Pisgah High School
Junior Newsletter
December 2009
#1 Black Bear Dr. Canton, NC 28716 (828)646-3440

Important Dates to Remember

Summer Opportunity!
Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics:
This is a cost-free, state-funded program for academically talented students who may pursue careers based in science and mathematics. See Mr. Blackburn in the Counseling Center if interested.
US Military Academy Summer Leaders Seminar 2010
Thinking about a Military Service Academy? West Point offers a Summer Leaders Seminar during the summer. If interested, come by the Counseling Center for more information.

We recommend that students take the SAT twice during their junior year.
The SAT combines the best overall score, therefore it is to the student’s advantage to take the SAT more than once.
The SAT is offered at Pisgah in May and at Tuscola in June of 2010.
By waiting until later in the junior year, students have the opportunity to learn more English and Math skills that will benefit them on the test. However, juniors are eligible to take the SAT at any time during their junior year.
To register for the SAT, visit www.collegeboard.com. Our school code is 340-565. You must list our school code in order for us to get your scores.

Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
www.fafsa.ed.gov
SCHOLARSHIPS
Fastweb.com
Education
North Carolina Community College System
www.ncccs.nc.us/
The University of North Carolina System
www.ga.unc.edu
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
www.ncicu.org/
The College Board
www.collegeboard.com
The College Foundation of North Carolina
www.cfnc.org
ACT Assessment
www.act.org

Important Web Addresses

Phone: 828-456-2408
Fax: 828-456-2466

Organization

Your
Counselors
Lori Mills
Students with last names A-G
Stan Blackburn
Students with last names H-O
Teresa Heinz
Students with last names P-Z

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while
knowledge
defines all we
currently know and understand,
imagination points to all we might yet discover and
create.”
Albert Einstein

When do we take the SAT?

PSAT—Test results will be available in early January. We’ll announce the schedule for meeting with you and your parents.
Saturday School - Check with your teachers to see if you have over six (6) absences. If you do, get an Appeal Packet in the Main Office or Counseling Center ASAP and follow the enclosed instructions. Saturday School will be held December 19, 2009 and January 9, 2010.
Final Exams - exams for first semester are scheduled for mid-January. Be aware that some exams are state EOC’s and a passing score is required for graduation. In general, final exams count for 25% of your first semester final grade. They are a big deal!!!!

Your counseling center is a great resource that is available to you. You can find tons of information on college or military visits to your school. The most important resource in the Counseling Center is the counseling staff. A school counselor can help you with questions about academics, college applications, career paths, or other concerns you have about planning for your future or life in general. You will also most likely need your counselor to write a letter of recommendation for you for college or other opportunities. Getting to know your counselors early will help make this process smoother. They are there to help you, so it is a good idea to meet your counselor now so you can build a relationship throughout your years in high school.
To schedule an appointment with your counselor, just stop by the Counseling Center and talk to Mrs. Hardin.

Pisgah Counseling Center

High School Juniors Fall and
Winter Action Plan
* Step up your involvement in one or two organizations. It's not the number of organizations you belong to, but that you have leadership experience that matters the most.
* Begin keeping track of your community service activities and hours. If you haven’t already, start a “College File” and keep it somewhere you and your parents can put your hands on it anytime you have something to add.
* Start collecting materials for your portfolio and begin identifying accomplishments and achievements you will list on your resume.
* Talk with teachers, family members, and other adults you respect about the colleges they attended.
* Begin the career exploration process with some assessment tests.
* Keep your focus on your grades. You'll want your grades for this entire junior year to be as strong as possible.
* Continue your research in potential colleges and careers.
* Continue gathering materials for your resume and portfolio.
* Once you receive your PSAT scores, make plans for how to maximize the good and plan to improve the rest.
* Look ahead to the spring and summer and begin mapping out the dates for your other standardized tests: AP Placement Exams, ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests.
* Stay focused on grades!
If you need help with ANY of these things, please make an appointment to see your counselor!!!

Scholarship Opportunity
Are you a high school junior who aspires to attend Elon University? If so, check out the Elon University North
Carolina Junior Elon Scholars
You must demonstrate:
superior academic achievement
Exceptional involvement in activities which are highly valued as part of an Elon education
Combined critical reading, writing, and math SAT score of 1870 or higher (will consider January 23, 2010 score)
Co-curricular achievements should demonstrate sustained commitment and leadership
Selection is not based on financial need.
Students may apply online at
www.elon.edu/e-web/admissions/justnc.xhtml
Or come by the counseling center for more information!

Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
www.fafsa.ed.gov
SCHOLARSHIPS
Fastweb.com
Education
North Carolina Community College System
www.ncccs.nc.us/
The University of North Carolina System
www.ga.unc.edu
North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities
www.ncicu.org/
The College Board
www.collegeboard.com
The College Foundation of North Carolina
www.cfnc.org
ACT Assessment
www.act.org

Important Web Addresses