New Year, New Knowledge!

On January 14, the College Readiness and Health Services department teamed up to provide 12th grade students the opportunity to receive assistance in completing their financial aid application AND receiving their meningitis shot! There will be 4 events from January-February that will provide this opportunity to seniors in Grand Prairie ISD! See flyer with future dates under the College Readiness Corner. Don't miss out!

In Texas, 8th-grade students are required to select an Endorsement—a broad area of interest—to guide their high school education. There are five Endorsements to choose from:

• Arts & Humanities
• Business & Industry
• Multidisciplinary Studies
• Public Service
• STEM

Once an Endorsement is selected, students will choose a specific Program of Study within that category at a GPISD high school. Think of it this way: an Endorsement is like picking a general field of interest, such as STEM or Arts & Humanities. The Program of Study is a more specific focus within that field, like Health Science under Public Service or Automotive under Business & Industry.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity! Each campus is hosting a parent meeting where you can connect with middle and high school counselors; both ready to answer all of your questions.

Check out the dates and times for your campus below—we can’t wait to see you there!

• Travis WLA - January 22, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
• Jackson MS - January 28, 2025 - 5 pm - 6 pm
• Adams MS - January 29, 2025 - 5 pm - 6 pm
• Arnold MS - January 30, 2025 - 6 pm - 7:30 pm
• Truman MS - February 4, 2025 - 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Exciting times are ahead! Your students are currently meeting with their high school and middle school counselors to plan their courses for the 2025-2026 school year. Counselor chats are happening now through March 7th, so it's the perfect time to explore options and set goals. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your student’s campus counselor — we’re here to help!

Important Reminder "Report Cards were posted to the family portal on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 due to an extension provided to teachers after the inclement weather the previous week".

Happy New Year! January is a time full of fresh possibilities and exciting adventures. Many families use this month to set new goals and create vision boards for a brighter year ahead. It’s a wonderful opportunity to embrace change, and find new peace and joy as we move forward.

For students, January also offers a chance to reflect on their academic journey. As grades are posted for the first semester in GPISD, it's a great time to sit down with your student and talk about their strengths and areas where they can grow. Celebrate what they’re most proud of from the past semester and think about how they can continue to improve.

Together, set goals for how they can finish the school year strong. Discuss ways the whole family can support and encourage these goals. You might even create a weekly schedule to help everyone stay on track. Make sure to include family activities that tie into these goals, as well as reminders to keep up with consistency and self-motivation.

Wishing you a wonderful start to the year and lots of success with your goal setting!

Parent Grade Notification Setup

Parent Instructions to View Grades in Skyward

Armando, a returning AVID tutor and Grand Prairie ISD alumnus, currently attends University of Texas at Arlington. He is majoring in business management. As a former AVID student from 2019 to 2022, he credits the program for inspiring him to pursue his dream of becoming a first-generation college graduate.👨🏻‍🎓

AVID tutors play a crucial role in fostering student success by supporting the implementation of AVID strategies, especially during Tutorials and collaborative learning sessions. Their impact extends beyond academics, helping students build confidence, develop critical thinking, and cultivate the skills necessary for college and career readiness.👏🎉

AVID's WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) strategies are foundational for helping students develop critical skills for success in academic and real-world settings. Focusing on Collaboration, this element emphasizes working effectively with others to enhance learning, problem-solving, and communication.

AVID students are fostering college and career readiness by hosting a student-led college and career fair. They have researched careers of interest and will present their findings to staff and peers. Jackson aims to inspire students to start planning for success beyond high school. #GPISDAVIDBuildingGraduates

Mark your calendar to attend this annual, campus-wide open house that includes admissions presentations, college sessions, campus and facility tours and much more. Texas A&M offers students a world-class education and vibrant student life, all at an amazing value. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn more about joining the Aggie family!

You’re invited to join Texas A&M for the biggest open house of the year at Aggieland Saturday.

Bring your family for a fun-filled day in Aggieland to meet current students, tour dorms, visit libraries, explore labs and more. You can also learn more about our academics and the admission process, as well as financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

Registration link for students & families that would like to take a mini road trip to College Station :https://recruiter.tamu.edu/register/?id=1ca6f6f8-eb6c-4039-97fa-e39e6aee4a18

For questions or more information, please contact us.

At AVID, every student has the potential to excel. Through determination, collaboration, and a focus on growth, we provide the tools to unlock opportunities and drive success in school and beyond. 💡🎓

From critical thinking to college readiness, AVID students have the skills to navigate and thrive in an ever-changing world. 🌍✨

🔹 Are you ready to make your future brighter?
🔹 Looking for ways to set goals, stay organized, and push beyond your limits?
Join the GPISD AVIDFamily today and be a part of something BIG. 💪💙

👉 Apply now using the link or QR Code: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeq49wshQ6cAXd4spWdluUqphJxclPI4InyWDhISyktUTwRvQ/viewform

Event Date: Saturday, January 25th

Event Time: 7:30AM - 3:30PM (shifts are available, if they cannot stay the entire day)

Event Location: Reagan Middle School (GYM/Cafeteria area)

Event Administrator: Reeves(provide training the day of event & sign-in/out sheet, etc.)

Student Attire: NHS, TAFE or AVID shirts, jeans and tennis shoes are fine (just keep in mind professionalism) we will have guests from other districts and states visiting and this is GPISD's first event in 10 years hosting.

Student Stations: DJ, Bouncers, Ushers, Runners, Timekeepers (we will assign students)

Student Expectations: Professional at all times. We are hosting this event, and we will have several in attendance: Lego League Administrators, and District peeps from GPISD and other campus from other districts and states, as well as other organizations will be present.

**At this time no food or drink is provided, however they will receive a break. If it changes I will communicate that information.

link for volunteer sign up: https://forms.gle/2gfhKJ99JY3zFqGH8

• Fish Creek Clean Up - January 25th
• The Big Event – March 22nd

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

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.

FREE MENINGITIS SHOT AVAILABLE

Additionally, you can receive your meningitis shot during the event! An up-to-date meningitis vaccination is a requirement if you plan to enroll in a college or university. This opportunity is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't miss out!

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

The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form will be available to the public on or before Dec. 1, 2024.

How To Prepare for the 2025–26 FAFSA® Form

Prepare now so you can complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form as soon as it’s available on or before Dec. 1, 2024.

Here are some ways you can get ready:

• Create a StudentAid.gov account (if you don’t already have one).

• Learn about the documents you may need to fill out the FAFSA form.

• Determine your dependency status and whether your parent(s) or spouse will be required to contribute information on your FAFSA form.

• If you’re a dependent student, use the Who’s My FAFSA Parent? wizard to identify which parent(s) will be a required contributor on your form.

This scholarship will be awarded to two senior girls who will be graduating from a Grand Prairie ISD high school at the end of the 2024-2025 school year who are planning on entering the teaching profession. Guidelines to be considered in selecting the recipients may include character, need, academic achievement, school, and community activities, as well as sincerity and strength of the answers submitted. The scholarship recipient must enroll in an accredited college or university by the following September after being awarded this scholarship in May. The Alpha Delta Kappa treasurer will make the check payable to the recipient upon receipt of proof of enrollment from the college of the recipient.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 21, 2025 at 11:59pm.

Download the application below!

The Grand Prairie ISD CTE Advisory Board is proud to announce scholarship opportunities for Career and Technical Education Seniors in the Class of 2025.

General Eligibility:

All graduating seniors regardless of race, religion, or gender are eligible for consideration upon submission of a completed application. Students must have completed a minimum of three (3) CTE courses.

Award:

Scholarship payment will be sent directly to the student’s chosen institution as a credit toward the student’s account. The amount of the scholarship will depend upon funds raised and funds directed through the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

This month, we’re tackling the mental challenges athletes face as the new year begins. From managing stress to staying balanced, we’ve got tips and tools to help you stay strong and focused. Your mental health matters just as much as your performance.

Click here to check out this month’s newsletter!

Becoming a college student-athlete is an exciting journey that takes lots of planning, practice, and dedication. For student-athletes, the planning process can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not sure where to begin. A great first step is to set up a free starter account with the NCAA Eligibility Center. This will give you the foundation to start planning your future as a student-athlete.

Once your account is set up, it's important to create an academic plan with achievable goals that will help your student not only earn an athletic scholarship, but also an academic scholarship. Colleges today are looking for well-rounded students—athletes who excel in their sport and also maintain strong academic performance.

In the link below, you’ll find helpful information about the subjects the NCAA considers when reviewing student-athletes. Use this guide to help create a plan that balances both athletic and academic success for your student-athlete.

We wish you all the best as you start this exciting journey toward college athletics!

Dear Grand Prairie Families,

We are excited to announce the upcoming Grand Prairie Family Resource Fair, taking place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at South Grand Prairie High School, The Alexander Building, 301 W. Warrior Trail, Grand Prairie, TX 75052.

This event is designed to connect families in our community with valuable resources and services that can enhance their well-being and quality of life.

We have moved from DialCare to Call4Care to help students facing behavioral or emotional concerns, including depression, anxiety, grief, bullying, and self-esteem issues. These services are provided to students in Kindergarten-12 grade. Call4Care provides other opportunities for family needs, like food, clothes/uniforms, and supplies/hygiene products. To get started, please call (972) 522-7070.

Visit the College & Career Hub website today!

Education Center

2602 S Beltline Road Grand Prairie, Texas 75052

Jereese H. Johnson

Email: jereese.johnson@gpisd.org

Patricia Calahan

Email: patricia.calahan@gpisd.org

Dr. Holly Mohler

Email: holly.mohler@gpisd.org

Ana Gonzalez

Email: ana.gonzalez@gpisd.org

Melissa Rodriguez

Email: melissa.rodriguez@gpisd.org

Website: https://www.gpisd.org/Page/42249
Twitter: @GPCollegeReady