December

 

I HEARD THE BELLS:  FINDING PEACE AND PURPOSE THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

As we enter this final month of the semester, I’m reminded of my favorite Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”  (check out this rendition). Its opening lines ring with hope and promise much like the way we all begin a new school year, full of optimism and good intentions. Yet, the middle stanzas acknowledge something we all experience: life doesn’t always go smoothly. Challenges arise, plans get interrupted, and even the most motivated among us face moments of discouragement. In many ways, those lines speak directly to the realities of academic pressure, personal struggles, and the ups and downs that come with daily life.

But the beauty of the carol is how it ends with a firm reminder that God is still in control, working in ways we can trust, even when things feel overwhelming. That message is especially meaningful as our students prepare for semester exams.

In these final days before break, I encourage students to give themselves the best chance for success:

• Get enough sleep so your brain can focus and retain information.

• Fuel your body well with healthy meals and snacks.

• Use strong study habits, review intentionally, and take advantage of the upcoming study day to catch up, ask questions, and feel confident heading into exams.

Parents and faculty, thank you for continuing to guide, support, and encourage our students especially during this busy, high-pressure time.

And once exams are behind us, I hope each of you can fully embrace the joy of Christmas break: time to rest, celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, and enjoy rich moments with family and friends. May the peace and hope of Christ fill your homes and hearts this season.

Wishing you a blessed December and a joyful Christmas!

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:

• As students gear up for semester exams, we invite them to stop by the Counseling Office Hallway for our “Stressbusters” station during Cardinal Break on December 10, 11, and 12. We’re offering puzzles, playdough, coloring pages, games, and other hands-on activities designed to help students pause, reset, and regulate during this busy season. A few minutes of calm can make a meaningful difference as they manage stress and prepare for both exams and the end of the semester.

• Coffee with the Counselors
• Our last Coffee with the Counselors was November 5.  Topic was Choosing Connection:  Healthy Relationships in Action.  Check out the LINK to the presentation if you missed it!

PARENT CORNER:

Check out some ways parents can engage their high schoolers during December--

1. Create a Calm Study Environment

• Set aside a quiet, clutter-free space for exam preparation.

• Add soft lighting, a candle, or instrumental Christmas music to make it peaceful.

2. Help Them Build a Manageable Study Plan

• Sit with them to map out what to review each day leading up to finals.

• Encourage breaks and avoid last-minute cramming.

3. Prioritize Sleep as a Non-Negotiable

• Gently encourage earlier bedtimes—help them wind down by turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bed.

• Offer warm tea, ask about their day, or check in spiritually with a short prayer.

4. Keep Nutritious Snacks Available

• Fruits, nuts, yogurt, eggs, smoothies—foods that fuel focus.

• December gets busy; quick healthy options help more than they realize.

5. Encourage Mini “Reset Moments”

• Suggest 10–15 minute breaks: short walks, stretching, journaling, or a quick puzzle.

• These keep stress from building to overwhelm.

6. Show Up with Small Acts of Encouragement

• Leave little notes on their mirror, in their bag, or on their desk.

• Write words like “You’ve got this,” “I’m proud of you,” or a favorite Bible verse.

7. Build Rest Into Their Schedule

• Protect at least one evening a week with NO homework or obligations.

• Use it for family dinner, baking cookies, watching a Christmas movie, or going to look at lights.

8. Share Scripture and Prayer

• Pray with them before school or at bedtime.

• Remind them of God’s peace and presence, especially when they feel pressure.

9. Keep December Expectations Reasonable

• Lighten chore expectations or busy schedules where possible.

• Help them manage commitments to reduce stress during exams.

10. Model Healthy Stress Management

• Let them see you practice calm habits—prayer, deep breaths, breaks, gratitude.

• Teens follow what we model far more than what we say.

11. Celebrate Small Wins

• Finished a project? Conquered a tough quiz? Studied consistently?

• Acknowledge it. Encouragement strengthens confidence.

12. Keep Christmas About Peace, Not Pressure

• Balance fun traditions with downtime.

• Make room for simple joys: Advent readings, a quiet night by the tree, or time with loved ones.

13. Enjoy Christmas Break Intentionally

• Once exams are done, let them truly rest.

• Plan family traditions, meals, service opportunities, or faith-centered celebrations.

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