College Driven GEAR UP
Monthly 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.
CDGU at Work
Career Confessions w/ Lil D from K104
Lil D is in the Building
Lil D, Award Winning Radio Personality shares her story and career path up through the ranks of K104.
Communications Careers
CDGU students interested in a communications career receive tips from an award winning radio personality.
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
Honor Roll Kickback
CDGU students were rewarded with Chick-fil-A meals, music, and games for making the A/B Honor Roll.
Line Dancing
CDGU students participating in the latest line dances.
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
Mrs. Bell is All Smiles!
Mrs. Bell, CDGU Admin Assistant is lending a helping hand to CDGU students with their budgets.
Reality at it's finest
CDGU students learning that being an adult with responsibilities is not as easy as it looks.
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
On-The-Job Training
CDGU students gather in the Amazon training room to learn about day-to-day activities.
Strike a Pose
Mrs. Mercer posing with CDGU students after an interactive tour at an Amazon Fulfillment Center.
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
Intro to ACT Math
CDGU students learn that the Math portion of the ACT is not really that bad.
ACT Test Prep
35 CDGU students (9th & 10th) signed up to participate in ACT Test prep.
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 Writing
TSIA English
TSIA Math
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
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
EAGLE Bridge 2026
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
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
2026 ACT Test Dates & Fee Waivers
ACT Test Fee Waivers are available for CDGU Scholars interested in taking the exam.
2026 SAT Test Dates
CDGU Scholars can request SAT Test Waivers directly from Collegeboard through their personal accounts.
April Scholarship List
BioForce Summer Academy
June 22-26 or July 20-24
CDGU Parent Playbook
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.
2025-26 DHS Academic Calendar
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