Class of 2024
JOHS Counseling Connection
February 20, 2023
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Newsletter Contents
This newsletter contains information about the following topics:
- 2023-2024 Course Registration Information Links
- Scholarship Connection
- NEW! JOHS College, Military, and Apprenticeship Fair
- NEW! State ACT Test (March 7)
- NEW! Minerva's Closet (Free Prom Dresses)
- NEW! Summer Internship Opportunities
- NEW! Mayor's Youth Council
- GEAR UP Lunch and Learn Program
- GEAR UP Spring Tutoring
- MNPS Promising Scholars Registration
- Questbridge College Prep Scholars
- College Topic Webinars
- Homework Hotline
Every Issue
- NEW OPPORTUNITIES! College Fairs and Lunch Visits
- ACT Fee Waiver Process
- ACT Prep for High School Juniors and Seniors
- ACT Test Dates
- FEBRUARY LOCATIONS! Credit Recovery Information
- School Counselor Contact and Appointment Information
- College and Career Planning Personnel
- Helpful JOHS Counseling Schoology Group Resource Folders
- Quick Button Links
2023-2024 Course Registration
If you have not met with your academy counselor to discuss your 2023-2024 course requests, please make an appointment with them. Otherwise, they will choose your classes for you!
All materials will be posted in the JOHS Counseling Schoology Group when available. Please listen to the information presented and read documents thoroughly so you are making an informed decision about your classes for next year.
Documents in Schoology Folder:
- Graduation Requirements and Diploma Types (English, Spanish, Arabic, Kurdish, Swahili)
- Graduation Awards (TN Scholars, TN Tri-Star Scholar, etc.)
- Grade level PowerPoint presentations
- Grade level course registration sheets
- 2023-2024 JOHS Course Options List
- 2023-2024 EPSO and Elective Course Description Booklet
- AVID Application
- EPSO Academic Contract
- Peer Tutor Skill Based Application
- Link to SGA/We the People Application
- Academy Pathway Summary Sheets
Scholarship Connection
If you haven't been checking the JOHS Scholarship Connection, there are some scholarships listed available for JUNIORS!
- Coolidge Scholarship (Juniors Only) Due February 23
- NEW! American Society of Human Genetics DNA Essay Contest (Grades 9-12) Due March 1
- Horatio Alger National or State Scholarships (Juniors Only) Due March 15
- NEW! Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes (Ages 8-18) Due April 15
- NEW! Ayn Rand Institute Essay Contest (Grades 8-12) Due April 27
- NEW! E-Waste Scholarship (Grades 9-12) Due April 30
- NEW! Cameron Impact Scholarship (JUNIORS ONLY) Early Application Deadline May 19
JOHS Scholarship Connection: https://www.smore.com/crhzu
JOHS College, Military, and Apprenticeship Fair
State ACT Test
Tuesday, March 7
Taking the ACT is required to graduate! Students receive two FREE ACT tests from the state--one in spring of junior year and one in fall of senior year. Students are welcome to register to take the ACT on National test dates (Saturdays). Since the Class of 2024 participates in GEAR UP, students are eligible to receive a limited number of ACT fee waivers for the National test dates their junior and senior year. See your school counselor for more information.
Before taking the ACT on March 7, students will complete the Non-Test Information online through their myACT account during one of their subject area classes. Use a personal email address to set up your account, not your MNPS student email.
Students will provide the following Non-Test Information when they create a myACT account:
- Enter Student Code for school day testing (will be provided to students)
- Demographic Information (name, address, phone, email, etc.)
- High School Information (courses taken and plan to take, approximate grades, etc.)
- College Plans
- ACT Test Score Recipients: Students can send ACT scores to up to four colleges for FREE. If students do not send scores when they complete the Non-Test Sections, then they will have to pay $18 per score report to send to a college. It is best to choose some colleges to receive your scores. JOHS does not send student ACT scores to colleges, and the scores are not on your transcript.
- Opt-In Educational Opportunity Service (EOS): Student may opt-in to the EOS so they can receive information from colleges or scholarship programs. These programs do not receive your ACT scores.
- Interest Inventory: Completing the Interest Inventory will give students a list of occupations and majors that fit your interests, self-reported abilities, and/or values.
Choosing Score Recipients:
- Nashville State Dual Enrollment: Choose the college where you plan to take dual enrollment courses in senior year.
- NCAA and NAIA Eligibility Centers: If you plan to play college athletics, choose one or both of the eligibility centers to receive your scores.
Minerva's Closet
Summer Internships (Power Youth)
Power Youth is an opportunity for students ages 14-19 to apply for paid summer internships (formerly called Opportunity Now) with a variety of partners around Davidson County. Click on the picture for more information and the application link.
Deadline to apply is April 21, 2023.
Mayor's Youth Council
The Mayor's Youth Council is a group of high school students from across Nashville who work together to confront the most challenging issues impacting young people in our city.
What does it involve?
- Weekly meetings
- Organizing the Annual Mayor's Youth Summit
- Participating in events such as the MLK Day weekend and the spring Climate Summit
- Working with community [partners on initiative important to Nashville Youth
Applications are due March 31, 2023. Click on the attached picture for link to application.
To learn more about the Mayor's Youth Council, attend the Open House on March 6. See flyer below.
GEAR UP Lunch and Learn
GEAR UP Spring 2023 Tutoring Schedule
MNPS Promising Scholars Registration
Registration for Promising Scholars is open! Promising Scholars will be June 1-June 30.
Each Promising Scholars site for rising K- 8th grade students will feature a mix of classroom learning; science, technology, and art activities; physical activity, and other fun experiences. High school students will participate in exciting and engaging experiences revolving around college and career readiness and ACT prep.
Credit recovery will also be available for high school students. Registration for credit recovery will open later in the spring.
For more information and to register for Promising Scholars, visit https://www.mnps.org/students-families/services/before-and-after-care/summer_programs
Questbridge College Prep Scholars Program for Juniors
If you are a high school junior who excels academically (Top 10% of your class) and will face financial hardship to pay for college, ask your school counselor refer you for the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program or you can complete the application without the referral.
QuestBridge prepares College Prep Scholars to gain admission and full four-year scholarships to 50 top colleges through the National College Match. College Prep Scholars can receive special awards and opportunities, including a full scholarship to a college summer program, up to $1,000 for a new laptop or other educational resources, essay feedback, and more.
Students must complete the College Prep Scholars application by March 22, 2023.
For more information about the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program, visit QuestBridge | College Prep Scholars Program
During senior year, students can apply for the Questbridge College Match scholarship program. The deadline is in mid-September. Then, students chosen as finalists get a chance to be matched with participating highly selective and selective colleges to get full scholarships.
College Topic Webinars
Coalition for College--FREE Webinars!
The Coalition for College is offering free webinars this semester on a variety of college topics. Visit this link to learn more and to register for a webinar: https://www.coalitionforcollegeaccess.org/events
If you can't attend an event that your registered for, you will be sent a link to the recording after the webinar.
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.
College Fairs and Events
NACAC Spring College Fairs
Scan QR code to learn more and to register to attend.
Tuskegee Open House
March 25, 2025: Visit the website link in the picture to register to attend.
Spelman College Junior Preview Days
March 3 and March 24: Visit the website listed in the photo for more information and to register to attend.
Learning Differences Virtual College Fair
Thursday, February 23, 2023
11am - 1pm (CST)
5:30pm - 7:30pm (CST)
This college fair is geared specifically to students who have learning differences.
Your students have questions.
- What are my post-secondary options?
- What are the differences between high school and college?
- How do I receive my accommodations in college?
- Which colleges are best for me?
We will help them find the answers.
- This is a post-secondary planning day specifically for students with learning differences and their families.
- Encourage attendance at this fair so students can understand the options and services that are available to them in college.
- Educational sessions will help students and their families learn from experts how to make the most of the college experience.
- Attendees can visit college booths and chat live with admissions representatives.
- This experience will be ADA and WCAG-compliant.
Get helpful information about navigating a virtual fair here.
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)
Oasis ACT Prep (Antioch Location)
Oasis ACT Prep (Bellevue Location)
UT-Martin Virtual ACT Prep Workshops
UT-Martin is again offering virtual ACT Workshops starting January 28. Each two hour workshop is $25. Check the flyer for more information. To register, visit https://www.utm.edu/offices-and-services/office-of-university-outreach/ and click on the + button beside ACT Prep box.
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 LOCATIONS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY—2:15-3:45
Thursday, February 2nd—HUCKABY (ROOM 191)
Tuesday, February 7th—FRANCESCON (ROOM 171)
Thursday, February 9th—HUCKABY (ROOM 191)
Tues., February 14th--FRANCESCON (ROOM 171)
Thurs., February 16th—HUCKABY (ROOM 191)
Tuesday, February 21st--FRANCESCON (ROOM 171)
Thursday, February 23rd--HUCKABY (ROOM 191)
Tues., February 28th--FRANCESCON (ROOM 171)
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. Email: ashley.sievers@mnps.org
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. Email: deborah.osborne@mnps.org
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.morales@mnps.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