Seniors: Fake News Alert

Please be aware that there is misinformation that is going around that there will be a change in graduation requirements for the Class of 2020 because of the current state of affairs with the COVID 19 Lock Down.  THIS IS NOT TRUE.  Graduation requirements are still as follows:

• 4 Language Arts credits (two of which must be 9th Lit. and American Lit.)
• 4 Math credits (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and a 4th math)
• 4 Social Studies credits (World History, American Gov., US History, and Economics)
• 4 Science credits (Biology, Chemistry/Environmental Sci./Earth Systems, Physics/Physical Science, and a 4th Science)
• .5 Health(or 3 JROTC credits)
• .5 Personal Fitness (or 3 JROTC credits)
• 3 CTAE, Fine Art, Foreign Language (any combination of three will do the deal)
• 4 electives (any credit under the sun)

Just because you meet the 24 credit requirement without the specific course requirements will result in no diploma.  PLEASE work hard for your teachers who are assigning work that is meant to help students pass classes and position you to walk across the stage when we graduate the Class of 2020.  Through hard work, it is possible for a kid who has dug a deep hole to get out of that hole.  

Students Taking a Foothills Class

If you are taking a class away from SCHS, don't let that one fall off your radar as well.  If you are a student taking a class at Foothills, you are, no doubt, worried about how to take tests to keep progressing through your class.  Follow these steps: click on the link below, scroll to bottom and click on the link to see the virtual classroom schedule. Email the teacher that is working to get scheduled to take a test. 

http://www.foothillscharter.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=94737&pageId=23626391

Come on Redskins!  Let's bust it and graduate!

For those seniors who are not in the deep hole mentioned above- Thank you for the hard work you have already put in.  Work that is done now can help you improve your grades in classes.  

Catch Up Days Go into Effect

In an effort to work with students in accomplishing all that virtual learning is requiring, we are setting aside Fridays as "Catch Up" Days.  No new assignments will be given on the following days:
Thursday, April 2nd
Friday, April 3rd
Friday, April 17th
Friday, April 24th

Great Ideas on Ways to Stay Mentally Healthy during this COVID 19 Lock Down

Hey students and parents!  We know you guys are doing your best to actually make the best out of this extended time at home.  Sometimes, it can feel like the walls are closing in.  Here are some daily activities to help combat the wear and tear that this lock down is causing.  "Staying healthy" means your emotions too!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MXLl0vZitl68C5-hoV_0stGdKRXPTxxboLMIi2eS4F0/edit?usp=sharing

An Important Message from the Collegeboard, Makers of the SAT and AP Exams

Dear Colleagues,

We hope this finds you and yours well. Let me begin by saying how deeply everyone at the College Board appreciates the vital role school counselors, teachers, AP coordinators, principals, and superintendents have played in the past few weeks providing guidance and comfort to students and their families, even as you deal with the stresses on you and your own families. We wish you the best during this immensely challenging time.

In the face of the significant disruptions caused by the coronavirus, the College Board has been seeking and listening to your input on how we might best support you and your students now and in the coming months.

You have been clear: The College Board needs to act to reassure students, counselors, high schools, and higher education that we're committed to providing support, flexibility, and solutions during this crisis.

Because students overwhelmingly told us they want to take their AP Exams, we're providing online learning and AP Exams available at home for all students this spring. We're so grateful to the community of extraordinary teachers who stepped up to teach live classes on YouTube, as well as all the AP educators helping students continue with their study.

We're working to ensure students have the supports they need, including approved accommodations, that low-income students have access to devices and connectivity to participate remotely from home, and that students receive the AP credit they've earned through these exams. Finally, the security of the AP Exams is a top priority. The exam questions are designed and administered in ways that prevent cheating, and we use a range of digital security tools and techniques, including plagiarism detection software, to protect the integrity of the exams.

We know that students are anxious about how the coronavirus crisis will affect the college application process, including taking the SAT. We're committed to being flexible and innovative to give all students opportunities to test as soon as the situation allows. We'll share more details as soon as possible, but today we can tell you the following:

•
Currently, the next SAT is scheduled for the first weekend of June. We'll make a decision about whether we can safely hold that administration as soon as it is feasible, given the evolving public health situation.

•
We'll add U.S. and international test administrations in response to canceled administrations. We'll be flexible in making the SAT available in school and out of school as soon as the public health situation allows. We're looking at a range of creative solutions to address increased demand and are in direct conversations with states and districts about School Day administrations. Throughout, we'll continue to place a special focus on students with fee waivers and those with accommodations.

•
Students can stay sharp and get personalized practice support online for free with Khan Academy.

•
If, unfortunately, schools cannot reopen this fall, we're pursuing innovative means to ensure all students can still take the SAT this fall. We'll provide updates about those plans if they become necessary.

Counselors are working especially hard to help students navigate the changing environment, and we're deeply grateful for their commitment to students. To support their work, we're introducing a spring counselor webinar series highlighting updates and resources for the SAT and AP to help counselors navigate and guide students through the college admissions pathway. We'll also help with the increasing need for tools and resources for college affordability.

We're working closely with our members in higher education to minimize the disruption of SAT administration cancellations this spring and to encourage flexibility in the college admissions process whenever possible. We're heartened by those institutions that have already made clear, calming statements that emphasize flexibility in admissions at this time—encouraging students to submit as much information as they can, and reassuring applicants that they will not be disadvantaged should they have to submit Pass/Fail grades for the spring, have incomplete extracurricular profiles, or miss a testing deadline.

Thank you again for all you have done to help your students during this unprecedented time. We look forward to working with you in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

David Coleman

CEO, The College Board

Georgia State Perimeter Dual Enrollment Wannabes for the 2020-21 School Year

COVID 19 has changed everything.  Understatement of the year!  We received an update from Georgia State Perimeter campus in Newton about dual enrollment changes.  .  Please read through this information, as it will guide you through the admissions and orientation process.  You may want to bookmark this information as it will be useful for many days going forward.

      1. Application: 
Dual Enrollment students may apply until July 1.  Please remember the Dual Enrollment office does not process college applications or application documents. The Admission office will be flexible with deadline dates for documents and decisions. However, students need to complete the college application immediately; the application is available online and is easily accessible by clicking on the link at the top of this bulleted statement. 

2. Testing:
Unfortunately, DE students can not submit their PSAT scores.  Students who do not have an ACT nor SAT score may use an accuplacer score.  If you need to take the Accuplacer, please follow the advice listed below:
While the University is closed, prospective students can contact the testing center to inquire about taking the ACCUPLACER virtually through Examity. Students must meet Examity’s computer requirements. Students may use the below link to request an Examity exam setup in order to take the ACCUPLACER at home. Newton Campus Testing Center  Examity is currently closed due to COVID-19 however plans on reopening in mid-April.
Please note, new students must have a Panther ID for this option
(to receive a Panther ID, students must apply and submit their official high school transcript). When setting up the request, students must select all three ACCUPLACER sections (Writing [WritePlacer], Math [Quantitative Reasoning Algebra and Statistics], and Reading
If a student prefers to take the SAT/ACT, he or she may register by clicking on either of the links: SAT or ACT. At last check, it appeared to be June 2020. Students are urged to register for this date as GSU will be flexible and working with all prospective students.

3.  Transcript:
Send your transcript using www.GAFutures.org.  Click on the "College Planning" tab, and then click on "High School Ttranscript" sub tab.  You must be logged in to send the transcript.  Once logged in, choose our high school out of the drop-down list and then click on the college that you want to send a transcript to.

Summer Over-Night Learning Opportunity in Natural Resources Conservation

As many of you know, each summer there is a Natural Resources Conservation Workshop held at ABAC college in Tifton.  As of now, the workshop is still scheduled to be held on June 7-12.  The details are found in the link below.  Walton County Soil and Water District is always excited about having many students from our County attend such a wonderful educational experience.  This year the workshop is extended to five-days in order to offer even more hands-on learning opportunities.  Please share this information with your students and community.  There is transportation available but each student must apply for a spot on the website.  If you, or your students, have any questions, please feel free to share my email- catherine.bowers@gacd.us or my work phone at 770-267-8363 ext.109.

Sincerely,

Catherine Bowers


https://www.abac.edu/beyond-the-classroom-sanr/#Natural-Resources-Conservation-Workshop 

Assignment for Students Wishing to Dual Enroll in 2020-21

If you are planning on taking dual enrollment classes in the 2020-21 school year, there are things that need to be done.  Listed below are assignments and links to resources that you will need to complete these steps to being ready for 2020-21.  Please disregard the steps that you have already completed.

If you are new to dual enrollment OR changing colleges for 2020-21:

1) Complete a free application to the college you plan on dual enrolling with-

• Athens Tech- https://www.athenstech.edu/studentAffairs/admissions/hsApplication/
• Georgia Military College- https://dmz-mil-rws-028.gmc.cc.ga.us/Datatel.ERecruiting.Web.External/Pages/Welcome.aspx (use this code for the fee to be waived- OLCFREE)
• Georgia State Perimeter- https://undergradapply.gsu.edu/register/?id=d6d6517d-9f95-44b7-be59-5dabbed1b9e1

2) Send your transcript using www.GAFutures.org.  Click on the "College Planning" tab, and then click on "High School Ttranscript" sub tab.  You must be logged in to sent the transcript.  Once logged in, choose our high school out of the drop-down list and then click on the college that you want to send a transcript to.  That's about all that you need to do to send your transcript.

3) Testing.....  With COVID-19, colleges and the State of Georgia is having to address what to do next.  Stay tuned to the good ol' Guidance Blog for updates on what (if any) testing you need to do, or extensions of deadlines in order to accommodate late testing options.

4) Complete the Dual Enrollment Funding Application- Funding Application.  Again, you have to be logged in to do this application.  Choose the "Upcoming 2020-21 Application."

5) Email Mr. Kulp once you have been accepted by the college to let him know that you are ready for a meeting.  You may have to log in to the college's website to see your status of acceptance or you may need to email the advisor at the college: Athens Tech- tmcghee@athenstech.edu, GMC- amross@gmc.edu, or Georgia State Perimeter- jlocicero@gsu.edu

6) Sign up for the 2020-21 Dual Enrollment Remind account: By texting @2021duale to 81010.

If this will be your second or third year of dual enrollment:

1) Complete the Dual Enrollment Funding Application- Funding Application.  Again, you have to be logged in to do this application.  Choose the "Upcoming 2020-21 Application."

2) Sign up for the 2020-21 Dual Enrollment Remind account: By texting @2021duale to 81010.

3) Email Mr. Kulp once you have taken care of the two steps.

Seniors you NEED to complete

Please fill out the first survey even if you have done it already do it again. Some of the names did not show up so I need you to go back and do it again.

https://forms.gle/WrdSSzjFXxEkYxrd7

Next fill out the survey that corresponds with the pathway you are choosing.

College: https://forms.gle/UBq6sxwPYpF6VhSu5

Military: https://forms.gle/PyjvWumKVnwCUnJ17

Workforce: https://forms.gle/qaeK9sAbk19uYWW5A

FAFSA help Webinar

Join Brenda Vaughn ( Georgia Student Finance) and your college adviser for a session on how to complete the FAFSA step-by-step!

Thursday, March 26th 3-4PM
Join via Zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/313545457

Ask questions and get live support from professionals!

Is Your Student Struggling in their Math Class?

Math Matters is a tutoring program offered on-line that comes with a a guarantee of students putting in 30 minutes a day will learn one year of math in three months. 

They are providing a scholarship for students whose families have been affected by the current economic crisis.  The scholarship will cover the cost associated with this program.  Here is a link to the scholarship application.

Math Matters Scholarship

Follow Mr. Kulp on Twitter

Hey folks!  In the days to come, I will be favoriting resources to make the COVID-19 lock down more healthy, productive and humorous.  Follow me at @mrkulp. 

Day 6- Wish You Had More Learning Opportunities During the COVID-19 Lock Down?

So, you just are not being challenged by the work that your teachers are giving you, you might want to spice things up with a class from an Ivy League college.  Did you know that you can take classes from a a menu of of options listing above 450!?  Though you will not get a credit, you will get smarter!

Access to Ivy League Classes

DAY 5- Work on Test Prep for the SAT and the ACT

These two tests are the keys to unlock doors of college opportunity both for acceptance and earning merit-based scholarships.  Whatever level of test-taker you think you are, you can be better at it.  Fact. Truth. Yes! Amen!  If you want to be better at anything, you can be, with practice.  If you do nothing to practice, you cannot be mad when you do not win the Superbowl, the Masters, American Idol, or whatever else it is that you want to be good at doing.

Now, don't get me wrong here; many of us do not place being a great test-taker on our wish list when talking to the genie in the bottle to outline our three wishes!  It is not a high priority for me until it keeps me from a dream, and that is not the product of misfortune, it is a product of a lack of preparation.  Today, your mission can be to work out your test-taking skills with the SAT or the ACT.  Below, there are three links that will get you heading in the right direction:

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Is the Best Fit for Me?

SAT Test Prep

ACT Test Prep

Youtube Videos on Test taking Strategies

AP Test Changes!

Too much for me to type out, so please read this attachment to learn how your AP class's test will be administered this year.  Whacky times....

https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/about-ap/news-changes/coronavirus-update

Female Seniors- DKG Grant in Aid Scholarship Due this Week.

The Gamma Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma is pleased to offer one female senior, who has a 90 numeric average or better and who plans on majoring in education, help in paying for college expenses.  This application is due no later than March 27, 2020.  

In light of recent events, the DKG Grant-In-Aid Scholarship is undergoing some revisions. Young ladies are still encouraged to submit an application. At this time, the tea scheduled for April 25th is on hold. In the event that school does not reconvene this academic year, the scholarship recipient will be chosen on the basis of the application alone. Please ask young ladies to submit applications as soon as possible. 

The scholarship amount will differ this year. We are hoping to award a $500 scholarship. Unfortunately, our major fundraiser is also cancelled.

Delta Kappa Gamma Grant-In-Aid Scholarship

Athens Tech Dual Enrollment Wannabes for the 2020-21 School Year

To my current 9th, 10th and 11th grade students aiming to do dual enrollment classes with Athens Tech next year, I have received communication from Tracie McGhee that testing requirements for Dual Enrollment admissions will be as follows:

If you are a current 10th or 11th grade student and have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 or better by the end of the school year, there is no testing requirement.  Complete your Application for Athens Tech Dual Enrollment and send your transcript using the My High School Transcript after you log in.  That is it.  Wait for an answer and then let Mr. Kulp know when you are done!

If your HOPE GPA is less than a 2.6, you can use your PSAT or Milestones Test scores if there is no Accuplacer/SAT/ACT scores to report.  First, do the Application for Athens Tech Dual Enrollment and send your transcript using the My High School Transcript after you log in.  Next, email Mr. Kulp (mike.kulp@socialcircleschools.org) to have him forward your PSAT scores or your Milestone test scores to Athens Tech.  FOLLOW UP with Tracie McGhee (tmcghee@athenstech.edu) to verify receipt of these scores and the status of your admission.  When you get an answer from Athens Tech on admission, let Mr. Kulp know.

If you are a current 9th grader who has not taken the SAT or the ACT, you will not be able to do dual enrollment with Athens Tech next year, if you plan on taking academic courses.  You would have had to had a score a 1200 or a 26 if you did have a test score- ouch!  If you want to go to Athens Tech to take CTAE-style classes (i.e.- welding, culinary arts, cosmetology), testing requirements can be met with a PSAT, Milestones or Accuplacer test score.

If you are a current 8th grader and you have not taken the SAT or ACT, you and your parents can pay for college classes at Athens Tech, but you will not be able to participate in the Dual Enrollment program where the State pays for your classes.

Biggest change in all of this is the ability to substitute a PSAT/Milestone test score for an Accuplacer.  And "no," I do not know what the cut scores are for the PSAT or the Milestones tests are.

Here's a COVID 19 Tool to Use to Stay Healthy!

One of your fellow Social Circle parents works for the CDC in Atlanta and offered this great tool to measure your risk and advise what course of action to take if you or a family member shows any symptoms of the Corona Virus.  Let's take this thing seriously and do our part to get it outta here as fast as we can!!

C19check.com

Seniors- College Admission Testing Has Some Important Changes

Wow!  Seniors, you are living (and graduating) in some CRAZY times.  There are some things you guys are having to go through that have completely disrupted the normal culmination of a high school education.  Here is a bit of news that will have an effect on your college-going plans.

The University System of Georgia has suspended testing requirement for every public college in the State of Georgia (except for UGA and Georgia Tech- as their decisions for admissions have already been made) and will solely use the student's GPA.  It is unclear if this is an "academics-only" average or if it is a cumulative.  The best way for a student to see his or her "academics-only" GPA is to go onto www.gafutures.org to see My HOPE GPA.  I am including a copy of the statement from the USG's proclamation regarding placement testing for college-bound seniors.  THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO CURRENT JUNIORS OR ANYONE YOUNGER.

Also, there is no indication that this decision will have any effect on dual enrollment admissions with the colleges.  When I hear something on that, I will let you all know.

Adjustment to the USG Admissions due to SAT/ACT cancellations

Bored? Read.

You have access to free ebooks because you go to a great high school!  Thank you Ms. Tyree for making this available to SCSS Students!

Be Smart: Practice Social Distancing

Parents and students:

Please practice safe distancing during this time away from school.  It is important that students and parents limit contact with other people.  This means that there should be no social gatherings or spend the night events.  Though the boredom is real, our teachers are providing plenty to keep a student occupied and focused during this time.  The health officials who offer great advice for all to follow are sending out warnings and (in some cases) mandates that we stay at home with our immediate families. 

This is a serious situation that requires everyone's cooperation.

Please do your part to help us get through this epidemic as quickly and as safely as possible.  We love you and we need you....

DAY 4- Figure Out How I Am Going to Pay for College

College expenses can be a scary reality, especially if the ol' 529 plan has taken it in the hiney in this market downturn.  Trying to find money for college is the least a student can do to avoid student debt.  Trust me, your "thirty year-old" self will be so glad you used this time to find money for college.

A great place for seniors of Social Circle High School to find money is this very website.  In the Scholarship Postings tab at the top of the page, seniors will find many scholarship opportunities, some of which are going to go to one or more SCHS seniors.  Why not you?  Check those out and get to work on them.  Due dates are capable of changing, so watch the blog page for updates.

If you want to expand the cast net a little wider, here is another killer resource: https://jlvcollegecounseling.com/  You will be able to search out scholarships that are available on the national level here by "special interest" qualifiers.

Understanding the Whole Financial Aid Process

Dr. Andrew Moe, an advocate for small rural high schools and college access has put together a slide presentation that will guide families through the financial aid process.  This resource will walk a family of a senior through every corner that money can be found.  This resource can serve as a great tool for a family of a junior, sophomore or a freshman too.

Financial Aid and Scholarships Guidance

Current Athens Tech Dual Enrollment Students- Important Message from ATC

Newest Update from Athens Technical college as of March 20th 2020.

We hope that you are all doing well during this uneasy time due to the quarantine from the Coronavirus.  Please know that Athens Technical College and the Dual Enrollment teams is here to help you with your college class needs in way we can.  We are on call and teleworking, so please reach out to us if you need any assistance.   We will be reaching out to each of you via phone next week to see how you are doing, so look forward to talking with you soon!

Spring Break ends today and ALL college classes will begin on Monday March 23rd as online classes and work the remainder of the semester online.  Regarding labs, a plan will be communicated to students from your instructors regarding lab work for very small numbers of students and actions we will be taking to make sure these students can be on campus safely after March 31st.  Be on the lookout for a detailed plan that will be shared regarding the implementation process.
 
Students must work on their college classes through the online Blackboard format, and take advantage of your technology resources per the attached documents.  Please utilize free WIFI per the below information if you do not have access with the school closures.  We will work to assist students and be as flexible as possible during this unusual time, but they must continue to work on their classes to have a successful outcome for the end of the semester.  Communication will be the key to this success.

Resources:
• Zoom is giving free teleconference access to K-12

For more information on Zoom, click here

• If a student does not currently have Internet access at home, they may qualify for free access to WiFi/Internet services from Charter for the next 60 days. Please refer to the link below that includes a phone number to call for more information.
https://corporate.charter.com/newsroom/charter-to-offer-free-access-to-spectrum-broadband-and-wifi-for-60-days-for-new-K12-and-college-student-households-and-more
Charter to Offer Free Access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi For 60-Days For New K-12 and College Student Households and More
Charter to Offer Free Access to Spectrum Broadband and Wi-Fi For 60 Days For New K-12 and College Student Households and More
corporate.charter.com

Student should email their instructors if they have questions about their classes, and the dual enrollment team if they need anything else during this time.  The dual enrollment team can be reached as follows:

• High School Coordinator Tracie McGhee tmcghee@athenstech.edu 706/425-3060
• Career Academy Coordinator Michele Petee mpetee@athenstech.edu 706/355-5050
• Vice President for Career Academies jprice@athenstech.edu 706/552-0982

No onsite college class instruction will take place at the high school college sites even if your school district were to remain open. These dual enrollment college classes will also be taught online through Blackboard.  The dual college instructors must contact their Deans for further information and assistance transitioning to the online format during this time.  The Deans can be reached as follows:

• General Education and Online Learning Dr. Jennifer Palmer jpalmer@athenstech.edu 706/583-2760
• Technology Engineering and Manufacturing Alvie Coes acoes@athenstech.edu 706/583-2598
• Business and Education Nick Chapman nchapman@athenstech.edu 706-355-5048
• Life Sciences and Public Safety Stuart Frew sfrew@athenstech.edu 706/355-5052

We will continue to keep you posted as things change.  Please stay healthy and safe!

Sincerely,
Athens Technical College
Office of Dual Enrollment 

If You Are in Financial Crisis...

Gateway: https://gateway.ga.gov  (Customers may apply for Food Stamp and Medicaid Benefits online via the Georgia Gateway portal)

DFCS Website: https://dfcs.georgia.gov/services (Customers are able to view program guidelines and download an application for benefits)

EBT: https://www.connectebt.com/gaebtclient/ (Customers can access information regarding Electronic Benefit Transfer [EBT] accounts) or call: 888-421-3281 for updates

Those without internet access can contact the DFCS Customer Contact Center at 877-423-4746 for additional information or to request a paper application. Once completed, applications and any required verification can be mailed back to your local county DFCS office.  County office locations are available online at https://dfcs.georgia.gov/locations.

Do You Need Internet Access?

LOW COST/FREE INTERNET SOLUTIONS DURING COVID-19 EMERGENCY

Make your phone a mobile hotspot and connect your Chromebook:

T-Mobile wrote on its website that clients with past due bills can set up a payment arrangement online. Customers will also receive unlimited cellphone data for the next 60 days, except for roaming. For more, visit T-Mobile’s website.

Sprint is taking the “Keep Americans Connected Pledge” by waiving late fees and not stopping service for those unable to pay their bill because of coronavirus for the next 60 days, according to the company’s March 13 news release. For 60 days, customers should also be getting a free 20GB mobile hotspot of data and complimentary unlimited data for customers with metered plans by March 17.

Metro by T-Mobile urges customers to reach out to them if they aren’t able to make a payment due to “unexpected financial impacts,” according to the company’s website. Also, all customers will have unlimited smartphone data for the next 60 days, except for roaming data.

Cricket Wireless customers affected by COVID-19 can have reconnection fees waived, according to the company’s website. To qualify, customers are directed to call the Cricket customer care number, 1-800-CRICKET.  No free unlimited data is offered.

Verizon Wireless will waive late fees for residential and small business customers who are affected by COVID-19, according to the company’s website.  No  free unlimited data is offered.

Get internet at home:
Comcast Xfinity will not disconnect or tack on late fees for customers who contact the company and explain their situation during this time, according to a March 13 news release.

All Comcast customers will also have unlimited data for 60 days, and Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots will be free for anyone. New customers will also get access to 60 days of free Internet Essentials service, with an increased speed of 25 Mbps downstream and 3 Mbps upstream.

AT&T took the “Keep Americans Connected Pledge” by deciding to not terminate service or institute late fees for wireless, home phone or broadband residential or small business customers for the next 60 days, according to its  website. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are also open to any American.

All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers will also receive unlimited internet data. “Limited income households,” who qualify will also, be able to pay $10 a month for internet access.

City of Monroe is not offering new connections at this time.
Find a Hotspot:

Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots will be free for anyone.  Some are on private property, but can be picked up from a distance:
Panera Bread
McDonald’s
Taco Bell
Pizza Hut
Wendy’s
Huddle House
Dunkin Donuts
Library Parking Lot – Password: library
Spring Street Laundry (next to DQ)

DAY 3- What If I Need Help with Bigger Stuff than School?

Your Mission, can sometimes be interrupted by life's difficulties.  Whether it is a friendship issue, dealing with mean kids at school, struggling with an abusive situation or dealing with depression, any of these issues can derail your plans to carry out the mission of growing in knowledge and wisdom, and can throw you into survival mode.

Under normal circumstances, it is wonderful to have access to your counselor, Mr. Kulp, to talk things out and get help.  Though our face-to-face options are greatly hindered, I am still accessible through email: mike.kulp@socialcircleschools.org or through Remind (text @schsgu to 81010).

Sometimes, you may need immediate response because you are under an emergency situation or you want to talk to someone directly over the phone.  These resources can be very helpful for the time that you are away from school:

EMERGENCY

Call 911

Crisis and Support

GA Crisis and Access Line: 800-715-4225

MyGCAL app available for texting and additional support

Crisis, Support, LGBTQ

The Trevor Project: Call (866-488-7386)    Text: START to (678678)

Drugs and Alcohol Education, Treatment and Referral

National Drug Helpline: Call (844-289-0879)

Sexual Assault:

National Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-4673

N

Anyone Hungry?

Starting on Tuesday, March 24th, the Social Circle School System will be delivering mobile meals to families with children in Social Circle.  (If you live outside of Social Circle and would like a breakfast and lunch, drive-thru pick up at the SCHS/SCMS Cafeteria is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 9 AM. Please bring your student with you to pick up meals.) Buses will follow their normal routes, loaded down with meals from 8 AM to 9:30 AM.  When you hear the horn blow, step out to the bus with your student and pick up a meal for each child.  Children do not have to be enrolled in Social Circle Schools to receive a meal.

We are gonna get through this together!

DAY 2- Go On a College Campus Tour

DAY 2 of your Corona Confinement:

Here is a great thing to do with your time: Go on a virtual tour of college campuses to learn more about the opportunities that await you on the other side of graduation!  Many colleges in state and out of state offer virtual tours of their campuses.  This option can keep you healthy AND save on gas and travel expenses.  These are informative and easy to navigate.  Here is a link to Kennesaw State's Virtual Tour for you to see what I am talking about: https://visit.kennesaw.edu/virtualtour.php

Not sure where to start with this task?  College Board's Big Future is a great resource to help you get started with finding a list of colleges that fit you well- https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started

List of colleges that offer virtual tours

Bonus Material- Twitter Access to Mr. Kulp

Did you know that your counselor is cool enough to have a Twitter Account? 

@mrkulp

Great retweets of college and counseling information, along with the random goofiness that I operate my life under!  Check it out....

DAY 1- Study Skills for On-Line Learning

Ok!  So, we have resorted to on-line learning for the foreseeable future, and for some of us, this is uncharted territory.  Believe it or not, there is a recipe for learning on line that works.  Here are some links to some study skills that you can use to master this!  Remember, this is your mission!  You got this!!

On-Line Learning Study Tips
College Raptor On-Line Study Tools
Khan Academy On-Line Learning Tips and Tools

Establish an On-Line Learning Routine

Mission "Possible"

In the 1960's, there was a popular television show that thrilled watchers with espionage, intrigue and
futuristic gadgetry which enabled the show's hero, Dan Briggs, and his team of spies to save the world each night from the exploits of Cold War counter agents.  This television show was called Mission Impossible.  In later years, a whole movie series which featured Tom Cruise as its main character went on to produce six action-packed movies.

At the beginning of each television episode, Dan Briggs would inconspicuously be delivered an audio tape and tape player hidden in a briefcase, a mailbox or a sandwich which would detail specific information about a plot to cause a disruption to our American way of life.  At the end of each tape, the concerned government operative would finish with these words...

"your mission, should you choose to accept it, is..."

Today, COVID-19, has come and disrupted our way of life, to say the least.  It has caused us to reevaluate how we do school.  It also has ushered in fear and uncertainty.  It has caused us to hunker down and value the things that are irreplaceable- family and time.  We have a mission during these two and half weeks away from campus to keep our heads about us, to tend to the things that will open doors for us later on and to continue to grow in knowledge and wisdom.  This is our mission, should we choose to accept it.

The temptation will be to binge watch everything we can on Netflix or to play 100 hours straight of Fortnite, but the time that social distancing is giving us must be used to plant seeds that will produce a great crop when the proverbial "sun" starts to shine later on.  Some who are reading this are seniors who DESPERATELY need to bring grades up to passing.  Some are students who have a passion for computing and could use this time to learn coding.  Some are students who want to pursue music and should be practicing their instrument.  Whatever your goals, use this time to master the skills necessary to open that door for you later on.  This is your mission, should you choose to accept it.

Fear not! You have a whole team of professionals working with you to make your mission possible.  Your teachers have been working incredibly hard to put together meaningful work that will allow your education to continue to move forward even though we are not assembled together in the classroom.  Tend to these things!  This learning counts, and you can help to increase the likelihood that you have your affairs in order.  Reach out to your teachers, as they will be reaching out to you.  Read emails!  Watch and react to Remind updates!  Let me, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Hargrove or Ms. Ledford-Lyle know if you do not have access to technology as we have some suggestions to offer to help.  We are planning about two hours of things for you to do each day, which is the expectation going forward through this.  This one responsibility will help you to continue to learn the things necessary for you to pass your classes.  This is your mission, should you choose to accept it.

I will be sending out daily blog entries that will provide you with other things that you can do with your other 22 hours of the day that will help you prepare for the future.  Now is the time to take advantage of this influx of free time.  Do not waste this opportunity!  Read these entries which will have links to resources for self improvement and study skills advice.  This is your mission, should you chose to accept it.

I challenge each of the Redskin family to accept this mission.  Just as it was for Dan Briggs, so it is for us.  To not accept the mission would mean to allow the things you hold important to be abandoned, compromised and ultimately destroyed.  Will it be easy to press on through this? No, but the pain of meeting the challenge of this mission will pale in comparison to the pain of regret for not tending to these important things.  This is your mission...ACCEPT IT!

your counselor in the good times and the bad,

Mr. Kulp

Resources to Help with the Next Few Weeks Out of School

Comcast is offering free internet for 60 days to low income families. They will give amnesty if they have a prior past due bill or owe money. 

Comcast Free Internet Information

The F.I.S.H. is also going to offer lunches for families while school is out. 


700 South Madison Avenue Monroe, GA 30655
Phone: 770-207-HELP (4357) Fax: 770-207-9186 
Mailing Address: PO Box 1838 Monroe, GA  30655
​www.fishofwalton.org

Industrial Job Fair for Walton County

Are you looking for a better job?  The Industrial Job Fair is your link to job opportunities in Walton County:

Thursday, April 23

Industrial Job Fair

Target: Adults looking for employment or an upgrade; high school students welcome

Location: Monroe Area High School

Time: 5 to 7 p.m.

Participation is FREE

National College Fair is Cancelled

The National College Fair that was planned for this weekend in Atlanta has been cancelled.

College Admission Help for African American Students

The Guided Pathway Support Program is now accepting applications from African American high school sophomores, juniors and seniors.  GPS is a free college, scholarship and financial aid advising program that engages students through an online college access community. GPS students and parents receive unlimited college advising sessions and support through every stage of the college application process.

Apply Now

Seniors

Capstone:  Seniors should be working on the capstone project (Due March 13th).

 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1FkTJalnGjM_uwt etFxUn xooawR5DOQvz421MsD719I/edit?usp=sharing

Scholarships are being posted almost daily, please make sure you check out the Guidance Blog Page

One Application, Many Chances to Win!

Each year, multiple local scholarships have agreed to use one application where SCHS seniors can be in the running for these multiple scholarships just by completing this one application.  For the Class of 2020, this same opportunity will be offered.  ONLY STUDENTS WHO COMPLETE THIS SOCIAL CIRCLE SCHOLARSHIPS COMMON APPLICATION WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE ONE OF THESE SCHOLARSHIPS.  The application deadline is April 17, 2020 at 3:30 pm.  Return completed applications to Mr. Trent Corbett no later than this date.

Social Circle Scholarships Common Application

UGA Vet School Open House

Are you interested in being a vet.? Check out this great opportunity!