We hope you had a relaxing and joyful winter break! As we begin 2025, let’s set our sights on a successful and exciting new semester. Now is the perfect time to set new goals, tackle challenges head-on, and strive for excellence in everything you do. Remember, every effort you make brings you closer to your dreams—stay focused, stay determined, and keep moving forward!

Students, the first day back is Tuesday, January 7th. Be sure to log into Skyward to review your schedules before returning, as changes may have been made.

Families, thank you for your continued support in helping our Jaguars thrive. Together, let’s make this semester one to remember! 🌟

The new year is a perfect time to reflect on where you’ve been and where you want to go. Start the year strong with these strategies:

1. Set Meaningful Goals: Choose one or two goals that truly matter to you. Make them specific and achievable, such as improving a grade in one class or dedicating 15 minutes daily to a hobby. Track your progress and celebrate small wins—they’ll keep you motivated!
   
   

2. Try Something New: Exploring new activities or interests can help you grow and discover new strengths. Join a club, learn a skill, or volunteer in your community. Stepping out of your comfort zone can boost your confidence and open exciting opportunities.
   
   

Remember, January is just the beginning of the journey. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as needed. You’re capable of amazing things this year!

Kick off the year with a mindfulness challenge to help you stay present, set goals, and try something new. Each day offers a small step to focus your mind and nurture your growth. Spread out the days over the month if this works best for you!

Day 1: Reflect on the Past Year

Day 2: What’s Your Word

Day 3: Try a New Activity

Day 4: Mindful Goal-Setting

Day 5: Practice Gratitude

Day 6: Breathe and Reset

Day 7: Celebrate Progress

January 7

• 2nd Semester Begins
• Students return from Winter Break

January 13

• Human Trafficking Awareness Day - Wear Blue!

January 13-17

• CCMR Junior Chats

January 14

• District Financial Aid Night 6-8 pm (SGP)
  

• Texas Financial Aid Priority Deadline

January 17

• TSIA2 Testing

January 21

• ASVAB Testing

January 29

• ETAMU Registration Drive (for 25-26 dual credit students)

Human trafficking is a serious issue that can affect kids and teens regardless of their background, family circumstances, or where they live. This January, let’s raise awareness and stand together against this crime by participating in National Human Trafficking Awareness Day Blue Campaign (sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security) on Monday, January 13. Show your support by wearing blue, the official color of human trafficking awareness.

Take action by:

• Learning the signs of human trafficking and ways to protect yourself online.
• Knowing how to report suspected instances of trafficking.
• Exploring resources like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the Blue Campaign for help and support.
• Wear your blue and take a group photo on Jan. 13th. Be sure to share on social media and use #WearBlueDay.

Together, we can work to protect ourselves and others. Let’s make a difference this January!

Skyward Family Access allows parents to access student report cards, grade books, attendance, discipline and test scores. You can log in using your username and password.

If you have not done so, please go to your Apple Store or Google Store to locate and download the Skyward App. You can also access Skyward Family Access by visiting our district's website and clicking on the parent tab or you may click the link: Skyward Access

Once there, you will log into Skyward using the log-in and password information that as provided for you. This information was sent to you by email. You can also reset your password if you have forgotten that information. Please see screen shot below.

Once you open Family Access, you will see your child's name located in the top left-hand side next to the Skyward logo. If you have multiple students, there will be a drop-down menu with each student listed. If you should find that a student is missing, please call that child's school to have them added to your account. You will also find the following links/buttons on the top left-hand side (see below):

Missed passing a semester 1 class? Don’t worry — Act now! Connect with your counselor ASAP to enroll in credit recovery.

Why it’s important:
✔ Stay on track to meet graduation requirements.
✔ Avoid unnecessary stress during your senior year.

The sooner you enroll, the sooner you can recover your credits. Don’t delay—take the first step today!

Students interested in taking dual credit courses for the 2025-2026 school year may need to pass the TSIA2 exam as part of registering for those courses. Students may check with their counselor to see if they meet exemption requirements for a TSI waiver (i.e have a qualifying score on the SAT or ACT exam). The next TSIA2 exam administration will take place in person at DCHS on Friday, January 17th. (Additional TSIA2 test dates for 2025 are listed in the picture below).

Students who signed up for dual credit classes and would like to take the TSIA2 on January 17, 2025, you must complete the following requirements by January 13, 2025 at 4:15 pm:

*Click this link to view step-by step requirements

If you have any issues or need assistance, be sure to contact Dr. Nelson-Moy, DCHS Campus Testing Coordinator(D402) immediately.

Are you thinking about a career in the military or just want to explore your career options? The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a great tool to help you discover your strengths and interests, whether or not you're planning to enlist. If you're interested in taking the ASVAB, simply scan the QR code below to register. Don’t miss this chance to learn more about your future opportunities!

Volunteer Services City of GP

• Fish Creek Clean Up - January 25th
• Beacon Hill HOA Adopt-a-Stream Cleanup – January 18th
• The Big Event – March 22nd

Additional projects that are available:

• Fence replacement at Bush Community Garden – ready to schedule
• Turf installation at Cross Point Community Garden – waiting for irrigation installation to be scheduled
• Litter cleanup at parks
• Hauling off fallen tree branches at Cemetery
• General garden cleanup day

Available dates for additional projects:

• · January 4th or 11th
• · February 15th or 22nd
• · March 8th, 15th, or 29th
• · April 5th
• · May 3rd

More information: amaron@gptx.org or 469-515-9194 call/text.

Are you looking to stay organized with your community service hours? Use our Community Service Log to easily track and document all your volunteer activities! Keeping an accurate record of your hours is important for scholarship applications, college admissions, and service awards.

Download and start using the Community Service Log today to make sure you’re ready to showcase your dedication and impact. 🌟

#CommunityService #StayOrganized #VolunteerImpact

Your voice matters! GPISD’s See Something, Say Something initiative encourages students to speak up and report any concerns about safety, bullying, or mental health. Together, we can create a safe and supportive school community.

Check out these powerful videos created by Dubiski students:

• Suicide Prevention Video
• Bullying Prevention Video

Remember, if you see something, say something—it could make all the difference!

Freshmen, your journey to success starts here! The College & Career Road Map is your ultimate guide to navigating high school and setting yourself up for a bright future. Whether you’re dreaming of college, pursuing a career, or exploring other opportunities, this roadmap will keep you on track.

Here’s how you can use it:

• Freshmen: Start building strong study habits, join extracurriculars, and explore your interests. Begin planning your personal graduation path with your counselor.

Don’t wait— check out the College & Career Road Map now to map your way to success!

Counselors have received many inquiries about switching your Program of Study (Pathway). We truly understand your desire to be in a pathway that better aligns with your interest and goals. However, the opportunity to request a change will not be available until sometime in January! Counselors will provide all the details about the process and timeline, so stay tuned for more information—keep an eye out! 👀.

Sophomores, your journey to success starts here! The College & Career Road Map is your ultimate guide to navigating high school and setting yourself up for a bright future. Whether you’re dreaming of college, pursuing a career, or exploring other opportunities, this roadmap will keep you on track.

Here’s how you can use it:

• Sophomores: Take advantage of enrichment activities, research potential majors, and get a head start on test prep for ACT/SAT.

Don’t wait— check out the College & Career Road Map now to map your way to success!

• New Rule for ALL GPISD Schools beginning 25-26 school year:

• Students must meet college readiness standard by assessment in both Math and ELA to qualify for late arrival, early release, or office aide.

• College Readiness Assessments include the SAT, ACT, or TSIA2.

• You CAN mix-and-match amongst tests (i.e. have a qualifying ELA score on the SAT and a qualifying Math score on the ACT).

• Click the graphic above to learn about college readiness score requirements and ways you can prepare for college readiness assessments, specifically for the ACT, which you'll take at school on March 4th.

***Use the form below to upload your documentation for a Free Period.

Applications for the Bezos Scholars Program (BSP) are currently open for eligible juniors! This FREE, yearlong leadership development program is designed to inspire students to take initiative and lead positive change in their communities.

A combination of virtual and in-person opportunities are provide to students with the tools, training, and mentorship they need to grow into impactful leaders. Watch this short video to learn more.

The 3rd Annual PAVE Essay Contest and Scholarship Program encourages high school students to imagine the future with automated vehicles, and write a well-crafted essay about what this technology could mean for their communities. Each year, the contest is held in a different geographic area, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to Texas students for the 2024-2025 school year.

Check out the flyer for more information and how to apply! Deadline is February 28th.

Senior year is right around the corner—now is the time to start preparing for success! Our College & Career Resource Board is here to guide you every step of the way.

Explore resources that include:
✔ Steps for success as you plan for life after high school.
✔ Tools to help you discover your career interests.
✔ A guide to colleges offering direct admissions.
✔ Scholarship search tools to help fund your future.
✔ Tips on requesting letters of recommendation.
✔ Updates about senior year off-periods.

Click the picture to access the College & Career Resource Board and set yourself up for a successful transition to your senior year and beyond!

This application is required for your senior student to receive grants, loans, or work-study when they attend a college, university, or trade school after graduation. Completing a FAFSA or TASFA application is also a graduation requirement in the state of Texas.

Grand Prairie ISD invites you and your student to attend one of the four district financial aid workshops. These workshops will have over 20 staff members that will be on-site to assist you and your student in completing the application. Workshops are available to students from all seven GPISD high schools.

Register for a workshop here: https://forms.gle/cJVxHgZMUJS5aChT6

GPISD will be providing an opportunity for seniors to get their meningitis vaccine at a free on-site clinic during each of the Financial Aid Nights. Take advantage of this convenient opportunity while getting help with your financial aid process.

All entering college students are required to show evidence of an initial bacterial meningitis vaccine or a booster dose during the five-year period preceding, and at least 10 days prior to, the first day of the first semester in which the student initially enrolls at a higher education institution.

We are excited to share that UTA has raised the family income limit for Dallas County Promise last-dollar tuition grant eligibility to $100k!

1. The Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc Scholarships:

https://www.kappazpb.org/scholarship.html

2. 2025 FBI Citizens Academy Alumni Association Scholarship:

To complete the application online, please select: Online Scholarship Application Form

Scholarship and application can be accessed online here.

4. Commit to Roar Scholarship:

*Additional scholarship opportunities are available in our College & Career Newsletter (linked at the end of this newsletter).

5. PAVE Essay Contest

The 3rd Annual PAVE Essay Contest and Scholarship Program encourages high school students to imagine the future with automated vehicles, and write a well-crafted essay about what this technology could mean for their communities. Each year, the contest is held in a different geographic area, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to Texas students for the 2024-2025 school year.

Check out the flyer for more information and how to apply! Deadline is February 28th.

2990 South Highway 161

Grand Praire, Tx, 75052

https://www.gpisd.org/Domain/11979

Vision

The Vision of John A. Dubiski Career High School Counseling Department is to GUIDE students to their highest potential by CREATING self-disciplined, motivated and responsible learners who will be our FUTURE LEADERS that will respond to worldly issues and advocate for equity for humankind. The comprehensive school counseling program will focus on academic, career and social-emotional needs to support students’ college, career and military readiness.

Mission

The mission of the John A. Dubiski High School Counseling Services program, in partnership with other educators, parents/guardians and community stakeholders is to provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program that PROVIDES EQUITY AND ACCESS FOR ALL STUDENTS that addresses academic, social-emotional, and career development. The program ensures all students are self-directed, life-long learners who are college, career and military future-ready.