Science Hill High School Newsletter

Students and Families,

As we get closer to summer, we're preparing for end of course testing and graduation. Here are some of the things coming up in the next few weeks:

Senior Celebration

Science Hill is hosting a Senior Signing Celebration. The purpose of this event is to celebrate and recognize our graduating seniors as they take the next step in their journey, whether it be college, the military, or entering the workforce. All seniors are welcome to participate in the event, along with their families.

Students and their families will have the opportunity to “sign” in order to celebrate their future plans. This signing will be similar to an athletic signing. Families are encouraged to bring small items to decorate an assigned table where the signing will take place. Photos will be taken with students and families at the table.

Please sign up using Parent Square and fill out the accompanying Google Form.

Senior Speaker for Graduation

Seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA, no suspensions during senior year, and with satisfactory attendance may apply to be the senior speaker at graduation. Application packets are available in the main office now. The deadline to turn in completed applications is April 11 at 3 p.m.

Asynchronous Days and Testing

We are quickly approaching state testing. We have two asynchronous days planned:

• April 22 – English 1 and English 2 EOC Tests
• May 1 – Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 EOC Tests

On these asynchronous days, only students who are taking tests attend in person. All other students will have online assignments to complete from home. These asynchronous days help us provide a better environment for testing, leading to better outcomes for our students.

Thank you, and Go Toppers!

Principal Josh Carter

Students taking the ACT should arrive no later than 8 a.m. with a printed copy of their admission ticket, a photo ID, sharpened No. 2 pencils, a permitted calculator and snacks. A watch or other timing device (with all alarms silenced) is permitted, but you may not use a cellphone, smart watch or other devices with recording or communication capabilities during the test period. Cellphones and wearable devices MUST be turned off and out of sight from the time test-takers are admitted to the testing room until they are dismissed at the end of the test, including break times. For more information about what to expect on test day, visit ACT's website.

The Johnson City Schools Board of Education will meet in regular session at 6 p.m. in the board room at Central Office, 100 E. Maple St., Johnson City. Board meetings are streamed on the district's YouTube channel.

A Family Life Curriculum Forum for students enrolled in Lifetime Wellness will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, April 14 in Science Hill's library.

The SHHS Percussion Ensemble will present a Night of Percussion, featuring the SHHS Dance Team and the Chamber Orchestra, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 17 in the auditorium. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Friday, April 18 is a vacation day for Johnson City Schools. Enjoy the long spring weekend!

Take a look at our online calendars to stay up to date with what's going on at Science Hill:

Science Hill Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and Marsh Regional Blood Center again partnered to bring mobile blood donation buses to campus. A great turnout of students and staff donated (and got a pretty sweet t-shirt for their trouble)! Each donation can save up to three lives and can help accident victims, surgery and transplant patients, and those undergoing cancer treatments.

Thank you to HOSA, Marsh and everyone who donated!

Science Hill High School is proud to celebrate its graduating seniors with a special Senior Signing Celebration event, recognizing students as they take the next step in their journey—whether heading to college, joining the military, or entering the workforce.

“We want to celebrate every student’s path and recognize the hard work it took to get here,” said Science Hill principal Dr. Josh Carter. “This event is a way for our school and community to come together in support of our graduates and their bright futures.”

Who’s Invited?

All seniors with post-secondary plans are invited to participate, along with their families, teachers, staff, and community members who wish to celebrate and support them.

What to Expect

Much like an athletic signing day, students will have the opportunity to "sign" with their chosen college, military branch, or employer in a formal setting. Families are encouraged to bring small decorations to personalize their tables and capture this milestone moment with photos alongside their loved ones.

The event will take place on Wednesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 1 from 3:30 to 5:30 inside Grand Topper Hall. Students should sign-up through ParentSquare and complete the Google Form.

The Prom Closet is open for the season! If you need dresses, clothes and shoes, scan the QR code on the hallway TVs or on the desk at the hub to fill out the form for an appointment with Ms. Hubbard.

Senior Signs

If you pre-ordered Senior Signs, they will be available for pickup Friday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. in front of Grand Topper Hall (the top of the tiered parking lot). If you didn't pre-order, there will be some extra signs available for purchase while supplies last for $15.

Coffee for Teachers

Next week, we're teaming up with Early Bird's Coffee Co to show our appreciation for our incredible teachers and staff!

Want to help spread the caffeine cheer? We need volunteers to help deliver the coffee to teachers at the main campus, CTE and Topper Academy. Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/vSxzqmw

No time to help? You can still contribute by buying a teacher a coffee here: https://square.link/u/BT57Nnra

Thank you for helping us fuel our teachers!

Reminders:

• Scholarship forms are available in counselors' offices. Seniors with outstanding community service who plan to attend a college or university and students who plan to attend a trade school may apply. Applicants for the college or university scholarship must submit a typed personal statement about a community service or volunteer experience and a resume. Applicants for the trade school scholarship must submit a typed essay explaining how this scholarship would support their career in a trade and why they're the best candidate.

Join the PTSA or support its educational programs at sciencehill.givebacks.com.

Everyone needs a little advice and support at times. Our dedicated counselors are always ready to help! Check out the SHHS Counseling page, or email a counselor directly below:

• Joe McPherson (last names A-Carp) mcphersonj@jcschools.org
• Kim Thompson (Carr-E) thompsonk@jcschools.org
• Dr. Stacey Philbrick (F-Hon) philbricks@jcschools.org
• Ryan Goines (Hoo-Maq) goinesr@jcschools.org
• Suzanne Reaves (Mar-Pa) reavess@jcschools.org
• Seth Douglas (Pe-Sti) douglass@jcschools.org
• Eva Price (Sto-Z) pricee@jcschools.org
• Josh Jarnigan (Career Counseling) jarniganj@jcschools.org
• Chad Plaisted (Topper Academy) plaistedc@jcschools.org

• Seniors should be finished or almost finished with their college applications and should now be looking for scholarships. There are several scholarships listed on the Financial Aid/Scholarships page. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your counselor.

• FAFSA is now open. If you have not scheduled a meeting with Holly Frye to help you with this, email her at hfrye@niswongerfoundation.org.

• Make sure that you have an updated resume ready to go, whether you are going to school, military or straight to the workforce. You WILL need one.

Attention Seniors: The local scholarships are here! These are specific scholarships that are guaranteed to be awarded to a Science Hill student. Go to the Counselor tab of the SHHS website for a complete list. All scholarship applications are on the Scholarship Wall right past Mr. Douglas' office on Counselor Row. The deadlines are different and some scholarships require letters of recommendation, so start early and check out the scholarships today!

A new special program, the Industry 4.0 Diploma Distinction, is available for students interested in pursuing a career in a high-need, high-skill industry after graduation.

Students earning the distinction must:

• Receive enhanced career counseling
• Earn nine work-based learning or dual enrollment credits during junior and senior years
• Apply for dual enrollment grants and other necessary financial aid

Students may have the option to substitute a work-based learning or dual enrollment course for one math credit and one science credit, as approved by the state Board of Education.

Daily Announcements
Check out our announcements page that are updated daily on the website! This is where you can find more information about detailed events, student opportunities, club meetings and more! Follow the link above or press the button on the website's main page that can be found by scrolling halfway down.

Social Media

Social Media can be a great communication tool to push out important events and information in a fun and entertaining way. Both our official Instagram (handle: sciencehill_jcs) and Facebook (ScienceHillJCS) are used to showcase what's going on at the hill both academically and athletically while keeping both families and students informed with the most updated information

All student and parent forms can be found in our Main Office in two main places: on a grid on the wall by the main entrance or on our counters.

On Wall in the Main Office

PTA Forms - How to sign up and be informed with PTA events and news.

JCS Communication Tools - Information on how to stay connected with Johnson City Schools.

Gradebook Portal Request Form - To request access to PowerSchool parent account.

DMV Form - Needed to obtain their learner's permit. It must be filled out and signed before taking it to the DMV.

Community Service Hours Form - Log form for students' community service hours. Must be signed by a the volunteer supervisor.

Transit Request Forms - Must be filled out, approved, and on file before students can use the school bus system.

Medicine Administration Permission Form - Must be filled out and turned into the nurse if students have medicine that needs to be taken during the school day.

Parent Observer Request Form - To request access to Canvas parent account.

On the counter in the Main Office

Lunch Form - For more information about our lunch program. There is a QR code that will direct on how to fill out forms regarding free and reduced lunch.

School Map - For a layout of the school so that students are able to locate their classes.

Drop-Off/Pick Up Map - For car drop off and pick up locations.