AHS/DNG Counselor's Corner
May 2026
As we enter the final and often busiest month of the school year, May brings both celebration and reflection for our students and staff. We are proud to kick off the month with Local Scholarship Presentation Day on May 1, recognizing the hard work and bright futures of our seniors. On May 4, students will participate in a Mental Health Awareness guidance lesson, along with our Day of Hope—a meaningful opportunity to reinforce the importance of supporting one another, speaking up when help is needed, and taking time to truly listen to friends.
Alongside these important moments, May also includes Advanced Placement (AP) testing, final exams, and the many milestones that mark the close of another successful school year. We look forward to celebrating our graduates at Graduation on May 22, honoring their achievements and the journey ahead.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we support our students academically, emotionally, and socially during this important time of year.
Important Dates
Bearcat Briefs
The information in this section applies to all AHS students and families!
Our website also houses many resources for students and families. You can check it out HERE!
Decision Day 2026
2026 Day of Hope
Parent Needs Assessment
As a counseling team, we are committed to partnering with you and your student to ensure all students receive the information and support they need. To help the AHS Counseling Program best meet student needs, we invite you to complete our AHS Counseling Needs Assessment. The form will remain open until May 21, 2026 (the last day of school).
This needs assessment helps our team identify strengths, gaps, and potential focus areas within our school counseling program by gathering input from students, parents, and staff.
We are also seeking parents to serve on the AHS Counseling Advisory Council (CAC) for the 2026–2027 school year. The council meets 2–3 times per year for one-hour sessions after school. Members review data and help develop goals for our counseling program. If you are interested in being considered, there is a section within the form where you may indicate your interest.
Please use the link below to provide your feedback and help us plan for the 2026–2027 school year.
AHS Counseling Needs Assessment
Thank you for your continued support as we work together to serve all Bearcats!
2026-27 Course Selection Review
Students are now able to log into Ascender Student Portal to verify their course selections for the 2026-27 school year.
An email was sent on March 24 from AHS Counselors with instructions on how to verify courses, and a Google form will be used for students to sign off that they have viewed them.
If a change needs to be made, students are allowed 1 change (not including off periods once a student becomes CCMR met) and a Google form will be used to request a change as well.
More than 1 change will not be honored. Changes must be requested via the Google form to be considered.
Strictly For Seniors
REMINDER:
Please have your senior complete the Senior Survey by May 18, 2025.
This survey lets us know if you plan to walk at graduation, and how much scholarship money you received (the total will be shared at graduation).
Seniors are required to request their final transcript to their college or university in Major Clarity. If this is not completed, your college or university will not receive your final Senior year transcript, and you may not be able to register for your courses.
🎓 FAFSA Deadline Approaching!
As you know, we must have record of each Senior's FAFSA completion or Opt-Out form, which is a State of Texas Graduation Requirement. This is a 2-step process!
Seniors will not be able to purchase Prom tickets or walk the stage at graduation without completing this State of Texas requirement.
The FAFSA remains one of the most important steps in securing college funding. Families should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to maximize financial aid eligibility. Completing the FAFSA is a Texas high school graduation requirement. Families who choose not to complete the FAFSA must submit a state-approved opt-out form instead.
To ensure your student receives Prom and graduation tickets, you must have either the FAFSA confirmation or opt-out form on file with Aledo High School. Please upload your document using the link below — this is the only way to submit your information. We cannot accept paper copies or email submissions.
This is a 2-step process for you!
1. Complete the FAFSA (or opt-out form)
2. Upload it to the AHS Completion Link
We don’t have access to each student’s individual FAFSA account, so you have to upload your completion status (email or screenshot) or opt-out form to the link below.
👉 Class of 2026 FAFSA Completion
Articles of Interest
Just for Juniors
Thank you to the families who joined us for our recent junior parent meeting. If you were unable to attend—or would like to revisit the information—we encourage you to review the shared resources and materials, which include important timelines for senior year, college applications, financial aid, and testing. These resources are a great starting point as you begin planning for what comes next.
Juniors should continue researching postsecondary options, planning campus visits, and preparing for upcoming testing opportunities such as the SAT or ACT. It is also important to be intentional about senior course selections and stay engaged in current coursework, as final grades will play a key role in college applications.
Looking ahead, we are excited to offer our College Application Camp this summer, designed to help students get a head start on applications, essays, and the overall college planning process. More information is included below, and we strongly encourage juniors to take advantage of this opportunity.
Click on the graphic below to register your Junior!
We also have information for those of you who are interested in attending a US Service Academy:
Congressman Williams has officially opened the application process for military academy nominations for students in Texas’s 25th Congressional District.
A congressional nomination is required for students seeking admission to the following institutions:
- U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
- U.S. Naval Academy
- U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (Note: For the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy only, students may request a nomination from any U.S. Representative or U.S. Senator from Texas, and are not limited to their own congressional district.)
Students can find detailed information regarding eligibility requirements and application materials by visiting the Congressman’s website:
https://williams.house.gov/services/military-academy-nominations
Please note that the deadline to submit a completed nomination packet to the Congressman’s office is Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
For additional questions or to request more specific guidance, students and families may contact our office at (682) 218-5965 or email TX25.academy@mail.house.gov.
Best regards,
Emily Boyd | Field Representative
Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25)
Chairman of the House Small Business Committee
1000 Ballpark Way, Suite 310 Arlington, Texas 76011
P: (682) 218-5965 | M: (202) 746-5502
Texas Tech Application Workshop
If you are unable to join the AHS College App Bootcamp, Texas Tech is also hosting an application Workshop at AHS on July 29, 2026 from 11 am-12-pm. You can get more information here or by clicking on the flier below. If you can't make the AHS date, you can join any date/location that works for you!
Sophomore Scoop
May is a busy and important month for sophomores as we wrap up the school year and prepare for the transition to junior year. With final exams, AP testing, and end-of-year deadlines approaching, it is essential that students stay focused and finish strong. The effort students put in now will directly impact their GPA, class rank, and readiness for the increased academic expectations of next year.
This is also a valuable time for sophomores to begin thinking more intentionally about their plans after high school. Whether students are considering college, career pathways, or military options, exploring interests and setting goals now will help guide decisions moving forward. Students are encouraged to reflect on their strengths, get involved in meaningful activities, and seek out opportunities that align with their future aspirations.
As we head into the summer months, families can support their students by reinforcing strong habits, encouraging responsibility, and continuing conversations about goals and next steps. Finishing the year with purpose and planning ahead will help ensure a confident and successful start to junior year.
Freshman Focus
May is an exciting and fast-paced time for freshmen as they complete their first year of high school. With final exams, end-of-year projects, and campus events approaching, it is important for students to stay focused and finish strong. The habits they have built this year—consistent attendance, completing assignments on time, preparing for assessments, and communicating with teachers—will continue to serve as the foundation for future success.
As freshmen prepare to become sophomores, this is a great opportunity to reflect on their growth and begin thinking ahead. Students should consider their strengths, areas for improvement, and ways to get more involved on campus. Building on these experiences will help them feel more confident and prepared for the increased expectations of next year.
Families can support their students by encouraging organization, accountability, and balance during this busy season. Ending the year with strong effort and intentional reflection will help students transition smoothly and confidently into their sophomore year.
Articles of Interest
College & Career Planning
Post-Secondary Planning
Check it out HERE!
Major Clarity is a great resource and is also where you will request transcripts and letters of recommendation.
Major Clarity Resources
- Career Exploration
- Post-Secondary Exploration
- Portfolio
- Transcripts and Letters of Recommendation (12th grade only)
- Connecting Your Common Application (12th grade only)
- Common Application Evaluator (12th grade only)
Transcript Requests
To request a transcript via Major Clarity (for college application purposes OR for the NCAA), please follow the steps below. Universities require that they receive transcripts from a secure online resource.
- Go to the Launch Pad and then click on your "Major Clarity" Application
- Click on "Application Center" located on the left bar under your Profile Name
- Scroll down to "Transcript Request", then click on the "Request Transcript"
- Type in the name of the college or university or type NCAA, then click "Send Request"
Click here for a tutorial video for further assistance.
- To request your transcript from an OnRamps or Dual Credit course, check out this resource.
Virtual Tours
https://www.thecollegetour.com/tour-colleges/
https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/virtual-tours
My Texas Future
Check out My Texas Future for more college and career planning information! It's a great site that also has direct admissions information for 25+ schools in Texas!
AISD Wellness and Support
Let's Connect!
Connect with your AHS/DNG Counseling team!
Follow us on Instagram and X (twitter) and like our Facebook page (Aledo High School Counseling Department) for all things AHS Counseling and even some Bearcat fun! We will share upcoming dates, important information, and show you a look at AHS/DNG through our eyes.
Lindsay Fuller, Lead Counselor Grades 9-12 Last Names A-B and H-Ma lfuller@aledoisd.org
Maggie Alexander, Counselor Grades 9-12 Last Names C-G malexander@aledoisd.org
Annie Walker, Counselor Grades 9-12 Last Names Mc-R awalker@aledoisd.org
Tricia Hackfeld, Counselor Grades 9-12 Last Names S-Z thackfeld@aledoisd.org
