CHHS 3C's Counselor Connection
CHARACTER - COLLEGE - COPING
APRIL 2021
Hello Everyone!
This newsletter will be sent out every month to keep you up to date on topics related to our 3C's- Character, College & Coping!
Ann Wang- A-Cro
Chandra Manuel- Cru-Holk
Claudia McWhorter- Holl-Mom
Leslie Walden- Mon-Schu
Faylinn Habermehl- Sco-Z
Amanda Vargas- Lead Counselor
Robin Davis- Student Advocate Counselor
Dr. James DePetro- Licensed School Psychologist
Heather Hedges- Student Data Coordinator
Glenda Cherry- Registrar
Christina Howard- Counseling Office Clerk
CHHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
CHHS Counseling focuses on our 3Cs (Character, College and Coping) to empower the whole student, while enabling us to support the school vision of PRIDE (Personally Reaching and Inspiring Discovery in Everyone). Through our 3Cs approach and collaboration with all stakeholders, we envision that all students will have success in achieving their potential in academics, social interactions and career aspirations while also becoming productive and contributing members of an ever-changing world
CHHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT VISION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Colleyville Heritage High School Guidance and Counseling Department to develop and deliver a comprehensive school counseling program that is data-driven, collaborative and promotes our 3Cs (Character, College and Coping) approach. We are committed to focusing on the whole high school student, both present and future, and advocating for all students to have equal access and opportunity to all that our school has to offer in order to prepare them for success in the future.
Our counseling website has SOOOOOOOO much information! Check it out!
- Rankings- Top 10% and Quartile Cutoffs
- Arena Scheduling Information
- GO Center Information and link to website
- Social/Emotional Support Resources
- Transcript Request Information
- Resources for each grade level
- Senior Recommendation Letter Request Form (Under Forms and Presentations)
Need to Speak With Your Counselor?
- Email your counselor directly. You can find your counselor's email address on our website.
- You can also sign-in to see your counselor and we will either call you down from class or schedule a WebEx meeting. The sign-in form is also available on our website.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO REACH OUT WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
Upcoming Events
- FAFSA Application Opens for Seniors: October 1st
- Arena for Current Juniors: April 5-7
- English I EOC: April 6th
- English II EOC: April 8th
- CAMPUS BEAUTIFICATION DAY: April 17th
- Arena for Current Sophomores April 19-21
- Arena for Current Freshmen April 28-30
- Senior Recognition Slide Due: April 30
- US History EOC: May 4th
- Algebra I EOC: May 5th
- Biology EOC: May 6th
Senior Recognition Presentation
- Senior Recognition Survey: Directions are at the top of the survey.
- Senior Recognition Template: Follow the directions below:
- Log in to your Google student account
- Make a duplicate of the template slide (under the Edit menu)
- Add your name as the copy title
- Complete the information requested on the slide
- Share your slide with faylinn.habermehl@gcisd.net
*Please note that any student who does not submit information for the slideshow will have a generic template with only the student's name and school picture.
Arena Scheduling
April 19-21: Current Sophomores have access to build schedules through Skyward
Online arena scheduling window opens at 7:30 am on 4/19; closes at midnight 4/21
April 28-30: Current Freshmen will have access to build schedules through Skyward
Online arena scheduling window opens at 7:30 am on 4/28; closes at midnight 4/30
Prior to Arena, students need to revisit their Arena Scheduling Resources Canvas course and complete Step 3. This step includes a "how to" video, instructional slideshow, and should answer all Arena scheduling questions. If students still have questions or need help after completing Step 3 they should contact their counselor prior to their Arena window opening
PreAP Label Changed to Advanced
Next school year, the College Board will be requiring school districts to pay a fee if they use the Pre-AP label for any of their courses. This fee is an annual fee that is per course, per campus. GCISD along with many neighboring districts, have decided not to purchase the use of the Pre-AP label in an effort to remain fiscally responsible.
Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, GCISD will be implementing the title change to “Advanced” for all courses formerly known as Pre-AP. This change will be reflected in the 2021-22 Course Selection Guide set to release in January of 2021. As an example, Pre-AP World History will now be labeled as World History Advanced.
GCISD will use AP's guidelines to ensure the rigor of both middle school and high school courses. Classes now labeled “Advanced” will remain the same weight as the PreAP courses they are replacing. GCISD will continue to work with the College Board through our AP offerings
Campus Beautification Day - April 17th
You don't have to sign up in order to participate, but you are strongly encouraged to sign up at Campus Beautification Sign Up Genius
CBE - Credit by Exam
PREP IS BACK!
Students, both virtual and in-person, may also serve detention and seat time hours during this time. Please see flyers below for more information.
Seat Time/Detention
Testing Services
Math Tutoring - All Levels
USDA - Free Meals
The USDA has extended its nationwide waiver, allowing GCISD to now offer free meals through June 2021 at all elementary and middle school campuses and meal bundles at curbside locations. Complete information can be found here.
Character Strong
This year, all GCISD secondary campuses will be utilizing a new character development curriculum called Character Strong. Each month, in their science class, students will view an introduction video focusing on a specific character trait/skill.
Additionally, students will be presented with daily CHARACTER DARES through Canvas, social media, and daily announcements. These are practical ways students can demonstrate the trait/skill of Commitment. If you are interested in participating in Character Strong at home, the program also provides Family Character Dares. These will be shared with you each week through Panther Pause. It's a great way for parents and siblings to join in some fun, family-friendly activities.
Financial Aid for Dual
All enrolled Dual Credit students who submit a FAFSA with the following enrollment, EFC, and unmet need parameters will automatically be awarded a $1,000 HEERF II grant.
Application Requirement: 2020-2021 FAFSA (Spring 2021, Summer 2021), 2021-2022 FAFSA (Fall 2021)
Enrollment Requirement: Credit/UG - 1 credit hour; and
EFC (Expected Family Contribution) Requirement: EFC < $8,501, derived from the FAFSA; and
Unmet Need Requirement: Unmet Need > $999, calculated by subtracting EFC and estimated financial from total cost of attendance.
TCC Student Financial Aid Services (SFAS) will automatically award $1K HEERF II grants to eligible students. HEERF II funds will disburse through TCC’s regular student refund process. Eligible students will be identified and awarded approximately once a week.
Once awarded, students can view their HEERF II grant in MyTCCTrack Financial Aid.
Eligible students will be awarded Spring 2021, Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 HEERF II grants. Eligible students can receive up to one $1K grant per semester.
For more information, please review TCC’s website or contact TCC’s financial aid office.
https://www.tccd.edu/info-ribbon/coronavirus/coronavirus-guidelines-students/heerf-emergency-grant/
Grade Level Canvas
Please click the link below to join your class Canvas course for announcements and updates from counselors and administrators today:
Need Help With Canvas?
Parent Observers
Parents can sign up as an observer in Canvas. Observers can link their Canvas account to their student's account so they can see assignment dues dates, announcements, and other course content. Observers can view the course content but cannot participate in the course. Learn more and feel free to share this information with parents.
Parent Education Programs
Adult Courses in GCISD
Courses are designed for adults 18 and over in our community, including recent students who have dropped out of school.
Suicide Prevention Curriculum
As many of you know, every fall the counseling teams at each secondary school present an evidence-based suicide prevention curriculum called S.O.S. to all students, grades 6-12.
Due to our unusual circumstances this year, we have decided to postpone the S.O.S. presentations, preferring to wait until we can share this critical information in-person.
We do want to share with you how our counselors are continuing to support our students during this time. Counselors are available for students and parents via Webex and phone. Each campus has a form available on their website to request to meet with a counselor. Additionally, counselors are reaching out to students to check in on them and will continue to do so throughout the year. Counselors are prepared to support students both remotely and in person. For students who are returning to school in person, counselors are accessible by going directly to the counseling office, or by requesting an appointment. For students who will continue with remote learning, counselors are accessible by phone or Webex.
DARN College Fair
You may register here.
SENIORS READ THIS
TCC College Access: http://tinyurl.com/tcc21
Virtual college and career lessons and resources for high school students: Texas College Bridge, College and Career Support from CollegeForward.org: https://collegeforward.org/college-resources/texas-college-bridge-college-and-career-support/
Request an appointment for help with college search/applications, scholarships, FAFSA, career research…
JUNIORS READ THIS
Whether you intend to go to a university, junior college, trade school, military, have a gap year, or work, this is a great time to consider all options and opportunities. Regardless of where you are at, acknowledging requirements and deadlines is a critical factor in keeping these opportunities available to you. You may already be in the midst of gathering information for your upcoming application process or maybe have not yet given any thoughts to your after high school plans. Regardless of where you, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your post high school plans you may be working on already or if you have questions about the process and/or options, I invite you to sign up for an appointment.
What do I do with my PSAT Scores
Students should start receiving PSAT scores the first few weeks of December. In order to understand everything your score can tell you, use this link on College Board.
You can also link your scores with Khan Academy, using your College Board account, to create a personalized study preparation for SAT.
Go Center News
Seniors, I want to share these helpful tasks to ensure your progress with your college applications:
- Complete and submit your applications as soon as possible being especially mindful of those with a December 1st deadline
- Request all transcripts through parchment.com
- Visit the GCISD Scholarship page 1-2 times a week as we continue to receive and post the current applications and update the website
- If taking Dual classes, transcripts must be requested from and sent by TCC
- Allow 2-3 weeks after requesting letters of recommendation if needed for your application or scholarships
- If interested in attending TCC in the Fall of 2021 please complete this form: College Access
- Schedule an appointment at the Go Center for assistance
Juniors, now is a great time to begin your research regarding your schools of interest and recognize important deadlines associated with your near future college applications. In addition, the link below will provide virtual college visit opportunities.
GCISD Virtual College Visits:
Anytime Virtual College Visits:
Curious to how you can visit schools virtually and take advantage of their online opportunities? Check out this great resource that links you to each college's virtual experience page! **New Link from previous Panther Pause updates***
You can also visit DARN’s YouTube Channel to catch up on the virtual college fair that they hosted.
SENIORS - UPCOMING SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINES
Please contact the Go Center with further questions about Scholarships:
- Penrose Scholarship: 5/1/2021 - application in your Class of 2021 Canvas Course
- Foundation 649 Scholarship for Asian American Students: 5/15/21
College Board Opportunity Scholarship - Easiest Scholarships to Earn
YES JUNIORS YOU CAN WIN NOW.
Please visit the Opportunity Scholarships Website for more information and to start your journey.
NCAA - Are You Planning to Play Sports in College
2020-21 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
The 2020-21 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete is now available for download! The guide is designed to assist you, athletic directors, coaches, college-bound student-athletes and their families with understanding the initial-eligibility process.Click here to retweet our guide update and share with your student-athletes and their families! You may also find the guide on the High School Portal and NCAA.org. If you'd like to purchase copies of the guide, please visit NCAApublications.com.
NCAA
- Students planning on play sports in college - please remind your counselors every time you see them.
- Make sure to set up an account within the NCAA Eligibility Center.
- Corecoursegpa.com will help facilitate you through the NCAA Eligibility Center
SAT/ACT & AP Testing Dates and Deadlines
Please continue to check both the ACT and SAT Website for information regarding rescheduled testing dates due to COVID-19.
***If you are a student who receives testing accommodations through a 504 or IEP, please contact Mrs. Koulabouth at faylinn.habermehl@gcisd.net to get paperwork in order to request accommodations on any of the above tests.***
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
SENIORS - RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
GCISD College Visit Videos
Did you know GCISD counselors have had the privilege of traveling to colleges around the state and nation to visit GCISD alumni and admissions officers in order to get an insider's perspective on the college admissions process?
Click here to view the videos from each of our visits. We will continue to add videos as we make more visits. We hope you enjoy this resource!
FAFSA Information
FAFSA https://fafsa.ed.gov/ - CHHS School Code: 441408
- Based on parental/guardian financial status
- Request your FSA ID now - takes 2-3 days for authorization.
- FAFSA - Opens Oct. 1 and should be completed as soon as possible
- 2021-2022 FAFSA application will use 2019 tax return
- FAFSA funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis
- Completion of the application takes approximately 20-30 minutes providing you have information necessary with you at the time of application including parents prior income tax return.
- Types of aid include: Scholarships, Grants, Work-Study, Loans-last option
Selective Service System
Community Resources
Find a healthier way to respond to the challenges of dealing with a loved one's drinking. Get Hope & Help From A Family Recovery Program. Attend An Alanon/Alateen Meeting Near You. No Appointments Needed. Meeting Locator
ALATEEN
Grapevine Unity meeting
Monday 6:00PM
419 East Northwest Hwy, Suite 419
Grapevine
Community Service Ambassador Hours Due
Turn them into your class email listed below or to the red box in the counseling office. Make sure to take a picture of it first.
Community Service Ambassador Program
CSAP is coordinated on behalf of CHHS by the Volunteer Community Service Ambassador Committee with support from the CHHS Counseling Office. The program is designed to encourage all 9th-12th grade CHHS students to serve their community by performing at least 100 hours of approved community service. Students meeting this requirement will be recognized as Community Service Ambassadors upon graduation, and will be eligible to purchase a special cord for their graduation robes.
Full program guidelines for Community Service Ambassador Program, and service hour logs can be found on the CSAP Website.
Students may turn their cards directly into the counseling office and place them in the red CSAP collection box OR they may email a copy of their card to their CSAP class liaison.
Due to the limited opportunities for 2021 graduates to complete community volunteer service hours, the CSAP will be reducing the number of required hours to be recognized as a Community Service Ambassador from 100 to 55. If you have successfully completed 55 hours of volunteer service over the course of your 4 years of high school by March 31st, you will be recognized as a CHHS Community Service Ambassador and have the opportunity to purchase a CSAP varsity letter jacket or letter patch from Balfour. If you have questions or need additional information, please see Ms. Howard in the counseling office or email robin.davis@gcisd.net
Class Liaison Contacts:
Class of 2021: chhsambassadors2021@gmail.com
Liaison-Zahra Halai-817-487-0047
Class of 2022: chhsambassadors2022@gmail.com
Liaison-Debra Hurley-817-228-8131
Class of 2023: chhsambassadors2023@gmail.com
Liaison-Tracy Cutrona-214-707-6123
Class of 2024: chhsambassadors2024@gmail.com
Liaison-Terrye Byrd-817-846-7384
GCISD Free and Reduced Applications
Nutrition Services has provided the following links for online applications for free and reduced lunch for the 2020-2021 school year. We strongly encourage parents to use the online portal as processing times are greatly reduced, in comparison to paper applications.
The second link is provided will take a parents to the GCISD website for downloading of paper applications.
Regardless of which avenue is taken, both English and Spanish applications, instructions and household letters are available, as necessary. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nutrition Services at 817.251.5617.
Nutrition Services appreciates all of your help and consideration!
https://www.schoollunchapp.com
https://www.gcisd.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=96313&pageId=195229