As we enter the beautiful month of April, we are reminded of the transformative power of Easter—the celebration of Christ’s victory over death and the promise of new life. This season calls us to embrace hope, even in times of uncertainty. Just as the earth awakens from winter with blossoms and new growth, we, too, are invited to experience renewal in our hearts and minds.
Let the joy of the Resurrection fill you with courage and peace. When you feel weary, remember that God’s grace is abundant and ever-present. When you face challenges, lean on the truth of Christ’s love, which conquers even the darkest of days. And when you witness the beauty of spring, let it serve as a gentle reminder that God is always making things new—including you.
May this Easter season inspire you to seek grace, extend kindness, and walk confidently in the light of our Risen Savior. You are deeply loved, and you are never alone.
- WOW! For March to be a short month with Spring Break, we met with 210 students individually. We're in the "season" of choosing classes for next year, so it is always fun to check in with our students!
- We are planning next year already! We're looking at lots of new classes, teacher schedules, and welcoming our new Cardinals to campus!
- And our office is getting ready for testing season....AP is just around the corner, so start watching your emails and Parent Square as we gear up for testing season!
SUMMER SCHOOL
All schedule changes have been completed! Let's finish this spring semester strong!
CHOICE OF SUBJECT FOR 2025-26:
First of all, don't those dates sound crazy? Time sure flies! However, it is that time of year when we start talking to our students one-by-one about their credits, GPAs, future plans, and classes for next year. Our academic departments are currently finishing up the 2025-26 Course Guide to reflect courses being offered, prerequisites, credits, etc. We have emailed students to make an appointment with their counselor. We met with our current juniors at the end of January, our sophomores in February, and our freshmen in March. If you didn't sign up to meet with us, reach out now to schedule an appointment! Be thinking about your goals and how you want to challenge yourself in 2025-26! See you soon!
2025 AP Exam Day Information for Students
Who: AP students
What: AP Exam day information
When: Week #1–May 5th-9th/Week #2–May 12th-16th (previously approved late testers–May 19th-23rd)
What time: 7:30 am for morning exams/11:30 am for noon exams
Where: Room assignments will be posted on campus by April 23rd
Students should bring the following to every AP exam:
*2 #2 pencils and 2 pens (with Black or blue ink) for Section II and note taking on scratch paper
*College Board account sign-in credentials
Students should also bring to digital/hybrid digital exams:
*Fully charged device with BlueBook installed and updated (digital/hybrid digital)
*Charging cord for device (digital/hybrid digital)
*external keyboard (optional for digital/hybrid digital)
*Calculator with extra batteries (if needed for exam)
Items Not allowed in testing rooms:
*cell phones, smartwatches, airpods, headphones, any other electronic equipment other than charged laptop/device
*mechanical pencils
*watches with alarms
*backpacks
Lunch Information:
*8:00 am exams:
*AP students will be dismissed to go to lunch at the end of the exam–then will follow the school schedule for 3rd and 4th/7th and 8th periods.
12:00 pm exams:
*AP students who have “A” lunch will eat at normal time and then report to their testing room at 11:30 am.
*AP students who have “B” or “C” lunch will be dismissed from their 2nd/6th period class at 11:00 am to eat lunch then report to their testing room at 11:30 am.
*AP students who have two AP exams on the same day (one at 8:00 am and one at 12:00) will be required to bring their lunch and eat quickly between the exams
Reminders-Be on time to your exams–no make-ups for being late or absent! No food or drinks are allowed at students’ desks and around devices and testing materials during testing, some afternoon exams will end after the school day is over, and all students will be dismissed from testing rooms by proctor at the same time
Questions???--Contact Becky Heslep at 469 229-5137 or in the JPII Counseling office
CALENDAR ITEMS:.
- COFFEE WITH THE COUNSELORS
- April 2 at 8:45 a.m., in the Athenaeum
- Join us as we discuss all the wonderful opportunities that your student can participate in this summer!
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 c