NOVEMBER 2026

                        

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 402 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. Have you been using any of the strategies that Bro Rhy shared with us?  Love the 1 on 1 time to share your concerns with each other! 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 2026-27 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 19. We are proud of our students’ hard work and focus throughout testing day.

PSAT results will be available November 6, 2026! 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:

 

 

CALENDAR ITEMS:

• Coffee with the Counselors

• Coffee with the Counselors is November 4 at 8:45 a.m. in the President's Conference Room.  Topic is The Story We Tell:  Helping Our Teens Navigate the World's Expectations.  Our teens are growing up in a world that often tells them life should be fast, easy, entertaining, safe, and effortless, but is that the story we want them to believe? Join us as we explore the cultural messages shaping our teenagers and discover how our faith offers a different perspective on patience, perseverance, courage, and purpose. Through practical insights and parent discussion, we’ll consider how to help our teens embrace God’s timing, grow through challenges, find meaning in everyday life, and recognize the gifts they have to share with the world. See you there!

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 2026

 

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 1.011 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 were so excited to be a part of our first Breakthrough! series of Breaking Through the Noise, and we've met individually with over 493 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 14-16.  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 2026-27 will be during semester exams in December to be reflected on their spring semester schedule.

PSAT UPDATES:

Our PSAT testing date is coming up soon, and we want to make sure students and families

have everything they need to be prepared for test day.

Test Date: Monday, October 19

Who Will Be Testing?

 9th Grade: PSAT 8/9

 10th and 11th Grade: PSAT/NMSQT

Why Is the PSAT Important?

The PSAT gives students an opportunity to become familiar with the format and experience of a

college entrance exam in a low-stakes setting. It provides students with information about their

strengths and areas for growth in Reading and Writing and Math.

For 10th and 11th graders, the PSAT/NMSQT can also be an important part of the college

planning process. For eligible 11th-grade students, the PSAT/NMSQT is used to determine

eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Students will also receive score information that can help them identify areas to focus on as

they continue preparing for future college entrance exams.

Preparing for Test Day

All students must have the Bluebook app downloaded and installed on their testing device

before test day. Counselors will be meeting with their alphas to make sure students have

Bluebook installed and that the required exam setup has been completed. Students should

bring the same device they use for the exam on October 19.

In addition, Ms. Slate, Mr. Saloma, and Ms. Gass will be meeting with each grade level to

discuss the PSAT, answer questions, and review what students should expect on test day.

What Students Should Bring

Students should come prepared with:

 Charged laptop

 Charging cord

 Pen or pencil

 Optional calculator

Students may also bring a snack and/or water bottle to use during the 10-minute break between

sections.

Please leave unnecessary personal items at home. Students will not be permitted to

bring backpacks, phones, smartwatches, or other prohibited items into the testing room.

Personal belongings that are not permitted in the testing room will need to be left in the

designated area outside the testing room during the exam.

Important Reminder About Phones and Smartwatches

Phones, smartwatches, and other prohibited electronic devices will not be allowed in the testing

rooms. Students will not have access to these devices during the test.

Finding Your Testing Room

Students will be assigned a specific testing room for the PSAT. Posters with QR codes will be

placed throughout the school on test day to help students quickly find their assigned testing

room.

Students should plan to arrive at school by 8:45 a.m. and allow enough time to locate their

testing room and be seated by 9:00 a.m.

Test Day Schedule

 8:45 a.m. | Students arrive at school at normal time

 9:00 a.m. | Students are seated in their assigned testing room and ready to begin testing

 12:00 p.m. | Regular dismissal

 12:30 p.m. | Dismissal for students with testing accommodations

Please Plan Ahead

Students must arrive on time and be ready to begin testing at 9:00 a.m. There will be no

make-up testing for students who are absent or arrive late.

Families are asked to please schedule medical, dental, and other appointments for another time

so students can participate in the PSAT on October 19.

We appreciate your help in making sure our students arrive prepared, rested, and ready for

testing. If you have questions about the PSAT or testing procedures, please contact the

Counseling Office.

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 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.
• 9th Grade, Oct. 5
• 10th Grade, Oct. 14
• 11th Grade, Oct. 15
• 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!
• Breakthrough! Oct. 21
• Our next Breakthrough experience, Breaking Through the Pressure, will focus on a question many students face: How do I find peace when life feels overwhelming? Students will explore stress, expectations, emotional well-being, and healthy ways to cope when the pressure begins to build. We’ll talk about resilience, knowing when to ask for help, and finding peace even when life doesn’t feel peaceful. Through both counseling and faith, students will be reminded that they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone and that peace can come from trusting that God is with them in the midst of it.
• Coffee with the Counselors
• Come join us Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 8:45 a.m. in the President's Conference Room.
• Raising Resilient Teens Without Raising Anxious Teens:  When to Step In, When to Step Back, and Why Failure is Not An Emergency

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 century.

SEPTEMBER 2026

             

HAPPY FALL, YA'LL!

We have had an incredible start to school year 2026-27!  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 August 31 through September 3. Students can pick up this form from their teacher.  The completed form will be returned to Mrs. Kelly Slate, Dean of Academics.
• 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 19th. 

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, 2026. 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, 2026. For students who have not yet downloaded Bluebook, or for students who have parental controls on their devices and whose parents would prefer to complete the download from home, here is a short instructional video with step-by-step instructions.

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 19th, students must arrive at school with their fully charged device and power cord.

7.  If students need help with any of the steps above, please stop by the JPII Counseling Office for assistance.

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 19th testing date.

AP UPDATES:

DUAL CREDIT UPDATES:

Dual Registration has begun for those taking Dual Credit classes! Please see your email from Mr. Frein sent on August 24 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

• Coffee with the Counselors, Sept. 2, Reading the Signs When Your Teen Says, "I'm Fine!"
• Miss the presentation?  Check it out HERE!
• Professional In-Service/Student Holiday, Sept. 4
• Labor Day, Sept. 7
• Q1 Transfer Lunch, Sept. 11
• BREAKTHROUGH Guidance Assembly, Sept. 15
• All School Mass, Sept. 16
• Parent/Teacher Conferences (Student Holiday), Sept. 18
• Minute Meetings (for 9th/12th grades), Sept. 21 to Sept. 25
• Minute Meetings (for 10th/11th grades), Sept. 28 to Oct. 2

COMING SOON FOR OCTOBER!

• Fall Break, Early Dismissal Oct. 9 and no school Oct.  12 and 13
• Homecoming Activities, Oct. 14 to 17
• PSAT for all 9th, 10th, 11th graders on Monday, Oct. 19
• BREAKTHROUGH Guidance Assembly, Oct. 21
• All School Mass, Oct. 22

• Coffee with the Counselors!  October 7, 8:45-9:45, President's Conference Room---Raising Resilient Kids Without Raising Anxious Kids-Failure Is Not An Emergency

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 citizensh

AUGUST 2026

                  

Welcome back, Cardinal Family!

We are so excited to welcome you to a brand new school year! Whether you're stepping onto campus for the first time or returning for another year, know that you belong here. JPII is a place where you'll be challenged to grow academically, encouraged in your faith, and surrounded by people who genuinely care about you.

A new school year brings new opportunities to make new friends, discover new passions, overcome challenges, and create memories that will last a lifetime. There will be moments that stretch you, but there will also be moments that remind you just how capable you are. Remember, you never have to navigate those moments alone. Your teachers, counselors, campus ministers, coaches, and classmates are all here to support you every step of the way.

Most importantly, God walks with you through every class, every conversation, every success, and every setback. As Joshua 1:9 reminds us, "Be strong and courageous...for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Here's to a year filled with learning, laughter, friendship, faith, and growth. We can't wait to see all that God has in store for you.

Welcome back!!!!  Let's make 2026-27 an incredible year!!!!!

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
• Lauren Easterwood, Registrar

PSAT UPDATES:

• October 19 for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders
• Does your student have a College Board account?  Make sure it is set up!  If you need help, stop by the Counseling Office.
• 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 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 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 next schedule change window for rigor will be at the end of the 1st cycle. The final time to request to be moved to an 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.

SUPPORTING EACH OTHER THROUGH GRIEF

Several handouts are included below to help students and families navigate different aspects of the grief process. We hope these resources provide guidance, comfort, and practical support as we walk through this difficult time together.

The Five Cyclical Stages of Grief

Talking with Children

What Not to Say

Providing Support over Time

Peer Support

Impact on Learning

Other Reactions

Grief Triggers

CALENDAR ITEMS

• Service Fair, August 13
• All School Mass, August 18
• Meet the Teacher/Counselor Night
• Early Dismissal, 2:00 p.m.
• August 19, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
• Cohorts start August 25
• Freshmen Retreat, August 26
• Pep Rally, August 28

COMING SOON FOR SEPTEMBER!

• PSAT information for all 9th, 10th, 11th graders (Oct. 20 Test Date)
• Minute Meetings (counselor one-on-one meetings with each student)
  
• BREAKTHROUGH All School Assembly, September 15---Breaking Through the Noise!

• Coffee with the Counselors!  September 2, 8:45-9:45, President's Conference Room---Are They Okay?  Reading the Signs When Your Teen Says "I'm Fine"

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