This month at HarBer High School

ACDC House

Dr. Randi Weaver
randi.weaver@sdale.org

ACME House

Mrs. Cendi Vazquez
cvazquez@sdale.org

HABIT House

Mrs. Dhea Hudson
dena.hudson@sdale.org

MEDS House

Mrs. Seanne Farrar
seanne.farrar@sdale.org

PHEDS House

Mrs. Kimberly Powers
kimberly.powers@sdale.org

September 10-11🎓 Senior Post-Secondary Planning Meetings

September 14-20 🏛️ University of Arkansas Free Application Week

September 16 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 👨‍👩‍👧 Paying & Applying for College: Parent Series #1

September 17 | 1:00 PM 🎓 ArkACRAO College Fair

October 5 ⭐ University of Arkansas Honors College Convocation

October 6 | 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM 💰 Senior FAFSA Night at Har-Ber High School

Students should register through Naviance.

Sept. 29 University of Arkansas-Fort Smith Front Lobby - 10:00 AM

Naviance Matters!

Naviance is your one-stop resource for:

✅ College Applications

✅ Transcript Requests

✅ Scholarship Searches

✅ Career Exploration

✅ College Visits

University of Arkansas Applicants

Please request all transcripts through Naviance and not through the Common Application. This helps prevent processing delays.

Important U of A Dates

📅 Free Application Days: September 14-20

📅 Honors College Convocation: October 5

📅 Priority Scholarship Deadline: November 15

University of Arkansas Application Information

• To ensure a smooth and timely application process for the University of Arkansas, it is crucial that you do not use the Common App to submit your materials. Using Common App can unfortunately cause significant delays in your transcript being processed. Instead, you must request your transcript for all college applications, including the University of Arkansas, exclusively through Naviance. Please use this guide to help you through this process.

Honors College Convocation

• For students interested in the University of Arkansas Honors College, be sure to register for the upcoming Honors College Convocation on October 5, 2026. This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the Honors College and will count as a school business day if you bring your event information. Spots for this convocation fill up quickly and are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so we encourage you to register soon on the Honors College website.

Free Application Week

• Great news! Free Application Days for the University of Arkansas are from September 14–20. During this week, the application fee will be waived. If you’re planning to apply, now’s the perfect time! Visit apply.uark.edu to get started. Don’t miss this opportunity to apply for free!

Scholarships

• November 15 is the University of Arkansas's priority scholarship deadline.

Students and families interested in learning more about the United States Military Academy at West Point are invited to an upcoming admissions event! Attendees will learn about life as a West Point Cadet, academics, athletics, leadership opportunities, and the application and admissions process.

📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026
⏰ 6:30 PM
📍 Bishop Kelley High School – STC Auditorium
3905 S. Hudson Ave., Tulsa, OK 74135

Space is limited, so interested students and families are encouraged to register early!

👉 Register for the West Point Admissions Event

Parent Series #1 6:00-7:30

THE DETAILS

Where: Professional Development Center

866 S 48th St, Springdale, AR 72762

Cost: Free

Doors Open: 5:30 PM

Take Home: Resources for every family

Open to all Springdale Public Schools parents and students — no RSVP required.

Seniors (Class of 2027):

Naviance is Important!

Please refer to Naviance first for answers to many of your common questions about colleges, careers, and scholarships. By doing so, you'll be able to make the most of your time with your counselor. We are always here to help, and reviewing Naviance beforehand will allow us to have a more specific and tailored discussion about your individual goals and needs. Note: The Counseling Department posts ALL scholarships that we are aware of in Naviance, including those that are local.

1. Researching Career Interests 🧑‍💼

Unsure what career path is right for you? Naviance can help you explore your interests and connect them to real-world professions. Use the "Careers & Clusters" section to take interest surveys, browse career profiles, and learn about the skills and education required for different jobs. This is a great way to discover new possibilities and narrow down your options.

2. Researching Colleges 🎓

Naviance is a powerful tool for finding colleges that are a good fit for you. Under the "Colleges" tab, you can use the "SuperMatch™" feature to filter schools by location, size, major, and admission requirements. You can also view scattergrams to see how your GPA and test scores compare to those of students who have been accepted to a particular school from our high school.

3. Finding Scholarships 💰

Paying for college is a big concern for many students, and Naviance has a wealth of information to help. The "Scholarships" section provides a comprehensive list of local, state, and national scholarships. You can search by deadline, amount, or criteria. Regularly checking this section is a great way to stay on top of new opportunities and apply for funds that can help you achieve your academic goals.

The College Application Process

• The college application process is an exciting journey, and we're here to help you navigate it. Beyond filling out forms, you'll have the opportunity to showcase your unique story through your college essays. These are your chance to let admissions committees get to know the person behind the grades and test scores.

• You'll also need to request letters of recommendation from your teachers and counselor. Be sure to ask them well in advance and provide them with all the necessary information they need to write a thoughtful and compelling letter.

• Throughout the year, we will also be offering various workshops to help you with everything from writing your best essay to understanding financial aid. These are designed to give you extra support and guidance, so please take advantage of them!

Early Application Deadlines

As you begin your applications, please pay close attention to early application deadlines. Applying early can offer some significant advantages, and many colleges have specific dates for early action or early decision that are often in October or November.

By applying early, you may also benefit from:

• Higher Acceptance Rates: Some colleges have a higher acceptance rate for early applicants, as they see your application as a strong sign of your interest in their school.

• Reduced Stress: Getting a decision back earlier can help alleviate the stress of waiting and give you more time to plan your next steps.

• Earlier Financial Aid Information: You can receive your financial aid package sooner, allowing you more time to compare offers and make a well-informed decision.

We highly recommend that you check the specific deadlines for each school you are applying to and plan accordingly. Getting your applications in ahead of time will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure your materials are submitted with care.

College Representative Visits

Throughout the year, various college representatives will be on campus to speak to students. Representatives will set up in the Cafeteria, usually at 10:00am or 12:00pm. Rep visits are listed in Naviance and RTI Scheduler (when occurring during Primetime)

Juniors (Class of 2028)

Academic Check-In

This is a critical time to review your academic progress! Check the Open House presentation for information about tracking your graduation requirements and more.

ACT Information

The ACT is an important part of the college application process, and as a junior, you'll be taking it this year! You'll be taking a school-day ACT test for free this spring, and there are additional test dates you can register for if you'd like to take the test again. We strongly encourage you to register for additional tests on your own. Keep an eye on important deadlines and registration information, which can be found on the ACT website. The test is a key component for college admissions and scholarships, so understanding how it works and preparing for it is essential. There are fee waivers available to cover the cost of ACT testing for qualifying students. Stop by the front desk in the Counseling Center to pick up a waiver permission slip.

College and Career Exploration

Now is the perfect time to begin exploring your options for after high school! Naviance is a fantastic resource that can help you with this. By using Naviance, you can research different careers, discover colleges that are a good fit for you, and explore scholarship opportunities. Getting an early start on this process will give you a clear direction and make your senior year much smoother.

Sophomores (Class of 2029)

Building Strong Foundations

Welcome to your sophomore year! This is a great time to focus on getting comfortable with the rhythm of high school and building habits that will help you succeed. One of the best things you can do right now is to develop strong study habits. This will make it easier to manage your classes and set you up for success in the years to come. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to talk to your teachers or a counselor—we are here to help.

Extracurricular Involvement

High school is about more than just academics. We highly encourage you to get involved in extracurricular activities! Whether it's a club, a sport, a volunteer group, or a part-time job, these activities are a great way to explore your interests, make new friends, and learn important skills. They can also help you discover new passions that could even influence your future career or college choices.

Sign up for the inaugural GoodWorks Day of Service on Saturday, September 12, 2026, by visiting the Jones Center GoodWorks Service Page to register for a volunteer project. The first region-wide Day of Service hosted by GoodWorks (Northwest Arkansas' Regional Volunteer Center powered by the Jones Center) as part of Welcoming Week NWA 2026

Saturday, Sep 12, 2026

• GoodWorks Day of Service - Beaver Watershed Alliance 10 am - 12 pm - Info & Sign-Up

• GoodWorks Day of Service - Potter’s House 10 am - 12 pm - Info & Sign-Up

• GoodWorks Day of Service -Purpose Brands 414, 9 am - 11 am/ 1-4 pm - Info & Sign-Up

• NWA Miracle League, Tyson Park Springdale - Info & Sign-Up

Thursday, September 17

• Work the Concession Stand at the Jones Center Hockey Games - Jones Center for Families - 7:00-10:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Saturday, September 19

• Lake Fayetteville Clean up from 9 am to 1130 am - Info & Sign-Up

• NWA Miracle League, Tyson Park Springdale - Info & Sign-Up

• NWA Little Cleanups/U of A Extension- Lake Fayetteville Info & Sign-Up

Monday, September 21

• Pack Diapers at the Diaper Collective - Springdale, AR - 6:00-8:00 - Info & Sign-Up

Friday, September 25

• Work the Concession Stand at the Jones Center Hockey Games - Jones Center for Families - 7:00-10:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

High school can be an incredibly stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. Acknowledge that feeling overwhelmed is normal, and with the right tools, you can manage stress and even use it to motivate yourself. Prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being is just as important as your academic success.

Tips & Tricks for Navigating Stress 🧘

1. Take Care of Your Body

• Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep is directly linked to higher stress levels and lower academic performance. Try to establish a consistent sleep schedule and turn off screens at least 30 minutes before bed.

• Move Your Body: Exercise is a powerful stress reliever. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Whether you play a sport, go for a walk, or try a yoga video, find an activity you enjoy and make it a regular part of your routine.

• Eat Well: A balanced diet can help regulate your mood and energy levels. While it's tempting to reach for sweets and caffeine during late-night study sessions, these can lead to a crash. Instead, fuel your body with nutritious foods that will help you stay focused and calm.

2. Organize Your Life

• Manage Your Time: Don't let a long to-do list overwhelm you. Use a planner or an app to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) can be a great way to stay on track and prevent burnout.

• Prioritize Tasks: Learn to differentiate between what is urgent and what is important. By tackling your most important tasks first, you'll feel more in control and less stressed.

3. Calm Your Mind

• Mindfulness and Breathing: When you feel overwhelmed, take a moment to reset. Simple breathing exercises, like Box Breathing (inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4), can calm your nervous system. Apps and online videos can guide you through short meditations.

• Find a Creative Outlet: Stress can melt away when you're doing something you love. Whether it's listening to music, journaling, drawing, or spending time with a pet, make time for hobbies that allow you to relax and express yourself.

4. Build a Support Network

• Talk to Someone: You don't have to go through tough times alone. Speak with a trusted friend, family member, teacher, coach, or your school counselor about what's on your mind. Simply talking about your stress can make it feel more manageable.

• Know When to Ask for Help: If stress feels like more than you can handle, it's okay—and smart—to seek professional help. Your school counselor can connect you with resources. In a crisis, you can get free and confidential support 24/7 by calling or texting 988 or texting HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Parent Resources 💙

Parents and caregivers, we know raising teenagers comes with both rewarding and challenging moments! Arisa Health offers a variety of free, pre-recorded Parenting Education sessions covering helpful topics and strategies for supporting children and teens. These sessions can be watched at your convenience.

Check out the list of available sessions below and choose any topics that may be helpful for your family.

Thank you for partnering with us to support our students! 💙