"Thankful for Knowledge"

In 2024, 25,500 applications were submitted, an impressive 7,288 students were selected as National College Match Finalists. These students showcase exceptional academic achievements and meet financial qualifications, making them stand out among thousands nationwide. Congratulations to our Grand Prairie ISD students who have earned this incredible honor! We are so proud of your hard work, determination, and commitment to pursuing higher education. Your success inspires us all!

Students and Parents are you wondering what's next? Take a look at our GPISD Roadmap to show you the way! Click here to view!

Parents and Guardians, as we approach the end of our 2nd Progress Report grading period, please be mindful that grades will be posted to the gradebook on November 13, 2024. Grades will post to the portfolio for campuses by the following dates:

• Elementary Campuses, November 14, 2024

• Secondary Campuses, November 15, 2024

Links to provide step-by-step instructions are listed below.

Parent View Instructions-English

Parent View Instructions-Spanish

Parent Notification Directions-English

Parent Notification Directions-Spanish

Research shows that parent involvement can contribute to your child’s success in school. Teachers and parents who openly communicate have students who are successful in school and are overall well-rounded students. With this parent/school partnership, students are more likely to have exposure to more opportunities in their learning and growth from a larger range of life experiences. Open communication between the parent and the school creates crucial opportunities to help develop the student’s social, emotional, and academic skills. According to the article, 11 Ways Parents Can Get Involved in Schools, parent/teacher partnerships have shown to support student achievement, support students earning higher grades in class, support student attendance rates, and student enrollment in higher level courses. Increased motivation, completion of homework, and enrollment in higher level institutions after high school for students is also associated with a great teacher/parent involvement. Parent involvement affects more than just a student’s academics. Parent involvement can improve a student’s self-esteem and motivation. Students are also more likely to develop better social and emotional learning skills, such as self-awareness, relationship building, and responsible decision-making. As families and educators work together to provide the same support at home and school, students will feel supported while feeling the consistency that will reinforce the behaviors and skills young people will need to become successful adults.

11 Ways parents can get involved are:

1. Attend school nights at the school (Back To School or Orientation events)

2. Communicate with the teacher as to how they prefer to communicate with you

3. Demonstrate a positive point of view regarding the education system and the teacher to your student

4. Encourage your student to read at home and school

5. Help to manage a homework space for your student (reduce distractions)

6. Attend school events to support your student

7. Attend parent organization meetings

8. Volunteer at the school

9. Complete the school surveys to communicate guidance lessons they could provide and your thoughts regarding your thoughts and concerns

10. Encourage your student to become an active participant in their learning

11. Become knowledgeable regarding your rights as a parent

Taken from the article: https://parentandteen.com/school-involvement/

On November 11th, 31 AVID students from Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute and the Young Women’s Leadership Academy participated in on-the-spot admissions with Texas Wesleyan University. Students with a GPA of 2.75 or higher were awarded scholarships.

Did you know? AVID students are more likely to take advanced courses and graduate college-ready. The program helps students navigate the college application process, write personal statements, and apply for scholarships.

Happening Tuesday November 12th @ GPHS senior students will participate in on the spot college admissions with the University of Texas A&M Texarkana.

For more information about GPISD AVID visit: https://www.gpisd.org/Page/50185

The Writing component of AVID’s WICOR strategy is essential for developing students' communication, critical thinking, and self-expression skills.

GPISD AVID is excited to announce that we’ll be taking 60 students to participate in AVID Day at SMU! This will be a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore college life and gain valuable insights into higher education.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday November 16th
• Activities Include:
  • SMU Admissions Presentation – Learn about SMU’s programs, admissions process, and what it takes to become a Mustang!
  • Campus Tour – Experience the beautiful SMU campus and get a feel for college life.
  • Football Game – Enjoy the excitement of an SMU football game and immerse yourself in the school spirit!

This trip promises to be both educational and inspiring, giving our AVID students a firsthand look at college readiness in action!

It’s never too late to earn community service hours! Colleges seek well-rounded students, so get involved and make a difference.

Are you or your student familiar with the financial aid application process? Do you know what information you will need to submit the application? Join the College Readiness department on November 19 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Grand Prairie High School to learn more! This event will cover important new financial aid updates, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions or address concerns with our district’s college advisors.

This workshop is designed for junior and senior families:

• Junior families will get a head start, learning what to expect for senior year.
• Senior families will have the chance to create their personal accounts in preparation for the December 1st launch of the financial aid application.

Register here: https://forms.gle/H4eCXQLoNfyeacz9A

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.

College application deadlines vary by school, but here are some common deadlines:

• Early decision

  Typically due in early November, with schools responding in December. Early decision is a binding commitment, and you can't break it unless the early decision agreement allows it.

  
  

• Early action

  Typically due in November, with schools responding between December 1 and January 31. Some schools may wait until mid-February to respond.

  
  

• Regular decision

  Typically due in January, but can be in December or February. Schools typically send offer letters by March or April, with a deadline to accept in May.

  
  

• Rolling admission

  Typically runs from August to August

Participating DCP High Schools:

https://www.gpisd.org/gphigh

https://www.gpisd.org/southgphigh

https://www.gpisd.org/crosswinds

https://www.gpisd.org/dubiski

https://www.gpisd.org/finearts

Eligibility:

• Participate in a program-approved college readiness program in grades 11 and 12
• Be on track to graduate from an accredited high school in the current academic year
• Demonstrate a need for financial assistance
• Be eligible to receive a federal Pell Grant in first year of college
• Plan to enroll full time at an accredited higher education institution in the pursuit of a bachelor's degree in the fall directly following high school graduation
• Earn a minimum of a 2.4 GPA

December 1, 2024 – Application deadline

Scholarship Applications can be found at the link: https://www.dellscholars.org/students/

If you are a young lady that is wanting to pursue a career in transportation, the WTS Greater Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter awards local scholarships to graduate, undergraduate, community college, and high school students! This includes engineering, environmental science, public policy, survey, construction, logistics, or aviation. Any students that may be eligible for the scholarships should apply! Applications must be received no later than Friday, December 27, 2024.

Scholarship Applications can be found at the link: Scholarships | WTS

The Sisters of Sarai (S.O.S) recognizes outstanding African American female high school graduating seniors as well as current college students who have volunteered their time in the community, achieved excellence in academics and leadership. Established in 2017, S.O.S has focused on one of the organizational decrees toward education. This decree is committed to all forms of educational opportunities for the old and young alike. Our goal is to award annual scholarships to well deserving high school and current college female students for their community service to support their educational endeavors.

December 31, 2024 – Application deadline

Eligibility:

● Cumulative 2.7 GPA by fall semester of senior year or college GPA must be at least 2.7 overall. (Verified by unofficial transcript).

● Participates or leads volunteer community service projects (outside of school activities).

● If a high school student, you must be a female resident of the Dallas Fort Worth area (college students must be a former resident).

Welcome to our monthly Student-Athlete Mental Health & Wellness newsletter! The fall season is in full swing, and as we head into the colder months, it's essential to keep our focus on both our mental and physical well-being. This month's newsletter is packed with helpful resources for student-athletes and their families to stay strong, focused, and motivated. Click here to enjoy this month’s newsletter.

Calling all Athletes!! If your plan is to play your sport at a college or university, this submission could be for you. Starting at the 8th grade level, students can set up a NCAA account for free. MS students can begin the process of setting up their accounts and working within the NCAA website. There are numerous documents that can help you navigate the future college athlete process. Below you will find the items needed to set up your account. I hope you find them helpful. Happy Navigating!!!!

Items needed t set up a NCAA account

Source: NCAA Eligibility Website

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