December can be a particularly stressful month, with the rush of holidays and end-of-year exams. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, but taking time to de-stress is crucial. Chronic stress can lead to issues such as anxiety, depression, heart problems, and a weakened immune system.If you don’t prioritize self-care, you may find it harder to support those around you, and you won’t be performing at your best. Whether it’s setting aside moments for quiet reflection, engaging in a favorite hobby, or simply resting, caring for yourself ensures you have the energy and focus to enjoy the season and be present for others. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

The December Daily 4 De-Stress Challenge is a simple and effective way to prioritize self-care during this busy month. With four calming activities—starting your day with deep breathing, listening to relaxing music, enjoying cozy moments like sipping hot cocoa, and staying hydrated with an extra glass of water—it helps you recharge and maintain balance. We challenge you to complete these four activities each day of December to encourage mindfulness and relaxation, ensuring you stay refreshed and ready to take on the busy month ahead.

As December rolls in, it’s easy to run out of steam and daydream about holiday fun—twinkling lights, favorite foods, and much-needed relaxation. But while the holidays are around the corner, your grades still matter, especially with semester exams coming up.

As a reminder, final exam scores play a big role in your semester grades, which impact your GPA and, for seniors, those college applications you’ve worked so hard on. Staying focused now will set you up for success in January when your cumulative GPA is updated.

So, how do you keep up your study momentum while balancing healthy habits? Try these tips:

1. Clarify Exam Formats 📚
   Ask your teacher about the exam format—multiple-choice, essay, or a mix of both. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare effectively.

2. Stay Organized ✏️
   Use separate folders for each subject to keep all tests, quizzes, and homework in one place. This ensures nothing gets lost before exam prep.

3. Limit Distractions 🚫📱
   During study sessions, put your phone in another room and keep gaming consoles out of sight. You’ll be surprised how much you can focus!

4. Study Smart, Not Hard 🧠

   • Review your notes and study materials throughout the semester. Avoid “brain dumping,” or intentionally forgetting earlier topics.
   • Avoid cramming—it’s stressful and less effective than steady, consistent review.

5. Engage With Your Notes 🖊️
   Print out your notes and mark them up! Highlight key points, draw arrows to connect ideas, and circle concepts you don’t understand. Use these as reminders to ask for help from teachers, classmates, or friends.

6. Set the Scene for Success 🛋️
   Study in a space similar to your exam environment—quiet and focused. This conditions your brain to stay in “study mode” and reduces distractions.

Don’t let the holiday excitement throw off your academic game! Follow these tips to finish strong and head into the break feeling accomplished and stress-free.

#StayFocused #FinishStrong #EndOfSemesterTips

December 2

• Last Day for students to Request Changes to their 2025-2026 Course Selections!

December 2 - 6

• Inclusive Schools Week
  
• College & Career - Financial Aid Presentations to Seniors during Govt/Econ classes (Lec Hall)

December 3

• Parenting on the Go - Understanding District and State Testing: Partnering for Student Success; 6-7:30 pm (Virtual); Click here to register

December 4

• Stephen F. Austin State University Rep visit (during all lunches)

December 5

• Dallas College MIT Presentations: 9:15-10:00 (Auto/E-Bldg.); 11:30-12:20 (Engineering/A305)
• Financial Aid Night; 6-8 pm (DCHS Cafeteria); Registration Link

December 7

• YES Conference: Youth+Education=Success; 9 am - 12:30 pm (SGP Alexander Building)

December 10

• EOC Retesting (EI & US History)
• Financial Aid Night; 6-8 pm (DCHS Cafeteria); Registration Link

December 11

• EOC Retesting (EII & Alg I)

December 12

• EOC Retesting (Bio)

December 13

• TSIA2 Testing (afternoon)

December 13 - 19

• Q2 District Summative Exams

December 19

• Last Day for seniors to pay for the ACT school day in March
• End of 1st Semester

• Winter Break

From December 2–6, we invite students, families, and staff to celebrate Inclusive Schools Week with us. This special week highlights the importance of embracing diversity and creating a sense of belonging for everyone in our school community. This is also a great opportunity to ensure that every voice is heard and valued.

This year, we're exploring how stories and art teach us about inclusion. A great way to join the celebration at home or in class is by watching the Disney hit, Zootopia! This fun and meaningful film sparks key discussions about diversity, understanding, and valuing each person's unique strengths.

For those who love art, take time to reflect on the modern reimagining of Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms painting series. Each updated piece tells a powerful story about inclusion and understanding.

Let’s come together to celebrate what makes us unique and united!

👩‍🎓 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

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, December 13.

Students interested in taking the TSIA2 on December 13, 2024 Must Complete the following requirements by December 9, 2024 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!

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 - while you don’t need to take the SAT or ACT just yet, now is the perfect time to start exploring your options and preparing for future testing, including AP exams. Here’s how you can get ahead:

• 🔍 Learn about the SAT and ACT. First, read up on the tests and what part they play in the admissions process — even at test-optional schools. Learn about what each test covers, how they’re formatted and scored, and all similarities and differences.

• 📝 Take a diagnostic. It’s good to become familiar with the tests during sophomore year, and taking a diagnostic of the SAT and ACT is a great way to gauge which exam is the best fit for you and where you might need to improve. This will also make it easier to create a test prep schedule for the spring/summer — especially if you plan to take the SAT or ACT in the fall of junior year.

• 📖 Take a practice PSAT. Yes, you can practice for the practice SAT exam. Most students take the PSAT junior year, but sometimes sophomores can take the exam. Since it’s offered only in the fall, it’s too late to take the official test now. However, there are a number of practice PSAT tests online that you can take to see how you’d do on the actual exam. It’s good to define your PSAT strategies now, as your performance on the exam in the fall of junior year could qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship program.

• 📅 Create a test prep schedule for the winter break. While test prep shouldn’t be your only activity, you can spend some of your free time during winter break preparing for the SAT or ACT. First, decide how much time you want to dedicate to test prep over the break. Is it one day a week? One hour three days a week? When will you start? Are you using the right test preparation resources? Create a plan for study time and work it into your winter break schedule. Stay on track by planning a few practice tests throughout the break and beyond, so you can track your progress.

Join us for the Junior Parent Workshop on Tuesday, January 21, from 6:00 – 7:30 PM in the Dubiski Cafeteria.

📚 What’s on the Agenda?
Representatives from the ACT will provide valuable insights into:

• Understanding the ACT blueprint
• How to interpret your scores
• Accessing fee waivers
• The best resources for test preparation
• And much more!

👥 Who Should Attend?
Students & Parents

This is a fantastic opportunity to get a head start on your college readiness journey and to prepare for the School Day ACT test in March. Don’t miss it! 🗓️

Local Scholarships Available:

Soroptimist International of Grand Prairie Scholarship

https://form.jotform.com/shebrahackett/sigp-scholarship-application

Carol Ligget Anderson Scholarship

https://form.jotform.com/220256595242152

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

The following partner universities offer direct admission to students with a 3.0 or above GPA (on a 4.0 unweighted scale):

• East Texas A&M University (formerly Texas A&M University-Commerce)

• Midwestern State University

• Texas Woman's University

• University of North Texas (Denton)

• University of Texas at Dallas

• Tarleton State University* (additionally requires a top 50% class rank. In absence of a top 50% rank or ranking, a student's GPA will be independently reviewed for a final admission decision).

• University of Texas at Arlington* (additionally requires a top 25% class rank. In absence of a top 25% rank or ranking, a student's GPA will be independently reviewed for a final admission decision).

Students must submit a Fall 2025 admission application and complete the submission of additional documentation (such as HS transcript, etc.). It is recommended to complete the admission application and submission of supporting documents up to 4-6 weeks prior to partner deadlines. Path-submitted students with a 3.0 or above GPA will receive an email notification encouraging them to submit an admission application if they have not done so. Parent/Guardians will also be notified (English and Spanish) at the email address the student listed on their Promise Path.

*Additionally, students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch will be notified of fee waivers available at the partner institutions.

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.