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!
- 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:
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!
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!
RESOURCES:
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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 in the 21st c
