Journey of the Juniors Newsletter
October 2026
Class of 2028 Journey of the Juniors
October Newletter
901-757-6043
Jumpin' Juniors
🍁 This Month's Focus for "Jumpin' Juniors"
Taking Care of Yourself & Building Balance
🏉 Fall sports and activities are in full swing - remember to balance schoolwork but take time to enjoy a game or new activity such as a club.
Top 4 Tips for Junior Success
- Keep Your Grades Up: Colleges and employers look closely at junior-year transcripts because they show your highest level of academic maturity.
- Get Involved: Deepen your involvement in clubs, sports, or part-time work. Quality over quantity matters—show leadership in one or two activities.
- Ask Teachers for Help: Utilize after-school tutoring or teacher office hours the moment you feel confused in a class.
- Build Relationships: Think about two teachers who know you well. You will need them to write strong letters of recommendation next fall.
📝 Practice ACT
All juniors will take a practice ACT on October 7, 2026. Students will be preregistered for the practice ACT through the school. All students are encouraged to be at school on this day to take advantage of this great opportunity.
We are excited to continue the AspireACT Tutoring Program at Houston High School! The program provides students with targeted ACT preparation to build confidence, strengthen skills, and support college readiness. AspireACT begins September 1st. We look forward to another successful year! after-school dates.
FREE Quarterly ACT Workshops. Intensive, four-hour workshops on Saturdays provide general ACT tips and focus on specific subject areas.
In-School Support. During key testing periods in October and February, focused initiatives will take place during school hours to prepare juniors and seniors.
📝 PSAT
The PSAT will take place on October 20, 2026 during the school day. Students can register by paying for the test on SchoolCashOnline. The PSAT taken in the 11th grade can qualify students for scholarship money through the National Merit Scholarship Program.
📝 ACT
All juniors will take the state ACT during the school day for free on March 25, 2027. Students will be preregistered through the school. If you would like to sign up for one of the national test dates, please go to act.org.
ACT Dates for 2026-27
🏫 Governor's School
(2026 - 27) Governor's Schools Applications
applying will be required to meet one informational meeting. Those meetings will be held in the
College and Career Office.
Governor's School Informational Meeting
If you are interested in attending one of the Tennessee Governor's Schools, you must attend ONE of the mandatory informational meetings. The meetings will be held on the following days:
9/30: Honors Academy Meeting after school in the library
10/1: IMPACT - College and Career Office (sign up in RTI Scheduler)
10/6: IMPACT - College and Career Office (sign up in RTI Scheduler)
10/8: IMPACT - College and Career Office (sign up in RTI Scheduler)
Please see Mrs. Kreitz if you have any questions!
Exploring Your Options for Next Year: AP, Dual Credit, and CTE
📌 Why Start Planning Now?
The Houston High School Online Course Catalog is an excellent course for exploring course offerings.
📗📕 Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
What are they?
- College-level classes offered in high school.
- Students can earn college credit by scoring well on AP exams.
Why take AP?
- Shows colleges you're ready for rigorous work.
- Builds strong study and time-management skills.
- Can save money on future college classes.
🎓 Dual Credit Courses
What are they?
- College courses taught in high school (or online) where students earn both high school and college credit.
Why take Dual Credit?
- Earn college credit now, often at reduced cost.
- Gain experience with college-level work before graduation.
- Credits may transfer to many colleges or universities.
🔩🧰 Career & Technical Education (CTE)
What is it?
- Hands-on courses in areas like health science, IT, agriculture, business, culinary arts, or skilled trades.
Why take CTE?
- Build real-world skills and certifications.
- Gain work-based learning experiences, job shadowing, or internships.
- Great for students exploring careers, whether going straight to college or entering the workforce.
October Action Steps
College & Career Application Prep
🈸 Resume Building - Document activities, awards, volunteer experience, and skills.
✍🏻 Personal Statement Drafting - Begin brainstorming and writing college application essays.
📋 College Application Research - Review admission requirements and deadlines for target schools.
"Self-care is how you take your power back." - Lalah Delia