AHS/DNG Counselor's Corner
January 2026
Welcome back! We hope your family enjoyed a restful winter break and that the new year is off to a great start. We would also like to extend a warm welcome to any families who are new to our campus this semester. We are glad you are here and look forward to partnering with you to support your student’s success.
As we begin the second semester, this is an important time for academic planning and reflection. This newsletter includes key information about course selection, upcoming events, and resources designed to help students stay on track and plan for the year ahead. Our counseling team is here to support both students and families with academic questions, future planning, and any challenges that may arise. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together toward a successful spring semester.
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!
2026-27 Course Selection
Course selection for the 2026–27 school year is approaching, and we want to share important information and upcoming dates to help you support your student through this important process. Course selection is a key opportunity for students to plan an academic path that aligns with graduation requirements, postsecondary goals, and personal interests.
Course Selection Info Expo
January 14 | 5:30–7:00 PM
Families are encouraged to attend our Course Selection Information Expo to learn more about available courses, graduation requirements, endorsements, and postsecondary planning. Counselors and campus staff will be available to answer questions.
Academic Planning Guide – A Critical Resource
We strongly encourage students and families to review the AISD Academic Planning Guide as part of the course selection process. The Academic Planning Guide provides a comprehensive list of all available courses, including course descriptions, prerequisites, graduation requirements, and important academic information. Using this guide together allows families to make informed decisions and ensures students understand how course choices connect to future academic and postsecondary goals. The final details of the APG are being completed as we speak, and we will share this valuable resource with you as soon as it is published.
Course Selection Videos
Students will view a grade-level course selection video during the school day. A follow-up email with the video link and additional information will be sent to students and families after viewing.
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January 12–16: Current 8th graders
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January 19–23: Current 9th graders
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January 26–30: Current 11th graders
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February 2–6: Current 10th graders
Individual Course Selection Meetings
Counselors will meet individually with students during their RLA classes (Grades 9-11) and their CCR class (Grade 8) to review course selections, graduation requirements, and future plans.
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January 20–23: Current 8th graders
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January 26–30: Current 9th graders
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February 4–6: Current 11th graders
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February 9–12: Current 10th graders
How Families Can Support
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Review the Academic Planning Guide with your student prior to their individual course selection meeting.
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Discuss interests, strengths, and postsecondary goals together.
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Attend the Info Expo and ask questions.
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Encourage students to take ownership of their course selections, as these decisions impact scheduling, graduation progress, and future opportunities.
More information can be found on the Course Selection Website as well!
Fall Semester Transcripts/GPA Release
Fall semester transcripts and updated GPAs for students in grades 10–12 will be mailed home once semester grades are officially posted and GPA calculations have been verified. Families can expect these to be sent during the first week of February. We appreciate your patience as we take the necessary time to ensure all academic records are accurate.
Ninth-grade students will receive their first high school transcript and GPA in June at the conclusion of their freshman year.
Seniors who need fall semester transcripts sent to colleges may submit a request through MajorClarity; transcripts will be sent in February once all GPAs have been finalized.
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.
Healthy Relationships Guidance Lesson
On February 9, students will participate in the Healthy Relationships guidance lesson during Advisory. This is a State of Texas required lesson. Parents are required to opt-IN if they want their student to participate. The opt-in process was completed during registration. If you wish to update your selection, you may do so in parent portal. The list of students able to participate will be pulled on February 2 at noon. Please ensure your selection is updated by that deadline.
You can preview the video lesson here: Healthy Relationships
Strictly For Seniors
Seniors: Semester 2 Focus
As we begin the second semester, seniors are entering an important stretch of their high school journey. Many students are finalizing postsecondary plans, waiting on college admissions decisions, or considering workforce or military options.
What to Know
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College application and scholarship deadlines continue throughout the spring.
Many local scholarships come out during the next few months! Check the AHS Scholarship listing for the complete list.
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FAFSA completion is required by the State of Texas for all students, regardless of postsecondary plans. (See below for details)
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1st semester transcripts will be mailed out at the beginning of February after grades have posted and GPAs have been verified.
How Parents Can Support
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Encourage your senior to regularly check email portals for college updates.
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Review graduation requirements together and help them stay on track academically.
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Support healthy routines—sleep, organization, and stress management are especially important right now.
🎓 FAFSA Now Open!
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is officially open!
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, we must have either the FAFSA confirmation or opt-out form on file. 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.
👉 Class of 2026 FAFSA Completion
Need help? Visit the AHS Counseling CCR website for resources, or meet with a UTA Go Center mentor during lunches for one-on-one assistance. Our partners at UTA have shared this video to help you!
Articles of Interest
Just for Juniors
Juniors: Planning Ahead
Second semester is a critical planning period for juniors as they prepare for postsecondary options after graduation.
SAVE THE DATE: March 30, 2026
Just for Juniors- Post-Secondary Planning Presentation in the AHS Auditorium at 5:30 PM
What to Know
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Juniors should be actively exploring colleges, careers, military, or certification pathways.
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SAT/ACT testing opportunities are available this spring. Check the AHS Testing website for details!
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Course planning for senior year will begin soon.
1st semester transcripts will be mailed out at the beginning of February after grades have posted and GPAs have been verified.
How Parents Can Support
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Talk with your student about interests, strengths, and future goals.
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Encourage participation in college visits, career exploration events, or job shadowing opportunities.
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Help students create a testing and preparation plan if college is part of their path.
Sophomore Scoop
Sophomores: Building Momentum
Sophomore year is all about building strong academic habits and beginning intentional career exploration.
What to Know
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Grades earned now continue to impact GPA, class rank, and future opportunities.
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Students are encouraged to reflect on interests and begin exploring possible career pathways.
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Course selection for junior year will be coming up this spring.
1st semester transcripts will be mailed out at the beginning of February after grades have posted and GPAs have been verified.
How Parents Can Support
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Encourage consistent study routines and organization as expectations increase.
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Have conversations about interests, electives, and future goals.
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Reinforce the importance of attendance and academic effort.
Freshman Focus
Freshmen: Starting Strong
Second semester is an important time for freshmen to build confidence and adjust to high school expectations.
What to Know
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Academic habits formed in 9th grade set the foundation for the rest of high school.
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GPA earned this year counts toward graduation and class rank.
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Students are learning how to balance increased responsibility and independence.
1st semester transcripts will be mailed out at the beginning of February after grades have posted and GPAs have been verified.
How Parents Can Support
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Monitor grades and encourage students to ask for help early.
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Support strong routines around time management, sleep, and organization.
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Reinforce positive choices and problem-solving skills.
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