SHS Counseling Newsletter

April 2022

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Class of 2022 Graduation Survey - REQUIRED FOR SENIORS

All seniors are required to take the Class of 2022 Graduation Survey in their Naviance account. This is required for graduation, so please make sure that your senior completes the 4-question survey as soon as they know their final plans. The directions to complete the survey is posted below.


Counseling will be sending many reminders and the only way to be removed from the distribution list is to complete the Graduation Survey.


The deadline to complete this required task is MAY 2ND.

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Class of 2022 - Scholarship Offers

Has your senior received scholarship offers or an Academy appointment? Please have your senior submit ALL scholarship offer letters (excluding HOPE/Zell Miller), including those they do not plan to use. Why do we need this information? We want seniors to be recognized for their hard work and dedication! Each high school submits scholarship dollars to the Superintendent's office.


  1. To complete the form, students must be signed into their Office 365 account.
  2. Students need to complete the form for each individual scholarship offer letter. For example, if submitting three scholarship offer letters, the student must complete the form three times.


Click HERE to access the form.


The deadline to submit scholarship offers is MAY 2ND.

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Reminder to Senior Families - Complete the FAFSA (if college bound)

If your senior is planning to attend college after high school graduation, he or she must complete the FAFSA form. Many colleges, both in-state and out of state, set priority deadlines by which students must submit the FAFSA form to be considered for financial aid.


** If your senior is eligible for the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship, he or she must complete the FAFSA form. **


If your senior has not completed the FAFSA form, our Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) rep, Marcus Hilliard, provided helpful guides for you and your senior to navigate the FAFSA completion process (see below). Mr. Hilliard is very knowledgeable about the HOPE and Zell Miller scholarship program, the FAFSA, the cost of attendance for college, the GAfutures website, and more. If you have specific questions regarding your student's situation, you can schedule a 30-minute phone consultation with Mr. Hilliard by clicking HERE.
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Applerouth Webinar Opportunities

The following webinars are FREE and sponsored by Applerouth. To attend their webinars, you must create an account on their website.


Inside the APs: How to Succeed on Your Exams

April 5 at 8:00 PM EST (online)

About this event: It's been a challenging school year and now AP season is here. Many students feel they haven't gotten into a solid routine and now they're expected to prepare for exams that cover a whole year of learning. How can students shift gears and do their best? Join us to learn how students can:

  • Understand the structure of AP exams and prepare accordingly
  • Establish effective study and prep schedules
  • Get motivated and organized to study.

Click HERE to register


How to Combat Test Anxiety

April 6 at 8:00 PM EST (online)

About this event: For many students, standardized tests bring anxiety levels to new heights. When anxiety runs high, test scores run low. Thankfully, there are proven interventions that middle and high school students can use to reduce test anxiety and improve their performance. In this webinar, we will share practical strategies that parents can use to help anxious testers. The speaker will help families understand potential confounding factors such as processing speed deficits, learning differences, family expectations, generalized anxiety disorders, metacognition, and emotional self-regulation. Help your student take the edge off of high-stakes testing.

Click HERE to register


SAT v. ACT: The differences, the timelines, and the expectations of colleges

April 13 at 8:00 PM EST (online)

About this event: Learn about the main differences between the two tests, how to decide which one is better for your child, when to take them, how much to prepare for them, and more. Hear about how your child's strengths can favor one test or the other. Learn about what college admissions representatives expect from students during the pandemic and what you need to plan for.

Click HERE to register


Study Skills Workshop

April 19 at 8:00 PM EST (online)

About this event: Learn time-tested methods for helping students manage their time, get organized, and become more efficient and effective at reading and note-taking. Polishing these skills is the secret to shining bright in school. Join us to learn how students can fend off procrastination and feelings of overwhelm, manage distractions and anxieties, and get motivated and organized to study.

Click HERE to register


College Admissions in 2022: What Parens Need To Know Now

April 20 at 8:00 PM EST (online)

About this event: The world of college admissions has changed rapidly in the last year. Join us for the latest updates and answers to your most pressing questions including:

  • Why have the admission rates at selective colleges gone down this year?
  • What does "test-optional" mean for my student? Will colleges remain test-optional?
  • How will submitting test scores (or not) affect my student's admissions chances?
  • What role do grades and course selection play in admissions now?

Click HERE to register



NOTE: If you have specific questions about their webinars, please contact Applerouth directly.

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Articles & Resources

USG to Offer Temporary Option for Fall 2022 Admission

The University System of Georgia (USG) will temporarily waive test score requirements for Fall '22 admission at 23 of the 26 USG institutions effective March 18. The waiver does NOT include applicants to GA Tech, UGA, or GA College & State Univ.

SAT is Going Digital in 2024

The new SAT will be shorter and entirely online, beginning 2024.

Caring For Your Mental Health

Self-care is essential for your overall health and quality of life.

Emotional Wellness Toolkit

How you feel can affect your ability to carry out everyday activities, your relationships, and your overall mental health. Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times.

Upcoming Events & Reminders

Spring Break - Apil 4 - 8

2021-2022 SHS Counseling Department

Ms. Lea Ponticelli, Last Names: A - D

Email: lea.ponticelli@cobbk12.org


Mrs. Misty Hawk, Last Names: E - Li

Email: misty.hawk@cobbk12.org


Dr. Brandy Brady, Last Names: Ll - Roc and DE for Chatt Tech

Department Chair

Email: brandy.brady@cobbk12.org


Dr. Tammy White, Last Names: Rod - Z and DE for KSU

Email: Tammy.white@cobbk12.org


Mrs. Marilyn Wagner, Counseling Clerk

Email: marilyn.wagner@cobbk12.org


Ms. Theresa Morales, Registrar

Email: theresa.morales@cobbk12.org



CONNECT WITH US ON INSTAGRAM: @sprayberrycounseling


CONNECT WITH US ON TWITTER: @sprayberrycounse1ing

Cobb's Virtual Calming Center

Nature Sounds & Music, Apps for Staying Calm & Connected, Animal Webcams, Visual Relaxation, Puzzles & Games, Coloring & Creativity, Support: Hotlines & Textlines, Exercise, Breathing, Relaxation, & Staying Present

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