AHS/DNG Counselor's Corner

Happy SUMMER!

We are so thankful for your partnership this year as we work together for the good of all our Bearcats! The counseling staff will be off contract June 9-July 19. We will return all communication in the order it was received when we are back in office on July 20.

This edition of the Counseling Newsletter has information for students that will be helpful in the time we are out of the office.

Our website is also a great resource for any question you may have while we are out!

We hope you have a safe and restful summer and look forward to working with you in the 2026-27 school year. We will see students back for the first day of school, August 12!

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!

In June, you will receive your student's High School Transcript. These will be mailed to the address on file in Ascender.

As a reminder, only students in the top 10% receive a class rank. For more information on the AISD Academic Achievement guidelines, please click here.

Below are the 2026 Advanced RLA Summer Novel Study lists and recommended assignments:

• Freshmen/PAP English I
• Sophomores/PAP English II

• Juniors/AP Language & Composition

• Seniors/AP Literature & Composition

The English department put together this list of required summer reading for students taking Pre-AP or AP English next year.

As a reminder, not doing your summer reading is not a reason a course change would be approved.

If you have questions about the readings, you can reach out to Staci Hammer shammer@aledoisd.org or Amber Wheeler awheeler@aledoisd.org

If you are a junior or senior, and become CCMR met over the summer, and would like to request an off period, please complete this form and your counselor will take a look prior to schedule release in August. CCMR/Off Period requests will not be processed by email, only via this form!

For CCMR questions, please check out the AISD Advanced Academic's CCMR site!

While the Counseling office does not handle or distribute the Verification of Enrollment forms, we often get questions about them, so we wanted to share the information with you.

Students who will be receiving their driver’s license or driver’s permit this summer will need to request a VOE by filling out the VOE Request Form.

Please allow at least 48 business hours for a response. VOE forms will be emailed to you at the address you provide.

Please do not call or email from the DMV as the request cannot be processed immediately.

Any VOE provided to students during the last 5 days of school is good for the whole summer.

• In June, you will receive your student's final High School Transcript. These will be mailed to the address on file in Ascender.
• Seniors were required to request their final transcript to their college or university, as well as the NCAA in Major Clarity. If this was 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.

Once you are a graduate, all further transcript requests must be made using the link on our website.

FORMER STUDENTS:

• Please complete this form to request a transcript.
• Allow 5-7 business days from the date of request to receive a transcript via mail.

To request your transcript from an OnRamps or Dual Credit course, check out this resource.

As a reminder, only students in the top 10% receive a class rank. For more information on the AISD Academic Achievement guidelines, please click here.

How to Read Your College Financial Aid Award Letter

Our Just for Juniors night and Junior Conferences have concluded, and now is the time for the Class of 2027 to start making their post-secondary plans! We are here to help you as you start the planning and applying process.

College Applications

• If you are applying to a Texas public school, you may use the Apply Texas application that can be found HERE.

• Most private schools will use the Common Application which can be found HERE.

• If the school you are applying to does not use the Apply Texas or the Common Application for their application process, please visit the college’s admissions page and you will most likely find a link on their website to apply.

College and Career Resources

Please visit the Aledo High School College and Career Readiness site HERE for helpful post-secondary information.

Our AHS Counseling website is always a great place to start! We have several pages there, but one especially for College & Career exploration.

In June, you will receive your student's High School Transcript. These will be mailed to the address on file in Ascender. This is the transcript your student will use for their College applications. As a reminder, only students in the top 10% receive a class rank. For more information on the AISD Academic Achievement guidelines, please click here.

Rising Seniors who apply to college over the summer and need their initial transcript sent, will use Major Clarity to request them. Major Clarity is the platform we use for post-secondary planning.

To request a transcript via Major Clarity, please follow the steps below. Universities require that they receive transcripts from a secure online resource.

1. Go to the Launch Pad and then click on your "Major Clarity" Application
2. Click on "Application Center" located on the left bar under your Profile Name
3. Scroll down to "Transcript Request", then click on the "Request Transcript"
4. Type in the name of the college or university, then click "Send Request"

Click here for a tutorial video for further assistance.

We look forward to our continued work with the AHS Class of 2027 and families! Time flies, so enjoy every moment!

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!

What To Consider When Choosing Between Colleges In 2026

What to Do While Waiting for College Admissions Decisions

What Parents Should Know about the College Admissions Timeline

Creative College Essay Ideas to Make Your Application Stand Out

The end of your 10th grade year, and start of your 11th grade year is a big transition time for students. College applications are 1 year away, and many things you participate in this year will help boost your college applications!

The jump from freshman to sophomore year often brings more academic challenges and personal growth, and your child is now beginning to navigate a more rigorous course load. As they prepare for the transition into junior year, it's a great time to encourage them to start thinking about their future goals, whether that's college, careers, or personal aspirations. Encourage them to get involved in extracurricular activities or leadership opportunities that align with their interests, and remind them that building strong study habits and time management skills will pay off in the long run. Continue to offer your support, listen to their concerns, and be proactive in helping them plan for the next steps in their high school journey. With your guidance, they’ll be well-equipped to take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their junior year.

In June, you will receive your student's High School Transcript. These will be mailed to the address on file in Ascender. As a reminder, only students in the top 10% receive a class rank. For more information on the AISD Academic Achievement guidelines, please click here.

Check out this blog for things to think about as you head into 11th grade!

Your student is about to complete their first year of high school — what a big accomplishment! As they prepare to move into 10th grade, it’s an exciting time of growth and new opportunities. Encourage your child to reflect on what they've learned, both academically and personally, during their freshman year.

The transition to sophomore year often brings increased responsibility and more challenging coursework, so it's important to stay organized and stay on top of assignments. Help them set goals for the year ahead, whether it’s improving in a specific subject, getting involved in extracurricular activities, or focusing on time management. Open communication is key, so make sure they know they can always come to you with questions or concerns. With your continued support and encouragement, your child is sure to thrive in 10th grade and beyond!

In June, you will receive your student's first High School Transcript. These will be mailed to the address on file in Ascender. As a reminder, only students in the top 10% receive a class rank. For more information on the AISD Academic Achievement guidelines, please click here.

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)

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.

1. Go to the Launch Pad and then click on your "Major Clarity" Application
2. Click on "Application Center" located on the left bar under your Profile Name
3. Scroll down to "Transcript Request", then click on the "Request Transcript"
4. 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.

https://campustours.com/

https://www.thecollegetour.com/tour-colleges/

https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/virtual-tours

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!

https://www.mytexasfuture.org/

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.

Email: AHScounselors@aledoisd.org
Website: https://www.aledoisd.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=8138
Location: 1000 Bailey Ranch Road, Aledo, TX, USA
Phone: 817-441-8711
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063129766467&mibextid=2JQ9oc
Twitter: @AledoHSCouns