DHS Counseling News
Weekly Update: May 4 - 8, 2020
Duncanville High School Counseling Department
Website: https://www.duncanvilleisd.org/domain/44031
Phone: 972-708-3700
Twitter: @DHSCOUNSELORS2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
- Teacher Appreciation Week
- Virtual Guidance Lesson #5
- Strive Virtual College Exploration
- Senior Throwback - 2000s
- Virtual Grade Level Live Chats
- UT OnRamps Registration Opportunity
- Dual Credit Updates
- AP Exam Updates
- STAAR Testing Updates
- SPED Updates
- Senior Yard Signs
- Grade Repair & Credit Recovery
- Student Email Reminder
- Graduation Updates
- Cap & Gown Updates
- College Admission Updates
- Application Updates
- Scholarship Updates
5. Virtual School Counseling Hours/Contact Info
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
VIRTUAL GUIDANCE LESSON #5
The coronavirus has changed how we learn, work, and play: schools are closed, sports leagues have been canceled, and many people have been asked to work from home. While we all have been forced to rethink our priorities, we can make the most of this situation by evaluating our personal lives and how we can use our time wisely.
Setting goals can help us stay focused and work toward the things in life we want to achieve. Creating SMART goals is a great way to develop a plan and stick with it.
Please enjoy this weeks lesson on how to create SMART Goals!
STRIVE VIRTUAL COLLEGE EXPLORATION
Juniors - enjoy virtual presentations to explore college opportunities
- 450 colleges in 47 states & 13 countries
- Free for students
- Hear from Admission Officers
- Experienced college admission officers will share tips on what you need to know
- Gain Important College Knowledge
- Choose from 300+ different presentations and information sessions
Senior Throwback - 2000s
Please submit your pictures through either platform:
INSTAGRAM: @DHSPANTHERSIIMPACT
TWITTER: @PANTHERSIMPACT
REMIND: TEXT @DHSCENTER TO 81010
9th Grade Chat Session:
Chat with the 9th Grade Counselors Every Wednesday @ 11:30!
meet.google.com/wsm-aajp-etr
Meeting ID
Phone Numbers
(US)+1 317-943-3608
PIN: 752 386 750#
Wednesday, May 6, 2020, 11:30 AM
Google Hangouts
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, May 6, 2020, 02:00 PM
Zoom Meeting
10th Grade Virtual Meeting
Password: 401167
Friday, May 8, 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, May 8, 2020, 01:00 PM
Zoom Meeting
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TAKING ONRAMPS COURSES?
Why OnRamps Dual Credit from UT?
Many of our best-prepared students –even those who have taken the most rigorous coursework offered to them-still struggle in entry-level courses at universities. OnRamps Dual Credit gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credit from The University of Texas at Austin while engaging with rigorous content and practicing crucial skills to prepare them for success in university-level coursework.
Not only is OnRamps Dual Credit a cost-effective way for students to earn college credit, these Dual Credit courses provide some safety nets for students that is typically not part of the Dual credit experience, making OnRamps Dual Credit a solid option for students in Duncanville ISD.
What is OnRamps Dual Credit from UT?
OnRamps Dual Enrollment is a blended learning course to be offered to juniors and seniors for dual credit from the University of Texas at Austin.
OnRamps Dual Enrollment is an opportunity for students to receive UT content and UT credit without having to pass the TSI assessment. OnRamps Dual Enrollment courses are developed by the faculty at The University of Texas at Austin. DISD teachers receive course materials that:
- Align directly with content and skill expectations of entry-level university classes
- Applies the latest research about how students learn best.
OnRamps Dual Enrollment is an economical way for high school students to earn three to six hours of college math credit or college english credit prior to high school graduation.
Available 2020-2021 OnRamps Courses:
- Introduction to Rhetoric: Reading, Writing & Research/English 4
- College Algebra
- Discovery Pre-Calculus
Tools to Learn More
For more information, please visit UT OnRamps Overview
For a fun, informative video, please visit UT OnRamps Video
For information about the Pre-Calculus Course, please visit Pre-Calculus
For information about the College Algebra Course, please visit College Algebra
For information about the Rhetoric & Writing (English 4) Course, please visit English 4
If interested in taking an OnRamps course, please contact your counselor.
DUAL CREDIT UPDATES
What is the last day to withdraw from classes for Spring 2020?
The deadline to withdraw for Spring 2020 has been extended until May 13, 2020.
Additionally, for those students who choose to not withdraw from the course but rather elect to receive an Incomplete “I” grade instead, the completion deadline has now been extended to December 10, 2020.
What does it mean to receive an Incomplete (I)?
This grade is given when you cannot complete the course requirements due to some unforeseen problem. It is your responsibility to request this arrangement from the instructor. The Incomplete Contract will state the conditions of the contract and the deadline for completion. The incomplete grade will be converted to an agreed upon performance grade if the contract is not completed by the set deadline. For additional information, please refer to DCCCD's Grading Policy.
https://www.mountainviewcollege.edu/au/fastfacts/legal/handbooks/mvc/pages/grading-system.aspx
FALL 2020 DUAL CREDIT STEPS
AP EXAM UPDATES
- Exams will be given from May 11–22.
- Makeup test dates will be available for each subject from June 1–5.
- Students will take exams at home.
- Each subject's exam will be taken on the same day at the same time, worldwide.
Exam Format:
Most exams will have one or two free-response questions, and each question will be timed separately. Students will need to write and submit their responses within the allotted time for each question.STAAR TEST UPDATES
All STAAR EOC Exams have been canceled for this school year!
- Students who pass their STAAR tested EOC courses S1 & S2 this year will not have to take the EOC exam for graduation.
- For additional information, see graphic below or read more here.
SPECIAL EDUCATION UPDATES
Senior Yard Signs
GRADE REPAIR & CREDIT RECOVERY UPDATES
- If you were eligible and need Grade Repair, you have been registered and should be working on RC3.
- All Credit Recovery classes have been loaded in Edgenuity. Please complete all classes immediately. Teachers are monitoring and you will receive an update weekly. Please continue working hard.
- All classes must be complete by May 15th
Edgenuity Log-in Information
- Go to duncanvilleisd.org
Hover over “Student” at the top
Choose ClassLink from the drop menu
Type in your ID # and password that is used at school
Click on the Edgenuity icon
CHECK YOUR EMAILS DAILY
- Launch the Duncanville website
- Select Students.
- Select ClassLink.
- Use your district ID number in the first box. (your lunch number)
- Use your district password in the second box. This is the password you created or your teacher provided to you at the beginning of the year.
- Click Sign In.
GRADUATION UPDATES
Graduation has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2020
Last week the University of Texas at Arlington leadership and College Park Center management made the decision to cancel all events in May and June. This decision is based on current requirements for reduced capacity and social distancing that prohibit normal operations of events, and to further mitigate health risks associated with large events.
The University will review and make a decision on July events by June 1. If the July date is canceled, we will move forward with a Virtual Commencement.
We understand that many of you have already made graduation accommodations so you will receive an update as soon as possible once a decision has been made.
Senior year is a very special time for students and we want to ensure that the graduation experience and tradition continues. The safety of our students, staff and families come first, and we have to adhere to the recommendations of our local and state authorities for the health and well-being of the community.
CAP & GOWNS
Cap and Gowns will be here May 21, 2020. We will be scheduling a pick-up date on May 27, 2020.
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.
Good evening Dallas County Promise Partner,
We’re excited to announce that we are extending application deadlines for 2020 seniors to be eligible for Promise tuition funding! We’ll be sending Promise eligibility notifications directly to students via email in the coming weeks.
Extended Deadline: June 1, 2020: Graduating seniors who completed a Pledge now have until June 1, 2020 to submit an admissions application and 2020-2021 financial aid application (FAFSA or TASFA) to any of the seven DCCCD Colleges for Fall 2020 Promise eligibility.
Our college Recruiters are here to help with application and help you and your students navigate the entire enrollment and registration process, remotely! Schedule an appointment online with one of our Recruiters TODAY!
For more information, please contact:
Ordonia “Donna” Baker, MBA
Manager, School Alliances & Community Outreach
El Centro College
801 Main Street, Room A-075
Dallas, TX 75202-3604
Office: 214.860.2364
Cell: 214.713.5306
Fax: 214.860.2417
Email: ordonia.baker@dcccd.edu
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
Omega Delta Phi Alumni Association of Dallas-Fort Worth, is now accepting applications for five(5) individual scholarships, in the amount of one thousand dollars-$1000, to outstanding high school seniors who will be enrolled in a college or university this coming fall. The candidates must meet the criteria listed below. Application Deadline: June 30, 2020.
EACH APPLICANT MUST MEET ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Must be an outstanding student with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Currently enrolled or will be enrolled in college for the 2020 fall semester
Demonstrate financial need (Statement describing special need on application)
APPLICATION MATERIALS (all of these materials MUST be uploaded to the application):
TRANSCRIPT: Provide official or unofficial transcript for ALL coursework to date (grade reports are not acceptable). Transcripts may be scanned.
APPLICATION: Complete online application at the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1N5qYmQr8JNme3rk2isa0xLO2FU4OahLSaH_-oHjw5Br81w/viewform
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION: Include one current letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, administrator, or counselor. Letter should be no longer than one page.
PERSONAL STATEMENT: Include a two‐page, typed essay (double spaced, 12 pt. font) that addresses the following topic: Explain how your academic plans and career goals can make a difference in the community.
VERIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT: Please obtain a verification of enrollment or acceptance letter from the college or university you will be attending.
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!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Mental illnesses are real, and recovery is always the goal. Living a healthy lifestyle may not be easy but can be achieved by gradually making small changes and building on those successes. Finding the balance between work and play, the ups and downs of life, physical health and mental health, can help you on the path towards focusing both
Break the Stigma!
People experiencing mental health conditions often face rejection, bullying and even discrimination. This can make their journey to recovery longer and more difficult. Stigma is when someone, or you yourself, views you in a negative way because you have a mental health condition. Some people describe stigma as shame that can be felt as a judgement from someone else or a feeling that is internal, something that confuses feeling bad with being bad.
It does not matter what other people think, what matters is how you feel!
Navigating life with a mental health condition can be tough, and the isolation, blame and secrecy that is often encouraged by stigma can create huge challenges. Learning how to cope with stigma and how to avoid and address stigma are important for all of us. Reaching out to a mental health professional is the first step. You are not alone and there is a wealth of support available for you, if you will take that first step!
ADDITIONAL 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.
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