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
- Melissa Fernandez, Administrative Assistant
- Arabella DeAngelis, Registrar
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- October 11 for 9th, 10th, and 11th graders
- JPII will be administering the PSAT 8/9 for our freshmen and the PSAT/NMSQT for our 10-11th 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.
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.
I have a hole in my schedule. Yes! Come see your counselor immediately!
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.
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.
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.
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 4-11, 2024) 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.
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.
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.
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| POP IN TO MEET YOUR COUNSELORS! |
- Guidance Lesson
- August 27 and 28 (English Classes)
- Orientation to the Counseling Office--POP in to Meet Your Counselor!
- Check out the bulletin board by our office for resources from each guidance topic
- 9th Grade Only---Setting Up Their College Board Account for PSAT and download Bluebook
- Meet the Teacher Night
- August 21, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
- Stop by to visit with us at our session!
- Coffee with the Counselors! September 11, 8:45-9:45, Athenaeum
- PSAT information for all 9th, 10th, 11th graders (Oct. 11 Test Date)
- Guidance Lesson---Mental Health
- Minute Meetings (one-on-one meetings starting with Freshmen/Seniors)
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- 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
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