The North Forsyth Network     
 November  2014
NOVEMBER NEWS
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TESTING DATES

SAT vs. ACT:

Trying to decide which college entrance exam might best suit your strengths? Please see the counseling webpage SAT & ACT Resources for some very helpful articles and self-assessment to help you determine which test might be best for you.  

 

SAT Testing Dates

November 8, 2014

December 6, 2014

January 24, 2015

March 14, 2015

May 2, 2015

June 6, 2015

 

For registration deadlines and information, visit the SAT website:

 http://sat.collegeboard.org/home 

 

ACT Testing Dates:

December 13, 2014

February 7, 2015

April 18, 2015

  

For registration deadlines and information, visit the ACT website:

http://www.actstudent.org/

 

 

On-line ACT and SAT Test Prep Resources 

 

Beestar

Edsortium

Grockit

Method

ACT

College Board

Kaplan 

Princeton Review 

 

 

Saturday School  

We will have Saturday school on November 8    9 am - 11 am

November 15  9 am - 11 am

Students will need to sign up with Julie Benvenuto or their teacher. Classes are held on the first floor of the 800 building.

 
COUNSELOR'S
 CORNER 

 

 

 

 

Financial Aid Night

November 18th 

at 6:30 pm

NFHS Cafeteria

Juniors and Seniors and family:  

 Come on out to 
NFHS's Annual

 Financial Aid Night!  

We will have a representative from the Georgia Student Finance Commission to give a presentation about the HOPE program/scholarship and other scholarship information.  We will also have Mr. Scott Kessler with us.  Mr. Kessler is a Certified Financial Planner whose goal is to help families with college funding dilemmas.  He will also give a presentation, and there will be a question and answer session following.  

 

Counselors are out and about in November and December!

Counselors will be doing classroom lessons with all freshman (9th graders) again in November. They will be completing an interest/skills survey that will match them with possible career choices.  In December, we will be seeing all juniors (11th graders) for lessons as well.  We will make a college planning portfolio on
www.CareerCruising.com by discussing post-secondary schools.  The students will choose at least three colleges or technical schools that they are interested in and will explore them.

 

Rewarding Minds

For students interested in the Rewarding Minds Scholarship program, there is still time to submit an application before the November gifting!  
Rewarding Minds is a mission driven non-profit organization focused on providing technology to high school Juniors and Seniors who are academically high achieving while facing financial challenges. Please visit this website for an application and print and return to your counselor upon completion: Rewarding Minds Website
  
Great "Toolkit" 

Resources

Dollars for College Financial Planning Toolkit* is designed to help families better understand all the available resources that can make higher education affordable. Through this toolkit, students and families can navigate the financial aid process and make informed decisions at every step of the way. Dollars for College is organized into six sections to make the information that much more accessible. 

Dollars for College Toolkit Link


 

 *Developed by Education Nation,  www.parenttoolkit.com, will help you navigate your child's journey from pre-kindergarten through high school.  It is designed to help you track and support progress at each stage.

 

 

GR2G

Getting ready to graduate? 
Our GR2G event was held on September 30, and counselors discussed important college and career information. Topics included the college application process, college admissions testing, financial aid/HOPE scholarship, local scholarships, college and career resources, requesting transcripts and recommendations, and other important information. The senior timeline of events for the Class of 2015 was also given. If you were unable to attend, you can find the presentation under the Senior News section of our website:

Senior News

 

 

Interested in The University of Georgia or Georgia Tech? 
Take a look at their class profiles by clicking on the links below.

UGA Class Profile 

GA Tech Class Profile 

$cholarship Opportunities

$cholarship information is posted on the scholarship link on the Counseling Department web page.  Students are also receiving information about opportunities for school visits, scholarships, and contests through their ItsLearning accounts.  Please check the scholarship website often and encourage your children to register on the scholarship search engines listed there.

 

Scholarship Information 

Transcript Requests 

Official transcripts are often required when applying for scholarships and when submitting college applications.

 

Official transcripts can be requested in the counseling department.

There is a $3.00 fee for official transcripts for college applications.

Visit the Counseling Website for more information.

 
NFHS PTSO NEWS...

 

The first Coffee and Conversation was a great success!. The architectural firm presented a plan for the renovation and new gym.  They graciously answered questions, and all in attendance left having a better understanding of how our school will look within the next two years.  


 

The topic of the next Coffee and Conversation is Building Student Resumes.  Leigh-Ann Strickland and the counseling department will share information about helping our children put together resumes that will help them get into the college of their choice. 


 

Please join us at 7:45 am on November 20th in the senior café.  Come with questions about your student's resume.   Coffee will be served.

 

Coffee and Conversation  

November 20, 2014

in the senior café 

7:30-8:30.


 

Dates and Topics

  •  November 20th - Building  Student Resumes
  •  January 22nd - Registration  and Pathways
  •  March 19th - Social Media

Please RSVP on the NFHS Website.

 

Where Do I Go...

To follow is a list of common forms and services needed and where they can be obtained at NFHS.

 

Counseling Office (Room 402)

DDS (Department of Drivers Services) 

ADAP (Alcohol & Drug Awareness Program)

Work Permits 

Transcripts 

Good Driver's Insurance Forms

Registration of a new student (appointments needed)

Withdrawl of a student


 

Front Office (Room 101)

Parking Passes   

Physical Forms  

Change of Address 

Proof of Residency  


 

Atrium

Parent Portal Information and Assistance

 

Attendance Office

Check-in and Check-out of Students

See Below for the NFHS attendance office email address to send excuse notes and requests for student's release.

Is your student 18?  

Has your student recently turned 18 years old?  Please note, they are NOT able to check themselves out.  School policy still requires permission in writing from the parent to allow early release for a student, regardless of their age.

Change of Address  

If you have moved, it is required that you submit a change of address to the school.  Change of address forms are available in the front office of the school and must be returned with proof of residency.  Proof of residency consists of a copy of a current lease or mortgage statement and a current utility.

If you have any questions, please contact kcarr@forsyth.k12.ga.us. 

Failure to provide proof of residency can result in your student being removed from the school enrollment.

 


Senior Timeline

 

November

Balfour Representatives Available for Senior Due payments during lunch on November 6 - NFHS Cafeteria Hallway

Financial Aid Night, November 18 at 6:30 pm

Schedule College Visits

 

December 

SAT offered an NFHS on December 6

ACT offerend at NFHS on December 13

Check Scholarship Deadlines

 

January

Complete The FAFSA Application for financial aid, starting January 1

Check regular admission deadlines for your school of choice.

Senior Class Meeting, January 14 during IF in the NFHS PAC

SAT offerend at NFHS on January 14

Sign-up for ASVAB Testing in Counseling Office

 

February

ACT offered at NFHS on February 7

Deadline to sign-up for the ASVAB 

ASVAB Testing on February 25 at 8:30am in NFHS Cafeteria

Check Scholarship Deadlines - Apply

 

March

SAT offerered at NFHS on March 14

Check Scholarship Deadlines - Apply

 

April 

Spring Break - April 6 through April 10

ASSET Tsting for Lanier Tech, April 15 at 8:30 am in NFHS Cafeteria

ACT offered at NFHS on April 18

Senior Picture Day, April 22, NFHS Stadium during Instructional Focus

Senior Awards, April 29 during IF in the NFHS PAC

Make sure your Senior Fees are paid.

 

May

SAT offerered at NFHS on May 2nd

 

PROM

May 2, at 8:00 PM

Lanier Technical College

 

Spring Honors Night, 

May 14 at 7 pm in the NFHS PAC (invitation only)

 

Senior Breakfast and Graduation Rehersal May 19, 8:30 am 

Location TBA

 

Baccalaurette Services, May 20, 7pm at Mountain Lake Church

Senior Trip, May 21, Location TBA

 

Senior Trip

May 21

Location TBA

 

Graduation 

The Arena at Gwinnett

May 26 at 2 pm

No Tickets Required.

 

 
 
North Forsyth High School
3635 Coal Mountain Drive
Cumming, Georgia  30028
770-781-6637
 
 
NFHS Administration  

Dr. Beth Hebert

Principal

Ext 160121

 

Sharon Epperson

11th Grade Administrator

Ext 160117

 

Randy Herrin

12th Grade Administrator

Ext 160236

 

Dawn Phipps

9th Grade Administrator

Ext 160408

 

Keith Whitaker

10th Grade Administrator

Ext 160809

 

Paige Galt

Administrator Assistant

AP Coordinator

504 Coordinator

Ext 160233

 

Nathan Turner

Athletic & Activity Director

Ext 160113

 

NFHS Counseling Staff

 

Kathy Wigley

Lead Counselor

Dual Enrollment

Ext 160412

 

Kim Haynes

Ext 160415

Counselor names beginning R- Z

 

Jordan LeFevre

Ext 160419

Counselor names beginning A - Di

 

Josh Owens

 Ext 160417

Counselor names beginning Do- Ki

 

Leigh Ann Strickland

Ext 160418

Counselor names beginning Kl- Q

 

Julie Benvenuto

Ext 160104

Graduation Coach

 

Main Office Fax

770-888-0934

 

Bookkeeper

Ms. Cindy Mills  ext 160115

cmills@forsyth.k12.ga.us

 

Receptionist

Ms. Christine Jackson ext 160101 (0)

cmjackson@forsyth.k12.ga.us

 

Front Office

Ms. Sandra Sutton ext 160110

ssutton@forsyth.k12.ga.us

 

Principal's Secretary

Ms. Karen Carr ext 160105

kcarr@forsyth.k12.ga.us

 
 

Counseling and Data Registrar

Fax  770-781-2273
 

Counseling Secretary

Ms. Claire Nicholson  ext 162001

cnicholson@forsyth.k12.ga.us

 

Data Registrar

Ms. Kim Grogan  ext 160405

kigrogan@forsyth.k12.ga.us

 

To report your student's illness, send an excuse note or request an student's release, please send an email the NFHS

Attendance Office Email

nfhsattendance@forsyth.k12.ga.us

or fax to 678-965-5008
 

Attendance Secretary

Ms. Pam Holtzclaw  ext 160230

pholtzclaw@forsyth.k12.ga.us

Attendance Office Fax

678-965-5008

 

School Nurse

Ms. Robin Harris ext 160247

rharris@forsyth.k12.ga.us

 

Cafeteria Manager

Ms. Kay Tidwell  ext 160322

ktidwell@forsyth.k12.ga.us

 

Transportation

Ms. Kathy Spidel

kspidell@forsyth.k12.ga.us

770-889-0743 ext 780121

   FOLLOW NORTH FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL
 

 

 

 

 

 

  @NforsythHigh

 

 NFHS Logo
Letter from the Principal 

 

Great news, hot off the press! NFHS has increased the graduation rate by 4.9%. This is quite an accomplishment, and I am very proud of everyone who has had a hand in keeping our students in school and having them graduate on time. Our graduation rate for 2014 has just been announced, and it is 87.4%.  While our graduation goal is 100%, increasing by this amount in one year is remarkable. Honestly, when I think about it, I know everyone, including parents, staff, and students, has had a hand in this increase.  We are identifying those students at-risk earlier and have more opportunities for our students to catch up when they've fallen behind in credits.  Our counselors and graduation coach have advised and supported our students so that they better understand the options they have for graduating. We have students who are peer tutors for other students, and our teachers are doing a great job of identifying where students are struggling and helping students get back on track. Our parents are well-informed, and the community as a whole has supported every graduation initiative we have had in place. I would be remiss if I did not mention the role United Way has played in helping us to increase our graduation rate.  I didn't intend for this to be a commercial for United Way, but I am sure many people don't know the role United Way plays in helping our students graduate on time.  We really could not have all of the extra support and credit opportunities without the assistance of United Way.  

 

It's a great day to be a Raider!

                

Sincerely,

Beth Hebert, PhD

Principal

North Forsyth High School

 

 
 
Thanksgiving Break
November 24, 2015 through
 November 28, 2014
(Student and Staff Holiday)

NFHS Recognizes MCJROTC and Veterans

 

Every year the MCJROTC cadets conduct a special ceremony to celebrate the USMC Birthday and to honor Veteran's Day (November 10 and 11th, respectively).

This year's ceremony will be held on the evening of 10 November, starting at 7:30 pm in the football stadium.  It will feature the presentation of the Marine Corps Reserve Association Outstanding Unit Award to the Cadets for SY 2013-2014 (the highest award a JROTC unit can receive), the presentation the Legion of Valor Bronze Award to Avery Babykin (the highest award a cadet can earn---only four others will be awarded nation wide), and a special tribute to veterans of the Vietnam conflict.

 

Thank you to all faculty and staff members of the NFHS family who are veterans.

 

Mr. Robert Boyd, Captain, 
United States Marine Corps
Ms. Lisa Carpenter, Seaman, 
United States Navy
Mr. Eric Herrick, Senior Airman, 
United States Air Force
Mr. David Hicks, Specialist, 
United States Army
Mr. Jim Hill, Sergeant, 
United States Army
Mr. Mark Hubbard, Corporal, 
United States Marine Corps
Major Charles E. M. Kelly, Jr, 
United States Marine Corps, Retired

 

Mr. Tim Keyser, Staff Sergeant, 
United States Army
Ms. Laura Papson, Lieutenant, 
United States Navy

Mr. Walter Dean Short, Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force

 

Gunnery Sergeant Jack R. Snook, 
United States Marine Corps, Retired 
Mr. Russell Transue, Petty Officer Second Class, United States Navy
 
Congratulations to NFHS Assistant Principal, 
Dawn Phipps

Congratulations to Dawn Phipps, North Forsyth High Assistant Principal.

Mrs. Phipps has been chosen as a finalist for Georgia's Assistant Principal of the Year, and she has also been chosen to present to administrators at the annual Georgia Association of Secondary Schools Principals Conference.  Her presentation contrasted the idea of rigorous coursework with the idea that perhaps a focus on vigorous coursework involving real-world applications might better serve our students.We a honored to have Mrs. Phipps as part of our North Forsyth Administration Team. 

 
NFHS Drama Places 2nd at One Act Play

The NFHS Drama Department placed 2nd at the Region 6AAAAAA Once Act Play contest on Saturday October 19th.  The contest was held at West Forsyth High School. The students performed THE PASSAGE by Robert Lawson, a poetic reimagining of the story of Herman Melville's classic American novel MOBY DICK. 


 Jace Haney (Starbuck) and Brody Grant (Ishmael) were recognized for their acting as part of the All Star Cast.  


 The group will have public performances of the show later in the year.  Check www.nfhsdrama.org for more information!

 

NFHS Drama Presents Catch Me if You Can 

December 4, 5, & 6 The NFHS Drama Department will present CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!  This fun musical is based on the 2002 Film with Leonard DiCaprio and Tom Hanks.  The story follows the true life adventures of Frank Abignale, Jr., a young man who conned his way into being a Pan Am Pilot, a lawyer and a Doctor. In the process he forges over a million dollars in checks! He is relentlessly pursued by FBI Agent Carl Hanratty.  Frank, Jr. does go straight and make amends. Set in the 1960's with a strong "Rat Pack" influenced sound, it is a high energy presentation!  This presentation is intended for more mature audiences and does contain some strong language and adult situations.  The performance will be screened for the 2015 Schuler Hensley High School Musical Awards which happen in April.  Get your tickets at www.nfhsdrama.org or on sale at all lunches the week of the show! 

 

NFHS Drama's Annual Children's Theatre Festival hosts Pancake Breakfast

In January the Theatre Production Classes will present our Annual Children's Theatre Festival.  On January 17th at 9 & 11 AM we will host our 3rd Annual Pancake Breakfast! This year's theme is "Pancakes with Pirates and Princesses! Tickets are $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door.  (Every two children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult-Kids 2 & Under are Free!).  In addition to breakfast see entertainment from Peter Pan, Alice In Wonderland and Winnie the Pooh!  Have to meet and greet with all your favorite characters! Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite "Pirate" or "Princess".  Tickets go on sale November 17th at www.nfhsdrama.org!

 

NFHS Drama Presents Classics

From January 21st-24th we present Peter Pan, Jr (Advanced Musical Theatre Class), Alice in Wonderland, Jr. (Musical Theatre I) and Winnie the Pooh, Kids! (Advanced Drama Class).  See www.nfhsdrama.org for shows and times!  Get your tickets starting November 17th on the website!  Tickets will be sold at all lunches the week of the shows!

 
Beta Club Update

Existing  Beta Club members have an extension until November 14 to renew their membership by paying the $15 dues. The money goes to help pay for graduation cords. The money should be turned into Ms. Curtis (room 438). 

 

Beta Club Induction was rescheduled for November 19 in the main cafe at 7:00 pm. All members should RSVP to the email that was sent out.   

Beta will continue its food drive tradition.  This year, students will receive raffle tickets for chances to receive prizes for helping give back to the community. Please check the school Beta club website and listen for upcoming lunch announcements for details. All current club information can also be found in itsLearning.
 
FBLA and DECA Students 
Get a Lesson in Ethics
Fifty business (FBLA) and marketing (DECA) education students traveled to University of North Georgia (UNG) to learn about business ethics through the BB&T Center for Ethical Business Leadership and Junior Achievement.  The ethics experience is a partnership between UNG and Junior Achievement. After a quick tour of the UNG campus in Dahlonega, students met with Professor John-David Rusk of the Mike Cottrell College of Business for a discussion of organization ethics.  Mrs. Rose Procter, Director of BB&T CEBL, gave the students a framework of ethics and decision-making before talking about self-branding. Mrs. Procter emphasized that college admissions and businesses routine employ Search Engine Officers whose responsibility it is determine if an applicant's digital footprint is in keeping with the business or school's reputation or image.  "I know that social media follows me, but I thought that was just something that our parents tell us just to scare us.  Ms. Procter emphasized that potential employers could refuse to hire me because of my social media activities." Mel Rulis, FBLA President. The trip was wrapped up with a hand-on session titled "Are Your Ethics for Sale?" with Professor Katie Simmons of the Mike Cottrell College of Business. 
 
NFHS Hosts Spaghetti Dinner to Benefit Officer Hodgkins

 

NFHS will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner on November 11th to benefit Officer Tony Hodgkins.  Officer Hodgkins is the school resource officer at NFHS.  Officer Hodgkins was injured on October 27th while directing the morning traffic on 369 at Coal Mountain Elementary School. Officer Hodgkins is recovering from his injuries and hopes to return to NFHS by the end of the year. A Silent Auction will take place with proceeds going to Officer Hodgkins and his family.  NFHS will have a spaghetti dinner to help the family with expenses during this difficult time.

 

November 11, 2014

5:30 - 7:30 pm

NFHS Cafeteria

$5.00 Meal 

Donations Accepted

Silent Auction

 

A Silent Auction will take place with proceeds going to Officer Hodgkins and his family 

 

For flyer, advanced sales, or additional information contact Amy Leggett

 

Town Hall Meeting

Representative Geoff Duncan will hold a town hall meeting on November 5th at 7:00 pm at the Coal Mt. Park Community Center. Topics which would affect the North end of the county will be discussed.


 
Academic Bowl Champions

 

Congratulations to both the Varsity and Junior Varsity Academic Teams!  They are both in first place for our sub-region.  The teams will compete for the region title at Flowery Branch High School on Saturday, November 15.  Go Raiders!
    
The winter sports programs are starting their seasons.  

Visit the NFHS events calendar to see the weekly NFHS games schedule and come support the Raiders.

NFHS Raider Band

 

The North Forsyth High School Raider Marching Band participated in marching band competitions on Saturday, October 11 and Saturday, October 18, and they gave exceptional performances at both.  The band staff is very proud of these students for their hard work and dedication to excellence.

 

Please join us in congratulating these students on their outstanding performances. 

 

Blue Ridge Mountain Marching Festival (October 11) awards:

  • Superior Rating for Band
  • Excellent Rating for Guard
  • Superior Rating for Percussion
  • Superior Rating for Drum Majors
  • 2nd Place Band in Class 4A
  • 3rd Place Guard in Class 4A
  • 2nd Place Percussion in Class 4A
  • 3rd Place Drum Majors in Class 4A

Lake Hartwell Marching Competition (October 18) awards:

  • Superior Rating for Band
  • Excellent Rating for Guard
  • Superior Rating for Percussion
  • Superior Rating for Drum Majors
  • 1st Place Band in Class 4A
  • 2nd Place Guard in Class 4A
  • 1st Place Percussion in Class 4A
  • 2nd Place Drum Majors in Class 4A
  • 2nd Place Band in the Gold Division (and 2nd Overall)
  • 2nd Place Percussion in the Gold Division (and 2nd Overall)                   
 

Taste of Christmas 

The North Forsyth High School Band will be hosting its annual Taste of Christmas on Saturday, November 15, 2014. The event will be held again this year at North Forsyth High School and will include food from a variety local restaurants, a vendors and crafters area for shopping, live music, test drives from local dealers, and Santa Claus. High school band members will be selling tickets prior to the event and tickets can also be purchased at the event, that day. See a band member or contact the band office via email for more information.

 
NFHS Winter 2014 Exam Schedule
Students will have comprehensive final exams in all semester courses and mid-terms in all year-long classes.

Monday, December 15, 2014
Regular 7 period schedule

Tuesday, December 16, 2014
1st Period Exam - 8:25 am - 10:05 am
2nd Period   10:10 am - 10:50 am
3rd Period    10:55 am - 11:35 am
4th Period    11:40 am - 12:02 pm
Lunches will be during 4th period
5th Period      1:29 pm - 2:09 pm
6th Period      2:14 pm - 2:54 pm
7th Period      2:59 pm - 3:39 pm

Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Early Release Day
2nd Period   8:25 am - 10:10 am
3rd Period    10:16 am - 12:55 am
Lunches will be during 3rd period
 
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Early Release Day
4th Period   8:25 am - 10:10 am
5th Period    10:16 am - 12:55 am
Lunches will be during 5th period

Friday, December 19, 2014

Early Release Day

6th Period   8:25 am - 10:10 am
7th Period    10:16 am - 12:55 am
Lunches will be during 7th period
 

No exams will be given early.

  • Students will not be allowed to check out until the conclusion of the exam period. 
  • Early check-out is an Unexcused Absence.
  • Early Dismissal cannot be authorized for any student by telephone.
  • No Student will be released from school without a note signed by a parent/guardian.
  • Disciplinary consequence will be given to any student who violates established school procedures for early dismissal.

Report cards will be issued during Instructional Focus in January 2015.

 
Bring in your old disposable batteries for Recycling!

North Forsyth High School's Green Schools Initiative is once again sponsoring battery recycling to help us keep the old batteries out of the landfill.  We have been sponsoring this program for three years and the program has been a great success.

Any disposable battery can be turned in for recycling.  Bring your old AAA, AA, C, D and tool batteries to school and deposit them in the Recycling Center across the hall from the Media Center.  We will make sure that the batteries are reprocessed and are not taken to the landfill.

 
 

Photography Club Info

 

Photography Club will meet the first and third Tuesday in November. 

 

During the first Tuesday meeting, club members will take photographs, and on the third Tuesday they will edit the photos in Photoshop. 

 

Please email Ms. Boyanton if you can bring a snack. 

 

Please email Ms. Boyanton with questions at dboyanton@forsyth.k12.ga.us
 
Yearbooks 

Yearbooks will be on sale on-line at the link provided below, or bring a check made out to NFHS to room 301 for $85.00 until January 1st. After January 1st, the books will be $100.00. Nameplates can only be purchased until December 31, 2014.  The nameplates cost $5.00 each.
 

On-line Yearbook Sales
 

For additional information about yearbooks, visit the NFHS website at the link below. 

Carpe Diem Yearbook Information
 

 
Homecoming 2014
 

 


 
 

 

 

 
Pink Out Game 
October 7, 2014


 


 

 

 
 
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