Dubiski Counselor Connection

April is here, bringing longer days, blooming flowers, and of course the well-known “April showers” that help everything grow and thrive. Just as the season represents renewal and growth, it’s also an important time for our students as we begin to enter testing season. STAAR EOC's, AP testing, and semester exams are opportunities for students to demonstrate their growth and all they’ve learned throughout the year. While testing season can bring a mix of emotions—pressure, nerves, fear of failure, and even burnout—it’s important to recognize the signs of anxiety and ways to manage it so that students can approach tests with confidence. This month during Advisory, counselors are excited to introduce a guidance lesson designed to provide students with additional support around managing testing anxiety.

Remember, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing significant stress or anxiety, you’re not alone. We encourage you to reach out to your school counselor—we’re here to support you every step of the way. We look forward to helping you stay confident, focused, and prepared throughout testing season, so you can continue to grow and succeed.

March 30 - April 2:

• Junior Class Spirit Week

April 1:

• Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day
• UTA Take Over Day 2
• TSIA2 Testing - ELAR

April 2:

• TSIA2 Testing - Math

April 3:

• NO SCHOOL
• School Librarians Appreciation Day
• Last day to submit a course request change for 2026-2027

April 6 -9:

• Assistant Principal Appreciation Week

April 6:

• Senior Panoramic Picture, 10:30 a.m.

April 7:

• Last day to Opt-out of a District Recommended Advanced Academic Course

April 8:

• Dallas College Registration Ready Event (Day #1)

April 13:

• 26-27 Course Request Pick-up & Verification (Freshmen)
• Senior Skate Night

April 14:

• EOC Testing (Eng I)
• 26-27 Course Request Pick-up & Verification (Sophomores)

April 15:

• EOC Testing (Eng II)
• 26-27 Course Request Pick-up & Verification (Juniors - pm only)
• Dallas College Registration Ready Event (Day 2)

April 16:

• 26-27 Course Request Pick-up & Verification (Juniors/make-up)
• EOC Make-ups

April 17:

• EOC Make-up
• Carter Blood Care Drive
• Senior Awards, SGP Theater (6 pm-8:30 pm)

April 20:

• UNT Push Event, C300 (1:00-4:00)

April 21:

• EOC Testing (Biology)
• College Advisor Appreciation Day

• EOC Testing (US History)
• Administrative Professionals Day
• Senior Awards, SGP Theater (6:00 pm - 8:30 pm)

April 23:

• EOC Make-up

April 24:

• EOC Make-up
• UTA Registration Ready Event
• Last day to purchase tickets to the Junior/Senior Prom

April 28:

• Bus Driver Appreciation Day
• Top Ten Senior Breakfast, Atrium (9:00-10:30)
• EOC Testing (Alg I)

April 29:

• EOC Make-up

April 30:

• EOC Make-up
• Shark Byte (pm)
• Val/Sal Photo Shoot

May 1:

• Shark Byte (pm)

Don’t miss out! DCHS is partnering with BJ’s Wholesale Club for a limited-time pre-opening fundraiser. Sign up for a discounted membership, enjoy perks like 2% back on purchases, and help support our students and programs.

📅 Deadline: May 17, 2026 – act now!

Check the flyer below for full details and easy ways to join. Share with friends and family to make a difference for our campus!

The final quarter is here! Stay on top of your student’s progress by checking grades in Skyward weekly.

• View Grades: English Instructions | Spanish Instructions

Struggling in a class? Don’t wait—Dubiski offers credit recovery to help students get back on track.

• Credit Recovery Info: Click here

Stay informed, stay involved, and help your student finish Q4 strong!

Counselors have officially wrapped up meetings with all current students—thank you for your collaboration throughout the course selection process!

What to Expect Next:

• Advanced Course Recommendations (Sent April 3):
  Based on a review of student performance and test score data, select students will receive email notifications recommending enrollment in advanced courses (Advanced/GT, AP, Dual Credit OnRamps). These courses provide a valuable opportunity to engage in rigorous, college-level work, earn potential college credit, and boost GPA.
  Opt-out deadline: April 8

• Course Verification (April 13–16 | Atrium):
  Students will pick up their course verification sheets from counselors to review their selected courses for the upcoming school year. This is the opportunity to confirm accuracy and request any final changes. All changes must be made in person during this window. The verification period ends on April 16.

📌 Important Deadlines for all Grade Levels to Remember:

• Last Day to Make Course Selection Changes:

  • Sophomores & Juniors: April 3

Please be sure to visit our Course Registration Newsletter which has information and resources that you can explore and use to help prepare you for meeting with the counselors.

If you’re interested in taking the TSIA2 Test on one of our upcoming testing dates, space is limited—only 30 slots are available! Slots will be filled first come, first served based on students who submit all required documentation by the deadline.

Important Update: Documentation MUST be submitted the Monday before your scheduled TSIA2 testing day by 4:30 pm, in order to be added to the testing roster.

To be eligible to take the TSIA2, you must complete all required steps: [click the link below].

Don’t wait—complete your steps early to secure your spot and take the next step toward your college and career goals! 🚀

As we enter the last nine weeks, life can start to feel extra busy and overwhelming. Between final exams, competitions, projects, and preparing for what’s next, it’s easy to forget to slow down and take care of yourself. This time of year can bring both excitement and stress—and that’s completely normal.

It’s important to make your mental health a priority during these final weeks. Simple habits like staying organized, getting enough sleep, and taking short breaks can make a big difference in how you feel and perform. Try to stay active, even if it’s just a quick walk, and don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Remember, you’ve worked hard all year to get to this point—take it one step at a time, stay focused, and give yourself grace. You’re almost there!

Are you a first-generation junior looking for an incredible summer learning experience? The College Citizens Program at the University of Dallas is a free, two-week residential program where students dive into some of the greatest texts in history, philosophy, and literature — think Plato, Sophocles, Frederick Douglass, and Flannery O’Connor.

Program Details:

• Dates: June 6 – June 21, 2026

• Location: University of Dallas campus dorms

• Benefits:

  • Receive the texts and guided reading/writing instruction from UD faculty

  • Earn three college credits

  • Live on campus and experience college life firsthand

Past Dubiski students have thrived in this program, and now it’s your turn!

Apply Now & Learn More: College Citizens Program

📞 Questions? Contact Darcy Stubbs at (517) 505-5769

Don’t miss this chance to expand your mind, earn college credits, and experience life on a university campus!

Want a sneak peek at cadet life? The Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) is a 5-day overnight program led by West Point cadets, packed with:

• Hands-on academic workshops

• Army PT workouts, obstacle courses & fitness challenges

• Leadership, team-building & ethics activities

Dates:

• Session 1: May 30 – June 3

• Session 2: June 5 – June 9

• Session 3: June 11 – June 15

💰 Scholarships available for students with financial need!

Applications open Feb 15 — selections roll starting March 15. Applying also completes the first step of the West Point application.

🎥 Learn more & watch the video: West Point Summer Leaders Experience
📝 Apply now: SLE Application

Step up, challenge yourself, and experience life at West Point!

Want to boost your resume, earn community service hours, and make an impact? TurnUp, a nationally recognized youth non-profit (featured in Forbes!), is offering a FREE remote internship for high school students:

• Flexible schedule — work from anywhere

• Collaborate with students across the country

• Learn civic engagement, professional skills, and leadership

• Complete the program and earn certificates, awards, and possible college recommendation letters

Rolling applications — apply here: bit.ly/tuinternship

Take this chance to amplify youth voices and grow as a leader!

The John L. English Memorial Foundation Scholarship supports high school seniors, college/trade students, and educators across Texas. This scholarship recognizes individuals committed to education, leadership, and community impact.

📅 Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Students can scan the QR code on the flyer for full details and to submit their application.

Take a few minutes to apply—you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to support your goals after high school!

Seniors—don’t miss out! The Bridging the Dream Scholarship from the Sallie Mae Fund is now open and could award you up to $10,000 for college or career training. This opportunity is open to high school seniors planning to attend a 2-year college, 4-year university, or a trade/technical program after graduation.

📅 Deadline: April 24, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

If you meet the requirements (including a 2.75+ GPA and Pell Grant eligibility), this is a great chance to earn money for your future!

✨ 30 students will be selected—so don’t wait!

All seniors are required to complete CPR training to meet graduation requirements. We’ve made it easy to complete online!

Check out the CPR Slide Deck below to access the training video and follow instructions for submitting verification that you’ve completed the training — or, if you are already CPR certified, submit your documentation instead.

Steps to Satisfy the CPR Requirement:

1. Open the slide deck and watch the CPR training video.

2. Complete the Exit Ticket to confirm completion; or

3. Upload your CPR certification (most likely all HSC & DEN Students).

✅ This quick and essential training could help you save a life one day—plus, it’s required to walk the stage! Don’t wait—get it done today! Deadline - May 1st.

2990 South Highway 161

Grand Praire, Tx, 75052

https://www.gpisd.org/Domain/11979