Let’s come together this October for Bullying Prevention Month and make our school a place where everyone feels safe and respected. All month long, we’ll be spreading kindness, encouraging respect, and raising awareness about the impact of bullying. We’re also inviting students and staff to join in on the activities scheduled throughout the month to show support for the cause.

October is the perfect time to check in with yourself and give your attitude a positivity boost! With school, work, and life in general, it's easy to let stress take over. But did you know that keeping a positive outlook can help you tackle challenges, stay focused, and even feel healthier? Yes, its true! A positive mindset enhances emotional well-being by reducing feelings of anxiety and depression, while fostering optimism and self-confidence. Over time, maintaining a positive attitude contributes to a more balanced, peaceful mental state, allowing us to approach life with a sense of gratitude, purpose, and fulfillment. This month, let's try to focus on the little things that can make a big difference—like finding something to be grateful for each day, celebrating small wins, or simply taking a moment to breathe when things get overwhelming. A positive attitude won’t change everything, but it will change how you handle everything!

Since October is Positive Attitude Month, we have put together a 7-day challenge to help you shift your mindset towards positivity through daily mindful practices. Each day includes a simple task that encourages you to reflect on and embrace positive thinking.

Day 1: Gratitude Awareness

Task: Start your day by writing down three things you're grateful for. Focus on both big and small aspects of your life. As you go through the day, notice how this mindset shift impacts your attitude.

Reflection: How does expressing gratitude affect your outlook and interactions today?

Day 2: Positive Self-Talk

Task: Monitor your inner dialogue throughout the day. Each time you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause, and reframe the thought into something positive.

Example: If you think, "I can't do this," shift it to, "I'm learning and improving every day."

Reflection: How does changing your inner dialogue make you feel?

Day 3: Compliment Others

Task: Make it a point to give genuine compliments to at least three people today. Be mindful of their reactions and how giving positivity to others impacts your mood.

Reflection: How did spreading positivity to others affect your own energy?

Day 4: Mindful Breathing with Positivity

Task:Set aside 5–10 minutes for a mindfulness breathing session. As you breathe in, visualize yourself inhaling positivity and light. As you breathe out, release any negativity.

Reflection: Did the mindfulness breathing leave you feeling more centered and uplifted?

Day 5: Positive Affirmations

Task: Create a list of five positive affirmations that resonate with you. Say these aloud or in your mind multiple times throughout the day. Examples:

- "I am worthy of love and happiness."

- "I choose to see the good in every situation."

Reflection: How did affirming these statements influence your mood and self-perception?

Day 6: Focus on Solutions

Task: If you face any challenges or frustrations today, practice solution-focused thinking. Instead of dwelling on the problem, ask yourself, "What can I do to make this better?"

Reflection: How did focusing on solutions instead of problems improve your mental outlook?

Day 7: Positive Visualization

Task: Spend 10 minutes visualizing a future event going perfectly well. Imagine yourself feeling confident, happy, and successful.

Reflection: How did this visualization make you feel about the future.

Do you ever feel like your study habits just aren’t cutting it? Wondering what you could do to perform better in class and on exams? You’re not alone! Studying smarter—not harder—can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you step up your game:

1. Space It Out – Cramming the night before? Bad idea. Instead, spread your study sessions over several days or weeks. Little bits each day can help the info stick better.
2. Mix It Up – Don’t just focus on one subject for hours. Try mixing subjects or topics during your study session. It keeps things fresh and helps your brain stay active.
3. Test Yourself – Quizzing yourself or using flashcards is a great way to prepare for exams. Practice recalling the information instead of just reading over notes.
4. Teach Someone – Teaching a friend or explaining what you’ve learned out loud is a great way to check if you really understand the material.
5. Stay Active – Change up your study environment. Sitting in the same place for hours can lead to burnout. A short walk or a new study spot can help re-energize you.

Try these strategies and see how they work for you! By studying smarter, you’ll save time, stress less, and increase your productivity as a student.

October 1st -4th

• Junior Chats & Course Selection (during English)

October 1st & 2nd

• Senior Portraits (Sem A/B)

October 2nd

• Letterman Jacket sizing during all lunch periods (select juniors)

October 3rd

• Future Ready College Application Workshop, 6:00-7:30 PM (@ DCHS)

October 4th

October 8th

• Pre-Act (10th) & NMSQT Testing (select juniors)

• Final deadline for Letterman Jacket orders
• Spooky Story Night, 6:008:00 PM

October 13th-19th

• HOCO Spirit Week

October 17th

• Grade Level Panoramic Pictures

October 19th

• Homecoming Dance, 6:00-9:00 PM

• Fall Festival, 6:00-9:00 PM

Student Council and Jag Drama are hosting our 2nd annual DCHS Spooky Story Night on October 11th from 6-8 p.m. This year, we are taking things to the next level and have invited elementary schools in the district. The information went out to these schools yesterday, and we have already had 50 elementary-age students sign up. If you are the sponsor/advisor of a CTSO or club, feel free to share the signup link with your kids. This is a great volunteer opportunity.

https://forms.gle/kYvT9q4tPxrtNXHNA

October 15th is the last College On The Go session for Grand Prairie! Everything you need to begin planning for college, including financial aid, scholarships, college and career choices, will be covered! Students receive a free College Blueprint booklet! College On The Go will be held at the Grand Prairie Public Library in the Educate room at 5:30PM. RSVP here! https://forms.gle/m5F6Wi5MFRJ674ns5

Lights, camera, action! Red Ribbon Week is coming up from October 21-25, and this year’s theme is “Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free!” We’re rolling out the red carpet and inviting you to be the star of your own story by making choices that lead to a healthy, drug-free life. Each day of the week will feature fun themed activities to help spread the message. Events include stress ball giveaways, educational videos, a natural high activity, games, and a handprint pledge to stay drug-free. Let’s make this week an award-winning hit by staying drug-free!

This year there is an Art contest AND a Reel contest! See the flyer for details and make sure to tag Dubiski! @DubiskiJaguars @DubiskiCounsel @GPISDCounseling

Looking to give back to the community and earn some volunteer hours? The Woods United Methodist Church needs your help unloading pumpkins for their annual Pumpkin Patch!

📅 Date: October 5
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Location: The Woods United Methodist Church, 1350 Bardin Rd, Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Help is needed to unload the truck, manage pumpkin sales, and ensure the patch stays in great shape. Volunteers will receive a letter confirming their service hours.

Contact Oscar Hamm at 214-587-4080 for more details. Get involved and make a difference!

Join Young Leaders, Strong City and student leaders across the DFW to learn how you can create change and bring equity to your school, community, and beyond. Food, drinks, and community service hours are provided!

Why Students Should Attend

1. Your voice matters. This is a space to learn how to use it as an instrument for change.
2. Students are experts on the education experience and too often left out of important conversations. We want to change that.
3. We all have a lot to learn about each others' race, culture, religion, disability status, and so much more. YLSC curates a safe space to learn, share, and grow.

Workshop Topics

• Advocacy & Organizing
• Body Positivity
• Colorism
• Community Building
• Immigration
• Environmental Justice
• imposter Syndrome
• Intersectionality
• Storytelling

Click on either picture above for more information and to register!

Have Questions?

Email info@ylscmovement.com or call Amber Sims at (214)470-4097!

We are excited to announce our new Call 4 Care initiative, allowing parents to call 972-522-7070 for assistance with mental health, food, clothing, and other essential needs. The Counseling Center provides support for students facing behavioral or emotional concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief, and self-esteem issues, with services offered both in-person and virtually. Also, the Social Work Hub offers clothing, uniform support, and food assistance, including monthly food boxes and extra meals during holidays.

We also provide school supplies, hygiene products, and other items to assist families at home. If your family needs support in any of these areas, please do not hesitate to reach out through Call 4 Care at 972-522-7070 or visit our website www.gpisd.org/Call4Care if your family needs assistance.

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!

"Hey Freshmen! As we are nearing the end of the 1st 9-weeks, it’s totally normal to feel like things haven’t quite fallen into place yet. Maybe you’re still adjusting to the high school workload, haven’t fully grasped a tough concept, or are struggling to make new friends. These challenges can feel overwhelming, but remember—you’re not there yet. The Power of Yet means recognizing that you’re still growing and improving, and that with time and effort, you’ll get where you want to be.

Here are a few ways to incorporate 'not yet' into your mindset:

• Shift your self-talk: Instead of saying 'I can’t do this,' say 'I can’t do this yet.' This small change reminds you that improvement is always possible.
• Ask for help: Struggling doesn’t mean failure. Seek out teachers, counselors, or friends when you need guidance. We’re here to support you.
• Celebrate progress: Focus on what you’ve learned so far, not just the final result. Small steps forward are still steps forward!
• Keep practicing: Just because something is hard now doesn’t mean it will always be. Practice, review, and keep trying—you’ll get there.

Remember, challenges are opportunities for growth. Keep pushing, keep learning, and keep believing in yourself!"

"Hey Sophomores! On October 21-25, counselors will be meeting with each of you for Sophomore Chats. During these meetings, we’ll discuss your plans for after high school and help you choose your junior year classes for the 2025-2026 school year.

To make the most of our time together, be sure to complete the Future Planning Worksheet before your meeting - this is mandatory! This will help you think through your goals and ensure you're ready to dive into the conversation. We’re excited to hear your ideas and help you map out your next steps!"

Counselors have begin meeting with students individually during English III classes to review four-year plans and assist them with selecting their senior year classes. Parents, please check in with your student and ask them about their chat and the courses they've selected. If you have any questions, please contact your child's counselor.

Please click on our Course Registration Newsletter for additional information and resources about the course selection process.

Juniors! If you're planning to take the SAT soon, now’s the perfect time to start preparing. Dedicate your fall semester to study sessions, practice tests, and brushing up on key skills. Breaking up your study time over the next few months will help you feel more confident and prepared when test day arrives. Need study tips or resources? We’ve got you covered—check out the bootcamp opportunity below, designed to help you get ready to crush it!"

Hey seniors! We loved meeting with each of you during our Senior Chats and hearing about your post-graduation goals. Now, it’s time to start turning those dreams into reality! Whether you're planning to attend college, enter the workforce, or pursue other opportunities, it’s important to start taking action steps now. To help you stay organized, we’re providing a Target College List Worksheet — a handy tool from Going Merry to help you create and organize the list of colleges you want to apply to. Be sure to download it and get started. If you need any help along the way, we’re here for you! Let’s make it happen!

Just want to learn tips and tricks for college applications? Join the College Readiness team on October 3 from 6:00-7:30 PM at Dubiski Career High School for the first Future Ready workshop! High school students will learn what to expect during the college application process and how to submit applications. Seniors will also get the chance to apply to a college on-site! Don’t miss out! We will have activities and information for all HS grade levels! Parents and students are encouraged to attend.

Register here: https://forms.gle/SFYMh5faeSh8q7FT7

We are excited to announce a new recognition program for our graduating seniors. Students who have earned *specific benchmarks on college readiness tests will be eligible to receive honor cords at graduation. To qualify for these cords, students must meet the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) testing standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. These testing standards can only be met through the ACT, SAT, or the TSIA2 exams. Importantly, students do not need to meet the TSI standards for both subjects on a single test. For example, a student could achieve the ELA standard on the SAT and the Math standard on the TSIA2 exam. Check with your counselor, college advisor, and senior sponsor to see your status towards earning this honor cord.

GPISD has all test scores taken in the district, but if you have taken an exam outside of the district, we may not have those scores. Use this link to report scores taken outside of the district. Please upload the entire score report that shows both the score and the student's identifying information.

Additionally, we are proud to honor students who have committed to serving our country. Students who are enlisting in the military will be eligible to receive an honor cord upon submission of a completed DD4 form. This is a way for us to recognize the dedication and commitment of these students to the nation's service. Use this link to report military enlistment through a completed DD4 form.

We believe these honor cords will be a meaningful acknowledgment of the hard work and achievements of our students. They symbolize not only academic readiness for college but also a commitment to serving and contributing to our community and country. We look forward to celebrating these accomplishments with you at graduation.

**For any questions regarding these honor cords please contact/direct others to Holly Mohler, Director of College, Career, and Military Readiness Outcomes at Holly.Mohler@gpisd.org.

Check out the upcoming testing dates below or talk to your counselor to find out how to register. Don’t miss out on the benefits the ACT can offer—let's get you prepared and ready!

The Metro DFW Alumni Chapter of Grambling State University is thrilled to offer your students the chance to attend Grambling State University’s Annual High School Day on Saturday, November 9, 2024. This trip is a valuable opportunity for students to experience the vibrant culture of an HBCU firsthand and explore their future possibilities.

Campus visits are essential in helping students discover all their college options and see what’s truly possible for their futures. During Grambling’s High School Day, students will tour the campus, learn about over 40 degree programs, attend the football game, (Grambling vs. Alabama State University), and experience the dynamic energy of the World Famed Tiger Marching Band and other student performers — all while connecting with the #GramFam community.

Parents, guardians, and school staff are welcome to join us for this exciting day! The cost of the trip is $100, which includes round-trip bus transportation, lunch, a game ticket, and a custom t-shirt. See the flyer with all the details, including how to sign up.

If you require a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, college application, or other educational opportunity, please message your Counselor at least TWO weeks prior to the application deadline. This will allow processing time for counselor's to fulfill your request.

You will need to complete your Brag Sheet and attach it to the email to your counselor, along with your Resume, if you have one. The information provided on your brag sheet will allow your counselor to write a comprehensive and detailed counselor recommendation letter. The content of your recommendation letter can have a great impact on your admittance into your college/university of choice or the scholarship to which you are applying. Counselor requests on Common App will NOT be completed until a Brag Sheet is completed!

COUNSELORS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO WRITE LETTERS OVER EXTENDED BREAKS, SO IT'S IMPORTANT TO PLAN AHEAD!

GPISD is integrating Xello with Common App. This means you can link your Common App account with Xello to request forms from your counselor and recommendations from your teachers. If you are applying to a university using Common Application, Make sure you follow the steps below to link your accounts.

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.