SPHS Counseling Newsletter
October 2019
Countdown to College!!!
October 1: Join us from 6:30-8 for a presentation by Timeka Ruffin, College Foundation of NC representative, on completing the FAFSA and applying for financial aid.
October 10: Coming to school for parent/teacher conferences? Stop by the computer lab in
room 125 for assistance with your college applications, Residency Determination Services, and completing the FAFSA.
Wednesdays: School Counselors will be available in the cafeteria during lunch to answer
questions and provide assistance with college applications.
October 21-25: College Application Week. Many colleges support this initiative by waiving
application fees. For a complete list of participating schools, please see the
attachment below.
October 26: FAFSA Day from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Register at CFNC.org/fafsaday or call 866-866-CFNC
World Mental Health Awareness Day
Observed annually on October 10, World Mental Health Awareness Day is a public awareness observance day to raise the public's awareness of mental health issues that affect people all over the globe. It also gives mental health workers, doctors, nurses, and other professionals a chance to dispel mental health myths, reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, and to help people recognize when they or their friends or family members may need to seek treatment. This holiday has been reserved internationally since 1992.
This year's focus of Mental Health Awareness Day is Suicide Prevention. Every year, close to 800,000 people take their own life, and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities, and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout the human lifespan and is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally. For more information, please see the link below.
***Due to an abbreviated schedule and parent conferences, South Point will observe Mental Health Awareness Day on Thursday, October 17. Students, please check your school email for important information, and don't forget to follow us on social media to see how you can participate.
Governor's School
The Governor's School of North Carolina is the oldest statewide residential program for gifted and talented students in the nation. The program offers a non-credit curriculum for selected students in both academic and performing/visual arts disciplines. Students must be a Sophomore or Junior to apply. (Please note that Sophomores may only apply for certain disciplines).
What specific disciplines are offered:
Academic:
- English
- Foreign Language (French of Spanish)
- Mathematics
- Natural Science
- Social Science
- Art
- Choral Music (Sophomores are able to apply)
- Instrumental Music (Sophomores are able to apply)
- Dance (Sophomores are able to apply)
- Theatre
When and where is Governor's School:
It is located on two campuses: Governor's School West at High Point University and Governor's School East at Meredith College. Students will live on campus during the 5 1/2 week long program, which will take place from June 1st-July 29th.
How much does it cost?
Governor's School is partially funded by the North Carolina General Assembly. The remaining tuition for accepted students is paid for by Gaston County Schools.
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply, you must meet the achievement criterion as established by the Board of Governors for North Carolina Governor's School. This means a national percentile score of 92% or above on an approved achievement test OR a state percentile score of 92% or above on an allowable North Carolina End-of-Course Test (EOC).
***If you are interested in Governor's School, please contact Mr. Roberts. Applications, which include essays and letters of recommendation, are due by the start of school on October 28.***
Early Action vs Early Decision
Seniors: Please complete your Brag Sheet and Activity Sheet
How do I send my transcript to the colleges where I'm applying?
SAT/ACT Information
Scholarship Information
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You can also visit our website below:
School Counselor Contact Information
Last names A-G
mailto:ebstokes@gaston.k12.nc.us
Laurie Whiteside, School Counselor
Last names H-O
mailto:lewhiteside@gaston.k12.nc.us
Christopher Roberts, School Counselor
Last names P-Z