Science Hill High School Newsletter

Students and Families,

Here are some highlights from the past few weeks and some things to keep in mind in the next few:

Class Registration

Thank you for working with your student and assisting with class registration. The registration portal is now closed, but your student will verify selections with their counselor.

Spring Break

Spring Break is March 17 through March 21.

SHHS Boys Basketball

The SHHS Boys Basketball team will host Maryville High School in a Sectional game on Monday, March 10 at 7 p.m. in the New Gym. The winner of the game goes on the State Basketball Tournament.

Big South Basketball Tournament

The Big South Education Day was a success. The tournament will conclude this weekend and SHHS will return to normal dismissal time and procedures on Monday.

Thank you and Go Toppers!

Principal Josh Carter

The Hilltoppers (26-6) will take on Maryville High School in a sectional matchup at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 10, in the New Gym. The winner will go on to the state tournament. Tickets may be purchased on the team's GoFan page.

The Science Hill Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will perform their Concert Performance Assessment music in concert, at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11 in the high school auditorium. Admission is $5 for adults, students and children are free.

All Science Hill students and rising freshmen are welcome at STEM Night from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, in Grand Topper Hall. The Women in STEM club is hosting, and students, teachers and outside folks working and learning in science-related fields will share their experiences. Please RSVP using this Google form.

On Wednesday, March 12, juniors will have the option to take the ACT during normal school hours. The day will be asynchronous for other students, but they will have assignments to be completed in Canvas.

Testing will begin at 7:40 am and buses will run normally. Students should check the list of testing room assignments, so they know where to report.

You will need to bring the following with you:

• Your Chromebook

• Your Student ID

• A Calculator (Some will be available, but it may not be your preferred model)

• A snack for the break (optional)

More information about the policies and procedures for test day is available in this informational packet.

There we be no school March 17 to 21. Enjoy your break!

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

The Science Hill Showstoppers finished the 2024-25 invitational tournament season with a perfect record, winning Team Sweepstakes in all six events they entered.

The latest team win was at the Daniel Boone Invitational at Daniel Boone High School in Gray, where the Showstoppers placed 40 performances into finals and crowned 10 event champions. First place winners were Lily Campbell (After-Dinner Speaking), Olivia Castillo and Spider Smotherman (Duet Acting), Taylor Robey and Cassie Rogers (Duo Interpretation), Seamus Blackburn (Extemporaneous Speaking), Cassie Rogers and Sophie Young (Improvisational Duet Acting), Taylor Robey (Pantomime), Avery Gillert (Poetry Interpretation), Aubrey Christine (Program of Oral Interpretation), Hafsah Khan and Bella Permenter (Public Forum Debate), and Grace Hill (Storytelling).

This season, the Showstoppers earned 255 individual awards, including 52 event champions!

More than 70 Science Hill students took the ASVAB Career Assessment! This valuable tool helps students explore career paths based on their strengths, interests and work values.

It's not just for the military! While students interested in military service can use their scores for career placement, the ASVAB is also a great resource for those exploring college majors or other career opportunities.

Thank you to everyone who donated items or volunteered to make the PTSA's Faculty and Staff Appreciation popcorn and drinks a success!

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.