Governor's School 2016 Auditions Update

We had several students who are competing at the state level for a chance to attend Governor’s School 2016. Performing Arts students are required to audition and several have been asking about audition information. As promised, we want to update you as we get pertinent information. The following information was given to HHS and we would like to share with those auditioning.

• General audition information is already available on page 8 of the Nomination Packet.
•  In early January, each nominee will receive an official audition invitation letter with specific details on assigned times, locations, parking and more. Also, the Governor’s School website is being updated with detailed info on each audition area so students can begin their preparations.
• IN-PERSON AUDITIONS –Here is the schedule:
•  Saturday, February 6 – Dance audition #1 only (Statesville High School, Statesville)
•  Saturday, February 13 – Instrumental Music, Theater and Visual Art auditions only (Meredith College, Raleigh)
•  Saturday, February 20 – Choral Music auditions and Dance audition #2 only (Meredith College, Raleigh)
•  Last year, Governor’s School offered an alternate audition (i.e., YouTube video) option for Choral Music, Instrumental Music and Theater nominees with a school-related schedule conflict. It was favorably received, and this year they are expanding this option to include Visual Art and for any predetermined reason (e.g., schedule conflict, travel distance/time, finances, etc.). Please know that the video closely replicates the in-person audition experience in both structure and rigor; neither provides a selection advantage. Once again, this is an option but it can only be requested by the school. This option should not be viewed as an ‘easy out.’ More info is coming later this month to the school contacts (Mrs. Mullen), along with an official request form. Alternate audition requests cannot be made prior to that time.
• NOTE: This alternate option is not available for Dance, due to the interactive and responsive nature of that audition. To accommodate this, Governor’s School is offering two in-person Dance audition opportunities, as noted above. A Dance student can participate in either audition (but not both), whichever is more convenient.
•  If there is a sudden weather event that prevents students from attending the in-person audition, we will extend the video option to those students. No need to worry about those details right now; just know that a plan is in place if needed.

Stay tuned for more information!

Weekly Rundown: October 31 - November 7, 2015

We hope you enjoyed your 4-day week this week. We are now in the 2nd 9 weeks of the semester so make sure you get those grades up and keep them up!! If you struggled the 1st 9 weeks, now is your chance to redeem yourself!

There's a lot going on next week...

Counselors will be in the computers lab assisting students Monday - Thursday for College Application Week. College Application Week (November 2 – 6) is a statewide program to provide seniors the opportunity to apply to college online through CFNC. To participate you must have an updated and accurate CFNC.org account. (See your counselors to find your username or rest your password.) Also, research colleges and universities prior to the event to find out what schools offer the “best fit.” For more assistance, see the downloadable document, “Updating Your CFNC.org Account,” on the CAW Seniors page. Students that qualified for Fee Waivers through the SAT College Board programs are available to students electronically through their College Board Account. This year, all 110 NC colleges and universities have agreed to accept the College Board fee waiver for students who are eligible. Additionally, some schools have decided to go above and beyond and outright waive their application fees for all students applying during CAW. If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you will need to pay the application fee to submit your application unless the fee has been waived by the college you are interested in. Seniors, if you are interested in applying to colleges through this program next week, please sign up for a morning or afternoon session. Sign-up sheets are available in the Counseling Office. You will receive a pass to come to the media center the day you choose to participate. For additional information, please visit the CFNC College Application Week Website or see your counselor.

Also...

Saturday, October 31st:

• Coca Cola Scholars scholarship deadline (info in October's Senior Newsletter)

Sunday, November 1st:

• Champions for Christ scholarship deadline (info in October's Senior Newsletter)

Monday, November 2nd:

• All completed Governor's School packets are due to Mrs. Mullen by the end of the day. We will NOT accept late packets. Packets must include: 2 page application, 2 page experience form, 2 essays, 2 SEALED recommendation letters. If you have a question about the packet, see Mrs. Mullen prior to to ensure your packet is complete. 

Tuesday, November 3rd:

• Prudential Award scholarship deadline (info on our Announcements page on our Counseling website)
• Jack Kent Cooke scholarship deadline (info in October's Senior Newsletter)

Thursday, November 5th:

• Registration deadline for the December SAT

Friday, November 6th: 

• Registration deadline for the December ACT 

Saturday, November 7th:

• November SAT test date. HHS students more than likely registered to take the SAT at Lenoir-Rhyne. Make sure you have your admission ticket and are on time!! 

Seniors, make sure you're turning in admissions letters and copies of any scholarship money you're getting. We want to celebrate you! 

Have a good weekend,

Your HHS Counselors

Governor's School Info 2015-2016

It's that time of the year again...Governor's School time!! Some of you have been anxiously awaiting info on Governor's School and some of you may have never heard of Governor's School.

Here's what you need to know right now:

What is it? The oldest statewide summer residential program for gifted and talented high school students in the nation. It's for current high school juniors at the top of their game in certain subject areas. Certain areas allow sophomores to also participate (see below). Area options are:

• English
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Spanish
• French
• Visual Arts
• Instrumental Music**
• Choral Music**
• Theater
• Dance**

** = Sophomores can apply as well. 

Mrs. Mullen and/or Mr. Pait will be visiting some applicable classrooms to advertise the opportunity. We will also have an information meeting for all interested students during SMART Lunch B on Wednesday, Oct. 21 in the Student Services Room (located in Counseling office). 

Handout distributed in classroom & SMART Lunch information meetings: Basic Governor's School Information & the 2015-16 Timeline

A Governor's School representative will be coming to HHS Wednesday, Oct. 21st from 6:00 - 7:00 PM to tell you everything you need to know & to answer your questions. This is a local event, open to all surrounding counties and schools and their students and parents as well. Last year, HHS had student Natalie Alms attend, and she will be there that evening to answer any questions you have for her as well.

We are taking teacher- and self-nominations October 15-22. A teacher nominee isn't held in any higher regard than a self-nominee, just so you are aware! We simply want to make sure we get the opinions of the teachers and the students in ensuring we get the best of the best and no one is overlooked!!

If you are interested at all, nominate yourself!
Don't know if a teacher nominated you? It doesn't matter. Nominate yourself!

Not sure if you qualify? Nominate yourself anyways!

You never know! There is no obligation to anything to nominate yourself!

Once someone is nominated, we check their eligibility. All eligible students will need to attend a brief info session Friday, Oct. 23rd at 7:30AM in the mall/cafeteria to get additional info to proceed and to receive a nomination packet. All nominees will be notified from Counseling via letter to let them know if they were eligible or not.

What makes a student eligible? You have to be a legal resident (not necessarily a citizen) of NC, a current junior (or applicable sophomore-- see above), and score at least in the 92nd percentile on a qualifying achievement test. Options include but are not limited to: ACT, SAT, PSAT, PLAN, or an EOC exam. See page 7 of the Nomination Packet for more information.

Again, if you aren't sure if you'll qualify, nominate yourself anyways!

Why are we advertising this so much? BECAUSE IT IS A BIG DEAL! It is a big deal to be considered. It is an even bigger deal to attend and we want all of HHS' best in the running to attend Governor's School 2016!! Governor's School looks FANTASTIC on a college application and resume!!

All Governor's School documents are located on the HHS Counselors' website under the Useful Links and Documents tab.

Got questions?? See Mrs. Mullen. You can stop by her office, email her, or call 828-322-5860 ext. 1110.

Good luck, nominees!! 

Weekly Rundown for September 21-25

Monday, Sept. 21:

• Apex progress reports go out to all students taking online courses through Apex. Tutorials will be assigned for students not on target to finish their courses on time.

Tuesday, Sept. 22:

• Last day to register late for the October 3rd SAT. If you have a fee waiver, you will not have to pay a late registration fee. If you don't have a fee waiver, you will have to pay an extra fee to register late.

Thursday, Sept 24:

• Deadline to register for the PSAT. It will be held at HHS on October 14th. See Ms. England in the Counseling office to register. Students who are currently in Math II or who were in Math II in the spring 2015 semester, can take the PSAT for free. However, they still need to come to the counseling office to register. All other students must pay a $15.
• College Fair at CVCC from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Representatives from numerous colleges and universities in NC will be in attendance to give you info and answer any questions you have. Make sure you come check them out! 

Friday, Sept 25:

• Deadline for the John Hoyle Chapter of DAR scholarship. See September's Senior Newsletter for more info. 

Counselors should have finished their senior conferences this week. (There may still be a few pending.) Parents, talk to your senior about what was discussed. Seniors, make sure you review the materials given during your senior conference. 

Junior conferences are next on the counselors' to-do list. Junior parents, be on the lookout for junior conference info coming.

Quick heads up: Governor's School info is coming soon!

Also, if you are interested in the NC School of Science and Math, please see Mrs. Guill in the front office for info on an upcoming presentation. 

Make sure you are following your HHS Counselors on Facebook & Twitter for up-to-date info. We don't want you to miss anything! 

Facebook: Hickory High School Counselors

Twitter: @COUNSELINGatHHS

Have a great weekend,
Your HHS School Counselors