November 2026 Newsletter

November 1st: University of Arkansas Priority Application Deadline
November 6th: ACT Registration Deadline for December 12th ACT
November 12th: College 101 Family Night, 5:45-7:00 p.m. at the Springdale Schools Professional Development Center
November 15th: University of Arkansas Priority Scholarship Deadline
November 23-27: Thanksgiving Break - No School
November 29th: Late Registration Deadline for December 12th ACT (late fee applies)
December 1st: ASVAB Testing at Har-Ber (sign up with this form)

ACDC House
- Dr. Randi Weaver
- randi.weaver@sdale.org
ACME House
- Mrs. Cendi Vazquez
- cvazquez@sdale.org
HABIT House
- Mrs. Dena Hudson
- dena.hudson@sdale.org
MEdS House
- Mrs. Seanne Farrar
- seanne.farrar@sdale.org
PHEdS House
- Mrs. Kimberly Powers
- kimberly.powers@sdale.org
College Empowerment Coordinator
- Mr. Blake Baxendale
- blake.baxendale@sdale.org

HBHS Website: https://har-ber.sdale.org/

Join your grade's Counseling Center Google Classroom for announcements, tutorials, and more!

Classroom Codes:

Class of 2027: jxzqoj6
Class of 2028: wbl72np
Class of 2029: ynlnxj5c

November brings the first big wave of college deadlines. Check every deadline on your list in Naviance this week, and request transcripts well before the due date so your counselor has time to send them.

Finalize Your FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open and must be completed by all families seeking federal, state, or institutional financial aid. File immediately to ensure you receive priority consideration for grants, scholarships, and loans.
Transcript Requests: Remember to request your official transcript for all college applications exclusively through Naviance. This process must be completed by the student.
Naviance First: 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. Reviewing Naviance beforehand will allow us to have a more specific and tailored discussion about your individual goals and needs.
Use Thanksgiving Break: If your FAFSA isn't filed yet, set aside one evening of the break to finish it with your family, then log in to each college's application portal and make sure every document shows as received.
Families: College 101 on Thursday, November 12 (5:45-7:00 p.m., Professional Development Center, 866 S 48th St., Springdale) covers the application timeline, admissions, FAFSA prep, scholarships, and paying for college. Questions go to our College Empowerment Coordinator, Mr. Baxendale, at blake.baxendale@sdale.org.

FAFSA

Filling out the FAFSA:

Apply at StudentAid.gov….You will be filling out the 2027-2028 FAFSA Form!!!

Do NOT use your school email (it will be deactivated after you graduate); Use a personal email
Student and Parent must each create a FSA ID. You must use a DIFFERENT phone number for each ID (cannot be the same)
Student create FSA ID, then WAIT 3-5 Days before filling out the FAFSA
Student MUST invite Parent/Guardian. Ensure ALL parent info is correct! (If parent/guardian has an FSA ID from when *they* were in college, locate that ID# and use it to invite them!)
If parent/guardian does not have a social security number, there will be a box to check when creating their FSA ID that says, “I do not have a social security number”
Student create their FSA ID first. THEN, invite parent

FAFSA Hot Tips:

CHECK YOUR EMAIL!!!! CHECK YOUR EMAIL!!!! CHECK YOUR EMAIL!!!!
Write down your FSA ID # and password and store it in a secure location. This will stay with you for years to come because it’s tied to your SSN.
Reminder: If you are free/reduced lunch at school you can get ACT and College Application fee waivers. Please go to the counseling center to get waivers for either of these things.

Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student - Deadline Nov. 12, 2026

The Elks Most Valuable Student scholarship goes to 500 graduating seniors nationwide, allocated by state quota, with awards from $1,000 to $7,500 per year, renewable for four years. You do NOT have to be a member of the Elks to apply. Apply here

Burger King Scholars - Deadline Dec. 15, 2026 (or earlier if the program reaches 30,000 applications)

Created in memory of Burger King Co-founder James "Jim" W. McLamore, the Burger King Scholars program has awarded nearly $60 million in scholarships to over 49,000 high school students, BK® employees and their families across North America since 2000. In 2023 alone, the Foundation awarded over $34.6 million in scholarships to nearly 3,200 students. Apply here

Hagan Scholarship - Deadline Dec. 1, 2026

The Hagan Scholarship is a nationwide need-based merit scholarship, providing recipients with the opportunity to achieve their goals and graduate college debt-free. The scholarship provides help paying for essential items to attend college and up to $7,500 each semester for up to 8 consecutive semesters. Free workshops, Free Schwab Brokerage Accounts, and Free Study Abroad provide recipients with a practical understanding of important life skills not typically covered in the school curriculum. Hagan Scholars have attended 637 colleges and universities located in 49 states and the District of Columbia and have studied abroad in 58 countries. Apply here

This is the season to prepare for the ACT and start your college search in earnest.

ACT Information: The ACT is an important part of your college application, and you'll be taking a school-day test for free this spring. However, we strongly encourage you to take the ACT at least once more on your own to improve your score. Check the ACT website for registration dates, including the December 12th test whose deadline is November 6th.
Academic Check-In: It's a great time to review your academic progress and ensure you're on track for graduation. You will meet with your counselor to discuss your schedule for senior year after the holiday break as we move through the CAP process. Becoming familiar with your academic progress will help to guarantee you have the necessary classes to meet your college admission goals.
Start a College List Over Break: Thanksgiving break is a good time to log in to Naviance and save a few colleges and careers that interest you. Even a short list gives you and your counselor something concrete to talk about when senior-year planning starts.

Arkansas Governor's School

Hi juniors! Arkansas Governor's School (AGS) is a free, four-week summer program for gifted and talented students heading into their senior year. It runs July 5 to August 1, 2027 at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, and tuition, housing, and meals are all covered. You'll live on a college campus for the month and study one of nine areas, such as English, math, natural or social science, music, drama, or visual arts.

You need a nomination to apply, so if you're interested, email Mrs. Hudson at dena.hudson@sdale.org. AGS asks for all four weeks, and students with another summer program on those dates should not apply. All the details are at https://www.atu.edu/ags.

Arkansas Boys State & Arkansas Girls State

Are You a Junior Interested in Leadership, Government, Community Engagement, or Public Service?

Come learn about Arkansas Boys State and Arkansas Girls State: prestigious summer programs where students from across the state come together to build a mock government from the ground up. Participants run for office, pass legislation, and gain hands-on experience in civics, leadership, and public speaking.

If you're looking to boost your college applications, meet motivated students from across Arkansas, and represent Har-Ber High School and the Springdale Legion Post/Auxiliary Unit, don't miss this opportunity!

Fill out this form if you want to attend an information session to learn more!

Ozarks Electric Youth Tour

Juniors, Ozarks Electric Cooperative will choose three local students for an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., June 16-22, 2027. The delegates visit historic landmarks and meet elected officials alongside students from across Arkansas. Each delegate also receives a $500 scholarship during their senior year.

The application and essay are due Friday, January 15, 2027. A panel of judges picks finalists for an interview, and the three delegates are chosen after the interviews. Apply on the Ozarks Electric Youth Tour page, or scan the QR code on the flyer. Please reach out to Mrs. Farrar at seanne.farrar@sdale.org with any questions!

Finish Your First Semester Strong: Your first semester at Har-Ber wraps up in December, and semester grades are the ones that go on your transcript. Check your grades every week, and if one is slipping, talk to that teacher now while there is still time to bring it up. Use Primetime to get that help.
Building Strong Foundations: This is a great time to focus on getting comfortable with the rhythm of high school and developing strong study habits. If you are struggling, don't hesitate to talk to your teachers or a counselor. We are here to help.
Extracurricular Involvement: We highly encourage you to get involved in extracurricular activities! Whether it's a club, a sport, or a volunteer group, these activities are a great way to explore your interests and develop important skills that will look excellent on your future college and scholarship applications.
Log Service Hours as You Go: Record each community service activity in Innerview soon after you finish it (steps under Report Your Community Service Hours below). Logging as you go is much easier than rebuilding two years of hours senior year.

Parent Tips: Helping your child with the college application process
FAFSA Website - students and parents can go ahead and get ready to file the FAFSA by signing up for an email address and password which are needed prior to filing the FAFSA.
NEXT Magazine is another good source of information about college in our state and careers in general.
The Top Scholarship Search Engines
This blog post on College Vine contains a list of all schools that meet 100% of demonstrated student need. Some may surprise you!
Free ACT Prep Resource that can be ordered directly from ACT
Are you a first-generation student? If you are the first in your immediate family to attend college, the whole college process can be overwhelming. The College Tour offers a free online class that will help you get more information on the process. Check out this LINK for more information and to begin.

Featured: Young Elementary STEAM Night

Thursday, November 5, 4:45-7:45 p.m. Young Elementary needs 10 to 15 volunteers for STEAM Night, and you'll earn community service hours. Sign up here

Sunday, November 1

Gregg Street Litter Cleanup - 10:00-Noon - Info & Sign-Up

Monday, November 2

Pack Diapers at the Diaper Collective - Springdale - 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Wednesday, November 4

For the Love Neighbor Nights - 612 S College Ave, Fayetteville - 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up
We Are Nourished Pantry Night - 5:20-8:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Thursday, November 5

Young Elementary STEAM Night - 4:45-7:45 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Saturday, November 7

NWA Litter Cleanups / U of A Extension - Lake Wilson - Info & Sign-Up
Fayetteville Habitat for Humanity ReStore - 1421 E. 15th Street, Fayetteville - Info & Sign-Up
Arkansas Chapter of Achilles International - Lake Fayetteville - 9:00 a.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Monday, November 9

Pack Diapers at the Diaper Collective - Springdale - 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Wednesday, November 11

For the Love Neighbor Nights - 612 S College Ave, Fayetteville - 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up
We Are Nourished Pantry Night - 5:20-8:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Saturday, November 14

Potter's House Shop & Serve - 2441 N Gregg Ave, Fayetteville - 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up
Clabber Creek Invasive Pull - 10:00 a.m.-Noon - Info & Sign-Up
Fayetteville Habitat for Humanity ReStore - 1421 E. 15th Street, Fayetteville - Info & Sign-Up
Arkansas Chapter of Achilles International - Lake Fayetteville - 9:00 a.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Monday, November 16

Pack Diapers at the Diaper Collective - Springdale - 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Wednesday, November 18

For the Love Neighbor Nights - 612 S College Ave, Fayetteville - 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up
We Are Nourished Pantry Night - 5:20-8:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Saturday, November 21

Spring Creek Food Hub - 821 East Emma Avenue, Springdale - Info & Sign-Up
Fayetteville Habitat for Humanity ReStore - 1421 E. 15th Street, Fayetteville - Info & Sign-Up
Cobblestone Farms Volunteer - 1210 North 54th Avenue, Fayetteville - Info & Sign-Up
Gregg Street Litter Cleanup - 10:00-Noon - Info & Sign-Up

Monday, November 23

Pack Diapers at the Diaper Collective - Springdale - 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Wednesday, November 25

For the Love Neighbor Nights - 612 S College Ave, Fayetteville - 5:30-6:30 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up
We Are Nourished Pantry Night - 5:20-8:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance Turkey Trot for Heroes - Center for Nonprofits, Rogers - various slots - Info & Sign-Up

Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day)

Turkey Trot-n-Trek - Fayetteville - Info & Sign-Up
Sheep Dog Impact Assistance Turkey Trot for Heroes - Center for Nonprofits, Rogers - various slots - Info & Sign-Up

Saturday, November 28

Cobblestone Farms Volunteer - 1210 North 54th Avenue, Fayetteville - Info & Sign-Up
Fayetteville Habitat for Humanity ReStore - 1421 E. 15th Street, Fayetteville - Info & Sign-Up

Monday, November 30

Pack Diapers at the Diaper Collective - Springdale - 6:00-8:00 p.m. - Info & Sign-Up

Ongoing Opportunities

Community Connections - Website
Ozark Off Road Cyclists - Website
Tri Cycle Farms - Website
Circles NWA - Website
Teen Action and Support Center - Website
Brookstone Assisted Living - Website - call or email Kristine Johnson, 479-225-4435 / kjohnson@brookstoneal.com
Prairie Grove Health and Rehabilitation - Flyer & Volunteer Application
Fayetteville Animal Shelter - Get Involved & Orientations
Fayetteville Public Library - Information & Application
Fayetteville Trail Cleanup (Self-Guided) - Information & Sign-Up
Washington County Animal Shelter (students under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) - Information & Application
Arkansas Support Network - Information & Application
Ozark Natural Science Center - Information
Potter's House Thrift Store - Sign-Up
Northwest Arkansas Food Bank - Website
Samaritan Community Center - Website
Squire Jehegan Outreach Center - Website
Yvonne Richardson Center - drop in to volunteer M-F 3:30-6:00 p.m., or email DeMarcus Wiggins (dwiggins@fayetteville-ar.gov) for evening and weekend opportunities
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks - Information & Sign-Up
Whiskers Cat Rescue - maintaining cat kennels at Petco - Flyer & Website
Canopy NWA - create welcome bins for refugees in exchange for volunteer hours - Information
Keep Arkansas Beautiful - Volunteer Form & Calendar of Events
Tontitown Historical Museum - Information & Sign-Up
CIEL Assisted Living - spend time with seniors; contact Michelle.agee@cielsenioliving.com or 479-249-8858 ext. 218
Arkansas Air & Military Museum - Information & Sign-Up
Walton Arts Center - Information & Sign-Up
Hispanic Women's Organization of Arkansas - Information & Sign-Up
The Horse Garden Rescue and Sanctuary - Email for information

Find Your Own Opportunity

Keep your service hours up to date in Innerview.

Find the Community Service Learning page: go to the Har-Ber High School website, then Parents & Students, then Community Service Learning.
Visit Innerview: click the Innerview link on that page, or go straight to my.innerview.org.
New to Innerview? Click "Activate Your Account Now" to create your account.
Complete your profile: answer the questions about how you view community service and what matters to you. Innerview also asks whether you belong to HOSA, National Honor Society, Student Council, or Tri-M. Select one only if you are a current member; otherwise skip to the next page.
Add your service: select the circle with the plus sign to log each activity and enter the details.
Add an image: every activity needs one. A photo from the event, a free stock image related to the activity, or the sponsoring organization's logo all work.

Questions about Innerview? Contact Mrs. Teff in the Har-Ber Library at ateff@sdale.org. Questions about community service learning? Contact Dr. Weaver in the Counseling Center at randi.weaver@sdale.org.

Applications for new members were due at the end of October. Applicants needed a cumulative GPA of 3.500 or higher and a character reference from a Springdale Schools staff member. Members show the four NHS pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, and character. If you applied, official GPA eligibility is set at the end of the first semester, so finish the semester strong. The induction ceremony is in spring 2027.

Current NHS members: pay your membership fees through the Har-Ber Online Store or in the Front Office with Mrs. Miller, our Financial Secretary. Paying gives you a receipt and lets the school order your graduation regalia. When you set up Innerview, select National Honor Society in your profile.

Thanksgiving break runs Monday, November 23 through Friday, November 27. If the holidays are hard for you, you are not the only one, even if nobody around you is saying it.

Make a plan before you leave on Friday, November 20. Pick one person you can text when things get heavy, and one thing that helps you reset, like your favorite playlist or a hot shower. Decide ahead of time where you can go to step away for a few minutes. A plan is easier to follow when you make it on a calm day.

Give yourself room to miss someone. If someone you love won't be at the table this year, the holiday can bring that loss right back, even if it happened a while ago. You can share a memory of that person out loud, or skip a tradition that hurts too much right now.

Step away when you need to. When a conversation gets heated or the house gets loud, you can take a break. Saying "I'm going to take a walk" or "I need a minute" is enough.

Stay connected if you're alone a lot. Do one thing each day that gets you outside or talking to someone, like shooting baskets at the park or a call with a friend.

Know who to reach over break. The Counseling Center is closed that week. If you or a friend is in crisis, call or text 988, any time of day or night, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a trained crisis counselor. Both are free and confidential. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Parents and guardians, plan the week together. Ask your student which parts of the holiday they look forward to and which ones feel hard.