Prepare for a month of learning, love, and community as we highlight the best of February! Celebrate Black History Month, embrace your Valentine's Day spirit, and stay updated on the latest news in this February newsletter. As the winter season winds down, we’re excited to share upcoming events and achievements that will make February a memorable month at MWHS.

Here are some upcoming holidays:

Ground Hog Day - 2nd - hoping we don't follow the movie version. These winter days are long enough. Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? Stop by and let's talk about it.

Super Bowl Sunday - 9th - Who will win? Will the game be better than the halftime show?

Valentine's Day - 14th - Day of showing appreciation or affection for others in your life.

President's Day - 17th - Day to celebrate the Commander-in-Chief and those who came before him.

February Reminder: Complete Your Financial Aid Application!

For Parents:

Submitting a financial aid application is just the first step in helping your child secure funding for college or post-high school training. After your child submits their FAFSA or TASFA application, it’s important to follow up and support them in the next steps:

• Confirm Submission: Ensure the application was submitted correctly and received by the college. FAFSA applicants can check their Federal Student Aid (FSA) account by logging in with their FSA ID and password. TASFA applicants should contact colleges directly for confirmation.

• FAFSA Only - Review the Student Aid Report (SAR): This report will indicate if any corrections are needed. Encourage your child to check the “What You Must Do Now” section. For more details, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

• Consider Changes in Financial Situation: Your child’s financial aid is based on prior-year income. For the 2025-2026 school year, students will provide income information from 2023 tax returns. If your situation has changed (such as a job loss or move), your child may be eligible to appeal their financial aid award. They should contact their college for the appeal process and can use the SwiftStudent template for guidance.

Need more help? Download the Texas OnCourse Financial Aid Requirement Toolkit for Families, or contact your child’s counselor with any questions.

For Students:

Submitting a financial aid application is just the first step in securing funding for college or post-high school training. After you submit your FAFSA or TASFA application, remember to follow up on the next steps:

• Confirm Submission: Check that your application was correctly submitted and received by the college. If you submitted the FAFSA, log into your Federal Student Aid account with your FSA ID and password. If you submitted the TASFA, contact your colleges directly.

• FAFSA Only - Review the Student Aid Report (SAR): This report will let you know if corrections are needed on your application. Be sure to check the “What You Must Do Now” section. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more details.

• Consider Changes in Financial Situation: Your financial aid award is based on prior-year income. For the 2025-2026 school year, you’ll provide income information from 2023 tax returns. If your financial situation has changed (such as a job loss or move), you can appeal your award after it’s processed. Contact your school for the appeal process, and use the SwiftStudent template to help you write an appeal letter.

Need more help? Download the Texas OnCourse Financial Aid Requirement Toolkit for Students or reach out to your school counselor with any questions.

Social Media Posts:

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Submitting a financial aid application is the first step in securing money for college! Remember to check for corrections and submission confirmation by logging into your FSA account or contact your schools for TASFA status.

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Submitting a financial aid application is the first step in securing money for college! Remember to check for corrections and submission confirmation by logging into your FSA account or contact your schools for TASFA status. If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to ask your counselor.

(Age 16+ - 10th thru 12th grade)

Please keep an eye out for updates in your email! It will also appear on the monitor with

the date and a (working) QR code to sign up.

Also, you can check with the Library on the best way to practice and where to find it.

The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is much more than just a test for those interested in joining the military—it's a valuable tool for anyone looking to explore their strengths and career options. The ASVAB consists of eight individual tests that assess your skills in areas like verbal comprehension, math, and science/technical abilities. These scores are then combined into three composite scores, which can help identify a range of career paths that align with your abilities.

Students are encouraged to take the ASVAB because it’s a free, standardized test that not only helps you understand how you learn and where your strengths lie, but it also gives you more options when you're thinking about life after high school. Whether you’re headed for college, a career, or military service, the ASVAB can help you make more informed decisions about your future. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and open up new possibilities, no matter where you’re headed after graduation!

Hey MWHS Students!

In the hustle and bustle of school life, it's easy to forget about one of the most important resources available to you—your school counselor! Whether you're figuring out which classes to take, navigating social pressures, or planning for your future, counselors are here to help guide you through it all.

Here's why school counselors are so important:

1. Academic Support

School counselors are here to help you succeed academically. They can help you create a plan for your courses, manage your time, and even give you tips on studying. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or struggling in a class, your counselor can connect you with extra resources or support to help you improve.

2. Social and Emotional Well-Being

Life isn't always easy, and sometimes the stresses of school, friendships, or personal life can take a toll on your mental health. Your school counselor is a safe space to talk through any challenges you're facing. They can help you work through anxiety, stress, relationship issues, or any other feelings that might be weighing you down.

3. College and Career Planning

As you get closer to graduation, it can feel like there's a lot of pressure to figure out what comes next. School counselors are experts at helping you navigate the college application process, find scholarships, and even explore different career paths. Whether you're college-bound or thinking about entering the workforce, they can provide guidance on what options are available to you and help you plan for your future.

4. Conflict Resolution

Conflicts with classmates or teachers are a part of life, but they don’t have to derail your school experience. Counselors can help mediate disputes and help you find ways to resolve conflicts in a healthy and positive manner. This ensures everyone can focus on their education and well-being.

How to Reach Out:

Your school counselor is just a step away—literally! You can scan the QR Code at the bottom of the page, send an email, or schedule an appointment. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or talk about anything on your mind. They are there to help you thrive, both academically and personally!

So, remember: Your school counselor is one of your greatest allies during high school. Take advantage of their expertise and support—it’ll make all the difference in helping you have a successful, balanced, and fulfilling school year.

Wishing you all the best,

Mrs. Mesler

District Mental Health Counselor

Supervised by Dr. Ruth Goodwin, LPC-S
District Mental Health Counselor

Suicide Rates: The Hidden Crisis Affecting Teens

Did you know that suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for young people ages 10-34? (CDC, 2023)

• 13.6% of young adults (18-25) had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year. (SAMHSA, 2023)
• A shocking 22% of high school students seriously considered suicide last year.
  • The rate is even higher for females (30%), American Indians/Alaska Natives (27%), and LGBTQ+ teens (45%). (CDC, 2023)
• 10% of high school students actually attempted suicide in the past year.
  • The numbers are highest for females (13%), American Indians/Alaska Natives (16%), Black teens (14%), and LGBTQ+ teens (22%). (CDC, 2023)

PLEASE, If you or someone you know is struggling, don't stay silent.

Reach out! There are people who care and want to help.

💓🖤💓 YOU ARE NOT ALONE! We are here for you. 💓🖤💓

The first twenty students to come in and tell us their favorite movie and something specific from this newsletter will receive a surprise from the counselors. Ongoing while supplies last.

• 1st - 8th period: MON thru THURS
• or by appointment after school.
  
• Use the Tile provided in Classlink

• You can go directly to the request form with the link or QR code below.

Bottom line is that you have multiple ways to reach out to your Counselors and we are happy to meet with you and help with your needs.

Website: www.mwisd.net
Location: 3801 Ram Blvd.
Phone: (940) 325-4408

Our mission as high school counselors is to empower every student to reach their fullest potential by providing a supportive, inclusive, and nurturing environment. We are dedicated to fostering academic success, personal growth, and social-emotional well-being through comprehensive counseling services. By collaborating with students, families, and staff, we aim to create a pathway to success that embraces diversity, encourages resilience, and prepares each student for future challenges and opportunities.