AHS/DNG Counselor's Corner

Happy December from the Counseling Team!

As the year winds down, we want to take a moment to thank our families for your partnership and support. This month, our focus is on staying connected, celebrating growth, and preparing for a joyful holiday season. We hope this newsletter provides helpful resources and reminders to support your student’s well-being as we wrap up 2025 together.

Check out this article on How to Support Your Teen's Struggle with Phone Addiction for helpful tips on navigating technology challenges with your student. Many teens find it difficult to balance screen time with school, sleep, and family time, and excessive phone use can sometimes impact mood, focus, and relationships. This article offers practical strategies for setting boundaries, fostering healthy habits, and having constructive conversations with your teen about technology use.

We look forward to working with you all in 2026, and wish you a warm Holiday Season!

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!

The TSCA CREST Award is the Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas award, given by the Texas Counseling Association (TSCA) to recognize outstanding school counseling programs. This award is based on five categories, including program implementation, foundational components, and the four service delivery components, and requires schools to demonstrate continuous improvement and excellence in their programs. It is a tool for schools to evaluate and promote their programs to stakeholders like students and parents.

About the award

• What it is: The CREST (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) Award is a program that recognizes and honors exemplary school counseling programs across the state.
• Purpose: It helps school counselors evaluate and improve their programs, as well as promote their services to students, parents, and the community.
• Criteria: To earn the award, schools must demonstrate excellence in areas like:
• Introduction to the school and the counselor's role
• Program implementation cycle
• Foundational components
• Four service delivery components
• Program curriculum
• Application process: Schools submit a digital application that is then reviewed by judges throughout Texas.
• Key focus: The CREST Award focuses on the impact school counselors have on students' achievements, career aspirations, personal growth, and social development.

We want to thank the members of our AHS Counseling Advisory Council who helped shape our program, and give us feedback to improve our practices! We are grateful for you!

🎓 December Senior Update: Finishing Strong!

It’s hard to believe the fall semester is wrapping up! As seniors head into finals, remind your student to stay focused—every grade counts toward graduation and college admission decisions. Winter break is the perfect time to take care of important next steps like completing the FAFSA/TAFSA, submitting any final college applications, and continuing the scholarship search. Encourage your student to check their email often for college updates or requests for additional information. Whether their next step is college, career, or military, staying organized now sets them up for a smooth spring semester. The AHS Counseling Team is proud of all our seniors—let’s finish the year strong and start 2025 ready for what’s next! 🎉🐾

📌 December To-Do List for Seniors

• Finish Strong Academically:

Finals and semester grades matter! Colleges review fall transcripts, and grades can impact admission and scholarships. Encourage good study habits and attendance through the last day of the semester.

• Complete FAFSA/TAFSA:

The FAFSA and TAFSA open in December. Completing these early helps ensure access to grants, loans, and scholarships. Visit studentaid.gov or contact your counselor for support.

• Scholarships:

New opportunities are regularly added to the AHS Scholarship Page. Set aside time each week to apply—small efforts now can lead to big rewards later!

• Check College Application Portals:

Encourage your senior to log in to college portals and verify all materials (transcripts, test scores, recommendations) are received.

• Plan Ahead:

Students entering the military or workforce should confirm all required steps are on track with recruiters, employers, or counselors.

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!

College 101: Essential Terms You'll Want to Know Before Starting College

Here are a couple articles to save for next year!

What Happens When They're Homesick

Mid-Year Check In for College Freshmen

December Junior Update: Looking Ahead and Finishing Strong!

As the fall semester winds down, juniors are reaching an important milestone—halfway through their high school journey! Now is the perfect time to finish the semester strong and start planning for what comes next. Encourage your student to stay focused during finals and use the upcoming winter break to reflect on goals for spring. Whether exploring college options, preparing for the SAT, or gaining career experience, every step taken now helps make senior year smoother and less stressful. The AHS Counseling Team is here to support your student as they continue building toward their postsecondary future. 🎯🐾

📌 December To-Do List for Juniors

• Finish the Semester Strong:

Encourage consistent attendance and study habits during finals week. Semester grades play a key role in GPA and class rank—both important for college admissions and scholarships next year.

• Review PSAT Results:

PSAT/NMSQT scores are typically released in December. Review results together to identify strengths and areas for improvement before the SAT in spring. Students can link scores to Khan Academy for personalized practice.

• Plan for Spring Testing:

The SAT School Day for juniors will take place this spring. Setting testing goals now and practicing regularly will help your student feel confident and prepared.

• Explore College and Career Options:

Use winter break to research colleges, programs, or careers that align with your student’s interests. Visiting college websites or local campuses can help clarify future goals.

• Update the Student Resume:

Encourage your junior to keep track of activities, awards, community service, and leadership roles. This information will be valuable for senior-year applications.

• Get Involved:

Spring brings many opportunities for juniors to take on leadership roles or try something new. Encourage your student to stay engaged in clubs, athletics, and service—experiences that build both skills and confidence.

How Important are SAT and ACT Scores in College Admissions?

10 Tips to Prepare for the SAT and ACT

10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask on a College Tour

December Sophomore Update: Building Momentum!

It’s hard to believe the first semester is almost over! Sophomore year is a time for growth—academically, socially, and personally. As your student prepares for finals, remind them that strong study habits and consistent effort now lay the foundation for future success. Winter break is also a great opportunity to reflect on goals, explore interests, and think about classes for next year that align with future college or career pathways. The AHS Counseling Team is proud of our 10th graders’ hard work this semester and looks forward to helping them continue to grow in the spring! 🌟🐾

📌 December To-Do List for Sophomores

• Finish the Semester Strong:

Encourage good study habits and time management as your student prepares for finals. Strong grades this year contribute to GPA and future opportunities.

• Reflect on Progress:

Use winter break to review first-semester grades and discuss goals for spring. Celebrate successes and identify any areas to improve.

• Explore Interests:

Sophomore year is the perfect time to begin exploring career paths through electives, clubs, or volunteer experiences.

• Plan for Next Year’s Courses:

Course selection for junior year is right around the corner. Encourage your student to consider advanced courses, dual credit, or electives that align with their interests and future goals.

• Get Involved:

Participation in extracurriculars helps students build leadership skills, discover passions, and create meaningful connections on campus.

How Early Should You Start Thinking About College

How to Prepare for College Admissions at Any Grade Level

December Freshman Update: A Strong Start to High School!

Congratulations to our freshmen for nearly completing their first semester of high school! This transition year is full of learning, growth, and new experiences. As finals approach, encourage your student to stay focused and finish strong—grades earned now are the first entries on their official high school transcript. Winter break is a great time to rest, recharge, and reflect on how the semester went. The AHS Counseling Team is here to support every 9th grader as they continue building a strong foundation for the years ahead. 🎄🐾

📌 December To-Do List for Freshmen

• Finish the Semester Strong:

Final grades matter! Encourage your student to study, attend tutorials if needed, and complete all assignments on time.

• Reflect and Reset:

Over winter break, have your student think about what went well this semester and what habits they can improve for spring.

• Get Involved:

Encourage participation in school activities, clubs, or volunteer opportunities—these help students feel connected and build important life skills.

• Plan for Spring:

Course selection will take place soon. Talk with your student about their interests and long-term goals to help them choose classes that keep them on track for graduation and future success.

• Connect with Counselors:

Remind your student that their counselor is a great resource for academic and personal support. Encourage them to reach out when they have questions or need guidance.

How Early Should You Start Thinking About College

How to Prepare for College Admissions at Any Grade Level

The AHS College and Career Readiness website is a great resource for students and families who are taking the steps for 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)

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.

Want to visit a college, but can’t make it in person? Check out these virtual tour options!

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.

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

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