Counseling Department
Richmond Hill High School
November 2018 Newsletter
What's Going On At THE HILL?
Past Events:
Upcoming Events:
*ASVAB Sign-up, DEADLINE 11/5!!!
*Suicide Prevention and Awareness Night, Tuesday, 11/6, 6-8pm
*Georgia Southern University (Armstrong Campus) Field Trip, 11/6
WHAT IS THE ASVAB CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM?
- Aptitude Test
- Interest Self-Assessment
- Career Exploration Tools
ASVAB CEP empowers students nationwide to discover their strengths and interests then map out post-secondary plans that work. Start exploring. It's free!
***Juniors and Seniors Sign-up today, DEADLINE 11/5***
Test Day: 11/7/18
If you have questions, please see Ms. Bunyan, Rm 516
Suicide Prevention & Awareness Night
In 2016, adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 had a suicide rate of 13.15 per 100,000; however, many of us still don't know how to talk about suicide or talk to someone who is considering suicide. RHHS is taking a proactive approach in preventing suicide by hosting a Suicide Prevention & Awareness Night. The event will educate students and their families about mental health, suicide warning signs, and social media, provide resources in our community, and remove the stigma surrounding depression and other mental health conditions related to suicide. Even though it can be uncomfortable to talk about, having a conversation about mental health is one significant way to prevent suicide.
Each and every student, caregiver, and community member plays a role in promoting the mental health and well-being of our community as a whole. Most of us know someone or know of someone who has struggled with depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health conditions. This event is essential for anyone who knows someone or is someone who has experienced these painful emotions or thoughts.
Join us for a night of learning, resources, and conversation!
Tuesday, Nov 6, 2018, 06:00 PM
RHHS East Cafeteria
What's Going On in 9th Grade...
1. Remember that good attendance benefits your child’s education. Students who miss a day of school not only miss instruction, but must make up work and catch up with the new material at the same time.
2. The bus is a consistent way to ensure your child arrives at school in a timely manner. Arriving late can be disruptive for your child, the teacher, and other children in the class.
3. Try to schedule doctor and dentist appointments in the beginning or end of the day so that your child will only miss ½ of a day of school or days students are off school.
4. Monitor your child’s attendance through PowerSchool to keep track of absences. If an absence is marked unexcused and you gave your child a note, please contact the school attendance clerk as soon as possible.
6. Remember that there are 180 school days out of 365 total days in the year. Families are encouraged to take vacations during the school breaks.
7. Keep in mind that patterns are formed early. It is more difficult to break a bad habit (children begging to stay home from school “just this once”) than saying “no” in the beginning.
We appreciate your efforts to help your child succeed at school!
What's Going On in 10th Grade...
EOC’s are coming, soon!
It is important to remember that some of your classes have an end of course test that counts for 20% of your grade! Don’t risk your final average by going into the EOC with a low grade. Teachers are available for before/after school tutoring depending on their schedule. It is always a good idea to get extra help and study time. Make sure to make up any missing assignments ASAP, as they are critical to your final average.
- Dec. 3, 4, 5 - American Lit
- Dec. 6, 7- Geometry
- Dec. 10-11th – U.S. History and Economics
- Dec. 12th, 13th- Biology, Physical Science
Study Tips & Tricks
Do you ever feel like you studied all night and still did poorly on an exam? Fear not, you’re not alone and it is not hopeless! Check out a few tips listed below and try them out for yourself! Parents: take a look at how your child studies and suggest a few of these tips if you feel they are struggling.
· Remove distractions. Your phone and the TV are the #1 perpetrators in distracting you while you study. You could cut your study time in half if you simply turn off the TV and put your phone out of reach to truly focus on the task at hand.
· Play an instrumental-only playlist. Before you put your phone out of reach, turn on your favorite genre of music, listen to it without words! Lyrics also tend to distract us when we’re trying to focus but having the music in the background can also keep that work flow going!
· Schedule breaks for yourself! We perform better when we practice brain breaks. A good model to follow is every 30-45 minutes of work time gets a 10-minute break. Knowing that you have a small reward approaching will keep you working harder/smarter. It helps with not being so easily distracted as well. Healthy snacking and stretching are good fillers for these breaks!
· Don’t just stare at your Chromebook screen. Staring at the same set of notes on a screen for hours is not the best way to ensure the material is sticking. Your eyes, body, and brain will tire quickly if this is all you do. Trying different methods of studying information is key to getting the most out of your designated work time.
o Make note cards
o Write your notes out on paper. This reinforces the information to you and by using a new method, will help it stick better
o Study group! Find a friend in your class and quiz each other. Use note cards together and take turns.
Stay involved!
Don’t forget, Sophomore year is the year to really start diving in to new opportunities to start building that resume! A good place to start is by checking out our wide range of clubs that we offer here at RHHS!
What's Going On In 11th grade...
No matter your postsecondary plans, community services is always highly valued; it speaks to your character, which can’t be shown through an academic transcript. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, there’s no better time to give back to your community. A Harvard study found that, “happier people give more and giving makes people happier, such that happiness and giving may operate in a positive feedback loop (with happier people giving more, getting, happier, and giving even more).” There have also been studies done showing that being selfless and giving your time can keep you healthy and prolong your life!
While monetary giving is always appreciated, giving your time, effort, and energy can be much more powerful for you and the organization/group you’re serving. Most organizations or groups who host community service events or ask for volunteers are short-handed, so when you volunteer with them you are giving them the human power they need to sustain themselves. On a personal level, it provides you with the immediate feedback that you’re making an impact on those receiving your help. Also, if you’re wanting to build your resume to achieve postsecondary goals, community service experiences are a great way to demonstrate generosity, passion, initiative, and teamwork. It’s a win-win!
For many of us, Thanksgiving is also a time of coming together. Bringing your family together will not only benefit those you’re helping, but also it will continue to build your family bond by reaching a common goal through cooperation and communication. Here are 10 ways you can get involved in your community:
Offer to help family - Due to the seemingly hectic nature of our lives, our family’s needs for go overlooked. Because adults are expected to have it all together, they aren’t as likely to speak up when they need help. Reach out to a family member and see if they need help with anything.
Volunteer at a local school - Read stories to elementary school students spend a Saturday beautifying the school. RHHS is fortunate to host Service Saturdays for student organizations, so this is a great way to give back and collaborate with educators and students.
Organize a yard sale for charity - Are you talented in areas of business, administration, or marketing? Consider organizing a community yard sale and dedicate proceeds to a local charity. We all have electronics, furniture, clothes, or outgrown equipment that are taking up space in our garage or storage closet. These items can be donated and recycled to those in need.
Visit a senior center - Many senior home residents have lost touch with their families and are desperate for conversation and connection. Spending 1-2 hours per week can make a significant difference in a senior citizen’s outlook on life. Plus, you might learn some things from their wisdom or simply practice communication skills and patience.
Help coach/lead a local youth team or group - Children need positive role models, especially from role models with common interests. Do you like sports? Reading? Inspire a child today!
Tutor a student - Help someone learn English. Teach a person how to read. Help a senior citizen learn how to use a computer or the Internet. The list goes on and on!
Fix and serve meals - People become homeless for various reasons. There are a number of homeless individuals in Savannah in need of nutritious meals and warm smiles :)
Volunteer at a museum - We are lucky to live so close to an abundance of art galleries and museums. Volunteering at a museum is a great way to not only practice patience and flexibility, but also learn more about art in Savannah. If you enjoy being around people, this can be an energizing and enlightening volunteer option for you!
Be a good neighbor - Get outside and introduce yourself to a neighbor. We have a small, yet transient community. Making a new neighbor feel welcome or participating in neighborhood beautification projects are ways you can give back to your community.
Volunteer at a hospital - This can include providing information at information booths, caring for children, helping with food, or pushing wheelchairs. Contact a hospital near you to learn what volunteer opportunities they offer.
What's Going On in 12th grade...
All Senior students are expected to make an appointment with their counselor in the fall semester by December.
All Senior students are expected to make an appointment with their counselor in the fall semester by December.
Students are asked to make the appointment through the Doodle App with their respective counselor’s link:
Rhashida Bunyan (last names A- Daly): doodle.com/rbunyanrhhs
Emily Neff (last names Daniel - Hernandez): doodle.com/eneffrhhs
Deanna Appleton (last names Herring - Michaud): doodle.com/dappletonrhhs
Laine Lynch (last names Michel - Sanchez): doodle.com/llynchrhhs
Saraswati Hendrix (last names Sanderlin - Z): doodle.com/shendrixrhhs
Follow the directions as indicated:
1. Enter your first and last name under “Meeting request for”
Add “12” after your last name if the meeting is for a Senior Meeting. (EXAMPLE: Coral Appleton12)
2. Select TWO meeting times. Meetings will last 15-30 minutes.
3. Click on “Create Meeting Request”
You must use a non-Bryan County email, so you can receive a confirmation when a meeting time is approved. If the meeting time is not approved, you will receive an email requesting new dates.
It is VERY important for you to keep your appointment and attend. You will need to show your confirmed email with the date and time of your appointment to serve as a PASS to excuse you from class. Please BE ON TIME.
Counselors will review transcripts, current grades, and discuss post-secondary plans.
HOPE Grant/Career Grant/Zell Miller
What is your HOPE GPA? Find out by logging on to GAfutures.org If you still don’t have an account you should make one!
https://www.gafutures.org/media/113397/final-qg-quick-guide-user-create-account.pdf
Resources for Applying for Aid
Federal Aid & Scholarships
FAFSA is now open as of October 1st. Don’t delay on completing this important financial document!
https://www.gafutures.org/media/187688/fafsa-checklist_digital.pdf
College & Career Center
6 Tips to Crafting a Stellar College Application Essay
Application essays are an effective way for you to communicate unique strengths to admissions officials. Some colleges will have specific prompts they want you to answer. Others will ask for you to just describe your story. Whatever it is, be yourself, speak in your voice, and don’t try to fit in a bunch of fancy words from the thesaurus.
Consider these 6 tips as you write:
Start early. Make a list of the number of essays you need to write and their deadlines. Give yourself plenty of time to think through the topics and brainstorm writing points.
Create an outline. Break down the prompt (the question asked) of each essay. Ask yourself: Why would an admission official ask this question? What are they hoping to hear from you? Next, pair personal stories or experiences that illustrate your answers. Use these anecdotes to help organize your thoughts around your thesis, in bullet-point format. Make sure it has a clear beginning, middle, and end. This is your outline.
Read some examples. See if the college you’re applying to publishes essay examples on their website. These examples may indicate what that college considers a strong application. If the college you’re applying to doesn’t provide sample essays, try searching online to better understand the expectation. Remember, NEVER plagiarize somebody else’s work.
Address what’s NOT on your transcript. Think of your essay like an in-person interview. As you write your essay, imagine you’re sitting in the room with an admission official. They have already read your transcript and resume. The question is, “What else should I know?” That’s what you should keep in mind as you’re forming your essay. How could you expand upon the information presented in the other parts of the application or highlight strengths you haven’t pointed out in other parts of the application
The deeper you go, the better. For your anecdotes, focus on specific details and really flesh out the scene. You might not have enough space to tell your entire life story, but if you focus on a couple of examples, it can make your essay vivid and make it come to life.
College of Coastal Georgia Visit 10/24/18
At RHHS, many of our juniors and seniors are well into their college preparation. Most are in the process of taking the ASVAB, ACT, and SAT - and others are already visiting colleges independently and filling out applications.
RHHS is excited to be offering monthly college field trip opportunities this year to eligible juniors and seniors on a first come/first serve basis for the first 35 students to register.
RHHS junior and senior applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Passing all classes with a 70 or higher
2. No more than 3 tardies
3. No more than 3 excused absences
Remaining field trips for 1st semester include:
11/06/18 - Georgia Southern University (Armstrong Campus)
Upcoming field trips planned for 2nd semester include:
1/18/19 - East Georgia State College (Statesboro Campus)
2/20/19 - Savannah Technical College
March 2019 - Savannah State University
April 2019 - Ogeechee Technical College (Statesboro, GA)
Eligible 11th and 12th grade students may register through this link
*Parents of the first 35 applicants each month are welcome and encouraged to volunteer as chaperones. Contact Jennifer Blanton, school counselor, at jblanton@bryan.k12.ga.us with any questions about eligibility criteria.
Scholarships in the Spotlight this Month:
Dawn Harrington Berry Spotlight Award/Scholarship
The deadline for submission is March 28, 2019
The Dawn Harrington Berry Spotlight Award
The Dawn Harrington Berry Spotlight Award goes toward tuition of higher learning. It was created and is administered by The Richmond Hill Community Theatre, with love and approval of the Berry Family, and funded by generous donations received from the community.
One Richmond Hill High School applicant will receive a one-time scholarship of $500 to be applied to tuition and fees associated with enrollment at an accredited college, university, vocational or technical institution.
Requirements: Qualifying students are those who demonstrate the qualities of persistence, diligence, strong character, have participated in the Richmond Hill Community Theatre, or other thespian activities, attends RHHS, with a love of giving back to others and community. Students must also be pursuing an education at a university, college, technical or vocational institution.
Student will submit a brief resume and complete the required questions in essay format. In addition, three letters of reference will be required attesting to students aforementioned qualities.
Turn in application and essay to Ms. Kea in Room 204
Required Questions
Write no less than an 800 word autobiography encompassing your theatre experiences grade school to present. Use the following questions to assist you in composing your essay:
a) What significant event(s) in your life had an impact on you, changed your perspective or course in life? Have there been any obstacles - physical, mental, emotional, etc., you’ve had to overcome?
b) Describe your work or volunteer experience(s).
c) What talents do you possess? (They should not be limited to performance or artistic based talents.)
d) Including grade school until now, what clubs, after school activities, interests, sports, hobbies have influenced you, what awards and recognition in the arts have you received?
JCB Career Fair
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
2019 Profile in Courage Essay Contest
Contest deadline: January 18, 2019
Student Eligibility and Requirements:
The contest is open to United States high school students in grades nine through twelve attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; U.S. students under the age of twenty enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the U.S. territories; and U.S. citizens attending schools overseas. Past winners and finalists are not eligible to participate. Employees of John Hancock Financial Services and members of their families are not eligible to participate.
The contest deadline is January 18, 2019.
Essays can be no more than 1,000 words but must be a minimum of 700 words. Citations and bibliography are not included in the word count.
Essays must be the original work of the student.
John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Edward M. Kennedy are not eligible subjects for essays.
Essays must describe an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. The official may have addressed an issue at the local, state, or national level.
See Contest Topic and Information and Helpful Tips for Writing Your Essay for more information.
Essays about past recipients of the Profile in Courage Award will be disqualified unless they describe an act of political courage other than the act for which the award was given.
Essays about the senators in Profiles in Courage will be disqualified.
Essays must have a minimum of five sources.
Five reasons to participate:
1.It’s more important than ever for students to engage in civic discourse.
2.Discovering acts of political courage inspires students.
3.Students are challenged to write with a purpose for a national audience.
4.It’s an excellent research and argumentative essay assignment that meets Common Core and national standards
5.New and increased awards will recognize the top twenty-five essayists - with the first-place winner receiving a $10,000 scholarship.
For complete guidelines, curriculum materials, and FAQs,
please visit www.jfklibrary.org/essaycontest.
- Must be a high school junior on track to graduate with their graduating class
- No fees to enter
- Open to all young women throughout the state of Georgia
- Must be a legal citizen of the United States
TO APPLY: http://distinguishedyw.org/apply-now/
Contact Information:
Distinguished Young Women of Georgia
Linda Greco, State Chairman
412 Bennett Farms Place
Acworth, GA 30102
770-827-7998
SAT and ACT Dates
Military Family life counselor (MFLC)
Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC)
Due to the unique challenges faced by military families, the Department of Defense offers private and confidential counseling services to military service members and their families. The mission of the MFLC program is to provide short-term, solution focused counseling, support and education. Military counselors may assist military connected students with a variety of issues including: communication, self-esteem/self-confidence, school issues, life stressors, resolving conflicts, behavioral management techniques, building resiliency, sibling/parental relationships, and deployment and reintegration. Within a safe, therapeutic relationship, MFLCs help military children and their parents to cope with normal reactions to the varied stresses of military life, to enhance their lives and to boost military readiness and resiliency.
Dawn Imler is the military counselor at RHHS. She is on campus Wednesday(afternoon), Thursday, and Friday in the LINK. If you have any questions about the program stop by the LINK or call (912)271-9725.
RHHS Counselor Caseload:
Emily Neff- (Daniel-Hernandez)
Deanna Appleton- (Herring-Michaud)
Laine Lynch- (Michel-Sanchez)
Saraswati Hendrix- (Sanderlin-Z)
Jennifer Blanton- (Graduation Coach)
Dawn Imler- (Military Family Life Counselor)
Counseling Department
Email: rbunyan@bryan.k12.ga.us
Website: http://www.bryan.k12.ga.us/o/rhhs/page/students-and-parents--4
Location: 1 Wildcat Drive, Richmond Hill, GA, USA
Phone: 912-459-6403