It is with great pleasure to once again welcome our outstanding students and staff to an exciting 2024-25 school year. Whether you are a returning student who is gearing up for another year, a new student gracing our hallways, or a valued staff member, we want you to know that we are here to help you ELEVATE to new heights! We trust that you have taken time this summer to rejuvenate and prepare for many smiles, laughs and positive experiences. We look forward to embracing this year’s journey with you, full of opportunities, challenges, and achievements.

We will continue to publish our Counselor Connection Newsletter each month, so be on the lookout during the first week of the month. Our monthly newsletters we will let you know about upcoming events, awareness months, and other school activities that the counselors are hosting and endorsing. We will also be posting tips to help with students' mental health, as well as tricks to assist with time management, organization and productivity. In addition, there will be a monthly Mindfulness challenge issued through the newsletter for students to participate in. Please know that your Counseling Team is here to help guide and support all students as they plan, monitor, and manage their education as well as help them overcome personal or social-emotional barriers.

Student schedules will be available to view in Skyward on August 6th. However, counselors are still working to resolve some scheduling conflicts to ensure that every student has a finalized schedule on the first day of school.

Please be sure to log into Skyward to view your schedule on the morning of the 13th and every morning for the first 10 days of school, as schedules are subject to change by administration and counselors due to class balancing.

1st Week Scheduling Procedures

If you have any of the below issues with your schedule, please report to the counseling office during the missing class period for assistance (ex. if 2nd period is missing from your schedule, you will go to your 1st period class and report to the counseling office at the start of 2nd period).

Example Missing Class Periods on Schedule:

1. Students with a HOLE in their schedule: Missing a period.

2. Students with Double Periods: Two classes scheduled during the same period

3. Students without a schedule: No classes scheduled (*report immediately to counseling office)

Requests for schedule changes are only allowed during the first 10 days of school. The window for schedule changes begins Monday, August 13th and ends Friday, August 26th at the end of the school day.

Completion of this request DOES NOT GUARANTEE a schedule change. If your schedule change request is approved, please understand that additional changes to your classes/schedule may happen in order to maintain balanced classes and accommodate your schedule request. Changes will not be made based on teacher, period, or lunch preference. Your counselor will reach out to you via CANVAS when and if your schedule has been updated. FOLLOW YOUR CURRENT SCHEDULE until you are notified of an updated schedule in Skyward.

Schedule changes will ONLY be made for the following reasons:

• Incomplete schedule (you are missing a period on your schedule)
• Academic misplacement - placed in wrong level of class (Advanced vs On-Level)
• Placed in a class without meeting the pre-requisite (ex. placed in Animation 2 without having Animation 1)
• Placed in a class that you’ve already passed/earned credit in a prior year, summer school, credit recovery, or CBE
• Program Change – you were accepted into a new Pathway
• Missing a core academic class (ex. English, Math, Science, Social Studies)
• Course balancing - to avoid overcrowded classes.

PLEASE NOTE: If your schedule change request does not meet one of the criteria above, your request will be DENIED!

Before school

• New students to GPISD will come to library and have an ID made
• Returning students to GPISD will pick up ID before school outside library down the gym hallway

• During lunch - there will be a table in the cafeteria set up for pick up)

Our goal is to have every student with an ID by the end of the 1st day. However, this make take a few days. By Thursday, August 15th, ALL students without an ID will report to the library during advisory/1st period.

To apply for a DCHS parking permit, please scan the QR code below. Car stickers will be issued beginning the 2nd week of school.

1. Create a Routine:

• Set a Daily Schedule: Establish a consistent routine for waking up, attending classes, studying, and going to bed. This helps your body and mind get into a productive rhythm.
• Include Breaks: Incorporate short breaks throughout your day to rest and recharge. This prevents burnout and maintains your productivity.

2. Use a Planner:

• Keep Track of Assignments: Write down all your assignments, deadlines, and exam dates. This helps you stay organized and ensures you don’t forget important tasks.
• Plan Your Week: At the start of each week, plan out your study sessions, work hours, and free time. This way, you can balance your responsibilities effectively.

3. Prioritize:

• Identify Important Tasks: Determine which tasks are most urgent and important. Tackle these first to ensure you’re staying on top of your responsibilities.
• Break Down Big Projects: Divide large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes them less overwhelming and easier to complete on time.

• Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet study space and put away your phone or other distractions. Use apps or tools to block distracting websites if needed.
• Set Goals: Establish clear, achievable goals for each study session. This gives you a sense of direction and purpose, keeping you motivated and focused.

5. Take Care of Yourself:

• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Good rest is crucial for concentration and overall well-being.
• Eat Healthily: Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Healthy eating fuels your body and brain, improving your performance.
• Exercise Regularly: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Exercise reduces stress, boosts mood, and enhances cognitive function.
• Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Find what works for you to keep stress levels in check.

By following these tips, you'll set yourself up for a successful and productive school year.

As we get back into the swing of school and being around others, whether in person or online, it's important to remember what you can control and what you cannot. Don't get hung up on the things that are beyond your control. Instead, focus on the things you can control, like your attitude, effort, and actions. By concentrating on these areas, you'll find it easier to navigate challenges, remain positive, and make the most of the school year! Remember, your mindset is powerful—use it to your advantage!

Students - As we begin this new year, it's normal to feel a bit nervous. A simple strategy to ease those anxious feelings is to take a few deep breaths and focus on something positive, like your goals for the year or a favorite activity. Remember, confidence comes from believing in yourself and your abilities. Trust that you can handle whatever comes your way. If you need support, our counseling team is always here to help.

The counseling team's challenge for you this month is to "Breathe." When you are feeling nervous or a bit anxious, take a pause to practice the 4-7-8 breathing method (expand picture for details). Breathing is like an anchor. When you focus on your breathing and center your mind on the immediate physical sensation of breathing, it helps in the relief of stressful moments and there is less room for thoughts to crowd in.

Counselors are available to assist and advise each student with personal/social concerns, academic concerns, career exploration and choices, course selections, college choices, scholarship applications, recommendation letters, test score interpretation, setting goals, examining post-secondary options, teacher/student relationships, and any special situations that may be important to a student.

• Students, If you have a quick question you'd like to ask your counselor, feel free to send a message in CANVAS. Your counselor will message you back within 24 hours.
• Walk-in appointments are available during non-instructional time (before/after school, during lunch, or during an off period).
• Students may also see their counselor anytime during the school day with a pass from their teacher.
• If your counselor is unavailable, students may schedule an appointment with their academy counselor, by scanning the QR Code below.
  

Parent Meeting Requests: Counselors make students a priority during the school day. Therefore, we encourage parents to make an appointment prior to coming to the campus to ensure your student's counselor is available, to avoid scheduling conflicts, and to ensure you will have the time you need to address your concerns and questions. To make an appointment please use the QR code to schedule a time to meet with your student's counselor.

*Please note that the Counseling Department Office Hours are from 8:30 - 4:00 M-F

The College & Career Center is a resource location designed to help our students and parents towards post-secondary success. Among the many services offered at the College & Career Center, students and/or parents are able to:

1. Receive information and/or register for the SAT or ACT
   
2. Obtain current information about colleges, scholarships, military, & the workforce
3. Work on college and scholarship applications
4. Obtain assistance with completing the FAFSA/TASFA
5. Participate in visits from various post-secondary programs (i.e. colleges, technical schools, military)

Be on the lookout for future updates from the DCHS College & Career Advisors. Our mission to serve all students to the best of our abilities.

Please click on the newsletter below to meet our school social worker and to get information about resources for students & families.

August 2nd

• JAG Camp New Student Orientation (9:00 am -11:30 am)
  

August 13th

• First Day of School

Augus 19th - 23rd

• Start with Hello Week

August 20th

• College on the Go @ St. Michael Church (5:30 pm - 6:30 pm)

• Last day for students to request corrections to their schedule

August 30th

• Senior Ring Meeting in Cafeteria (11:00 am)

• Last Day for juniors (not selected to take the PSAT/NMSQT) to pay take the PSAT/NMSQT in

Join us for Start with Hello Week August 19 - 23rd with engaging activities to connect with your Dubiski Family! Start with Hello aims to build a more inclusive school culture through kindness and connections. This initiative was developed by the Sandy Hook Promise, a non-profit organization founded by leaders whose family members were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. By decreasing social isolation through compassion, we can be united and prevent gun violence.

"College On The Go" is coming to Grand Prairie! Everything you need to begin planning for college, including financial aid, scholarships, college and career choices, will be covered! RSVP here to choose a session https://forms.gle/ZyiqNerKhqUe97qW7.

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized assessment closely connected to the SAT and cosponsored by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This test can qualify you for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships. Test takers also have the chance to be recognized with a National Merit Scholarship, corporate or college-sponsored merit awards.

GPISD currently pays for specific students in 11th grade, who meet academic/testing requirements set by GPISD, to take the PSAT/NMSQT in October. Juniors who were not selected to take the test are welcome to register and pay to take the assessment during the school day (there are no vouchers accepted for school day). You must register and pay for the assessment no later than August 30th. Please see our campus testing coordinator, Dr. Nelson, for more information.

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.