DHS Counseling News
November 2019
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
Greetings Panthers!
As we get closer to the holiday season, our scholars welcome colder weather, school activities, events with loved ones, semester finals and everything in between. With the large number of expectations and demands upon them, some of our students may begin to feel stressed & overwhelmed.
The DHS Support Counselors would like for students to remember that taking care of your mental health is vital. Coping skills help students to replace the negative and unhealthy ways to deal with life stressors with more positive and healthy ways. The New York Times has reported that “though academic and social pressures continue to pile on in high school, teenagers can be taught effective coping skills to skirt the pitfalls of anxiety and depression.” (https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/30/health/teenagers-stress-coping-skills.html). We have included a list of coping activities that teens can implement in times of stress and anxiety.
There will also be a Lunchtime Table Talk for students during each lunch on November 21st. Bring your lunch and come join us in the library for some tips on Coping with Stress and Anger.
Mrs. Hubbard & Ms. Mandigo
Duncanville High School
Support Counselors
Coping Activities
In the Counseling Department
GUIDANCE LESSONS
INDIVIDUAL PLANNING
- Academic Grade History
- Standardized Testing Results
- Graduation Requirements
- GPA/Class Rank - Juniors only!
- Credit Recovery Opportunities, Tutoring, and EOC Support
- Post-secondary Plans
A copy of the individual conference form and unofficial transcript will be sent home with scholars. However, we encourage parents to ask their scholar these follow-up questions:
- Show me on your Individual Conference Form/transcript, how many credits you have.
- Are you on track to graduate?
- Have you passed all of your EOC assesmnents thus far?
- What are your plans for after graduation?
- Have you taken the PSAT/ACT/ASVAB/TSIA?
The DHS Counseling Department is excited to unveil Panther University!
What is Panther University?
- Panther University is an opportunity for parents/ caregivers to sharpen skills as their children matriculate through DISD.
- Panther University will provide parent/ caregivers with information about their vital responsibility in shaping their children's lives.
- Sessions will focus on child development, graduation requirements, advocacy, parent leadership and effective parenting skills.
Our Goal
To educate and empower parents as partners, advocates and lifelong learners, as well as teachers who can contribute to their child's academic success through attending educational courses and participating in leadership opportunities.
Join us for our next Panther University Session!
Panther University
Wednesday, Nov 13, 2019, 05:30 PM
DHS East Seminar Room
Which shirt will you wear?
NOVEMBER 1, 2019
- Parent Promise (Dallas County Promise) Opens
- Algebra 1 EOC Bootcamp, (9 AM - 12 PM)
NOVEMBER 4, 2019
- DHS PTSA Meeting, East Seminar Rm. (7 PM - 8 PM)
NOVEMBER 5, 2019
- TSI Testing, Library (3:10-6:10)
NOVEMBER 6, 2019
- TAMU Engineering Presentation, East Seminar Rm. (9 AM - 10 AM)
- Senior Portraits, Alexander Auditorium
- Senior Portraits, Alexander Auditorium
- Veterans Day Celebration
- Veterans Day - No School!
NOVEMBER 13, 2019 - "World Kindness Day"
- ASVAB Career Exploration Exam, 10-12 Grades (8 AM)
- Panther University Workshop - Bullying & Harassment, East Seminar Rm. (5:30-6:30)
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
- MY Future, My Choice, My Story, East Cafeteria (5:30-7:30)
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
- UT Application and Essay Workshop, Library Sec. A (9 AM - 10 AM)
- ENG 1 & ENG II EOC BOOTCAMP (9 AM - 12 PM)
NOVEMBER 19, 2019
- Texas State Presentation, East Seminar Rm. (9 AM - 10 AM)
- Thanksgiving Holiday - No School!
UPCOMING College Rep Visits @ DHS
TAMU
November 6, 2019
9AM-10AM
East Seminar Room
TXST
November 19, 2019
9AM-10AM
East Seminar Room
Upcoming College Tour Dates - Hosted by the Y Achievers Program
Schedule of Military Visits
- Monday- National Guard
- Tuesday- U.S. Army
- Wednesday- Navy
- Thursday- Airforce
- Friday- Marines
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 will be on November 5, 2019.
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.
College Entrance Exams
SAT MATH TUTORING
We will begin SAT math tutoring after school every Tuesday in room B223 from 3:00 PM - 4:15 PM.
SAT ENGLISH TUTORING
English SAT/PSAT tutoring is every Wednesday for the fall semester in B133 from 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM.
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. Make a copy and on the copy, please indicate whether you will be "Accepting" or "Not Accepting" the Scholarship.
Alyssa Hunt - Alabama
Antwon Limbric - MVC
Sitlaly De Paz - MVC
Jasmine Ramirez - MVC
Diana Estrada - MVC
Alexis Brown - TX A&M
What's in a College Application?
▪️ Application forms and fees
▪️ Your high school transcript
▪️ Letters of recommendation
▪️ Personal essays
Find out more: spr.ly/601018C0K
Junior Achievement of Dallas is excited to announce that the window for applications for the Student of the Year Junior Achievement of Dallas Sandi Smith Scholarship is open now through Friday, November 29, 2019. The winner will be the keynote speaker at the Junior Achievement Dallas Business Hall of Fame® on Saturday, February 29, 2020, where he/she will receive the scholarship.
Who can Apply? All Seniors who have participated in Junior Achievement of Dallas program(s) in the past.
How to Apply? Download an application here.
If you have any questions, please contact Laura Hyatt, Junior Achievement of Dallas Vice President, Programs and Education, at either (972) 677-2931 or lhyatt@jadallas.org.
Note that all application must be received via email by Laura Hyatt no later than Friday, November 29, 2019.
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENT LEADERS
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute awards more than $1 million in college scholarships to exceptional student leaders each year. High school seniors nationwide who demonstrate leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship are invited to apply for the 2020 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program. This program annually provides college-bound students with $10,000 renewable scholarships – up to $40,000 total per recipient – and supports them as they lead and serve in college and beyond. Help put promising young leaders in the running to join our 10th class of Scholars. Share this news with candidates who exemplify these characteristics inside and outside the classroom and encourage them to apply.
Applications for the 2020 GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship Program are accepted until Jan. 3, 2020. Additional information, eligibility requirements, and a link to the application are available online. You may also follow us on Facebook and learn more about the Foundation’s other programs for students and educators.
The Belton Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization was founded in 2014 as a way to give back to the community and to enhance the quality of life for families. Through its programs, the foundation strives to create awareness and to support innovative programs that provide access to educational and healthy living initiatives for families affected by cancer.
Our foundation implemented a scholarship program, The Joyce F. Burke Academic Excellence Scholarship established for students interested in attending an accredited four-year university.
This year, the Belton Foundation will award up to (2) two $1,500.00 scholarships, (2) $1,000.00 scholarships and (10) $500.00 scholarships to assist students in their educational endeavors. Funds can be used to supplement the cost for school tuition, books or room and board fees.
Application deadline is Friday, January 31, 2020. Applicants will be notified by Friday March 6, 2020 on the status of their application. Scholarships will be presented on Saturday, May 30, 2020 at the 6th Anniversary Glitz & Glamour Gala, held at Ridglea Country Club, 3700 Bernie Anderson Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas 76116.
Visit our website for further information about the foundation. The application can be downloaded from the website, www.thebeltonfoundation.org under Community Outreach.
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
UT has recently launched a major new financial aid initiative called the Texas Advance Commitment. As Duncanville High School is a designated Texas Advance Partner school, this is particularly exciting news for DHS students who apply to UT.
As part of our commitment to support the success of Texas students from low- or middle-income families who have proven themselves by performing at the top of class, we offer Texas Advance Partner schools:
- Automatic application fee waivers and other waivers and deferments to students
- Two guaranteed scholarships, starting at $20,000 ($5,000 a year for four years)
- The potential for students to earn more scholarship dollars from UT through a unique micro-scholarship program called RaiseMe. To learn more, visit raise.me/join/utaustin
- The opportunity for students to participate in one or more of our invitation-only academic enrichment communities
In order to qualify for consideration, students should:
- Submit a complete application for admission by December 1, 2019
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by January 15, 2020
For more information regarding The University of Texas at Austin’s commitment to our state’s brightest, most hard-working high school seniors in need of financial assistance, visit texasadvance.utexas.edu.
For questions about the application or the admissions process, please contact one of our Admissions Counselors at 512-475-7399. We’re here to help!
Dallas County Pledge Completed? Don't Forget About Next Steps....
What is the Dallas County Promise?
The Dallas County Promise is an option for all seniors – regardless of GPA or family income – to earn a certificate, associate, or bachelor's degree without having to pay a cent for tuition. Students also receive support of a Success Coach and access to additional transfer scholarships to attend partner four-year universities, including SMU and UNT-Dallas. Think of it like an ‘insurance policy’ so that this option is available to you if you decide this is the route you want to take.
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