Mental Health Awareness

The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities, Office of Behavioral Health Prevention, has created a 30-second PSA promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma.

"Spot the Signs. Talk About It. Get Help" encourages individuals all over the state to listen to one another, reach out, and encourage help-seeking for anyone struggling with mental or emotional issues.

Here is a short promotional video:

Great Post Called "Thirteen Reasons Why Not"

The recent television series based upon the novel, Thirteen Reasons Why, has sparked praise and concern from many who seek to grapple with suicide and its impact on our society.  This series roughly chronicles thirteen cassette taped recordings that were sent to various people by the main character who recently completed suicide.  Many of these tapes were sent to people who were mean or bullied the main character.  It was most likely the intent of the author to make all of us aware of the power of our words and actions on others who may be hurting.  This is certainly an important point for us all to keep in mind as we deal with others.

It is my fear, however, that there was an unintended consequence of this story in that it causes a person who has experienced difficulties to focus on every infraction that a peer group makes and seeks to plan out a self -injurious, romanticized reaction designed to assign blame.  For a person who is suffering depression, a more therapeutic course of action would be to focus on the things that are right.  Maybe the old folks had it right when they sang in church, "Count Your Many Blessings."

If you are reading this and are struggling with depression or love someone who is, please know that what you are going through is real, and incredibly difficult.  Amid all of the hurt that you are going through, shifting focus toward hope-filled things is grabbing hold of the life-line of protective factors that are all around you but are obscured by the fog that is your depression.  I am shooting out a link that I stumbled across last night that is a open letter from a survivor to a friend who completed suicide.  It is is titled "Thirteen Reasons Why Not."  It offers so much hope to anyone reading this who might be dealing with thoughts of suicide.

Thirteen Reasons Why Not

Last, if you are struggling, let Mr. Kulp talk with you and help you.  You are not in it alone, and this is a temporary thing you are going through.  We got this, if you will come talk to me or another trusted counselor, pastor or friend.

P.S.- I will be at the school a lot this summer, but if I am not at school, here is a phone number that you can call to get help: 1 (800) 273-8255.

Did You Come Up a Little Short in a Class This Year?

Students who failed an academic class (math, science, social studies or English) with a 65 or better this year are eligible for a program called Credit Recovery.  This will allow the student a two week (6/5-9 and 6/12-15) extension to the school year to finish up work on a computer program called E2020 and be able to take that failing grade from the 65-69 up to a 70.  The F will disappear and be replaced with a 70.

If you know that your student falls within that range, please contact your student's teacher to verify that your student is eligible.  If he or she is eligible, print out the form below, complete and bring it in with payment to Mike Kulp by June 2nd, however, seats are limited and it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Credit Recovery Application and Information

Thinking About GMC Move On When Ready Options for Next Year?

Are you interested in taking Georgia Military College Move On When Ready for next year?  It is not too late!  The link below will give you the necessary information and steps to apply for this opportunity.  In addition, you can take an Accuplacer here at Social Circle this summer on June 27th at 9 AM.  The second link will allow you to register for this test.

It is not too late to get this done and start earning free college credits and working up to your full potential!

Georgia Military College Move On When Ready Admission Information

Register to Take the Accuplacer on June 27th

Parents- PLEASE Check Infinite Campus for Attendance

We are experiencing a fair amount of students (mostly upperclassmen) who are not coming to school, and when parents are notified of absences, they are surprised to find out that their student has not been coming to school.  Please check up on your student and find a way to let them know you are checking so that the "fear" of getting caught can serve as a deterrent to them skipping school.

As much as they want us to think they are grown, they are not.  We get to serve as loving authority for a bit longer.  Thanks for all you do!

Are You Interested in Move On When Ready for Next Year?

Move On When Ready (formerly known as "Dual Enrollment,") is where a qualified student can start college classes while he or she is still in high school.  These college classes are paid for by the State of Georgia, making it an incredible financial and educational opportunity for families.  July 1st is the deadline for students who want to take classes at one of our partner colleges- Athens Technical College, Georgia Military College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College and Georgia State University Newton Campus.

Earlier in the school year, several information nights were held to educate students and parents about MOWR options, as there can be many moving parts.  Here is a link to the Powerpoint and the Agreement form that will share many of the details about MOWR:

MOWR Information Station

Powerpoint

Agreement Form



There is also a MOWR Information Station in the Guidance Office area that contains school specific information.  Stop in to pick up information that will help you apply to take MOWR classes at the college of your choice.

The Enus Scholarship Offered to an SCHS Senior

Attention Seniors:

Here is a scholarship that will go to ONE Social Circle High School student that is due back on May 12th.  The Enus Scholarship is worth $500 and will go to one senior at Social Circle High School.

Enus Scholarship Application