11/2/09

At the end of August, juniors took a diagnostic test designed to assess their readiness to take the GHSGT this year.  They received a copy of their test scores and were directed to take it home to parents.  :o)  The diagnostic will be administered again on Dec. 1^st and 2^nd.  Students who fail one or more section of the diagnostic may be pulled from an elective 2^nd semester for test remediation in the e2020 computer lab.  I recommend that juniors work on the following websites in order to enhance the possibility of passing all 4 sections prior to the 2^nd diagnostic test in December:

USA TestPrep (GHSGT  and EOCT Review):             www.usatestprep.com

Click on “Member Login” on top right of the webpage, then

Username:  glynnacademy

Student Password:   newton60             (then click “I Agree”)

You can go to the “Glossary” in each area needed and write your own flashcards to study with! 

Study Island (GHSGT Review):                                         www.studyisland.com

Username:  your school 5 digit Pin#, then “@glynnacademy”

Example:         12345@glynnacademy

Password:        academy

Important Study Tips:  Don’t just take practice questions.  Go to the glossaries for each subsection, and make flashcards; make 100 for each subject, if needed.  Study them in small amounts (about 10) every day.  Study 20 minutes at a time, take a break, and study again for another 20 minutes.  Cramming lots of information into an extended amount of time usually doesn’t work, because you lose the ability to retain the material.

If you have any questions about the Glynn Academy testing program, please contact our test coordinator, Ms. Shasta Fahs at 267-4210, extension 3254.

10/30/09 

Although the PLAN is utilized mostly by 10^th graders, it is also an option for 11^th graders.  The PLAN is the preliminary practice test for the ACT and is similar to the PSAT, which is preliminary to the SAT.

 

As stated on the ACT website http://www.actstudent.org/plan/  :

The PLAN^® program helps 10th graders build a solid foundation for future academic and career success and provides information needed to address school districts' high-priority issues. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years.

If your student would like to take the PLAN on November 21, 2009, please have them register with our secretary, Ms. Tammy Cirmotich, in the Counseling Department by Wednesday, Nov. 4^th, 2009 (be sure they have a check for $13 – payable to Glynn Academy).

 

The major differences between the PSAT and the PLAN:

-          Science section (in the PLAN)

-          PSAT (& SAT) = Aptitude (suggests to be a predictor of college success)  vs.
PLAN (& ACT) = Achievement test (standardized assessment of what has been learned thus far)

More information about the differences between these tests can be found at this link:

 http://college-preparation.suite101.com/article.cfm/college_admissions_sat_vs_act

 

What:               PLAN  (ACT practice test)

When:              Saturday, November 21^st, 2009

How long:        3-hour test – starting at 8:30 AM

Cost:                $13.00 (please turn in to Counseling Dept. Secretary by Weds. Nov. 4^th)

 

10/30/09   If you have a female junior who has good grades (3.5 +) in a college prep curriculum and has an interest in one of the Georgia Tech majors (engineering, architecture, computer science, business management, science or international affairs) and who is interested in Georgia Tech as a possibility for college, they are having a Women's Visitation Program on Feb. 8, 2010.   Please let me know by Monday, 11/2, if  your daughter is interested.  I can only nominate a few girls to attend. 

 

10/21/09  By the end of 2nd period on Tuesday, 10/26, I will have visited all of this semesters American Literature and US History classes.  I still have several (75?) students who are not enrolled in either class until next semester.  If your student is in this category, please have him/her make an appointment to meet with me. I will be able to review his/her progress and make adjustments to next semester's schedule, if necessary.  I will be able to give them the packet of information that I've been sharing with the other juniors in classroom guidance and a copy of their current transcript.  If you need a copy of the parent packet from Junior Parent Night, please send your student to the counseling office to request one to bring home.

 

10/20/09  Although the senior counselor has been handling it, I want to inform you about the Voice of Democracy scholarship, which is available for grades 9 thorugh 12.Students must write an essay and record it on tape or CD.  Students should pick up the informational brochure in the counseling office, but they must act now if interested as the due date is 10/26, next Monday.  I'm not able to email the information; they must come in to the office.

 

10/14/09  Thanks to all the parents who attended the Junior Parent Night last evening. It was great to see you all.  For those of you who could not get there, you may ask your son/daughter to stop by the counseling office to pick up a copy of the packet and bring it home to you.  Better yet, if your student actually makes an appointment to see me, I can share the packet and find out how he/she is doing!

 

10/9/09  In all the excitement of a 3 day weekend, please don't forget about the Junior Parent Night on Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 6:00 to 7:00 in the media center.  It's next Tuesday, the day after the 3 day weekend.  I will review the packet of materials that I'm distributing to my students, and I have an additional packet for designed specifically for parents.  Please try to get the word out to other parents, particularly those new to the area, who might not be on my News Flash list yet.  I've asked to have it advertised in the local paper as well.  HOPE TO SEE YOU ON TUESDAY!

 

10/1/09  By the way, the visit by the UGA honors program representative will not be tomorrow but on Oct. 20th.  I was gratified to see several of my favorite students in the Counseling office today asking about it.  Thanks to them and to the parents who are on the ball and actually read these crazy things!!  :o)

 

10/1/09  Don't forget the PROBE College Fair tonight at the Glynn Place Mall from 6 to 8.

I've changed a vew things on my website.  I have posted a calendar under the icon called "Junior Year Calendar".  I hope you find it helpful.  I've deleted icons I wasn't using, and I changed by "Social Skills" section.  I also FINALLY changed my News Flash icon from a Christmas tree to a Halloween pumpkin.  I was tempted to keep the tree, but decided to figure out a few things and make the big change.  Speaking of learning things, we've had official notification from the Georgia State Board of Education that GLYNN ACADEMY MADE AYP!!!!! Go Terrors!!!!

 

9/29/09  Juniors will be taking the writing portion of the GHSGT tomorrow morning.  Please ensure that they get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy breakfast, if possible.

If your student has Ms. Galland for American Literature this semester, please ask to see the packet of materials and a copy of their transcript that I handed out when I did classroom guidance today in her class.  If your student has Ms. Walters, I'll visiting her classes this Friday, and I'll be with Mr. Gallagher in October, as well as Ms. Cason.  If you attend the junior parent night on Oct. 13th, I'll give you a copy of the packet of materials!

Don't forget about the College Fair this Thursday from 6 to 8 at the Glynn Place Mall.

 

9/25/09   There are a lot of important events coming up in October.  I'm in the process of setting up my classroom guidance sessions and will begin those on 9/29.  I've scheduled a Junior Parent Night for Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6:00 in the GA media center.  You may also want to "evesdrop" on the Senior Parent Night, which is taking place this Tuesday, 9/29 in the GA auditorium at 6:00.  This will allow you to get a jump on planning for next year.  There will be representative from the Georgia Student Finance Commission speaking about the HOPE scholarship and the GAcollege411 website.  Additionally, Mr. Floyd Phoenix from the Coastal College of Georgia will be here with information about the changes there.  I will be scheduling these folks next year, so don't worry if you don't catch them this year.  I will be scheduling sessions for juniors in the media center computer lab with the representative from the Georgia Student Finance Commission in which she will walk the students through a process of setting up and using the GAcollege411 website.  This will happen later this semester and the beginning of next semester.  Don't forget the PROBE College Fair on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 6:00 until 8:00 at the Glynn Place Mall.  The writing section of the GHSGT is being adminstered this Wednesday, Sept. 29 here at school during 1st block, so make sure that all of our darlings are here, on time, and well-fed so that they ALL can do well on this test.  The other 4 sections of the GHSGT will be adminstered in March.  Stay tuned.  The PSAT will be adminstered on Wednesday, Oct. 14th.  JUNIORS who are taking AP courses this year will have their test fee paid for by the county and will be expected to take the test.  Juniors who are not enrolled in AP courses may sign up and pay $15 to take the test.  Sign up will begin on Oct. 1.

 

9/14/09  The senior counselor is the point of contact for various college reps who visit our campus in order to talk with prospective students.  There are several that have been scheduled for Sept. and Oct.  Our juniors may want to visit with one or more of these college reps. and needn't wait until next year to do so.  If your junior wants to see someone from the following list, he/she can come to the Counseling office to get a pass for the appropriate time/place.  Usually reps come to campus during lunch but not always.  I'll list the upcoming visits, but please encourage your student to be careful about missing important class time.

   9/16   11:30               Oglethorpe University

   9/17   11:30 - 2:00     Ga. Southern

   9/29   9:00                 Emory University

   10/1   9:00-9:45         Mercer University

   10/1   11:30               Berry College

   10/2   11:30               UGA Honors Program

ALSO:  THE COLLEGE FAIR IS ON OCTOBER 1ST FROM 6:00 TO 8:00 PM AT THE GLYNN PLACE MALL.

 

9/11/09  I have another announcement from our friendly, neighborhood PTSA folks:

The Glynn Academy PTSA presents the State of the School address on Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 6:30 pm in the Glynn Academy Auditorium.  Dr. Ballowe will speak on "What is Right at Glynn Academy,"  Wayne Johnson will give us an update on ESPLOST II, and there will be a volunteer orientation session presented by Upper School Assistant Principal Ms. Drew immediately following.  We will also have the drawing for the PTSA membership prize.  There will be membership tables set up before and after in case you have not had the opportunity to sign up.  For more information go to www.glynnacademyptsa.com or on facebook search-glynn academy ptsa.  Hope to see you there!

 

9/3/09  I will be out of the office until 9/10.  If there is an emergency, my counseling colleagues will be available.  Otherwise, I'll be in touch upon my return.  Of course, students (and parents) may stop by the Counseling Office and request a conference with me for after I return. Tomorrow I'll be attending a College Board Counselor Workshop for any updates, and after that I'll be off to Tucson for my daughter's birthday celebration and hugs & kisses from those grandbabies!  I'll talk with you soon!

 

8/31/09  I will forward a testing calendar soon, but in the meantime, the PSAT will be on Wed., Oct. 14.  It's my understanding that students who are enrolled in an AP class this year will be expected to take it, but it will be at the district's expense.  If your student wants to take it and isn't enrolled in an AP class, he/she may sign up for it and pay the $15 fee in the Counseling Office.  Juniors should be preparing to take the SAT and ACT for the first time by registering on line or by picking up registration materials in the hallway outside the Counseling Office.  Materials include all test dates and test registration deadlines.  Also, this year's PROBE Fair is from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Glynn Place Mall.  Student recruiters and admissions officers from various colleges & universities in Georgia will be there to meet and greet prospective students.

 

8/27/09  REMINDER:  When rain is in the forecast, please try to make sure that students have appropriate rain gear, since our campus gets really wet during a rainstorm.  We also want to keep the flu season at bay as much as possible.  That being said, if your child is running a fever, please keep him/her at home.  We'll all us good judgement on this and not penalize students who remain at home with a bad case of the flu.

 

8/25/09  Another PSA from our PTSA:

 

 

8/21/09  Hope all is well with you and yours.  I've been asked to promote a PTSA project, so for the good of the cause, I will paste it to this message.  Here you go:

 

8/4/09   It will be interesting to see if this first News Flash of the 09-10 school year will work!  As you may remember, I had a few false starts at the beginning of last year, too.  First of all, welcome back!  I'm excited about working with all my juniors and laying the groundwork for post-graduation plans.  Second, parents please sign up for the PTSA.  We have a terrific group of parents, many of whom are parents of students in the class of '11, and they have lots of great things planned.  I've been working since a week ago Monday on ensuring that schedules are ready to go for this Thursday.  For some reason, all of the work that comes before doesn't seem to keep disasters from happening, but things seem to be settling down.  I'm certain that it will all come together and we can get on with the process of teaching and learning.  I look forward to working with all of you again this year!

 

6/8/09      From Dr. Hall & Ms. McKinney: 

Glynn Academy students who do not pass one full unit of English language arts, math, science or social studies will not be promoted to the next grade level or have the next stripe.  These are new promotion requirements as of the 2008-2009 school year.  If this applies to your student, please come to the science building and see Ms. McKinney in the media center for summer school registration information. 

 

Summer school begins Monday, June 8, and continues through June 30.  What a wonderful credit recovery opportunity for your student!  The cost is $50 per course.  Financial aid is available for those with free or reduced lunch meal status.  A student can take a maximum of two half unit courses.  The morning session is 8:00 - noon; afternoon session is 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.  Students must provide their own transportation.

 

5/29/09    As you can tell, we were not able to get next year's schedules completed prior to the end of this school year.  The new goal is to have them mailed to you mid-June.  I'm working with Ms. Hummel to finalize the schedules using all the information that I've received from my students and parents as they contacted me.  If the schedule you receive in the mail is not workable, I'll be back at work on July 27th, so we may be able to tweak things.  Students who failed any required class during this past school year or in 9th grade (biology?) can come to the GA media center to register for summer school on Wed., June 3rd from 8:15 to 11:45 and from 1:30 to 2:45.  Students can take 2 classes (half-credit each) for $50 each.  Summer reading for Honors American Literature is Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.  Students should have picked up the summer assignment for AP US History from Ms. Blackerby.  If not, go to the registrar's office to get it from Ms. Hummel.  Students who will take AP Env. Sci. next spring with Ms. Hoy and who will not take the Earth Systems class can pick up the book from Ms. Hoy in August.  It has been a pleasure working with you and getting to know my new group of students and their terrific parents.  :o)  I'll be here through June 8th if you need me. . . .

 

5/22/09      For those of you interested in drivers ed in summer school, students may register with Ms. McKinney in the Freshman Academy.  She is the administrator for summer school this year.  Summer school registration is on 6/3 in the library, but pre-registration will take place on 5/26 or 5/27 before/after school or at lunch.  $140 cash, money order or cashier's check payable to Glynn Academy.

5/21/09 I have a few announcements for you. First of all, I just found out that drivers ed.
will be offered in summer school this year. It will cost $140 for students who are not on free
or reduced lunch and it will be free of charge for those who are on free or reduced lunch.
There is an excellent volunteer opportunity for students, especially those interested in the
healthcare field. The local hospital is offering a Summer Volunteen Program for 8 weeks this
summer. This would be a great opportunity and an excellent resume builder. For an application
go on line at www.sghs.org or call 466-1071.
Finally--a word of caution. Please talk with your teenagers about the appropriate use of
cyberspace and all on line activities. The bottom line is that nothing is truly anonymous, and
the material that goes out may come to back to haunt them. It has been reported that college
admissions offices as well as employers are viewing Facebook and MySpace pages prior to making
their decisions!

5/18/09 We're counting down the last few weeks of school! We have set up summer school and
will begin taking registrations next week, beginning on May 26. If your students has a failing
grade left over from last year or needs to repeat a class he/she failed this year, please have
h/her come to see me about registering for summer school. It runs from June 8 to June 30 and
official registration is in the library on June 3. I will take early registrations next week,
however, before/after school or during lunch. Students must have cash, money order or cashier's
check for $50 per class made out to Glynn Academy. Students may repeat one or two classes.
Classes for original credit will not be offered. Classes on Georgia Virtual school cost $300
per half credit.

5/12/09 The Honors Program is next Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the GA Auditorium.
Invitations are being mailed for students who are being recognized. Students need to
RSVP by turning in their response form to the Guidance Office by Monday, May 18 at
8:00 a.m.


5/6/09 I'll be out of the office until Tuesday, May 12th. All of the schedule requests for my
students have been turned in to Ms. Hummel and she's putting the finishing touches on the
schedules. If we need to tweak them, there's still time to do so. Happy Mother's Day to those
who fall into this category; I'll be with 4 generations this Sunday in Tucson. What a blessing!

4/30/09 FYI--Students received 13.5 week progress reports in school yesterday. It's time to
fix any grades that don't look very good right now!
Here's another summer opportunity: UGA's Warnell School of Forestry and natural Resources is
offering 10th through 12th graders 2 summer camp sessions that will focus on "test-tube
gardening." Applicants must have at least a 3.0 gpa. Selected students will receive free
lodging, meals and activities for the week on UGA's main campus in Athens. The sessions from
which to choose are June 14 through June 19 or June 21 through June 26. The deadline for
application is May 8 and the application can be found on this website: www.warnell.uga.edu
or call Emily Lakemaker at 706/542-0879.

4/29/09 Please refer to the GA website for information about the swine flu (no reported cases
in the state of Georgia at this time).

4/29/09 SUMMER SCHOOL! If your student needs to take summer school here at GA, official
registration is June 3rd from 8:15 to 11:45 and 1:30 to 3:45 in the media center. If you're
concerned about your student getting a spot in the right class, h/she can come to me during the
last week of school, make an appointment and register at that time (including Friday, May 29).
The cost is $50 per class and must be paid by cash, money order, or cashier's check. If your
student wants to take a class on Georgia Virtual High School this summer, the cost is $300 per
class. The 1st session is June 8 to July 17 (6 week session), with the last date for approval
being June 3 and payment before June 6 to start. The second session is from June 13 to July 17
(5 week session)with the last day to approve being June10 and payment due before June 13.
Virtual school students must complete a Student Orientation Course (SOC) between May 1 and the
start date with a score of 100% in order to gain access to their summer course. There will be
an online general information session for students and parents on Sunday, May 10 at 4:00. Go to
http://tinyurl.com/gavsmay10 and use your name as the user name and gavs as the password.

4/24/09 Although most sophomores won't be attending prom this year, some of my students may be
going as a guest of a junior or senior. Dr. Ballowe wanted me to inform you of the rules for
prom this year. All attendees must have an ID with them. No individual will be admitted
without formal attire (no baseball caps, etc.). No one can loiter in the parking lot or prom
area.

4/13/09 I don't want to be a bother, but I have some more details on the presenter, Tom
Morgan. Here you go!

The author of Ignorance Is No Defense: A Teenager’s Guide to Georgia Law, Morgan speaks candidly
about Georgia's criminal laws regarding sex, alcohol, drugs and theft. Morgan, who has
lectured throughout the United States, Europe, Mexico and Puerto Rico, is the first cousin of
local Superior Court Judge Amanda Williams. A question and answer session with the audience
will be held after Morgan’s presentation.

Morgan will also address Glynn Academy students at an assembly on Friday, April 17. His
presentation will help to reinforce GA Principal Dr. Steven Ballowe’s “5 Ds – drinking, drugs,
driving, dumb and dead.”

As DeKalb County district attorney, Morgan prosecuted the first teenager in Georgia, a 14 year
old, as an adult for murder under Georgia's 7 Deadly Sins law. Representing teenagers who found
themselves on the wrong side of the law motivated him to write a book that explains Georgia's
laws in an easy to understand language for teenagers and parents. Morgan’s book will be
available for purchase after the program on April 16, which is being sponsored by the Glynn
Academy PTSA with support from Outback Steakhouse.

4/13/09 Also, the PTSA is sponsoring a speaker, Mr. Tom Morgan, to adress parents in a
presentation called "Ignorance is No Defense" this Thursday, April 16th, at 7pm in the GA
auditorium.

4/13/09 Welcome back! Hope everyone had a restful spring break. I'm forwarding the information
regarding tonight's forum on block scheduling. You're invited to attend. Also, please let me
know if you have any questions or if you have concerns about your child's schedule for next year.

High School Forums

Topic: questions about block schedules


Monday, April 13, 2009
Time: 7:00
Place: Glynn Academy Auditorium

7:00: Welcome
Participants asked to write questions and present to the moderator.

Mrs. Belechak and Mrs. Mckinney will share an “example of a 4 year plan” and explain!

Moderator will direct questions to the panel.

Moderator: Dr. Steve Ballowe

Teachers:
Mrs. Robin Hoy and Mrs. Marion Cherne

Counselors:
Mrs. Mary Belechak , Mrs. Angie Votsis and Mrs. Barbara Smith

GA administration:
Mrs. Elaine Hummel
Mrs. Ann McKinney
Mrs. Josie Love

Individual Sessions: Meet with panel participants as needed

8:00: adjournment





4/2 Sports Physicals will be on Thursday, April 16 from 6:00 8:00 p.m.
in the Gym. Students need to pick up the physical form from their
coach or the school nurse, then bring it home and get their
parent/guardian to complete it, sign the 1st page and return to the
school nurse with $10.00.

I hope you have a wonderful spring break and get some well-deserved
rest. Seven weeks left when we return!


3/30 I know that some of you are working on suumer plans, and I've just heard about another
summer opportunity. This one is tied into the Close Up organization, which has to do with
government and citizenship and is offered by the University of Virginia. The website is
http://www.closeup.org/lib/SummerAcad09_FactSheet.pdf.

3/27 Scheduling for next year has been going quite well. I've enjoyed the conferences I've had
with students and parents who have come in to ask questions and review their course choices for
next year. Things appear to be coming together rather nicely, and I can't wait to see our first
schedule come off the press (or computer in this case). I just met with a student and her mother
who were excited about being able to take classes next year that they didn't think they'd have
the time for! If you have questions or concerns about the way your student's schedule might fit
together, please call the GA guidance office and speak with Tammy or Debbie, who will schedule a
time to meet with me, or just call me and we can chat by phone.

3/18 High school students who are interested in attending the Washington Media and Journalism
Conference as a national Youth Correspondent can contact me THIS WEEK if they would like me to
nominate them. It will be for one week this summer at George Mason University and participants
will receive college credit as well as interact with some of the leading figures in the fields
of journalism and media. Issues that will be discussed include: First Amendment issues, the
relationship between old and new media, and the ways that financial concerns are transforming
the field. The other partner for this conference is FastWeb, a web-based scholarship and
financial aid resource for students and parents. I don't yet know the cost of this program but
I'm asking for names of students who would like to be nominated. Nominees should have a strong
academic record, be of good character, and have a demonstrated interest and experience in
journalism and media. Have students contact me right away if interested.


3/16/09 On the "Resources" section of this website, I posted some resources on teen dating
violence and domestic/sexual abuse. Take a look, if you're interested.

I completed by last day of registration in sophomore English classes. Mr. Infante's students
should bring home their folders tomorrow night, and they should have you sign the yellow forms
so that they can return them SIGNED to Mr. Infante ASAP. Stand by for more registration news as
the situation develops. . . .

3/11/09 I want to remind you of the AP Night tomorrow night at 7:00 pm in the GA cafeteria.
Parents of Ms. Pressel's and Ms. McLemore's English students should have had a chance to review
the registration folders. Ms. Hodges students will bring them home tonight, and Ms. Jones's
students will have them tomorrow night. I won't be in Mr. Infante's classes until Monday, so
you can expect those folders next Tuesday night. I am requesting that students return the
signed yellow copy of the registration form to their English teachers by Wednesday, Mar. 18th.
The rest of the their registration folders can remain at home. Registration for next year's
block schedule is sort of "build-as-you-go" but we're hoping for a very good outcome. We've
been told that you will be able to see next year's schedule prior to the end of this school
year. Wish us luck!

3/4/09 Beginning tomorrow with Ms.Pressel's English classes, I'll be visiting classes for pre-
registration. Each student will have a registration folder that they should bring home for
parent perusal and a parent signature on the yellow form to be returned to the English teacher.
There will be a printed copy of each student's teacher recommendations (for next year's classes)
in their folders. For the most part these recommendations will be for academic core classes.
These recommendations are based on the teachers' assessments of their students' performance in
class to date. If there is no recommendation for an academic class, the student can take the
recommendation sheet to that subject area teacher and ask to have it written in. If there are no
recommendations in the folder at all, please call the registrar's office. If you have a concern
with a specific teacher recommendation, please call that teacher for more explanation. You have
the right to override a teacher recommendation, and override forms are available in the
registrar's office. Please make sure that the yellow copy of the registration form with your
signature on it makes it back to your student's English teacher by March 18. Thank you!
3/2/09 I'll be visiting sophomore English classes beginning this Thursday for pre-
registration. The day that I visit your student's class, he/she will be asked to take home 2
copies of the registration form. They should review their choices with the parents, get the
parents' signatures, and return the yellow copy to their English teacher by Thursday, 3/19. We
won't know exactly what will be offered since it will depend on the numbers of students who sign
up for various classes. THE REGISTRAR HAS TOLD ME THAT WE INTEND TO HAVE A COPY OF THE
STUDENTS' NEXT YEAR'S SCHEDULE BACK TO THE STUDENT PRIOR TO THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. We can
review them for errors at that time. The registration schedule will be as follows:
Thurs. 3/5 Pressel
Fri. 3/6 McLemore
Tues. 3/10 Hodges
Wed. 3/11 Jones
Mon. 3/16 Infante
Don't forget the AP (advanced placement) meeting on 3/12 at 7:00 pm.

2/26/09 There will be a parent presentation on our AP programs on March 12 at 7:00 pm in the GA
cafeteria. Please mark your calendars. Also, if you go to the GA website and click on Student
Parent Resources, there is a place for you to go to find out information about AP classes. In a
few days we'll also have our new AP brochure posted to this site.

2/25/09 I thought I'd be able to begin my classroom visits for the purpose of next year's
registration next week, but we don't have the printed materials that we need, so the process is
on hold. I'll begin either at the end of next week or the following week, I hope. The
registration form for the class of 2011 will be posted to the GA website within a few days. We
will also post the course descriptions for classes being offered at the Golden Isles Career
Academy next year. When I go into the classrooms, I'll have information about the Career Academy
classes, electives offered here at GA and required academic classes. Students will be instructed
to select their academics and then choose 8 electives in the order of preference. THE FINAL
MASTER SCHEDULE WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE COURSE SELECTIONS MADE BY THE STUDENTS. For example,
if there aren't enough students requesting AP physics, then we won't be able to offer the class.
There are 3 possible configurations for AP classes next year. They will either be scheduled for
one semester block or the the other. Or, there will be 2 classes offered on alternate days for
the entire year. Or, 2 classes will share a block period for both semesters. The final
configuration will be determined by the numbers of students signing up and the way the entire
puzzle pieces fit together. PLEASE OFFER SUGGESTIONS OR REQUESTS REGARDING COURSE OFFERINGS
AND/OR SCHEDULE CONFIGURATION, AND I WILL PASS THESE IDEAS ALONG TO MS. HUMMEL, OUR REGISTRAR.
As promised, I'll provide information as I receive it. Until next time. . . .

2/23/09 It might help to tell you how to access the scholarship information! :o) The easiest
way is to go from the GA website to departments to guidance and on the guidance home page
there's a link to scholarships.

2/23/09 I'm back! Being with my mother on her birthday was just where I needed to be! As a
part of your college research, please feel free to access our current college scholarship page,
which lists scholarships that are available for this year's seniors. Although our sophomores
aren'st yet ready to apply, you can review them to see what's out there, what kind of criteria
is expected, and what the deadlines look like. Many of the scholarships you see advertised this
year will also be available for our students when the time comes. Happy hunting!


2/18/09 I'll be out of town on 2/19 and 2/20 (my mother's 83rd birthday in Tucson!). So, if
you're trying to reach me,I'll be back on Monday, 2/23.

2/17/09 I was so glad to see so many of you at the sophomore parent night last Tuesday! What a
great turn-out and how fortunate I am to have so many terrific, involved parents! To bring
those of you who weren't there into the loop, your student should have received their PSAT
scores from Oct., 2008, a copy of their transcript, and the 4 1/2 week progress report. You
might want to ask to view these items.

2/6/09 I received the following announcement from the Georgia Student Finance Commission today
and thought I'd pass it along to you! This day-long program for college-bound students will
take place in Savannah as described in the message below. Parents may want to take students to
this event. I haven't attended this event, so I'd appreciate any feedback from anyone who
chooses to attend. See you at Sophomore Parent Night on Tues. 2/10 at 6:00 in the library!
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Megagenesis is a program designed to assist with the development of highly motivated, goal-
oriented students focusing and encouraging them to attend college.

The program has seven segments: 1) corporate exhibits which focus on careers requiring a college
degree, 2) college fair, 3) career workshops facilitated by practicing professionals, 4) a
motivational speaker, 5) HOPE, comprehensive information, 6) tips on “How to Pay for College”,
and 7) panel discussion on how to get into and pay for college.

The college fair segment normally consists of over 50 colleges and universities. The intent is
to introduce students to a variety of colleges and allow opportunities to learn about admission
and matriculation requirements.

The career workshops are designed to provide opportunities for students to speak with practicing
professionals. There will be over 40 different professions and each student will have an
opportunity to participate in three different workshops.

This program has been in existence for 12 years. This year Savannah will be hosting Megagenesis
for the third time. Invitees include any students in grades 5 thru 12 and their
parents/guardians.

Registration: 8:30am
Main Event: 9:00am-3:30pm
Lunch will be provided (no charge)

Saturday – February 28, 2009

Sol C. Johnson High School
3013 Shell Rd.
Savannah, GA 31404
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1/20/09 Some of my parents have been asking for information about summer programs for rising
juniors. Feel free to read through the following summer opportunities.

2009 Summer Programs for High School Students

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Science & Engineering Apprenticeship program (summer) -
Applications Due: Feb. 27, 2009 - This program places academically talented H.S. students (at
least 16 yrs old, sophomores/ juniors) with interest in science & math in Dept. of Defense
laboratories for an 8-wk period over the summer. This is an invaluable experience in the world
of scientific research, with hands-on exposure to scientific & engineering practices not
available in the HS environment. The program provides a paid apprenticeship ($2,000) with
students assigned to a scientist or engineer who serves a mentor and runs from June 22 - August
14, 2009. To apply online or for more information visit: http://www.usaeop.com. (
http://www.usaeop.com./ )Students must submit their transcript (minimum GPA 3.0 required) and a
teacher recommendation to the program director for consideration. Daily transportation is the
responsibility of the student.


FREE!! The National Center for Health Marketing. Global Health OdysseyMuseum is pleased to
offer the 2009 CDC Disease Detective Camp (DDC). DDC is an academic day camp for students who
will be high school juniors and seniors during the 2009-2010 school year. Campers will take on
the roles of disease detectives and learn how CDC safeguards the nation's health. The camp will
beoffered twice from June 22-26 and July 13-17. For more info and to apply visit
www.cdc.gov/gcc/exhibit/camp.htm. Deadline is April 20.

The Leadership Center at Morehouse College presents the 2009 Coca-Cola Pre-College Leadership
Program. There are 2 programs, one for male students completing their sophomore or junior years
of high school, and the other for male students completing their senior year. Applicants must
have a minimum 3.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale). The curriculum focuses on personal and interpersonal
leadership skills. The program runs from June 20 to June 26. The cost is $400.00. Application
deadline - February 20. To apply, go to www.morehouse.edu ( http://www.morehouse.edu/ ).
Application access is listed under "Events at the Leadership Center."

NASA sponsors the National Space Club Scholars Program, a 6 week summer internship at
NASA'sGoddard SpaceFlight Center is open to students who will be 16 years of age and have
completed the 10th grade by June 2009, have demonstrated high academic success, and have an
interest in space science or engineering as a career. Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Applications are available in the Career Center or online at
www.education.gsfc.nasa.gov/pages/placement.html
Apply now! All applications must be postmarked by February 17, 2009.


University of Maryland, College Park; Women in Engineering Program ( mailto:Program@UMD ). To be
held July 12-18 and July 19-25; seeking rising high school juniors and seniors. Go to
www.wie.umd.edu/precollege or call 301-405-3283


University of Maryland, College Park; Young Scholars Program invites rising juniors and seniors
who have a strong academic record and a desire to excel to experience college life while earning
three academic credits. Fourteen (14) courses are offered for three weeks from July 12 - 31,
2009. For details visit www.ysp.umd.edu/pr

This might be something that students will want to explore when they're in their senior year and
are unsure of what to do next:

CITY YEAR, WASHINGTON DC (Americorps) - Graduating seniors who are not sure what they want to
do after high school should consider applying for a paid community service position with City
Year, Washington, DC., a full-time commitment of ten months in the Washington DC community for
youth between the ages of 17 and 24. Benefits include: living stipend ($200 per week), health
care coverage, free metro pass, and a $4,725 educational scholarship. For more information and
to address any questions see: www.cityyear.org ( http://www.cityyear.org/ ) or email:
cmurphy@cityyear.org/dc or call: 202-776-7780, Amanda Seligman. Recruitment "open houses" will
be held once a month at City Year headquarters located at: 918 U Street, NW, 2nd Floor,
Washington, DC 20001.Visit the site for details.


1/26/09 SOPHOMORE PARENT NIGHT will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm in the
Media Center, which is in the science building on the GA campus. I will tell parents about the
classroom guidance activity, which will take place next week. In classroom guidance I will give
students a current copy of their transcript and ask them to complete a credit check. Feel free
to ask to take a look at that as well. I will also return their PSAT and PLAN test scores,
which they can also share with you.

At the Sophomore Parent Night, I'll tell you what I know about the block schedule that GA will
implement next year. Decisions are still being made about next year's schedule, but I will
share as much information as I have at that time. I'm planning to go back into English classes
the first week of March to hand out pre-registration materials and talk with students about the
process. At that time, Dr. Ralph Gornto, the Glynn County director of technology education,
will speak with sophomores about the new Career Academy that is scheduled to open next fall. As
you can see, there's a lot going on at GA these days. My hope is that our parent night meeting
will assist us in getting on the same page, or at least in the same book! I look forward to
seeing you there.

1/15/09 If your child received between a 60% and a 69% in certain classes last semester, he/she
may be able to complete the course in intercession. Not all classes are being taught in
intercession, and some are being taught on the Brunswick High campus. The cost is $90 and
registration is today and tomorrow with assistant principal, Ms. Drew. I have more information,
so you can call me to discuss this option. (267-4210 ext. 3206)

1/14/09 The dust is starting to settle enough for me to wish you all a Happy New Year! You
should have received your student's 1st semester report card by now. We've been making sure
that everyone is in the right classes, so if you still have a question about schedules, please
let me know. According to my sources, parents will have their student grade portal on Jan. 20.
We're still working to get the bugs out of Infinite Campus, but we're still hopeful that it will
be very useful for all concerned once it's functioning at top efficiency. I'll be heading to
sophomore English classes in a few weeks with their PSAT results (and PLAN results for those who
took it). I hope to have new student transcripts from the new system but I'm not sure they'll
be ready by then. When they're available, I'll give each student a copy of their transcript and
walk them through a credit check in order for them to become very familiar with their academic
progress and to check for any mistakes or inconsistencies. I hope things have settled down and
that we're off to an excellent beginning of 2nd semester. Let me know how I can help.


12/10/08 Please look at my announcement page for information regarding final exam exemptions and
content mastery tests. This is important, and Dr. Ballowe has asked me to send this to you!
Check it out to see how your child is affected.

11/25/08 On Monday, 12/1, we will post a letter with a progress report attached for students who
had failing grades at the 13.5 week mark. Those parents whose students aren't failing should be
able to check grades on Infinite Campus.
There are 2 programs I want to tell you about. One is FUTURES: A Women's Visitation
Program at Georgia Tech, which will be held all day on Feb. 9, 2009 at the Georgia Tech campus.
Girls with very good grades (honor roll) will be invited if they are nominated by me. If your
daughter is interested in attending, please let me know. Parents can also atend. If you want
more information you can check the website at www.visits.gatech.edu/futures.
Also, Clemson is having a summer program for academically talented 9th and 10th
graders, so let me know if you want me to nominate your student for this. Summer programs for
high school students on college campuses can be a good way to expose your child to the college
experience. There are many, many out there, so it might be a good idea to check the website of
any colleges your student may be interested in to see what kind of summer recruitment programs
they have available. Keep in mind that although students can benefit from them, these programs
are designed to promote the recruitment of students to their institutions.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

11/14/08 Parents have limited access to Infinite Campus! Here is a quote from Ms.McKinney--"In
January, 2009, when the gradebook is available, parents will be able to click on the notebook
icon and view upcoming assignments and current grades for the class. This portion of the portal
will open in January, 2009." This is what I had hoped parents would be able to access now, but
later is better than never, I suppose. Feel free to call me and we can verify by phone what I
can see on Infinite Campus and what you can see (or what you're being told). I'm always happy
to make time to discuss your child with you.
Students are supposed to receive an individually printed progress report from any class in which
they're making less than a C. This is supposed to take place on Tuesday.
I WILL BE OUT OF THE OFFICE NEXT WEEK FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY TO ATTEND THE STATE SCHOOL
COUNSELOR CONFERENCE. If you leave a message on my phone voice mail (extension 3206) or email
me, I will be able to get back to you when I return.

10/31/08 I need to make a correction on the tutoring information that was on the back of the
letter I mailed home with the 9-week progress reports. The National Honor Society is tutoring
in the library on Wednesday and Thursday afternoon, not Tuesday and Wednesday.

Also, "they" are saying that Infinite Campus, our student information system, will be "live" for
parents on Monday, Nov. 3rd.

10/27/08 On Friday afternoon we mailed home a 9-week progress report with a cover letter to the
parents of any student who had a D or F progress grade on the report. The progress report is a
copy of the report that was given out to students the week before last.
Remember the PROBE College Fair at the mall on Thursday from 6 to 8.

10/20/08 I still had trouble sending the following message on Friday, but this morning I
received the tech support I needed, so here we go. Hope it works this time!

10/17/08 The last few times I sent a News Flash, I must have pressed the wrong button, so my
messages didn't actually come to your email addresses. I'm awfully sorry for any inconvenience.
I'll try to bring you up to date. . . .

1. On Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the Frederica Academy auditorium there will be a
free presentation for all parents and teens on the perils of drinking and driving called "It
Can't Happen to Me." If you have any questions, call Frederica Academy at 638-9981.
2. The "word on the street" is that the parent component of the new student software
program, Infinite Campus, will be operational November 3.
3. For those of you who missed the Sophomore Parent night, there are a few ways you can gather
the pertinent information: a) ask your student if you can look at the materials I handed out to
them when I did classroom guidance earlier this month, b) stop by my office and pick up a copy
of the packet, c) make an appointment to sit down with me so we can visit a bit and I'll send
you home with a packet, or d) email me a good address for you, and we'll mail you a copy of the
packet.
4. The 9 week progress reports will be given to students in 2nd period on Monday, Oct. 20. It
is my understanding that these reports will include grades for all your student's classes.
5. For those of you who are addressing such issues, I have posted some websites having to
do with autism and bullying on the Resources sction of my webpage.
6. The PLAN (a practice test for the ACT) will be given here at GA on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008.
The cost is $15, and your student can sign up in the Guidance office this week with the
registration fee of $15. Space availability will be on a first come, first served basis.