Guidance Department Newsletter
News for November
Welcome to Guidance
The push is on to keep our grades up and make sure our attendance is in order. Remembering to use our time wisely over break to get caught up on missing work, and knowing that we need to be in school on the days when we have school just might make the difference.
Interims will be here just after we return from Thanksgiving. Let's use that as motivation to keep working hard for the last few weeks of the semester. Your counselors are here to support you, but ultimately you have to do the work! Prioritize what needs to be done and finish this semester strong and successful!
Who to Contact in Guidance
Director of Guidance responsible for 504 Plans and PACE Program
Mr. Robb Urbaniak - (843) 293-9043
rurbaniak@horrycountyschools.net
Grades 9th through 12th your guidance counselor assignments are:
Last Name A-D
Mrs. Margaret Adams - (843) 293-9034
madams001@horrycountyschools.net
Last Name E-Le
Ms. Brittanny Belcher - (843) 293-9053
bbelcher@horrycountyschools.net
Last Name Li-Rh
Mr. Derrick Hilton - (843) 293-9045
dhilton@horrycountyschools.net
Last Name Ri-Z
Mr. Greg Scott - (843) 293-9036
Guidance Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Mary Kirkham - (843) 293-9031
mkirkham@horrycountyschools.net
Data Quality Clerk
Ms. Kristen Cooper - (843) 293-9052
kcooper002@horrycountyschools.net
Registrar
Ms. Dawn Meehan - (843) 293-2513 ext. 713256
Important Dates
THANKSGIVING BREAK - November 21 through November 25
SECOND QUARTER INTERIMS - Tuesday, November 29
ASVAB TESTING - Wednesday, December 7
SAT/ACT CHOICE LETTERS - Friday, December 9
WINTER BREAK - December 19 through December 30
END OF FIRST SEMESTER - Friday, January 13 (Early Dismissal)
SCHOOLS CLOSED - Monday, January 16
START OF SECOND SEMESTER - Wednesday, January 18
SAT/ACT Choice Letters for Juniors
The question we get most often from juniors and parents is, “When should I start taking the SAT or ACT?” The most likely answer for students is Spring of your junior year. South Carolina gives every junior the opportunity to take a school based administration of either the SAT or the ACT in the Spring. The date for the SAT is Wednesday, March 1, 2023 and the date for the ACT is Tuesday, March 21, 2023. Juniors will only select ONE school based test to take this spring, and then students are responsible for signing up for an additional administration as a Saturday administration if they choose to take it. The school based administration is college reportable, and we strongly recommend that EVERY JUNIOR take advantage of this opportunity, even if they’re not sure if a 4 year college is in their future. Students interested in a technical college can still use their scores for admission to HGTC.
Linked here is the form that MUST BE COMPLETED BY EVERY PARENT OF A JUNIOR (Third Year Student) and returned to the appropriate guidance counselor. Likewise, students who receive testing accommodations by an IEP or 504 plan may also be eligible to receive those testing accommodations on the SAT and ACT. Parents of students with accommodations should complete this linked form to indicate their desire to receive those accommodations on testing. Parents should sign and return no later than Friday, December 2. We must have all forms returned to us by the deadline. If you are unable to print this form at home students can get a hard copy in the guidance office. In order to assist with your decision, attached are some resources for you to review with your student and decide if ACT or SAT is right for you. The truth is, most college bound students will end up taking both exams. As always, your counselor is available to answer any questions you may have.
https://blog.prepscholar.com/should-you-take-the-act-or-the-new-2016-a-guide
SAT—https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/about/benefits
ACT—https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/TheACT-WhyTake-Student.pdf
Senior Scholarship Newsletter
Once a month we will publish the Senior Scholarship Newsletter to keep you posted on what scholarships are available throughout the year. But don't wait on us! Get online and start doing some research now about scholarships that may pertain to you. There are a lot of great resources online to find opportunities for money for college. Just remember, you should never pay anyone any amount of money to search scholarships for you. These services should always be 100% free with no strings attached.
And, in regards to finances, you'll hear the term FAFSA come up a lot during your senior year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is an online application you'll use to apply for financial aid opportunities for college. FAFSA is open now and you should start applying now! Stay tuned through e-mail and Google Classroom to learn more.
Braves Don't Fight Alone
Recently we had some news in our department. Our very own counselor, Coach Hilton, found out he was diagnosed with cancer. Although this is devastating news, Coach Hilton is a fighter. He has a positive spirit and upbeat attitude that he shares with all of his students.
Coach Hilton is a 1998 graduate of Socastee High and he is often the face of Socastee High School in our community. After graduation he pursued a degree from Coker College where he was a member of Men's Basketball team. He returned to his hometown to coach and work as a counselor in our department. Coach Hilton has spent the majority of his life giving all he has to Brave Nation and he is often the one helping students and families throughout the community. Now, he needs the support of his community.
We cannot put into words what he means to us. We offer up our prayers and support. We all know that a fight against cancer comes at a high cost. We are asking you to help provide funding for Coach Hilton’s fight. Please help us show him Braves Don’t Fight Alone. Help us show him that he has touched the lives of so many and that we owe him more than we could ever repay.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/coach-derrick-hilton-braves-dont-fight-alone
ASVAB
The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) helps measure developed abilities as well as predict future academic and occupational success. Although it is administered by the United States Military taking this exam does not require a participant to enlist in military services. This is a great opportunity for students who are undecided about their careers to explore options based on a valid measure. Even if you are not interested at all in military service, this is a great opportunity for you.
This year we will offer the ASVAB on Wednesday, December 7 and students must register in advance. You must be at least 16 years old on the day of the test. Please use this form to sign up for the ASVAB. If you have any questions please see Mr. Hilton in Guidance.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvZpSOLyACtEnjrqCzMiaAmjChln1ADmOjAAJAxxafwNwCEg/viewform
It is also advised that you utilize the ASVAB preparation websites to give you an idea of what to expect on test day. You can prepare for the ASVAB by clicking on the links below.
https://www.4tests.com/asvab or https://uniontestprep.com/asvab/practice-test
Help for the Holidays
We understand that the past few years have been more difficult than many families had anticipated. The Socastee Guidance Department is here to assist our families in need. If you need assistance this holiday season (either Thanksgiving meals or Christmas presents) Socastee High School may be able to help you. Everyone’s situation is different. You may be in a position where someone has lost an income or a family member is sick and you could just use some help. We have resources that could help you through this difficult time. We typically provide meals at Thanksgiving to families in need and we can also provide presents during the Holiday season. Please don’t be afraid to talk with your guidance counselor about your situation to see if we can help. Everything will be very confidential. Please contact us by Wednesday, November 30 if you would like assistance for the Angel Tree.
Likewise, if you are in a position where you would like to provide financial assistance to a Socasteee family this year, we are always grateful for any donations we receive in guidance. Although we do accept donations of any kind throughout the year, we are particularly thankful for any amount during the holiday season. 100% of all donations that we take go directly to the families in need at our school and all donations stay in the school community.
Teddy Bear Collection
Spring PACE Courses
Students can earn college credit while enrolled in high school and HGTC has a number of courses to complete, including Intro to Sociology, Public Speaking, Art or Music Appreciation, Ethics, Geography, English, Statistics, Psychology, and others.
The December 1 application deadline is a firm deadline. Students must complete the online application as well as the supplemental documentation in order to be considered for the PACE Program. The Program is only available to students in their third or fourth year of high school.
Please contact Mr. Urbaniak with any questions.
Academy Selection for Next School Year
EOC Testing
December 13 - English 2 Writing
December 14 - USHC
January 5 - English 2 Reading
January 9 - Algebra 1
January 10 - Biology 1
These dates are subject to change as we get closer to test time. Students in yearlong courses or Spring subjects will test in May. Students will receive more information on testing location as we get closer to the test dates.
Therapy Assessments
Your guidance counselor is here to help you streamline that process. If you counselor or therapist asks for any sort of teacher assessment to be delivered, please bring that documentation directly to your counselor. Your school counselor can distribute to your teacher, collect those materials, and send it directly to your counseling office. Please allow at least 2 weeks from the time you bring us those materials for your teacher to make a thorough observation of your student and submit that paperwork on your behalf. Allow us to assist you in this process so that materials can be distributed and collected confidentially and without you continuing to track down the necessary documentation.
Care Solace Services
Second Semester Schedules
Remember, students cannot select which block they want to take a class and they cannot select their teacher. If you have any questions about your schedule, or if you are missing a block on your schedule, please make an appointment to meet with your counselor to correct it.
IGP Meetings
Parents, it’s time to schedule your student’s Individual Graduation Plan (IGP) Meeting. IGP Meetings are completed for every grade level, 9th through 12th. The IGP Meeting is an opportunity for us to look at graduation requirements and make sure your student is on track to graduate. We also discuss college plans and make sure you are completing the requirements necessary for your post-high school plans.
If you’re still undecided on what you want to do after high school it’s okay. The IGP meeting gives us a chance to discuss some options and explore your college and career possibilities.
IGP meetings can now be held in-person if you are comfortable coming into the building, or can be conducted virtually if you would prefer. We are meeting with parents anytime from now until we leave on Spring Break. Meetings are arranged anytime from 8 AM until 3 PM, Monday through Friday. Please contact the appropriate counselor via e-mail and arrange your appointment. We can be flexible with schedules so let us know what works best with you. This is an important meeting and we want everyone to have their chance to complete the IGP meeting this year. We look forward to meeting with you and your student.
Tutoring Schedule
Socastee High School teachers provide tutoring on a weekly basis is all subject areas. If you need additional help in a class please consult our tutoring schedule.
VIEW THE TUTORING SCHEDULE HERE
You can tutor with any teacher in the department, it does not have to be with your specific teacher. However, you are always welcome to reach out to your teacher to inquire about their tutoring hours.
Need My Transcript
https://needmytranscript.com/SC/Myrtle-Beach/transcriptrequest/Socastee-High
If your college is requesting a copy of your transcript please use this website so that we may process it for you in a timely manner. Please note that your counselor will not be able to send your transcript directly to the college any longer. It must be processed on this website.
If you are applying through Common App, SendEDU, or another college application service you do not need to submit a request with NMT.
We want you to be familiar with this website because all final transcript requests must be completed on this website.
Senior Supplies
Do not wait any longer! You want to have enough time for everything to be delivered in the Spring
Order Your Yearbook
Moon, Mars and Rover Bot Camps Summer 2023
Open the Doors of Imagination with Academic, Space and Legislated Summer Learning programming featuring Robotics, Mars and the Moon! These programs will improve academic outcomes and get students excited about summer learning!
Join a Live, Virtual event on November 29 at 1:00 p.m. EST/10 a.m. PST featuring Summer Learning Specialists Ms. Kara Lewis and Ms. Irene Bailey.
Reply to rpurcell@pcgus.com for an invitation and meeting links.
Google Classroom Codes
Class of 2023 – bhco7a3
Class of 2024 – yeo32ve
Class of 2025 - acsbq2z
Class of 2026 - qjbi4r2
Socastee High Guidance Office
Email: rurbaniak@horrycountyschools.net
Website: https://www.horrycountyschools.net/Socastee_High_School
Location: 4900 Socastee Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Phone: (843) 293-9031
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SocasteeGuidance/