DHS Counseling News
Weekly Update - April 11, 2020
Duncanville High School Counseling Department
Website: https://www.duncanvilleisd.org/domain/44031
Phone: 972-708-3700
Twitter: @DHSCOUNSELORS2
2020 SUMMER DUAL CREDIT REGISTRATION
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK!
Chat with the 9th Grade Counselors Every Wednesday @ 11:30! Next Chat Session:
meet.google.com/wsm-aajp-etr
Meeting ID
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 317-943-3608
PIN: 752 386 750#
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2020, 11:30 AM
Google Hangouts
10th Grade Virtual Meetings Every Friday @ 2:00!
Friday, Apr 17, 2020, 02:00 PM
Zoom Meeting
A Junior's Journey to the Top!
Chat with your counselors every Wednesday at 2 pm.
Meeting ID: 820 089 858
Meeting Password: 2JTJzq
Wednesday, Apr 15, 2020, 02:00 PM
Zoom Meeting
Senior Chat Fridays!
Please join the senior counselors every Friday for a virtual meeting via Zoom!
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/99965177425?pwd=VnV3V1VIdUZwcHMyUGlqUTVvSFZJdz09
Meeting ID: 999 6517 7425
Password: 7c231d
Friday, Apr 24, 2020, 01:00 PM
Google Hangouts
UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS
Midwestern State
Midwestern State University Updates and Application Assistance
Students will receive application assistance and updates for MSU.
Zoom Meeting
ID: 450 112 0336
Texas Tech
April 14, 2020 11-12 PM
Texas Tech Admissions Presentation
Students can learn more about Texas Tech and ask questions. Once students register, they will receive an email from the recruiter.
UT & TAMU
April 15th, 2-3 PM
University of Texas & Texas A&M Updates
Students will hear the latest information about TAMU and UT.
Zoom Meeting
ID: 450 112 0336
Texas Woman's University
April 16th, 2-3 PM
Texas Woman's University Updates and Application Assistance
Students will recieve application assistance and updates for TWU
Zoom Meeting
ID: 450 112 0336
Sam Houston
April 17th, 2-3 PM
Sam Houston State University and Application Assistance
Students will recieve application assistance and updates about Sam Houston
Zoom Meeting
ID: 450 112 0336
VIRTUAL GUIDANCE LESSON #2
Coping Strategies for Anger, Anxiety, and More
Coping strategies are techniques that help reduce negative feelings when someone is feeling under stress. Those feelings might be the result of anxiety, anger, depression, or just general day-to-day stress. Practicing coping strategies can help kids and young adults learn how to manage their emotions in a positive way.
Every child or young adult should have a “toolbox” of coping strategies that works for them. It’s important to recognize that what works for one person may not work well for another. For example, one student may utilize a stress ball quietly and calmly to reduce anxious feelings during a test. A different student may try to use that stress ball and find themselves unable to hold onto it without tossing it, only creating more anxiety about getting in trouble. That is why it’s important to have a large list of positive coping strategies that kids and young adults can choose from.
You can do some simple things to teach your child coping skills and help them put these skills into action. It’s never too early or too late to learn how to do this. It’s a good skill for life.
7 positive coping strategies
Talking it out
Encourage your child to speak up if they’re experiencing a tough time, by creating a safe space where their feelings won’t be judged. If what they’re going through doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, keep in mind that it’s very real for them, so be supportive and not dismissive.
It’s also important not to force your child to speak to you if they really don’t want to. Instead, let them know that you’re here to help, but if they’re not comfortable speaking to you (which is okay and shouldn’t be taken personally), encourage them to speak to someone else they trust, such as a friend or another family member.
Taking a break
Taking an active time-out from something that is causing distress is a great way to refocus thoughts and energy. If your child is having difficulty coping, let them know that taking it easy from time to time isn’t being lazy; it’s actually very healthy, especially if they’ve been experiencing a hard time.
Doing something they love
Engaging in enjoyable activities can help lower stress and put them in a positive mindset. Some examples might be:
● taking a walk or using an exercise app
● listening to music
● writing, drawing or painting
● watching a TV show, movie or TED talk
● playing a game online or joining a sports team
● FaceTiming, calling, texting or physically hanging out with friends.
There are heaps of apps out there that can help your teen do activities or learn something new from the comfort of their bedroom. They can check out ReachOut's app recommendations here.
Eating well and exercising
It’s no myth that physical health has a big impact on mental health. Ensure that your child is eating healthy, nutritious meals that will help their body support them through tough times. Exercise can also help by releasing tension and increasing energy levels.
Try getting as many vegetables, fruits and whole grains into your family’s diet. This might be things like choosing a whole meal or grainy bread at the supermarket and swapping the after school biscuits to a piece of fruit. Just as simple, easy and cheap but better for your whole family!
Using relaxation techniques
Teach your child some relaxation techniques that can help with relieving stress. We like Smiling Mind and ReachOut Breathe.
Engaging in positive self-talk
Let your child know that it’s okay to feel good about, and even to compliment themselves on, all their achievements, however big or small. Start by letting them know why you think they’re great, and encourage them to talk about what they like about themselves. This can help to increase their positive mindset and motivation. Encourage them to be mindful of their achievements and skills (or even to write them down) as a regular reminder of their strengths. They can get some more tips here for talking themselves up.
Modelling positive coping behaviors
A really great way to encourage your child to develop positive coping skills is to model the behaviors yourself to show them what positive coping looks like.
Confide in your child about times when you’ve found it hard to cope, and share with them the positive strategies that have worked for you. This will not only make them feel less alone, but will also reinforce the importance of seeking help.
Teaching coping skills to your teenager could be one of the most important skills they learn. They will help your teenager manage any obstacle that may get in the way of their endeavors.
Did you find what you needed?
● Yes - Find out how you can teach resilience to your teenager
● No - Read these tips on how you can start a positive and constructive conversation
● I need to know more - Read our fact sheet about coping skills and resilience
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS RESOURCES
If you feel that you or a friend is in a crisis situation and/or need someone to talk to and there isn’t a caring adult you can reach right away, please reach out to one of the following:
- Call 214-828-1000 – Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas (24/hr Crisis Line)
- Call 866-260-800 – Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (formerly ADAPT)·
- Call 1-800-784-2433 – National Hopeline
- Call 1-800-273-825 – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Or call 911 – In case of a life-threatening emergency
These crisis lines are operated 24/7, so please call anytime you have questions or concerns, day or night.
CLASS OF 2020 UPDATES
PROM UPDATES
COLLEGE ADMISSION UPDATES
APPLICATION UPDATES
Counselors are still able to electronically process all supporting documents needed for college and scholarship applications if needed. Please contact your School Counselor directly.
MAKING POST-SECONDARY DECISIONS IN A COVID-19 WORLD
Trying to make decisions about your post-secondary plans can be a stressful time, and now more so than ever. WE ARE STILL HERE FOR YOU! Please reach out to your academic counselor or your college advisors for any support and guidance.
We will try to keep you updated with any information we get from colleges and other programs. In the mean time, this is a great article on ways to continue to explore your options and make an informed decision: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brennanbarnard/2020/03/17/the-covid-college-choice-how-to-pick-a-college-during-a-global-pandemic/
SCHOLARSHIP UPDATES
National Council of Negro Women – Extended Due Date: June 1, 2020
The National Council of Negro Women Southwest Section Scholarship; is to provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors who enroll in community college, college or university. Preference will be given to students attending schools in Dallas County. The National Council of Negro Women Southwest Section Scholarship Committee principally targets first and second year programs.
Scholarship Awards:
· $700.00 Scholarship for 2 or 4 year University/ College
· $500.00 Scholarship for 2 or 4 year University/ College
· $300.00 Book Allowance
Requirements:
- Must have a GPA 2.5 or greater
- Must be accepted as a full-time student at a two or four-year college or university
- Must be a graduating senior who is attending high school in Dallas County, Texas
- Must be African American
- Must submit your application, essay and all required documents by the deadline
Applicants Process Includes:
· Application
· transcript
· recommendation letter.
APPLICATION: Click here to access application packet
* All applications should be submitted via email to: NCNWDallasSouthwestSection@gmail.com
The Theta Alpha Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. & Theta Alpha Foundation Scholarship The recipient receives up to $1000 during their first year of matriculation and upon proof of enrollment at an accredited two (2) or four (4) year college or university, vocational school or military academy.
ELIGIBILITY:
Only high school seniors in the Dallas Metroplex area, meeting the following qualifications are eligible for the scholarship award:
Planning to attend college in the Fall of 2020
Must be a United States of America citizen
Must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Application and required documents are received by May 8, 2020
APPLICATION PACKAGE:
Official application form (click here to download)
High school transcript (MUST include the school’s seal.)
Copy of SAT/ACT results
Two character recommendation letters from school, community, and/or church
- Two-page, typed (12-point font), double-spaced essay on the following:
After college graduation, what do you see yourself doing in five (5) years?
WHERE TO MAIL APPLICATION: Send email of all requested documents to thetaalphascholarships@yahoo.com
or
Theta Alpha Scholarship Committee
2413 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Dallas, Tx 75215
WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU!
ATTENTION JUNIORS!
You're probably feeling a lot of anxiety right now. College tours this spring? Canceled. SAT and ACT tests? Canceled. What will colleges think of your applications without these elements?
I want to reassure you that everyone, all over the world, is going through this crisis at the same time. This fall, college admissions will not be business as usual. College admissions officers will understand you have been thrown into a situation you had no control over –– none of us did.
In the meantime.......
Here's your college admissions game plan for April:
1. Take care of yourself. Mentally, emotionally, and physically. This is the number one priority: your health. Wash your hands, stay home, and find a way to keep yourself active in mind and body.
2. Do not stress about the SAT or ACT. There will be chances to take the tests again. Many colleges are loosening requirements or becoming test optional for this fall due to all the cancellations –– they get it. I repeat: Do not let this stress you out.
3. That said, you have time right now. Link your SAT school day results from March to your Khan Academy accounts and start practicing! A little practice every day will add up to a lot by the time you can take the test again. Take advantage of this time.
4. Research colleges from home. Enjoy a virtual tour from the comfort and safety of your home!
5. Continue to think about your college list. Remember, you want to have several options, including at least one "likely" school, one "target" school, and one "reach" school.
6. Get your schoolwork done. Keep your mind active. Read (or listen) to books! Watch classic movies. Listen to music. Download the DuoLingo app and practice a language.
VIRTUAL SCHOOL COUNSELING & OFFICE HOURS
Counselors aravailable Monday - Friday from 9:00-11:00 and 1:00-3:00. Please allow your counselor 24 hours to respond.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING SUPPORT
As students hear or read about COVID-19, school closures, and potential changes to their daily routines, they may feel a range of emotions -- fear, anxiety, stress, curiosity, uncertainty, etc.
If your child needs support or would like to talk with one of our support counselors, you may email or leave a voice mail for them between the hours of 9:00-11:00 a.m. or 1:00 – 3:00 p.m, Monday through Friday.
Candace Hubbard, (9th Grade)
940-536-3260
Takoya Mandigo (10th–12th Grade)
469-702-0656