Dubiski Counselor Connection

October is a busy and meaningful month at Dubiski! As the first nine weeks come to a close - on the 9th, it’s a great time for students to reflect on their progress, set new goals, and reach out for support if needed. Counselors are here to help with academic planning, organization, and strategies for success as we move into the next grading period.

This month also highlights two important awareness campaigns. October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a reminder that kindness, respect, and inclusion create a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone. Students are encouraged to stand up for one another and be part of the solution.

Later this month, we will also participate in Red Ribbon Week, promoting healthy choices and a drug-free lifestyle. Look out for schoolwide activities that celebrate positive decision-making and personal responsibility.

Together, let’s make October a month of growth, kindness, and healthy choices!

Having a positive attitude significantly benefits our mental health. It promotes resilience, helping us cope better with stress, challenges, and setbacks.

A positive mindset enhances emotional well-being by reducing feelings of anxiety and depression, while fostering optimism and self-confidence. It encourages healthier relationships, as we become more open, empathetic, and solution-focused in our interactions.

Over time, maintaining a positive attitude contributes to a more balanced, peaceful mental state, allowing us to approach life with a sense of gratitude, purpose, and fulfillment.

Day 1: Gratitude Awareness

Task: Start your day by writing down three things you're grateful for. Focus on both big and small aspects of your life. As you go through the day, notice how this mindset shift impacts your attitude.

Reflection: How does expressing gratitude affect your outlook and interactions today?

Day 2: Positive Self-Talk

Task: Monitor your inner dialogue throughout the day. Each time you catch yourself thinking negatively, pause, and reframe the thought into something positive.

Example: If you think, "I can't do this," shift it to, "I'm learning and improving every day."

Reflection: How does changing your inner dialogue make you feel?

Day 3: Compliment Others

Task: Make it a point to give genuine compliments to at least three people today. Be mindful of their reactions and how giving positivity to others impacts your mood.

Reflection: How did spreading positivity to others affect your own energy?

Day 4: Mindful Breathing with Positivity

Task:Set aside 5–10 minutes for a mindfulness breathing session. As you breathe in, visualize yourself inhaling positivity and light. As you breathe out, release any negativity.

Reflection: Did the mindfulness breathing leave you feeling more centered and uplifted?

Day 5: Positive Affirmations

Task: Create a list of five positive affirmations that resonate with you. Say these aloud or in your mind multiple times throughout the day. Examples:

- "I am worthy of love and happiness."

- "I choose to see the good in every situation."

Reflection: How did affirming these statements influence your mood and self-perception?

Day 6: Focus on Solutions

Task: If you face any challenges or frustrations today, practice solution-focused thinking. Instead of dwelling on the problem, ask yourself, "What can I do to make this better?"

Reflection: How did focusing on solutions instead of problems improve your mental outlook?

Day 7: Positive Visualization

Task: Spend 10 minutes visualizing a future event going perfectly well. Imagine yourself feeling confident, happy, and successful.

Reflection: How did this visualization make you feel about the future?

October 1 - 31:

• Bullying Prevention Month

October 1:

• FAFSA Opens

October 1-8:

• Financial Aid Presentations (Seniors)

October 2:

• Pre ACT Testing (all 10th grade students)

• NMSQT Testing (select 11th grade students)

• National Custodians Appreciation Day

October 20-21:

• Red Ribbon Week

October 21:

• District Financial Aid Night @ DCHS (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

October 24:

• Fall Festival

October 25:

• DCHS Homecoming Dance, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

October 27-31:

• Red Ribbon Week

October 29 - Nov 4:

• BOY transcripts will be uploaded into GreenLight for 10-12 graders

October 30:

• Drop Deadline for students taking ETAMU Dual Credit Courses
• District Financial Aid Night @ GPHS (6:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

October 31:

• TSIA2 Testing (click here for registration info)

Looking for a way to give back, build your résumé, and make a positive impact in your community? Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, explore your interests, and develop valuable skills that colleges and employers love to see. Below you’ll find flyers highlighting upcoming opportunities where you can lend a hand, share your talents, and make a difference.

​If a student is driving to Dubiski Career High School and parking in the student parking lot, they are required to have a valid student parking permit.

Students may apply for a permit by scanning the QR code labeled “Student Parking Permit” located on each floor of the school, or by stopping by Room A306 for assistance.

All cars without a proper parking permit will receive a notice placed on their vehicle. If a student does not apply for and receive a parking permit, they will no longer be allowed to park in the Dubiski student parking lot.

We appreciate your attention to this matter and thank you in advance for your cooperation in keeping our campus organized and safe. As always, please stay connected through our school website, https://dubiski.gpisd.org/our-school/student-parking-permit-information, for more information.

Optional mobile device insurance is now available to purchase for students and staff until Friday, October 31, via MySchoolBucks.

• Already have a MSB account? Click here for a direct link to purchase.
• Need a MSB account? Click this link to sign up.

Student Optional Device Insurance Coverage Policy 2025-2026:

English | Spanish

Parents - you will receive an email notice if your child has a library book that’s more than 30 days overdue. Don’t worry—there’s no fine, it’s just a friendly reminder!

Please make sure your child either:

• Returns the book to the library 🏃‍♂️📖

• Or stops by to renew it if more time is needed 🔄

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.

✅ Upcoming TSI Testing Dates & Submission Deadlines:

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! 🚀

Homework is usually NOT fun. But, you can make it much easier if you follow Nike’s advice and “Just Do It!” - It is easier said than done—but these tips can help you get started and stay on track:

✅ Use the golden hours: The time between 3–6 p.m. is often the most wasted. Try doing homework within an hour after school when your brain is most alert.

✅ Sneak in small chunks: Work on homework during downtime—on the bus, before practice, or even in class when possible. The less you have at home, the faster you’ll finish.

✅ Reward yourself: Set a finish time and treat yourself after completing your work. Games, streaming, or texting friends can be your prize.

✅ Prep your supplies: Keep all your pens, pencils, paper, and other materials in a basket nearby—no interruptions for a missing stapler!

✅ Eliminate distractions: Music, videos, and social media can double your homework time and increase mistakes. Focus on one task at a time.

✅ Set a timer: Estimate how long homework should take, add a few minutes, and challenge yourself to beat the clock. Turn it into a game!

✅ Parents, join in: Do your chores or paperwork during your child’s homework time to help them stay focused and show that everyone has work to do.

💡 Small changes can make homework less stressful and help you finish faster—so you have more time for the fun stuff!

The college admissions process can feel overwhelming — with so much information (and misinformation) out there, it’s hard to know what really matters. That’s why we’re sharing a recent Class 101 webinar recording that clears up the confusion and focuses on what colleges truly look for beyond grades and test scores.

This session dives into how students can stand out in the admissions process and, more importantly, how to grow into the kind of student and leader colleges are genuinely excited to admit.

This recording is a great resource for any student who plans to go to college and wants to understand how to shine beyond GPA and test scores.

• Involvement & Experiences: It’s not just about joining activities — it’s about making your involvement meaningful. Sports, clubs, community service, and work experiences all help tell your story.

• Personal Growth: Colleges want to see who you’ve become through your high school journey — your resilience, leadership, creativity, and impact on others.

• Quality Over Quantity: Admissions officers aren’t impressed by a long list of activities. What matters is depth, commitment, and growth in the opportunities you choose.

• Authenticity Matters: Standing out isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real. Your essays, applications, and interviews should reflect who you truly are.

• What experiences have shaped you most during high school?

• How are you showing growth in leadership, creativity, or service?

• How can you use your story to highlight what makes you unique?

You’ve made it through your first nine weeks of high school! 🎉 Now’s the perfect time to sharpen your study habits! 💪 Check out these 5 simple tips to make studying easier. From keeping your notes organized to knowing exactly what to study, these strategies will help you stay on top of your game.

✨ Pro tip: The sooner you build good study habits, the less cramming (and stress!) you’ll deal with later. You got this! 🚀

You will take the PreACT on October 2nd. This exam covers English, Math, Reading, and Science and will help you prepare for the ACT in your junior year, and may open doors to special opportunities.

High scores on the PreACT may qualify you for GPISD's Future Ready NMSQT Scholar Program to help you prepare for the PSAT/NMSQT in October of your 11th grade year.

The PreACT will be offered free of charge to all 10th graders.

Bring your best effort—this is an important step toward your future!

Your Dubiski counselors will be visiting your classroom for CCMR Junior Chats from October 14–20. During these chats, we will review your transcript and discuss your progress toward graduation. We’ll also provide guidance on becoming College, Career, and Military Ready (CCMR) to help you plan for your next steps after high school.

Be ready to talk with your counselor and bring any questions you have about your academic progress and future plans!

👉 Students will report to the Gym during their designated class period based on last name:

Wednesday, Oct 1st

• 5th Period: A–C

• 6th Period: D–F

• 7th Period: G–J

• 8th Period: K–N

Thursday, Oct 2nd

• 1st Period: O–Q

• 2nd Period: R–S

• 3rd Period: T–Z

• 4th Period: Last Call & Early Grads

📌 Important Reminder:

• For Tux/Drape and Cap & Gown photos - please wear the dress shirt and tie that Prestige will provide, bring/wear a white t-shirt.
• Students who are wearing the drape that Prestige provide, bring/wear a tank top.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Opens Dec. 1st

12th grade students (with their parent/guardians) are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as early as possible. The window is now open!

Students and guardians will need to create a FSA ID to complete the FAFSA.

If you’re applying to colleges through Common App you must add your counselor to your account in order for them to complete the required school report and submit a recommendation, if required. Please make sure you follow these steps:

1. Complete the Education Section of Common App

2. Add a College to your application list

3. Open the College Questions for that school

4. Scroll down to Recommenders and FERPA

5. Complete the Release Authorization

6. WAIVE your FERPA rights (this allows colleges to view recommendations as confidential)

7. Invite your Academy Counselor

8. Invite Ms. Preston as your Advisor - This will allow her to remind you of missing documents and incomplete applications.

If you require a letter of recommendation for a scholarship, college application, or other educational opportunity, please message your Counselor at least TWO weeks prior to the application deadline. This will allow processing time for counselor's to fulfill your request.

You will need to complete your Brag Sheet and attach it to the email to your counselor, along with your Resume, if you have one. The information provided on your brag sheet will allow your counselor to write a comprehensive and detailed counselor recommendation letter. The content of your recommendation letter can have a great impact on your admittance into your college/university of choice or the scholarship to which you are applying. Counselor recommendation requests will NOT be completed until a Brag Sheet is completed!

COUNSELORS ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO WRITE LETTERS OVER EXTENDED BREAKS, SO IT'S IMPORTANT TO PLAN AHEAD!

Seniors, don’t leave money on the table! There are tons of scholarships out there waiting for you—and many don’t require perfect grades or test scores. Scholarships are a great way to help pay for college, career training, or other post-graduation plans. Check out the GPISD Scholarship page here and start applying today. The more you apply, the better your chances of earning free money for your future!

Counselors are available to assist and advise each student with personal/social concerns, academic concerns, career exploration and choices, course selections, college choices, scholarship applications, recommendation letters, test score interpretation, setting goals, examining post-secondary options, and any special situations that may be important to a student.

• Students, If you have a quick question you'd like to ask your counselor, feel free to send a message in CANVAS. Your counselor will message you back within 24-48 hours.
• Walk-ins are available during non-instructional time (before/after school, during lunch, or during an off period).
• Students may also see their counselor anytime during the school day with a pass from their teacher.
• If your counselor is unavailable, students may schedule an appointment with their academy counselor, by scanning the QR Code below.
  

Parent Meeting Requests: Counselors make students a priority during the school day. Therefore, we encourage parents to make an appointment prior to coming to the campus to ensure your student's counselor is available, to avoid scheduling conflicts, and to ensure you will have the time you need to address your concerns and questions. To make an appointment please use the QR code to schedule a time to meet with your student's counselor.

*Please note that the Counseling Department Office Hours are from 8:30 - 4:00 M-F

2990 South Highway 161

Grand Praire, Tx, 75052

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

Vision

The Vision of John A. Dubiski Career High School Counseling Department is to GUIDE students to their highest potential by CREATING self-disciplined, motivated and responsible learners who will be our FUTURE LEADERS that will respond to worldly issues and advocate for equity for humankind. The comprehensive school counseling program will focus on academic, career and social-emotional needs to support students’ college, career and military readiness.

Mission

The mission of the John A. Dubiski High School Counseling Services program, in partnership with other educators, parents/guardians and community stakeholders is to provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program that PROVIDES EQUITY AND ACCESS FOR ALL STUDENTS that addresses academic, social-emotional, and career development. The program ensures all students are self-directed, life-long learners who are college, career and military future-ready.