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CCMR/Counseling Newsletter

College, Career & Military Readiness - February, 2025

CCMR/CounselingNewsletterCollege, Career & Military Readiness - February, 2025

VISION: The vision of DeSoto ISD is to inspire curiosity and consciousness, develop character, build courage and nurture compassion.



MISSION: The mission of DeSoto ISD is to ensure students, without exception, learn and grow at their highest levels.

Upcoming Events Upcoming Events

Dallas County Promise
Dallas County Promise provide last-dollar tuition grants to high school seniors. The Promise scholarship covers the gap between financial aid and the cost of tuition for up to a time limit or the completion of a degree per institution.

Education is Freedom Education is Freedom

EIF Virtual Classes
Event Information

Master Class: Senior Final Steps

Students, are you wondering how to accept admission, accept grants or decline loans, sign up for orientation plus room and board?

Then join EIF, Wed, February 5 from 6-7pm. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eif-mc-senior-final-steps-tickets-995534018047?aff=erelpanelorg


*Students must use the EIF App to get Master Class recordings, links to applications, official SAT/ACT sites, EIF Scholars information, mindfulness resources, and so much more!

When?

Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025, 06:00 PM

Where?

Scholarship Opportunities Scholarship Opportunities

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There are scholarships available for ALL grade levels. The CCMR department has compiled a list of scholarship opportunities that range from elementary to high school. It is never too early to start securing funds for college. View the listings below and start applying today!!

Senior Scholarship Bulletin
Junior Scholarship Bulletin
Sophomore Scholarship Bulletin
Freshman Scholarship Bulletin
Middle School Scholarship Bulletin
Elementary Scholarship Bulletin

Raise.Me Scholarship Opportunities (9th - 12th grades) Raise.Me Scholarship Opportunities (9th - 12th grades)

Welcome to RaiseMe!.mp4
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Scholarships Made Simple

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How it works

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Five Easy Steps to Sign up

Share a Scholarship Opportunity
If you have a scholarship opportunity you would like posted on next month's scholarship bulletins, then select this button to complete the submission form.

Additional Scholarship Resources Additional Scholarship Resources

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SAT Testing Dates and Deadlines (2024-2025) - click here SAT Testing Dates and Deadlines (2024-2025) - click here

ACT Testing Dates and Deadlines (2024-2025) - click here ACT Testing Dates and Deadlines (2024-2025) - click here

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SAT Practice Tests

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ACT Practice Tests

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TSIA2 Practice Resources

Advanced Academics Information Advanced Academics Information

20 Helpful Websites to Assist Students in Preparing for the SAT and ACT Exams

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H2JzEulR2x7CtAjj_LFg2EDflPNn7-3X/view?usp=sharing

Gifted & Talented Program Highlights Gifted & Talented Program Highlights

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Across the district, Gifted & Talented (GT) students have been actively engaged in activities that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning.

  • Critical Thinking Development – GT students have been sharpening their reasoning skills through logic puzzles, enhancing their ability to analyze, strategize, and think critically.
  • Engineering Design Challenges – Students have been applying STEM concepts in exciting hands-on projects:
    • Grades 6-8: Focused on Force and Motion Racers, exploring the principles of physics, speed, and energy transfer.
    • 2nd Grade: Engaged in Physical Properties Bridge Building, developing an understanding of material strength, stability, and design.


These initiatives continue to challenge and inspire GT students, preparing them for advanced problem-solving and innovation.

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Career & Technical Education (CTE) Career & Technical Education (CTE)

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CTE Month Recognition & Student Achievements

As we celebrate Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month this February, we want to recognize the outstanding efforts of our CTE department, educators, and students. This school year, 164 students have successfully earned an Industry-Based Certification (IBC), demonstrating their dedication and career readiness.

Additionally, our Business Professionals of America (BPA) students recently competed in the Regional Leadership Competition, where four students received top honors. These students have advanced to the state-level competition, where they will proudly represent our district.


The continued success of our CTE programs reflects the district’s commitment to preparing students for future careers through hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and academic excellence. We look forward to celebrating these achievements and supporting our students in their future endeavors.

Please click on picture to open document.
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CTE Planning Guide

Students & parents can view the CTE Student Planning Guide to select courses for the 2025-2026 school year.

Counselors' Corner Counselors' Corner

Educational Planning: Schedule Your Advisement Session

Educational planning is a critical step in ensuring each student’s success on their academic journey. To support this process, our school counselors are conducting advisement sessions with students and parents in grades 5 through 11. During these sessions, we will work together to develop and update an individualized education plan tailored for postsecondary success.


The courses identified in each student’s educational plan will be utilized for the 2025–2026 course enrollments. To assist in this process, we’ve provided the 2025–2026 Course Catalogs. Please review the appropriate document linked below to explore the wide range of course options available.


We encourage you to contact your school counselor to schedule an advisement session and review this important information. These sessions are an invaluable opportunity to align your student’s academic choices with their long-term goals. We look forward to working with you!

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2025-2026 MS Course Catalog

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2025-2026 HS Course Catalog

Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy

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Community Circles by lead peer mediators Community Circles by lead peer mediators

This year, Katherine Johnson Technology Magnet Academy has introduced Community Circles, an initiative led by student leaders and implemented by the school counselor, Mrs. Shirley Robinson. These circles provide a supportive space for students to engage in meaningful discussions, build relationships, and develop leadership and communication skills.

By fostering collaboration, empathy, and student empowerment, Community Circles are helping to create a more inclusive and connected school culture. This initiative highlights the importance of student-led engagement in promoting a positive and supportive learning environment.

GEAR UP Programs in DeSoto ISD GEAR UP Programs in DeSoto ISD

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College Driven GEAR UP Program Newsletter

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Next Generation GEAR UP Program Newsletter

Parent Resources Parent Resources

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Graduation Toolkit

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Nine Easy Homework Help Tips Every Parent Should Know

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Parent Guides to Student Success

Parents Guide Contents (K-8 and High School)

The guides include:

  • Key items children should be learning in English language arts and mathematics in each grade.
  • Activities that parents can do at home to support their child's learning.
  • Methods for helping parents build stronger relationships with their child's teacher.
  • Tips for planning for college and career (high school only).

  • https://www.pta.org/home/family-resources/Parents-Guides-to-Student-Success

Anita Perry
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