DHS Counseling News
October 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 Panther Family!
In this issue, we want to continue the cause of promoting a culture of acceptance, inclusion and connectedness. We hope to inspire scholars to develop a global perspective through various awareness campaigns and prevention activities. During the month of October, there are several awareness days, campaigns, and other events that scholars will be invited to join in. Whether it’s wearing orange on World Unity Day to spread the message that "we are together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance and inclusion", wearing pink to honor those battling breast cancer, or participating in Red Ribbon Week activities to “Send the Message. Stay Drug Free”, these are opportunities where scholars can join our Panther community in making an impact.
RAISE AWARENESS - SUPPORT THE CAUSE!
Educate: Read Breast Cancer 101: What Teens Need to Know (and Why you Should Never Carry Your Phone in Your Bra)
Engage: Follow the story of Nikia Hammonds-Blakely, a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at age 16.
Empower: Wear It Pink 2019 - Wear Pink on Oct. 18 in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness
Engage: Join with others and wear orange on Oct. 23 to show that we are together against bullying and united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
Empower: Make a pledge to:
- support others who have been hurt or harmed
- treat others with kindness
- be more accepting of people's differences
- help include those who are left out
Educate: Find out about Domestic Violence Awareness here.
Engage: Have an Informed conversation about domestic violence with friends, family members, or neighbors. Use these talking points.
Empower: Take action! On Oct. 16 wear purple or change your social media profile and cover photo in support of those who have lost their lives and celebrate those who have survived.
Red Ribbon Week: October 28 - November 1
World Teachers Day
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK....
October 1, 2019
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
October 3, 2019
Dallas County Promise & FAFSA/TASFA Workshop
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) will be available for class of 2020 seniors on October 1, 2019. Get help completing your DCP pledge, and you FAFSA/TASFA application during this workshop.
Thursday, Oct 3, 2019, 05:00 PM
Duncanville High School Library: G101/G102, 900 W Camp Wisdom Rd. Duncanville, TX
October 5, 2019
All high school seniors and their families are invited to attend the Dallas County Promise Kickoff Party on Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 1-4pm at UNT Dallas, 7300 University Hills Blvd, Dallas, TX 75241.
This event is exclusively for class of 2020 seniors and their family members. Attendees will receive information about Dallas County Promise’s tuition-free program, receive assistance completing their FAFSA/TAFSA, and help completing college applications through applytexas.org. The event is free for Duncanville High School seniors and family members.
DHS will be providing a bus for students only who wish to attend this event. If your student would like to ride the bus to the kick-off, please complete the Bus Sign-up Form. The deadline to sign-up to ride the bus is on Wednesday, October 2nd. See the flyer below for more details.
OCTOBER 8, 2019
- TSI Testing, Library (3:10-6:10)
- 10th Grade Guidance Presentations through World History
- 11th Grade Guidance Presentations through English 3
- Homecoming Week
OCTOBER 9, 20119
- Dallas County Promise Pledge Pep Rally, East Cafeteria (All lunch periods)
- 10th Grade Guidance Presentations through World History
- 11th Grade Guidance Presentations through English 3
- Domestic Violence Awareness Action Day - wear purple or change your social media profile and cover photo to show support
- PSAT for 9-11 grades
- ASVAB Test (Seniors)
- Financial Aid: FAFSA/TASFA Workshop, G101/G102 (5:00-7:00)
- Panther University Workshop for Parents (5:30-6:15) East Seminar Room
- Wear It Pink 2019! - wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness
OCTOBER 19, 2019
- Panther Parent Expo; DHS East Cafeteria (9:00-12:00)
- Bullying Prevention & Suicide Awareness Week
- TSI Testing, Library (3:10-6:10)
- World Unity Day - wear orange to send the message "we are together against Bullying and are united for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion".
- Counseling Department Advisory Council Meeting, DHS East Seminar Room (5:30-6:30)
- SEL Parent/Staff Kindness Counts: When Making Healthy Choices with our Bodies and Minds, DHS East Seminar Room (4:00-7:30)
- Red Ribbon Week - Theme: "Send a Message. Stay Drug Free".
- Classroom Guidanc: Drug Prevention
- TSI Testing, Library (3:10-6:10)
- A Nightmare on Main Street Event (5:00-7:00)
- No Treat Til You Complete Event (students receive a treat for completing their FAFSA/TASFA); GO Center (All Day)
are you Ready for Homecoming?
Upcoming College Tour Dates - Hosted by the Y Achievers Program
College Fair Opportunity
Schedule of Military Visits
- Monday- National Guard
- Tuesday- U.S. Army
- Wednesday- Navy
- Thursday- Airforce
- Friday- Marines
SELECTIVE SERVICE REGISTRATION
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/.
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 dates will be on October 8, 2019 and October 22, 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.
PSAT/NMSQT
What is the PSAT/NMSQT?
This is a practice test for the SAT which measures reading, math, and writing/language skills. It is also a qualifying test for National Merit scholarships. More information here from the College Board PSAT Website.
The PSAT/NMSQT is only offered in October each year. The PSAT is normally taken in 11th grade and is a qualifying test for the National Merit scholarships for juniors. Occasionally, freshmen and sophomores elect to take this if they wish to practice for the PSAT/NMSQT, which they would then take again as a junior.
The PSAT won’t count towards your college admissions applications, but it is the qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship. Some of the highest scoring students may win scholarship money, so while you shouldn’t stress out about the PSAT, you certainly shouldn’t ignore it either. Use the PSAT as practice for the SAT and ACT and an important guidepost on your college admissions journey.
When can I take it?
Test Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Duncanville High School (Grades 9-11)
College Entrance Exams
Attention Seniors!
All seniors will be receiving cap & gown and graduation gear information catalogs from Balfour on October 16th. Orders will be taken at school during lunch Wednesday and Thursday, October 23rd and 24th or online at dallasbalfour.com
#1MillionProject
Panthers, if you haven’t already, take the eligibility survey at http://bit.ly/DISDoneMillion.
Students who do not have reliable Internet access at home will be identified and their parents will receive an email with a 1Million Project consent form. Here’s a flyer with more information.
Social and Emotional Learning Opportunities
Panther University
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.
Please join us for our first Parent University Session on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. in the East Seminar Room. Topics to be discussed include FAFSA/Scholarships/GPA and NCAA.
JOIN OUR ADVISORY COUNCIL
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:
Adrian Pinson - 9th Grade Attendance (L123)
APinson@duncanvilleisd.org; Ext. 3726
Laverne Dorsey - 10th Grade Attendance (B200)
LDorsey@duncanvilleisd.org, Ext. 3725
Anne Kimple - 11th Grade Attendance (B248)
AKimple@duncanvilleisd.org; Ext. 3731
Chasity Delgadillo - 12th Grade Attendance (B169)
CDelgadillo@duncanvilleisd.org; Ext. 3728
Give Us Feedback!
Thank you for helping us better meet our students' needs!
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