Individual Graduation Plans

Last week in classroom guidance 8th grade students began the process for completing their Individual Graduation Plans.  The discussion included a broad overview of the high school class selection process, graduation requirements, and an explanation of the terminology used in high school.  The purpose of the lesson is to introduce students to the topics the high school counselors will be presenting so that students are already generally familiar with vocabulary and have had time to begin thinking about their plan for high school.

Save These High School Dates

Allatoona High School will be hosting their rising 8th grade parent night on January 29th at 6:30 PM.  The meeting will be held at the high school with the exact location yet to be determined.

Allatoona staff will be talking to 8th grade students sometime that same week to begin the process for selecting high school classes.

North Cobb is still in the process of firming up a date but their rising 8th grade parent night will be one day the week of February 2nd-6th.  Once the exact date is confirmed the information will be posted here.

North Cobb Counselors will be meeting with students February 9th to explain the class selection process. 

More information will be coming home closer to time about all of these events closer to time. 

Pebblebrook Programs

Drama 3 Scenes Program

Wilson Black Box Theatre

Thursday, December 11

6:30pm and 8:00pm (double cast)

Tickets - $5/general admission

Tickets available online at www.cccepa.com

Holiday Vocal Concert

Reece Performing Arts Theatre

Friday, December 12 @ 7:30pm

Tickets - $10/reserved seating

Tickets available online at www.cccepa.com

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Anderson Theatre – Cobb Civic Center

Friday, December 19 @ 8:00pm

Saturday, December 20 @ 8:00pm

Sunday, December 21 @ 3:00pm

For tickets, call 770-528-8490

Frank Timmerman│Director│Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook

991 Old Alabama Road, Mableton, GA 30126 │O 770.819.2521*047│F 770.819.2551│www.cccepa.com

Magnet Applciation Deadline Dec 5th

Applications for all of the high school magnet programs except Pebblebrook must be submitted electronically by December 5^th.  No late applications will be accepted.  Please see Dr. Deane if you have questions about completing your applications.

Is College Worth It

Today's economy means higher education isn't the best move for everyone

By Brooke Berger

May 9, 2013

More Americans are going to college than ever before. Many graduates, however, are buried in debt with few job prospects. In "Is College Worth It? A Former United States Secretary of Education and a Liberal Arts Graduate Expose the Broken Promise of Higher Education" conservative pundit William Bennett weighs the relevance of a four-year degree against rising tuition costs. The Reagan administration official recently spoke with U.S. News about what prospective students should be thinking about, what they get for their buck and why a bachelor's degree is no longer synonymous with success. Excerpts:

Should Americans keep sending their kids to college?
Sometimes. But they shouldn't automatically or reflexively send their kids to college. They should pause and stop and think. It's not like deciding to have breakfast or go to bed. It's more like, say, to get married. It's a big decision. [There are] a lot of consequences, a lot of costs, a lot of ups and downs. Investigate it with your eyes open.

How does someone know if college is the right choice?
First, look internally. Why do you want to go? Is it just because everyone else is going? That's not a good enough reason. Is it because that's where the good parties are? That's not a good enough reason. To get away from the folks? That's not a good enough reason. What's your academic interest? How well does the school address that? What will you owe when you finish? What will your job prospects be?


What is different today about college than in years past?
First of all, a lot more people are going. But, oddly, a lot more of the public has questions about whether it's worthwhile to go. In 2008, 81 percent of adults thought college was a worthwhile investment. This year, 57 percent think so. The second thing, of course, is loan shock.

Why is college so expensive?
There are three main reasons. One is a lot of families, out of the goodness of their hearts and love of their children, will pay anything to send their kids to college. Two, many colleges will try to get as much money as they can. Three, the federal government endlessly subsidizes the increases in college and higher education. And so the price keeps getting higher. There's an academic arms race.

What are the most unnecessary costs at colleges and universities?
We have some great examples in the book, where if you look at places like High Point University, they're talking about things like climbing walls, gourmet restaurants, room service and hot tubs. If you're borrowing money, paying your own way, or maybe if you have a job, you can go to the Comfort Inn of dormitories. You don't have to go the Ritz-Carlton.


Can the situation be improved?
Yes, I do think there's a way this situation can be improved. One, we have to become aware of it. Sunlight is the best disinfectant. It's the 30th anniversary of "A Nation at Risk," that famous report about American high schools. We haven't had this conversation about colleges and universities. We need to have it. We hope this book initiates it in earnest.

What are students and their parents getting for their buck?
We actually point out in the book exactly what they're getting for their buck. We have charts on their return on investment, which will be, I think, a matter of some controversy where we use information gathered and put together by others. So, you can measure it in terms of actual dollars. The other thing I'd say is that when we talked to managers and employers, only 16 percent said the people they hire are ready for the workforce.

Is a four-year degree needed to succeed?
No. There's a statistic we cite in the book that by the year 2018 there will be 14 million jobs available, well-paying jobs, which will require more than a high school diploma but less than a college diploma. Right now, a graduate of a community college, which is a two-year college, on average, makes more than a graduate of a four-year college.

What are some alternatives to going to a four-year college?
Community college is one alternative. A trade school is another alternative. Work for a year and think about it is another alternative. Put some money in the bank. Join the military is another alternative where you earn great trade skills. We heard from an expert that there are 115,000 janitors in America with B.A.s. It's fine to be a janitor, but you didn't have to spend that kind of money to be a janitor.

What will most surprise readers?
It's a tough book. It's a serious book, unflinching on the statistics, but we try to make it very helpful for parents and students and readers in terms of actually thinking through whether they go to college. I think what may surprise them the most is the large array of options available, other than the B.A., that can give you success and economic success, and not have to make you defer for 10 years getting married and starting a family and buying a house.

Is College Right For Me 8th Grade Lesson

During classroom guidance this month the 8th grade students discussed the pros and cons of their various post-high school educational opportunities (college, technical college, vocational tech, military, etc).  As part of the lessons students debated the accuracies and fallacies of a John Stossell news report.  To view the news report click on the link below.

Download 090128_2020_stossell_college

Keeping Kids Safe Online

Parent Program

PEACH STATE PATHWAYS

Pathways help you plan your high school courses, post-secondary path and career options. Georgia recognizes eleven program concentrations which provide categories for the Peach State Pathways. The pathway program is a tool which organizes broad areas of occupations and pathways which represent sub-groups of occupations with common knowledge and skills. Georgia Peach State Pathways are usually represented by three sequenced courses that can begin in the 9th grade and continues either into the world of work or additional college opportunities

Agriculture
• Agribusiness Management
• Agricultural Mechanics
• Agriscience
• Animal Science
• Forestry/Natural Resources
• Plant Science/Horticulture
• Veterinary Science

Arts & Humanities
• Foreign Language
• Journalism
• Performing Arts
• Visual Arts

Architecture, Construction, Communications & Transportation
• Aircraft Support
• Architectural Drawing & Design
• Broadcast Video Production
• Climate Control Technology - HVACR
• Collision Repair
• Construction
• Flight Operations
• Graphic Communications
• Graphic Design
• Metals
• Transportation Logistical Operations (Ground/Marine)
• Transportation Logistical Support (Ground/Marine)

Business & Computer Science
• Administrative/Information Support
• Computer Networking
• Computer Systems & Support
• Computing
• Financial Management - Accounting
• Financial Management - Services
• Interactive Media
• Small Business Development

Culinary Arts
• Culinary Arts

Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Teaching as a Profession

Engineering & Technology
• Electronics
• Energy Systems
• Engineering
• Engineering Graphics & Design
• Manufacturing
• Math/Science

Family & Consumer Sciences
• Consumer Services
• Interior Design
• Nutrition and Food Science

Government & Public Safety
• Homeland Security & Emergency Services
• Junior ROTC - Air Force
• Junior ROTC - Army
• Junior ROTC - Marines
• Junior ROTC - Navy
• Law & Justice

Healthcare Science
• Biotechnology Research & Development
• Diagnostic Services
• Health Informatics
• Personal Care Services-Cosmetology
• Physical Medicine
• Therapeutic Services - Emergency Services
• Therapeutic Services - Medical Services
• Therapeutic Services - Nursing

Marketing, Sales & Services
• Fashion Marketing
• Marketing & Management
• Marketing Communication & Promotion
• Sports & Entertainment Marketing
• Travel Marketing & Lodging Management

Wheeler Magnet Program of Advanced Studies in Science, Mathematics, and Technology Open House

Wheeler High School Center 

for Advanced Studies in 

Science, Mathematics, and Technology 

Fall Open House

Thursday, October 23rd

at 6:00 PM in the 

Wheeler High School Gym

Types of Postsecondary Schools

There are a variety of postsecondary schools from which to choose when you begin your college search. By researching the different types of schools, you will be able to make an informed decision about which one is right for you. Here is an overview of the various kinds of postsecondary schools.

Universities
Universities tend to be large schools with a wide variety of programs. They may have several undergraduate and graduate schools, colleges, departments, or faculties (School of Engineering, College of Business, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Science, etc.). Universities have undergraduate divisions that award bachelor's degrees and graduate schools that award master's degrees. Some universities offer professional schools that award doctorates. Universities tend to have research facilities and an abundance of social opportunities (fraternities, sororities, sporting events, clubs, etc.). Universities may be public or private.

Colleges
Colleges tend to be smaller than universities, but they still have a variety of programs. (Please note: Although colleges do tend to be smaller than universities, there are still some colleges that are just as big or even bigger than a university.) Four-year colleges offer bachelor's degrees. Graduate degrees may or may not be offered. The size of classes and types of social opportunities will vary from college to college. A college may be public or private, an independent institution or part of a larger university.

Community Colleges/Junior Colleges
Community colleges and junior colleges are two-year institutions that award associate's degrees and sometimes certificates in certain career-related subjects. These two-year colleges usually have less strenuous admissions standards and tend to be less expensive than four-year colleges and universities. Because of this, some students choose to attend a two-year college first to earn an associate's degree, and then they transfer to a four-year school to receive a bachelor's degree. If this is done, taking courses that can be transferred is highly recommended. Community colleges are public and non-residential, while junior colleges are private with students living on campus or in the surrounding community.

Technical/Vocational/Proprietary Schools
Technical, vocational, and proprietary schools emphasize preparation for specific careers, such as accounting, cosmetology, computer technology, culinary arts, health care technology, real estate, etc. Some schools specialize in only one area, while others provide a wide variety of programs. They award diplomas, certificates, licenses, and sometimes associate's degrees and bachelor's degrees. Although receiving accreditation from these schools will usually grant employment, students may or may not be able to transfer credits to traditional academic degree programs. The entire course of study at a vocational or technical school is often two years or less, although some can be three or four years long. Some of these schools are privately owned and operated, while others are public.

Public vs. Private

• Public postsecondary schools are supported by state funds. Tuition for a public school is usually less expensive than that of a private school. Moreover, public school tuition for an in-state student is much less expensive than for an out-of-state student.
• Private postsecondary schools are supported by tuition and donations. They are not tax-supported. While private school tuition tends to be higher than public school tuition, private schools can sometimes offer more financial aid to students for better affordability.

When it comes to choosing a postsecondary school, it is crucial to pick one that fits your personality and educational goals. After you have decided on the type of school you would like to attend, you can then narrow your selection down to more specific schools. Read College Selection for steps to take when choosing a postsecondary school.

Copied from http://www.ecampustours.com/collegeplanning/gettingstarted/typesofpostsecondaryschools#.VEPUXfldXng

Court: Cobb parents can be held liable for Facebook defamation

Copied from AJC.com Thursday, Oct 16th e-edition

By Mike Morris

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The parents of a Cobb County middle school student who admitted to setting up a fake Facebook account that subjected a classmate to ridicule can be held liable for defamation because they let the page stay up for almost a year, the state Court of Appeals has ruled.

According to Friday’s ruling from Presiding Judge John Ellington, Alexandria (Alex) Boston, through her parents Amy and Christopher Boston, filed suit against classmates Dustin Athearn and Melissa Snodgrass and their parents over the May 2011 incident.

Alexandria, Dustin and Melissa were all 7th-graders at Palmer Middle School at the time, and were in homeroom together when Dustin and Melissa set up the Facebook page. They altered a photo that Dustin had taken of Alexandria with a “fat face” app and posted information suggesting that Melissa held racist viewpoints and was homosexual.

“Some of these postings were graphically sexual, racist or otherwise offensive and some falsely stated that Alex was on a medication regimen for mental health disorders and that she took illegal drugs,” according to the appeals court ruling.

Alexandria soon suspected that Dustin was involved after she recognized the profile photo as one that Dustin had taken at school, and her parents notified the school’s principal.

Principal Cathy Wentworth called Dustin and Melissa to her office, and they admitted their involvement, each signing a written statement, according to the ruling. They were each assigned two days of in-school suspension for their harassment of Alexandria.

Wentworth also called their parents, and sent home paperwork to be signed by them.

In early April 2012, the Bostons filed suit against Dustin and Melissa and their parents, and the bogus Facebook page was finally taken down later that month.

Melissa and her father, Randell Snodgrass, did not respond to the suit, and were found in default, Natalie Woodward, the attorney for the Bostons, told the Fulton County Daily Report.

The attorney for Sandra and Michael Athearn asked Cobb Superior Court Judge Robert Leonard for a summary judgment in favor of the Athearns, and Leonard agreed.

The Bostons appealed, and Friday’s ruling reversed Leonard’s decision, sending the case back to the lower court for trial.

College Fair - Oct 25th

Campbell High School International Baccalaureate Program Open House

Campbell High School International 
Baccalaureate Magnet Program

will be hosting their Fall Open House 

on Thursday, October 16th

at 6:30 PM in the 

Campbell High School Auditorium

South Cobb Magnet Open House

South Cobb High School Academy of Research and Medicine

will be hosting their fall open house 
in the South Cobb High School theater 
on October 14, 2014, at 7:00 PM

Pebblebrook Magnet Open House This Friday

Pebblebrook High School Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts is hosting their fall open house on Friday, October 10^th at 7:30 PM in the Anderson Theater at the Cobb Civic Center.

Allatoona High School 8th Grade Parent Night

Allatoona High School 

will be hosting an

8th Grade Parent Night

Thursday, January 29 at 6:30 P.M. 

in the Allatoona High School Theater

Mark your calendars!