Counseling Department

Past Events:

Missed the January Newsletter?

Upcoming Events:

Washington Youth Tour- Application Deadline: 2/17/19

Savannah Technical College-College visit, 2/20/19

National School Counseling Week 2019, "School Counselors: Providing Lessons for Life," will be celebrated from Feb. 4-8, 2019, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week, sponsored by ASCA, highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.

Regular, one-on-one conversations will make all the difference as you plan for life after high school. Consider these questions and jot down a few notes before you meet with your school counselor. You’ll show up prepared for your next step.

• Have you researched which classes might help you get into the college you want to attend? Or which might be helpful to prepare you for the subject you might want to study?
• Do you have a plan to fit all of the required classes into your schedule before graduation?
• Do you have room for elective courses that might help you get into a good college or win scholarship awards, or do you have questions about what those might be?
• Are you interested in taking advanced placement or dual enrollment classes to earn college credits while you’re in high school?
• Are you planning to take the SAT or the ACT, or both, for your college entrance exam score?
• Have you checked out any of the materials that are available to help you prepare for standardized tests?
• Do you understand the college applications process, or do you need help? Do you know what your GPA needs to be to get into college?
• Do you need help finding information about improving your GPA, or what options might be available if yours is a bit lower than you’d like?
• Have you done much research about colleges you might like to attend? Have you considered how you will pay for college?
• What things, outside of getting good grades, have you been doing to make yourself a good applicant for colleges and scholarships?

This is the perfect time to check out lots of career options. The Web is a great resource for information about specific schools or training programs, and here are some other ways to learn more if you are considering:

1. Attending a four-year college, university, vocational/technical school, or two-year college

• Make a list of the schools that interest you.
  
• Gather information from each school and study it.
  
• Register to take the ACT® test before December of your senior year; spring of your junior year is recommended. All U.S. colleges and universities accept ACT scores.
• Visit the campus of each school you are seriously considering.
• Apply early for admission and housing.
• Apply early for financial assistance. Pay attention to deadlines listed in the financial aid information you receive from your counselor and the school(s) you are interested in attending.
• Find out about local, state, federal, and private student financial assistance programs.
• Make your decision. Take time to review all information carefully and weigh your options.

2. Serving in the Armed Forces

• Visit with friends, neighbors, and relatives who have served in various branches of the Armed Forces.
• Study the military literature available in your counseling office.
• Evaluate any physical limitations that might prevent you from serving in the Armed Forces.
• Compare military training opportunities with possible civilian occupations.
• Arrange with your counselor to visit with various military recruiters during your junior and senior years of high school.
• Compare benefits, tours of duty, training, and promotion opportunities of military programs.

3. Looking for direct employment after high school

• Explore your special abilities and interests with your school counselor.
• Collect and study materials about writing resumes and letters of application.
• Consider whether you want to move away from your home region after high school.
• Visit with individuals working in various occupations that may be of interest to you.
• Become familiar with major employers in the areas where you are interested in working.
• Be knowledgeable about the vocational/technical program offerings available in your high school.
  

· Questions about what classes you’re going to take next year? Curious about what your next two years would look like if you wanted to add some AP or Honors classes? Use the Academic Guide to answer all of these questions and more!

· Students will request courses for the 2019-2020 school year during Advisement on February 7th. Please complete the course registration form with your child prior to this date.

· Don’t forget to keep the HOPE Rigor Course List in mind when registering for classes here at RHHS. You must have a 3.0 GPA once you graduate AND have taken 4 classes from this list.

1. Set short-term and long-term goals: Start with setting long-term goals, and work backwards to set smaller goals to work towards what you want accomplished.

2. Master time management skills: This means making and sticking to schedules and developing systems or organization that work best for YOU. Learning the art of multitasking is key!

3. Select a balanced course load: Remember that while taking rigorous classes is important, overloading yourself will be counterproductive.

4. Be active outside the classroom: Research active issues facing your community and find ways to speak out about them. To learn more about this and how colleges evaluate your involvement in social issues, click this link.

5. Participate in class: Engaging during class time betters your chances of encoding the information to your long-term memory bank.

6. Take care of yourself: Sleep well, eat well, and make sure your taking care of your mental health by practicing healthy coping mechanisms and confiding in others when necessary.

7. Find your passions: Finding what you love to do will make you a more motivated person overall, and in turn help guide you in your future endeavors.

8. Learn to say no: Many times, we run the risk of overextending ourselves in such a fast-paced, and competitive world. It is OK to say that you do not have the time for something.

9. Earn leadership roles: Instead of spreading yourself too thin amongst many different activities, try advancing over time in one particular area that you love. Admissions offices like to see a student that stayed committed and motivated to an organization

10. Build a support network: Don’t wait until you’re drowning to ask for help! Build strong relationships with peers and faculty at school, you never know when you’ll need the extra support.

College admissions officers and hiring managers generally only spend about 7 seconds reading your resume so it’s important to not only gain relevant experiences that demonstrate your skills and abilities, but also develop a well-crafted, professional-looking resume. Here are some tips to help you write a strong resume for your first post-high school job or college from The Balance Careers.

Focus on education. Your academic history is essential. Add the name of your high school, any achievements (e.g., high GPA), and awards. If you have taken courses related to core values of the college or the job for which you’re applying, list those too.

Include relevant jobs. What transferable skills have you developed from your experiences? Transferable skills are skills that can be transferred from one experience to another like organization or teamwork. For example, you might include your job as a restaurant host if it helped you build customer service or communication skills.

Include extracurricular activities. Most high school students have limited work experience so it’s beneficial to emphasize any non-work activities. This includes clubs, sports, babysitting, volunteer work, or community service. These activities can demonstrate your skills, abilities, and passions.

Include leadership experience. Have you been elected for a leadership position in a club, or been chosen as a captain on a sports team? Were you given any leadership responsibilities at your previous jobs? List these experiences on your resume, as they highlight your ability to lead and communicate effectively.

Use action verbs. Action verbs help describe your achievements. Words like managed, researched, and adapted actively portray your experiences. Check out this list of action words to help you bring energy to your resume.

Quantify when possible. Whenever possible, you should include numbers to exemplify your achievements. For example, you might say that you worked the cash register at a store that managed $10,000 daily, or that you helped 50-100 customers daily at your retail job.

Edit, edit, edit. This cannot be emphasized enough. Proofread your resume carefully before submitting it to a college or employer. A clean, error-free resume will help you look professional and organized. Friends and family members can review your resume for errors and give you a fresh perspective on its presentation.

Use a resume example or template. Guide your resume writing using an example or template. Resume examples help you decide what kind of information to include and give you ideas on formatting your resume. Be sure you tailor your resume example to fit your own experiences and the college or job to which you’re applying.

For more information about career and college planning, click here.

About the Program

In the summer before their senior year, students join hundreds of their peers from across the country – all-expenses paid – for an incredible week in our nation’s capital. The tour is a fast-paced leadership opportunity to see what makes America tick.

This year the tour will be June 13-20.

Plus, each of those chosen earn a $1,000 cash scholarship.

The Washington Youth Tour, sponsored nationally by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) and statewide by Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (GEMC), is a jam-packed backstage pass to Washington, D.C.

It offers rising high school seniors – students currently juniors – an unforgettable leadership experience in our nation’s capital. It’s free!

Since 1965, the Washington Youth Tour has given 1,650 students in Georgia and more than 40,000 students nationwide the opportunity to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. The program was initially implemented at the request of President Lyndon Johnson to “send youngsters to the nation’s capital where they can actually see what the flag stands for and represents.”

Apply NOW!

https://coastalemc.formtracking.com/forms/web/form14.html

Questions: Please see Ms. Bunyan, Rm 516

February is quiet… If you have been on track and already applied/enlisted or already know where you will be working-GREAT… If you haven’t …GET BUSY!

1. Don’t forget about your extracurriculars and grades

We can’t stress this enough – don’t slack off, no matter how tempted you might be.

2. Make sure you’re on track to graduate
Talk to your school counselor to make sure you have all the credits you need to graduate. Don’t forget about your cap and gown, senior fees, announcements!

3. See if you need or want to take AP, CLEP, or SAT Subject Tests
Some of these tests can qualify as college credit at many schools. See which ones work for you by doing the research at the institution you will be attend. Be sure to study for these exams by utilizing the free resources at the respected sites.

4. Rank your top college choices
Whether by tuition costs, academic programs, or location, start deciding which college is your top choice.

5. Make sure you haven’t missed scholarship and housing deadlines $$$
You wouldn’t want to miss a good scholarship opportunity because you forgot the date. Visit the financial aid page of your schools often. Look at the RHHS scholarship page under Senior to see the local scholarships available! The less competition, the better your chances of getting selected!

6. Write thank you notes to any writers of letters of recommendation
Your teacher, community member or family friend that wrote that letter helped contribute to your acceptance. Even if you weren’t accepted, you should still show your gratitude for the time they spent recommending you. Kindness counts!

At RHHS, many of our juniors and seniors are well into their college preparation. Most are in the process of taking the ASVAB, ACT, and SAT - and others are already visiting colleges independently and filling out applications.

RHHS is excited to be offering monthly college field trip opportunities this year to eligible juniors and seniors on a first come/first serve basis for the first 35 students to register.

RHHS junior and senior applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Passing all classes with a 70 or higher (2nd semester)

2. No more than 3 tardies (2nd semester)

3. No more than 3 excused absences (2nd semester)

Eligible 11th and 12th grade students may register through this link

*Parents of the first 35 applicants each month are welcome and encouraged to volunteer as chaperones. Contact Jennifer Blanton, school counselor, at jblanton@bryan.k12.ga.us with any questions about eligibility criteria.

STUDENTS: PLEASE REGISTER FOR FIELD TRIPS WITH AN EMAIL ADDRESS THAT YOU CHECK REGULARLY

February 8, 2019

Pooler, GA

The Georgia Ports Authority Y.E.S. (Youth learning Equipment and Safety) Program is a valuable work-based learning opportunity that will train, influence, and prepare students to become top performing employees for the GPA. The Y.E.S. Program will offer on-the-job training that will give the students experience that will specifically meet GPA’s workforce needs. This program will help students achieve their dreams and develop a world-class workforce for the state of Georgia and beyond. The Program will include:

• Developing in-demand skills particularly through work-based training, with special emphasis on equipment operation and safety.

• Enhancing the student’s employability by obtaining critical sought-after work skills

• Creating a pathway to connect and mentor with tenured employees

• GPA career and training development

• Our goal is to select eight students from Savannah-area public and private schools, predicated on GPA’s growth. Those interested in taking part should contact their school counselors and school administrators for more information. Packets are available in all school counselors’ offices and in the College & Career Center (Rm 602).

• School administrators will begin accepting resumes February 1, 2019 thru March 31, 2019.

Click on link for more details from the Georgia Ports Authority.

Presented by Coastal Electric Cooperative

Walter Harrison, a native of Millen, GA was known across the state and nation as “Mr. Rural Electrification” for his pioneering efforts in the electric cooperative industry and his lifelong dedication to improving life in rural areas.

In 1985, Coastal Electric Cooperative joined with other electric cooperatives of Georgia in founding a scholarship to honor the late Walter Harrison. Coastal Electric selects three nominees to compete for the $1,000 statewide scholarships.

More than $125,000 has been awarded since the program began. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and financial need.

Eligibility: Residents of south Bryan, Liberty and McIntosh counties who are graduating seniors, college students, or adult students returning to school are eligible to apply. The recipient’s primary residence must be the household of a Coastal Electric Cooperative member or employee.

Purpose: The $1,000 scholarships are for undergraduate studies and are non-renewable.

Judging: Applications are judged on the basis of the applicant’s commitment to community, integrity, accountability, innovation, and financial need.

Click on link for more details and application.

Deadline for applications is February 19, 2019.

Please complete and return applications to the TLC office using this link. Interview notification/scheduling will occur sometime after February 22, 2019 and you must be available for a face to face interview during late February-early March 2019.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Students enrolled in a college or technical school during the 2018-2019 school year who are interested in pursuing a career in the culinary, tourism, or hospitality industry. Preference will be given to those enrolled in these specific programs, but anyone is encouraged to apply. High school students who will enroll in college or technical school in 2019 are also eligible to apply.

• Must maintain a 3.0 or above grade point average (as of most recent grading period).

• A current resume, including any work experience, extracurricular activities, community involvement and awards.

• Two letters of recommendation. Recommendations can be from teachers, professors, supervisors, etc.

Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Tourism Awards and Scholarship Dinner on March 28, 2019; all recipients are requested to attend this event. Each scholarship recipient and one guest are invited to the dinner at no charge. Scholarship money will be distributed after school enrollment verification. Scholarship money will be made out to the student and may be used at the student’s discretion.

Click on link for more details and application.

Deadline for applications will be February 22, 2019

Due to the unique challenges faced by military families, the Department of Defense offers private and confidential counseling services to military service members and their families. The mission of the MFLC program is to provide short-term, solution focused counseling, support and education. Military counselors may assist military connected students with a variety of issues including: communication, self-esteem/self-confidence, school issues, life stressors, resolving conflicts, behavioral management techniques, building resiliency, sibling/parental relationships, and deployment and reintegration. Within a safe, therapeutic relationship, MFLCs help military children and their parents to cope with normal reactions to the varied stresses of military life, to enhance their lives and to boost military readiness and resiliency.

Dawn Imler is the military counselor at RHHS. She is on campus Tuesday/Thursday (all day) & Wednesday (morning) in the LINK. If you have any questions about the program stop by the LINK or call (912)271-9725.

Students with last names:

Rhashida Bunyan- (A thru Daly)

Emily Neff- (Daniel thru Hernandez)

Deanna Appleton- (Herring thru Michaud)

Laine Lynch- (Michel-Sanchez)

Saraswati Hendricks- (Sanderlin-Z)

Jennifer Blanton- (Graduation Coach)

Dawn Imler- (Military Family Life Counselor)

If you have any questions please contact:

rbunyan@bryan.k12.ga.us

Email: rbunyan@bryan.k12.ga.us
Website: http://www.bryan.k12.ga.us/o/RHHS/page/school-counseling--7
Location: 1 Wildcat Drive, Richmond Hill, GA, USA
Phone: 9124596403