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College Driven GEAR UP

Monthly Community Newsletter - April 2026

College DrivenGEAR UPMonthly Community Newsletter - April 2026

College Driven GEAR UP is a one-stop resource designed to help DHS students and parents plan for post-secondary success. Students will have access to TSI/SAT/ACT resources, college requirements, financial aid, armed forces, scholarships, career exploration, ASVAB testing, and so much more. We are here to help guide and motivate our students to succeed in life and encourage them to reach their highest potential.



Each month College Driven GEAR UP will have a theme to foreshadow College/Career/Military Readiness (CCMR) for our Class of 2028, 2029 & 2030 cohorts.

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CDGU at Work CDGU at Work

Career Confessions w/ Lil D from K104 Career Confessions w/ Lil D from K104

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Lil D is in the Building

Lil D, Award Winning Radio Personality shares her story and career path up through the ranks of K104.

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Communications Careers

CDGU students interested in a communications career receive tips from an award winning radio personality.

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Lights, Camera, Action

You have to always be camera ready when you have a career in communications.

Career Confessions


CDGU students will have opportunities throughout the semester to visit with Career Specialists from various industries who will stop by DHS to share their stories.

A/B Honor Roll Celebration A/B Honor Roll Celebration

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Honor Roll Kickback

CDGU students were rewarded with Chick-fil-A meals, music, and games for making the A/B Honor Roll.

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Line Dancing

CDGU students participating in the latest line dances.

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Speed is the game of choice

CDGU students started a Speed tournament. I wonder who won???

Every semester CDGU Staff will take out time to honor students who have been honored to make the A/B Honor Roll.

Financial Reality Fair Financial Reality Fair

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Mrs. Bell is All Smiles!

Mrs. Bell, CDGU Admin Assistant is lending a helping hand to CDGU students with their budgets.

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Reality at it's finest

CDGU students learning that being an adult with responsibilities is not as easy as it looks.

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Savings is the Way

CDGU students learning to always find a way to pay themselves by way of personal savings.

8th grade students from West Middle School traveled to the Belt Line Conference Center to participate in the Financial Reality Fair where they learned the following:


Practical Budgeting Experience

Improved Financial Literacy

Realistic Financial Decision Making

Better Money Management Skills

Amazon Fulfillment Tour Amazon Fulfillment Tour

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On-The-Job Training

CDGU students gather in the Amazon training room to learn about day-to-day activities.

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Strike a Pose

Mrs. Mercer posing with CDGU students after an interactive tour at an Amazon Fulfillment Center.

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Headphones are Necessary

CDGU students have the opportunity to observe an Amazon assembly line preparing packages to be shipped

Ever wondered what happens when consumers shop from Amazon?


CDGU students had the opportunity to tour an Amazon Fulfillment Center to see different types of robots and machines in action and make the fulfillment process more efficient.

ACT Labs ACT Labs

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Intro to ACT Math

CDGU students learn that the Math portion of the ACT is not really that bad.

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ACT Test Prep

35 CDGU students (9th & 10th) signed up to participate in ACT Test prep.

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Intro to ACT ELAR

CDGU in partnership with Mastery Prep share winning strategies of essay writing.

35 CDGU students (9th & 10th) signed up to learn winning strategies that will assist them tackle the ACT for college entrance.

TSIA Spring 2026 Tutorials TSIA Spring 2026 Tutorials

TSIA Writing TSIA Writing

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TSIA English TSIA English

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TSIA Math TSIA Math

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College Driven GEAR UP in partnership with The Collegeboard is offering free TSIA English testing for all Class of 2028 & 2029 Scholars


Why TSIA Matters

The TSIA makes sure students get placed in college courses that are right for them so they don’t waste time or money taking classes they don’t need.


Spring 2026 Tutorial Dates:

Mondays & Tuesdays


Spring 2026 Test Dates:

April 10, 2026

May 20, 2026


*Testing will start at 8:30am on the date selected*

**Scholars can sign up for all three tests (Writing, ELAR, and Math)**

***Attendance will be taken and excused absences provided for class periods missed***

DHS Spring Testing Calendar DHS Spring Testing Calendar

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EOC Testing

April 8 - April 24

April 8: English I

April 9: English II

April 14: Biology

April 15: US History

April 21: Algebra I

CDGU Events CDGU Events

EAGLE Bridge 2026 EAGLE Bridge 2026

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CDGU presents:

EAGLE Bridge 2026


This Summer Enrichment Program is open to all incoming 9th Grade Scholars (Class of 2030)


June 1 - 24

Mon - Thur Only

8:00am - 12:00pm


*Daily Breakfast & Lunch Provided*

**150 Slots Available**

***Contact Dr. Calvin Green for more info***


calvin.green@desotoisd.org

Baton Rouge College Experience Baton Rouge College Experience

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CDGU Scholars who are officially TSI met (Math & ELAR) are invited to participate in college tour experiences of Southern University & Louisiana State University.


Tour Dates:

April 2-3


*Cost: $150 (payable via REVTRAK*

**Parent Meeting Attendance required for participation**

***Contact Dr. Calvin Green for more info***


calvin.green@desotoisd.org

Student/Parent/Community Resources Student/Parent/Community Resources

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2026 ACT Test Dates & Fee Waivers 2026 ACT Test Dates & Fee Waivers

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ACT Test Fee Waivers are available for CDGU Scholars interested in taking the exam.


*Click here or the flyer to request a waiver*

2026 SAT Test Dates 2026 SAT Test Dates

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CDGU Scholars can request SAT Test Waivers directly from Collegeboard through their personal accounts.

April Scholarship List April Scholarship List

Sophomore Scholarships
Freshman Scholarships
Middle School Scholarships

BioForce Summer Academy BioForce Summer Academy

June 22-26 or July 20-24 June 22-26 or July 20-24

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CDGU Parent Playbook CDGU Parent Playbook

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This QR code will provide the following resources for PARENTS:


Dallas County Promise; Virtual College Tours; FSA ID Creation; FAFSA Application; Apply Texas, The Common App, Scholarship List, and more.



*Click here or flyer for more information*

2025-26 DHS Academic Calendar 2025-26 DHS Academic Calendar

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Key dates for the upcoming school year include:


Good Friday: April 3, 2026

Last Day of School for Students (Early Release): Friday, May 22, 2026

College Driven GEAR UP Team College Driven GEAR UP Team

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DeSoto ISD Vision & Mission DeSoto ISD Vision & Mission

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