LHS Counseling Department News
September 2024
Important Dates
The end of the quarter is 10/23/24.
Please check to make sure all assignments have been submitted.
Report Cards will be issued on October 30, 2024.
LORIS HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER 10/18/24
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Attendance Makeup Opportunities
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
What is Bullying?
Bullying is defined as
“Any behavior intended to cause physical, emotional, or social hurt or harm to another person is considered bullying. Although bullying is usually a repetitive behavior, it can occur in a single incident if that incident is either severe or arises from a pattern of behavior.” --As defined by S.C. law and Horry County School policy
“Unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.” --As defined by stopbullying.gov
REPORT AN INCIDENT
Anonymous reports can be made to the School Crime Tip Line at any time by calling:
• (843) 915-SROS (7767)
• Online on the HCS website
• District mobile App
Red Ribbon Week
RED RIBBON WEEK is Celebrated Annually October 23-31.
Red Ribbon Week highlights the importance of living a drug-free life. It presents an opportunity for parents, educators, and communities to reinforce the drug-free messages they share with their children throughout the year. During Red Ribbon Week, youth and adults around the nation pledge to increase their knowledge by learning more about the destructive effects of drug abuse, including prescription drug misuse, and renew their commitment to live a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
HOBY Youth Leadership Seminar
HOBY Youth Leadership Seminar for sophomores.
Students across the country and around the world attend HOBY to further their leadership journeys. By attending our seminars, students gain a concrete sense of their own leadership abilities and values, learn tangible skills to lead diverse groups, and make connections with peers across their state. The cost to attend is $395 per student. HOBY Youth Leadership programs encourage young people to focus their energy on making a positive impact on their communities. At HOBY, you become part of something bigger. Loris High School can nominate 5 sophomores. If this is something you may be interested in, please let Ms. Dameron, School Counselor know so she can explain the process
Loris High School Alumni Spotlight
In our newsletter, we would link to recognize Loris High School Alumni and their notable accomplishments and achievements. We believe it is important for our current students to see people who were once students at LHS and now are successful adults who are contributing to the communities in which they live. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, please click the button below. In this edition, we would like to spotlight two alumni who are not part of the faculty and staff of their alma mater.
Mr. Jimmy McCullough, Loris High School Principal
Mr. McCullough is a 1998 graduate of Loris High School. During his high school years, he was a stellar athlete who was active in football, basketball and track. He was also active in Beta Club, Future Leaders of America, Peer Mentor Group and Teacher Cadet.
His best high school memory was earning a football scholarship to continue his education at Georgia Southern University where earned his Bachelor's Degree.
He has served as Principal of his alma mater since 2021 and one his proudest moments is being able to help Bring Pride Back!! He is proud to serve the students and staff of Loris High School.
Mrs. Jan Vescovi, Loris High School Teacher, Student Council Advsor
Mrs. Vescovi is a proud member of the Loris High School Class of 1995. While in high school, she participated in cheerleading, volleyball, softball, Student Council, Spanish Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Close Up/Model UN and Teacher Cadet.
She furthered her education at Coastal Carolina University and in 1998 received Bachelor of Arts Degree in Secondary Education, English and in 2001 Master of Education, English Degree. She is a National Board Certified Teacher with an Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition Certificate and Gifted and Talented Endorsement.
Her favorite high school memories include cheering at ballgames, dressing up for spirit days, and being selected Most School Spirit for Senior Superlatives. She loved making goodie bags for athletes and painting signs for ball games. Of course, prom was always an exciting time!
From Ms. Vescovi "I absolutely love teaching at my high school alma mater in the very classroom where I had Honors English I as a student. High school life was a special time, and I love helping create some wonderful memories for the students who come through Loris High School! I am a Loris Lion, always and forever"!
Extended Options
24-25 LHS Extended Options
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- 3:15-3:30 Students check-in in media center with Mrs. Boyd
- 3:30-4:50 Students in class with teacher receiving tutoring.
- 4:50 -5:00 Teachers walk students to the bus lot and remain until the buses are loaded.
If a student is having difficulty in a class, he/she is encouraged to communicate with his/her teacher to determine availability for attendance during Extended Options.
PSAT Test Days
PSAT INFORMATION
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is more than good practice for the SAT, and the scores are more than just a number. With your results you can see your progress if you have taken a prior version, set goals and see recommendations for AP Courses.
All students in grade 10 will take the digital PSAT on October 23rd and October 24th during the school day. Students are encouraged to use the linked student guide to help them prepare. PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide (collegeboard.org)
11th grade students who are registered for AP or Honors English will also take the test on October 23, 2024. Scores from the 11th grade administration and other factors are used to determine qualifying eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship. PSAT/NMSQT Student Guide (nationalmerit.org)
Please schedule the required 24-25 Individual Graduation Plan Meeting
Individual Graduation Plan Meeting Information
The Individualized Graduation Plan (IGP) is a state requirement for 8th through 12th grade. The Education and Economic Development ACT (EEDA) of 2005 stipulates that students will have career assessments and awareness activities that help them select a career path. The purpose of the IGP is to assist students with the transition from middle school to high school to prepare a career major for high school and beyond.
An Individual Graduation Plan outlines the courses necessary for the student to successfully prepare for graduation and transition into a profession or post-secondary educational experience. In addition to general graduation requirements and coursework, IGPs include out-of-classroom learning opportunities related to a student's chosen cluster of study. Students will update their IGPs annually, giving them the flexibility to change their cluster of study should their interest change.
Each year, school counselors conduct IGP meetings with students and their parent/guardian to review and update the previous year's IGP. It is important that students assess their skills and interests to determine the most fulfilling and rewarding career. Career assessments can be accessed using this link.Interest Assessment | CareerOneStop.
Students and parents must be aware of the high school graduation requirements as required by the SC Department of Education. South Carolina High School Graduation requirements are linked below.
In order to be promoted to the next grade and graduate with their 4-year cohort group, students need to satisfactorily progress and meet the course requirements for promotion. The promotion requirements are as follows:
Grade 10 – 5 total credits – 1 Math credit and 1 English credit
Grade 11 – 11 total credits – 2 Math credits and 2 English credits
Grade 12 – 16 total credits – 3 Math credits, 3 English credits, 2 Science credits, and 2 Social Studies credits
Join Mrs. Todd's Google Classroom using this code 6vk5uym
Join Mrs. Dameron's Google Classroom using this code. wdtsn2j
Free College Fair
Salvation Army Angel Tree
Please feel free to print the applications below or stop by the office for an application in English or Spanish.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Applications
Salvation Army Angel Tree Letter page 1
Salvation Army Angel Tree letter Page 2
Spanish Angel Tree Application form page 1
Spanish Angel Tree Application form page 2
Spanish Angel Tree Application form page 3
NCAA Student Athlete Eligibility
Career Exploration Information For All Students
See Something, Say Something!
School safety is everyone’s responsibility! The single most effective preventative tool regarding school safety and security is the “If you see something, say something ®” protocol. It is critically important that if students see or hear something that is concerning, they say something to a trusted adult or report it below.
Horry County Schools (HCS) is committed to providing our students and staff members with a safe and secure learning environment that is conducive to learning. In order to fulfill this commitment, we ask all students to report any safety concern to one of the school’s administrators, a teacher, a parent, or another trusted adult. Other reporting methods are also listed below. Please provide adequate information about a safety concern in order for school administrators and/or law enforcement to begin an investigation.
Power School Parent Portal Access
PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal
The PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal is web-based and can be accessed from any computer with internet access. Compatible web browsers include Internet Explorer 8, Firefox, Safari, and Chrome. The PowerSchool Parent/Student Portal can be found at the following secured web address: https://myps.horrycountyschools.net/public/
The PowerSchool Parent Portal requires a unique username and password to access student information. Students will also have access to the Parent/Student portal. Each student will be assigned his/her own username and password. Parents should contact the Data Quality Clerk to obtain access information.
A parent/guardian or student can also view the cumulative grade for each course in which the student is currently enrolled. This view provides a summary detailing exactly where a student stands in each course area for the current semester. These are live grades as they exist in the teacher’s grade book. The grade in blue is a clickable link that, when clicked, will display the individual assignments that contribute to this grade. The teacher’s name, also in blue, is a clickable link to the teacher’s email.
IMPORTANT DATES AND EVENTS
SAT TEST DATES 2024-2025
ACT TEST DATES 2024-2025
FRA AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 7-12
FRA Americanism Essay Contest for students in grades 7-12
FRA AMERICANISM ESSAY CONTEST RULES
• All entrants shall be students in grades seven through twelve (or equivalent).
• Entrants must be sponsored by a branch of the Fleet Reserve Association or a unit of the Ladies Auxiliary, or by an FRA Member-at-Large.
• The essay shall be on the theme designated and shall not exceed 350 words. The essay theme title must appear on the essay as written.
• The essay shall be legibly written or typed on one page and one side of the paper.
• The entrant name must not appear on the actual essay, but on a separate sheet as listed below.
• Each entry must be accompanied by a separate sheet [Cover Sheet] stating: the entrant’s name; address; zip code; telephone number; school grade (or equivalent); name of school or the words “home schooled;” number of words in essay; and the sponsoring branch/unit or sponsor’s name.
• The entrant must sign the Cover Sheet staying that no ‘Artificial Intelligence’ [AI] was used in writing the essay.
• A student may submit only one entry each year.
• Entries submitted to branches shall be submitted to the Branch Americanism-Patriotism Committee. Entries will be judged by the local branch in mid November. All Loris High School must be submitted to Mrs. Danielle Gore in Guidance by November 12, 2024. The cover letter must be attached.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The 25-26 FASFA will open on December 1, 2024. Loris High School will host a workshop for parents and students in October. FAFSA is completed at www.fafsa.gov.
COMMON BLACK COLLEGE APPLICATION
COMMON APP
Common App is a non-profit college access organization that helps students apply to college every year. Applications to more than 1000 colleges and universities are available. Common App’s free college application tool is designed to make applying to college faster and easier. With Common App you only need to use one system to apply to multiple colleges and universities. There are two main parts you fill out: a set of common questions and each college’s own specific questions. The best part is you only have to fill out the common questions one time! Apply to college with Common App | Your future starts here
NROTC Scholarship
NROTC awards scholarships through a highly competitive national selection process. Selected applicants receive full tuition, books stipend, educational fees and other financial benefits OR Room and Board at the country's leading colleges and universities. Upon graduation, midshipmen are commissioned as officers in the Navy or Marine Corps.
NROTC Scholarships are available to qualified students who graduate from high school before August 1 of the year they intend to start college.
Scholarship Information
College Board Big Future Scholarships
bigfuture-scholarships-student-flyer.pdf










