AHS/DNG Counselor's Corner

The fall semester is flying by, and November brings exciting opportunities for connection and growth at AHS! As we head toward Thanksgiving break, it’s a great time for students to reflect on their goals and celebrate how far they’ve come this semester.

This month, we’re spotlighting Generation Texas (GenTX) Week, November 10–14! GenTX Week encourages students to dream big about their future—whether that includes college, career, or military service. Counselors will lead activities and conversations throughout the week to help students explore their next steps and understand how their choices today open doors for tomorrow.

We’re also looking forward to our second Coffee with the Counselors on Thursday, November 13, where we’ll discuss endorsements and resume-building skills to help students plan their high school path and prepare for life after graduation. Parents are invited to join us for coffee, conversation, and helpful takeaways to support your student’s success.

As we get further into the school year, attendance becomes more and more important. Students who miss school fall behind, and may have a hard time catching up. Check out this article titled "How Parents Can Reduce Chronic School Absenteeism" for great ideas to help support your student!

Impact of missing school on students:

Increased risk of dropping out:

Students who are chronically absent in earlier grades are four times more likely to be pushed out of high school.

Lower academic performance:

Missing school reduces the hours of instruction students receive. Research shows that high rates of absenteeism, especially when students return to class and require remediation, can slow academic progress for the entire class.

Negative effects on overall well-being:

Chronic absenteeism is often linked to other factors affecting a student's health and well-being, such as disengagement, lack of support, and health challenges.

Course Selection information will also be available soon! Be on the lookout for information to help your student choose their courses for next year!

As always, your AHS Counseling Team is here to help every Bearcat thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally. Please reach out anytime if we can support your student.

🧡🐾 —Your AHS Counseling Team

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!

We’re excited to celebrate Gen Tex Week with our students! From November 10–14, students are encouraged to wear college, career, or military shirts each day. During lunch, we’ll host fun activities to recognize our Class of 2026’s post-secondary plans and acceptances. It’s a great way to honor students’ achievements and inspire their next steps after high school!

Join us for our next Coffee with the Counselors on Thursday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the DNG Library. This month, we’ll be discussing Texas High School Endorsements and Resume Skills with a special guest speaker! Parents are encouraged to attend, enjoy some coffee, and learn helpful information to support your student’s success.

If you missed the September meeting, you can check out the recording here!

As parents, we play a vital role in helping our teens develop resilience—the confidence to face challenges, recover from setbacks, and keep growing. According to UNICEF, this means guiding teens to solve problems rather than solving them for them; helping them process disappointment rather than dismiss it; and protecting the foundations of resilience by prioritizing regular sleep, good nutrition, physical activity, and strong relationships. Check out this video that shares 3 ways to help your teen build resilience.

Let’s reinforce our teens’ ability to bounce back by offering steady support, open conversation, and healthy habits—so they’re prepared not just to endure life’s ups and downs, but to thrive through them.

The fall semester is flying by, and Thanksgiving break is just around the corner—which means it’s the perfect time to “Apply before pie!” Seniors should continue making progress on their postsecondary plans, including college applications, scholarships, and financial aid. Submitting applications before the holidays helps ensure smoother processing and eligibility for priority deadlines.

📌 November To-Do List for Seniors

College Applications:
Many priority and scholarship deadlines are approaching fast! Encourage your student to complete and submit applications before Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to double-check essays, transcripts, and recommendation requests.

Apply Texas Application Guidance

Common App Application Guidance

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.

Scholarships:
Now is the time to search and apply! New scholarship opportunities are posted regularly on the AHS Scholarship page. Setting aside time each week for applications can really pay off.

GenTX Week (Nov. 10–14):
We’ll celebrate Generation Texas Week, encouraging all seniors to take concrete steps toward their future—college, career, or military. Counselors and Go Center mentors will host activities and check-ins to help every Bearcat finish strong.

Stay on Track:
Monitor grades and attendance to ensure graduation requirements are met. Colleges will review fall transcripts, so maintaining strong academic performance is key.

As always, your AHS Counseling Team is here to support every senior through this exciting season of decisions and opportunities. Let’s finish the semester strong—Apply before pie! 🥧🎓

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!

Need Help Writing Your Essay?

Mid-Year Check In for College Freshmen (Save this for next year!)

10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask on a College Tour

As we move into November, your junior is hitting their stride academically and preparing for an important second half of the year. This is the perfect time to look ahead toward college and career goals while finishing the semester strong.

📌 How Parents Can Support in November

Reflect and Refocus:
Encourage your student to check their progress as the semester winds down. Reviewing grades and study habits now can help set goals for spring and reduce stress later in the year.

Explore College & Career Interests:
GenTX Week (Nov. 10–14) is all about planning for the future! Students will engage in activities that highlight college, career, and military pathways. Use this as a great conversation starter about your student’s goals and the steps they can take now.

Plan for Spring Testing:
Juniors will take the SAT School Day in the spring. November is a great time to review PSAT scores (when released) and identify areas to strengthen. Free practice tools are available through Khan Academy, linked to PSAT results.

Build a Resume:
Encourage your student to begin documenting extracurricular activities, honors, leadership roles, and volunteer hours. This record will make senior-year applications and scholarships much easier.

College Visits:
Thanksgiving break is an ideal time for informal college visits. Even touring a local campus can help your student begin to picture their future and understand different types of college environments.

Your AHS Counseling Team is here to help your student make the most of junior year—one step closer to their postsecondary goals. Please reach out anytime with questions about academics, testing, or planning for the future.

10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask on a College Tour

With the fall semester in full swing, November is a great time for sophomores to reflect on their progress and set goals for the months ahead. Strong habits now—both academically and personally—set the foundation for a successful junior year and beyond.

📌 How Parents Can Support in November

Reflect and Reset:
As the semester winds down, encourage your student to look at what’s gone well and where they can improve before winter break. Small adjustments in study routines or organization can make a big difference.

Review PSAT Results (when available):
The PSAT helps students build familiarity with college entrance testing and highlights areas for growth. Review score reports together once released and use the linked Khan Academy resources for targeted practice.

Explore GenTX Week (Nov. 10–14):
During Generation Texas Week, sophomores will participate in activities that promote college, career, and military readiness. Ask your student about what they learned—it’s a great way to start early conversations about future goals.

Encourage Involvement:
Whether through clubs, athletics, fine arts, or community service, participation helps students build leadership skills and discover interests that will strengthen their resumes later on.

Maintain Balance:
Help your student manage time wisely between academics, extracurriculars, and rest. Consistent routines promote both success and well-being.

Your AHS Counseling Team is here to support your student as they continue to grow, learn, and prepare for the exciting years ahead. Please reach out anytime—we’re proud to walk alongside your Bearcat on this journey!

How Early Should You Start Thinking About College

How to Prepare for College Admissions at Any Grade Level

November marks a meaningful checkpoint in your student’s first year of high school! By now, most freshmen have found their rhythm at AHS and are learning what it takes to balance academics, activities, and friendships. This month is a great opportunity to reflect on progress and set goals before the semester wraps up.

📌 How Parents Can Support in November

Reflect and Reset:
Encourage your student to review their grades and goals as the semester winds down. Celebrate accomplishments and help them make a plan for any areas needing extra attention before finals.

Review PSAT 8/9 Results (when available):
The PSAT 8/9 offers helpful insight into your student’s academic strengths and areas for growth. Use these results as a guide for goal-setting and exploring future coursework.

GenTX Week (Nov. 10–14):
During Generation Texas Week, freshmen will learn about college, career, and military pathways. These early conversations help students see how high school choices connect to future opportunities.

Encourage Involvement and Connection:
Now is a great time to deepen involvement in clubs, fine arts, athletics, or service. Feeling connected to campus helps students stay motivated and builds important life skills.

Support Balance and Well-Being:
Remind your student to maintain healthy routines—sleep, nutrition, and downtime matter just as much as academics. A balanced approach helps students stay resilient and confident.

Your AHS Counseling Team is proud of how much growth our freshmen have already shown this year. Please reach out anytime if we can help your student navigate challenges, celebrate successes, or plan for what’s next.

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 lfuller@aledoisd.org

Maggie Alexander, Counselor Grades 9-12 Last Names C-G malexander@aledoisd.org

Mandy Fernihough, Counselor Grades 9-12 Last Names H-Ma mfernihough@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