PDS Counseling Newsletter

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As the school year comes to a close, it's a great time to remember that there isn’t just one “right” path after high school. College, technical programs, community college, apprenticeships, the military, and workforce options can all lead to successful futures. What matters most is finding the path that fits your goals, interests, and needs.

Community colleges are often misunderstood, but they offer some of the best opportunities available to students, especially when you’re looking for flexibility, affordability, and real career preparation. Many community colleges partner with local businesses to create job training programs that prepare students for high-demand careers, and they also offer transferable general education courses for students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree later. For many families, community college can be a strategic way to save money, build skills, and take the next step without closing any doors. Community college isn’t a “backup plan.” For many students, it’s a smart plan.

Learn more about Georgia Community Colleges here!

🟦9th Grade

• Build strong habits now! Attendance, organization, and asking for help early.
• Explore interests: clubs, electives, and career tools (SchooLinks).
• Remember: your GPA starts counting in high school. Finish the semester strong!

🟩10th Grade

• Start thinking about next year’s courses and make sure you have options that challenge you but are realistic.
• Explore career pathways and start saving interests in SchooLinks.
• If you’re interested in Dual Enrollment later, learn what it takes to qualify.

🟪11th Grade

• This is a key year for postsecondary planning. Keep grades strong and create a testing plan.
• Research colleges, technical programs, and community colleges.
• Start building a résumé/brag sheet (activities, leadership, service hours).

🟨12th Grade

• Continue checking emails and portals for updates from colleges and programs.
• Keep applying for scholarships and finishing financial aid steps.
• Stay focused! Grades and attendance still matter during your final semester.

For students attending a high school summer learning program:

• A student should take no more than two summer classes: two face-to-face classes, two online classes, or a combination.
• For students taking a course the cost per course is $250 for current GCPS students. Non-GCPS students pay $275 per course. All fees are due at the time of online registration.
• Transportation is not provided for face-to-face summer school classes or for the face-to-face sessions required for Online Campus courses.
• Any student planning to participate in the summer school graduation ceremony on July 1 must take all summer classes with Gwinnett County Public Schools. Summer Graduation will be held at Gas South Arena.
• Face-to-face summer classes will follow a five-day week, Monday through Friday, with a school holiday (no classes) on June 19.
• Rising 9th graders may take Health and/or Personal Fitness (PE). Both courses are required for graduation. These courses are available at Dacula High School and Parkview High School. GCPS rising 9th graders pay $250 for each of these classes.

Gwinnett County Public Schools' Face-to-Face High School Summer School is a fee-based program that allows students to take courses to get ahead or to make-up a class previously failed. Courses are available to all high school students, including selected courses for rising 9th graders. Face-to-Face high school locations are Dacula High School and Parkview High School.

Registration opens: April 1, 2026

Registration closes: May 22, 2026

Register via MyPaymentsPlus (Acceptable forms of payment: credit/debit card or electronic check)

Summer school dates: June 8, 2026 - July 1, 2026 (June 19 is a holiday)

Online summer school classes will be offered through Gwinnett Online Campus. Courses are available to all high school students, including selected courses for rising 9th graders. Note: Students will be invited to an optional virtual orientation on the first day of class, June 1. All courses will require a face-to-face final exam at our GOC campus, located at 713 Hi Hope Road in Lawrenceville.

Registration Opens: March 2, 2026

Registration Closes: May 22, 2026

Register via MyPaymentsPlus (Acceptable forms of payment: credit/debit card or electronic check)

Summer School Dates: June 1, 2026 - June 26, 2026

Through Title I funds, Paul Duke STEM High School is able to offer FREE Credit Recovery to students who need to learn a little more to master the AKS. Credit Recovery provides highly qualified instructors in Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies (core classes) as well as instructional resources and materials to assist students in their endeavor to obtain credit for graduation.

Program dates are May 26 - 29 (7:00 AM-11:00 AM) and May 26 - 29 (11:30 AM-3:30 PM)

Active participation, 100% attendance, and appropriate behavior are expected. If a student has 1 absence or 1 discipline referral during the session, they will be removed from the program.

Students eligible to participate in Summer Credit Recovery will receive registration information from the Counseling Department.

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!

Check out our website for helpful information about our department and to request counseling appointments. You can also find relevant information for each grade level, college and career and dual enrollment!

Ms. Patel has launched a new Dual Enrollment website where you can find all the information you need to get your DE journey started!

Who: Any 9th - 12th grader who has failed a course required for graduation

When: Week of March 30 - April 3, 2026 - Location TBD

Counselors will meet with all students who have failed a course that is required for graduation to go over the remediation options. These options may include Summer School and/ or Credit Recovery.

Dear 12th graders and Families,

We are so proud of everything the Class of 2026 has accomplished, and now it's time to celebrate! You are officially invited to our Senior Decision Day Celebration on Wednesday, April 15th during intervention block (Guests arrive at 10:15 and students at 10:36).

This is your moment to show off the exciting plans you've made after high school, whether that's college, the military, an apprenticeship, or another path entirely. We encourage seniors to come dressed in gear that represents their next chapter, and we would love for families to join us to share in the celebration! Families are welcome to bring signs, balloons, flowers, whatever you would like to make the day festive. Additionally, if you would like to share a picture of yourself holding or wearing any of your swag, please email the picture as a jpg to me - leslie.patel@gcpsk12.org - by April 2nd.

Here's what you need to know:

• Date: Wednesday, April 15th

• Time: Intervention Block - Guests arrive at 10:15 and students at 10:36

• Dress: Wear your college, military, or apprenticeship swag

• Guests: Family members are welcome! Guests arrive at 10:15

To be included in the celebration, seniors must email Ms. Patel a copy of their college acceptance letter by Thursday, April 2nd. If your name is already on the Wall of Acceptance, you do not need to resubmit — you're all set!

To reserve your spot, please complete this link no later than Thursday, April 2nd. You can also find information on the TV screen outside of the Counseling office.

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!

Horatio Alger Association administers over 70 scholarship programs, offering opportunities for students in various stages of their academic careers to achieve their educational goals and realize their potential.

Christ the King Church in Dacula, GA, is proud to offer the Dr. W. Ron Sailor, Sr. Scholarship for the upcoming academic year. Named in honor of our esteemed previous Senior Pastor, Dr. W. Ron Sailor, Sr., this scholarship was established to continue his legacy of leadership and community service by supporting the academic pursuits of dedicated students within our community.

We are pleased to offer scholarship awards of up to $3,000 to deserving Gwinnett County residents headed to college or trade school.

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE GUIDELINES

• Must be a Gwinnett County Resident
• Must be a Gwinnett County high school or home school graduate in the year of the application
• Must have a cumulative overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 or above based on a 4.00 grading scale
• Must upload an official copy of high school transcript from an accredited institution with application
• Must submit a copy of your letter of acceptance from an accredited college, university, vocational, technical, or seminary school (if not available at the time of application deadline, must be submitted if scholarship is awarded)
• Must answer all essay questions and adhere to the word maximum for each
• Must use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar
• Must read and agree to the AI Statement of Disclosure as stated in the application

Here's the link to the scholarship application:

https://form.jotform.com/260423328588159

The application deadline is Saturday, April 25, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be notified during the last week of school, the week of May 18th.

NCNW Gwinnett County Area Section – Scholarship Opportunity

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), Gwinnett County Area Section, is offering a scholarship designed to support and uplift future leaders in the community. This opportunity is open to African American students residing in Gwinnett County who exemplify strong academics, leadership, service, and a commitment to excellence.

✅ Ideal Candidates Demonstrate:

• Strong academic dedication
• Proven leadership potential
• Meaningful community involvement
• A consistent commitment to excellence

This scholarship supports students’ educational expenses, future career goals, and long‑term success.

Ora B. Douglass Scholarship – Applications Now Open!

The Georgia Pearls of Service Foundation (GPOS) is now accepting applications for the 2026 Ora B. Douglass Scholarship, honoring the legacy of Mrs. Ora Barber Douglass — a trailblazer, community advocate, and the organization’s first Chief Executive Officer. This scholarship supports college‑bound seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, community service, and a commitment to higher education.

📋 Eligibility & Requirements

Applicants must be:

• A high school senior in the Metropolitan Atlanta area
• Graduating in Spring 2026 and entering college Fall 2026
• Able to submit a complete application package including:
  • A minimum 300‑word essay
  • Proof of anticipated 2026 graduation
  • A college acceptance letter for Fall 2026 enrollment
  • Three recommendation letters (principal/counselor, faculty member, non‑family member)
  • High school transcript including Fall 2025 grades

Essay Prompt:
“Why is continuing your education important to you? How will this scholarship help you achieve your goals?”

📅 Deadline

Friday, May 1, 2026
All materials must be emailed by 11:59 p.m.

📧 Submit Applications To

Ms. Hattie Best
Scholarships@georgiapearlsofservice.org

About the Scholarship

The Ora B. Douglass Scholarship honors a leader dedicated to uplifting communities through service and educational initiatives. GPOS has awarded over $55,000 in scholarships to support future scholars and community leaders.

Univision Contigo “Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud” Scholarship – 2026 Applications Open!

High school seniors and first‑year college students are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Univision Contigo – Orgullo de Nuestra Juventud Scholarship. This scholarship supports students who excel academically, demonstrate strong involvement in their communities, and proudly represent the bilingual Hispanic community.

💰 Why Apply?

• Recipients receive a $2,000 scholarship award to help reduce financial burden
• Opportunity to build a professional network within the Hispanic community

✅ Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a high school senior or first‑year college student
• Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Be a legal resident of Georgia with valid Social Security documentation
• Demonstrate excellence in academics and extracurricular activities
• Submit a complete and legible application
• Be bilingual (English/Spanish)

📲 Apply Now

Scan the QR code on the flyer to submit your application.

2026 NNC Foundation Scholarship – Applications Now Open!

The Namki & Noul Chung Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program, created to support students from families in need who have demonstrated strong academic performance and meaningful community involvement. The Foundation’s mission focuses on ensuring that all individuals—regardless of ethnicity, race, or income—have the resources needed to fulfill their potential.

📅 Important Dates

• Submission Deadline: May 31, 2026
• Winner Announcement: July 10, 2026
• Award Ceremony: August 7, 2026

🏆 Scholarship Awards

• Foundation Scholarship:
  • $2,000 for high school students
  • $3,000 for undergraduate and graduate students
• Community Scholarship: $3,000

🔗 Apply Now
Scan the QR code on the flyer or visit the NNC Foundation’s website.

📧 Questions?
scholarship@nncfoundation.org

📍 Organization Information

Namki and Noul Chung Foundation
PO Box 3301, Duluth, GA 30096
470‑282‑1643
www.nncfoundation.org

• STREETWISE GEORGIA

  This organization offers the necessary physical, emotional, mental and spiritual tools to help people stabilize their lives, improve their environment, and move out of a state of dependency into a state of well-being and self-sufficiency.

• FINDHELPGA.ORG

  Whether it’s financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, childcare, job training, and other free or reduced-cost services specific to your area, essential resources can be found here.

• FOODFINDER.US

  FoodFinder’s website and app act as food pantry locators that show you when and where to get free food assistance in your area. The interactive map shows food pantries nearby – every red pin you see is a food assistance program nearby.

• HOPEMAPGEORGIA.ORG

  Managed by the GaDOE, This is a map of family support resources with an interactive map that allows you to see what is available, what they provide, hours of operation, and for stores if they accept WIC.

Humanity First is offering free food assistance through the Duluth Food Pantry for individuals and families in need.

📅 When: Sundays, 12:30–4:30 PM
📍 Where: 3100 Breckinridge Blvd, Suite 740, Duluth, GA 30096

✅ Registration Required:
Please click the link below to sign up for an appointment in advance.

The FBI Atlanta Field Office is inviting high school students to apply for the 2026 FBI Teen Academy, a unique opportunity to gain an inside look at the operations, mission, and work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

📅 Event Date:
Thursday, June 4, 2026

📝 Application Deadline:
Friday, April 3, 2026

Participants will learn directly from FBI personnel through hands‑on activities and presentations that offer a comprehensive view into today’s FBI. This program is ideal for students interested in law enforcement, criminal justice, or public service.

🔗 Apply Online:

www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/atlanta/community-outreach

📧 Submit applications or questions to:
AT_communityoutreach@fbi.gov

Volunteer Opportunity: Horizons at Georgia Tech – Classroom Assistants Needed!

Horizons at Georgia Tech is seeking enthusiastic high school students to serve as Volunteer Classroom Assistants for the upcoming summer program. This is a great opportunity for students who enjoy working with younger learners and want meaningful hands‑on experience in an educational setting.

📅 Program Dates
June 1 – July 2, 2026

✅ Who Can Apply

• High school students who have completed at least 10th grade

📘 Volunteer Responsibilities

• Support Lead Teachers and Group Leaders in the classroom
• Help guide and engage students in daily Horizons activities
• Contribute to creating a positive, supportive learning environment

🔗 Learn More & Apply
https://bit.ly/HGTHighSchoolVolunteerApp

📧 Questions?
Email: HorizonSGT@gatech.edu

Phoenix High School Open House

Phoenix High School invites families to attend the upcoming Open House sessions, designed to give the community an inside look at the school’s instructional model, course offerings, and student engagement opportunities.

📅 Dates & Times
May 5 & May 7
Session 1: 6:30–7:00 p.m.
Session 2: 7:00–7:30 p.m.

During these sessions, families will have the opportunity to learn more about the school’s programs, meet faculty, and explore how Phoenix High supports student success.

📍 Location

501 West Pike Street
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

🎓 College Isn’t the Only Path to Success

Did you know that you don’t need a four‑year college degree to earn a livable wage? Many skilled trade and career pathway options offer strong salaries and high demand.

💼 Examples of Careers & Estimated Median Salaries:

• Plumber – $60,000
• Electrician – $60,000
• HVAC Technician – $51,000
• Auto Mechanic – $47,000
• Wind Turbine Technician – $57,000
• Dental Hygienist – $81,000
• Sonographer – $78,000
• Respiratory Therapist – $70,000
• Police Officer – $69,000
• Firefighter – $51,000
• Realtor – $52,000
• Cosmetologist/Barber/Stylist – $34,000
• 
  

📊 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

➡️ These careers often require technical training, certifications, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional college degree.

Testing season can bring extra pressure, even for students who are usually confident. If you’re feeling stressed, start by remembering: stress is a signal, not a failure. It usually means something matters to you, and you can manage it with the right plan.

A few strategies that help:

• Use short study blocks: 25 minutes focused, 5 minutes break (repeat 2–3 times).
• Study smarter, not longer: focus on practice problems, review mistakes, and key concepts.
• Sleep matters: your brain performs better when it’s rested—cramming backfires.
• Use a reset tool before tests: breathe in 4, hold 4, exhale 6 (repeat 4 times).
• Ask for help early: tutoring, Flex time, teacher support, and counselor check-ins can make a huge difference.

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.

In order to earn a traditional Gwinnett County high school diploma, students who entered high school AFTER 07/2011 must earn the required 23 credits (see below):

Area of Study:

I. English/Language Arts: 4 credits

II. Math: 4 credits

III. *Science: 4 credits

IV. Social Studies: 3 credits

V. **Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE), and/or Modern Language/Latin, and/or Fine Arts: 3 credits

VI. Health & Physical Education: 1 credit

Electives (4 units): 4 credits

TOTAL: 23 credits

*The 4th science unit may be used to meet both the science and elective requirement.

** Students must complete three units in a pathway to complete a CTAE pathway and take an end of pathway assessment. Students interested in attending a University System of Georgia college/university must complete two years of the same foreign language to be admissible as a freshman.

Grade promotion is based on the number of Carnegie Unit Credits that a student earns year to year. Students earn .5 credits per class, per semester. Paul Duke STEM High School students take seven classes during the day and have the opportunity to earn 3.5 credits a semester, or 7 credits a year.

Promotion 9th to 10th: 5 Carnegie Units

Promotion 10th to 11th: 11 Carnegie Units

Promotion 11th to 12th: 17 Carnegie Units

Graduation: 23 Carnegie Units