LHS Counselors' Corner
May 2021
Principal's Appreciation Day 5-1-2021
Mrs. Webb,
We are so grateful for your enthusiasm, leadership, and being a positive change agent for students, teachers, and our school. Happy Principal’s Day!
WE LOVE YOU!!!
Happy Teachers' Appreciation Week May 3 -7, 2021
Since last spring, you have faced unprecedented challenges, and you've risen to them with grace, care, and excellence. Your dedication has kept children safe, engaged, and, most importantly, in community. We see you, and we thank you.
The LHS Counselors
ATTENTION SENIORS!!
1. Complete all assignments by due date.
2. Be on time, present and engaged in all classes.
3. Set aside time to study and complete homework.
4. Log into and complete ALL credit recovery courses as soon as possible.
5. If you failed a class 4th or 5th six weeks please contact you teacher for GRADE REPAIR.
Dallas College Registration Clinic!!!
Attention National Honor Society Seniors!!
April 28th
May 12th
May 19th
Room B108 between the hours of 8:00 am -11:00 am and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
What is the National Honor Society (NHS)?
Want to know what the National Honor Society is? Please watch the short video below.
Congratulations to the perspective NHS students who have submitted their applications and personal statements on time.
The deadline is May 3rd by 3:00pm to have submissions in. Students who are accepted will be notified by May 6th.
JUNIOR CROSSOVER - MAY 21, 2021
Dear Parents and Guardians of the Class of 2022,
This has been a challenging season; however, we are happy to announce that on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 7:00 pm there will be a Junior Crossover Candlelight Ceremony held in person at the coliseum for the juniors to acknowledge their accomplishments and to crossover into their senior year.
Due to social distancing guidelines, there will be a cut off at 150 juniors and every student will be limited to four guests with tickets being given virtually. To participate, there will be a $35 payment that must be paid through the front office with Mrs. Tippit by April 30, 2021.
Students must wear all white and the accent color is gold. Males must wear white shirts with black or white slacks. Female attire must be assembly appropriate and approved by one of the sponsors. The program will start at 7:00 pm and we are asking students to be present and accounted for by 6:00 pm. Also, on May 14, 2021 at 6:00 pm. we will practice in the coliseum. Masks are required and must be always worn properly. Guests will be socially distanced by family.
Please do not hesitate to contact our sponsors Demetria Ivory, Amanda Morrison or Shon Stinson at 972 218-1800 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Junior Class Sponsors
Summer School Information Coming...
If you failed any classes this school year, please plan to attend Summer School! More information will be sent to parents soon!
EOC Testing Schedule Below!
High School Heroes Application!!
In May we will still be able to give $8,000 in scholarships and each qualified HSH senior will receive an honor cord, certificate of completion, and more.
Please send the link below to students you feel will be a great asset to our program. Any assistance you provide we will greatly appreciate it.
You Are Not Alone!!!
2021 has brought many challenges. COVID-19, winter storms & economic uncertainty. We want to support you!!
The LHS Counselors are here as a support for our students, teachers, and staff. Please click on one of the links below for assistance.
The Lancaster High School Student Support Classroom Links
MRS. MARSHALL (A – Gre): Class code: uoid4wo Meet link: https://meet.google.com/lookup/f4rfr3u3cs
MS. WALKER (Gri – Per): Class Code: vn5slsn Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/lookup/erpoxshwfj?authuser=0&hs=179
MS. SESSION (Pes – Z): Class Code: uev7hei Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/lookup/f4bi5bd75v?authuser=0&hs=179
MRS. ANDERSON (SEL Counselor) Class Code: ag3x6rf Meet Link: https://meet.google.com/lookup/aoph2miycr?authuser=0&hs=179
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.
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. Marshall: 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
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
1. Email - shavondatippit@lancasterisd.org
2. Please include your NAME, ID NUMBER & NAME OF THE SCHOOL(S) you are applying too.
PLEASE ALLOW 48 HOURS PROCESSING TIME.
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!
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
How are you practicing self-care and celebrating yourself?
Click the link above for helpful tips.
Need A Counseling Resource? Check Out Hickory Trails...
We are here to help with back-to-school stress
Teens are facing uncertainty during the school year. Depression and anxiety are rising, and it’s important to watch for signs in your loved one such as:
· Extreme worry or sadness · Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches · Moodiness, irritability · Trouble sleeping · Panic attacks · Hyperactivity · Unhealthy eating habits · Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past · Difficulty with attention and concentration · Poor academic performance or avoiding schoolwork
If your teen is experiencing any of these symptoms stemming from anxiety about going back to school, call us today at 972-298-7323 for a no-cost assessment or visit us at hickorytrail.com
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 April 9, 2021 in the JROTC room from 8:00-1:00 pm.
Practice Exam - https://www.military.com/join-armed-forces/asvab
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!!
May Scholarship Newsletter - Click the Attachment Below!!!!!!!!!!!
Seniors,
Here are more scholarships!!!
Go to TCBSBM Scholarship Webpage at https://www.tcbsbm.net/. Students who are graduating from TCBSBM Member Districts may begin applying for a scholarship ranging from $1000 to $3000. from the following scholarship opportunities:
High School graduating students who are members of TCBSBM member districts and pursue undergraduate degrees, respectively, at Texas A & M Commerce, will also have access to guidance in this program from A&M Commerce advisors, mentors, faculty, and staff invested in student success. – Scholarship Fall Final Deadline – Sunday, August 1, 2021
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
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.
Free Meningitis Vaccinations for 12th Grade Students
Dallas College is having several meningitis vaccination clinics on several of our campuses. Students can schedule an appointment at https://dcccd.libcal.com/.
The Doctor Spot
The Doctor Spot is having their clinic at Cedar Valley Campus and Richland Campus on the following dates and times. They are only accepting high school students that qualify for the TVFC (Texas Vaccine for Children) program, 18 years or younger. Bring photo ID. Parents must accompany their child.
Friday, April 30, 10am – 2pm, Cedar Valley gym, G114
Friday, May 21, 10am – 2pm, Richland gym, G101
Garland Public Health
The Garland Public Health Department is having their clinic at Mountain View College on the following date and time. They are accepting high school students that qualify for the TVFC (Texas Vaccine for Children) program, 18 years or younger as well as young adults. Bring photo ID. Parents must accompany their child. Garland Health also accepts the following insurance plan: BCBS of Texas, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, and Medicare. They do not accept HMO or Marketplace plans.
Tuesday, May 4, Mountain View, Gym, E-216, 1pm – 5pm
Free Eyeglasses!!
Volunteer/Internship Opportunities
Volunteer Opportunity for Students 16+ at the Lancaster Memorial Library!!
The library is currently offering a safe way for high school students to earn volunteer hours in a remote way that encourages independent thinking skills while also helping the library. We have modified our Junior Volunteer program to accommodate the need for students to fulfill volunteer hour requirements for any organization during the pandemic. www.lancaster-tx.com/1404/Teens
Are you interested in STEM?
The University of North Texas offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Learning Technologies (http://catalog.unt.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=20&poid=8211) at UNT.
This program may be of interest to students who have a passion for a career in STEM. Please share this email with your students and contact bas@unt.edu to learn more.
Texas Southern University will be hosting the TMCF HBCU Scholars Program at TSU virtually from June 14 -25, 2021 for high school juniors. This program is free to all participants through a grant received by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, an organization aimed to provide financial support and student leadership development programs and scholarships for HBCU institutions. The donors have requested to host this year's summer program virtually.
During the two-week program, students will participate in workshops on the legacies and benefits of attending HBCU institutions, college admissions, financial literacy, careers and majors, and connect with current HBCU students and alumni for networking opportunities and information on campus life. Participants will be able to earn prizes, gift cards, and possible scholarships during the program. Interested students must apply for program and submit a copy of their high school transcript and a letter of recommendation to me by email.
Fifty juniors will be selected to participate this year and students can apply online at www.tsu.edu/tmcfscholars . The deadline to apply is May 1.
Summer Youth Employment Program - Application Due May 14, 2021
The Trinity Park Conservancy and Groundwork Dallas are looking to hire high school students to participate as a part of their Trinity River Crew. This 7 week paid program is looking to bring on board those students who enjoy the outdoors, engaging the community and care about the environment. The program runs from June 15 through August 2 and will be around 30 hours per week.