PDS Counseling Newsletter

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Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of individuals whose roots come from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. As school counselors, we believe that every student’s background and identity matter. This month gives us a special opportunity to celebrate and uplift the voices of our Hispanic and Latinx students and families.

This is also a great time to reflect on your goals, values, and strengths. We encourage students and families:

• To take pride in your heritage -- A 2017 study published by the American Psychological Association, found that among ethnic minority adolescents, ethnic pride and self-esteem help promote school belonging over time. Students who felt proud of their heritage also reported feeling more connected to school, which links to better attendance and engagement.
• Talk about future goals (college, career, and beyond) -- The University System of Georgia reports that Latino student enrollment has grown by 9.1% recently, showing more Hispanic students are pursuing postsecondary education in Georgia.
• Have open conversations about mental health and well-being -- A 2021 systematic review of barriers and facilitators for mental health service use among minority adolescents, parental attitudes and beliefs about mental health emerged as key factors. When parents perceive mental health issues as valid and engage in open conversations, adolescents are more likely to access support.

Resources for Educators:

• National Education Association – The Legal and Pedagogical Case for Culturally Responsive and Racially Inclusive Education: This report argues that when curricula and instruction are culturally inclusive (representing diverse ethnic groups authentically), students become more engaged, perform better, and maintain stronger connections to their education.
• MAEC – Racial Identity, Academic Identity, and Academic Outcomes for Students of Color
  This brief demonstrates the link between racial/ethnic identity and academic outcomes, explaining how students who more fully integrate their cultural identity in academic contexts tend to perform better and feel more motivated.
• Colorín Colorado – Culturally Responsive Instruction Resource List
  A vetted list of guides, videos, and tools on culturally responsive teaching (CRT), many of which focus on linguistically and culturally diverse learners.

🟦 9th Grade

• You’ve made it through your two months of high school! Great job!

• October is a great time to check in on grades and routines. Are your current habits helping you stay on top of assignments?

• Remember to attend Flex Fridays and Wednesday Flex Blocks for extra support if needed.

• Start thinking about clubs, volunteer work, and activities you might want to explore. These help you build a strong resume for the future!

🟩10th Grade

• Review your progress in your classes and take advantage of tutoring and flex time if you’re struggling.

• Make sure you’re completing any remediation or Credit Recovery if needed to stay on track for graduation.

• Start thinking about your career interests. Use SchooLinks to explore career options!

• PSAT is October 22nd!

• Parents: Ask your student what they’re enjoying this year and how you can support them in staying organized and motivated.

🟪11th Grade

• This is a critical academic year! Your 11th grade GPA is the one colleges will look at first.

• Are you on track to take or register for the SAT or ACT?

• If you're struggling in any classes, talk to your teacher and take advantage of Credit Recovery options or tutoring before the semester gets away from you.

• Start researching colleges, technical schools, or career programs. SchooLinks has great tools to help!

🟨12th Grade

• This is your final year, make it count! Double check that you're passing the classes you need for graduation.

• Submit college applications early and start applying for scholarships! Your counselor can help review applications or essays.

• Complete your FAFSA as soon as it opens this month!

• Ask for letters of recommendation now. Give your teachers and counselors plenty of time.

• Parents: Make sure you’re in the loop on deadlines and graduation requirements. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s counselor with any questions.

The Counseling Office operates by appointment only.

Students can request an appointment with their counselor by clicking here or by scanning the QR code posted in the Counseling Office. After submitting a request, students will receive a pass when their counselor is available to meet. In some cases, if the question can be more easily addressed by email, the counselor may respond that way instead.

If a student is experiencing a mental health emergency, they should come directly to the Counseling Office, no appointment needed.

Parents and guardians may request an appointment by phone or email. We're happy to assist you in scheduling a time to meet with us!

We have a new website with helpful information about our department and request counseling appointments, find relevant information for each grade level, college and career and dual enrollment!

Hi Families of our 9th graders! On Oct 21 & 23, the PDS Counselors will be with 9th grade Language Arts classes to deliver the required Teen Lures lesson. Please check out this link for more information.

English: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fTLovWaEubjV6cl7smydxADhWYmExVt0/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=1…

Spanish: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JdNjmunkPd9UcTGlTOmc7EIsMXBJAKEy/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=1…

When: Thursday, October 2; 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm in the Commons

When: Tuesday, October 7 in the Commons

Who: All grades

When: Wednesday, October 8 in the Commons

Who: All grades

When: Tuesday, October 21st in the Commons

Who: All grades

When: Thursday, October 23

Who: Small group - registration required

Use the form below to refer yourself or someone you know to CARE team. A counselor will get in touch with you! 😊

CARE Team is always accepting donations of items in our wishlist! Your generosity is appreciated.

Sofia Cevallos - 9th and 10th grade, Last Names A-K (sofia.cevallos@gcpsk12.org)

Tony Rhone - 9th and 10th grade, Last Names L-Z (tony.rhone@gcpsk12.org)

Donyale Turner - 11th and 12th grade, Last Names A-K (donyale.turner@gcpsk12.org)

Justin Francisco- 11th and 12th grade, Last Names L-Z (justin.francisco@gcpsk12.org)

Leslie Patel - College & Career Counselor, Dual Enrollment Coordinator (leslie.patel@gcpsk12.org)

Ashley Morris - Special Projects (ashley.morris@gcpsk12.org)

Devin Jones - Administrator (devin.jones@gcpsk12.org)

The College and Career Center is here to help Paul Duke STEM High School students plan for their future after graduation. We are here to help students reach their goals, develop a plan to achieve them, and provide them with the most up-to-date information that ensures each student is successful with their post-secondary options. This includes four-year college, community college, military enlistment, employment, and/or vocational training.

Use the form below to request a Letter of Recommendation from your counselor!

Scholarship Description

Each year, Chick-fil-A restaurant Team Members across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico are offered the opportunity to apply for college scholarships through the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ scholarship program. Since 1973, we’ve been able to donate more than $215 million to award more than 122,000 Team Member scholarships to help them pursue a higher education and achieve their remarkable future — whether it’s with Chick-fil-A or elsewhere.

Scholarship Details

• True Inspiration Scholarship awards $25,000 to outstanding Team Members
• Leadership Scholarship offers $1,000 or $2,500 for education-related expenses
• Scholarships can be used at accredited colleges, universities, and technical or vocational schools
• Funds can support both full-time and part-time students

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a Chick-fil-A restaurant Team Member (franchised, company-owned, or affiliated)
• Open to students in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico
• Must be enrolled or planning to enroll in an accredited post-secondary institution
• Demonstrated leadership, service, and academic commitment required

Application Process

1. Visit the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarships website during the application window
2. Complete the online application with required personal and academic information
3. Submit supporting materials, which may include transcripts, recommendation letters, and essays
4. Apply by the posted deadline to be considered for available awards

Every year through the Remarkable Futures Scholarship program, $1,000, $2,500 and $25,000 scholarships are awarded to Team Members who work at a franchised, company-owned and/or affiliated restaurant. The scholarships can be used at any accredited college, university or technical/vocational school and are available for both full-time and part-time students. Best of all? All scholarship funds are paid in advance.

Application Deadline: October 28

Scholarship Description

The National Merit Scholarship Program is an annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college undergraduate scholarships that began in 1955. The program is conducted by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®), a not-for-profit organization that operates without government assistance. United States high school students enter the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which serves as an initial screen of over 1.3 million entrants each year, and by meeting published program entry and participation requirements.

Scholarship Details

• Annual nationwide academic competition run by NMSC
• More than 1.3 million entrants each year
• Recognition includes Commended Student, Semifinalist, and Finalist designations
• Scholarships can be corporate-sponsored, college-sponsored, or NMSC-funded

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a U.S. high school student entering through the PSAT/NMSQT®
• Must take the PSAT/NMSQT in the correct year of high school (October for entry into the program)
• Must meet published program entry and participation requirements by NMSC®
• Most entrants will complete high school and enroll in college two years after entering the program

Application Process

1. Register for and take the PSAT/NMSQT in October
2. Ensure you meet the eligibility and program entry requirements
3. Receive your Selection Index score, which determines eligibility for recognition levels
4. High scorers will be notified of Commended Student or Semifinalist status
5. Semifinalists must complete an additional application to advance to Finalist standing
6. Finalists are considered for one of 7,590 scholarships awarded by NMSC, corporations, or colleges

The National Merit Scholarship Program provides high-achieving students with recognition and financial support as they begin their undergraduate education. By taking the PSAT/NMSQT in October, students can compete for opportunities in the program cycle two years later.

Application Deadline: October 31

Scholarship Description

Since 1947, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) has dedicated itself to fostering patriotism and nurturing the potential of the future generation. The Voice of Democracy audio-essay program, initiated by the VFW, provides a remarkable platform for high school students (grades 9-12) to express their thoughts on democratic and patriotic themes through recorded essays.

Scholarship Details

• Provides a unique platform for self-expression on democratic and patriotic themes.
• Awards over $2 million in educational scholarships and incentives annually.
• National first-place winner receives a $35,000 scholarship sent directly to their American university, college, or vocational/technical school.
• Additional national scholarships range from $1,000 to $21,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to high school students in grades 9-12.
• Must be a US citizen or permanent resident.
• Must be planning to attend college following their high school graduation.

Application Process

1. Read the rules and eligibility requirements.
2. Download and complete the Voice of Democracy entry form.
3. Submit entries to a sponsoring local VFW Post by the scholarship deadline.

A complete list of other national scholarships range from $1,000-$21,000, and the first place winner from each VFW Department (state) wins at least a scholarship of $1,000. Students interested in participating must submit their audio essay prepared on this year's theme, with a completed entry form, to their local participating VFW Post.

Application Deadline: October 31

Recognizes and honors some of our nation's most distinguished graduating 12th graders.

Application Dates: September 1 – November 1

Identifies and honors Georgia 12th graders who have achieved excellence in school and community life.

Application Dates: January 1 – March 1

The Georgia Scholar Program Brochure will be available in late Fall.

If that’s you or your child, know that you are not alone, and what you’re feeling is completely valid.

The Weight of Being “The First”

Being the first can feel like carrying the hopes and dreams of an entire family on your back. You might feel pressure to succeed, even when you're still figuring things out. You might worry about disappointing your parents or feel like you need to stay strong all the time even when you're struggling.

Maybe your parents don’t fully understand how hard that AP class is, or how stressful it is to plan for college applications. Or maybe you’ve been expected to balance school with a part-time job, or take care of younger siblings at home. All of that is a lot for one person.

The truth is that first-gen students often face unique emotional and mental health challenges that don’t always get talked about enough.

The good news is, there are ways to protect your mental health, and plenty of support to help you along the way. Here are some small but powerful reminders:

• You don’t have to have all the answers right now. No one does. It’s okay to take things one step at a time.

• You are allowed to ask for help. Talk to your counselor, email that teacher, or reach out to a mentor. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

• You don’t have to do it alone. There are resources at school and in the community meant for you.

For Parents and Caregivers

If you're a parent or caregiver of a first-generation student, your support matters more than you know. Even if the education system feels unfamiliar, simply asking questions like “How are you feeling about school?” or “Is there anything I can do to help you?” opens the door for powerful conversations.

Your child may not always have the words to explain what they're going through but knowing you’re in their corner gives them courage. Celebrate the small wins with them. Encourage breaks when they need them. Remind them that your love isn’t dependent on grades or college acceptances.

This section of the newsletter will always be here for your reference! If you have any questions about high school graduation requirements, please feel free to reach out to us.