Counseling Connection
January Edition
Happy New Year!
New beginning.
New mindset.
New focus.
New start.
New intentions.
New results.
Waiver & attendance recovery process
Waiver & attendance recovery process
According to Union County School Board Policy, any student who is absent eight or more days in a semester class has failed the subject unless a “Waiver of Absences” is granted. Online classes are not subject to attendance failure. This information will outline the attendance waiver process and the attendance recovery process for the 2016-2017 school year.
Waiver Process: For students who have 8 or more absences (excused and unexcused) in any or all classes during the semester
The Waiver Process is now over. An exception will be made only if the student’s eighth absence occurs on or after this date or if additional absences occur after the original waiver is submitted.
Process to get Absences Waived (for students exceeding their 7th absence):
Have each teacher fill out the Request for Waiver of Absences form to get the total number of days that he/she has you listed as absent from his/her class. Parent and student must sign waiver form.
Student will then be responsible for taking these completed forms to Mrs. Broome.
Attendance Recovery Process: For students whose absences have not been brought into compliance after the waiver process has been completed (up to 8 total class periods)
**Note: Students must have the mathematical possibility to pass the class or classes academically in order to qualify for Recovery.
- Follow the Waiver Process listed above.
- If dates approved to waive do not bring attendance into compliance, then Mrs. Broome will determine how many hours are necessary for each student to recover (8 recovery days equals 12 hours)
**By School Board Policy, students will only be allowed to recover a cumulative total of 8 class periods with a maximum of 3 recovery days per class period. “Recovery days” may be divided between the student’s four classes. If, for example, a student needs to recover 3 days in both 1st and 2nd periods and 1 day for both 3rd and 4th periods, he/she will have the opportunity to gain credit for all four classes.
- If student does not meet the criteria for recovery eligibility, Mrs. Broome will give waiver to Mrs. Alley for administrative review/denial.
- Mrs. Broome will notify attendance recovery candidates of their hours owed and the dates and times of the recovery sessions. Students will be given a copy of their Recovery Hour sheet and sign and date a second copy for Mrs. Broome’s records.
- Students will be responsible for attending the correct number of recovery sessions.
- Students must bring sufficient academic work assignments and stay for the complete time to receive recovery time credit.
The Attendance Recovery Period will take place from Tuesday, Jan. 3 through Tuesday, Jan. 17. Recovery is after school from 3:30-5:30 on Jan. 3-6, 9-13 and 17. We will also have a six-hour recovery session on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 8:00-2:00. Students may bring a bag lunch on Saturday.
**Note: If a student is absent from a class once that student has completed the waiver process, the student must complete a new waiver. The possibility does exist that a student may have been brought into compliance through the waiver, but placed in jeopardy of losing that credit if he/she misses additional school days. Once the attendance recovery sessions end, a student will not have the opportunity to do the waiver and attendance recovery process again.
Schedule change policy for Spring 2017
- Schedule Change Request Forms are available in the counseling office. Please fill out a form and leave it with your grade level counselor. We will be in touch with you once we get to your form.
- Students may not wait in the counseling office to have their schedule changed UNLESS they have a hole in their schedule. Please only come to the counseling office during the block that you do not have a scheduled course.
- Students may request schedule changes within the first 5 days of the semester. All forms are due by 2/1/17. We will not accept any schedule change forms after this date.
- Requests for specific teacher/block/lunch, etc. are not reasons for a schedule change and will be ignored
- The Schedule Change Request Form can be found on our counseling website
15 unconventional study tips
Everyone knows the usual tips and tricks to studying, but you’re seemingly out of luck if they don’t work for you.Not everyone is the same, which means that people learn differently as individuals. Sometimes you need that extra push or reward and, perhaps, to even trick yourself into studying.Some you’ve heard, some you’ve heard the opposite. Maybe you think they’re conventional because they work for you. But, if your norms aren’t working, why not give these tips a try?
- Treat yourself – Rewards are, well, rewarding. If you give yourself something to look forward to like, say, a 5 minute walk after each chapter, you’ll likely work harder towards your goal.
- Study alone – Whether deciding to study alone or with a group is helpful is relative and depends on both the group and the individual. You need to determine whether or not the group is productive and how you study best to decide if this tip is for you.
- Review the readings after class – They say to give your brain a break, but if you review right after class discussions, you might connect the dots more so than reading alone.
- Study in bed – If it’s the last thing you see before you go to bed and the first thing you see as you get up, it’ll likely soak in. No guarantees here, but it’s definitely worth a try.
- Munch during exams – Ever been in an exam and your stomach is growling? That’s the absolute worst. It can completely ruin all focus and distract you for the entire exam. Pack a snack, just in case.
- Go somewhere new – A change of scenery can do wonders! Not to mention, sitting at the library without any distractions in front of you doesn’t hurt, either.
- Take frequent breaks – Newsflash: you’re only human. You need to take breaks every so often to let your brain breathe, so to speak.
- Teach others – They say you learn more by teaching others. This is likely because you’re actually explaining concepts versus memorizing them. If you can teach it, you likely know your stuff.
- Turn off screens – It’s a crazy notion, we know. But containing your distractions – many of which are screen-based – will help you focus immensely.
- Rewrite, again – You can certainly learn through writing, over and over again. Repetitive writing can help you soak up the concepts – think of those cartoon characters writing, “I will not talk out of turn” 500 times on the blackboard.
- Understand versus memorize – When you truly understand a concept, memorization naturally follows. Try to understand the core of what you’re learning and build upon that, versus memorizing for each test and forgetting afterwards. This will also help you master your final exams!
- Make acronyms and metaphors – Cheesy but catchy words and phrases are helpful tools for memorization. Don’t underestimate the power of a silly song, either!
- Exercise – After studying for a while, take a break to exercise. It will rejuvenate you and, while you’re exercising, you can review concepts in your head.
- Relax the night before an exam – If you study early, then you can relax and lightly review the night before an exam. You’ll definitely be in a better testing state if you have a full night’s sleep the night before.
- Use technology to help visualize – It’s definitely the opposite of number nine, but this is more about using the distractions of technology to your advantage. Digital flashcards, study apps and making PowerPoint presentations instead of a study guide are just some of the ways to do this. (Bonus points that most of these digital methods are eco-friendly, too!)
http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/the-15-unconventional-study-tips
Gap year fair
When: February 12th from 3-6 pm
Presentation Time: 3-3:45 pm
Speaker: Jane Sarouhan
The gap year fair provides students with a broad exposure to gap year programs that emphasize experiential education and personal growth through travel, language immersion, directed study, outdoor adventure, community service, and/or internships.
At each event, USA Gap Year Fairs features a speaker who presents a variety of possibilities that one might choose to pursue during their gap time. During the fair, attendees are able to have face to face conversations with gap year program providers, trip leaders, advisors, and gap year alumni. Here, one can gain a better sense of which gap year programs might suit their own unique interests and aspirations.
For more information about Dynamy Internship Year, click HERE or stay informed regarding upcoming gap year fairs HERE. You can also contact Alia Pialots at pialotsa@youinc.org.
Junior jot
- If you're choosing your senior year classes, look for classes that will give you a strong transcript.
- Consider looking for a summer job or internship.
January:
- Continue with your campus tours online or in person.
February:
- Register for the March SAT or the April ACT, or both.
March:
- Take the March SAT I exam if you registered to take it this month.
- If you are interested in taking an AP exam, you should sign up now.
- Take the April ACT test if you registered for this month.
- Take the AP, SAT, and SAT Subject tests.
- Talk to teachers about writing letters of recommendation for you.
June:
- Add any new report cards, test scores, honors or awards from the year to your file.
- Continue with your college visits. Call ahead for appointments with the financial aid, admissions and academic advisors at the colleges in which you are most interested.
- Take the SAT, SAT Subject, and the ACT tests if you're registered.
2017-2018 CTE Internship
Attention Rising 12th graders, if you have taken at least two Career & Technical Education (CTE) courses, and are interested in participating in a CTE Internship next school year, stop by the guidance office and pick up an application from Mrs. Bartell. If you have any questions, please contact Elizabeth Bartell at Elizabeth.bartell@ucps.k12.nc.us
Meredith College Women's Leadership Conference for High School Juniors
The Meredith College Office of Student Leadership and Service, in collaboration with the Office of Admissions, cordially invites you to participate in a free conference for high school juniors designed to sharpen their leadership skills on February 4th. In addition to exploring and examining leadership topics, the conference will allow you to network with other talented student leaders from across the region. Register HERE by January 27th.
Important dates & announcements
Important Dates:
- The registration deadline for the January 21st SAT is December 21st. The late registration deadline is January 10th.
- Attendance Recovery will be the weeks of January 3 - 6, 9-13, and 17 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm and January 14 from 8 - 2.
- An informational results meeting for students who took the ASVAB will be Thursday, January 12th during I/R in the media center.
- Monday, January 16th is MLK Day, no school
- The registration deadline for the February 11th ACT is January 13th. The late registration deadline is January 14th - 20th.
- EOC & NCFE testing will be January 18-20th and 23rd, make-up day is January 24th
- Wednesday, January 25th is a Teacher Workday
- The first day of the spring semester is Thursday, January 26th
- Schedule Change Request Forms are due by Wednesday, February 1st.
- Report cards will be handed out on Thursday, February 2nd.
- Meet the Teacher Night is Monday, February 13th.
- Progress Reports will be handed out on Tuesday, February 14th.
- Wednesday, February 15th is an Early Release day.
- The ACT will be given to all Juniors on Tuesday, February 28th. 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