A MESSAGE FROM HEAD COUNSELOR CARY KENNEDY

Greetings!  

Not a day goes by that I don't hear these concerns from students in our office.  
"Someone accused me of doing something."
"Someone messed with my stuff."
"Someone is interested in my boyfriend/girlfriend."
"Another student doesn't like me."
"Another student said something bad about me/my family/my friend."

I'm sure you hear these at home (and probably at your office) too.  Conflict is part of the human condition. It's so prevalent that it's essential we develop the bridge-building skills necessary to manage and resolve it.  We must help our kids develop these same skills.  However, as much as we strive to be positive role models, our reach as adults only goes so far.  

When students get into conflict with each other, they often turn to peers for help.  Brookwood Counseling offers a great option for conflict resolution called "peer mediation."  The disputants work with fellow students who are trained in conflict resolution and mediation to come to a mutually agreed upon solution. Mediation is quick (usually less than 30 minutes), confidential, and the resolution agreement is binding.  This pro-active response to relational conflict helps students resolve their differences in peaceful ways in order to avoid potential discipline from the school if the conflict becomes disruptive to the learning environment.   

The next time your student begins to share a realized or potential conflict with another student, suggest a visit the counseling office to ask about peer mediation.  We've been 90% successful thus far.  And, students who self-refer are the most likely to resolve their conflicts.  

We all get by with a little help from our friends.  What a great lesson in problem-facing and problem-solving this teaches our kids.

Sincerely,

Cary

P.S. Students are learning about the program during Guided Study periods. Click here to view the presentation they saw. 

Interships & Scholarship Opportunities

2013 Gwinnett Braves Job Shadow Program

This program is for students who are genuinely interested in pursuing a sports-related degree or career in this field. This is a two part program. The first day is a field trip during school hours and includes a ballpark tour, informational group sessions with each department head and lunch (9:00 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.) in late March. The second day will entail a game shadow with the department of each student's choice on the student's personal time in mid-April or early May. Job Shadow Game Day Assignments (based on availability) are available in the following departments: Aramark Catering, Community Relations, Corporate Sales, Game Production and Entertainment, Marketing and Promotions, Media Relations, Merchandise Sales, Sports Turf, Stadium Operations and Ticket Sales. Interested students may see Mrs. Varzaly in the Counseling Office (A1).

Burger King Scholars Program

Win a $1,000-$50,000 scholarship. Criteria: Senior on track to graduate, 2.5 GPA or higher, plan to enroll in an accredited two or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school. Recipients are selected based on their GPA, work experience, extracurricular activities and/or community service. For applications and additional information visit: www.bkmclamorefoundation.org/WhatWeDo/ScholarsProgram. Deadline: January 10.

Walton EMC's Walter Harrison Scholarship

Seven $1,000 scholarships will be awarded. Criteria: Senior on track to graduate, household must be served by Walton EMC, plan to enroll in a Georgia college or technical school, community service, leadership, honors and awards, GPA, SAT or ACT scores, academic ability and need. Applications are available in Counseling. BHS may nominate one student. Deadline: Return completed applications to Mrs. Varzaly in Counseling by January 16.

Jackson EMC 2013 Scholarships

Students can be considered for three different scholarships.  A.T. Sharpton Restricted (Gainesville State College) Scholarship: Awarded exclusively to students planning to attend Gainesville College. Criteria: academic ability, test scores, extracurricular activities, involvement, personal sketch and recommendation. A.T. Sharpton Unrestricted Scholarship: Awarded to students planning to attend any two or four-year college. Criteria: academic ability, test scores, extracurricular activities, involvement, personal sketch and recommendation. Walter Harrison Scholarship: statewide scholarship sponsored by Georgia EMC will be awarded to students based on academic ability and financial need. Applicants must be a customer of Jackson EMC. Applications online at  www.ngcf.org/scholarships or www.jacksonemc.com/scholarships. Deadline: Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on January 24.

More opportunties for seniors in the latest issue of the Senior Bulletin.