Class of 2024
JOHS Counseling Connection
November 28, 2022
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Newsletter Contents
- 2022-2023 Counseling Department Survey (Please Complete)
- Tennessee Governor's School Applications
- NEW! TN Driver's License Laws
- NEW! Excuse Notes When Absent
- Homework Hotline
- 1st Quarter and Semester Grades
- Graduation Requirements
- Diploma Types
- NEW ITEMS! Scholarship Connection
Every Issue
- College Fairs and Lunch Visits
- ACT Fee Waiver Process
- ACT Prep for High School Juniors and Seniors
- ACT Test Dates
- Credit Recovery Information
- School Counselor Contact and Appointment Information
- College and Career Planning Personnel
- Helpful JOHS Counseling Schoology Group Resource Folders
- Quick Button Links
2022-2023 Counseling Department Survey
Each year the counseling department and GEAR UP asks students to complete a short survey so that we can plan lessons and events around your needs. Please complete the Class of 2024 survey. It should only take you about 10 minutes to complete.
Link to Survey: https://forms.gle/GwuDJiRfSaCtwrin8​
Tennessee Governor's School Applications
Application Help Days: November 14 and December 2. Sign up for help at this link: https://bit.ly/johsgovschoolhelp
The Governor's School Interest Meeting Powerpoint is posted at the end of this section in the newsletter.
TIPS and INSTRUCTIONS
- Visit the TN Governor's School website for application downloads and links, deadlines, how to submit applications, and the dates and locations for each program. https://www.tn.gov/education/instruction/tdoe-governors-schools.html
- Some Governor's Schools have pre-requisites to apply. Check the instructions.
- Your nominating teacher will be your Academy Counselor.
- Complete the request for Teacher Letter of Recommendation Form and/or Counselor Letter of Recommendation Form to help your teacher or counselor write a good recommendation IN ADDITION to giving them the sheet they need from the application. Links to the request forms are in the "Quick Button Links" at the end of the newsletter.
- Please give the paper teacher recommendation forms to the teachers required for that Governor's School. Some applications require specific teachers complete the forms. Complete the top portion of the form before giving it to your teacher.
- Give teacher recommendation forms and/or the Request for Letter of Recommendation form to your teachers by December 9 no matter when your application is due. If a paper form, they should return the recommendation to your academy counselor.
- All applications require your counselor to complete some information, have the Request for Letter of Recommendation form (and application form if applicable) to your counselor by December 9 no matter what date your application is due.
- If the entire application is in paper form, give the completed application with signatures to your counselor by December 9. They will complete their section and send the application.
- Follow all instructions on the applications.
- Proofread your application for spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and grammar before submitting.
- Type essays in a word document and finalize them in the document. Then copy and paste into any electronic applications if you are given a text box to submit essays.
Tennessee Driver's License Laws
Proof of School Attendance
When students apply for their learner's permit, they must bring a completed Certificate of Compulsory School Attendance Form (SF1010 Form) with them to the driver's license testing center.
Students can request this form from their Academy Office Manager. The form is only valid for 30 days.
Keeping Your Driver's License
Students are required to make satisfactory academic progress each grading quarter and semester to keep their driver's license in the state of Tennessee. For JOHS, that means students must be passing six of eight classes each grading period.
If a student fifteen years of age or older drops out of school or fails to make satisfactory academic progress, the school notifies the Department of Safety. The student's driving privileges will be suspended for a grading period. The first time a student drops out, he or she may regain the privilege to drive by returning to school and making satisfactory academic progress. There is no second chance, however. The second time a student drops out he or she must wait to turn 18 years old before being eligible to apply for a new driver's license.
Excuse Notes When Absent
Documenting Excused Absences
- The parent or guardian of the student must send in a written note explaining why the student missed school within three days of the student’s return to school after being absent.
- Because students sometimes lose notes or forget to turn them in, the parent or guardian should make sure the designated school staff in the front office has received the written excuse notes.
- The parent or guardian should keep a copy of the written excuse note for personal record.
- If a written excuse note is not turned in, the absence will be considered an unexcused absence.
- Absences will be marked on the student’s attendance record as either excused or unexcused. The parent or guardian can request copies of the student’s attendance record from the school’s front office.
Students should turn absent notes in to their Academy Office. Please make sure the note includes the student's full name, date of absence, reason for absence, and parent/guardian signature.
Early Dismissal: The same written note process should be followed if a student needs to leave school early. The absence will be classified as excused or unexcused per school district policy.
Homework Hotline
Free homework help and tutoring for students K to 12 is available from the Homework Hotline. It's a great resource and available Monday to Thursday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Call 615-298-6636.
The Homework Hotline tutors K-12 Tennessee students in reading, language arts, math, social studies, science, Spanish, and more. High school students: we can help with calculus, trigonometry, physics, chemistry, and most other subjects—all taught by certified teachers. And best of all? We offer help in: English, Arabic, Spanish, French, Hindi, and Farsi.
1st Quarter Grades and Semester Grades
Students received their first quarter report cards after fall break. What if you failed a class for the quarter? Will you have to do credit recovery? Credit recovery is based on your semester grade in a class. That means there is still hope. Remember, that you must pass certain classes in high school to earn credits to graduate. See the small picture to the left for the grading scale used at John Overton High School.
How are semester grades figured?
Semester grades are figured by using your first quarter grade, your second quarter grade, and your semester exam grade. That means even if you fail first quarter, you can still get a high enough second quarter grade and semester exam grade to pass for the first semester.
Semester Grades Non-State Tested Courses
For courses that don't have a state EOC test, the semester test counts 20% of the final semester grade. Each quarter grade counts 40%. See the attached photo for a sample of figuring a semester grade.
Semester Grades in State Tested Courses
For courses that have a state EOC test (English I, English II, Integrated Math I, Integrated Math II, Integrated Math III, Biology, and US History), the EOC counts as the semester exam but is worth 15% of semester grade. Each quarter grade counts 42.5% of the semester grade.
Graduation Requirements
You must take certain classes and pass them to earn credits to graduate. If you don't pass a class, you have to retake it or do credit recovery which takes up spots in your schedule for fun classes. Credit recovery is now only offered AFTER school.
- English (4 credits)--English I, II, III, IV
- Math (4 credits; must take math each year)--Integrated Math I, Integrated Math 2, Integrated Math 3, and one additional course
- Science (3 credits)--Biology, Chemistry OR Physics, and one lab science
- Social Studies (3.5 credits)--World History/Geography, U.S. History, Personal Finance (0.5), Government (0.5), Economics (0.5)
- World Language (2 credits)--Must be SAME language
- Physical Education (0.5 credit)
- Lifetime Wellness (1 credit)
- Fine Art (1 credit)
- Academy Pathway/Elective Focus (3 credits in sequence)
- Other Electives (6 credits)
Total Credits Required for Graduation=28
Maximum Credits Students Can Earn=32
Other Graduation Requirements
- Must pass civics test with 70 or above
- Must take the ACT or SAT
Diploma Types
REGULAR DIPLOMA
Students who complete the standard JOHS graduation requirements earn a regular diploma.
REGULAR DIPLOMA WITH STATE DISTINCTION
Student must complete the standard JOHS graduation requirements, earn a minimum cumulative unweighted 3.0 GPA, AND meet one of the following criteria:
- Earn a national and/or state recognized industry certification Participate in at least one (1) of the Governor’s Schools
- Participate in one (1) of the state’s ALL State musical organizations
- Earn statewide recognition or award at a skill- or knowledge-based state tournament, convention, or competition hosted by a statewide student organization, and/or qualify for national recognition by a national student organization
- Be selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist
- Attain a score of thirty-one (31) or higher composite score on the ACT or SAT equivalent
- Attain a score of three (3) or higher on at least two advanced placement exams (by end of junior year)
- Successfully complete the Cambridge International Examinations pathway to TN Diploma
- Earn 12 or more semester credit hours of transcripted college credits
- Successfully complete the School of Science and Math Program at Vanderbilt (SSMV) by passing all courses and participating 3 out of 4 years.
REGULAR DIPLOMA WITH STATE HONORS
Students must complete the standard JOHS graduation requirements and meet benchmarks on all sections of the ACT or SAT.
ACT Benchmarks
English 18
Math 22
Reading 22
Science 23
Scholarship Connection
If you haven't been checking the JOHS Scholarship Connection, there are some scholarships listed available for JUNIORS!
- Wyland Foundation Art Challenge (11th-12th) Due December 1
- Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship (9th-12th Grades) Due December 5
- Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship (9th-12th Grades) Due December 31
- Live Mas Scholarship (Ages 16-24 Eligible) Due January 11
- JFK Profile in Courage Essay Scholarship (9th-12th can apply) Due January 13
- TN Congress of Parent-Teacher Scholarship (Grades K-12 can enter) Due January 13
These are not listed in the JOHS Scholarship Connection yet, but you can find information in the "Current Scholarships" folder under the month the scholarship is due. Link to "Current Scholarships" folder is in the JOHS Scholarship Connection Newsletter.
- American Legion Oratorical Contest (9th-12th Grades) Due January 17
- Finance Academy Scholarship (9th-12th Grades) Due January 15
- Hamilton Scholars (Juniors Only) Due January 25
- Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship (9th-12th Grades) Due January 30
- Princeton Prize in Race Relations (9th-12th Grades) Due January 31
JOHS Scholarship Connection: https://www.smore.com/crhzu
College Fairs and Events
ACT Fee Waiver Process
Parents must complete the MNPS Fee Waiver form to determine if students are eligible to receive College Application and ACT Fee Waivers. Only juniors and seniors can receive ACT fee waivers for Saturday national test dates. Once the form is completed and processed, counselors can see in their Infinite Campus if students qualify for a fee waiver. Fee waivers are based on family income.
MNPS Fee Waiver Form Link: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Home/PickDistrict
Counselors have the ACT Fee Waivers forms and college application fee waiver forms. Students do have to complete their part of the college application fee waiver form before the counselor completes their part.
ACT Prep for Juniors and Seniors
Test Nav Online Practice Test: Visit the link and click on "Practice Test" under the log in boxes. This platform is what will probably be used for the school day ACT test for juniors instead of paper and pencil testing.
Oasis Center ACT Test Prep: GEAR UP Nashville and Oasis College Connection offer free ACT Prep through Methodize. Go to Methodize.methodlearning.com/join and enter the code krjtfl8 to sign up. If you have any issues, you can email Daniel Mehus at dmehus@oasiscenter.org
Tennessee Electronic Library ACT Test Prep (FREE)
Credit Recovery Information
After school credit recovery will start on Thursday, September 1. Students attending should meet in the library after school. Hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:15pm-3:45pm. Students must come in person to take their cumulative course exams. If you need help with a specific subject or have technical issues, you can also come to an in-person session.
The attached flyer explains how to log into Edgenuity to complete your course. Only ONE course will be loaded at a time. Use the QR code to schedule the days you plan to attend in-person. Contact information for technical questions are listed on the flyer.
Credit Recovery Get Started Information
Credit Recovery QR Code for In-Person Session
Credit Recovery Information (Spanish)
School Counselor Contact Information
Ms. Chaparro, School Counselor
Ms. Ellington, School Counselor
Ms. McClurg, School Counselor
Ms. Nelson, School Counselor
Mr. Van Driest, School Counselor
College and Career Personnel
Ms. Hutchinson, Graduation Coach (Room 144)
Ms. Sievers, Transition Specialist (Room 144)
Need help with all those application tasks or essays or have questions about the college admissions, financial aid, and scholarship process? Make an appointment with Ms. Sievers.
Ms. Osborne, GEAR UP Specialist (Room 144)
Works with students in the Class of 2024 and Class of 2025 to provide programs regarding post-secondary planning and academic success.
Mr. Bryan, Escalera Coordinator (Room 144)
Escalera is an after-school program for 11th and 12th grade first generation college students with emphasis on immigrants and refugees. Mr. Bryan also is available for one on one appointments during the school day for help with navigating the application process and developing a plan for after high school. He is at JOHS on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Email: bryan@conexionamericas.org
Ms. Morales, Conexion Americas Youth Development Specialist (International Student Center)
Supports newly arrived immigrant students in 11th - 12th grades and guides them in the post-secondary and career planning and process. Email: dayana@conexionamericas.org
Mr. Mehus, Oasis College Connection Mentor (Room 144)
Meets with students to discuss post-secondary and career options and to guide them through the process. Mr. Mehus is
available Mondays and Tuesdays. Use the QR code to make an appointment. Email: dmehus@oasiscenter.org
Ms. Wilson, College and Career Readiness Coach (International Student Center)
Helps with apprenticeships and work-based learning and provides general college and career counseling. Email: beth.wilson@mnps.org
Helpful JOHS Counseling Schoology Group Resource Folders
- Military Information--Military Academies, Military Branches, ASVAB Testing, Recruiter Contact Information
- Career Exploration, Apprenticeships, and Job Search Resources--Career Exploration and Job Search Websites, Apprenticeship Info, Resume Writing, Cover Letter Writing, Interview Tips and Skills
- Financial Aid for Post-Secondary Education--General Information, FAFSA, CSS Profile
- Postsecondary Resources for Immigrant and Undocumented Students--Community Partners, Financial Aid, Helpful Websites, Scholarships
- Postsecondary Resources for Students with Disabilities--Scholarships, Colleges, and links to documents and websites.
- Postsecondary Search and Planning--JOHS Presentations, Webinars and Videos, College Search Websites, Guides to the Application Process, Application Checklists and Timelines, Resume Writing for Admissions, College and Scholarship Essays, College Fair Information and Tips, Special Application Websites, NACAC College Application Fee Waiver Request, College Comparison Worksheet.
- College Athletics--General Information and Links, NCAA, NAIA
- JOHS Course Information and Graduation Requirements
Quick Button Links
JOHS Counseling Department
Website: https://overton.mnps.org/students/counseling
Location: 4820 Franklin Road, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: 615-333-5135