Grand Blanc High School
Newsletter ~ November 2014
Parental Support
A Message from Dr. Hammond
Dear Parents,
You may have asked yourself, “What is the Grand Blanc Early College?”
By now, you may have heard that Grand Blanc High School is partnering with the University of Michigan-Flint to create the Grand Blanc Early College (GBEC). This is a unique opportunity for 50 students in the Class of 2017 to take up to 48 college credits while still in high school. Early Colleges are not new to public education as there were 20 throughout the State of Michigan last year. However, the GBEC will be unique in that our students will not need to leave the high school campus for their college classes during their junior and senior years, students will fulfill general education credits which are transferrable, and the University of Michigan-Flint will provide additional academic support and counseling to ensure a seamless transition to postsecondary learning.
The overview of the Grand Blanc Early College include:
- Students who choose to participate in this unique opportunity will commit to a five year high school and college experience.
- College courses during the 11th and 12th grade will focus on general education courses required for a four year/bachelor degree.
- Junior and senior students will take their high school and college classes on the Grand Blanc High School campus, taught by University of Michigan-Flint professors. Students will transition to the college campus during their 13th year.
- Students may select courses geared toward a specific degree during their 13th year of the Grand Blanc Early College program.
- The benefits of the Grand Blanc Early College include:
- Earn transferable college credit* while attending high school.
- Attend college courses on the Grand Blanc High School campus taught by University of Michigan-Flint professors.
- Completing college courses on the high school campus eases the transition from high school to college with dedicated support staff to mentor and guide students.
- Students maintain the ability to participate in HS sports (9th-12th) and after-school activities.
- Participants may be eligible for the GBEC scholarship.
- Reduced financial burden on families sending students to college.
All sophomores will a 3.0 cumulative grade point average or higher will be invited to attend our informational meetings which will be held in the auditorium.
- Monday, November 17, 2014, 9:30am. GBHS & UM-Flint officials will provide information for interested students during the school day.
- Tuesday, November 18, 2014, 6:30pm. UM-Flint faculty will join Grand Blanc officials for a parent and student information session.
- Tuesday, December 2, 2014, 6:30pm. Additional Q & A session for interested parents and students.
Students will be selected on a variety of factors including grade point average, letters of recommendation, attendance and behavior history, demonstrated interest in post-secondary study, standardized test scores, and a personal interview. Families will incur some costs associated with the Early College but these costs are at a 95% reduction in tuition from the University of Michigan-Flint.
The Grand Blanc Early College is an outstanding opportunity for our students and their families. We are looking forward to beginning our first cohort in Fall 2015.
Respectfully,
Jennifer S. Hammond, Principal
Calendar
Counseling News
November 2014
College Application Process
Seniors are encouraged to continue completing their college applications on-line or with the paper version. It is an honor for a teacher to be asked to write a letter of recommendation and they want to do a good job in representing you to the college of your choice. Please ask well in advance (7-10 days) of the deadline. Thank you!
NCAA/NAIA Registration
Seniors who plan to play Division I or Division II college sports need to apply to the NCAA Clearinghouse online at www.eligibilitycenter.org
Scholarships
A list of scholarships is available in the counseling office and updated every few weeks. Come check out what opportunities are available for getting money for college! The updated list is on GBHS Facebook page and on the Guidance website.
Dual Enrollment
We have now started the dual enrollment process for second semester. College classes will be closing quickly! If your student is interested in this opportunity, please have them contact Mrs. Mol in the Counseling Office as soon as possible. Feel free to call our office at 591-6647 with any questions.
ACT Test Prep Opportunities
The next ACT test date is December 13, 2014. Students have until November 7th to register at www.actstudent.org. Scores will be received in time to forward to colleges for seniors. If you feel your student needs some guided practice for the ACT, there are several options that we have received information on:
ACT Test Preparation Workshop at Saginaw Valley on Saturday, November 8 from 8:00-3:00. The session will offer timed practice sections, test-taking skills and strategies, timing techniques, guessing, and development of positive thinking. Cost is $85 and registration forms are available in our office.
In addition, we have practice booklets in our office and there are online options for test prep as well. www.actstudent.org, www.march2success.com, and www.barronstestprep.com all offer online test prep opportunities.
Social Media
The Counseling Office uses the Grand Blanc High School Facebook and Twitter pages to post all upcoming events and important information for students and parents. If you haven’t done so yet, “like” Grand Blanc High School on Facebook or follow “grandblancpride” on Twitter for up to the minute information.
College Acceptance
Has your senior been accepted to college?? Have him or her stop by and let us know! We will post their name in our office and congratulate them on their hard work!
College Visits
College reps are visiting us on a weekly basis! Check the Counseling Office, the weekly newsletter, or the GBHS Facebook page for an updated schedule of college visits. Students must sign up at least one day in advance – no passes will be given the day of the visit. This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn about different colleges and ask questions!
Credit Recovery
Any students who are behind on credit have an opportunity to catch up through the Credit Recovery program. The class meets in room 635 at East Campus on Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-4:30. Cost is $100/class unless students qualify for free/reduced lunch. Forms are available in the counseling office.
Your GBHS Counseling staff includes:
John Hentes CSS 591-6354 jhentes@grandblancschools.org
Pamela Hall 9th grade 591-6649 phall@grandblancschools.org
10th-12th grade
Phyllis Mol A-Ga 591-6648 pmol@grandblancschools.org
Nicole Kernen Ge-N 591-6651 nkernen@grandblancschools.org
Mary Gardner O-Z 591-6652 mgardner@grandblancschools.org
Linda McCleary, Administrative Assistant 591-6647
Please feel free to contact any member of the counseling staff if you have questions or concerns!
Election Day!
November 4th
- Get out on Election day and vote!
- Students do not have school on Tuesday, November 4th.
Thanksgiving Break!
Holiday Break
Thursday, November 27th: No school for all students
Friday, November 28th: No school for all students
Yearbook
ALL NEW! The yearbook will include all spring sports coverage through the third week of April! The 28-page spring supplement will be included in the yearbook at no extra cost!
Yearbooks are $75 each - reserve yours on jostens.com or purchase one in room 305 at East Campus. Order forms are also available on gbyearbook.com
Seniors: Important Yearbook Deadline:
- Ads range from $75-300.
- Deadline is December 12. All materials (text, photos, and payment) are due.
- Senior ad contract and information available at gbyearbook.com
For More Information Visit www.gbyearbook.com
Drama's Fall Play
Our Town
Where:
Large Auditorium @ East High School
When:
Thursday, November 20th @ 7:00 p.m.Friday, November 21st @ 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 22nd @ 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
How Much: (At the door.)
- $6 Students
- $8 Adults
More Info:
Come see the family-friendly classic, that is among the most popular plays of all time. Watch the play come to life as our drama students act out scenes without the use of any props during the show!
Breakfast at Grand Blanc High School
Attention Students…
School Breakfast… We encourage all students to eat a nutritious breakfast which will prepare them for their school day. Research shows that students who eat breakfast:
*Score better on standardized tests
*Improve academic achievement
*Have fewer health issues
*Behave better in class
ALL STUDENTS are eligible to participate in the school breakfast program.
If you walk, take a bus or come to school by car, you may still have breakfast at school.
If you receive a free or reduced price lunch you also receive a free or reduced price breakfast. There is no extra paper work required.
Breakfast is a bargain at $1.60
Reduced Price Breakfast is $ .30
Free priced students receive a free breakfast
Attending School is Important
Learn more at attendanceworks.org
Child Technology Protection
Michigan Children’s Protection Registry is a new program that is designed to protect our children from receiving inappropriate messages on their phones and email. If you are interested in registering your child’s email, phone number or instant messenger ID, go to https://www.ProtectMIChild.com. Once registered, the emails and phone numbers will be protected for three years or until the child reaches the age of 18. Registrations can be renewed at any time for an additional three-year period.
Career & Technical Education
CTE PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
The Grand Blanc Community Schools is pleased to offer Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs to its high school students. Programs include:
-Automotive Technology
-Business Management Technology
-Child Psychology/Parenting
-Computer Programming
-Construction/Carpentry
-Cosmetology
-Education
-Finance and Accounting
-Foods and Nutrition
-Life Management
-Marketing
-Medical Occupations
-Personal Living
-Pre-Engineering/Drafting & C.A.D.
-Radio & TV Broadcasting Technology
-Web Design
Admissions Criteria: Grand Blanc High School CTE courses are open to all GBHS 10th – 12th grade (some programs are open to 9th grade) students without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, a lack of English language skills, or disability. If you need the CTE information in another language other than English, please contact our office. Si quisiera tener la información de CTE en español, por favor, llame nuestra oficina.
For more information on GBCS CTE programs, please contact Jennifer Hammond, High School Principal, at (810) 591-6931.
The Grand Blanc Board of Education is committed to a policy of non-discrimination in relation to race, color, sex, age, religion, height, weight, marital status, disability and national origin. The Board appointed coordinator for all concerns and complaints for issues relating to Title IX, Section 504, the Age Discrimination Act and Title II is: Director of Personnel, Administration Building, 11920 S Saginaw, Grand Blanc, MI 48439, 810-591-6001.
Are you looking to gain workplace skills and build your resume?
Work-based learning is an opportunity available to students that previously have or are currently participating in Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses. We will be interviewing students to serve as interns in office clerical positions for second semester placements. Interns serve in un-paid positions for either a semester or full year term within the school and would report to their intern job placement instead of one of their elective courses. This type of work-based learning provides great experience for students that are looking to build their job skills and resumes.
Work-based learning opportunities (jobs/internships that relate to your EDP career goals) are also available for elective credit through external placements in local businesses for CTE and Non-CTE students.
Interested students should contact the Grand Blanc Placement Coordinator, Mr. Wiltse for additional details: wwiltse@GrandBlancSchools.org
TEENQUEST
Teenquest will be offering free pre-employability leadership training to students who are currently 14-18 years old and in grades 9-11. Students who participate in this training will be eligible to attend the SYI Job Fair in May 2015.
For more information or an application, visit http://www.flintandgenesee.org/learn/teenquest/, stop by the HS East or West Career Resource Center (CRC), or visit the CRC website at http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us. Completed applications can be turned in to the HS East or West CRC. Students will be notified by the GRCC if they have been accepted into the program.
Student Volunteer Hours
If your student has done any sort of volunteer work so far this school year (June 2014-present) make sure they turn those hours in to the Career Resource Center (CRC) as soon as possible (and continue to do so throughout the year). Hours can also be documented online by clicking the “Student Volunteer Hours Form” in the “CRC Links” section of the website (http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us/).
Just a reminder…any student who accumulates at least 100 volunteer hours in a school year (at one or more locations) is eligible for a President’s Volunteer Service Award. Additionally, students who receive two Presidential Volunteer Service awards in their high school career can quality for recognition at senior honor’s night. For more information, contact the HS East Career Resource Center at 810-591-6929.
Student Opportunities
Interested in more information on available volunteer, job, or career-related opportunities? Make sure to visit the Career Resource Center website (http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us/). The site is updated as new opportunities become available so make sure to check it often.
Opportunities with Hurley Hospital
Hurley Medical Center is hosting a series Healthcare Career Days for high school students interested in health care related careers. To participate, students must be at least 15 years old in at least 10th grade on the date your student is planning to attend.
Hurley is also currently accepting applications for their youth volunteering program. This is a great opportunity for students 15 years and older to learn more about the health field and careers in medicine.
Information and registration requirements for both opportunities is available in the HS East or West Career Resource Center (CRC) and on the CRC SchoolFusion site at http://crc.grandblanc.career.schoolfusion.us/).
Hurley takes registrations and applications on a first come/first served basis.
Career Planning and EDPs
In the 21st century, unlimited opportunities in education, training and careers await your child. To help him/her make responsible and informed decisions about the future, the Grand Blanc Community School District has integrated career exploration and educational planning into your child’s curriculum.
As part of this process, all 8th-12th graders create and update their electronic Educational Development Plan (EDP) using an online program, Career Cruising (www.careercruising.com). Each year your child will update his/her career goals, interests, skills and educational plans within his/her EDP. Your support throughout this process is imperative. Working together we will help your child discover answers to the key questions: “Who Am I?”, “Where Am I Going?”, and “How Am I Going to Get There?”
To access Career Cruising:
§ Visit the Career Cruising website at www.careercruising.com
§ Enter your child’s EDP username and password in the login area at the top and click “Login”.
· EDP Username: grbl-student id (i.e. grbl-012678)
· EDP Password: edpstudentid (i.e. edp012678 )
Searching for College, Scholarship, and Financial Aid Information on Career Cruising
Did you know that Career Cruising contains a wealth of college, scholarship, and Financial Aid information available to all GBCS 8th-12th graders? Using Career Cruising’s “Schools” and “Financial Aid” sections, students can:
§ Search for Schools & Majors to learn more about specific schools and what they offer (i.e. tuition, admissions info., etc.)
§ Compare Schools to see a side by side comparison of up to three different schools
§ Get a suggested college preparation Planning Timeline to help students learn about what they should be doing each year, starting in 8th grade, to prepare for and apply to college
§ Learn more about Financial Aid resources including Federal Financial Aid information and possible scholarships a student may be qualified to apply for
For information on how to access Career Cruising, please see listing, “Career Planning and EDPs”
Detailed instructions on using Career Cruising’s Scholarship Search function can be found in the “Important Documents” section of your student’s EDP homepage. If you have any questions, please contact Stephanie Garey, EDP Coordinator, at 810-591-6929 or sgarey@grandblancschools.org.
**Information contained in Career Cruising has been compiled and is maintained by Career Cruising; school districts play no part in the screening, modification, or maintenance of this information.
Searching for Jobs and Employment Skills Information and Related Resources on Career Cruising
Did you know that Career Cruising has an “Employment” section that contains a wealth of employment-related information including an employment guide, resume builder, and job search that is available to all GBCS Career Cruising users? To utilize Career Cruising’s “Employment” section:
For information on how to access Career Cruising, please see listing, “Career Planning and EDPs”
§ Click on the “Employment” link from the area at the top**
Detailed instructions on using Career Cruising’s Employment resources can be found in the “Important Documents” section of your student’s EDP homepage.
**Information contained in Career Cruising has been compiled and is maintained by Career Cruising; school districts play no part in the screening, modification, or maintenance of this information.