FMHS Counselors' Newsletter
September 2026

October 2026
Hello students and families!
As the fall season gets underway, we love seeing everyone’s energy and focus. To ensure you stay on course throughout the year, be sure to check the strategies and timelines from your recent Counselor Class Meetings.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
Need Help With Applying for College?
There are many resources available to students and families! Check out some of the links below.
- https://www.commonapp.org/apply/first-year-students
- Adding a Recommender in COMMON APP
- Plan For College
- The College Essay Guy (and more!)
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If the colleges you are applying to require a Counselor Recommendation letter:
1. Please fill out this form: Counselor Recommendation Packet
2. Make sure you have chosen a deadline for each of the colleges you are applying to.
If you aren't sure if you need a Counselor Recommendation Letter, check your email. Your counselor has most likely emailed you requesting this form to be filled out.
*** when adding your counselor to your Common App, use the @lisd.net email (not @staff.lisd.net)***
APPLYING TO TEXAS A&M: QUICK REMINDER
Seniors who are applying to A&M, please review the following very important information about your application process.
If you are using Common App to apply to Texas A&M, you do not need to request that your counselor send documents through your A&M portal.
In your A&M student portal, there is a box that states you must request documents from your counselor. However, the documents you need are already being submitted through Common App. We have verified with the A&M Office of Admissions that you do not need to make an additional request.
Please be mindful it takes time for A&M to go in and download your documents, depending on when they were submitted. Until then, know that your counselor is working very hard to ensure that you have all required documents in Common App well before your deadlines arrive.
If you have clarifying questions, please reach out to an admissions representative: admissions@tamu.edu
Need a Transcript
If you apply to colleges using Common App, you do not need to order your transcript separately. Your counselor will upload that directly for you before your earliest deadline.
If you apply using other channels, order your transcript using the link found on the FMHS Counseling webpage (Transcript Orders).
Free College Application Week
Free College Application Week is a statewide initiative that helps Texas residents apply to public colleges at no cost.
From October 12 to October 18, 2026, every public college and university in Texas is waiving undergraduate application fees for state residents. Whether you are applying to college for the first time or looking to transfer, you can send in your applications completely free.
How to Take Advantage of Fee-Free Week:
Where to Apply: Complete your undergraduate applications online through ApplyTexas.
Who Qualifies: All Texas residents applying as first-time college students or transfer students.Texas Residency Guidelines
The Deadline: You must submit your application by 11:59 p.m. CDT on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Pro Tip: Applications sitting in your draft folder don't count! Make sure you click that final submit button before Sunday night at midnight to secure your free application.
*And if you're planning ahead, mark your calendar—this awesome event returns every second week of October through 2029!
UNT's Go Center
Seniors,
We will have representatives from UNT’s GO Center on our campus starting: October 15th and then every other Thursday.
10:30 am - 12:30 pm.
They are here to help with any college questions, regardless of where you plan to apply to college. They are sending several representatives to our campus so this is a great opportunity to get your questions answered.
How? Just fill out the sign up form below no later than Oct. 15th at 9:00am to let us know you would like to meet with a GO Center representative. We will send a pass to your class during your designated time.
How to Complete the FAFSA Form
Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is necessary for students to be eligible to receive federal student aid.
LISD Whole Child Series: OCTOBER
Ever Wonder What Your School Counselor Does?
Ways to Access Your Counselor
Choices Family Center and Adapt & Hope
Free individual and small group counseling for LISD students and families. CHOICES Flyer For more information about ADAPT and HOPE
The Whole Child Series
All Sessions will be held from 6pm-8pm at https://lewisvilleisd.webex.com/meet/taylora.
(See Flyer Above)
Medication Disposal Day Saturday, October 24
LISD partners with the DEA to provide locations to safely dispose of medications & sharps.
College, Career, Military Readiness
Lewisville ISD is committed to support all students in grades 6-12 with college, career, and military readiness. Students and families will be engaged in a variety of interest surveys, college and career activities, and be provided with resources on financial aid, scholarships, and test preparation throughout the school year. School and community events will also be held to enhance students and families learning experiences.
Digital Citizenship
In September, students in grades 9-12 will complete digital citizenship lessons.These lessons are in compliance with state mandates that require school districts to educate all students on school safety (SB 11), early mental health intervention (HB 1386), character development (Chapter 120 TEKS), and the prevention of cyberbullying (David’s Law).
You may preview the video lessons below or by visiting: HS Digital Citizenship Curricula Preview
Join PTSA Today!
This is not just for parents. Students, you can apply for scholarships offered by this awesome organization - but you have to be a member!
It's really easy to use the option to join online at https://www.joinpta.org
College Reps Visit During Lunches
Throughout the school year, college representatives are available outside the cafeteria during all 4 lunch periods. To see a list of scheduled visits from college reps, review the calendar linked here. The calendar is updated weekly, so please check periodically for updates.College Rep Calendar (FMHS)
COUNSELOR CHOICE AWARDS
SEPTEMBER'S AWARD GOES TO...
Mary Patton - Mary, it is impossible to express just how much you mean to our Jaguar family. Your positive attitude and quick smile set the tone for everyone around you, but it is the incredible work you do behind the scenes that truly keeps us afloat. Truthfully, we could not run this school without you! She consistently goes above and beyond, in ways both big and small, to support everyone around her. She is always willing to step up, take care of the countless details that keep our school running smoothly, and somehow manage to save the daytime and time again. Her dedication, dependability, and willingness to help make a difference every single day, and we are so grateful for all that she does!
Alexis Burris -Alexis brings a warm, positive attitude and a welcoming smile to our school community every day, ensuring those around her feel valued and supported. As Special Education department lead, she thoughtfully balances her leadership responsibilities and student caseload while designing systems that empower both teachers and students. She has been especially generous with our new counselors, sharing her time and knowledge to help them feel confident in their roles. Through intentional collaboration and unwavering commitment, Alexis makes a lasting, meaningful difference in our school.
Action for Happiness
Helpful Links
We look forward to partnering with you!
Please utilize our FMHS Counseling page to find answers to many common questions and a wealth of resources for you and your student. FMHS Counseling
The counseling office is located across from the Library in the Main hallway.
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Website: lisd.net/fmhs
Location: 3411 Peters Colony Road, Flower Mound, TX, USA
Phone: 469-713-5192
Facebook: facebook.com/flowermoundHS
Meet Your Counselors
Jennifer Todd
Amanda McLarnan
Elizabeth Wade
Becca Piriano
Amy French
Sandy Thai
Heather Degroot
Angie Argumaniz
New 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
In May of 2023, Texas became one of 13 states who have enacted legislation to fund and implement the 988 system. In July of 2023, this became available to everyone across the US. Understanding the issues concerning suicide and mental health is an important way to take part in suicide prevention, help others in crisis and change the conversation around suicide.