

CCMR/Counseling Newsletter
College, Career & Military Readiness - March, 2025
VISION: The vision of DeSoto ISD is to inspire curiosity and consciousness, develop character, build courage and nurture compassion.
MISSION: The mission of DeSoto ISD is to ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels.
Upcoming Events
March 26, 2025
AP Study Sessions
AP study sessions are available after school and on Saturdays from January through April to help students prepare for their AP exams. These sessions provide valuable opportunities for targeted review, practice exams, and guided support from AP teachers.
📌 How to Join:
Check with your AP teacher for the specific study session schedule for your AP subject. Attending these sessions can help strengthen your understanding of key concepts and improve your confidence before the exam.
Stay committed to your AP success—take advantage of these study opportunities! 💪📚
Education is Freedom
Master Class: Financial Literacy
Students, are you wondering how to pay for college? How to create a budget? Why are credit scores important or if online banking is safer?
Then join EIF, Wed, March 5 from 6-7pm. Register at: https://financiallit2025.eventbrite.com
*Students must use the EIF App to get Master Class recordings, links to applications, official SAT/ACT sites, EIF Scholars information, mindfulness resources, and so much more!
Wednesday, Mar 5, 2025, 06:00 PM
Scholarship Opportunities
There are scholarships available for ALL grade levels. The CCMR department has compiled a list of scholarship opportunities that range from elementary to high school. It is never too early to start securing funds for college. View the listings below and start applying today!!
Raise.Me Scholarship Opportunities (9th - 12th grades)
Scholarships Made Simple
How it works
Five Easy Steps to Sign up
Additional Scholarship Resources
Advanced Academics Information
20 Helpful Websites to Assist Students in Preparing for the SAT and ACT Exams
Gifted & Talented Program
February Highlights
- Best Southwest STEM Day: Our Gifted and Talented (GT) students showcased their skills and innovation by participating in the Best Southwest STEM Day, engaging in hands-on STEM activities and collaborative learning experiences.
- DeSoto ISD Spelling Bee Champion: A GT student proudly won the DeSoto ISD Spelling Bee, demonstrating exceptional vocabulary skills and dedication. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement! 🎉
Upcoming Events
- Independent Research Projects: GT students are diligently working on their Independent Research Projects, where they explore topics of personal interest and apply critical thinking, creativity, and research skills. This is a fantastic opportunity to witness their hard work as they present their findings.
- City of DeSoto Library Visit: To enhance their research skills, GT students will visit the City of DeSoto Library, where they will learn how to utilize various research tools and resources to support their Independent Research Projects.
We are incredibly proud of our GT students and look forward to their continued success! Stay tuned for more updates on their amazing accomplishments.
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
CTE Month Recognitions
February was Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, and we took the opportunity to showcase the incredible programs and opportunities available to our students. Throughout the month, we engaged students in a variety of hands-on experiences designed to expose them to real-world career pathways and enhance their technical skills.
CTE programs play a crucial role in preparing students for high-demand careers, equipping them with the skills and certifications necessary for success in both college and the workforce. By engaging in CTE courses, students not only build technical proficiency but also develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
CTE Month was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students, instructors, and industry partners. We look forward to continuing to expand our programs and providing students with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen careers.
CTE Teachers recognized at the February Board Meeting
CTE Ambassadors recognized at the February Board Meeting
CTE Planning Guide
Students & parents can view the CTE Student Planning Guide to select courses for the 2025-2026 school year.
Counselors' Corner
Celebrating National School Counseling Week
National School Counseling Week is a time to celebrate and recognize the invaluable contributions of school counselors in supporting students' academic, career, and personal development. They make a lasting difference in the lives of students by helping them navigate academic challenges, plan for the future, and develop resilience. This week—and every week—we celebrate their dedication, compassion, and the vital role they play in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.
West Middle School
McCowan Middle School
Educational Planning: Schedule Your Advisement Session
Educational planning is a critical step in ensuring each student’s success on their academic journey. To support this process, our school counselors are conducting advisement sessions with students and parents in grades 5 through 11. During these sessions, we will work together to develop and update an individualized education plan tailored for postsecondary success.
The courses identified in each student’s educational plan will be utilized for the 2025–2026 course enrollments. To assist in this process, we’ve provided the 2025–2026 Course Catalogs. Please review the appropriate document linked below to explore the wide range of course options available.
We encourage you to contact your school counselor to schedule an advisement session and review this important information. These sessions are an invaluable opportunity to align your student’s academic choices with their long-term goals. We look forward to working with you!
Highlights from Woodridge Elementary
Prevention Lesson-Play It Safe (Personal Safety)
Counselor, Mrs. Karon Wright, is teaching students about personal body safety, stranger danger, and recognizing inappropriate contact, which is a critical part of students' overall safety and well-being. These lessons empower children with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves in potentially harmful situations.
Counselor Professional Development Opportunity
GEAR UP Programs in DeSoto ISD
College Driven GEAR UP Program Newsletter
Next Generation GEAR UP Program Newsletter
Parent Resources
Nine Easy Homework Help Tips Every Parent Should Know
Parent Guides to Student Success
Parents Guide Contents (K-8 and High School)
The guides include:
- Key items children should be learning in English language arts and mathematics in each grade.
- Activities that parents can do at home to support their child's learning.
- Methods for helping parents build stronger relationships with their child's teacher.
Tips for planning for college and career (high school only).
https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/Parents-Guides-to-Student-Success