LHS Counselors' Corner
December 2020
We are here to support you!!!
Family resources for coping with COVID-19
The LHS Counselors have compiled many resources for parents and students, including how to talk to your children, look for signs of distress and ways to cope with COVID-19.
Articles
5 Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety About the Coronavirus
Anxiety and world news
Coronavirus anxiety: 4 ways to cope with fear
Managing anxiety age by age
Talking to kids about the coronavirus
Podcasts
Videos
Coronavirus video from Brain Pop video
Mindfulness Activities for Teens
Mindfulness worksheets
Smiling mind
Other Helpful Websites
www.cfchildren.org
www.secondstep.org/covid19support
www.adolescenthealth.org
www.thelearningcommunity.us
LHS Hybrid Learning Information
Questions about LHS Hybrid Learning... Click the link below to watch the webinar.
CONGRATULATIONS LHS COUNSELING TEAM!!
The LHS Counseling Team won the prestigious CREST (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) Award! This award is sponsored by the Texas School Counselor Association and is awarded to school counseling programs who demonstrate a commitment to obtaining results. Lancaster High School is now an award winning CREST High School!
Way to go LHS Counselors!
Need to contact a counselor? Send an e-mail or click the links below. Counselors are available Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 3:40 pm.
- (9th Grade) - Mrs. C. Traylor: crystaltraylor@lancasterisd.org (BAMO Campus)
(A – Gre) - Mrs. S. Burton: sherryburton@lancasterisd.org or Request to contact Mrs.Burton
(Gri – Per) - Ms. L. Walker: latricewalker@lancasterisd.org or Request to contact Ms. Walker
(Pes - Z) - Ms. N. Session: nellisiatoliver@lancasterisd.org or Request to contact Ms. Session
(Early College Counselor) - Ms. Moffitt: deliamoffitt@lancasterisd.org (Lancaster STEM Early College High School)
College & Career Counselors - Mrs. B. White & Ms. M. Jones: lhsccemail@gmail.com
or Request to contact LHS College & Career Center
Social Emotional Learning Counselor - Mrs. Meca Anderson mecaanderson@lancasterisd.org or Request to contact Mrs. Anderson
Counseling Department Secretary - Mrs. S. Tippit - shavondatippit@lancasterisd.org
Sophomore Reminders
- Log into your classrooms daily.
- Turn in all assignments in a timely manner.
- Ask for help.
- Complete your credit recovery in APEX (if applicable).
- If you are in danger of failing, please attend tutoring and make contact with your teachers.
- Communicate with your teachers and check on your progress.
- Stay safe!! The counselors are here for you!
Junior Reminders
- Log into your classrooms daily.
- Turn in all assignments in a timely manner.
- Ask for help.
- Complete your credit recovery in APEX (if applicable).
- If you are in danger of failing, please attend tutoring and make contact with your teachers.
- Communicate with your teachers and check on your progress.
- Stay safe!! The counselors are here for you!
Senior Reminders
- Log into your classrooms daily.
- Turn in all assignments in a timely manner.
- Ask for help.
- Join the Class of 2021 remind code
- Complete your credit recovery in APEX (if applicable).
- If you are in danger of failing, please attend tutoring and make contact with your teachers.
- Please e-mail shavondatippit@lancasterisd.org for transcript requests. Please include the name of the school and a valid email for undergraduate admissions.
- Communicate with your teachers and check on your progress.
- Stay safe!! The counselors are here for you!
Finish the semester STRONG!!!!
Let's close out the semester with passing grades!!
Know the State Graduation Requirements
Credit Classifications
Freshman: 0-4.5 credits
Sophomores: 5-11.5 credits
Juniors: 12-18.5 credits
Seniors: 19+ credits
Do You Know Your Endorsement? Check out the endorsements offered at LHS below...
- Arts & Humanities: (Art, Band, Choir, Dance, Theater, Foreign Language)
- Business & Industry: (Business Administration, Welding, Culinary Arts, Graphic Communications, Information Technology, Media Technology/ Audio Video Production)
- Public Services: (Cosmetology, Health Science, JROTC)
- STEM : (Engineering)
Interested in Dual Credit or Advanced Classes for the 2021-22 School Year?
Tips On Being a Successful Student
- Get Organized. Making a plan for what you're going to do and when you're going to do it will make sure you're always ahead of the curve - literally.
- Don't multitask. Studies have shown that multitasking is physically impossible.
- Divide it up. Studying isn't fun to begin with, and forcing yourself through a study marathon will only make it worse. Dividing your work into manageable chunks and rewarding yourself when you finish each chunk will make studying (more) fun.
- Sleep. Don't underestimate the importance of those eight hours of zzz's every night! Getting a good night's rest will sharpen your focus and improve your working memory.
- Set a schedule. Do you work better right after school or after you've eaten dinner? Are you more productive in 90-minute blocks or half-hour spurts? Find a schedule that works for you, and stick to it.
- Take notes. Taking notes will not only keep you more engaged during class, but will also help you narrow down what you need to study when exam time rolls around. It's much easier to reread your notes than to reread your entire textbook!
- Study. This one might be obvious, but did you know that there's a right and a wrong way to study? Review your material several days ahead of time, in small chunks, and in different manners (for example, write flashcards one day and take practice tests the next). In other words, don't cram.
- Manage your study space. Find a place that will maximize your productivity. Look for places away from the television and other distractions. Whether it's your local library or just the desk in your bedroom, set aside a study space that you'll want to spend time in.
- Find a study group. Sitting down with a group of people who are learning the same things as you is a great way to go over confusing class material or prepare for a big test. You can quiz each other, reteach material, and make sure that everyone is on the same page. After all, teaching someone else is the best way to learn.
- Ask questions. You're in school to learn, so don't be afraid to do just that! Asking for help - from a teacher, a tutor or your friends - is a surefire way to make sure you truly understand the material.
Tips for Submitting College Applications
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Spotlight
Let's start the NEW YEAR off with some self care and goal setting! Check these simple activities out below...
The Empty Jar Challenge
What Do You Want to Accomplish for 2021? Take a Minute and Write a Note to Yourself...
Need A Counseling Resource? Check Out Hickory Trails...
At Hickory Trail Hospital, our team of adolescent specialists understands the unique behavioral health issues teens can face during turbulent times. To help adolescents (ages 13 to 17) navigate their way and return to wellness, we offer three tracks to help target their specific needs: · Partial Hospitalization Program (full-time day treatment) · Intensive Outpatient Program (part-time day treatment) · Substance Use Program
Our staff provides evidence-based, individualized treatment to help youth overcome mental health and substance use issues. Programs run Monday through Friday, typically for four to six weeks. · PHP groups run from 9 am to 1:30 pm, including an on-site lunch break. · IOP groups run from 9 am to 12 pm.
Helping teens get back on track to wellness Our outpatient mental health, drug and alcohol and dual diagnosis programs allow patients to receive treatment while maintaining their daily schedule. Program components can include: · Group therapy and family counseling facilitated by master’s-level, licensed therapists · Individual treatment · Medication management and monitoring · Weekly visits with the psychiatrist and daily access to our nurse · Pet therapy, yoga, mindfulness training and music therapy offered weekly · Daily lunch and snacks provided · Dedicated in-house doctoral-level teacher to help ensure students don’t fall behind
Finding the right treatment for a teen can be a difficult and confusing process. We are here to make it easier. Confidential assessments are available 24 hours a day. Call our trained professionals today at 972-347-4179 or learn more at hickorytrail.com.
Physicians are on the medical staff of Hickory Trail Hospital, but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Hickory Trail. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Model representations of real patients are shown. Actual patients cannot be divulged due to HIPAA regulations. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the non-discrimination notice, visit our website.
College & Career Corner
Scan QR Code for information on webinars and virtual college fairs happening soon!
Are you interested in joining the military after high school?
Please e-mail bevelonwhite@lancasterisd.org for more information. The next ASVAB Military testing will be December 17, 2020 8 am - 1pm.
Texas OnCourse
Texas' definitive source for college and career planning
Deciding what to do after high school and how to do it can be confusing. We're here to help.
As a state-funded initiative to improve college and career readiness, our mission is to equip all Texas students for an educational and professional future that unlocks their potential.
Texas OnCourse empowers you to make decisions that will help you, your child, or your student succeed after high school.
Thousands of students, educators, and schools across Texas use Texas OnCourse resources.
Check out Texas OnCourse to get a jumpstart on your future.
THE DALLAS COUNTY PROMISE
https://dallascountypromise.org/
If you’re graduating from a participating high school in 2021, the Dallas County Promise scholarship covers the last-dollar cost of tuition at a partner college/university for a limited amount of time or until you complete your degree. The last-dollar scholarship covers any monies due for tuition that financial aid does not, but does not include the costs of textbooks, transportation, etc. You should begin planning to cover the costs of books, transportation to and from school, and other incidentals as soon as possible.
To receive the last-dollar scholarship, you must attend a participating high school and qualify for in-state tuition. Our partner colleges and universities do not require any essays, entrance exams, or ACT/SAT scores. However, select partners will require your family/household income not to exceed $50,000.
Whether you’re graduating with a diploma or an associate degree, there is an opportunity available for you with one of our partner institutions on 16 campuses across the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
THE DALLAS COUNTY PROMISE FOR SENIORS GRADUATING WITH A DIPLOMA
There are six partners offering scholarships, both unlimited and limited, to seniors graduating with a high school diploma – Dallas College, University of North Texas at Dallas, Midwestern State University, Texas A&M University – Commerce, Texas A&M University- Texarkana and SMU. Visit our Partner Page to review admission requirements and learn more.
Once you complete an associate degree (2-year) at one of the seven Dallas College campuses, you are eligible to transfer to partner four-year universities with your last-dollar scholarship guaranteed contingent on meeting income and GPA requirements. Students pursuing their associate and/or bachelor’s degree from a partner college/university must maintain eligibility and remain enrolled. For more information about what’s needed to maintain your scholarship and eligibility, review our policy document or contact us.
Scholarships! Scholarships! Scholarships! Scholarships!!!
Please apply for the below scholarships!!
OppU Achievers Scholarship
Award Amount: $2,500 Eligibility: High school seniors, college students, graduate students; cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0; U.S. citizen or resident Deadline: December 31, March 31, June 30, and September 30
Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship - due 1/31/2021
Young people spend an average of 7.5 hours a day consuming media--and this doesn't include computer use for schoolwork--according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. With technology always at the ready at your fingertips, it can be a challenge to unplug. But taking a break from technology is healthy for both the mind and body.The purpose of this scholarship is to help you understand the negative effects of too much screen time.
Eligibility Requirements:
*You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
Award information:
$1,000
Organization:
Digital Responsibility
Contact:
scholarship@digitalresponsibility.org
Website:
http://www.digitalresponsibility.org/technology-addiction-awareness-scholarship
Open/Closed Status:
Open
Deadline:
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Award information:
$1,000
Category:
Merit
Unusual
Renewable:
Non Renewable
I Have a Dream Scholarship - due 1/31/2021
Submit an online short written response (250 words or less) for the question: "We want to know... what do you dream about?, open to all students 13 years of age or older
Eligibility Requirements:
*Applicants must be residents of the US
Award information:
$1,500
Organization:
Unigo
Contact:
unigo.com/aboutus/contact
Website:
https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/i-have-a-dream-scholarship
Open/Closed Status:
Open
Deadline:
Sunday, January 31, 2021
Award information:
$1,500
Category:
Merit
Elementary/Middle School
Renewable:
Non Renewable
Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
http://www.genkellyscholarship.com/
High school students can submit a 250-word essay on a topic of their choice for the chance to be entered into a competition to win a $1,000 prize. There are two contests per year. The fall contest deadline is December 31, 2020, and the spring contest deadline is July 31, 2021.
College Board Opportunity Scholarships - Juniors Apply Now!!
The College Board Opportunity Scholarships are now open for class of 2022 students. The program lays out six simple steps that all students can take to get to college.
For the class of 2022, the College Board Opportunity Scholarships program will help even more students plan for college, address affordability concerns, and connect them with other scholarship opportunities. Here are a few key changes to the program for the class of 2022:
•
More than 7,000 students will earn a scholarship each year, nearly double the number of winners in previous years.
•
All scholarship steps for the class of 2022 will be awarded for the same amount: $500. The Complete Your Journey award will remain $40,000.
•
There's a new Explore Scholarships step to help students find scholarship opportunities that may be a good fit for them. And there's a simplified Practice for the SAT® step that will guide students to begin personalized SAT practice just for them.
At least half of all the scholarships—over $2 million each year—are awarded to students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year.
We encourage you to share this information with your juniors and have them sign up for the program. Their first step is to make a starter list of six colleges they're interested in, for a chance at $500.
Here is a list of twelve (12) “free tuition” programs in Texas:
1. Dallas College District
Dallas County Promise: This is a “Last-Dollar” scholarship program available to high school graduates from 57 participating Promise High Schools in Dallas County.
Students must apply to participate in the Dallas County Promise program which covers college tuition not met by other federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships (gift aid) at partner colleges. The program is funded through Dallas College Foundation and includes a Success Coach component.
The partner colleges include Dallas College, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas A&M University-Texarkana, Midwestern State University, and Southern Methodist University. Students are able to enter or transfer to most of the partner colleges tuition-free based on income eligibility (family income of $50,000 or less). For more information, please visit Dallas County Promise.
Eligibility:
– Open to all graduating high school students from 57 participating Promise High Schools in Dallas County.
– Application required. High school seniors must apply to participate in this program around the same time they are applying to college. Applications open October 1, 2019 and must be submitted by February 7, 2020 (based on 2019 information).
– Students who graduate high school with a high school diploma or an Associates Degree (collegiate high school graduates) can apply to attend one of the partner colleges.
>>RELATED: Financial Aid Guide
2. Texas A&M University – College Station
Aggie Assurance: (Whoop!) This “free tuition” program covers tuition costs for future Aggies.
Eligibility:
– Income below $60,000: Grants and Scholarships to meet the tuition costs.
– The program does not cover room and board and fees.
– Students must be eligible for the federal Pell Grant.
3. Texas Tech University
Red Raider Guarantee: This plan guarantees tuition and mandatory fees (based on 30 credit hours per academic school year) to new entering freshmen and transfer students with an Associate’s degree.
Eligibility:
– Family must have an adjusted gross income of $40,000 or below.
– Student must be enrolled full time (12 hours or more each semester – Fall/Spring only).
– Student must be Texas resident and eligible for the federal Pell Grant.
4. University of Houston
Cougar Promise: Guaranteed free tuition for new freshmen starting in Fall 2019.
Eligibility:
– Student from family with an adjusted gross income up to $50,000: 100% free tuition.
– Students must complete the FAFSA, list the University of Houston and be eligible for the Pell Grant.
5. University of Texas at Dallas
The MallTuition Promise: The “free tuition” program is available for first-time students.
Eligibility:
– Students from families earning $25,000 or less receive 100% free tuition.
– Students must qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.
6. University of Texas at Austin
Texas Advance Commitment: Beginning in Fall 2020, the university will offer free tuition to students with household income of $65,000 or less. The university also provides partial tuition support for families earning up to $125,000.
Eligibility:
– Student from family with income up to $65,000 receive 100% free tuition.
– Student from family with income up to $125,00 receive partial tuition support.
– Must be a Texas resident and Pell Grant eligible.
– Submit a FAFSA or TASFA.
– Have demonstrated financial need.
7. Lamar University
Lamar Promise: This free tuition program is available to entering freshman.
Eligibility:
– Student from family with income of $25,000 or less.
– Must be eligible for full Pell Grant.
– Must be a dependent student (per FAFSA) and eligible or Texas in-state tuition.
– Must complete FAFSA or TASFA Available for up to four years.
8. Stephen F. Austin University
Purple Promise Guarantee Program: This free tuition program is a “last-dollar” program that pays any tuition costs not covered by other grants and scholarships.
Eligibility:
– Student from family with adjusted gross income of $30,000 or less based on info provided in FAFSA.
– Eligible for Federal Pell Grant.
– Must be Texas resident.
9. Sam Houston State University
Bearkat Promise: Covers any mandatory tuition and fees not covered by other grants and scholarships.
Eligibility:
– Adjusted Gross Income of $25,000 or less
– Eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant
– Texas resident
10. Angelo State University
Blue & Gold Guarantee: The program is designed to help families afford college and is considered a “last-dollar” scholarship.
Eligibility:
– Student from a family with income of $40,000 or less.
– Must submit the FAFSA and be Pell Grant eligible
– Must be a Texas resident.
11. Texas A&M University-Commerce
A&M-Commerce Pledge Program: The program will cover any tuition balance not covered by other scholarships or grants.
Eligibility:
– Family adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.
– Expected Family Contribution (EFC) between 0 and $5,576.
– Reserved for students entering as freshman.
12. Midwestern State University-Texas
Mustang’s Guarantee Program: Eligible new students who have never earned a Bachelor’s degree can take advantage of this program. This program is a “last-dollar” scholarship and meets tuition costs not covered by other grants and scholarships.
Eligibility:
– Student from family with adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less.
– Student must be Texas resident and Pell Grant eligible.
– Must earn at least 12 hours at the end of fall and spring semesters.
Wrap Up
The other saying: “Why pay for it when you can get it for free” applies here. This list is by no means exhaustive, so for more information check with the Financial Aid Office at the college you are interested in attending. They can provide more up-to-date information on any free tuition program they offer.
Free Tuition at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is creating an environment of unprecedented uncertainty. At UTRGV, we believe that earning your degree should never be uncertain. We are committed to helping you pursue education, without fearing the unknown.
As always - and especially now - UTRGV understands the importance of supporting our students and families by making the university experience more affordable.
We are proud to announce an expansion of the UTRGV Tuition Advantage grant. Launching in Fall 2020, this program will now cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for students with a family income of $95,000 or less**.
Learn more about the Tuition Advantage grant below to see if you qualify.
*Based on fund availability per academic year and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE? R2L® NEXTGEN - Due 2/15/2021
2021 Program Dates: June 13-18; June 27 – July 2; July 18-23, 2021
Applications Open: October 15, 2020
Application Deadline: February 15, 2021
YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE? R2L® NEXTGEN
Have you ever dreamed of visiting our nation’s capital and learning about how our government works? CHCI has an all-expenses paid leadership experience designed just for Latino high school students. Spend a week exploring Washington, D.C., while creating lasting friendships and wonderful memories. Participate in R2L® NextGen and make this a summer to remember!
REALIZE YOUR VOICE MATTERS
As young Latinos, you may think your voice isn’t important or can’t be heard, especially if you live far away from Washington, D.C. We challenge this belief during CHCI’s R2L® NextGen program. You will talk to Latino leaders who value your ideas and opinions and will motivate you to get involved in your community to make sure your voice is heard.
SPARK YOUR PASSION FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Through the various interactive learning opportunities, you will better understand some of the top issues that face the Latino community. You will learn how you can be leaders of change in your community. You will also be inspired by the success stories of the speakers you will meet—including many CHCI Alumni—who have dedicated their lives to creating a better world for us all.
EXPLORE OUR NATION’S CAPITAL
Like our culture, our country has a rich history. During your stay, you will participate in study visits at historic sites, embassies, and museums, including the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, and Capitol Hill, to expand your knowledge in these areas.
MEET OTHER EMERGING LATINO LEADERS
During R2L® NextGen, you will be joined by Latino high school students from across the country. By spending a week together, you’ll make a lot of great new friends. Plus, you’ll meet successful Latino leaders, CHCI Alumni and staff, some of whom may be references for college applications and future jobs.
START PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
Applying for R2L® NextGen is great practice for your future college applications! We ask for much of the same information you will need to begin applying to schools—basic personal information, three short essays, a copy of your high school transcript, a personal recommendation, and a résumé.
JOIN US IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
Don’t miss this incredible experience! It’s the perfect blend of classroom learning, team building, educational sightseeing, and fun. Read our FAQs, contact programs@chci.org to learn details about this fun, week-long experience for Latino high school students.
Applications due February 15, 2021 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time/ 8:59 pm Pacific Time.
In order to be eligible to apply, students must:
- Reside in the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico
- Be a current 10th or 11th grade student
- Demonstrate interest in learning more about civic engagement
While we do require applicants share their grades and a copy of their transcript, there is no minimum GPA requirement to apply.
All individuals are welcome to apply. However, preference is given to individuals with financial need.
Interested in applying? Visit apply.chci.org and complete the application named R2L NextGen