DHS Counseling News
March 2020
Duncanville High School Counseling Department
Website: https://www.duncanvilleisd.org/domain/44031
Location: 900 West Camp Wisdom Road, Duncanville, TX, USA
Phone: 972-708-3700
Twitter: @DHSCOUNSELORS2
Course Selection Update!
Good News! DHS Counselors have completed approximately 3,000 course selection meetings with current students. They have consulted with each student regarding the courses they have requested for the 2020-2021 school year. In addition, they have met with over 1,000 8th graders to discuss and complete their high school graduation plan. These requests and plans will available for you to review and confirm in Skyward under the Family Access login beginning March 14-29, 2020
STEPS TO CONFIRM THE SELECTION OF COURSES REQUESTED BY YOUR STUDENT:
Please review the course requests carefully by following the steps below:
- Log into the Family Access account in Skyward
- Click on “Schedule” on the left navigation
- Click on “Request courses for 2020-2021 School Year” link located in the Course Request section at the top right-hand side of the current schedule/schedule page.
- This will display the list of courses requested.
*NOTE: Students may follow the same process under Student Access.
If you see a discrepancy, please complete the “COURSE REQUEST DISCREPANCY/CORRECTION” form attached to this letter (also available in the DHS Counseling Office) and turn it in to your campus counselor by April 3, 2020. April 3rd is the FINAL DEADLINE for corrections to be made! This deadline is very important because it “drives” our campus course offerings and helps make certain we have enough courses to meet the entire student-body demand.
Also, please know that this is not an official class schedule; it is simply a confirmation of the courses requested. Students will receive a copy of their official class schedule at the high school’s registration/schedule pick-up before school begins in the fall.
ONCE AGAIN: ALL COURSE REQUEST CORRECTIONS MUST BE MADE IN WRITING ON THE ATTACHED FORM AND RECEIVED BY APRIL 3, 2020. CORRECTIONS OR CHANGES WILL NOT BE MADE AFTER THIS DEADLINE.
THE DHS Counseling Dept.
Interested in Dual Credit for the 2020-2021 School Year?
Please visit the Dual Credit webpage for more information about DHS' dual credit application process!
If you were unable to attend our previous Advance Academic Night on January 30, 2020, please view the link to the presentation for everything you need to know about Dual Credit and other Advance Academic Opportunities.
Scores Are Now Available!
On March 11th & 12th, counselors will be meeting with students to provide them with a copy of their PSAT score reports. Students will also get their PSAT test booklets back and a detailed letter informing them about their AP Potential. We recommend you review the test book and your scores/answers over the next few days/weeks to help you prepare for the SAT next year.
Understand Your Scores
ASVAB Testing
Thursday, Mar 12, 2020, 08:00 AM
Duncanville High School, Duncanville, Tx
ATTENTION JUNIORS!
University of Houston Summer Camp Opportunity!
- Camps are limited to 25 students.
- Dates for our 2020 high school summer camps are June 8 – 12 and June 15 – 19.
- The deadline to apply is April 1 OR until the camps are filled.
If you are interested in this hands-on experience, don't delay! Spots often go quickly and we can't promise availability – even before the April 1 deadline.
Click here to apply! We look forward to introducing you to the dynamic hospitality industry in June!
College Prep Scholars Program
High achieving juniors from low-income families are encouraged to explore the QuestBridge College Prep Scholars Program.
The 2020 College Prep Scholars Program application is due on Tuesday, March 24, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Applying to college can seem daunting, and the prospect of paying for it can seem even more overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. The College Prep Scholars Program equips high-achieving high school juniors from low-income backgrounds with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to apply to top colleges.
Why apply as a junior? Being a College Prep Scholar is a notable distinction that shows our 42 college partners that you are a competitive candidate for admission. As a College Prep Scholar, you will receive exclusive awards and opportunities to develop a strong college application that shares your unique story.
Camp RYLA Scholarship Opportunity!
Every year, the Duncanville Rotary Club awards two juniors from DHS a scholarship to attend Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award). This camp is an opportunity for these students to learn teamwork and leadership skills over the summer so that upon their return to school as seniors, they can have a meaningful and positive impact at the school and in the community.
This year, Camp Ryla will be held July 26-31, 2020 in Midlothian, Texas. If you are a junior and is interested, please see your counselor to complete an application - deadline extended to March 16, 2020. There is no cost for the student since the Rotary Club pays for it!
For additional information, please visit WWW.RYLA5810.org
Opportunities For Everyone!
March 3-6, 2000
- Algebra Benchmark
MARCH 3, 2020:
- McMurray and Wichita State Group Presentation - East Seminar Rm. (1:00-2:00)
- Credit Retrieval - East Cafeteria (3:15)
- SAT (Math) After School Practice - East Cafeteria (3:15)
- Credit Retrieval - East Cafeteria (3:15)
MARCH 5, 2020:
- Credit Retrieval - East Cafeteria (3:15)
- SAT (Math) After School Practice - East Cafeteria (3:15)
- DHS Open House (6:00)
MARCH 6, 2020:
- University of Texas Visit - Library/Sec. D (12:40-2:00)
MARCH 7, 2020:
- Credit Retrieval - East Cafeteria (3:15)
MARCH 9, 2020:
- SEL Parent/Staff Event #5 Kindness Counts: When Being Present and Modeling Compassion - DHS East Seminar Rm (4:00-7:30)
MARCH 10, 2020:
- TSI Testing, Library (3:10-6:10)
- All Credit by Exams (CBE) Applications due to the Counseling Center/A12
March 12, 2020:
- ASVAB TEST (8:00), East Seminar Rm - Sign-up in Go Center
March 13, 2020:
- Dallas County Promise Financial Aid Deadline
MARCH 16-20, 2020:
- Spring Break!
March 23, 2020:
- Immunization CareVan (Meningitis Shot) Event -
MARCH 24, 2020:
- "Now that You're Admitted" Event - Auditorium (6:30-8:30)
- TSI Testing, Library (3:10-6:10)
- STUDENT HOLIDAY/NO SCHOOL
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS
Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to meet with Admission Counselors representing colleges and universities from around the country. These visits are held outside the cafeteria during all lunch periods.
Check out which colleges and universities will be visiting this month!
McMurray University
Wichita State University
East Seminar
1:00-2:00
University of Texas
March 6, 2020
Library/Sec. D
12:40-2:00
Schedule of Military Visits
- Monday- National Guard
- Tuesday- U.S. Army
- Wednesday- Navy
- Thursday- Airforce
- Friday- Marines
Which shirt will you wear?
College Entrance Exams
TSI Assessment Information
Remember, in order to take a dual credit course, a student must take and pass the relevant section of the TSI test. We offer students the test at DHS for free. TSI testing opportunities are held every month in the library from 3:15-6:15. The next available testing date for students will be on March 10 & 24, 2020.
How to Register for the TSI?
Step One: Visit with a counselor to determine the correct assessment needed for dual credit/college entrance requirements.
Step Two: You are required to complete a pre-assessment activity before taking the actual exam. Visit: https://tsipreview.com/welcome/Duncanvilleisd to complete the Pre-Assessment.
Step Three: Upon completion of the pre-assessment, please visit the GO Center webpage to register online for the TSI test administration.
Because space limited, test will be administered on a first come first serve basis.
Attention Seniors!
We Want to Celebrate You!
Seniors, as you begin to receive your College Acceptance Letters, please remember to turn in a copy the acceptance letter to the GO Center. We would love to WhooHoo you and celebrate your college acceptance.
This also applies to any Scholarship Acceptance Letters that you receive from Colleges/Universities or community organizations. Tell us about your scholarship/financial aid awards! Click here to report your information.
MILITARY ENLISTMENTS
Seniors, we are trying to gather information on students that have enlisted in the military. Please complete this form to inform us if you have enlisted.
Top 10% Rule
You may qualify for automatic admission to many public universities in Texas through the Top 10% Rule. To meet the requirements, you must graduate in the top 10% of your class at a recognized public or private high school in Texas or a high school operated by the U.S. Department of Defense and be a Texas resident or eligible to pay resident tuition. This rule has been modified for The University of Texas at Austin please see UT Austin Admissions for the most recent admissions information.
You will also have to ensure that all required documents are received by the institution you are applying to by the application deadline and be sure to enroll in college no more than two years after graduating from high school.
That's a lot of requirements! But wait, there's still more to do. You also have to successfully complete the:
- Recommended or Distinguished High School Programs, or the
- Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation High School Program
or
- Earn a score on the ACT that at least meets the ACT's College Readiness Benchmarks,
or
- a minimum score of 480 on the Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) test and a minimum score of 530 on the mathematics test (no combined score) if the SAT was administered on or after March 5, 2016.
Be sure to check with the school's admissions office and go to The Tests You'll Need for more information about test requirements.
If you're admitted to college through the Top 10% Rule, you may still be required to provide SAT or ACT scores, but these scores are not used for admissions purposes.
Top 25%
Not in the Top 10% of your graduating class? Don't give up! You might still qualify for automatic admission. Some universities in Texas have automatic admission for students that graduate in the top quarter (25%) of their graduation class. You will probably need higher ACT or SAT scores to qualify. Go to Texas Institutions of Higher Education to find the schools you need to contact to learn more about automatic admissions and Top 25% requirements.
Additional Information and References
Bacterial Meningitis Immunization
If you're a Senior and getting ready to go to college or another institution of higher learning, you will need to get the Meningitis vaccine before you can register for classes. An Immunization CareVan will be at DHS on March 23, 2020 for anyone interested in getting their meningitis shot. The shot is free to anyone who does not have insurance.
Please be sure to:
- Sign-up in the Go Center
- Bring a copy of your Shot Records
If you're not able to get the vaccination at this time, you can also get the vaccine at your doctor's office or places like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens. Please click on the link below to find additional locations and clinics where you can get the shot.
Need a Letter of Recommendation?
Many of you will need recommendations, whether it is for a job, school application or scholarship. Here are some things to consider when asking for a recommendation...
- Look at the recommendation criteria. It will be specific in who the recommendation can come from.
- Don't assume they will write one for you- ask.
- Choose someone with whom you've had a positive relationship.
- Provide them with a resume, what or who the recommendation is for, and when you need it completed.
- Let them know if it is to be returned to you or if they are to mail it. If they are to mail it, please provide them with a stamped, addressed envelope.
- Don't rush in the day before the deadline. Give them ample time to write the recommendation. A month before the deadline is preferable. The more time allow, the more thoughtful your recommendation will be.
College Award Letters 101
By now, you should start receiving financial aid award letters from those schools where you have been accepted. All financial aid letter should go out by April. A letter may include grants, scholarships and work-study programs, along with eligibility for federal student loans.
Award letter templates can vary, so make sure you carefully review each letter as you compare financial aid packages from different schools. Some schools will ask you to accept or reject each source of financial aid you are eligible to receive. If you reject a certain source of aid in your award letter, that does not mean another source of aid will increase.
To determine which financial aid package best meets your needs, you may want to compare the financial aid from each school by using the document linked below.
March is peak season for scholarships. Please find a list of scholarships below. Many deadlines fall within March and April.
A few pointers to follow over the next two months:
- Don't count yourself out. You may think you won't or cannot win a scholarship, but you never know until you try. You do not know what the scholarship committee is looking for and that person just may be YOU!
- Don't get overwhelmed. With so many scholarships listed, it can become overwhelming. Look through each one listed and check the requirements. Make a list of those you qualify for and come pick them up from the Guidance Office or go to the online application. Complete them in order of due date.
- Don't reinvent the wheel. If several scholarships ask the same or similar essay question, don't write a different essay for each. Reuse essays or tweek them to fit the criteria.
- Ask for recommendations and order your transcripts early. Do not wait until last minute to request recommendations. The more time they have to write them, the more thoughtful the recommendation will be. If you need a transcript, request it on Parchment UNLESS you have to turn the application in to me. If so, I can add the transcript at that time.
- Use your Spring Break wisely. I know, I know, spending SB2020 filling out scholarship applications is not the ideal way to spend the week. Take ONE day and knock them out. If you spend one day really working hard to complete scholarship applications, then you can spend the rest of the time doing the things you really want or need to do.
Don't delay, scholarships are waiting to be won!
Lockheed Martin STEM Scholarship
Lockheed Martin launched a new scholarship program in 2019 to provide opportunities to students who want to build their talents and change the world!
They are continuing to award scholarships of $10,000 per student – renewable each year. The program will continue to add up to 200 new recipients each year, and will be open to individuals studying engineering or computer science that demonstrate financial need and come from underrepresented or underserved communities.
Applications for the 2020-2021 academic year is now open!
These scholarships are for graduating high school seniors, freshmen, and sophomores in STEM programs including Information Assurance. The program will be open to individuals studying engineering or computer science that demonstrate financial need and come from underrepresented or undeserved communities. The initial focus will be on four-year U.S. college or university attendees, but the program has the capability to expand globally as well as to two-year community college attendees.
Mentoring opportunities will be a key component of the program, and recipients will also be eligible for a Lockheed Martin internship following their freshman year in college. This scholarship is designed to aid intelligent and creative students who are interested in a career in STEM who would otherwise have difficulty fulfilling that dream.
Applications deadline: March 12, 2020. Visit www.lockheedmartin.com/scholarship to learn more about eligibility requirements and to open an application.
High School Social Leaders Bi-Annual Scholarship
Elevate Mental Health Awareness Scholarship
Elevate Women in Technology Scholarship
Vinson & Elkins Diversity Scholarship Opportunities!
The Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. Scholarship Foundation will award $10,000 scholarships with paid summer internship opportunities to achieving high school seniors who are members of a racial/ethnic group which has been historically underrepresented in the legal profession (Black/African American, Asian (including South Asian), Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander and/or identify as a member of the LGBTQ community in the greater Austin, Dallas and Houston areas.
These seniors must be interested in a career in law, be in the top 20% standing in their class with a minimum combined SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 22, and demonstrate a financial need to attend college.
Students can apply by filling out the application here.
Application deadline is April 1, 2020. It is mandatory that all candidates meet the listed criteria, and that all documentation is attached to the application. Only qualified students will be considered. The scholarship recipients will be selected by the end of May 2020.
Best Southwest Partnership (BSW) Scholarship
The Best Southwest Partnership is currently accepting applications for their yearly Mayor’s Scholarship. One recipient per city will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship and we, of course, want to make sure that Duncanville ISD is represented and that our students are given the opportunity to apply. We strongly encourage you to share this with your graduating seniors. To be eligible, students must:
1. Be graduating in 2020
2. Have a 3.0 GPA or higher
3. Live in the Best Southwest region, which includes Duncanville. (Dallas residents are not eligible)
The deadline to apply is April 3 and the recipient will be invited to attend an Education Luncheon on Thursday, May 21 where they will be recognized. You’ll find the graphic image attached here for the Mayor’s Scholarship through the Best Southwest Partnership.
For more information about it, here’s the webpage that includes the link to the application - http://bestsouthwest.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=376&month=5&year=2020&day=28&calType=0
Here’s the direct link to the application - https://form.jotform.com/80375034490959?fbclid=IwAR3k0JwKTf7J3hKNz6xOmamrJi9RirycaJjLiMyg87PcJhNQHSwRm52PNB8
Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarship Program
Be A Rising Star Scholarship Program
Scholarship Search Services
Scholarship search services are free online resources that connect students to scholarships. (I do not recommend paying for a scholarship search service - these are often scams so please be careful!)
Some of these websites include:
fastweb.com (a Monster Company; also available as an app)
meritaid.com (Cappex)
bigfuture.org (College Board)
https://www.anthonyoneal.com/scholarships (Debt-Free Degree Scholarship Search Tool)
More Opportunities for Seniors
Need more information? Watch the DCP Overview Video
How do I request my transcript?
All Current and Former Students seeking Official Transcripts:
- Please click on the Official Transcript Request Form.
- Fill out google form.
- Transcript will be fulfilled in 3 days.
- Records clerk sends transcripts to the delivery method selected.
- Former students pick up transcripts from A118 (East Foyer)
- Current students pick up transcripts form A124 (East Counseling Office)
UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT REQUEST:
Unofficial Transcripts can be given to any student from the counseling center
***CURRENT SENIORS***
Your final transcript will be ready for pick-up 10 days after graduation.
**Note: For questions and/or additional information, please contact Marya Dancer at
ph: 972-708-3950, fax: 972-708-3737, or transcripts@duncanvilleisd.org.
How do I check my grades?
Keep Up to Date With Grades And Attendance
We encourage parents to use Skyward Family Access to monitor student academic progress and attendance. This web-based program allows you to view your student’s assignments, grades and attendance on a daily basis. To receive automatic notifications of grades and daily attendance:
- Log into Skyward Family/Student Access
- Turn on notifications for assignments, attendance, and grades
If you need assistance with your username or password, please contact Mrs. Taylor or Mrs. Henderson in the counseling office.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I PASSED THE STAAR EOC?
You can look up/view your scholar's scores online!
To access your scholar's scores:
1. Go to http://www.texasassessment.com
2. If you have your student's unique access code from previous score reports, enter it along with the student's date of birth and click go. If you do not know your student's unique access code, click on the "find my unique access code link". Enter the student's first name, social security number, and date of birth.
3. Once you have successfully entered the unique access code and date of birth, the student's test history will be displayed on the screen.
How Can I Boost My GPA?
HOW DO I REQUEST A VOE?
A Verification of Enrollment (V.O.E) is required for anyone under 18 years old obtaining/renewing a Texas Driver’s License or taking Drivers Education.
Please contact your Attendance Office for VOE requests:
Brigitte Neal - 9th Grade Attendance (L123)
BNeal@duncanvilleisd.org; Ext. 3726
Jasmine Meredith - 10th Grade Attendance (B200)
JMeredith@duncanvilleisd.org, Ext. 6938
Anne Kimple - 11th Grade Attendance (B248)
AKimple@duncanvilleisd.org; Ext. 6939
Elsa Gonzalez - 12th Grade Attendance (B169)
ElsGonzalez@duncanvilleisd.org; Ext. 6970
How Do I Register with the Selective Service?
Two minutes on your smart phone is the smart move. Because registering with the Selective Service System is the law for young men turning 18. And it keeps you eligible for federal jobs and training, federal loans and, in most states, a driver's license. Register at https://www.sss.gov/.
Give Us Feedback!
Contact Us
Visit the Go Center!
The College Advisors, located in the Go Center are here to help you with your college readiness needs! Let us help you with:
- SAT Registration
- ACT Registration
- Understanding College/Career/University Options
- Complete FAFSA/TASFA
- Secure Scholarships
Our 2019-2020 College Advisors are:
Aaron Lemons
972-708-3750
Kinsey Blackburn
Office- 972-708-3750
Stay Connected
Want to receive updates from the Counselors about opportunities related to your class, sign up is easy:
Class of 2020 (12th) alerts: Text @gk82k7 to 81010
Class of 2021 (11th) alerts: Text @ebc92g to 81010
Class of 2022(10th) alerts: Text @69gg84 to 81010
class of 2023 (9th) alerts: Text @d3a869 to 81010