November

 

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 393 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. 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 2025-26 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 20. We are proud of our students’ hard work and focus throughout testing day.

PSAT results will be available tomorrow, November 6, 2025! 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:

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:

• Guidance Lesson
• Choosing Connection:  Healthy Relationships in Action (coming November in our Theology classes)

• Coffee with the Counselors
• Thank you to those that came to the October presentation!  Check out the LINK to the presentation, Guiding Students Through the Age of AI.
• Presented by Ashley Falloure, JPII Instructional Technology Specialist

• Our current Coffee with the Counselors was November 5 at 8:45 a.m. in the Athenaeum.  Topic was Choosing Connection:  Healthy Relationships in Action.  Check out the LINK to the presentation if you missed it!

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