
GPCI Counseling Services Department
January - February, 2022
Greetings GPCI Scholars and Families,
I hope everyone had a great break and a happy new years. During the month of January we have been focusing on academic chats and course registration, along with a review on bully/suicide prevention. Please see the information below. Also, February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, Mrs. Robb will be teaching a guidance lesson on Healthy Relationships and Teen Dating Violence. If you would like more information or extra resources please check out my resources section below, or check out GPISD's AMAZING Family and Community Engagement Department (plus the trainings count as Parent University Credit).
XELLO 2nd Lesson is DUE February 1st. Please check with your scholar to see if they have completed it.
Below is very important information regarding Academic Chats/Course Registration for the 2022-2023 school year and Xello Access for Parents. Please see the Course Overview for specific courses offered.
Academic Chats/Course Registration
HS Parents I have been meeting with your scholars to review their current academics, any supports needed, grades, transcripts and register them for courses for next school year. Your scholar will be bringing home a sheet to have you sign. Please review it, sign and have your scholar bring it back to the main office. If you have questions, please contact me.
Current 8th grade parents- Mrs. Robb met with your 8th graders during X-factor to have them put in their core classes in Xello. If your scholar is staying at GPCI she will meet with them individually to review their core class selection and advise them on their electives (this will happen yearly). If they are leaving GPCI, the counselor at their new HS will meet with them to make their schedules.
Current 7th grade parents- Mrs. Robb will meet with your scholars in their AVID class February 7-11 to choose their courses for 8th grade. If they are leaving GPCI, the counselor at their new school will meet with them to make their schedules.
Current 6th grade parents- Your scholar will be given a handout that will show the courses they will be taking in 7th grade. If they are leaving GPCI, the counselor at their new school will meet with them to make their schedules.
Parents click on this link to see your scholar's course requests (8-12 grade only) for next year, Xello Lesson progress and post-secondary information.
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, so Mrs. Robb will be teaching a guidance lesson on Healthy Relationships and Teen Dating Violence during lunches.
Finally, at GPCI we are wanting everyone to feel included, seen and valued...we are doing this by normalizing two phrases 1) Are you okay? 2) I'm here for you. Students and staff are encouraged to say this to people in their lives at school, at home and in their community.
As always, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Mrs. Robb, M.Ed
School Counselor
972-343-3151
January and February Dates
- January 21-28- See Something, Say Something- Cafeteria Presentations, Announcements, Coping Skills Handout
- January 28th- GPCI Pathway Showcase to 6th and 7th graders in X-Factor
- February 1- 2nd Xello Lesson Due
- February 14-17- Healthy Relationships and Teen Dating Violence Presentation in Lunches
- February 7-11- GPCI 7th grade scholars select their courses for 22-23 school year.
COLLEGE AND CAREER PLANNING
Dual Credit
Scholars, to be successful in your dual credit courses. Please make sure you do not procrastinate and ask for help from the professor when needed.
Your dual credit grades are in blackboard, so it is a good practice is to look at them every time you go into blackboard.
Important Links and Resources For College and Career Planning
Financial Aid Checklists
- Middle School Financial Aid Checklist
- 9th Grade Financial Aid Checklist
- 10th Grade Financial Aid Checklist
- 11th Grade Financial Aid Checklist
- 12th Grade Financial Aid Checklist
College Preparation Checklists
- Middle School College Planning Checklist
- 9th Grade College Planning Checklist
- 10th Grade College Planning Checklist
- 11th Grade College Planning Checklist
- 12th Grade College Planning Checklist
HS Scholars taking On-Ramps Courses
Students who earn and accept college credit in an OnRamps course may request a transcript from UT Austin's Office of the Registrar, Transcript Services three months following the end of their course. Students will not automatically receive a transcript. Transcripts are not available for courses in progress, courses that were dropped, or courses for which the student elected not to claim credit.
Students must wait until the final course grade is recorded with the Office of the Registrar before ordering a transcript. Students may use the Registrar's See My Grades application to confirm their course grade is posted to their UT Austin transcript.
After the 3 month period, OnRamps students who are unable to order online may complete the transcript order form and email it to transcripts@austin.utexas.edu; or fax it to 512-475-7681. The Registrar charges $20 for each transcript requested.
SENIORS
- Complete applications for colleges/universities through Xello.
- Link your Common App. to your Xello Account
- All Transcript requests must be done through Xello. If college/university does not accept through Xello, go to your College Portal and request the transcript get sent that way.
- Have copies of your most recent GPISD (Skyward), Dallas College and University of Texas-Austin Transcript.
Dallas College- https://www.dallascollege.edu/resources/transcripts/pages/electronic.aspx
UT-Austin- https://enterprise.login.utexas.edu/idp/profile/SAML2/Redirect/SSO?execution=e1s2
Monthly Scholarships
2022 KPMG Future Leaders Program Application*
Description: The KPMG Future Leaders Program is a charitable initiative focused on developing future generations of women leaders. Funded by proceeds from the KPMG Women's PGA Championship and KPMG Women's Leadership Summit, the KPMG Future Leaders Program annually awards twenty-two top female high school seniors the opportunity to enhance their personal growth through college scholarships, a leadership development retreat, mentorship, and an introduction to golf. The program's main purpose is to help young women continue to build a strong foundation and instill the confidence and leadership ability they need to succeed in college and ultimately in their long-term careers.
Amount: $10,000. annual scholarship for 4 years
Closing Date: February 1
Website: Developing Future Generations of Women Leaders (kpmg.us
Association of Women in Mathematics Essay Contest*
Description: Essay based primarily on an interview conducted with a woman currently working in or retired from a mathematical career.
Amount: Monetary amount varies, publishing opportunities, doesn’t have to be used for school.
Closing Date: February 1
Website: https://awm-math.org/awards/student-essay-contest/
Engineer Girl Writing Contest
Description: Write an informative essay about how engineering can help humanity meet one of the Sustainable Development Goals. Open for students grades 3 – 12.
Amount: Up to $500
Closing Date: February 1
Website: EngineerGirl - EngineerGirl Writing Contest
ScholarShot*
Description: College completion program providing financial support, advisement and mentoring. Students residing in Dallas County and adjacent counties may apply. Must be a Senior. No GPA requirement.
Amount: Varies according to in state institution. Up to $3,000./yr. for 2 year & $6,000./year for 4 year
Closing Date: February 1
Website: About Us | ScholarShot
John Lennon Scholarships*
Description: This scholarship honors the memory of John Lennon. Submissions are based on best original songs in any music musical genre. Refer to criteria for additional information.
Amount: Three scholarships totaling $20,000.
Closing Date: February 4
Website: BMIfoundation.org
Jimmy Rane Foundation Scholarships*
Description: for students who exhibit academic excellence, leadership skills and community involvement as well as activities, awards and honors, and who have a demonstrated financial need in order to attend college. They must demonstrate their desire and ability to overcome barriers and to achieve their goals. Minimum GPA 2.75. Must be US citizen or Permanent Legal Resident.
Amount: Varies ranges from $500.-$5,000./year
Closing Date: February 7
Website: About — Jimmy Rane Foundation
Davidson Fellows Scholarship*
Description: For students 18 years old or under, who have completed a significant piece of work. Application categories are Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Literature, Music, Philosophy and Outside the Box.
Amount: $50,000, $25,000 and $10,000 scholarships
Closing Date: February 9
Website: Scholarships for Gifted Students | Davidson Fellows (davidsongifted.org
Hispanic Scholarship Fund*
Description: must be of Hispanic heritage, US Citizen, permanent legal resident or DACA, have a minimum of 3.0 and plan to enroll full-time in a four-year university or graduate program. See website for additional eligibility requirements. Note, Austin, Dallas students are eligible.
Amount: $500.-$5,000.
Closing Date: February 15
Website: HSF: Scholarship
Texas Jaycee Foundation Program
Description: Students wishing to enroll in a Texas College, University or Technical School. Must be a US Citizen or permanent legal resident of the State of Texas.
Amount: Up to $1,000.
Closing Date: February 15
Website: Texas Jaycee Foundation
Columbus Citizens Foundation (CCF) Scholarship Program*
Description: Scholarship is open to elementary school, middle school, high school, undergraduate, and graduate students of Italian descent (at least 25% Italian). Applicants must have financial need and at least a 3.5 GPA (for high school and college students).
Amount: Four-year scholarship.
Closing Date: February 21
Website: Home - (columbuscitizens.org)
2022 Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship by P.L.A.Y. (petplay.com)
Description: Must be a Senior and open to US residents. Submit an essay with 2-3 photos of volunteer efforts to help animals in need and how that involvement has changed their lives.
Amount: $200.-$1,500.
Closing Date: February 28
Website: The 2021 Scholars Helping Collars Scholarship by P.L.A.Y. (petplay.com)
P.L.A.Y.’s Scholars Helping Collars 2022 Scholarship Application Survey (surveymonkey.com)
The Dream.US National Scholarship*
Description: National scholarship for highly motivated DREAMers with significant, unmet financial need. GPA and test scores considered, however emphasis on demonstrated commitment to community service and ability to overcome the barriers and challenges is important. Refer to eligibility criteria: https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/guidelines/
Amount: Tuition and fees up to $16,500. for associate degree and $33,000. for bachelor’s degree at one of four partner colleges. Award is renewable.
Closing Date: February 28
Website: https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/apply-national-scholarship/
Xello Information
Xello is an engaging, fun-to-use software that students can access online, at school or at home. Students can even access Xello from their mobile devices. Using Xello, students plan their journeys toward the future by creating their very own unique roadmap for future success.
The program is implemented through the GPISD Counseling Services Department at every elementary and secondary campus. The mission of the Counseling Service Department is to guide students from cradle to career, making every student future-ready!
See Canvas for specific login information
https://auth.xello.world/SAML/Student/d2046896-095a-4acd-919e-28dca02b9564
How Students Request Transcripts in Xello
- Access the College Planning Tools
- To begin with, go to College Planning from the Goals & Plans link in the top menu of on the Dashboard.
- This page is a central hub to view all the applications you're tracking, and local scholarships available. Or check our the Knowledge Hub with topics to help you plan for college.
- Create an Application to Track
- Click Create Your First Application to choose the college you want to track your application with.
- If this isn't your first one, this page will be a list of your previous applications.
- Use the search bar to enter the school name and click Select, then click Next.
- On the next page, add details such as your application Admission Type and Deadline. Then click Create to begin tracking your application for this college.
- Send a Transcript
- In the application tracker for the college, you'll see the Applications Checklist. Use this checklist to track the things you need to complete for the application.
- From the list, where it says Transcript, click Request to request your high school send your transcript to the school.
- If you don't see Transcript listed under the requirements, this college may not require it. You can still make a request by clicking Add Task and selecting Transcript.
- View the Progress
- View the status of your sent Transcript by opening the Application Tracker of the college you want to view.
- From under Application Checklist, click the drop-down next to Transcript and select Track Transcript.
- View the chronological updates of your transcript request.
Contact Information
Mimi Robb
Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute
School Counselor
972.343.3151(Office)
972-885-9741(Google Voice-Call & Text Enabled)
GPCI Counseling Services Department Website
Rebecca Burns
GPCI Campus Hours: 8:15am-3:45pm, M/W/TH
Google Voice Phone: 404-926-6829
Appointy Link: https://booking.appointy.com/msburns
Mission and Vision Statement
Vision Statement
The Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute Counseling Services Department will support students so they can reach their maximum potential personally and academically, by using a comprehensive program that addresses personal/mental/social, academic and college/career readiness goals so scholars can establish a solid foundation that they can build upon through post-secondary goals and through adulthood. The counseling services department also aligns with GPCI in that we will promote a rigorous academic and College/University going culture.
Mission Statement
The Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute Counseling Services Department's mission is to give scholars in grades 6-12 lifelong personal/mental health/social resources and strategies. Counseling Services will implement a comprehensive counseling program that aligns with GPCI in that we will promote a rigorous academic and college going culture while partnering with families, staff, and community members to provide social/emotional/academic and career resources.