Counseling Connection
November Edition
Thanksgiving Thoughts
We must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
-JFK
The 2nd Annual Fall Robotics Challenge is November 19th
Attention all 10th-12th graders - Sign up for the ASVAB
Do you need help with deciding what you want to do for a career? The Military is offering a free career exploration test that will not only ask you about your interests but also will test your skills as well. This tests lasts approximately 3 hours and will be given during the school day. When your results come in, you will be given information to help guide you in your career selection process. This test will be offered at Parkwood in the media center on Thursday, December 8th starting at 8:15 am. If you are interested in taking this test please complete the google form by Monday, December 5th.
Red Ribbon Week Was a Success!
Red Ribbon Week 2016 was held during the week of October 24th to 28th. The PWHS Counseling Department and the SAVE/SADD Club conducted this annual series of drug-free/violence-free/bully free initiatives. The week long celebration’s purpose is to counter the global issues of drug/alcohol abuse and bullying/violence in our school.
The SADD/SAVE Club again hosted the week of initiatives in support of the Anti-Bullying/Anti-Drug theme. On Tuesday October 25th, over 200 PWHS students participated in MIX IT UP DAY by signing the No Bullying Pledges and choosing to sit with someone new at lunch. On Wednesday October 26th, 1st block classes participated in the Red Ribbon Week poster contest. Ms. Little’s 1st block class won the contest and received a breakfast award the following morning. On the evening of Thursday October 27th, Officer Harms presented a Safe Schools/Anti-Cyber Bullying Event in the auditorium for the Parkwood community. Finally, on Friday, the club sponsored a red rose planting on the school campus as well as a lunch time Anti-Drug Pledge signing booth. The hope is that students are educated and become aware of the dangers of drugs and bullying in our schools.
Junior Jot
Congratulations on making it halfway through high school! You have already accomplished so much in these past two years, and you have many more amazing milestones ahead of you! Your junior year of high school is so important in your road to career and college readiness. Below are some planning tips for the remainder of your Fall Semester:
- Maintaining your grades during your junior year is very important
- Make sure you're challenging yourself academically
- Now is the time to really focus your career and college research
- As you research education and career options, share these with your family
- If your schedule permits, stay involved in school and community activities
- Talk to your counselor (Mrs. Villas) about the following:
- Schedules for the SAT, ACT, and AP Exams
- Why you should take the above exams and how they could benefit you
- Which of these exams would be the best fit for you, and then sign up for those tests.
- How to start getting ready for the exams
- Start a file for college catalogs and other admissions information
- Narrow your list of colleges to include a few colleges with requirements at your current GPA, a few with requirements above your current GPA, and at least one with requirements below your GPA
- Keep an eye out for college nights here at PWHS and in your area that you may want to attend
- Schedule tours of colleges and universities
- Schedule interviews with admissions counselors for the same day
As always, please stop by my office, call, or email me any time!
Mrs. Villas
Important Dates & Announcements
Important Dates:
- Tuesday, November 8 is a Teacher Workday
- Friday, November 11 is Veteran's Day- no school
- Wednesday, November 23 to Friday, November 25 is Thanksgiving Break
- Wednesday, December 7 is an Early Release Day
- Report Cards will be sent out to students on Thursday, December 7
- The ASVAB will be given to all 10th - 12th grade students on Thursday, December 8
- Holiday Break is from Wednesday, December 21 to Monday, January 2
- EOC & NCFE testing will be January 18-20th and 23rd
- The ACT will be given to all Juniors on Tuesday, February 28. This is the only time Juniors will take the ACT for free. Students may register for other test dates and pay for the ACT HERE.
Announcements:
- The SAT is not given at the school level. Students may register for the SAT for their desired test date and test location HERE.
- Fee waivers for the SAT and ACT are granted to students who meet eligibility such as: enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program. Waivers are available in the Counseling Office.
- Students interested in academy courses around the county or at Parkwood should come see Ms. Bartell in the Counseling Office. Also see Ms. Bartell if you have questions about interviewing, jobs, planning for a career, resume’ writing etc.
About Us
Counseling Staff:
Anne Sutton- 9th Grade Counselor, Drop Out Prevention Coordinator
Jim Williams - 10th Grade Counselor, 504 Plan Coordinator
Breanne Villas- 11th Grade Counselor, Middle School Transition Coordinator
Chrissy Rape- 12th Grade Counselor, Department Chair, Testing Coordinator
Elizabeth Bartell- Career Development Coordinator
Brenda Bigham- Counseling Center Administrative Assistant
Website: http://unioncounty.schoolwires.net/Page/3851
Phone: (704) 764-2900
Twitter: @PWHScounselors