for events NOW, even if they are months away. Click here for a full list of events, and to register! 

 

Apply to West Georgia for Free!

 The University of West of Georgia's Application Fee is waived November 13th-16th. Apply here! 

Athens Tech Visit: Postponed

The Athens Tech campus visit scheduled for today has been postponed. However, you can apply online for FREE through the end of November. The application is quick and easy, so don't miss out on this opportunity! Apply here! Email Ms. Fleeman emaleigh.fleeman@socialcircleschools.org if you have any questions. 

Free Application For University of Alabama

 

We are excited to announce The University of Alabama’s Free App Week, running November 16-20, 2020. This is your students’ opportunity to continue to build off of their hard work and dedication toward their futures without the pressure of cost. Spread the word and the excitement of this opportunity!

Senior students and families will receive an email with their personal code on launch day (November 16). The code will only be available to out-of-state and international prospects. Students have until 11:59 p.m. CST on November 20 to complete their application. During this week, please assist your students with acquiring transcripts.

Given the workload you carry, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to submit transcripts for your students applying to UA. Here are the options for official high school transcript submission for your applicants:

Email: hstranscripts@ua.edu (Transcripts sent via email must come directly from the high school counselor. Students may not submit transcripts via email.)

Electronic Services: Parchment/Naviance, E-Scripts, Scribbles, OverGrad, SCOIR and National Student Clearinghouse

Mail:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

The University of Alabama

Box 870132

Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

This is everything you need to inform your students and their families about Undergraduate Admissions’ Free App Week. Share the official social media accounts’ hashtags (#FreeAppWeek, #UA25, #BecomeALegend), posts, tweets and stories.

The Walter Harrison Scholarship Sponsored by Walton EMC

Walton EMC is excited to announce this $1000 scholarship opportunity for seniors who reside in a home where electricity is provided by Walton EMC.  Please click the link below to see full details and to access the application.  Completed applications are due to Mr. Kulp or Ms. Fleeman in the Counseling Office no later than January 8, 2021 at 3 pm.

Walter Harrison Scholarship Information and Application

Did You Miss the Freshman, Sophomore, Junior Information Night for Parents and Students???

 Here is a link to the full video presentation of the informative presentation that help you and your student walk out this thing we call high school.  

Recording of Freshman/Sophomore/Junior Information Night Presentation on Nov. 4, 2020

Passcode: hA.A3fxK

SAT Given at SCHS on March 3rd!!

Juniors will have the opportunity to take the SAT off campus on March 3, 2020.  If you wish to take the SAT, take a check for $52 to Ms. Fleeman and the completed SAT Registration Form by December 18, 2020 .  SENIORS will have priority for signing up for the SAT. Students who qualify for free/reduced lunch may qualify for a fee reduction.  Free and Reduced Lunch Form  

Apply to College for FREE during No Fee November!

If you apply to any of these schools this month, they will waive your application fee! 

PSAT, ASVAB, and the SAT

 He everybody!  Mr. Armstrong sent out an update to everyone through emails yesterday.  I just wanted to repeat this information incase you are not receiving his emails, which is not a good thing!  We will have a make up day for the PSAT and the ASVAB on January 26th.  In addition, we are offering a first-time-ever, official SAT given during the school day at SCHS, just to SCHS students!!  This is going to be a huge help to seniors getting ready for college applications (if they are wanting to submit an SAT score (as many colleges are not requiring a test score this year).  It is also another shot at obtaining the 1200 that Zell Miller Scholarship requires.  

We will get more information out to you guys about registration procedures as we get ready for that.  In the mean time, the attachment below guides you as a student or a parent about what test you will want to focus on.  

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1es9u40hjqm6U41hax9Zk8z6MLM119uGbDa3eqEunsd8/edit

Mississippi State Scholarship Deadline - Dec 1st

 

***General Scholarship Application Due December 1st***

***You must be accepted to Mississippi State to Apply***

Apply to College Week! Nov 9th-13th

 

Attention Juniors! The Coolidge Scholarship is open!

If you are a junior, and planning to enroll in college Fall of 2022, check out The Coolidge Scholarship!  This is a FULL RIDE merit scholarship that can be used at any accredited college or university in the United States. Apply here! 

FAFSA Night Meeting Recap!

 In case you missed it... here is the FAFSA Info Night with Brenda Vaughn! Please see Ms. Fleeman if you have questions. 

College Fair on Monday!!!!

 Attend a college fair from your couch!  The PROBE Fair is an annual "right of passage" for all who want to go to college after graduation.  A college fair is a time to shop out college options from the large group of colleges who will assemble to tell students and parents all about their campuses and programs.  Attending a college fair will help families and students identify colleges that are a good fit for them.  An important consideration is whether or not the college has the major that the student wants to pursue.  There are other important factors as well, such as size of the school, setting and extracurricular options.

On November the 2nd, the PROBE Fair will start.  It will be offered over several nights and will be done virtually.  This is a free event and can really help a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior get a grasp of what life after graduation looks like.

To learn more, scan the QR Code below with your phone.

Improve Your SAT Score AND Win $1000

 Collegeboard will give the chance to win one of 150 $1000 scholarships this month to every student who practices for at least 6 hours.  Here are the details:

https://opportunity.collegeboard.org/about/practice?SFMC_cid=EM383801-&rid=47723103

Reminder of Important Meeting Dates Coming Up

October 23rd at 9 am- Kennesaw State University will hold an online meeting with students from Social Circle High School.  This will be conducted through a Zoom meeting.  If you are at all interested in going to Kennesaw State, you should plan on attending this event.  If you have been accepted, this would be a great way to get important questions answered.  Here is the Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2791084832?pwd=TEcxeGZZaEhiSU0vOE1ZUzNBR1g0dz09

October 23rd at 11 am- Georgia State University is also going to offer an online meeting for SCHS students and parents.  Here is the Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/96769779091?pwd=UGNpNS9uQXV2Q3FhTndTa2pNa0xtZz09

October 27th at 6 pm- Financial Aid Parent Meeting with Georgia Student Finance Commission's Brenda Vaughn.  Tune in and get help with completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for your graduating senior.  Register for this event (if you have not already done so) by clicking here.

$20,000 Coca-Cola Scholarship! Deadline October 31, 5pm.

 

Class of 2021 College Advising Updates

 

Need help with FAFSA?

 

Cap and Gown, Letter Jacket and Class Ring Information for Seniors

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EwlxVgkuvGfo9NP3sC1Dy92qwE3kxnaU/view

Georgia Line Virtual College Tour

 

You Thinking about Becoming an Engineer?

Make plans to attend one of these two, online, informational meetings from Georgia Tech, Harvey Mudd, Olin College and Purdue University to learn about opportunities there.  These four schools are known for having great engineering programs. This event will open your eyes to the options beyond these city limits!

October 6th at 5 pm

October 14th at 5 pm

Reminder: Virtual Probe Tour!

                                          

Chil-Fil-A Leadership Academy

 This year Social Circle High School will be partnering with the Chick Fil A in Monroe for our inaugural year of the Chick Fil A Leadership Academy. Chick-fil-A Leader Academy™ is a national high school leadership program focused on IMPACT THROUGH ACTION. The world needs more leaders who impact their local communities, and we believe high school students are the answer! We will kickoff the program in October this year and meet once a month with students. I'm looking for 10-25 students who want to make a difference and lead by serving including projects Do Good December and an Impact Project in the spring.  Next week is the last week to sign up so don't delay.

Want to apply and learn more about the program?

app.chickfilaleaderacademy.com/apply

Apply to Georgia College for FREE!!!

 

FAFSA Completion Webinar!

 

GSFC is hosting a FAFSA Completion Webinar on October 13th @ 5:00pm! The earlier you complete FAFSA, the better! Register for the event here. 

See Mr. Kulp or Ms. Fleeman for additional information. 

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program

On Thursday, September 24th, the 3rd Annual HBCU Information Night will be held live, via Zoom at 7 pm.  If you would like to learn more about all that an HBCU has to offer, please make plans to attend this meeting from the comfort of your couch!  Here is the Zoom link below:

You are invited to a Zoom webinar. 

When: Sep 24, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Topic: 3rd Annual HBCU Night

Register in advance for this webinar:

https://drewcharterschool.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E10nLWCWT9Wk7geGyWyOXw

Do You or Someone You Know Need a Job?

It’s a great time to be looking for a local job. More than 14 of our industrial companies are hiring. Links to all available local industrial jobs can be found at www.walton.works/jobs

SAVE THE DATE & REGISTER NOW — for our second Regional + Virtual Job Fair of 2020, set for October 9, from 12 - 4 PM!

Available in a completely virtual/online platform, the fair is FREE for jobseekers — with the goal of connecting them with local employers in the fields of manufacturing, film, entertainment, public safety, local government, bio-pharma, high-technology and distribution.

Employers and job candidates can register to participate in the Oct. 9 event now! The virtual job fair is free for jobseekers.

REGISTER HERE: www.careereco.com/events/GeorgiaPiedmont

 

Register now for Probe Virtual College Fairs!

Over 160 colleges will participate in two mini-fairs to be held entirely online, October 5-7, and November 2, 4-5. Register here: gaprobe.org/students 

A Parent's Guide to Google Classroom

 Being a parent isn't for weaklings!  You have a tough job that you cannot afford to take a day off of.  Students at SCHS are going to work through the Google Classroom platform for the duration of the 2020-21 School Year in every class.  It is not going away, and you need to know how to operate it so that when your student gets stumped or (even worse) when they convince you that it is broke because he or she does not want to do work tonight, you can combat that.  It is vital that you invest into knowing how your kid's classes work, and everything has changed with COVID.  With some investment, you can learn about Google Classroom and keep your child moving forward with his or her education.  

Here is a valuable class that you can take where we will show you how to help your kids be successful:

Google Classroom 101

Apply to GGC for FREE! September 9th-16th

 

Fall 2020 College Virtual Info Session Dates

 

Opportunity to Grow as a Leader

This year Social Circle High School will be partnering with the Chick Fil A in Monroe for our inaugural year of the Chick Fil A Leadership Academy.  Chick-fil-A Leader Academy™ is a national high school leadership program focused on IMPACT THROUGH ACTION. The world needs more leaders who impact their local communities, and we believe high school students are the answer!  We will kickoff the program in October this year and meet once a month with students.  I'm looking for 10-25 students who want to make a difference and lead by serving including projects Do Good December and an Impact Project in the spring.

Want to apply and learn more about the program?

app.chickfilaleaderacademy.com/apply  

This Post Is for College-Bound Freshmen and Sophomores and their Parents

If your student's future plans include college, the 9th and 10th grade years are when a student should start thinking about and planning for the next stage of education.  College doesn't just happen, and often requires a lot of daydreaming, investigating and forethought.  

Rick Clark, the director of Admissions at GA Tech., has put together a series of short podcasts that will educate students and parents on a wide variety of college admissions tasks and objectives important to being ready when a senior is starting applications.

Here is a link to access this information.  It is well worth the small investment of time!

The Basics of College Admission

Super Resource to Help Families Understand the College Admissions Process

Southern Association of College Admission Counseling (SACAC) is advocacy group that seeks to help students gain access to college options.  Each year, they put together a Camp College program that actually teaches students and parents the nuts and bolts  necessary to build a college plan.  They have shared these seminars with us to share with you free of charge.  Each of these sessions will help high school students and parents to make valuable decisions going forward.

How to Navigate your College Search During Covid-19 (view the session here)

Standardized Testing (view the session here)

Resumes & Activities Lists (view the session here)

How to Apply to College and Write an Effective Essay (view the session here)

Financial Aid (view the session here)

A big thanks to all who organized and presented these sessions allowing SACAC to deliver important information during this time.

Virtual College Fair Coming to You in the Future!

 Dear Students and Parents:

The PROBE Fair is an annual event that has afforded thousands of Georgia high school students the opportunity to learn more about college and technical college options in Georgia and well beyond.  This year, the PROBE Fair will still happen, but it will be virtual.

We would love for you to register by going to More Information for Students or More Information for Parents.  By registering, full event opportunities will be made available to you via your email address.  Events will take place through Zoom Meetings on select dates in October and November.  Both specific information about colleges AND panel discussions about important topics related to college admissions will be offered through the PROBE Fair.  You do not want to miss this opportunity!!

To participate in any of these events, you must register.  All events are free.

Mental Health Resources Available to SCHS Community

 A new resource is available to students and parents in the Guidance Office at Social Circle High School that is designed to help inform and guide families dealing with various mental health concerns!

Students and parents are encouraged to stop by the Guidance Office at SCHS to check out these great resources.  If you are not comfortable coming in, but would like a resource mailed to you, please complete this form.  

A heartfelt thanks goes out to the caring group of families from Social Circle who contributed to make this resource available to our school community.  Together, we are whole.

State School Superintendent Richard Woods seeks 2020-21 Student Advisory Council

Please review the “Application Instructions” section at the bottom of this release if you would like to apply.

CONTACT FOR STUDENTS/APPLICANTS: students@doe.k12.ga.us

September 1, 2020 – State School Superintendent Richard Woods is seeking high school students to serve on his 2020-21 Student Advisory Council. These students will meet with Superintendent Woods to discuss the impact of state policies in the classroom, along with other issues related to education, and will serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools.

Applicants must be enrolled in a Georgia public high school for the 2020-21 school year (virtual learning students are still considered enrolled). The Student Advisory Council’s first meeting will be held virtually on November 5, 2020. Other meeting dates will be set and announced to participants at a later time.

“Now more than ever, it is essential for me to hear directly from students about their educational experience and the impact of state policy decisions on the classroom,” Superintendent Woods said. “My Student Advisory Council has been an invaluable resource in the past and has allowed me to learn from the perspectives of students across our state. I look forward to meeting with the 2020-21 Council soon.”

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Click here for the 2020-21 Student Advisory Council application. Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Late applications will not be accepted.

Selected students will be contacted via email. All students may visit gadoe.org/studentadvisory on October 15, 2020 at 10 a.m. to see whether they have been accepted. Please note that we typically receive hundreds more applications than we are able to accept, and not being selected for the Student Advisory Council does not mean the student’s application was not strong.

Questions About The SAT/ACT Requirement Being Waived for the Class of 2021

No doubt that the University System of Georgia's news release stating they are waiving the ACT/SAT test requirements to apply to a public technical college, 2 or 4 year college or university in the State of Georgia is news that will cause many to celebrate in the belief that admissions to a dream school may now be easier.  While the SAT and the ACT have been dreaded tests that have caused some students to "not get in" to a specific college, what will college admissions look like without this requirement?  How does the absence of this requirement now cause an increase of weight given to other factors that are also used in admissions decisions- GPA, extracurricular involvement, essays, just to name a few.

Many of these questions will have answers that will come trickling in, and rest assured, we will make sure to pass this information on to you through the Guidance Blog.

We are already getting some information from a couple of our colleges that are raising the minimum GPA to be admitted now that the test is no longer required.  Kennesaw State University, for example, emailed us today to say that they are a raising the minimum GPA to apply from a 2.5 to a 2.6.  Remember, Kennesaw is a competitive college, so just because you have a 2.65, does not mean that you are necessarily beating out the other applicants.

So, how should student do what they can to open up college options in a world that has said that the SAT/ACT will no longer be a factor?

Make the best grades you can!- They may not help out a senior this year as our grades are year-long and will not go onto the transcript until May 2021.  A student can request that a mid year grade report go to the college to demonstrate that the GPA is trending in the right direction, however.  Cs hurt a student's GPA!  It is a bit head scratching that last year was a GREAT opportunity to raise final grades, and we found many students who were happy to get a grade up to a 70 and then stopped working. (Please note that, unlike last year, a student's grade can go down if he or she does not perform.)

Be Active!- Clubs, athletic participation, having a job, volunteer work or participation in other school sponsored activities (like band) build a resume and make good grades even more impressive in the light of all the other things that took away from potential study time.  These activities are also a great place to learn and demonstrate leadership, a valued character trait.

Write solid essays!- Because getting in to competitive colleges means that I am competing against others, I have to recognize and embrace the fact that there will be a winner and a loser in this game.  I know that it is not the sweet and comforting thing that you want to hear from your counselor, but it is true, and I want to see SCHS kids have great opportunities beyond graduation!  The essay is the very thing that students HATE about college and scholarship applications, but it is also the very thing that will separate a winner and a loser when GPAs are the same.  The essay allows an admissions officer or a scholarship committee member to get a glimpse into your life story to see your character.  If you do not tell them how you are a person of great character, then how will they know it? Please spend time and effort writing these.  Have other good writers proofread them.  That is what the other kids who you are competing against are doing... Good writing is a process that happens over weeks.  For some great coaching on the writing process for these essays, visit https://www.collegeessayguy.com/

We want to see you win, one of the points of judgment is no longer in play in college admissions.  The game has changed slightly, and so will our efforts!  Remember to work hard on the three things we have covered!

USG Waives Test Score Requirements

 

ROTC Scholarship Opportunities!!

Please pass to all schools to encourage their Cadets and students to check this Virtual College/University ROTC Scholarship Fair on 26 September.  More than 100 universities and colleges within 6th Brigade (Southeastern United States) are participating.   See details below and attached.

Since our 6th brigade (southeastern United States) college/university ROTC Reps (ROOs) did not get to meet with JROTC instructors this summer at our JROTC Workshops, this is the next best way to still help instructors, Cadets, and students informed about the ROTC Scholarship opportunities available.  This event is for HS students and Cadets across the nation to learn more about ROTC/Officership through the past, present, and future Cadets/officers that will be speaking. Attached document has more information and the link below is the registration site if any student would like to register and either learn more about ROTC scholarships or attempt to win cool door prizes. There is no registration fee and even the JROTC Cadre or parents can attend and learn more about ROTC Scholarship opportunities.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Xc5MnNjPdsdE2j7PL2Utocp5cLFPSdmVy2ZMkzEfJPI/viewform?edit_requested=true&fbclid=IwAR3AMZIMIQmDvEXiTCm4ZYSsPb_a7G2bZpey9xisdU8meHHmahqfCxrvEHE&fbzx=6976130527115760877#responses

here is also a Facebook Video of the Event: https://www.facebook.com/umcanearmyrotc/videos/1009326646184409/?vh=e&extid=nNJegzULTKHo90Ta 

All of the Brigades ROOs (college/university ROTC Reps) will have a table at this event and will be representing over 100 universities and colleges in the 6th Bde footprint. Even if the student or Cadet does not wish to attend one of our ROTC programs in the southeastern US, 6th Brigade can refer them to a college/university they are interested in.

Any questions can be sent to Mr. Jay A. Hansen at our 6th brigade HQs. Office: 912-315-7210, Cell: 912-220-7730, Fax: 912-315-8310, jay.a.hansen.civ@mail.mil

Thank you, 

 Jim Knauff, GS

Chief, JROTC

6th Brigade, USACC

(912) 315-4513

Parent: Do You Need Help with Childcare?

The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) is now offering families the ability to search for child care for school age children enrolled in distance learning. With many parents returning to work, families are not always able to stay at home and assist their children with virtual instruction. The search is offered on www.qualityrated.org or by calling 1-877- ALL-GA-KIDS.

“School age children are returning to their classes, with many school systems opting for distance learning through virtual classes,” said DECAL Commissioner Amy M. Jacobs. “We are hearing from parents who, because of work commitments, cannot stay home with their children. Others might not feel qualified to assist their children and give them the best experience. In this pandemic, Georgia’s child care industry stands ready to assist school age children and their families and we appreciate them answering the call.”

Press Release: http://www.decal.ga.gov/documents/attachments/release_school%20age%20distance%20learning%20search%2008132020.pdf

Attention Seniors!

SAT & ACT 2020-2021 Testing Schedule

Hey Juniors and Seniors who have completed Algebra II and plan on going to college:

You most likely are going to need an ACT or an SAT to get into college.  It is time for you to register for one or both of these tests!  The information below will help you in taking care of this task.  Don't forget to do your test prep as well- SAT- https://www.khanacademy.org/sat (free!) or ACT- buy the online test prep when you register for the test. ($30)

Should you write about COVID for your college essay?

<![CDATA[

Janine Robinson, the creator of the incredibly valuable blog, Essay Hell, wrote a post on whether students should devote their college essay to COVID-19.

The post Should you write about COVID-19 for your college essay? appeared first on The College Solution.

   

Robinson thinks students should avoid using the pandemic for their college essay. Here is what she wrote:

When counseling students on finding great topics for their college application essays, I often direct them to explore problems they have faced in their lives.

Problems provide the perfect springboard for writing a compelling personal statement. (Problems = challenge, obstacle, mistake, flaw, phobia, conflict, change, etc.) If you faced a problem, big or small, it means that:

1. Something interesting and personal happened.

2. You had to deal with it.

3. You learned something.

This simple framework can help you share your personal stories in your essay, and then also examine, explore and share how they shaped you and what you care about (your values).

And voila! A college application essay that is engaging, meaningful and memorable.

RELATED: Use this post to learn how to write about a problem for your personal statement essay.

Read more about this topic on Should you write about COVID-19 for your college essay?

Applying to College Webinar Series

    There is no doubt that we are all facing times of uncertainty. Deadlines, decisions, and available opportunities are changing daily. We know students and parents have questions about what applying to college will look like in the coming months. The Rollins admission office created an “Acing the College Search Process” webinar series. This series will aid in answering common college application questions, and provide information as it is released. This series is free, and students do not need to apply to Rollins to register.

 

    Below is the schedule for upcoming topics, and webinar dates. If you are concerned about completing the FAFSA, testing, or anything admissions related, you are strongly encouraged to register here   (or copy & paste this link:https://apply.rollins.edu/register/?id=2d44be26-9186-46f8-8070-52ee54abba45) for this series.

Applying Test Optional: What it means, weighing your options, and benefits - Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. ET Why Apply Early Decision? Understand the benefits and reduce stress during your senior year - Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. ET Financial Aid 101: How to file the FAFSA, understanding your options, and more - Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m. ET 10 Reasons Orlando is the Best College City in America (tailored for students living outside Florida) - Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. ET Why Study in Orlando? Epic opportunity & amazing adventures await in your own backyard (tailored for students living in Florida) - Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. ET Diversity & Inclusion on Campus: How Rollins makes diversity a priority - Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. ET Keeping Tars Safe: How Rollins adjusted to life during a pandemic - Tuesday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. ET

Attention high-achieving, low-income students! The QuestBridge Scholarship may be for you!

This is a great scholarship program for high achieving, financial need students! 

https://www.questbridge.org/high-school-students

College Access Community for African American Students

Meet Our New College and Career Advisor, Ms. Fleeman!

    Hello Social Circle High School! My name is Ms. Fleeman, and I am so excited to be serving as your College and Career adviser this year. I am a graduate of Georgia College and State University with a degree in Mass Communication.  I strongly believe that college should be accessible for everyone who is interested, and I will help you navigate the process. 

People in your life are likely asking about your plans after high school. They may want to know if you’re going to college, what schools you are applying to, and what you are going to study.  It all feels overwhelming, and I know it seems impossible at times to genuinely enjoy this time without it slipping away. 

More than anything, I want you to know there is someone in your corner during this transitional season of life. Your education is something that can never be taken away from you, and I hope you know that you are valuable and belong on a college campus, if that is what you wish. If you are interested in the workforce or the military, I am also here to help you build your resume, work on interview skills, and find the appropriate contacts. Please do not hesitate to reach out, and I look forward to getting to know you all! 

Help Wanted

Monroe manufacturer is looking for a hard-working team member with attention to detail. Must be able to lift 30 lb. cabinets to knee height and place on furniture dolly.  Work includes cleaning cabinets for shipping, sweeping floors, installing hinges on cabinet doors.

Hours are flexible during second shift. Prefer full-time, minimum of 4 hours per day Monday - Friday. Second shift is 2 pm to 10 pm

Pay: $10 per hour for 2-week trial period then $12 per hour. Additional raises depend on initiative and ability.

Applicants must be 18 or older with reliable transportation.

Apply in person at Architectural Interior Millwork. Contact Owner Rob Kirk at 407-451-8616 to arrange time to stop by to complete an application and interview.

Do You Need Help with a Utility Bill?

Summer Program at Duke University- Offered On-Line

So much of what makes for a great education happens when school is out.  Summer programs provide opportunities to grow beyond what we can teach you at SCHS, and something that students in other places do regularly to grow and to demonstrate their hunger for rigor. 

Duke University is offering summer program starting in July.  This is a competitive program that will provide a student with excellent opportunities to learn about something he or she is passionate about.  Check it out!

https://learnmore.duke.edu/youth/

Where Are You Going after You Graduate?

If you know you want to go to college, but are not sure where, College tours can be a great way to "shop" your options.  Unfortunately, tours have been halted due to the Corona virus.  That doesn't have to stop you, though!  Listed below are three websites which provide virtual tours.  If the one you are interested is not on any of these three, check out that college's admissions website to see if they have an option like this.

https://www.youvisit.com/collegesearch/ 

https://campustours.com/

https://www.ecampustours.com/campus-tours.aspx

Free COVID Testing

A Scholarship for a Graduate from the Class of 2019, If You Know One

One More Scholarship Opportunity

If you are a graduating senior who is interested in pursuing an agricultural-related degree, here is a scholarship for you!  It is due July 6th, 2020.

David Skinner Scholarship

Final Preparations for a Senior's Next Destination

Hello from the kitchen table of Mr. Kulp!  This message is for graduating seniors, so all other grade levels can kindly hit delete at this point.

Now that it is just us, I wanted to tell you some important information that will allow you to sew up affairs as you head to your next destination- mainly those who are going to technical college or a two-year/four-year college.  I am including a list of things you have to do:

1) Pay deposits for housing and for classes.  Your college has definitely reached out to you to ask for this money since you have been accepted.  They are pretty good at asking for money...  If you have not sent in the check or paid on line, get that done soon as they can assume that you are not coming and give a dorm room away or relinquish your spot in the Class of 2024.  If you cannot afford the deposits, here is a link to a form to appeal for that to be waived from the great folks at National Association of College Admission Counseling: https://www.nacacfairs.org/globalassets/college-fair--homepage/ncf-documents/learn/nacac-req-for-enroll-form-0420_1-fillable.pdf

2) Provide your Verification of Lawful Presence.  This is super easy.  You will upload your driver's license (or another acceptable form of identification) to the Office of Admission's website.

3) Immunizations, ouch!  We get this request for shot records to be sent to the college from SCHS often.  Unfortunately, that would be too easy!  Colleges want their immunization form filled out and submitted back to them.  The one that is in your permanent record at SCHS will not be acceptable.  Here is what you do- print the immunization form off of the college's website, take the form to your pediatrician or to the health department to fill out, take the original back home and upload it to their website.  SAVE the original, in case they lose it!

4) Final transcripts have to be sent.  In the next few days, you are going to be asked to complete a survey.  In that survey, you will be asked to tell us where you want us to send a final transcript.  We will do it.   If during the summer (after June 15th), your college is still barking for a final transcript, you can always log in to GAFutures.org and send one through them to your college, just like you did when you were applying.  It is instant, easy and free, and you will get a faster reaction than you will from us; we are not instant...

** Special instructions for Dual Enrollment kids: your "next year" college (if different from your Dual Enrollment college) is going to want a transcript from your Dual Enrollment college.  You have to do this, and it, too, is simple.  Go to PAWS (Georgia State), Banner Web (Athens Tech) or into your GMC Portal.  Search for the request transcript feature (sometimes it is well hidden, but it is there).  You will need the address of the Office of Admissions at your "next year" college to put in to the request.  The Dual Enrollment college will mail that transcript to the next college.

5) Request a spot at orientation.  Most colleges are going to an online version of orientation.  While this is not as exciting, your access to an earlier orientation may allow you to register for classes earlier.  Colleges will often not clear you to register for classes until you go through orientation.  Waiting on this ensures that all your classes will be at 7:50 am or 5:30 pm.

6) If you have not done so by now, it is still not too late to complete a FAFSA.  Mr. Corbett has you covered on that!  Here is a link to his help: FAFSA Help
Also, go to HOPE Scholarship/Grant Application to do the one time, forever application to get access to HOPE Scholarship or HOPE Grant funds.  HOPE Grant works at technical colleges and there is no GPA requirement.  You can go to learn welding (for example) for almost free!

7) Look over the Office of Financial Aid's financial aid letter that they should have sent that breaks down what they can do to help you pay for college, including merit based scholarships (like HOPE), grants and loans.  If you are not aware of a letter, call the Office of Financial Aid at the college and have your student sit with you to learn about this process.  Those folks tend to be very helpful.  You may need to sign paperwork for loans, if those are ABSOLUTELY necessary.  Remember that a cheaper college and a willingness to work while you go to school are decisions that will make the 50 year old version of you happy.  To still be paying on a college education at fifty years old is not uncommon.  That is a bunch of money that could be spent on fun things.  Trust me, you would rather have to work now to reduce loan debt load that will still be biting your rear end way into your working career.  For more information about that, check out this website: https://www.anthonyoneal.com/

8) Though local scholarships are finished, there are a ton of other scholarship opportunities.  You have not, because you ask not.  Do the applications!!  Scholarship Search engine

9) Write your family a note of thanks.  It is warranted, and it will be well received.

10) Be wise with your graduation money you get in those cards!  The people giving it to you are making an investment in your future, not new wheels for your truck.  "Invest" this money into things that are going to make your paycheck bigger in five years.  It doesn't matter that you are enjoying those new AirPods bumping in your ears now.  Those funds should be spent on college expenses to keep from taking out those loans!

Ok,  that is a lot to take in.  You are loved.  Do great things, and don't settle for less than your dreams and hard work will get you.  It has been a pleasure being your guidance counselor!

IMPORTANT: Senior parents please read

If you have not filled out FAFSA and your child plans on going to college. Brenda Vaughn, from GSFC, is offering one on one meetings to walk you through the FAFSA process step by step. Please take advantage of this opportunity. The links below will direct you to her site to sign up for an appointment.

Student Financial Aid Assistance

Trying to complete the FAFSA?

Need help with verification, HOPE/Zell Miller, or anything else college related?

Make an appointment for FREE online support.

Brenda Vaughn, GSFC K-12 Outreach Representative, is available to work with you through the process.

AP tests for 2020

2020 AP Exams will start next week and be done digitally this year.  I wanted to give you guys some last minute reminders



2020 AP Testing Guide

Explainer Videos: Short videos giving quick, easily accessible information about student’s test day experience, what they need to do to prepare, exam security, and more.

Student Exam Checklist:  Please remind and encourage your students to complete this checklist for each exam they take and keep it next to them while testing.

Schedule for all online AP review courses

AP Classes and Review Sessions: YouTube Channel

Exam Security

Course-specific information 

Carver High School Class of 1964 Alumni, Jerry L. Smith Scholarship

The Carver High School Class of 1964 will once again sponsor a scholarship to benefit three local area seniors with individual scholarships of $500 to $750.  Applications must be mailed in to the address on the application no later than May 11th.

Carver High School Class of 1964 Alumni Scholarship Application

Ty Reed Scholarship

If you have completed an application for the Ty Reed Scholarship, please email it to this email address: reed.dtr@gmail.com.

The Bridgette D. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship

Two Social Circle High School seniors will be recognized with a $250 scholarship, which has been established to honor the memory of Bridgette D. Gibbs, a 1990 graduate of Social Circle High School.  Applications must be completed, scanned and emailed to mike.kulp@socialcircleschools.org by May 10th.

The Bridgette D. Gibbs Memorial Scholarship Application

The Reverend Dr. Willie Enus Scholarship

The family of the Reverend Dr. Willie Enus has established a memorial scholarship in honor of the impact that he made on this community.  Seniors from the Class of 2020 are encouraged to complete the attached application and mail it to the address in the application.  This $500 scholarship will be awarded to one Social Circle High School senior, why not you?  Application is must be postmarked by May 4th.

The Reverend Dr. Willie Enus Scholarship

Seniors Heading Off to College

Seniors who will start college in the fall, you are required to submit a deposit to "hold" your spot at the college.  This has typically been a responsibility that students and parents have had to come up with these funds, anywhere to $300-$500.  This is a tough thing for families even in easier times.  With the way things are now, this could be the decider for some kids as to whether or not they go to college.  I am attaching a form that you can submit to the college you intend on attending that will allow you to petition to waive the deposit.

https://www.nacacfairs.org/globalassets/college-fair--homepage/ncf-documents/learn/nacac-req-for-enroll-form-0420_1-fillable.pdf

Larrison Lawfirm Scholarship

Larrison Law Firm is excited to recognize the local Senior Class of 2020 for their incredible accomplishments, and their abilities to endure an unprecedented year.

This year’s graduating seniors have demonstrated a brave display of resilience, strength, and incredible “class” – and each of these qualities are to be highly esteemed.

At a time when much has been stripped of our Senior’s monumental life moments, The Larrison Law Firm desires to celebrate and award a $1,500.00 scholarship to two (2) local 2020 Seniors heading off to college this year! (Scholarships will be awarded to one Senior attending public school, and one Senior attending private school.)

The awarded scholarship(s) may be used to offset college student housing/living expenses, books, class tuition, etc.  (Anything that aides in the students transition to college.)

Scholarship Requirements:

Essay:            One page single spaced, or a two-page double spaced short essay.

Topic Choice:

1) COVID19 - What have you learned throughout the pandemic?

2) College Degree – Write about something specific to your future degree.  How do you plan to make your community stronger through your work?

3) Share a recent experience that you’ve had or are currently experiencing regarding a charitable organization/local volunteer endeavor.

4) My Hero – Who is your hero, and why?

Thank you in advance for your submission to: Lisa@larrisonlawfirm.com by 5:00 pm on May 6, 2020.  It is our hope at The Larrison Law Firm to highlight local 2020 Seniors who plan to keep their eyes up and steps forward for the future.


**Award(s) will be announced to the high school counselor’s office no later than Monday, May 11, 2020.  Please include your counselors name and email, alongside your personal contact information - including your email and phone number, and the college you’ll be attending in the Summer/Fall of 2020. **


Scholarship Application

If You Love the Delivered Meals

Students and parents,

If you have been touched by the meals that are now being delivered through your neighborhood three days a week by our buses, Here is a great opportunity to thank the folks who are making all of this possible.  To say thanks to all of the cafeteria staff and bus drivers, we are asking students and parents who feel led to record a message of thanks or a fun or funny video that gives a shout out to the people who are making this all possible. 

Send your video of thanks to mike.kulp@socialcircleschools.org.  Thanks!

UGA, GA Tech, GA State University- All Online at One Time!

Please read this announcement from the Peach State College Tour if you are interested in attending either of these three colleges at any point in your future.

Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology and the University of Georgia are moving their spring admissions Peach State Tour even online!  You are invited to join us for a moderated conversation about elements of the admission application review process on Thursday, April 23 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

We're doing things a little different this year and meeting online. While our universities love traveling the state and meeting all of you, we believe this virtual experience will connect us all like never before.

The discussion will provide you with tips, insight and perspective.  It will specifically address the impact of Covid-19 and the implications it will have on the application review on our campuses and around the country. Through this unprecedented time, we want to share how education in Georgia is accessible for your students.

The information provided will not only apply to students applying to Georgia State, Georgia Tech and UGA, but will address general state trends that will be beneficial to any student applying to instate schools.

Visit peachstatetour.org to register for this exciting event!   See you online for the Peach State Tour!

Want FREE Access to eBooks?

Social Circle Schools now has a free account with SORA, an affiliate with Overdrive. This company supplies ebooks and audio books to schools as well as public libraries. We are trying out a free account right now which allows us access to over 100 books. The choices range from picture books to Young Adult Literature; there are fiction and nonfiction reads. You can mark and highlight in the ebooks. The books automatically return themselves after 14 days. The SORA App is available via Google Play or App Store, and you can access it from a PC or Chromebook. View the introductory video of SORA here. You would need to search for Social Circle City Schools as the school. The link to access SORA on the computer is here. We have SORA set up where the students and teachers can sign in with a Google account. If you or any student has a question about this, please tell them to email me. I will also be adding the SORA information to the Media Center website. I am still learning the platform myself, but it is pretty great!