EXAMS ARE COMING – Please refer to the information in the previous blog

 Secret Santa – A note from our coordinator, Leslie Rogers

 Secret Santa is well under way in Oconee County.  Our cluster is serving a 105 families totaling over 250 children.  Several clubs and students have already made a huge impact on our families this year.  Many community members and churches have also adopted families. 

 This year, however, Santa's list is long. The needs are many and are basic necessities in many cases.  Even in tough times, we are blessed to have a job, a house, transportation.... Please consider being one of Santa's elves this year.  It isn't hard.  Starting tomorrow, there will be ornaments on the tree in the front office listing a specific gift requested by an Oconee County child (a family number is provided as well).  Maybe pick up an extra gift this year or honor that person for whom it is always difficult to buy a gift by giving in their name.  All your donations will remain in Oconee County.

 Some gently used items Santa is always happy to receive: coats, clothing, PS2 games (the ones our kids beat eons ago and don't play anymore), PSP, Nintendo DS.  Some of these families have received used gaming systems from us in the past and were so excited.  The requests for food or "anything" are more numerous than I have ever seen before so any kind of gift card is wonderfully appreciated.

 Grades 9-12 – New LG Ads targeting inappropriate texting and messaging

 LG has developed a series of ads aimed at kids encouraging them to “give it a ponder” before sending text or pictures.  Although the following article specifically mentions “sexting,” several ads focus on cyber bullying behavior.  The article (with a link to the ads) can be found at: 

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/thehumancondition/archive/2009/12/08/sexting-in-america-the-medium-the-message-and-the-truth-about-teens.aspx

 Grade 9-11 Air Force Day

 Is you student interested in the Air Force Academy and an Air Force Officer career? If so, you may be interested in attending the annual Air Force Academy Candidate Orientation Program.

 The dates for the program are Sunday, December 27 in Marietta and Monday, December 28 in Fayetteville. For more information, please contact Lt Col Vince Compagno at (770) 631-9410. You may also visit the website, www.airforceacademy.net

Exam information for all grades

 Exams will begin on Tuesday, December 15 with all “B” day exams.  All regular block and “A” day exams for 1^st and 2^nd blocks will be Wednesday, December 16.  All regular block and “A” day exams for 3^rd and 4^th blocks will be Thursday, December 17. 

 Students will receive exam exemption/permission to check out forms on Monday, December 14.  If a student is eligible to exempt an exam, they will ask the teacher to sign off on the exemption form.  Please ask your student to keep up with this form; no replacement forms will be issued.

 Seniors may exempt up to four exams, juniors three, sophomores two, and freshmen one each semester.  Teachers may add additional criteria or have the option not to allow students to exempt.  Please read the exemption criteria in the student handbook (posted on the OCHS homepage) for details.  Students owing debts, cafeteria or media fines will not be allowed to exempt.  Students may clear fines during lunch on December 9-11.   All fine fines must be paid before 2:00pm on Friday, December 11^th for students to exempt exams.

Students will be allowed to leave after exams are over on December 16 and 17  if the parent permission to leave for is turned in.  Student or parents must provide transportation on these days; busses will not pick students up from OCHS until 3:30.

 Grades 9-12 Essay Contest

 The Optimist International Essay Contest is now open to all students under the age of 19.This essay contest awards a first place $2,500 college scholarship at the district level. For complete rules, regulations and applications please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office. Essays must be received by the Optimist Club by January 11, 2010.

 Grade 12 – New Scholarships

 The Savannah College of Art and Design is accepting nominations for the SCAD Distinguished Scholars award, a prestigious scholarship in the amount of $18,000 per year. Students may be nominated who have at least a 1220 SAT score or at least a 27 ACT composite score. Also, you must have at least a 3.75 GPA and leadership experience through extra-curricular involvement.  If you meet the criteria and are interested in being nominated, please see Mr. Guthas by February 1, 2010.

 Walton Electric Membership Corporation is pleased to offer one senior student at OCHS a scholarship opportunity. In 1987, a scholarship fund was established in honor of Walter Harrison. Harrison was nationally known for his lifetime efforts to make electricity available to every home in Georgia.

 The criteria for selection are:

1. Recipient's primary residence must be the household of an EMC member or employee

2. A combination of financial need and academic ability will be used in determining the recipients.

If you are interested in being nominated and meet the criteria, please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office by Friday, December 11.

 Scholarships sponsored by the American Legion can be found at www.legion.org/needalift.

11/19/09 - Holidays, Cookbooks and Baby Pictures

Students will be out of school for the Thanksgiving Holidays from Wednesday, November 25 through Friday November 29.  Classes resume on Monday, December 30

 Grades 9-12 – Recipes wanted

Got a great recipe that everyone always wants? Then contribute the 2010 OCHS Cookbook!!

The Athletic Department invites faculty, students, and parents to submit a recipe to the 2010 OCHS Cookbook.

Publication date is April 2010 in time for Mother's Day.

The process is simple and here's how to submit a recipe:

1. Go to www.fundcraft.com. 


2. In the upper right hand corner, type the web id: 16941-09JU -- no password.


3. Login.


4. On the next page in the center, several inches down, is a large orange box that says "short-cut/online" -- click on this.


5. Next page is a recipe card. Fill it out.


6. Put your name and submit the recipe(s) of your choice.


7. If you have any trouble with it, contact Joyce Oliver or Cindy Sellers.

Thanks for contributing and we look forward to some great recipes!!

Grade 12 – Senior Baby Photos for the Yearbook

 Please remind your seniors:

It's time to dust off the photo albums and pull out the baby photos! Please submit a copy, NOT THE ORIGINAL, of your baby picture, along with a TYPED senior quote of ten words or less to Ms. Voyles in C-8. Quotes and baby pictures are due MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2009! Any quotes or photos without names will not be used.

November 11

Grades 10 -12

 Outstanding students may be nominated to attend the 2010 Congressional Student Leadership Conference sponsored by LeadAmerica. For complete details on this program, please visit www.cslc2010.org. If you are interested in being nominated after visiting the website, please see Mr. Guthas by November 20.

 Nominations can now be taken for the National Youth Leadership Forum. This program is open to 10th and 11th graders. For complete details, visit www.nylf.org. After reviewing the website, please see Mr. Guthas if you are interested in being nominated. The nominations must be completed by November 20.

 Grade 12 – New Scholarships

 Seniors interested in attending GA College and State University may be interested in participating in the President's Scholarship Competition for high achieving students. The event will take place Dec 3-4. Please visit www.gcsu.edu/psc for more information and to submit an interest form. If selected to compete, confirmation of attendance and registration fee of $20 is due by November 24.

 The Ronald McDonald House Charities is sponsoring a scholarship program for graduating seniors. Please visit www.rmhc.org for complete program details and eligibility.

 The Epsilon Sigma Alpha Foundation Board of Directors offers about 150 scholarships a year for deserving United States and International students who meet the criteria of individual endowments. The information about the scholarships, requirements and applications is available at www.esaintl.com/esaf. The completed application with all of the documentation must be submitted by February 1, 2010.

November 4

 

Online College Fair - Channel 11 News this morning showed a broadcast of a virtual college fair that is available until Saturday this week. It lets the kids look at colleges virtually all over the US where they can get on live chats with students, have their questions answered in real time, apply for scholarship contests and many other things.  www.collegeweeklive.com

Grade 12 – New Scholarships

For information on the 2010 Student of Integrity Scholarships, please visit http://atlanta.bbb.org/student_scholarships. Students will be selected based on leadership, community service, academic work and an essay. All application materials must be postmarked by January 31.

 DECA's corporate partners are offering $300,000 worth of scholarships. Please visit www.deca.org/schol.html. The DECA scholarship guide can also be found in the guidance office.

 Grade 12 – Invitation Orders

Balfour will be back Nov. 10 during all lunches for Graduation Invitation Orders. A $75.00 deposit is required to place an order.

November 2 - How to negotiate college financial aid

Here's an article/blog from today's AJC about how parents can negotiate better financial aid packages for their students.  These can be especially helpful if your student has their heart set on a private and/or out of state school.

http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2009/11/01/how-to-negotiate-for-better-aid-from-colleges/

October 30

 

 

 

Grade 10 – PLAN  

Next week is the last opportunity for your sophomore to sign up for the PLAN.  The PLAN will be given on the morning of November 11^th and includes a pre-ACT assessment and a career inventory.  This year is their only chance to take this test – don’t let them miss out.

 Students may sign up in the guidance office and the cost is $15.

 Grade 12 – Invitation orders Make-up.

 Balfour will be here Nov. 10 at lunch for Invitation Orders.  A $75.00 deposit is required.

 Grade 12 – New Scholarships

 Georgia Southern has scholarships available for high achieving students who will be attending the university.

For more information, visit http://admissions.georgiasouthern.edu/scholarships.htm.

October 21, 2009

  

Grade 10 – PLAN

10th Graders who would like to take the PLAN (the Pre-ACT) on November 11th can sign up in the guidance office.  The cost is $15. 

Grades 9 and 10 – C-CATS at Clemson

High achieving 9th and 10th grade students who are in the top 10% of their class may be interested in being nominated for the Clemson University's Challenge for Academically Talented Students (C-CATS). During this program, students will have the chance to speak with Clemson's admissions staff, have detailed tours of the campus, attend academic workshops and participate in group skill/team building activities.

There are six C-CATS weekends in March and April. Sessions fill up quickly and are selective, so please see Mr. Guthas in the Guidance Office no later than Monday, November 16 if you are interested in being nominated. For more information about the program, visit www.c-cats.org.

 Grade 12 – New Scholarships 

Minority senior students who have demonstrated financial aid need and at least a 3.3 GPA may be interested in applying for the Gates Millennium Scholar Program. Potential students must be a legal permanent resident of the U.S. and also have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service or extracurricular activities. Please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office if you are interested in being nominated. There is no limit on how many students OCHS can nominate. One thousand students total will be selected. Scholarship applications must be submitted by January 11, 2010.

The G. Wayne Clough Georgia Tech Promise Scholarship program makes it possible for students to earn their college degree debt free. Student eligibility requires the student's immediate family to have an income of less than $33,300 annually. The student must be a legal resident of Georgia as well. For more information, please visit www.promise.gatech.edu.

Afterprom, HOBY Leadership, and Scholarships

Grade 10 – HOBY youth leadership

 

One outstanding sophomore with potential leadership skills from OCHS can be nominated to attend the annual Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar. Please visit www.hoby.org for more information about this program. Any sophomore who wishes to be nominated must see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office by on Friday, Oct 16^th.

 

Grades 11-12 – Afterprom needs you!!!

After Prom is an event held every year for the past 7 years for students of OCHS & NOHS. With the help of parents, businesses and other community organizations we have been able to provide our kids a safe, fun-filled night that reflects the values of our community. It requires participation from many to make it a huge success!

There will be an After Prom Committee/Planning Meeting this next Monday, October 19th at 7:00pm in the Cafeteria at OCHS. Please come volunteer your time and share ideas with us for the upcoming After Prom in April 2010. There will be a brief overview of last year's After Prom, requests for volunteers and suggestions for this year's theme. There are many areas volunteers will be needed in so no matter your talent, we can use your help!

Monthly meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month through January. As the event gets closer, more meetings may be required.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at OCNOAFTERPROM2010@GMAIL.COM.

We look forward to seeing you Monday night!

Grades 10 and 11 – GA Tech FUTURES Program

 

OCHS is invited to nominate six female students in the 10th and 11th grade to attend the Georgia Tech FUTURES visitation program, a women's visitation program for potential GA Tech students. This years visitation day will be on Monday, February 8, 2010 from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM.

 

You must have an "A" or high "B" average in order to be nominated and also have some interest in a field of study at Georgia Tech (www.gatech.edu). During the visitation day, students will be shown an admissions presentation, overview of the majors at Tech, learn about campus life, eat lunch on campus and go on various campus tours. Student registration is $15.00. Parents are welcome to attend and the parent registration is $25.00.

 

Please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office by Friday, October 23 if you are interested in being nominated. Additional information about the program is available at www.visits.gatech.edu/futures. 

 

Grades 10-12 – Essay Contest

 

Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors are invited to participate in the Knight Essay Contest, which is sponsored by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. For complete details, please visit http://www.georgiasocietysar.org/knightessay.htm . Completed essays may also be turned in to Mr. Guthas in the guidance office. All essays much be turned in by January 18 to the local SAR chapter.

 

Grade 12 – New Scholarships

 

GA College & State University's annual President's Scholarship Competition will be on Friday, December 4 with a reception and holiday concert on Thursday, December 3.  For more information, please visit http://www.gcsu.edu/admissions/exploring/presidentsscholarship.htm

 

KFC Colonel's Scholars program is looking for high school seniors with financial need and an entrepreneurial spirit to qualify for the KFC Scholars Program. Awards are up to $20,000 for tuition, fees, books and room & board.  The student must be able to demonstrate financial need, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, plan to pursue a bachelor's degree and have a minimum high school GPA of 2.75.  The online application will be available from December 1, 2009 to February 10, 2010 at www.kfcscholars.org.

 

The Burger King HAVE IT YOUR WAY Foundation will award scholarships again this year to deserving students. Burger King Scholars awards are $1,000 each. To learn more about the program, please visit http://www.haveityourwayfoundation.org.

 

The Servant Leadership Program at Columbus State University is a four-year program that focuses on leadership through service.  CSU is offering scholarships to senior students who are deserving of entrance into the CSU Servant Leadership Program. The amount of the scholarship is $2,500 per year. In return, students have the opportunity to serve in a community agency during the fifteen-week semester; mentor an at-risk child at a local elementary school each week; and go on retreats and participate in social functions.   Please visit www.colstate.edu/servant to learn more about the program. If you are interested in applying for the scholarship, please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office.

Fall Break, Senior Ad Night and PSAT

Oconee County students will be out of school on Thursday, 10/8 through Monday 10/12.  Students return to class on Tuesday, 10/13.

Senior Ad Night Rescheduled!

The senior ad preview night has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct 13 from 5-7 pm. Please plan on coming to check your child's senior ad and ensure everything is as you want it. You may pick up your pictures at this time. For more information contact the yearbook advisor, Mimi Voyles at mvoyles@oconee.k12.ga.us.

 

 

PSAT - All 9th and 10th graders and juniors who signed up will take the PSAT on Wednesday, Oct 14.  A list of where they are to report to can be found posted outside the guidance office.

Senior Ad Preview Night Postponed

The senior ad preview night that was supposed to take place on Monday, October, 5th, has been postponed. We will send you the new date and time as soon as it is rescheduled.

October 1

Grade 12 – Senior Ad Preview night

 

Senior Parents who bought Senior Ads,

Please come view your child's senior ad on Monday, Oct. 5, 2009 between 5:00 and 7:00 in the C-4 computer lab. This is to ensure that everything is as you want it before it goes in the yearbook. You may pick up your pictures at this time. Please contact the yearbook advisor, Mimi Voyles, for more information. Her email is mvoyles@oconee.k12.ga.us.

 

Grade 10 – HOBY Leadership Seminar

 

One outstanding sophomore with potential leadership skills from OCHS can be nominated to attend the annual Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership seminar. Please visit www.hoby.org for more information about this program. Any sophomore who wishes to be nominated must see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office by Wednesday, October 14.

 

Grades 9-12

 

The Center for Latin American and Latino Studies has coordinated a scholarship program for English language study in the Intensive English Program at Georgia State University. The purpose of the scholarship is to support a student who would like to improve his/her English skills prior to apply to GA State for undergraduate study. For more information, you may contact Margarita Munoz at (404) 413-2046 or mmunoz@gsu.edu. The complete application packet must be received no later than Oct 30.

September 25 - Upcoming Deadlines

Upcoming Deadlines

 

11^th Grade – Next Friday is the last day your junior can sign up to take the PSAT!!!  Don’t let them miss out on this last chance to take this test!  Cost is $15 and students can sign up in the guidance office.

 

10^th and 11^th Grade – Youth Leadership Oconee Applications are due to the Chamber of Commerce Office no later than Wednesday, September 30^th.

 

Wheelchair needed

 

The wheelchair in our clinic is on its last wheels.  If you have a wheelchair you would like to donate, please contact our nurse, Valerie Crump. 

 

Homecoming

 

OCHS Homecoming is next week.  See our school webpage for details including information about the parade and game.

September 23, 2009 - New Scholarships for Seniors

Grade 12 – New Scholarships

 

Presbyterian College offers a strong scholarship program in addition to its need-based aid program. In the fall of 2009, approximately 50% of the incoming freshman class received merit-based scholarships. Please visit www.presby.edu for more detailed information about those scholarships. All students who submit a completed admissions application by Nov. 15 will be considered for most merit based scholarships.

 

Senior students who are active in the community, have led a project that benefits others and have overcome personal challenges may be interested in applying for the AXA Achievement Scholarship. To learn more and apply, please visit www.axa-achievement.com. The application deadline is December 15, 2009.

 

MetroPCS is pleased to be continuing the MetroPCS Community Scholars Program for the seventh year. MetroPCS and Kyocera Communications, Inc. are awarding $2,500 scholarships to high school seniors who plan to continue education in college or university programs. In addition, one lucky winner will be awarded a $25,000 scholarship.  For more information and to apply, visit www.metropcs.com/scholarship beginning October 1. Students who are interested in applying will need to return the application materials postmarked no later than November 25, 2009.

September 17

Grade 11

 

College bound juniors may sign up for the PSAT through the end of the month in the guidance office and the cost is $15.  At that time, they will receive a brochure that lists all the colleges and corporations who award scholarships based on PSAT scores.  The brochure also includes a practice test.

 

Remember, this is their only chance to take the PSAT this year and it is $30 cheaper than taking the SAT just for practice.

 

Grades 9 - 10

 

Students received PSAT brochures this week in Warrior Period.  The brochure includes a practice test and other information about the test.   All freshmen and sophomores will take the test and will be given more information about it in the coming weeks.

 

Grades 9-12

 

ATLANA HAWKS POETRY SLAM CONTEST (High Schools) - Calling all high school students! The Atlanta Hawks Poetry Slam is a shout-out especially to you, an invite to turn your thoughts into verse and speak them aloud. Submit your written entry for the Atlanta Hawks Poetry Slam contest, sponsored by Walmart, by Nov. 15th and vie for a chance to spit your verse during a special Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration at the Hawks game on Monday, January 18th. Click on the following link for more information, including an entry form and guidelines: http://www.nba.com/hawks/community/Educational_Programs.html.

 

 Grade 12 – New Scholarships

Boston University announces the 35th annual Trustee Scholarship Competition. This is a four-year, full-tuition scholarship to BU. The deadline to apply is December 1, 2009. For complete details, visit www.bu.edu/admissions/trustee.

 The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) is announcing its second annual "Freedom in Academia" student essay contest. One student will receive a $5,000 college scholarship. Two students will receive a $2,500 college scholarship. For more information on how to enter the contest, please visit www.thefire.org/contests

September 11, 2009

Grades 10-11 – Youth Leadership Oconee

 

Students can pick up applications for Youth Leadership Oconee in the guidance office.  This is a great program to improve leadership skills and learn about their community.  More information and applications can be picked up in the guidance office or downloaded from www.occoc.org.

 

Before applying, please review the program dates and attendance requirements. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 30, and all materials must be turned in to the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce.

 

Don’t let your student miss out on this opportunity!!!!

 

Grade 11- Sign up for the PSAT

 

Any junior who wants to sign up for the PSAT needs to do so by the end of this month.  Remember that this is the best practice for the SAT because you get your test back and online practice linked to your weaknesses.  You or your student can sign up in the guidance office and the cost is $15.

 

Grade 12 – New Scholarship

 

The Georgia Association of Educators is offering the 2010 High School Senior Scholarship for future teachers. For more information and to apply, please visit www.gae.org.

 

Grades 9-12 – Essay Contest

 

The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation invites U.S. high school students to write an original essay on the political courage of a U.S. elected official. For contest information, registration, and to submit your essay online, visit the Profile in Courage Award Program at www.jfklibrary.org. This is open to students in all grade levels.

 

Grades 10-12 – For students interested in attending a military service academy

 

Senator Saxby Chambliss, Senator Johnny Isakson, Congressman Jim Marshall and Members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation cordially invite all students to Academy Day, 2009.

 

Saturday, September 19, 2009 - 10:00 a.m. - Noon

 

North Georgia College & State University

(The Military College of Georgia)

Memorial Hall Gymnasium

706–863–1400

82 College Circle

Dahlonega, Georgia 30597

 

Representatives from all five Military Academies will be available to answer your questions.  Please register by September 18, 2009 by 5:00pm by emailing Theresa_Milligan@chambliss.senate.gov or call (770) 763- 9097.

 

 

 

New Scholarships!

Grade 12 – New Scholarships

 

University of Virginia - The Jefferson Scholars Foundation of The University of Virginia invites OCHS to nominate one outstanding senior student into the competition for Jefferson Scholarships to the University of Virginia. The Foundation seeks to find high school seniors who possess exceptional ability in leadership and scholarship and who show promise of making a significant contribution to the University community. For more information about the Jefferson Scholars Foundation, please visit www.jeffersonscholars.org. Please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office by Friday, October 9 if you are interested in being nominated after visiting the website.

 

Davidson College - OCHS can nominate one outstanding senior student for the John Montgomery Belk Scholarship at Davidson College. This scholarship recognizes and rewards students of outstanding intellectual and personal achievement and significant leadership ability. Up to five Belk Scholars will be chosen in Davidson's Class of 2014, each receiving an annual renewable scholarship equivalent to the college's comprehensive fees. Please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office by October 15 if you are interested in being nominated.

 

Suntrust Off to College - High school seniors can win a $1,000 scholarship for their first year expenses at a college or private career school through the SunTrust Off to College Scholarship Sweepstakes. One winner will be chosen every two weeks from October 30, 2009 through May 14, 2010.   Students can begin registering September 14, 2009, and the first drawing will be held on October 30, 2009. For complete details, visit www.offtocollege.info or www.suntrusteducation.com.

September 3, 2009

Grades 9-12 – Upcoming Dates

 

Friday, September 4 – Progress Reports distributed - ½ day for students  Students will follow the “Early Release” bell schedule found at http://www.oconee.k12.ga.us/ochs/files/filecabinet/folder4/09_10_BELL_SCHEDULE.pdf

 

Monday, September 7 – Labor Day Holiday

 

Wednesday, September 9 – PROBE College Fair at the Classic Center in Athens from 6:00-8:30 pm.  Over 100 schools from Georgia and the southeast will be represented.  This is a great time to start investigating options for your student.

 

Grades 9-12 – Prudential Spirit of the Community Awards

All students who have given generously as a volunteer in the community are invited to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Please visit http://spirit.prudential.com for more information and to apply online. The application deadline is November 2, 2009.

 

Grade 12 – Davidson Scholar

 Top senior scholar athletes may be nominated for the Davidson College Bryan Scholarships and the Davidson Scholars program. For more information, please visit www.davidson.edu/gotgame. See Mr. Guthas if you are interested in being nominated.

 

Grade 10-12 - Mercer Engineering Scholarship Challenge

OCHS can nominate up to three seniors to participate in the Mercer University School of Engineering Scholarship Challenge. This event will take place on November 7, 2009 in Macon, GA. The event will include campus and engineering laboratory tours, followed by a short program. In the afternoon, students will complete a scholarship challenge to help determine aptitude for engineering. For more information about the Mercer Engineering School, please visit www.mercer.edu/engineering. If you are interested in being nominated, please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office. All nomination materials must be completed by September 25. 

 

 

Grades 9-12 - Upcoming events

Monday, August 31st from 5:30-7:30 - Open House

Friday, September 4 - all students will be dismissed at 12:15.  Progress Reports will also be distributed on Friday

PROBE College Fair - Wednesday, Sept 9 from 6:00-8:00pm

Grades 9-12

 Online Safety/Cyberbullying resourses for more information about educating your kds and yourself about web safety

http://www.iKeepSafe.org
http://wiredsafety.org

http://www.cyberbully411.org

Grades 9-12 - Youth Leadership Oconee

 Current 10th and 11th grade youth leaders who want to further develop their leadership skills and channel those skills towards helping others and improving the community should apply for Youth Leadership Oconee. More information and applications can be picked up in the guidance office or downloaded from www.occoc.org.

 Before applying, please review the program dates and attendance requirements. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 30, and all materials must be turned in to the Oconee County Chamber of Commerce.

Grade 12 - New Scholarships

 Dr. Seuss's Oh, the Places You'll Go! College scholarship recognizes a high school senior who understands and values the limitless possibilities that education can offer with a $5,000 scholarship award. Applications may be picked up in the guidance office and must be postmarked by February 15.

 Grades 9-12 Swine Flu- H1N1 update from the school nurse:

With the start of school we anticipate the increase of illness in the school age population. Along with the stomach virus and pink eye we are also seeing students with flu like symptoms. We are in constant contact with local health officials and they continue to stress there is no need for alarm. H1N1 is basically the first cousin to the seasonal flu. It is NOT a super bug and should not inspire any extra concern. The CDC is no longer tracking individual cases because it is becoming so common. Your concerns should be the same as with any flu.

 Flu is different than a common cold. You will experience body aches and fever. If you have body aches and fever it is important to see your doctor early. Anti viral drugs can make a big difference in the severity and duration of the illness.

1. When you are sick stay home. You should be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication before returning to school.


2. Frequent handwashing is the single most important thing you can do to prevent the transmission.


3. Ask your doctor/health dept. about receiving the flu vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

Scholarships and College Fairs Galore!

Upcoming Parent Nights

Monday, August 24th - Freshmen at 6:00 pm (note corrected time)

Monday, August 24th - Sophomore at 7:30 pm (note correncted time)

 

Grades 11-12

 The 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc. invites students to the 2009 College Fair on Saturday, September 26th from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. This year's fair will be held at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta. Admission and financial aid officers from a number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities will showcase their respective institutions. The fair is free and students may want to bring copies of their most recent transcripts as well as any test scores they may have.

 After the fair, students are invited to attend the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic at the Georgia Dome. Ticket prices for the game range from $10 to $45. Ticket orders should be placed no later than Friday, September 18. Please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office for registration materials.

Grade 12 - New Scholarships

  Emory Scholars - The Emory Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious merit-based scholarship programs in American higher education. Emory scholar awards span four years of undergraduate study and range from two-thirds tuition, room, board and fees. 

  OCHS may nominate up to four outstanding students to apply for this program. Please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office by Monday, September 14 if you are interested in being nominated. All nomination materials along with the complete application for admissions to Emory must arrive at the Emory admissions office by November 1.

 Ga Fire Sprinkler - The Georgia Fire Sprinkler Association awards scholarships annually in the amount of $1500, $1000 and $750 to high school seniors through an essay writing contest.

The link for complete information and details is: http://georgiafiresprinkler.org/contest.php

 Coca-Cola Scholars - If you are a truly motivated, dedicated and involved high school senior, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is awarding $3 million a year in scholarships to 250 deserving students. Apply online today at www.coca-colascholars.org. The deadline to receive applications is October 31.

 The Danforth Scholars Program at Washington University in St. Louis honors the student who embraces high ideals, whose life choices are guided by personal integrity, selflessness, a commitment to community, and a dedication to leadership and academic excellence. Danforth Scholars may receive full or partial tuition scholarships to Washington University. For more information on Washington University, please visit the website www.admissions.wustl.edu. Please see Mr. Guthas in the guidance office if you are interested in applying. All scholarship and admission application materials must be turned in by January 15.

Welcome to the blog!

Welcome to the OCHS Guidance blog!  It's been a busy start to the school year, and we already have plenty of information for you.

Grade 9, 10, 11, 12  Parent Nights (all held at the Oconee County Civic Center)

Senior Parent Night - Monday, August 17 @ 6:00 pm

Junior Parent Night - Monday, August 17 @ 7:30 pm

Sophomore Parent Night - Monday, August 24 @ 6pm

Freshmen Parent Night- Monday, August 24 @ 7:30pm

Grades 9-12 - Special message from our nurse

Please keep ill students, especially those with flu-like symptoms, home until 24 hours after their fever ends.  This and common sense precautions (like washing hands, not sharing drinks, etc.) will help reduce the spread of illness here at OCHS.

Grades 9-12 - Applications available for State Superintendent's Advisory Committee

 Students from OCHS may be nominated for the 2009-2010 Student Advisory Council. The Student Advisory Council will meet with Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools, three times per year to discuss how decisions made at the state level are affecting students throughout Georgia. Members are advisors and act as liaisons between the Department of Education and the students in Georgia. Meeting dates are: November 9, 2009, January 25, 2010, and March 8, 2010.

Applications for the Council can be picked up in the Guidance Office and are due by September 30, 2009. All students in grades 9-12 are eligible to apply. Applicants must be well-rounded and involved to be a part of the Council.

Grades 9-12 - Applications available for the Watson-Brown Junior Board

  The T.R.R. Cobb House is accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Athens Area Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board of Trustees.

The Junior Board of Trustees is made up entirely of high school students drawn from fourteen counties in Northeast Georgia. Each year, the Watson-Brown Foundation gives the Junior Board $33,000 to grant to worthwhile historic preservation/restoration projects. The members of the Board devote many hours of time to meetings, research, interviews and site visits in the field of historic preservation.

Applications for the Junior Board of Trustees can be picked up in the Guidance Office. The deadline for all applications and supplementary materials is September 14, 2009.

 Check out the OCHS webpage for announcements, general information and club meetings.