Wheeler Counseling Corner

It’s a great place to find information on:

How to Contact Your Counselor, Scholarships, Dual Enrollment, Transcript Requests, AND MORE!

The Counseling Department has a Calming Space located in the College and Career Center. If students find that they need a safe space for a brief, yet intentional break to defuse anger, re-center outside of the classroom, or deescalate emotions/anxiety before becoming overwhelmed, they should ask their teacher for a pass and check in at the Counseling Suite front desk.

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, they understand that life's challenges can sometimes be difficult. Whether you're facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, their caring counselors are here for you. You are not alone.

Students, if you are experiencing a food shortage at home, you can request a Weekend Bag of items to help you make it through the weekend! Sign up by clicking below or using the QR code in the flyer (also below). The QR codes is also posted around the school.

Junior Advisement will begin on February 2, 2026. One parent is allowed to attend with each student. Students have received invitations at their CCSD email address. It's imperative that students attend during the date and time on the invitation as makeups will be limited. We will discuss pertinent information regarding preparation for Senior year, the college application process, and post-graduate options. Students need to bring a charged laptop to complete an activity during the session.

Counselors will be in the cafeteria every Wednesday starting January 28th for drop-in style question and answer sessions. Be sure to see a counselor in the cafeteria if you have a quick question or concern!

Beginning February 2, 2026, Counselors will utilize a new form for appointments in efforts to decrease the amount of missed student appointments. Under the new procedure, students will complete the form then counselors will call each student from class. The form will be available on the website and QR codes around the building.

We've received feedback on the location of the college checklists for underclassmen. The links are on the main page of the Counseling website!

1. Go to the Counseling website.

2. Scroll down until you see the grade levels in large circles.

3. Click on the circle for the desired grade level.

4. Click on Freshman/Sophomore/Junior College Planning Timeline.

5. Read the information and click on the checklist!

(OR CLICK BELOW)

The 2026 Georgia Scholar Program application window is now open and will remain open through March 1, 2026. Georgia public and private school seniors are invited to apply if they meet all the criteria outlined by the program.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Application: 2026 Georgia Scholar Application

Verification Forms: Click Here

Student Application Guidance: Click Here

Georgia Scholar Webpage: Click Here

SAVE THE DATE!!!!

Senior Dues, Cap and Gown, Senior Photos (etc.)

The Mid-Year Transcript is the transcript that includes your first semester grades and is used to update colleges AFTER sending your initial transcript. MYTs are generally not sent until the end of January, which is standard, and colleges understand this timeline.

Read below for instructions and guidance on this process if a college you have applied to is requiring a mid-year transcript:

• If you applied early action/decision to a college and got accepted, you generally don’t need to send a MYT. As always, check the college's website to be sure.
• If you applied early action/decision to a college and got deferred, you should request a MYT be sent to that college.
• All MYTs must be requested using the Wheeler Midyear Transcript Request Form. Please pay on MyPaymentsPlus first, before completing the MYT request form. If you qualify for a fee waiver, please indicate on the form when requesting your MYTs.
• Any required forms, such as the Common App Midyear Report, will be completed and submitted with MYTs.
• You can continue to request initial transcripts in Naviance for any colleges to which you have not already sent transcripts. All transcripts sent from now on will include your first semester senior grades. As a reminder, click here for the steps to request an initial transcript.

Please reach out to your assigned counselor with any questions.

-COUNSELOR RECOMMENDATIONS - Contact your Counselor via email with a written request for a college letter of recommendation. Give at least two school weeks' notice before the requested submission deadline. (This means ten school days. If school is closed, it does not count towards the two weeks/10 days of prior notice.)

-Your Common App and Naviance accounts must be matched before Counselors can send documents

-Remember to update your email in Naviance to your PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS so you don't miss important communication.

-You must sign the Common App FERPA waiver before Counselors can send documents

-Check the Senior page of the Counseling website for the Senior Seminar ppt

-TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS -

•1. Add college you are applying to Naviance. ​

•Log onto your Naviance student account. ​

•Select the COLLEGES tab. ​

•Under COLLEGES select “Colleges I’m Applying To.”​

• Click on “+”, add each college/university, including application information.​

•Click “Add Application and Request Transcript.

•Select Initial Transcript and complete the rest of the information.
​

•2. Go to MyPaymentsPlus (Fees, then Activities & Events) and fill out the transcript request form and pay $2 per transcript.​

•For Common Application documents, you MUST link your Common App account to your Naviance account before your counselor can send your transcript. You must sign the Common App FERPA waiver before Counselors can send documents.

•It is your responsibility to complete ALL parts of the above process, or transcripts will not be sent.

The Atlanta National College Fair is coming up, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together to explore higher education opportunities from across the U.S. and around the world—all in one place.

When: Sunday, January 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Georgia International Convention Center

Why attend:

• Connect with admissions representatives from a wide variety of colleges and universities.
• Learn about academic programs, campus life, and what college is really like.
• Attend workshops on financial aid & scholarships, HBCUs, the college application process, and more.
• Network with educators, mentors, and community members who are supporting students on their college journeys.

Plan ahead:

• Pre-register here for quicker entry.
• Check the list of participating colleges and universities here. The list is updated frequently as new schools join.

This event is open to anyone in the community who wants to support students, learn more about college options, or simply explore the possibilities. Come connect, ask questions, and discover opportunities that can open doors for the next generation.

Piedmont University’s Forensic Science and Criminal Justice Department would like to extend an invitation to interested students, their families, and interested teachers to join us for a Virtual Information Session on February 6th from 1-2 PM. The university is excited to invite high school students with an interest in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice to attend a virtual information session hosted by Piedmont University.

This one-hour session will be held via Microsoft Teams and is designed for students who are curious about careers in forensic science, criminal investigations, law enforcement, and related justice fields. During the session, students will have the opportunity to meet with program faculty and members of our admissions team, who will discuss Piedmont’s Criminal Justice and Forensic Science programs.

Topics will include:

· An overview of our Forensic Science and Criminal Justice program

· Coursework and learning opportunities

· Career options in forensic and criminal justice fields

· Admissions requirements and application guidance

· A live Q&A to address student and parent questions

Event Details:

· Format: Virtual (Microsoft Teams)

· Duration: 1 hour

· Who Should Attend: High school students interested in forensic science or criminal justice (parents/guardians are welcome)

This session is an excellent opportunity for students to explore how an interest in science, problem-solving, and justice can translate into an academic and professional path.

Additional details, including the Microsoft Teams meeting link, will be shared prior to the event. Please register to participate at this link: Piedmont University’s Virtual Information Session – Fill out form

Next Steps will host a Parent Empowerment webinar on career options for students both during and after high school graduation. The October webinar has passed, but there's still time to register for the February 2026 event! Click below to register.

Kennesaw State University invites you to an upcoming Open House, where you can discover all that the University has to offer.

Here's what's in store:

• Learn about academics: Explore majors, career opportunities, and resources.
• Admissions and Financial Aid: Get the facts to make planning easier.
• Hear from students: Current Owls will share what life is really like at KSU.
• Experience campus life: Tour our campus, enjoy a complimentary lunch in the award-winning dining hall, and visit a model residence hall.

Sign up for the campus that hosts your intended major, as this will allow you to gain the most knowledge about the KSU experience.

Click Below to Sign Up!

There is an exciting opportunity for students interested in exploring the field of medicine. Doctor for a Day (D4AD) is taking place at PCOM Georgia on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, from 8 am to 2 pm.

This event will provide students with hands-on experience in various aspects of medicine. They will have the opportunity to learn vital skills, such as measuring vital signs, performing physical exams, and much more. Additionally, students will work in teams to solve a medical case and diagnose patients, gaining real-world insight into the medical profession.

There's also planned a networking lunch where students will be able to connect with current medical students and professionals, providing valuable career insights. A career panel will be held to give students a glimpse into different medical fields and educational pathways.

The event will take place at:
PCOM Georgia
625 Old Peachtree Road NW
Suwanee, GA 30024

Interested students to complete the attached Google Form and waiver by January 23rd, 2026 at 11:59 pm to secure their spot for this exciting event! All students must be 18 years of age or older by the date of the event (March 14th, 2026) to be permitted to participate.

Google Form: D4AD 2026 Registration

In keeping with the mission to support and promote academic success for ALL Wheeler students, the Wheeler ABC Foundation will award four $500 scholarships to deserving Wheeler seniors who plan to further their education by enrolling in either a four-year or two-year college degree or technical certification program.

Academic Success means different things to different students. It's not just about grades - it may be about using your experiences to benefit the Wheeler community; learning how to balance school, family obligations and work; or simply discovering more about yourself. It may be about what you bring to the classroom and how you inspire others, or about finding what excites you and makes you want to keep learning.

Students applying must meet the following criteria:

· Be a Wheeler student in good standing and graduating in May 2026.

· Complete the online application and answer the short essay prompts.

· Adhere to the deadline established and essay word limits.

All applications must be received by 11:59 pm on March 10, 2026.

The link to the application is https://forms.gle/pYVZmhLgabysEWhT9

For questions about the ABCF Scholarships, please contact president@wheelerabc.org.

The deadline for the 2026 Cobb Schools Foundation Scholarship is coming up soon—January 31. Two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded at each high school. This opportunity is open to all CCSD high school students. The application link is included below and is also available to students in Naviance.