November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate and honor the rich and diverse ancestry, culture, history, and contributions of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities. Across the country, the month is recognized with community gatherings, festivals, and educational events, providing an opportunity to learn about the unique traditions, languages, and challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present day.

At Dubiski Career High School, we proudly celebrate the history and traditions of Native peoples, while also honoring our Native American students, families, and staff. This month and always, we acknowledge and appreciate their vital presence in our school community!

November is often a time where we reflect on our year and identify what we are grateful for! Did you know that practicing gratitude offers several mental health benefits? It helps improve mood by fostering positive emotions, reducing stress, and diminishing feelings of anxiety and depression. Regularly acknowledging things you are thankful for can enhance self-esteem, increase resilience in difficult situations, and promote a more optimistic outlook on life. Gratitude also strengthens social connections, as it encourages empathy and fosters deeper relationships. Overall, it cultivates a sense of well-being and contentment, improving both mental and emotional health.

Because of the many mental health benefits gratitude offers, we challenge you to practice gratitude daily this month. The calendar below offers a sample gratitude prompt each day for you.

🚀 Ready to level up your study game? Check out these game-changing tips to help you focus better and study smarter! From managing distractions to embracing challenges, these strategies will transform your study routine and build effect study habits to set you up for success. 💪✨

Boost your productivity with these practical tips:

1. Focus on One Task: Multitasking slows you down. Complete one assignment before moving to the next.
2. Plan Your Time: Schedule homework like an event. Don’t leave tasks to chance!
3. Study Actively: Use active recall techniques instead of just reviewing notes.
4. Utilize Free Periods: Make the most of any downtime during the school day for homework.
5. Put Away Your Phone: Eliminate distractions by keeping your phone in another room.
6. Choose Music Wisely: Opt for instrumental music to enhance focus.
7. Limit Browser Tabs: Keep only necessary tabs open to avoid distractions.
8. Start Without Motivation: Don’t wait for motivation—get started, and it will follow.
9. Recognize When You Zone Out: Catch yourself when you lose focus and redirect your attention.
10. Accept Challenges: Understand that hard tasks can be difficult; embrace the effort needed.

Implement these tips now for a more productive study routine! For more details, check out School Habits.

Do you need to contact one of your teachers? Taking the time to write a well-crafted email shows your teacher that you’re responsible and thoughtful. It also makes it easier for them to assist you! Make sure your message is clear, polite, and effective by following the graphic below on how to compose your email properly!

November 11

• Veteran's Day
• Green Light Training - Sophomores, 9:15 - 12:20 (Cafeteria)

November 11-15

• College & Career Week

November 12

• Senior Parent Meeting, 6:00 - 7:30 (DCHS Cafeteria)

November 13

• National Kindness Day

November 15

• TSIA2 Testing (select students)

November 18-19

• Fall Picture Day

November 15-22

• Freshman Chats & Course Selection

• Thanksgiving Holiday

December 2

• Last Day to Request Changes to Your 2025-2026 Course Selections!

If you’re participating in club sports and aiming to take your game to the next level, join the NCAA Eligibility Center staff on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern time to learn about NCAA eligibility requirements and how to prepare for certification. They will guide you through the steps to compete at the NCAA Division I, II, or III level and answer your questions live. Don’t miss this chance to set yourself up for success in collegiate athletics! Click here to register and get ready to elevate your game!

👩‍🎓 Calling all female students in grades 9-12! 👩‍🎓 Join us for the YES Conference (Youth + Education = Success) on Saturday, December 7th, from 9 AM - 12:30 PM!

📍 Location: SGPHS Alexander Building: 305 W. Warrior Trail.

Experience an inspiring day with dynamic speakers from a variety of professions and earn a certificate for 4 hours of community service! 💡

🚨 Note: Transportation will not be provided, but we’ve got you covered with breakfast and lunch! 🍳🥗

🔗 Register now!

(Registration is limited to 50 respondents on a first-come, first-served basis!)

Don’t miss this chance to learn, grow, and connect! 💪 #YESConference #GirlPower #CommunityService

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

1. Chicken & Pickle would LOVE for some Dubiski students to help decorate a small space for the holidays! This is a fun and festive way for our students to give back, show off their creativity, and earn volunteer hours.

🗓 When: Sunday, 11/17
⏰ Time: 12 PM - 2 PM

Interested students can reach out to Meredith Hosey directly at 214-507-0312.

Let’s spread the word and help make this a memorable experience for our students and the community! 🎅✨

Letters were sent home (last week and this week) with specific students who failed one or more courses required for graduation for the first 9-week grading period. If your student received a letter, it’s important to take action now to get back on track.

We strongly encourage students to reach out to their teachers for assistance, ask for help when needed, and attend tutorials to catch up on coursework. Additionally, our counselors are available to meet with students for academic goal-setting and to offer valuable time-management and organization tips.

We’re here to support every student’s success! Let’s work together to finish strong! 💪📚 #AcademicSuccess #StayOnTrack

NEED TO TAKE THE TSIA2 FOR DUAL CREDIT?

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). TSI exam administration will take place in person at DCHS for our students on Friday, November 15.

Students interested in taking the TSIA2 on November 15, 2024 Must Complete the following requirements by November 11, 2024:

1. Take the PRE-TEST then Complete Mastery Prep lessons for each subject (ELAR/Math) that you are requesting to take the TSIA2. Mastery Prep can be accessed through Clever and then selecting the Mastery Prep icon. Be sure to select STUDY PLAN and TSIA2 in the drop down box options in the top right corner.

3. Create an ACCUPLACER account and complete the required Pre Assessment Activity (PAA).

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

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Transcripts for all 10-12 grade students are now available in their Skyward Student/Family Portal.

You can access and view your transcript with a few quick steps:

• Log into Skyward
• Click Open Student/Family Access
• Select Important Documents.
• Click on the Description for "Dubiski's Unofficial Transcripts 24-25"

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! On November 15 and 18-22, counselors will be meeting with each of you for Freshmen Chats. During these meetings, we’ll discuss your plans for after high school and help you choose your sophomore 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!"

We get it—high school can feel repetitive and exhausting at times, but staying focused and committed to your goals is crucial! Avoid the “sophomore slump” by continuing to work hard and keep your grades up.

Remember, your grades and class rank are key factors in college admissions, and your future self will thank you for the effort you put in now. If you find yourself struggling or feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help! Your teachers and counselors are here to support you.

Stay motivated and keep pushing forward! You’ve got this! 💪🎓 #SophomoreSuccess #StayFocused #FutureGoals

If you haven’t started taking college seriously yet, and you know you want to attend, now is the time to get focused! This is your third year preparing your GPA for college. By the end of the first semester, your GPA will be at the crucial midpoint for college admissions.

🔍 Why is this important? Most colleges base their admission decisions on your cumulative GPA at the end of 11th grade. When you’re a senior, your first semester grades won’t be available until January, so your academic record from 9th to 11th grade is what they’ll review.

If you’ve drifted off course, take this as your wake-up call to get things back on track! Your grades and course choices should reflect the dedicated, hardworking student you’re becoming. Colleges are looking for students who excel academically, and your record can show that you’re ready for the challenge!

Keep pushing forward—your future self will thank you! 🎓✨ #CollegePrep #JuniorYear #GPA #StayFocused

The STARS Summer Research Program is an amazing opportunity for students and teachers to dive into hands-on research! This eight-week, non-residential program allows participants to work side by side with a faculty host in a research laboratory. You’ll gain valuable experience, explore real-world scientific problems, and receive a paid stipend for your contributions.

At the end of the summer, participants will present their research findings, showcasing what they’ve learned and discovered. This program is a great way to build your research skills, network with professionals, and strengthen your resume!

If interested in learning about this opportunity, scan the QR code to sign-up!

November is National Scholarship Month, a time to raise awareness of scholarship opportunities for current and future college students. November is the perfect time to focus on funding your future! Scholarships can help lighten the financial load of college, and there are so many out there waiting for YOU. This month, we’ll be sharing tips, deadlines, and resources to help you find and apply for scholarships that fit your goals.

Use the links below, research some scholarships, and get your free money for the future!

• Bold.org
  
• Cappex
  
• College Board
• CareerOneStop
• Fastweb
• Going Merry
• Niche
  
• Peterson’s
• RaiseMe
• Scholarships.com
• Scholarship Junkies
• Scholly

Stay proactive, stay organized, and keep an eye out for new opportunities. Your future self will thank you! 💡✨ #NationalScholarshipMonth #SeniorSuccess #FundingYourFuture

Received a scholarship? Don't forget to report it here!

Interested in an HBCU but not sure where to look? Check out this search tool that allows you to search by major. http://thehundred-seven.org/matchme.php

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.

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.

🎉👏 Congratulations to Michelle Thomas, the winner of our Red Ribbon Week Poster Contest! 🎨✨ Your creativity truly stood out. Thank you for inspiring our school community to make healthy, drug-free choices!

Way to go, Michelle! 🎊 #RedRibbonWeek2024 #PosterContestWinner #HealthyChoices

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.