NOVEMBER

 

WAYS TO GIVE THANKS!

As Christians, Thanksgiving isn't one day of the year; it's all of them.  We're called to give thanks to God in everything, to pray without ceasing, offering thanks in all circumstances, and we're even shown how (The Psalms, Ephesians 5:17-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, and many others).

Here are 10 things you can do to give thanks this season:

1. Have a feast!  We were meant to rest and celebrate God's goodness.
2. Plan ahead to give thanks!  Look up some of the psalmists and celebrate with them.
3. Acknowledge where your blessings come from!  Thank Him as the founder and provider of your blessings.
4. Name what God has done!  Think about the past and name what he has redeemed you from and ways He has shown you love.
5. Sing your thankfulness, or at least make some noise!  Check out some praise and worship music and sing along.
6. Feel the joy!  Examine how you feel when you're giving thanks.
7. Express your gratitude in the the presence with people who may not have a relationship with Christ!  If there are people at your table that don't know Jesus, don't hold back on expressing your gratitude to him.
8. Let gratitude lead to giving!  Thanksgiving naturally leads to wanting to share with others.
9. Set your calendar for gratitude!  Create family rhythms of thankfulness that will last all year.
10. Pray Psalm 100!  Read it at your table together, just like it's written, and do just what it says, even if it takes a little practice.

WHAT WERE WE UP TO IN OCTOBER?

• We met with 385 students individually during the month of October.  Our JUNIORS were the ones that popped in the most this month!  Way to go, Class of 2026!  We love that you see us as support here at JPII!
• We presented in 47 classrooms for our October Guidance on Drug Prevention Awareness:  Vaping Prevention & Education.  We shared with our students the history of vaping, the parts of the brain that nicotine rewires and what that would look like for a teen, some facts about vapes, why teens vape, and ways to step away from the peer pressure and curiosity to try vapes.  We reminded them that when we are tempted (not if, but when), God will ALWAYS provide a way out (1 Cor. 10:13) be it through friends, families, counselors, or other better opportunities.  Want more information on how to support your student?  Check out this Parent Guide--Vaping

• We administered the PSAT on Oct. 9 to over 600 students.  It went smoothly and without issue!  Thank you to all that assisted in getting our students ready for the virtual administration, and especially to Mrs. Gass for her organized and prepared leadership!  Scores are now in, so make sure your student checks his/her College Board account.  Counselors also have paper copies in their office.

SCHEDULE CHANGES:

• If students are interested in making a schedule change, students can apply again in December to be reflected on their spring semester schedule.  
• No other schedule change requests will be honored at this time.

AP UPDATES:

Stay tuned for more information!

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

CALENDAR ITEMS:.

• Minute Meetings---Counselors will be finishing up meeting with all their students in November! 
• November 22, Grandparents' Day, Early Dismissal
• November 25 through 29, Thanksgiving Break
• Guidance Lesson
• November 18 and 19 (Theology Classes)
• College, Career, & Military Readiness
• Students will be exploring personality traits, a strength profile, career interest inventories, and college research.
• Please make sure your student can access their Naviance account.
• Ask them to show you their results in Naviance!
• Check out the bulletin board by our office for resources from each guidance topic.

• COFFEE WITH THE COUNSELORS
• November 6 at 8:45 a.m., in the Athenaeum
• Teens and Vaping

                              

• Save the dates!  See below!

PARENT CORNER:

FOR PARENTS:  

HOW TO TALK ABOUT VAPING WITH TEENS

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