AHS PTSA is proud to publish bi-monthly newsletters that showcase our school, opportunities for engagement, and updates for our AHS families. This is one of the many ways your PTSA Membership supports our community. Please join the PTSA today so we can continue this great resource and more.  Thank you to those that have joined!

• AHS Homecoming 2023
• Counseling Updates
• AHS PSAT Campaign 2023
• International Baccalaureate
  • Statement of Intent
  • IB Shadowing
• AHS Emergency 911 sticker
• Class of 2024 Seniors Announcements
  • October is the last chance to lock in the Early Bird Graduation Fee
  • PTSA Senior Events Dues Extended to Wed. 10/4
• PTSA Announcements
  • The PTA Reflections Contest Now Open for Submissions
  • PTSA Membership Drive - Support Mini-Grants
  • Adult volunteers needed!
• AHS Fall Performances
• AHS Clubs
  • AHS Clubs and Organization Information
  • Women's Lacrosse Fundraiser
  • Girls Golf Informational Meeting
  • Gymnastics Informational Meeting
  • AHS Women Varsity and JV Flag Football Schedules
  • AHS Men's Lacrosse Information Meeting
  • AHS Men's Basketball Tryouts
  • AHS Basketball Cheer Tryouts
  • AHS Tennis Info Meeting 
• AHS Business Partner Spotlight
• Stay Informed
  • Principal Scheifflee's Friday Morning Message
  • AHS Daily Announcements
  • Raiders Revealed Blog
  • AHS Video Morning Show
• SGC Public Comment

Date:  Saturday, October 14, 2023

Location:  AHS Main Gym

Time:  8:00 – 11:00 pm

Theme:  Enchanted Forest

Ticket Dates & Prices: 

• Tickets are $25.00 each. Buy your tickets at https://bit.ly/HOCOTickets2023! Ticket prices will go up, so get yours NOW!
  • September 1-22, 2023: $25.00
  • September 23-30, 2023: $30.00
  • October 1-13, 2023: $35.00
  • Day of Dance (October 14th): $40.00

NOTE: Outside guests may attend, but must check in and remain with the AHS student they are coming with. All outside guests must have submitted a Homecoming Guest Permission Form 2023 and have received an email indicating their guest has been approved to attend. The AHS student must purchase the ticket for their outside guest. Outside guests cannot purchase a ticket. No refunds!! Students must bring their AHS student ID to the homecoming dance.

If your date does not attend AHS, you must fill out a guest permission form. Deadline to submit your completed guest permission form AND copy of ID is Friday, October 6, 2023 at 3:30pm. No forms will be accepted via email.

Please follow @alpharetta.stuco on Instagram for updates. Contact Letitiah Etheridge with questions. 

UGA Athens Young Scholars Program

The Young Scholars Program (YSP) is a paid five-week summer internship program for high school students (16-18 years old) interested in agricultural, food, and environmental sciences. Selected students work 30 hours per week actively engaged in research under the guidance of a faculty mentor on the UGA Athens, Griffin or Tifton campus. During the program, students attend workshops and visit agricultural operations to gain exposure to the various fields of study and careers in agriculture.

For more information  and to apply visit CAES Young Scholars Program    

SENIORS

Presidential Scholars Program

The 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program nomination window is open from September 1 to November 1. Any high school senior may complete the application, provided they meet all program qualifications outlined by the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The student informational brochure includes information on the application criteria and the two required essays. The application, program criteria, and informational brochure are on the Excellence Recognitions USPS webpage. Applications are due by November 1 at 5:00 p.m.   

Application: 2024 USPS Application 

Required Verification Forms: Click Here 

Student Informational Brochure: Click Here 

Coordinator’s Guide: Click Here 

U.S. Presidential Scholars website: Click Here 

College Applications

Fulton County Schools is no longer using Naviance for college applications. 

While Naviance will continue to be used to research and plan for college, for the 2023-2024 school year, students will apply to college using the following platforms:

• Common Application
• Coalition
• GaFutures
• Common Black College Application
• Individual College Application Portal (visit the school’s admissions website)

Many of the abovementioned college application platforms will allow school counselors to upload high school transcripts.  Therefore, students will not have to request transcripts outside the application platform. However, if/when needed, students can request transcripts here via ScribOrder.

Federal Student Aid

2024–25 FAFSA Roadmap | Knowledge Center

For the 2024-25 award year, the FAFSA is getting a facelift that includes a redesign and fewer questions. Plus, formulas determining aid eligibility have been modified with the goal of expanding financial assistance for low-income families. The FAFSA for the 2024-25 school year is projected to be available in December 2023, a few months later than usual. In years past, FAFSA applications opened up each October before the start of the next academic year.

Local College Deadlines

CURRENT DUAL ENROLLMENT STUDENTS

Gwinnett Tech

Spring 2024 Registration opened on September 19. Jennifer Rodriguez will be at AHS Monday, October 16^th to assist students with registration. This will be for already accepted students.

Important Notes:

1. Spring 2024 Early Registration: 9/19 – 12/11
2. Academic Calendar: Spring 2024 Semester
3. It’s important that students who need ECON 1101, register as soon as registration opens.
4. Field of Study Registration Errors: Students can send an email to DualEnrollment@GwinnettTech.edu to request an override. We will need the student’s full name, GTC student ID, Term (ex: Spring), and course number (ex: ENGL 1101).
5. Two registrations will be open at the same time: Fall TERM C (mini-semester) and Spring 2024. It’s important to select the correct term.
6. FYES 1000, MUSC 1101, ARTS 1101 are not covered by dual enrollment funding.

JUNIORS & SENIORS

Upcoming College Visits.  Login to Naviance to register.  Kennesaw & Winton Salem will be rescheduled due to PSAT testing.  In addition, UGA’s visit 10/6 is for Honors College.  Both UGA visits will be held in the Media Center.  Prior registration is required.

RESOURCES

Tutors

Alpharetta High School provides this list as a service and does not endorse or recommend any particular tutor.  We recommend that each family carefully consider researching all available tutors.https://www.fultonschools.org/Page/19471

Alpharetta High School’s National Honor Society offers free tutoring https://alpharettanhs.weebly.com/need-a-tutor.html

Peachtree College Planning will be hosting a “Making College More Affordable for Every Family” virtual workshop on October 5th.  To register https://bit.ly/3LksvWO

PSAT Test Prep

Applerouth is kicking off the school year with our Digital PSAT Prep Rally - free online prep for the new Digital PSAT. Sessions will be offered from September 23 - October 7—secure your spot at applerouth.com/preprally

Best in Class Mock SAT or ACT

Alpharetta HS students - Would you like to know where you score on the SAT or ACT test? Join Best in Class for a mock SAT or ACT test on Wednesday, October 11th (school holiday) at our Johns Creek or Milton centers, starting at 10:00 AM and completing at 1:15 PM. This test will be followed by a private consultation to discuss how to improve your score. The fee for this test and consultation is $50 - participants also receive a $50 voucher toward any Best in Class college test prep offerings. For more information email chrisr@bicedu.com or call 678-332-2100. To register, go to:https://bestinclassnorthatlanta.regfox.com/best-in-class-october-2023-mock-sat-and-act 

Tips for Managing Conflict with Your Teenager

In this vlog, Madeline shares practical advice and proven strategies for effectively navigating conflicts with your teenager.

https://summitcounseling.org/tips-for-managing-conflict-with-your-teenager/

The Digital Readiness Check and Stress Test is Friday, October 6^th during 5^th period, we will conduct the Stress Test and Digital Readiness Check for the PSAT 2023 administration. Please read a few notes of what to expect…

• For your information… PSAT Bell Schedule can be found  HERE.
• More information about the AHS PSAT Campaign can be found HERE.
• If you are taking the PSAT, YOU MUST PARTICIPATE in the stress test this week!
  • If you do not complete the required action items (device check and exam setup) during this stress test, you will not be able to access the PSAT on test day. This is a College Board, FCS, and AHS expectation.
  • If you are off campus for advisement and are taking the PSAT, you will report to your Advisement class. Please click  HERE to find your advisement class reporting location. 

A FEW ACTION ITEMS FOR STUDENTS… parents, please help us reinforce these expectations and deadlines to your child. We appreciate your continued support and partnership!

• ACTION REQUIRED BY TUESDAY, 10/3/2023:Make sure you have an FCS device.
  • If you do not have an FCS device, go to the media center on Monday to get one during your lunch. You need to do this by Monday because it will take time for the computer to update and get the required testing app.
• ACTION REQUIRED BY TUESDAY, 10/3/2023:On your FCS device, make sure you have the Bluebook icon.
  • Please make sure you have joined the FCS Wi-Fi on your school-issued device and restarted (while connected to WIFI probably 4-5 times).
  • If that does not work and you do not have the app installed, you can search your FCS Laptop for the “Company Portal” app and attempt to install it from there on your own. If the Bluebook app cannot be found anywhere on their FCS Laptop, please can come down to the Media Center IT Office and they can install the Bluebook App for you.
  • Below is an example of what the Blue Book app looks like.
• ACTION REQUIRED BY WEDNESDAY, 10/4/2023: Students and parents, together, should watch the video below based on what test you are taking.
  • 9^th graders, please watch THIS VIDEO to make sure you know what to expect for the PSAT 8/9.
  • 10^th – 11^th graders, please watch THIS VIDEO to make sure you know what to expect for the PSAT/NMSQT.
• ACTION REQUIRED BY THURSDAY, 10/5/2023: Make sure to plug your devices in and get a full charge overnight to ensure you are ready to go during 5^th period advisement on Friday!

PLEASE NOTE: During the stress test on Friday, 10/6/2023, you will have to complete a few required steps in a very short period of time. Make sure to get to 5^th period on time and get going as soon as you receive your test ticket (this will have your log-in information). You will also get a checklist of what to complete.

I want to take a moment to thank you students and parents, in advance, for this partnership to ensure that this is a smooth test administration. This is the first year that the PSAT is digital, across the entire United States. If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Bolin (bolina@fultonschools.org).

All students intending to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma beginning Junior Year (2024-25) must complete the Statement of Intent on or before January 10, 2024. This year’s Statement of Intent will be submitted digitally and can be accessed either via the AHS IB webpage or by clicking the link here. Students will need to login with their @fcstu.org accounts to access the application, but a .pdf of the  “worksheet” document can be found here for review and preparation.

OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN MORE

  *   OCTOBER 18 - Sophomore students are also invited to experience IB classes by shadowing current IB Diploma Programme students. Signups will close October 18 and the experience will occur on October 26.
  *   OCTOBER 25 - Mr. Fortunato will also host our monthly IB Community Meeting on October 25 at 6:30pm in the AHS Media Center. The topical focus of the night will be the Extended Essay as well as additional information about the Diploma Programme
  *   November 15 – IB Community Meeting. The topical focus of the night will be Theory of Knowledge.

Students and parents can schedule individual meetings with Mr. Fortunato to discuss IB and create a “road map” of what courses would look like. Visit the AHS IB webpage and select “Schedule a Meeting” from the menu or click here to go directly to the booking page.  More information about the Diploma Programme can be found on the AHS IB webpage.

If you have any questions about the International Baccalaureate or the 2024-25 Statement of Intent, email Mr. Fortunato: fortunatof@fultonschools.org.

Interested in IB but not sure what the classes are really like? Sign up today to shadow a current IB student and experience learning in IB!

Dates for this experience will be in October, so interested sophomore students should complete this form to reserve their spots! Signups close on October 18, so don’t delay!

Reach out to Mr. Fortunato if you have any questions at fortunatof@fultonschools.org.

Does your student have the AHS Emergency 911 sticker? Click here to fill out the form to allow your student to leave campus during an emergency.

Happy October! 

This month is the last chance to lock in the Early Bird price for your AHS graduation fee. The graduation fee is mandatory if you plan to attend the ceremony in May (date TBD).

The Early Bird price is $155 through October 31. Beginning November 1, the price goes up to $165. Please click here for step-by-step PDF instructions to pay the fee online through www.3rdascent.com. The PDF also includes an FAQs section.

The graduation fee includes:

• Venue (Ameris Amphitheatre)
• Tickets (total number/student TBD)
• Cap, gown, & tassel
• Diploma cover
• Class pin

The graduation fee does NOT include the senior class t-shirt or yard sign. Those items are part of the PTSA Senior Events dues which is a separate fee ($85). 

Please note: if you get a message saying there are no packages available, please clear your cache/browsing history or use a different browser. You can also go up to the top left corner of the site, click where it says “My School: Alpharetta (Click to Change)”, and then re-select Alpharetta. That will reset the link so that the current packages show up.

If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Talele at talelek@fultonschools.org. 

The PTSA Senior Events dues have been extended to Wednesday, October 4 at 12pm. 

Click here to guarantee that your Senior has the Class of 2024 t-shirt and yard sign.

PTA Reflections Contest Deadline Extended! New Deadline - Friday October 6th

A Chance for your Students to Explore the Arts and Express Themselves

The National PTA has a long-standing commitment to arts education. The Reflections program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts which boost student confidence and success in the arts and in life.
Each year, over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme. This 50+ year-old program helps them explore their own thoughts, feelings and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful in school and in life.  The 2023-2024 Georgia PTA Reflections program theme is I am Hopeful Because... 

The key to the Reflections program is for the student to interpret the prompt any way they want to - this is yours to think about and express however you desire!  
Categories and Divisions
Students participate in the appropriate division for their grade: Primary (Pre-K - Grade 2), Intermediate (Grades 3-5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), High School (Grades 9-12), Special Artist (All grades welcome).*
Students submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: 

• Dance Choreography
  Film Production
• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts

*Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities.

For more information and where to find the entry submission form and guidelines for submissions please visit the AHS PTSA Reflections Page or students may scan the QR Code found on the flyers and posters displayed throughout the school.  Entries should be placed in the labeled bin located in the Media Center.  For questions contact Pam Levy

Fill out Microsoft form CLICK HERE

Proudly supporting AHS for 20 years!

AHS Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA)

3595 Webb Bridge Road, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

www.ahsptsa.org  |   ahsptsa3595@gmail.com