AUGUST 2025

 

Welcome back, Cardinal Family! As we begin this new school year together, we want to remind you that you are part of a community that values not only your academic growth but also your spiritual journey and personal well-being. Each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and deepen your faith. Remember, you are never alone—your teachers, classmates, and counselors are here to walk alongside you. Most importantly, God is with you in every challenge and every joy. As Philippians 4:13 encourages us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” May this year be one of discovery, perseverance, and blessings!

MEET YOUR COUNSELING DEPARTMENT:

• Peter Frein, Alpha A-E
• Brandy Gass, Alpha F-K
• Becky Heslep, Alpha L-Q
• Rhonda Ramirez, Alpha R-Z
• Mickey Saloma, College Counselor
• Michelle Reyna, Administrative Assistant
• Arabella DeAngelis, Registrar

We had over 3,700 office visits with our students last year and can't wait to welcome you this year!  How will you see us out and about at JPII?

PSAT UPDATES:

• October 20 for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders
• JPII will be administering the PSAT 8/9 for our freshmen and the PSAT/NMSQT for our 10-11^th graders.
• The PSAT will be administered in a new digital format that will provide an overall easier testing experience for students. 
• Please note that your child will take the PSAT with the Bluebook Digital Testing App using their personal laptop. 
• We will help new students download the Bluebook App during Cohorts in September.  Please make sure that your student's device set-up on that day allows for the download. 
• Scores will be released in mid-November. 

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

• We always receive questions regarding schedule changes from our students. Student registration is a critical function at John Paul II High School. Based upon the registration data, courses are scheduled, and teachers are employed for the next year. Student schedules received in the summer are considered permanent for the academic year.  Here are some Q&As about the process.

  1. I have a hole in my schedule.  Yes!  Come see your counselor immediately!

  2. Can I change my schedule if I changed my mind about a class?  No, students had the opportunity to change classes during the spring semester and summer.  Master Schedule, teacher assignments, and leveling of classes has been completed based on those student requests.

  3. I tried out or auditioned for a class.  Will you change my schedule?  Yes, those coaches and directors will send counselors a list of those students.  We will contact you should you need to drop a class to be enrolled in this new class.

  4. I requested an on-level class, but now I feel like it is too easy.  Can I request to be moved to a more rigorous level?  Yes, students will talk to their current teacher first.  If the teacher agrees that the placement is not correct, the student and teacher will complete the Google Form requesting the level change. 

  5. I requested a rigorous class (H/DC/AP), but now I feel like it is too difficult.  Can I request to be moved to on-level?  Yes, that request form will open the third week of school (from September 2-9, 2025) to request those changes.  Students will need to have attended tutorials, teachers will need to have visited with parents, and all assignments must be complete prior to the form being submitted.  The final time to request to be moved to on-level class will be at semester.

  6. Can I change my teacher?  No, teacher changes are not usually considered.  The current teacher and parent will need to have a conference to alleviate any concerns.

  7. Can I just move class periods around?  No, we have tried to level teacher classes, and we want to be fair to all students by offering the smallest classes that we are able.

  ***If any schedule change is approved, keep in mind that several classes in the current schedule may change, to include teachers, lunch period, etc.  While counselors will try to accommodate as little disruption as possible, new class placement will be based on available seats.

CALENDAR ITEMS:

• Meet the Teacher/Counselor Night
• August 20, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Stop by to visit with us at our session!
• Student Holiday, August 29

COMING SOON FOR SEPTEMBER!

• Coffee with the Counselors!  September 3, 8:45-9:45, Athenaeum
• PSAT information for all 9th, 10th, 11th graders (Oct. 20 Test Date)
• Guidance Lesson---Mental Health
• Minute Meetings (counselor one-on-one meetings with each student)

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 

APRIL

 

A SEASON OF HOPE AND RENEWAL

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.

WHAT WERE WE UP TO IN MARCH?

• 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

Summer School registration with JPII has begun!  See the FLYER for additional information about courses, calendar, and cost.  If you have any questions, please see your counselor.

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

 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!

AP UPDATES:

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!

                       

PARENT CORNER:

Summer Activities: Live It Challenge!

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

MARCH

 

MARCHING FORWARD IN FAITH

March is a season of renewal, a time when the world begins to awaken from the stillness of winter. Just as the earth bursts forth with new life, God is calling us to step into the plans He has for us with faith and courage. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" No matter the struggles you have faced in the past, God’s mercies are new every morning. For teens and families, this is a reminder that you are not defined by past mistakes or hardships—God is always working behind the scenes to guide you toward hope, strength, and purpose.

As you walk through this month, hold tight to God’s promises and trust that He is leading you in the right direction. Challenges may arise, but Philippians 4:13 declares, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Lean into His Word, pray together as a family, and encourage one another in love. When you make time for God and seek Him first, He will provide peace and clarity in your decisions. Let March be a month of faith in action—a time to step forward boldly, trusting that the Lord has already paved the way for greater things ahead!

WHAT WERE WE UP TO IN FEBRUARY?

• WOW!  For February to be a short month, we met with 412 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 presented Don't Go Bacon My Heart--Unhealthy Relationships:  Friendships, Dating & Conflict in our February guidance.  We looked at how relationships can turn toxic and how to respond to conflict in a win-win situation.  Check out these Parent Handouts on the topic:
• Friends
• Disagreements
• Toxic Relationships

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

 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 are working with 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!

AP UPDATES:

Email Ms. Heslep if you have questions at beckyheslep@johnpauliihs.org

CALENDAR ITEMS:.

• COFFEE WITH THE COUNSELORS
• March 5 at 8:45 a.m., in the Athenaeum
• Don't Go Bacon My Heart--Unhealthy Relationships:  Friendships, Dating & Conflict

                       

• Save the dates!  Only one more for 2024-25 school year.  Last one in April!

PARENT CORNER:

Podcast--Helping Your Teen Build Healthy Relationships

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

JANUARY

 

Dallas, Texas (February 2021)

THE CHRISTIAN NEW YEAR!

What will your New Year’s resolution be for 2025? It’s a question probably equal parts hated and anticipated. Some people look forward to this season every year as an opportunity to reflect and reset. Others feel guilt from the hauntings of failed resolutions past and would rather glide into the new year without disruption to the status quo. But how should the disciple of Christ treat this season?

Firstly, we must recognize that there is no distinctly Christian response to New Year’s. The Bible doesn’t explicitly address this occasion or the practice of making resolutions. So, whether you love this season or dread it, relax. With that said, however, I believe the season can afford the Christian with an unmatched opportunity for reflection.

Fundamental to the Christian outlook is the belief that our identity no longer rests on our own performance. To trust Christ is to finally give up on the futile pursuit of making ourselves. We are now “in Christ.” He is our “wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). So then, while it’s true that resting here is a constant struggle, this life-altering truth must be our starting point when reflecting on life change and resolutions. Nothing I do or perform can move the needle because Christ has already taken me past the finish line. “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).

The Christian call, in other words, has nothing to do with achievement of something not yet gained and everything to do with living based on who we already are in Christ. Why do we “put to death what is earthly” in us and “put on . . . compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Colossians 3:5, 12)? Because we have died, and our lives are now hidden with Christ in God. We resolve to live according to who we are in Christ. A Christian resolution must begin in Christ.

With that said, our journey in Christ celebrates new beginnings, and the new year provides a wonderful opportunity to reevaluate and form new habits that help us connect our lives with who we are in Christ. After all, to be “baptized into Christ Jesus” means that we have both died and been raised in him. We have died to the power of sin and have been raised so that “we too might walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:1-4). The Christian, therefore, has unique access to the Holy Spirit’s power. The same power that raised Christ from the dead now works in us to raise us daily from the soul deadening way of life we formerly pursued. Christ has made it possible for us to live no longer enslaved to sin but instead enslaved to righteousness.

So some reflection questions to help you maximize this season with Christ at the center.

The first set has to do with rooting my life in Christ: In 2024, have I lived with awareness of who I am in Christ? Or have I fallen into the trap of trying to prove myself to God or to myself or to the world? How would my life look differently if I was more deeply rooted in my identity in Christ? What new habits will help me live daily with this awareness? How can the church help me live with this awareness?

The second set has to do with living out of my identity in Christ: In 2024 what habits have I formed that prevent me from living out of who I am in Christ? How have I allowed sin to reign, leading me to obey its passions (Romans 6:12) and taking me backwards to who I used to be? What earthly practices do I need to put to death (Colossians 3:5)? What Christlike characteristics do I need to put on (Colossians 3:12)? What new habits will help me walk in newness of life? How can the church help me live in Christ?

Happy New Year, Cardinal Family!  May we all live 2025 with Christ at the center!

WHAT WERE WE UP TO IN DECEMBER?

• We met with 197 students individually during the short month of December.  Our seniors were the ones that popped in the most this month with our freshmen at a close second!  We are so happy that our students see us as support here at JPII!
• We presented in the class meetings our December Guidance on Stressbusters:  Unwrapping those Knots!.  Counselors shared with our students the Pomodoro Technique where one studies for 30 minutes, then takes a break for 5 by taking a quiet, physical, snack, social, reflective, spiritual, laughter, or musical break.  It's so effective for students' brains to sort and strengthen memories of what they've recently practiced or learned.  For high school students, it's important to set aside a few minutes of space for reflection, joy, and connection during a packed school day.

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

 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.  Once that is completed, be on the lookout for an email to make an appointment with your counselor.  The plan is to visit with our current juniors at the end of January, our sophomores in February, and our freshmen in March.  Be thinking about your goals and how you want to challenge yourself in 2025-26!  See you soon!

AP UPDATES:

Stay tuned for more information!

Email Ms. Heslep if you have questions at beckyheslep@johnpauliihs.org

CALENDAR ITEMS:.

• Guidance Lesson
• Bullying & Cyberbullying:  What Does It Look Like in 2025?--January 28 and 29 in Theology classes
• We will be challenging our students with Ephesians 4:29-31 and to wear their  HOT PINK RIBBONS on their lanyards (provided by the club, Service With A Smile) as a reminder that there is no room in the Christian faith to belittle or abuse anyone.

• Check out the bulletin board by our office for resources from each guidance topic.

• COFFEE WITH THE COUNSELORS
• January 8 at 8:45 a.m., in the Athenaeum
• College, Career, & Military Readiness

                       

                              

• Save the dates!  See below!
• UPDATE--Our February Coffee is cancelled because of our JPII Athletes signing with their future colleges!

PARENT CORNER:

As we talk about bullying and cyberbullying with our students this month, this is a great support podcast for parents!

Parenting and the Bullied Child: Truth in Love 232

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