CHHS 3C's Counselor Connection
CHARACTER - COLLEGE - COPING
DECEMBER 2021
Hello Everyone!
This newsletter will be sent out every month to keep you up to date on topics related to our 3C's- Character, College & Coping!
Ann Wang- A-Co
Chandra Manuel- Cr-Ha
Christina Robles- He-Me
Leslie Walden- Mi-R
Faylinn Habermehl- S-Z
Amanda Vargas- Lead Counselor
Robin Davis - Student Advocate Counselor
Dr. James DePetro - Licensed School Psychologist
Heather Hedges- Student Data Coordinator
Glenda Cherry- Registrar
Christina Howard- Counseling Office Clerk
Watch a short introduction video of the counseling department here.
CHHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT MISSION STATEMENT
CHHS Counseling focuses on our 3Cs (Character, College and Coping) to empower the whole student, while enabling us to support the school vision of PRIDE (Personally Reaching and Inspiring Discovery in Everyone). Through our 3Cs approach and collaboration with all stakeholders, we envision that all students will have success in achieving their potential in academics, social interactions and career aspirations while also becoming productive and contributing members of an ever-changing world
CHHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT VISION STATEMENT
It is the mission of the Colleyville Heritage High School Guidance and Counseling Department to develop and deliver a comprehensive school counseling program that is data-driven, collaborative and promotes our 3Cs (Character, College and Coping) approach. We are committed to focusing on the whole high school student, both present and future, and advocating for all students to have equal access and opportunity to all that our school has to offer in order to prepare them for success in the future.
Our counseling website has SOOOOOOOO much information! Check it out!
- Rankings- Top 10% and Quartile Cutoffs
- Arena Scheduling Information
- GO Center Information and link to website
- Social/Emotional Support Resources
- Transcript Request Information
- Resources for each grade level
- Senior Recommendation Letter Request Form
Need to Speak With Your Counselor?
- Email your counselor directly. You can find your counselor's email address on our website.
- You can also sign-in to see your counselor and we will either call you down from class or schedule a WebEx meeting. The sign-in form is also available on our website.
PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO REACH OUT WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.
IMPORTANT RESOURCES
GCISD COVID-19 RESOURCES
Please visit www.GCISD.net/COVID19 for lots of resources from the District pertaining to COVID-19. There you can find updated frequently asked questions, current GCISD COVID-19 protocols, information on the GCISD COVID-19 Testing Center, information on remote conferencing, statistics regarding COVID-19 cases in GCISD and more.
Recursos de GCISD sobre COVID-19
Por favor visite www.GCISD.net/COVID19 para acceder a muchos recursos del Distrito sobre COVID-19. Allí, se puede encontrar preguntas frecuentes actualizadas, protocolos actuales de GCISD sobre COVID-19, información sobre el Centro de Pruebas para COVID-19 en GCISD, información sobre las conferencias remotas, y estadísticas sobre los casos de COVID-19 en GCISD y más.
Counseling Resources
Upcoming Events
- FAFSA Application Opens for Seniors: October 1
- Level Down Window: December 1 8am - December 3 4pm
- GRACE Christmas Cottage Drive: ends December 10th
- Future Planning Hour: December 8 and 15
- Parent Tech Academy: December 14
- Finals December 15-17
Parent Tech Academy - Apple Screen Time
GCISD’s Parent Technology Academy is returning this month with a session focused on monitoring your student’s screen time on Apple devices. The free session will be held on Tuesday, December 14, at 6 p.m. on Webex. A representative from Apple will lead this virtual session in which parents will learn about Apple’s Screen Time functions.
No registration is required, and parents can join by simply visiting www.GCISD.net/ParentTech. Shortly before the session begins, this link will direct parents directly to the Webex session.
Screen Time lets you know how much time you and your kids spend on apps, websites, and more. This allows parents to make more informed decisions about how you use your devices, and set limits if you'd like to. Learn how to use parental controls to manage a child's device during this free to all session.
Schedule Information 2021-2022
Level Down Window - Final Window for 2021-2022
Please make sure you fill out the form on our counseling website between 8am Monday December 1st and 4pm Wednesday December 3rd. If you miss this level down window, you WILL NOT be able to request a level down for the 2021-2022 school year.
Before leveling down:
- Be sure to discuss with your teacher if this is the best change for you
- Realize this can change your schedule and order of classes
- Changing from a GT section to a non-GT section is not considered a level down
Note: Schedules will not be changed until the week of October 25th.
Schedule Information 2022-2023
Important Dates
It's already time to start thinking about courses for the 2022-2023 School Year. Please see important dates below:
- Course Selection: January 19 - February 4
- Panther Showcase: January 24
- Upcoming Senior Arena Window: April 4-6
- Upcoming Junior Arena Window: April 13-15
- Upcoming Sophomore Arena Window: April 27-29
GRACE Christmas Cottage Drive
GCISD Wellness Fair
Join our GCISD community for a FREE Winter Wonderland 1 mile Fun Run/Walk and Health & Wellness Expo at Grapevine High School’s Mustang Activity Center (MAC)!
There will be prizes for most festively dressed Winter Wonderland participants, multiple door prizes and raffle prizes! The Fun Run/Walk begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Vendor Expo open from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Strollers are welcome!
If you are interested in hosting a booth, please complete THIS VENDOR FORM by Friday, December 3rd. PTA, Campus Groups, Student Groups, Community Businesses, and more welcome
Panther Ready for Extra Practice (PREP)
PREP Is BACK!
- Homework, group projects, study time
- Seat time and detentions
- Tutoring
- Service Hours
- Test Center
- Late Bus Available
- Edgenuity Credit Recovery for 2020-2021 Classes
See pictures below for more information. Reach out to your counselor for more information.
Future Planning Hour
- College Applications
- Trade Schools
- Military Enlistment
- FAFSA
- TCC College Access
FAFSA
FAFSA Requirement
Beginning this year, all Seniors must complete one of the following steps in order to comply with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0256 in order to graduate:
Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); or
Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA); or
Submit a signed opt-out form
As approved by the GCISD Board of Trustees, the District will accept the following as proof of completion:
Acknowledgement of receipt from an Institution of Higher Ed (IHE);
Copy of Signature page;
Screenshot of TASFA submission acknowledgement page (from those institutions that offer an electronic form);
Screenshot of FAFSA submission acknowledgement page; -OR-
Copy of a financial aid award letter
If you do not wish for your student to complete a FAFSA or TASFA, an opt-out form may be completed by a parent or guardian, a student age 18 years or older ora school counselor who authorizes the student to decline to complete and submit the application for good cause. If you wish to opt-out, please use one of the forms below:
Financial Aid Application Opt-Out Form
Financial Aid Application Opt-Out Form - SPANISH
After you have submitted your FAFSA/TASFA paperwork, please send one method of proof or your opt-out form to your high school counseling office After you have submitted your FAFSA/TASFA paperwork, please send one method of proof or your opt-out form to your high school counseling office no later than May 1, 2022.
Tips for FAFSA
Before starting make sure you
- Create an FSA ID for the student and parent
- SSN and Driver's License numbers/cards ready
- Student W-2s and tax returns (if applicable)
- Parent W-2s and tax returns
- Bank Statements
- Business Financial Statements
- Citizenship records (if applicable)
CBE - Credit by Exam
- If a student is hoping to earn initial credit for a class, he/she must earn an 80 or above on the exam.
- If a student is hoping to regain lost credit due to a failing grade or denied credit due to absences, he/she must earn an 70 or above on the exam.
- Students are only able to take a CBE twice, if they fail to obtain the necessary grade after two attempts they will need to take the class in the classroom or through correspondence.
Please see the link and calendar below for more information and GCISD Registration and Exam Dates. The next registration deadline is January 5, 2022.
Spring Registration and Payment is OVERDUE, please pay by December 10th or you will be dropped.
SPRING REGISTRATION
What do I need to do to register for Spring...
- Complete the #NotAnymore/Title IX required training
- Email Certificate to Mrs. Wang ann.wang@gcisd.net
- Register for Classes
How do I complete #NOTANYMORE/TITLE IX Certificate?
Title IX is a state mandated bill that requires all college students (including dual credit students) in the state of Texas to complete sexual harassment/assault training prior to their 2nd semester of classes. #NotAnymore is TCC's online, video-based interpersonal violence prevention program for students that will give you critical information about: consent, bystander intervention, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and much more. #NotAnymore will help you better understand how vitally important these issues are and what you can do to help make our district community safer. ALL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE THIS TRAINING. Failure to complete this training will block you from registering for Dual classes in the spring. Students who were in dual credit for the 20-21 school year should have already completed this training.
To access #NotAnymore:
Log into myTCC
Select #NotAnymore from the myTCC Resources list (link will open up a Student Success™ window)
Click on launch course
Need Help with Registration:
Set up an individual appointment with Mrs. Chavez:
A few things students will want to remember when requesting registration assistance.
- They should use their myTCC email and they will need to include their TCC ID number
- They should provide as much information as they can, such as what section they are attempting to register
- If they are receiving an error message, it is most helpful to email a screenshot of the error message (it cuts out the guess work)
If students attempt to register and encounter ongoing issues, they can schedule an appointment for a virtual one-on-one meeting with me at https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/TCCNEDualCreditOffice@TarrantCountyColl864.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/.
GO CENTER INFORMATION
BIG WELCOME
College Applications:
Seniors! College applications are open and the Go Center is available for appointments to assist you with your college process or answer any questions you might have. Click here to sign-up for an appointment! Or send an email to diana.turax@gcisd.net. Please check your school email for follow-up communication.
Do you have general questions about what may be next after graduation? We are here to help you make a plan whether that is heading off to college, joining the military, or jumping into the workforce. Please come by so we can help you with your next steps!
Virtual College Visits:
Curious to how you can visit schools virtually and take advantage of their online opportunities? Check out this great resource that links you to each college's virtual experience page!
Scholarships:
Although many local scholarships are not open yet, we encourage you to begin checking the GCISD Scholarship website as this will be actively updated with new deadlines as soon as we receive them. If you have not obtained letters of recommendation, please request them now as most scholarships generally require a minimum of two letters.
Seniors also need to research scholarships that come directly from the colleges/universities to which they are applying.
Please reach out to the Go Center if you have any questions about scholarships!
GCISD College Visits:
This year we will be hosting college, military and job reps back in the Go Center! They will be hosted at the Go Center counter during lunches. The calendars, where you can see who is visiting each day, can be found on the Go Center website.
SENIORS READ THIS
TCC College Access: http://tinyurl.com/tcc21
Virtual college and career lessons and resources for high school students: Texas College Bridge, College and Career Support from CollegeForward.org: https://collegeforward.org/college-resources/texas-college-bridge-college-and-career-support/
Upcoming Scholarships
- No Sweat Scholarship - Due 12/31
- HEB Scholarship Program - Due 1/28
- American College Foundation - Due 5/1
- Flavorful Futures Scholarships: Due 3/15
- College Board Opportunity Scholarships: Ongoing
College Board Opportunity Scholarship - Easiest Scholarships to Earn
YES JUNIORS YOU CAN WIN NOW.
Please visit the Opportunity Scholarships Website for more information and to start your journey.
JUNIORS READ THIS
INFORMATION FOR SENIORS
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS
SENIORS - RECOMMENDATION LETTERS
FAFSA Information
FAFSA https://fafsa.ed.gov/ - CHHS School Code: 441408
- Based on parental/guardian financial status
- Request your FSA ID now - takes 2-3 days for authorization.
- FAFSA - Opens Oct. 1 and should be completed as soon as possible
- 2022-2023 FAFSA application will use 2020 tax return
- FAFSA funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis
- Completion of the application takes approximately 20-30 minutes providing you have information necessary with you at the time of application including parents prior income tax return.
- Types of aid include: Scholarships, Grants, Work-Study, Loans-last option
NCAA - Are You Planning to Play Sports in College
2020-21 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete
The 2020-21 Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete is now available for download! The guide is designed to assist you, athletic directors, coaches, college-bound student-athletes and their families with understanding the initial-eligibility process.Click here to retweet our guide update and share with your student-athletes and their families! You may also find the guide on the High School Portal and NCAA.org. If you'd like to purchase copies of the guide, please visit NCAApublications.com.
You can access the 2021-2022 Student Handbook here.
INFORMATION FOR UNDERCLASSMEN
NCAA
- Students planning on play sports in college - please remind your counselors every time you see them.
- Make sure to set up an account within the NCAA Eligibility Center.
- Corecoursegpa.com will help facilitate you through the NCAA Eligibility Center
Juniors - SAT School Day
INFORMATION FOR ALL STUDENTS
C Day Activities
- College planning presentation for juniors
- Balfour video for seniors
- Special thanks to our speaker, Gabe Salazar, with Just Say YES who shared his message of perseverance, goal setting and healthy relationships.
First Generation Students
Visit the most recent First Generation Newsletter here.
GCISD College Visit Videos
Did you know GCISD counselors have had the privilege of traveling to colleges around the state and nation to visit GCISD alumni and admissions officers in order to get an insider's perspective on the college admissions process?
Click here to view the videos from each of our visits. We will continue to add videos as we make more visits. We hope you enjoy this resource!
The College Tour
Hosted by Alex Boylan, each episode of The College Tour tells the story of a single college through the lens of its students.
Join us for a truly one-of-a-kind series featuring colleges and universities in a way they have never been seen before!
Visit the website for more information.
Grade Level Canvas
Please click the link below to join your class Canvas course for announcements and updates from counselors and administrators today:
Community Service Ambassador Program
CSAP is coordinated on behalf of CHHS by the Volunteer Community Service Ambassador Committee with support from the CHHS Counseling Office. The program is designed to encourage all 9th-12th grade CHHS students to serve their community by performing at least 100 hours of approved community service. Students meeting this requirement will be recognized as Community Service Ambassadors upon graduation, and will be eligible to purchase a special cord for their graduation robes.
Full program guidelines for Community Service Ambassador Program, and service hour logs can be found on the CSAP Website.
Students may turn their cards directly into the counseling office and place them in the red CSAP collection box OR they may email a copy of their card to their CSAP class liaison. ONLY HARD COPY OF YELLOW FORMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Class Liaison Contacts:
Class of 2022: chhsambassadors2022@gmail.com
Liaison-Debra Hurley-817-228-8131
Class of 2023: chhsambassadors2023@gmail.com
Liaison-Tracy Cutrona-214-707-6123
Class of 2024: chhsambassadors2024@gmail.com
Liaison-Terrye Byrd-817-846-7384
Class of 2025: chhsambassadors2025@gmail.com
Liaison- Stay Tuned
Volunteer Opportunities
- Teen Volunteer Program at DFW (ongoing)
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
Need Help With Canvas?
Parent Observers
Parents can sign up as an observer in Canvas. Observers can link their Canvas account to their student's account so they can see assignment dues dates, announcements, and other course content. Observers can view the course content but cannot participate in the course. Learn more and feel free to share this information with parents.
Free and Reduced-Price Meals Application
GCISD is now accepting National School Lunch Program (NSLP) applications for 2021-2022. While students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade, and also at Collegiate Academy, will be provided meals at no cost due to the USDA Waiver #85, a free and reduced application is highly encouraged.
There are many other benefits associated with the free and reduced application, such as free hotspots, SAT, ACT, AP Exam Fees waived, discounts on college applications, discounts on summer school classes, other school activities and much more.
Additional information regarding the NSLP Application can be found here. The application can be found and completed online at www.SchoolLunchApp.com.
Students that attend Colleyville Heritage High School and Grapevine High School must apply to determine eligibility to receive free or reduced-price meals. Questions may be emailed to child.nutrition@gcisd.net.
SAT/ACT & AP Testing Dates and Deadlines
Please continue to check both the ACT and SAT Website for information regarding rescheduled testing dates due to COVID-19.
***If you are a student who receives testing accommodations through a 504 or IEP, please contact Mrs. Habermehl at faylinn.habermehl@gcisd.net to get paperwork in order to request accommodations on any of the above tests.***
General Information
Selective Service System
GCISD Free and Reduced Applications
Nutrition Services has provided the following links for online applications for free and reduced lunch for the 2021-2022 school year. We strongly encourage parents to use the online portal as processing times are greatly reduced, in comparison to paper applications.
The second link is provided will take a parents to the GCISD website for downloading of paper applications.
Regardless of which avenue is taken, both English and Spanish applications, instructions and household letters are available, as necessary. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Nutrition Services at 817.251.5617.
Nutrition Services appreciates all of your help and consideration!
https://www.schoollunchapp.com
https://www.gcisd.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=96313&pageId=195229