December

 

I HEARD THE BELLS:  FINDING PEACE AND PURPOSE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

As we enter this final month of the semester, I’m reminded of my favorite Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”  (check out this rendition). Its opening lines ring with hope and promise much like the way we all begin a new school year, full of optimism and good intentions. Yet, the middle stanzas acknowledge something we all experience: life doesn’t always go smoothly. Challenges arise, plans get interrupted, and even the most motivated among us face moments of discouragement. In many ways, those lines speak directly to the realities of academic pressure, personal struggles, and the ups and downs that come with daily life.

But the beauty of the carol is how it ends with a firm reminder that God is still in control, working in ways we can trust, even when things feel overwhelming. That message is especially meaningful as our students prepare for semester exams.

In these final days before break, I encourage students to give themselves the best chance for success:

• Get enough sleep so your brain can focus and retain information.

• Fuel your body well with healthy meals and snacks.

• Use strong study habits, review intentionally, and take advantage of the upcoming study day to catch up, ask questions, and feel confident heading into exams.

Parents and faculty, thank you for continuing to guide, support, and encourage our students especially during this busy, high-pressure time.

And once exams are behind us, I hope each of you can fully embrace the joy of Christmas break: time to rest, celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, and enjoy rich moments with family and friends. May the peace and hope of Christ fill your homes and hearts this season.

Wishing you a blessed December and a joyful Christmas!

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

• The final time to request a schedule change for 2025-26 will be during semester exams in December to be reflected on their spring semester schedule.  Mrs. Slate, our Dean of Academics, will be sending information about the process in December.

PSAT UPDATES:

PSAT Testing Success!

Our PSAT administration was a great success with over 500 students completing the exam on October 20. We are proud of our students’ hard work and focus throughout testing day.

PSAT results will be available tomorrow, November 6, 2025! Students can access their scores in several ways: by logging into their College Board account, using the BigFuture School mobile app, or obtaining a printed score report from their school counselor.

We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and helping them use their results to plan for future academic opportunities.

AP UPDATES:

Total Registration Website

Total Registration Instructions

DUAL CREDIT UPDATES:

Dual Registration has begun for those taking Dual Credit classes! Please see your email from Mr. Frein and complete your registration soon as possible. If you have any questions or need help registering, please reach out to Mr. Frein at peterfrein@johnpauliihs.org.

CALENDAR ITEMS:

• As students gear up for semester exams, we invite them to stop by the Counseling Office Hallway for our “Stressbusters” station during Cardinal Break on December 10, 11, and 12. We’re offering puzzles, playdough, coloring pages, games, and other hands-on activities designed to help students pause, reset, and regulate during this busy season. A few minutes of calm can make a meaningful difference as they manage stress and prepare for both exams and the end of the semester.

• Coffee with the Counselors
• Our last Coffee with the Counselors was November 5.  Topic was Choosing Connection:  Healthy Relationships in Action.  Check out the LINK to the presentation if you missed it!

PARENT CORNER:

Check out some ways parents can engage their high schoolers during December--

1. Create a Calm Study Environment

• Set aside a quiet, clutter-free space for exam preparation.

• Add soft lighting, a candle, or instrumental Christmas music to make it peaceful.

2. Help Them Build a Manageable Study Plan

• Sit with them to map out what to review each day leading up to finals.

• Encourage breaks and avoid last-minute cramming.

3. Prioritize Sleep as a Non-Negotiable

• Gently encourage earlier bedtimes—help them wind down by turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bed.

• Offer warm tea, ask about their day, or check in spiritually with a short prayer.

4. Keep Nutritious Snacks Available

• Fruits, nuts, yogurt, eggs, smoothies—foods that fuel focus.

• December gets busy; quick healthy options help more than they realize.

5. Encourage Mini “Reset Moments”

• Suggest 10–15 minute breaks: short walks, stretching, journaling, or a quick puzzle.

• These keep stress from building to overwhelm.

6. Show Up with Small Acts of Encouragement

• Leave little notes on their mirror, in their bag, or on their desk.

• Write words like “You’ve got this,” “I’m proud of you,” or a favorite Bible verse.

7. Build Rest Into Their Schedule

• Protect at least one evening a week with NO homework or obligations.

• Use it for family dinner, baking cookies, watching a Christmas movie, or going to look at lights.

8. Share Scripture and Prayer

• Pray with them before school or at bedtime.

• Remind them of God’s peace and presence, especially when they feel pressure.

9. Keep December Expectations Reasonable

• Lighten chore expectations or busy schedules where possible.

• Help them manage commitments to reduce stress during exams.

10. Model Healthy Stress Management

• Let them see you practice calm habits—prayer, deep breaths, breaks, gratitude.

• Teens follow what we model far more than what we say.

11. Celebrate Small Wins

• Finished a project? Conquered a tough quiz? Studied consistently?

• Acknowledge it. Encouragement strengthens confidence.

12. Keep Christmas About Peace, Not Pressure

• Balance fun traditions with downtime.

• Make room for simple joys: Advent readings, a quiet night by the tree, or time with loved ones.

13. Enjoy Christmas Break Intentionally

• Once exams are done, let them truly rest.

• Plan family traditions, meals, service opportunities, or faith-centered celebrations.

RESOURCES:

• Need to see your Counselor?  Email or stop by!  Our doors are always open!
• The Shade (Elijah's Story from 1 Kings 19)
• Calming Room in the Counseling Office (check-in with counselor first)
• Reset, Relax, Recharge, Refresh, Return!
• Fidgets, Aromatherapy, Sound Machine, Cozy Chairs/Blankets, Journal, Coloring Books, & More!
• 20 minute limit....and then return to class
• Children's TCHATT
• 6-8 FREE weekly therapist appointments scheduled during non-core periods during the school day (referral through your counselor)
• Mental Health Navigation Line
• 972-525-8181, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Helpline sourced through Grant Halliburton to assist families with finding therapists (based on need, insurance, etc.) in the DFW area
• Coffee Days (mom support group for mothers of young people with mental health and emotional health conditions, offering opportunities to share experiences, resources, and information.)
• granthalliburton.org for upcoming meetings
• Additional Community Resources

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the John Paul II Counseling Office is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address students' academic and career goals in addition to supporting their personal and social needs. This is accomplished through a partnership with parents/guardians, staff, and community members to enable all students to become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world.

VISION  STATEMENT

The John Paul II High School Counseling Office is guided by our commitment to provide a safe, nurturing environment where the entire learning community addresses the unique needs of students to ensure students reach their fullest potential and successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, competent and productive citizens who respect themselves and others. Collaborating with students, parents, faculty and staff, we will foster the development of the entire person – mental, spiritual, academic and social. School counselors believe that every student can succeed through the collaborative efforts of school, home, and community leading to responsible and productive citizenship in the 21st

November

 

A NOVEMBER NOTE OF GRATITUDE & GRACE

As November arrives, we’re reminded to slow down, take a deep breath, and notice God’s goodness all around us. This time of year invites us to pause and give thanks, not just for the big blessings, but for the small, everyday moments too. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

At school, we see students settling in, finding their rhythm, and supporting one another in beautiful ways. Of course, this season can also bring stress from grades, projects, and busy schedules. When things feel overwhelming, we remind students (and families!) that gratitude and prayer can shift our hearts. “Do not be anxious about anything… but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

As we approach Thanksgiving, we want to say how thankful we are for our families. Your partnership and care make all the difference in helping our students grow in faith and resilience. May your November be filled with peace, gratitude, and the quiet joy of knowing how deeply you and your children are loved by God.

WHAT HAVE YOUR JPII COUNSELORS BEEN UP TO?

In October, we've had over 393 student visits in our offices.  We love that students see us as a resource, a safe place, and a friendly smile!  The Shade has also become a welcome respite for our students that just need a quick mental break.  If you need a quiet, calming room, it's here to give you that space.  Also be on the lookout for regulation strategies posted in each of the houses.  We all need reminders on how to regulate the big emotions that we sometimes feel. If you ever need to chat with us, we are in the glass offices of the Senior Hall.  October was PSAT month, and our very own, Brandy Gass, did an outstanding job of organizing the PSAT for our 9th, 10th, and 11th graders .  It's a daunting task to proctor over 500 digital exams in one day, but we did it!  Great job to our JPII community!  

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

• The final time to request a schedule change for 2025-26 will be during semester exams in December to be reflected on their spring semester schedule.  Mrs. Slate, our Dean of Academics, will be sending information about the process in December.

PSAT UPDATES:

PSAT Testing Success!

Our PSAT administration was a great success with over 500 students completing the exam on October 20. We are proud of our students’ hard work and focus throughout testing day.

PSAT results will be available tomorrow, November 6, 2025! Students can access their scores in several ways: by logging into their College Board account, using the BigFuture School mobile app, or obtaining a printed score report from their school counselor.

We look forward to celebrating our students’ achievements and helping them use their results to plan for future academic opportunities.

AP UPDATES:

Total Registration Website

Total Registration Instructions

DUAL CREDIT UPDATES:

Dual Registration has begun for those taking Dual Credit classes! Please see your email from Mr. Frein and complete your registration soon as possible. If you have any questions or need help registering, please reach out to Mr. Frein at peterfrein@johnpauliihs.org.

CALENDAR ITEMS:

• Guidance Lesson
• Choosing Connection:  Healthy Relationships in Action (coming November in our Theology classes)

• Coffee with the Counselors
• Thank you to those that came to the October presentation!  Check out the LINK to the presentation, Guiding Students Through the Age of AI.
• Presented by Ashley Falloure, JPII Instructional Technology Specialist

• Our current Coffee with the Counselors was November 5 at 8:45 a.m. in the Athenaeum.  Topic was Choosing Connection:  Healthy Relationships in Action.  Check out the LINK to the presentation if you missed it!

PARENT CORNER:

November is the perfect time to slow down as a family and focus on gratitude, faith, and connection. Even with busy schedules, small intentional moments can make a big difference for high schoolers, helping them feel grounded and supported. Here are a few ideas you can try together this month:

• Start a Gratitude Jar: Each day, have everyone write one thing they’re thankful for and add it to a jar. At the end of the month, read them together and celebrate God’s blessings.

• Share a Family Devotional or Prayer: Take 5–10 minutes after dinner to read a short Scripture passage and reflect on how it applies to your family’s life. Philippians 4:6 is a great reminder to bring our worries to God with thanksgiving.

• Volunteer or Give Back: Find a local service project, serving at a food pantry, donating warm clothes, or helping a neighbor, to model compassion and gratitude in action.

• Digital Detox Challenge: Pick an evening to put away phones and screens, play a board game, cook together, or take a walk, using the time to talk and listen to one another.

• Create a Thankfulness Tradition: Ask each person to share “one good thing” about their day at dinner or bedtime, fostering conversation and reflection.

Even small, intentional moments like these can help high schoolers slow down, notice God’s blessings, and strengthen family bonds. As we focus on gratitude this month, may these activities remind your family of the love, joy, and grace surrounding you every day.

RESOURCES:

• Need to see your Counselor?  Email or stop by!  Our doors are always open!
• The Shade (Elijah's Story from 1 Kings 19)
• Calming Room in the Counseling Office (check-in with counselor first)
• Reset, Relax, Recharge, Refresh, Return!
• Fidgets, Aromatherapy, Sound Machine, Cozy Chairs/Blankets, Journal, Coloring Books, & More!
• 20 minute limit....and then return to class
• Children's TCHATT
• 6-8 FREE weekly therapist appointments scheduled during non-core periods during the school day (referral through your counselor)
• Mental Health Navigation Line
• 972-525-8181, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Helpline sourced through Grant Halliburton to assist families with finding therapists (based on need, insurance, etc.) in the DFW area
• Coffee Days (mom support group for mothers of young people with mental health and emotional health conditions, offering opportunities to share experiences, resources, and information.)
• granthalliburton.org for upcoming meetings
• Additional Community Resources

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the John Paul II Counseling Office is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address students' academic and career goals in addition to supporting their personal and social needs. This is accomplished through a partnership with parents/guardians, staff, and community members to enable all students to become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world.

VISION  STATEMENT

The John Paul II High School Counseling Office is guided by our commitment to provide a safe, nurturing environment where the entire learning community addresses the unique needs of students to ensure students reach their fullest potential and successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, competent and productive citizens who respect themselves and others. Collaborating with students, parents, faculty and staff, we will foster the development of the entire person – mental, spiritual, academic and social. School counselors believe that every student can succeed through the collaborative efforts of school, home, and community leading to responsible and productive citizenship in the 21st

October 2025

             

OCTOBER, A HARVEST OF BLESSINGS!

As autumn unfolds its beauty, Psalm 67:6 reminds us: "The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us." This month is a powerful invitation to pause and reflect on the blessings in our lives, both seen and unseen. Just as the earth produces fruit through seasons of growth, change, and rest, so too do our children grow through seasons of learning and challenge. Let us walk alongside them with patience, gratitude, and faith, trusting God to continue His abundant work in their hearts.

WHAT HAVE YOUR JPII COUNSELORS BEEN UP TO?

Since school has started, we've had over 795 student visits in our offices.  We love that students see us as a resource, a safe place, and a friendly smile!  There is nothing better than a busy school counseling office. If you haven't stopped by yet, we are in the glass offices of the Senior Hall.  We presented in 44 classes for our guidance lessons over Mental Health, and we've met individually with over 500 students in our Minute Meetings.  We should be finished with the entire school in the next few weeks!  The most important aspect of our job is building connections and relationships with our students!  We are so grateful for the connections we’ve already made, and we look forward to meeting even more of you in the days ahead. Whether it’s a quick hello in the hall, a class visit, or a conversation in our offices.  We can’t wait to continue building relationships with each of you!

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

• The final window for this semester is October 10-17.  If a student needs to drop a more rigorous course (Honors/DC/AP) to a regulars course, students can pick up this form from their teacher.  Once the form is completed, students will submit to Mrs. Slate, our Dean of Academics, for approval.
• To finalize the form, three items must be completed.
• parent/teacher conference discussing the best placement for the student
• student has attended 3 tutorials with the teacher
• no zeros or missing assignments in the gradebook as the grade transfers to the new class
• No other schedule change requests will be honored at this time.
• The final time to request a schedule change for 2025-26 will be during semester exams in December to be reflected on their spring semester schedule.

PSAT UPDATES:

Attention 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade Families: Digital PSAT Information:

JPII will be administering the Digital PSAT/NMSQT for all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors on the morning of Monday, October 20th. 

What You Need to Know:
Parents, please ensure that your student has completed the necessary preparations outlined in the PSAT Student Checklist below. Details on testing rooms will be provided to students soon. 

What to Bring on Test Day:
Pen/Pencil
Charged Device

Device Power Cord
Approved Calculator(optional)
Bottled Water

Student Checklist:

1. Verify College Board Account:  
9th grade students will be setting up their College Board Account with their Cohort in September. 10th and 11th-grade students need to log in to their College Board account to verify their login and password by October 1st, 2025. If unable to log in, students should call 866-433-7728 to reset their credentials and write down the new login/password for future use.

2. Download Bluebook App:  
All students must upload Bluebook, the College Board testing app, to their personal laptop by October 1st, 2025. Instructions will be provided.

3. Check Device Compatibility:  
If a student's personal device is a Chromebook, they must inform Kris Thurston, Director of Technology, ASAP, as Chromebooks are not permitted by College Board. A donor device will be made available for those who need it.

4. Ensure Battery Life:  
Students need to check their device's battery life to ensure it can stay charged and operational for at least 3 hours.

5. Familiarize with Bluebook:  
Students should log in to Bluebook using their College Board account and explore the new tools and practice tests to become comfortable with the testing platform.

6. Test Day Preparation:  

On October 20th, students must arrive at school with their fully charged device and power cord.

No Late Testing or Retesting: Please note that there will be no late testing or retesting available, 

so it is crucial that students are well-prepared for the October 20th testing date.

AP UPDATES:

Total Registration Website

Total Registration Instructions

DUAL CREDIT UPDATES:

Dual Registration has begun for those taking Dual Credit classes! Please see your email from Mr. Frein and complete your registration soon as possible. If you have any questions or need help registering, please reach out to Mr. Frein at peterfrein@johnpauliihs.org.

CALENDAR ITEMS:

• PSAT Check-In:  Counselors will be meeting with each of their alphas by grade level during the week of Oct. 6-10 to ensure that their personal devices are ready for the digital PSAT.  Students will be logging in to their BlueBook account to verify systems are ready.
• Minute Meetings
• Minute Meetings are brief meetings conducted by the school counselors to basically get the pulse of their student caseload. It gives us the opportunity to meet and make an immediate connection with every student in our building the first few months of school.
• Counselors are continuing meeting with their students one-on-one.  As always, if any students need to speak with their counselor, stop by our office!
• Guidance Lesson
• Mental Health Awareness (presented in September in our English classes)
• Several posters have been placed around campus for regulation tips when we feel stress and anxiety (fight, flight, freeze, or fawn).
• Check out the bulletin board by our office for resources from each guidance topic.

• Choosing Connection:  Healthy Relationships in Action (coming November in our Theology classes)

• Coffee with the Counselors
• Thank you to those that came to the October presentation!  Check out the LINK to the presentation, Guiding Students Through the Age of AI.
• Presented by Ashley Falloure, JPII Instructional Technology Specialist
• Our next Coffee with the Counselors will be November 5.  Topic TBD!!!!

PARENT CORNER:

"The earth has yielded its harvest; God, our God, blesses us." — Psalm 67:6

October is a beautiful season of change.  The air grows cooler, leaves turn golden, and the world reminds us of the blessings that come from patience, growth, and care. Psalm 67:6 calls us to notice God’s abundant provision, a reminder that in both nature and parenting, there is a harvest to celebrate.

As parents, we are stewards of something far greater than ourselves, our children’s hearts. This month, let’s intentionally embrace the idea of a “harvest” in parenting. Just as farmers tend fields through every season, we guide our children through seasons of growth, rest, and change.

Here are some October parenting tips inspired by Psalm 67:6:

1. Celebrate Growth and Effort 
   Look for moments of progress in your children, no matter how small. Praise effort as much as achievement. This builds confidence and resilience.

2. Practice Gratitude Together 
   Create a simple ritual, such as sharing daily blessings at dinner or writing them in a family gratitude journal. Teach your children to notice God’s hand in everyday life.

3. Nurture Through Seasons 
   Understand that children grow in different seasons. Be patient with transitions and challenges, remembering that every season has its purpose.

4. Teach Stewardship 
   Use harvest imagery to teach your children to care for what God has given them:  time, talents, resources, and relationships. Consider acts of service as a family this month.

5. Create a Family “Harvest” Tradition 
   Whether it’s a gratitude jar, prayer walk, or a simple family night, intentionally set aside time to reflect on blessings and the ways God has provided.

6. Model Faith in Parenting 
   Let your children see you lean on God’s guidance in your parenting. Short prayers or reflections during daily life help them see faith in action.

7. Encourage Reflection 
   Invite your children to think about their own harvest: strengths they’ve grown, kindness they’ve shown, or lessons they’ve learned.

This October, let us remember that parenting is not just about the daily tasks, but about cultivating hearts. As Psalm 67:6 reminds us, God’s blessings are abundant both in the world around us and in the lives of our children.

May this month bring you joy in your family’s harvest, gratitude in your hearts, and peace in knowing God is blessing your work as parents.

RESOURCES:

• Need to see your Counselor?  Email or stop by!  Our doors are always open!
• The Shade (Elijah's Story from 1 Kings 19)
• Calming Room in the Counseling Office (check-in with counselor first)
• Reset, Relax, Recharge, Refresh, Return!
• Fidgets, Aromatherapy, Sound Machine, Cozy Chairs/Blankets, Journal, Coloring Books, & More!
• 20 minute limit....and then return to class
• Children's TCHATT
• 6-8 FREE weekly therapist appointments scheduled during non-core periods during the school day (referral through your counselor)
• Mental Health Navigation Line
• 972-525-8181, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Helpline sourced through Grant Halliburton to assist families with finding therapists (based on need, insurance, etc.) in the DFW area
• Coffee Days (mom support group for mothers of young people with mental health and emotional health conditions, offering opportunities to share experiences, resources, and information.)
• granthalliburton.org for upcoming meetings
• Additional Community Resources

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the John Paul II Counseling Office is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address students' academic and career goals in addition to supporting their personal and social needs. This is accomplished through a partnership with parents/guardians, staff, and community members to enable all students to become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world.

VISION  STATEMENT

The John Paul II High School Counseling Office is guided by our commitment to provide a safe, nurturing environment where the entire learning community addresses the unique needs of students to ensure students reach their fullest potential and successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, competent and productive citizens who respect themselves and others. Collaborating with students, parents, faculty and staff, we will foster the development of the entire person – mental, spiritual, academic and social. School counselors believe that every student can succeed through the collaborative efforts of school, home, and community leading to responsible and productive citizenship in the 21st

SEPTEMBER 2025

                         

HAPPY FALL, YA'LL!

We have had an incredible start to school year 2025-26!  It is so nice to see and hear our students in the halls again.  As the temps start to cool down a bit, and we prepare for pumpkins, scarecrows, and apple ciders, I was reminded of this verse above.  This year is a great time for harvest!  We are excited to see how we can bless and encourage each other this year.  Happy Fall!

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

• If a student needs to drop a more rigorous course (Honors/DC/AP) to a regulars course, those request forms will be available September 2 through September 9 from their teacher. Students can pick up this form from their teacher.  The form must be completed before returning to their counselor.
• To finalize the form, three items must be completed.
• parent/teacher conference discussing the best placement for the student
• student has attended 3 tutorials with the teacher
• no zeros or missing assignments in the gradebook as the grade transfers to the new class
• No other schedule change requests will be honored at this time.
• If students are wanting a schedule change past the September 9 deadline, students can apply again during October 10-17.  The next time to request a schedule change will be during semester exams in December to be reflected on their spring semester schedule.

PSAT UPDATES:

Attention 9th, 10th, and 11th Grade Families: Digital PSAT Information

JPII will be administering the Digital PSAT/NMSQT for all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors on the morning of Monday, October 20th. 

What You Need to Know
Parents, please ensure that your student has completed the necessary preparations outlined in the PSAT Student Checklist below. Details on testing rooms will be provided to students soon. 

What to Bring on Test Day:
Pen/Pencil
Charged Device

Device Power Cord
Approved Calculator(optional)
Bottled Water

Student Checklist:

1. Verify College Board Account:  
9th grade students will be setting up their College Board Account with their Cohort in September. 10th and 11th-grade students need to log in to their College Board account to verify their login and password by October 1st, 2025. If unable to log in, students should call 866-433-7728 to reset their credentials and write down the new login/password for future use.

2. Download Bluebook App:  
All students must upload Bluebook, the College Board testing app, to their personal laptop by October 1st, 2025. Instructions will be provided.

3. Check Device Compatibility:  
If a student's personal device is a Chromebook, they must inform Kris Thurston, Director of Technology, ASAP, as Chromebooks are not permitted by College Board. A donor device will be made available for those who need it.

4. Ensure Battery Life:  
Students need to check their device's battery life to ensure it can stay charged and operational for at least 3 hours.

5. Familiarize with Bluebook:  
Students should log in to Bluebook using their College Board account and explore the new tools and practice tests to become comfortable with the testing platform.

6. Test Day Preparation:  

On October 20th, students must arrive at school with their fully charged device and power cord.

No Late Testing or Retesting: Please note that there will be no late testing or retesting available, 

so it is crucial that students are well-prepared for the October 20th testing date.

AP UPDATES:

DUAL CREDIT UPDATES:

Dual Registration has begun for those taking Dual Credit classes! Please see your email from Mr. Frein and complete your registration soon as possible. If you have any questions or need help registering, please reach out to Mr. Frein at peterfrein@johnpauliihs.org.

CALENDAR ITEMS:

• Minute Meetings
• Minute Meetings are brief meetings conducted by the school counselors to basically get the pulse of their student caseload. It gives us the opportunity to meet and make an immediate connection with every student in our building the first few weeks of school.
• 9th/12th grade:  September 8 through 12
• 10th/11th grade:  September 22 through 26
• if students were absent or time ran out during the visit, counselors will reschedule with the students
• Parent/Teacher Conferences, September 19 (no school)
• Guidance Lesson
• September 17 and 18 (English Classes)
• Mental Health Awareness
• Check out the bulletin board by our office for resources from each guidance topic.

• Coffee with the Counselors
• Our first meeting will be Sept. 3 at 8:45 a.m., in the Athenaeum
• JPII P.E.P. Squad:  Partnering, Encouraging, Preparing
• Save the dates!  We will meet the first Wednesday of each month!

PARENT CORNER:

7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment

7 Traits of Effective Parenting Assessment

Good parents aren’t perfect, and that’s okay. There’s no formula to follow, but there are ways you can grow every day. This assessment gives you an honest look at your unique strengths, plus some areas that might use a little help.

RESOURCES:

• Need to see your Counselor?  Email or stop by!  Our doors are always open!
• The Shade (Elijah's Story from 1 Kings 19)
• Calming Room in the Counseling Office (check-in with counselor first)
• Reset, Relax, Recharge, Refresh, Return!
• Fidgets, Aromatherapy, Sound Machine, Cozy Chairs/Blankets, Journal, Coloring Books, & More!
• 20 minute limit....and then return to class
• Children's TCHATT
• 6-8 FREE weekly therapist appointments scheduled during non-core periods during the school day (referral through your counselor)
• Mental Health Navigation Line
• 972-525-8181, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Helpline sourced through Grant Halliburton to assist families with finding therapists (based on need, insurance, etc.) in the DFW area
• Coffee Days (mom support group for mothers of young people with mental health and emotional health conditions, offering opportunities to share experiences, resources, and information.)
• granthalliburton.org for upcoming meetings
• Additional Community Resources

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the John Paul II Counseling Office is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address students' academic and career goals in addition to supporting their personal and social needs. This is accomplished through a partnership with parents/guardians, staff, and community members to enable all students to become successful, productive citizens and lifelong learners in a diverse and changing world.

VISION  STATEMENT

The John Paul II High School Counseling Office is guided by our commitment to provide a safe, nurturing environment where the entire learning community addresses the unique needs of students to ensure students reach their fullest potential and successfully manage their lives as healthy, responsible, competent and productive citizens who respect themselves and others. Collaborating with students, parents, faculty and staff, we will foster the development of the entire person – mental, spiritual, academic and social. School counselors believe that every student can succeed through the collaborative efforts of school, home, and community leading to responsible and productive citizenship in the 21st century.