Student Services

HOURS: M-F, 8am-4pm

PHONE: (770) 721-5300

FAX: (770) 479-8421

SCHOOL CEEB CODE: 110589

COURSE REQUEST WAIVER CLOSED ON FRIDAY, MARCH 13 @ 11:59PM

When should you use the waiver?

If you would like to change a course that a teacher and/or school counselor has recommended you for (waive up, waive down, or waive out).
Change an elective, AP Course, and/or alternate
Students must use their CCSD Emails to access the waiver form.
A separate waiver for EACH course change request must be filled out; multiple course changes cannot be handled in one waiver form.
If there has been a course request error, please fill out this form and provide additional information at the bottom of the form.

Cherokee’s course recommendation process incorporates an analysis of student grades, academic rigor, standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations. Each individual student’s data is then used in conjunction with subject specific performance rubrics to determine course level placement. We recognize that course choice impacts class rank, grade point average and student success.

Parents and students requesting to waive the Cherokee recommended placement level and enter into alternate courses or Honors/AP courses are advised that these courses:

move at an accelerated pace
require more preparation, study time, homework, and independent (outside of class) work
have a more rigorous and in-depth curriculum, including critical thinking skills and analysis
require consistent attendance

It is important to note, that for some students, increasing course rigor may result in earning a lower grade than they are accustomed to in the subject area if their work ethic, study skills, and test preparation do not adapt to the course’s rigor. In addition, per CCSD Policy, student schedule changes can only happen within the first 10 days of the semester. As a result, during the 2026-2027 school year students will remain in the course for the entire semester. Finally, because of nuances of scheduling and academic successions, some changes may not be possible.

This form will be available March 4, 2026 -March 13, 2026 at 11:59PM. While it is available, we highly recommend taking the courses recommended for you by your teachers and school counselor. Should you feel you still need to use this Course Waiver Form, please fill out the form below. Remember that these are requests and are not guaranteed and that, if granted, these requests are considered final course selections and cannot be changed after March 13, 2026 at 11:59PM.

Resources & Information

CHS Student Services Team

CHS Student Services

*Counselor*	*Student Alphabet*	Extension
Michelle Collins	A-Ch	5343
Chris St. Vrain	Ci-Garc	5337
Sonia Murillo	Gard-Joh	5315
Hillary Nichols * Department chair	Joi-Mel	5318
Gayle Cuomo	Mem-Pri	5317
Amanda von Schilling	Prj-Sn	5367
Karen Holton	So-Z	5316
Wendy Wemmer	Administrative Assistant	5313
Erica Snider	Records Facilitator (Registrar)	5303
Kelsey King	Social Worker

Scholarship Info

WEBSITES

Dual Enrollment

Overview

Georgia’s Dual Enrollment (DE) program allows high school students to earn college credit while working on their high school diploma. DE is offered through approved public University System of Georgia (USG) postsecondary institutions as well as through the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) and some private postsecondary schools. Through the DE program, tuition, mandatory fees and required textbooks are covered at no cost to students.

The goal of DE is to increase college access and completion and to prepare students with the skills they need to succeed beyond high school. Students must meet the DE admissions requirements set by the participating postsecondary institution they wish to attend. Those requirements may include a minimum grade level and/or age requirement. Students must also meet the postsecondary institution’s satisfactory academic progress policies.

To participate in the Dual Enrollment program, students must complete the CCSD Dual Enrollment Participation Form and meet with their School Counselor prior to the deadlines below.

Read more details about Dual Enrollment HERE.

CCSD Application for Dual Enrollment Participation Deadline Dates:

(You must complete the CCSD DE Participation Form and meet with your School Counselor by the deadline dates listed below)

Summer 2026 Participation: CCSD Participation Form Deadline of March 13, 2026
Fall 2026 Participation: CCSD Participation Form Deadline of March 27, 2026
Spring 2027 Participation: CCSD Participation Form Deadline of October 9, 2026
Summer 2027 Participation: CCSD Participation Form Deadline of March 12, 2027
Fall 2027 Participation: CCSD Participation Form Deadline of March 26, 2027

CHS students can take college courses online or on the college campus. Dual Enrollment is offered all terms of the school year (including summer).

Application Deadlines

The paperwork process is merely a piece of the process. Students must adhere to deadlines (shared on individual college websites) for completing the college application and submitting supplemental materials. Start early! Failure to meet college deadlines can result in your Dual Enrollment being pushed back a semester.

CLICK HERE FOR THE DUAL ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST

Forms & CCSD DE Presentation

HELPFUL WEBSITES

Participating Colleges & Universities

Accommodations

Dual Enrollment students seeking accommodations at the college they are enrolling at must contact the Office of Student Services or the Office of Disability Services regarding accommodations.

If you currently have an IEP or 504, it does not automatically transfer to the college. Counselors cannot provide this on your behalf; you must reach out to the college directly, and provide it to them.

Selective Service Requirement

Attention Male Students: Federal law requires males, between the ages of 18-25, living in the US, to register with the Selective Service System.

Georgia state law requires Selective Service registration for males to qualify for Georgia’s state aid programs, which includes Dual Enrollment Funding, HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships and Grants. Eligible colleges and universities cannot award any state aid program if a student does not meet the Federal Selective Service registration requirement.

Please register as early as 17.5 years of age or at the latest, by your 18th birthday at www.sss.gov.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation requirements- To graduate from high school students must have 23 units of credit to graduate. These credits must include 4 units of English, 4 units of math, 4 units of science, 3 units of social studies, 3 units of foreign language/fine arts/tech, 1 unit of personal fitness/health and 4 units of electives. See link for more details on specific classes in each area.

Advanced Placement (AP Classes)

AP RESOURCES

AP Classroom: https://myap.collegeboard.org/login

Total Registration

College Board Student Account Help: https://support.collegeboard.org/help-center/account-help

AP Course Requests

If you are interested in taking AP courses for the upcoming 2025–2026 school year, please see the information below and fill out the ONLINE form to request the class. You must indicate your interest in the class by filling out the online request form; your current teacher will not make your request for you. The AP teacher can also answer questions you have about the course. Remember, you are making a request and will not immediately be placed in the course. AP course placements will take place later in the semester. Deadline for requests is Friday, January 24, 2025.

Advanced Academics Department

Our advanced academics department is where Warriors excel. Teaching and learning is based on a future forward theory. Find out where you want to be and plan your course. There are support measures in place to guarantee your success. Ask teachers about, Albert IO, Peer Tutoring, Ambassador buddy, or tutoring from ALL AP teachers. 

AP Ambassadors – Chosen as mentors, support, and our AP faces and voices for the community and new upcoming AP students. This program works closely with the Big Future Ambassadors through College Board, encouraging networking and scholarship opportunities. If you have questions, see Ms. Malouf.

Capstone Diploma - The AP Capstone Diploma is increasingly recognized in admissions by higher education institutions around the world. Many colleges and universities offer credit and/or placement for a qualifying score in AP Seminar, AP Research, or both. https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-capstone/benefits

ENGLISH

MATH

HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCES

SCIENCE

WORLD LANGUAGE & CULTURES

ARTS

CAPSTONE

COMPUTER SCIENCE

CHS AP Teachers

Megan Arrowood – AP World History

Charlie Buck – AP Physics

Garrick Cheyne – AP Music Theory

Morgan Clifton – AP Drawing, AP 2D Art, AP 3D Art

Jennifer Crowder – AP Computer Sciences

Souad Fullen – AP French

Amy Geer – AP Statistics

Nicole Howard – AP Precalculus

Jay Huller – AP Spanish Language and Composition

Justin Jones – AP English Literature and Composition

Heather Kuglin – AP Government

Teresa Malouf – AP Chairperson, AP Seminar

Colton Major – AP US History

Katherine Mathews – AP English Language and Composition

Joe Maselli – AP Micro/Marco Economics

Lori Pangburn – AP Biology

Laura Peterson – AP English Language and Composition

Wes Queen – AP Physics: Mechanics, AP Physics: E/Mag

James Sanchez – AP Psychology

Mark Segal – AP Chemistry

Rachel Sheldon – AP Environmental Science

Ben Sosebee – AP US History

Tom Stringfellow – AP Human Geography

Senior Info

College Planning

Future Focus Night

Register + Withdraw

Cherokee HS Registration Information

Registration is handled online at:  www.cherokeek12.net/enroll-new-student or click the following link Enroll New Student - Cherokee County School District

The following documents are REQUIRED to process your enrollment. An enrollment will not be processed without the following documents:

Proof of Residency:

Homeowners: Tax Statement or Mortgage Statement or Closing Document

Renters: Copy of a current (not expired) lease AND the CCSD Residency Affidavit.

Birth Certificate (Proof of age)

Social security card OR Waiver

GA form 3231 Immunizations OR Waiver

Custody documentation (if applicable).

Please note that walking into the school does not guarantee immediate assistance with enrollment. To ensure timely support, calling or emailing to schedule an appointment is highly recommended. Please ask for the Guidance Secretary or the Registrar

Parents/guardians with questions can email Wendy Wemmer - Student Services Secretary at wendy.wemmer@cherokeek12.net or Erica Snider – Registrar at erica.snider@cherokeek12.net or call 770-721-5300

If you leave a message, please make sure you clearly state your name, child’s name and a call back phone number so we can assist.

We look forward to having you at Cherokee!

Student Withdrawal Information

Withdrawal forms are available in the Front Office at our Main Campus.

Only the student’s legal guardian(s) listed in our records may complete the withdrawal process.

A valid photo ID must be presented at the time of withdrawal.

Please be prepared to settle any outstanding fines or fees on the student’s account.

All textbooks, technology items, and library books must be returned prior to withdrawal.

For questions regarding the withdrawal process, please contact our Registrar, Erica Snider, via email at erica.snider@cherokeek12.net

FAFSA

SENIORS!

THE FAFSA IS OPEN! Make sure you are starting to work on your FAFSA with your parent(s)/guardian. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form allows you to be considered for federal student aid.

In addition, states and colleges use FAFSA information to award their own grants, scholarships, and loans. But, since some aid is limited, you have to meet the deadlines! START NOW!

FAFSA Info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmEP38x-1Z8

FAFSA Help Center: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help

CHS Financial Aid Night: https://www.facebook.com/share/17QmPd87QV/

What is the FAFSA® form?

Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

You must apply for aid every year, but with the right information in hand, it's easy.

Who should complete the FAFSA® form?

Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for federal, state, and school financial aid programs. This includes grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

How long will it take?

It takes most people 30 minutes to fill out the FAFSA form, including gathering any personal documents and financial information needed to complete it.

What do I need?

Verified account username and password (FSA ID)

Parent or spouse contributor’s email address

Parent or spouse contributor’s name, DOB, and SSN (for the 2025–26 FAFSA form only)

Income and asset information (if required)

Deadlines

Federal Deadline – June 30, 2027

College Deadline – Check with your school

School Profile

Letter of Recommendations & Transcripts

How to Request a COUNSELOR Letter of Recommendation

Step 1: Complete your Senior Profile and submit your TYPED responses to your assigned counselor via email or print/deliver. Counselors will not write you a letter without a Senior Profile. We encourage students to waive FERPA rights on the Common App.

You may also submit a resume or any other information that you would like shared in your letter. More information about you = a quality letter.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SENIOR PROFILE

Step 2: Officially request a Counselor LOR by emailing your assigned school counselor. Counselors require at least 10 SCHOOL DAYS to write/upload your letter. Pay attention to your deadlines!

Teachers and Counselors may be given a deadline later than the application deadline to submit your materials.

Sending Transcripts

Students request transcripts through gafutures (in-state) or parchment.com (out of state). Add your assigned counselor to your portal and we will receive an email where we can access your account and upload materials.

PLEASE ALLOW 10 SCHOOL DAYS FOR APPLICATION MATERIALS TO BE SUBMITTED FROM YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE!

If you apply direct to the institution (college website), you can request a transcript via GAFutures (In State) or Parchment (Out of State).

Reach out to your assigned counselor if you have any further questions.

How to Request a TEACHER Letter of Recommendation

Identify Your Recommender(s):

Step 1: Choose up to two teachers who know you well, based on your academics or extracurriculars. Be aware of how well teachers may know you if you take a virtual class with them. They may not know you well enough to write a letter.

Step 2: Ask the teacher in person to write a letter for you. If in person is not an option, send a personal email to the teacher. Be sure to request your letter at least 10 SCHOOL DAYS before your application due date.

After Your Recommender(s) Agree To Write Your Letter:

Step 1: Provide a copy of your senior profile or resume to assist him/her in writing your letter. A teacher may ask you to provide additional information to help write a quality letter.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SENIOR PROFILE

Step 2: Provide the teacher with a list of all schools you want your letter sent to in addition to the application due dates. The due dates you give your teachers must line up with the due dates in your application portal.

Reminders: Many of the same teachers are asked to write letters each year, and some may reach a capacity to the number of letters they can write in addition to their other responsibilities. Ask early and have a backup plan if one of your top two teachers cannot write you a letter!

Teachers and Counselors may be given a deadline later than the application deadline to submit your materials.

Teachers want to support you in your college goals and are happy to help you!

However, teachers are NOT required to write letters and may decline your request due to time limitations, limited knowledge of you, etc. We encourage students to waive FERPA rights on the Common App.

Teachers always appreciate a thank you and love to hear the outcome of your admissions/scholarship; let them know if you're accepted!

Work Based Learning (WBL)

What is Work-Based Learning (WBL)?

The Cherokee County Schools Work-Based Learning Program is an educational opportunity for juniors and seniors, who have an identified career objective, to obtain experience and skills in a workplace setting and begin working in their career pathway while still in high school. Students have the opportunity to connect what they learn in school with work-site application, enabling a smooth transition into the work force and/or education beyond high school. The Work-Based Learning program involves employers directly in education, including assessing students’ performance, creating relevant curriculum, and developing occupational skill standards specific to business and industry.

Is there a way to put a slideshow of pictures in the here? If so, I will share a folder of photos.

Eligibility Criteria for WBL

Be at least 16 years of age and a Junior or Senior.
Have good attendance, academic, and discipline records.
Be on track for graduation and have a 2.5 or higher GPA.
Enrollment in or completion of related course which relates to the career objective.

Additional Requirements for Admission:

Receive positive recommendations from counselor.
Attend WBL orientation session if selected.
Obtain eligible employment by the end of the first week of school.
Be able to work successfully in a blended environment (online and at place of employment).

Ready to Apply?

Review the Program Guidelines (Attached – can you hyper link?
Apply for the Program - https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=JkvAr5sI1ky58Co_KAkTvtVaGBAr_YRMviWSL8Q3UyNUREZDNlFXMTlDUEtHNVJQNUI5MlNSNFEyNy4u&route=shorturl
Check your CCSD Email for an email from Mrs. Henderson or Duren with a window of when you must meet with them.
Meet with Mrs. Henderson or Mrs. Duren during the window you were emailed. (Note: If you do NOT do this step, your application will not be processed)
Secure appropriate and eligible employment before school starts.

Questions?

Reach out to Mrs. Henderson and Mrs. Duren at chswbl@cherokeek12.net

FAQ’s Page

Most Common Questions & Answers

Q1: If I have a job can I use it for the WBL program?

Yes, you usually can, as long as it meets all the WBL requirements. Your employer must also be willing to work with the WBLprogram. There are papers that have to be signed and evaluations that have to be completed by the employer. Adultsupervision of you on the job must be ensured at all times. The Career Path Facilitator also will complete site visits during thesemester.

Q 2: Can my employer be family?

The student should not be evaluated or mentored by a parent or other family member. As such, employment or unpaidinternship placement in a student’s family business is strongly discouraged. Home-based businesses are not allowed. However,as long as the employer is an actual business operation, the student is paid as a regular employee (would be issued a W-2), andthe job site is a business-only job site, students may work in a family business, but must be evaluated by non-family for WBLpurposes.

Q 3: Can I mow grass or baby sit for WBL?

No. Your job must involve an on-site supervisor for all of your work hours. You could mow grass as part of your job on thebusiness site or you could work for a child care facility. However, you are not allowed to work by yourself in WBL. The goal ofWBL is for you to gain valuable work experience and exposure to a work place setting. You are also expected to learn new skillsand better existing skills, including employability skills. A supervisor must be present on the job site and will be ask to formallyevaluate your performance two times per semester.

Q 4: Will I earn school credit?

Yes, you will earn ½ elective credit for each semester period you successfully complete the program. This means completing allrequirements listed under Question 9 below.

Q 5: How many hours must I work?

You must work at least the same number of hours on the job, Monday through Friday, as you would spend in the classroom.

1 Release Period = 5 Hours 2 Release Periods = 10 Hours 3 Release Periods = 15 Hours

*You may work more than the required number of hours – that is between you, your parents, and your employer.

Q 6: Do all of my work hours have to be during school hours or on school days?

Although you do not have to work every day of the school week or only during school hours, the majority of your work timeshould be distributed during M-F. For instance, you cannot leave school at the end of 6th period every day (a five hour/weekwork requirement) and work 5-10 p.m. on just one weekday or just work five hours on a weekend.

Q 7: Do I have to get my own job?

Yes. If employers contact us looking for student employees, we will make every effort to find suitable candidates, but theemployment decision is still up to the employer, the student, and the student’s parents. All placements must be approved bythe WBL teacher and meet WBL requirements. Unpaid internships must go through an approval process with the CCSD.

Q 8: Will I get paid?

You will get paid if you have a paying job. Several students each semester, however, choose to work in unpaid internships forthe experience and school credit only.

Q 9: What is required for the class?

In addition to going to work for the required number of hours at acceptable times, students must:

•complete required assignments

•ensure required paperwork is completed by employer and parents and returned to Career Path Facilitator

•strictly follow sign out and attendance notification policies of program

•document time worked weekly, obtain employer signature, and turn time sheet in to Career Path Facilitator

•attend WBL orientation and any announced meetings

•provide your own transportation to/from work.

Q 10: How do I apply for WBL?

If you meet the requirements, complete the online application. Your application will be reviewed, along with yourattendance, grades and discipline records. Your application may be considered by a faculty committee or administration. Ifyou meet all requirements and your application is approved, you will be notified of approval by April 1. You must have or getan appropriate job that you can begin within the first week of the school semester.

HOPE

It is the student’s responsibility to create a GAFutures account, ensure they meet HOPE rigor requirements, and regularly monitor their HOPE GPA within their GAFutures account.

Understanding the High School HOPE GPA

The high school HOPE GPA calculation is used for the purpose of determining academic eligibility for HOPE Scholarship and Zell Miller Scholarship. A student's high school HOPE GPA is not the same as his or her high school GPA.

Accredited Georgia public and private high schools electronically submit transcript data and academic rigor to GSFC for the calculation for HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship GPA to determine students’ initial academic eligibility.

Students from other high schools and home study program submit an official transcript (see Initial Academic Eligibility).

Courses

The high school HOPE GPA calculation includes core courses as defined by Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE).

The eligible core courses begin with the following prefixes:

English - course numbers beginning with 23
Mathematics - course numbers beginning with 27
Science – course numbers beginning with 26 or 40
Social studies – course numbers beginning with 45
Foreign language – course numbers beginning with 60 – 64
Specific fourth science courses from GaDOE’s Fourth Science List

Note: Private high schools and accredited home study programs must match their courses to the GaDOE’s course equivalent for HOPE Scholarship purposes.

Grades and Weighting

All grades earned (pass and fail) for attempted coursework in the core subjects during the student's 9th through 12th grade years that could be used to satisfy a core course graduation requirement, according to GaDOE, is equated to a grade on a traditional 4.0 scale to two decimal places, where an "A" equals 4.0, "B" equals 3.0, "C" equals 2.0, "D" equals 1.0, and "F" equals 0. Note: There is not a separate scale for grades that include a plus (+) or minus (-), example “B-“ equals 3.0.

Note: The high school HOPE GPA calculation will count all attempts of the same course, if taken more than once.

From the eligible core courses, any weighting added by the high school is removed, then half a point (0.5) is added back to grades of “B”, “C”, “D”, and “F” for Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Dual Enrollment (DE) degree-level core courses.

Note: The grade of “A” does not receive the additional weight due to the traditional 4.0 scale (maximum of four points per grade).

Note: Honors coursework is not weighted.

Note: The HOPE Scholarship GPA calculation does not allow for any rounding.

Academic Rigor Requirements

A student meeting the requirements to be a HOPE Scholar at the time of high school graduation must earn a minimum of four full rigor credits from the Academic Rigor Course List prior to graduating from high school.

Credits received for academic rigor courses must be from the categories below:

Advanced math, such as advanced algebra and trigonometry, math III, taken at the high school, or an equivalent or higher course taken for degree level credit at an Eligible Postsecondary Institution;
Advanced science, such as chemistry, physics, biology II, taken at the high school, or an equivalent or higher course taken for degree level credit at an Eligible Postsecondary Institution;
Foreign language courses taken at the high school, or taken for degree level credit at an Eligible Postsecondary Institution; or
Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Dual Enrollment degree-level core courses.

My High School HOPE GPA

Georgia public and private high school students may check their high school HOPE GPA calculation and status upon completion of the 9^th grade and by signing into their GAfutures account and select My High School HOPE GPA.