Counseling Connection
December 2025
December 3 STEM INFORMATION MEETING for Rising 9th Grade Students
6:00 PM Laney Media Center
https://www.nhcs.net/schools/specialty-schools-programs/stem-program
December 9 FAFSA Completion Support Event
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
CFCC Union Station (U) Building, 502 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA
December 9 NC School of Science and Math Information Session for Students and Families
Students and families are invited to receive information about the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. It is a public, residential high school in North Carolina that focuses on advanced education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for academically gifted students. NCSSM provides rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and enrichment programs designed to prepare students for college and careers in STEM fields.
6:00-7:00 PM
Spencer Building 1802 South 15th Street
WINTER BREAK
December 19th- Jan 2 : No School for Students- Happy Holidays!
(Undesignated Teacher Workdays on December 19 and January 2)
Monday, January 5th Classes resume at Laney and First Day of Spring 2026 Semester at CFCC
Registration for Spring Drivers Ed will be announced in February for March Sessions. Fee is $65
Driver's Eligibility Certificates are issued Tuesday and Thursday Morning at 8am in the cafeteria.
What to bring:
- A parent or legal guardian must be present to complete paperwork.
- Student Report Card (Must have passed 70% of classes in previous semester)
- Completion Certificate from Driving School.
- A parent or legal guardian must be present at the DMV.
Please email Charles Leake at least 24 hours in advance to paperwork can be prepared and any questions can be answered in advance.
Email Charles.Leake@nhcs.net Phone (910) 660-1104
Tips to Manage Holiday Stress For Teens and Families
1. Keep realistic expectations.
Not every holiday moment will be movie-perfect. Focus on small joys rather than trying to make everything ideal.
2. Take breaks from family chaos.
If things get overwhelming, it’s okay to step away for a bit. Go for a walk, listen to music, or spend some quiet time alone to recharge.
3. Stay connected to friends.
If you’re missing your usual routine or feeling isolated, reach out to friends with a quick message or FaceTime.
4. Maintain some routines.
Keeping up with sleep, hydration, and exercise helps balance holiday stress.
5. Manage social media time.
It’s easy to compare your holidays to others’ highlight reels. Remember, most people only share the best parts.
6. Budget your time and money.
If you’re working or buying gifts, plan ahead. A handmade gift or note often means more than something expensive.
7. Give back.
Volunteering or helping someone else can shift your focus from stress to gratitude.
8. Communicate your needs.
If family situations are tense or expectations feel heavy, talk to a trusted adult or friend about how you’re feeling.
9. Practice gratitude .
Take a few moments each day to notice what’s going right, no matter how small.
10. Be kind to yourself.
You don’t have to be cheerful all the time. It’s normal to have mixed feelings during the holidays. Joy, sadness, excitement, or stress can all coexist.
If you or a loved one has a mental health emergency over the break, please call 911 or refer to this link: LANEY MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
2026 NC Azalea Festival Scholarship Pageant
Registration is now open for the 2026 NC Azalea Festival Princess Scholarship Pageant. It will remain open until January 4m 2026. The date of this years event is Saturday, March 14, 2026. See the link below for more information and to sign up!
TAR HEEL BOYS STATE: APPLICATIONS OPEN
Tar Heel Boys State is one the most competitive and most respected summer programs in North Carolina. It is a leadership program of action for rising Seniors. Training is objective and centers on the structure of city, county and state governments. Operated by students elected to various offices, Boys State activities include legislative sessions, court proceedings, law-enforcement presentations, assemblies, bands, guest speakers and rec programs.
Learn More: https://tarheelboysstate.org/about
Apply Here: https://tarheelboysstate.org/apply
Laney Students are Sponsored by American Legion Biggs Kramer Post 545
Please see your school counselor for more information.
ATTENTION SENIORS: Cap and Gown Orders
Hey Seniors!
Time is running out to get your Cap & Gown order placed for graduation!
- The original deadline was December 1st, but we’ve extended it to Friday, December 5th to give you a little extra time after Thanksgiving break.
- Order by December 5th to avoid the $19.99 shipping & handling fee
After December 5th, the $19.99 fee will automatically apply, and late orders may not arrive in time for your big day — so don’t wait!
Place your order now at: www.Jostens.com
Congratulations on reaching this milestone — we can’t wait to celebrate you!
UNCW Pre-College Mentoring Program
Calling all Sophomores! Applications are open for the
UNCW Pre-College Mentoring Program.
- Free Two Year Program
- Work with your own UNCW Mentor
- Get Access to academic activities, leadership and development
- Receive customized assistance that will help you and your family navigate the college admissions process.
Who Can Apply?
- Must be current High School Sophomore entering Junior year Fall of 2026
- Must demonstrate on-going commitment to continuing education after High School
- Must have satisfactory academic transcripts, course selections, and discipline records
Sign up for FLEX on Wednesday, December 3rd in the Media Center for more information.
Applications available here: https://apply.uncw.edu/register/pmp.mentee.application