Counselors Newsletter
Week of October 12, 2026
Student Opportunities: Volunteer Events, Free Leadership Training, & Youth Summits
1. Student Volunteer Opportunities
Nov 5: Gala with Ernie Johnson & Jeff Foxworthy (Evening event setup)
Nov 21–29: Festival of Trees
To sign up: Complete the Ernie & Jeff Foxworthy Volunteer Form.
Note: All volunteers under 18 must submit the attached Volunteer Minors Form and have an adult chaperone present during service. Contact Taylor O'Neal taylor.oneal@streetgrace.org with questions.
2. Host a Youth Summit (Fall or Spring): Bring an anti-human trafficking Youth Summit to your middle or high school. Previous summits (e.g., Lakeside High) featured lived experience subject matter experts, CNN anchors, law enforcement experts, and student leaders.
Student feedback speaks for itself:
"I learned that human and sex trafficking is a huge issue and the younger generation needs to understand the dangers and what we can do to fix it."
"Setting goals are important to take action. Also your unique thoughts and voice matter and are needed to be heard."
3. Free Online Leadership Training (Now in Spanish!) The Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) is a free, 1-hour online course empowering students to build leadership skills and prevent human trafficking. Students receive a certificate of completion and verified service hours. (Flyer attached)
4. Save the Date: Upcoming Events
Human Trafficking Advocacy Day at the State Capitol: Early February 2027 (Date TBD)
CNN #MyFreedomDay: March 11, 2027
HBCU Scholarships
Class of 2027: Are you interested in attending an HBCU? 5 Strong Scholarship Foundation Inc offers scholarships to specific HBCUS.
SIgn up for the information session if you are interested.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1wuTIX1aDvYHwMHsPxUlALs57fEOImJWcaDJebGVMeuo/edit
“The Truth about College Admission,” featuring Rick Clark, Executive Director, Strategic Student Access at Georgia Tech
November 4th at 7PM
Webinar
Register online: https://www.applerouth.com/events/webinars
Get honest, insider insight into what colleges really look for in applicants—plus practical tips to help stand out in a competitive admissions landscape.
Topics include:
- The evolving role of SAT and ACT scores
- The use of AI in the admissions process
- Building a strong and balanced college list
- What colleges value inside and outside the classroom
- Essays, extracurriculars, and other key application components
- Emerging trends and predictions in admissions
Whether you're a student, parent, counselor, or educator, this session is packed with valuable information—and ends with a live Q&A to get your questions answered.
Can’t attend live? Register anyway and we’ll send you the recording.
All students must come to the test center with three things for both tests:
1 - A device that they have made sure can be used for the test.
2 - An Admission ticket. You must have a paper/printed admission ticket for the ACT. A printed or an electronic ticket may be used for the SAT.
3 - A hard plastic ID card, passport, or completed ACT or SAT ID form (completed = everything filled out and it is signed/notarized). School ID must show the current year. State federal ID must be valid on the test date. [We cannot use Infinite Campus, DDS permit/license documents, screenshots/photos, etc...]
ACT Registrations
ACT requires device readiness checks on all testing devices 2 to 4 weeks prior to testing. Examinees will be responsible for performing device readiness on their laptops. ACT describes the readiness process and current Device Readiness Cutoff Date at https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-changes/gateway-test-center-resources.html. If you do not complete your device readiness check by the deadline, your registration will be cancelled by ACT and you will have to register for another test date.
Volume 11, Issue 10
Thank you for your interest in GUIDE's Inspired to Make Healthy Choices newsletter! We strive to provide accurate and important information about current topics related to health and well-being.
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United States Presidential Scholars Application Opening Soon
Each year, the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program honors some of our nation’s most exceptional high school seniors who shine through academic achievement, artistic talent, and career and technical excellence. Established by executive order in 1964, the program has grown to recognize up to 161 students annually, celebrating those whose accomplishments reflect the highest ideals of scholarship, creativity, and leadership.
The 2027 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program application window will open from September 1 to November 1. High school seniors may apply, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined by the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The application, program criteria, and informational brochures are on the Excellence Recognitions PSP webpage at http://www.gadoe.org/USPS. Applications are due by November 1 at 5:00 p.m.
Application Link: 2027 PSP Application
Verification Forms: Click Here
Student Application Guidance: Click Here
College Financial Aid Form (FAFSA) Changes
From College Aid Pro: The new FAFSA rules are creating a lot of confusion for families this year, so we put together a simple guide to help. The big takeaway: Students MUST be present with their parents when completing and submitting the FAFSA.
Download our FAFSA Guide here . It breaks down what's changed and what they need to do differently this cycle.
Build Strong STEM Foundations & Confidence with MathSP
MathSP provides specialized academic coaching test preparation in math and science for middle and high school students. Founded by MIT, UC Berkeley, and Emory graduate Stephanie Espy and led by STEM professionals, MathSP focuses on helping students master core concepts in math and science, build strong problem-solving skills, and gain "STEM fluency".
Whether your student needs to strengthen foundational concepts in Algebra, Geometry, Biology, or Chemistry, or prepare for the PSAT, SAT, or ACT, MathSP equips students with the skills to excel inside and outside the classroom.
Learn More & Enroll:
Visit www.MathSP.com
Email: info@MathSP.com
Call us: (678) MATH-650 or (678) 628-4650
Certificate of Enrollment
(complete this form at least 1 week prior going to the DDS. Form expires 30 days after issuance)
AA Counseling Department
Email: heather.barnhill@csdecatur.net
Website: https://www.csdecatur.net/dhs
Location: 310 North McDonough Street, Decatur, GA, USA
Phone: 404-370-4170