Counseling Newsletter
Week of November 9, 2026
NO-FEE NOVEMBER!
DID YOU KNOW? NOVEMBER IS NO-FEE NOVEMBER!
Seniors, it's time to apply to college—and save some money!
From November 1–30, 2026, you can apply to more than 60 Georgia colleges and universities for FREE through Georgia's Apply to College Month initiative!
That's right—NO application fees! Whether you're exploring your options or ready to take the next step, this is the perfect opportunity to apply to multiple colleges without the extra cost.
Visit GAfutures to see the list of participating colleges and application instructions. Don't forget to check your GEORGIA MATCH Student Dashboard to explore your college matches and claim your spot! ( Click learn more for a list of fee waiver codes).
Don't let application fees stand between you and your future.
Take advantage of No Fee November!
PSAT Scores Are In. Now What?
Join Applerouth for a free webinar on understanding your PSAT score report. Learn which scores and benchmarks matter most, how to identify strengths and areas for improvement, and how National Merit and other recognition opportunities work. Can’t attend live? Register to receive the recording. https://www.applerouth.com/events/webinars
ASVAB Sign Up
Interested in the military! Sign up for the ASVAB scheduled on
December 11th, at 9:00am in the Hospitality Room.
The 24th Annual ASBC HBCU Fest is coming November 13–14, and you do not want to miss it!
Whether you're a student searching for the right college, a parent planning for your student’s future, or a counselor helping students reach their goals, the ASBC HBCU Fest is your opportunity to connect, explore, and GET AHEAD!
Admissions. Scholarships. Connections. Opportunity.
With 70+ colleges and universities participating over two action-packed days, students can:
Meet college representatives face-to-face
Get on-the-spot admission decisions
Have college application fees waived
Discover scholarship opportunities
Learn about programs, majors, and campus life
Build connections that can open doors to their future
Counselors, students, and parents - ALL MUST register to attend.
Don’t just think about college. Come ready to connect. Come ready to apply. Come ready to get accepted.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 | VIRTUAL
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM ET
Join us online for an evening packed with information, access, and opportunity!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 | IN PERSON + VIRTUAL
The St. James — Springfield, VA
Online option available
Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM ET
Questions or need more information? Contact the HBCU Fest Planning Committee at hbcufestival@alfredstreet.org.
A detailed schedule will be provided to all registered participants at the end of October. We can't wait to see YOU at the 24th Annual ASBC HBCU Festival!
Your HBCU journey could start here.
Student Opportunities: Volunteer Events, Free Leadership Training, & Youth Summits
1. Student Volunteer Opportunities
Nov 21–29: Festival of Trees
To sign up: Complete the Ernie & Jeff Foxworthy Volunteer Form.
Note: All volunteers under 18 must submit the attached Volunteer Minors Form and have an adult chaperone present during service. Contact Taylor O'Neal taylor.oneal@streetgrace.org with questions.
2. Host a Youth Summit (Fall or Spring): Bring an anti-human trafficking Youth Summit to your middle or high school. Previous summits (e.g., Lakeside High) featured lived experience subject matter experts, CNN anchors, law enforcement experts, and student leaders.
Student feedback speaks for itself:
"I learned that human and sex trafficking is a huge issue and the younger generation needs to understand the dangers and what we can do to fix it."
"Setting goals are important to take action. Also your unique thoughts and voice matter and are needed to be heard."
3. Free Online Leadership Training (Now in Spanish!) The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is a free, 1-hour online course empowering students to build leadership skills and prevent human trafficking. Students receive a certificate of completion and verified service hours. (Flyer attached)
4. Save the Date: Upcoming Events
Human Trafficking Advocacy Day at the State Capitol: Early February 2027 (Date TBD)
CNN #MyFreedomDay: March 11, 2027
All students must come to the test center with three things for both tests:
1 - A device that they have made sure can be used for the test.
2 - An Admission ticket. You must have a paper/printed admission ticket for the ACT. A printed or an electronic ticket may be used for the SAT.
3 - A hard plastic ID card, passport, or completed ACT or SAT ID form (completed = everything filled out and it is signed/notarized). School ID must show the current year. State federal ID must be valid on the test date. [We cannot use Infinite Campus, DDS permit/license documents, screenshots/photos, etc...]
ACT Registrations
ACT requires device readiness checks on all testing devices 2 to 4 weeks prior to testing. Examinees will be responsible for performing device readiness on their laptops. ACT describes the readiness process and current Device Readiness Cutoff Date at https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-changes/gateway-test-center-resources.html. If you do not complete your device readiness check by the deadline, your registration will be cancelled by ACT and you will have to register for another test date.
College Financial Aid Form (FAFSA) Changes
From College Aid Pro: The new FAFSA rules are creating a lot of confusion for families this year, so we put together a simple guide to help. The big takeaway: Students MUST be present with their parents when completing and submitting the FAFSA.
Download our FAFSA Guide here . It breaks down what's changed and what they need to do differently this cycle.
Build Strong STEM Foundations & Confidence with MathSP
MathSP provides specialized academic coaching test preparation in math and science for middle and high school students. Founded by MIT, UC Berkeley, and Emory graduate Stephanie Espy and led by STEM professionals, MathSP focuses on helping students master core concepts in math and science, build strong problem-solving skills, and gain "STEM fluency".
Whether your student needs to strengthen foundational concepts in Algebra, Geometry, Biology, or Chemistry, or prepare for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT, MathSP equips students with the skills to excel inside and outside the classroom.
Learn More & Enroll:
Visit www.MathSP.com
Email: info@MathSP.com
Call us: (678) MATH-650 or (678) 628-4650
AA Counseling Department
Email: heather.barnhill@csdecatur.net
Website: https://www.csdecatur.net/dhs
Location: 310 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4170