AHS/DNG Counselor's Corner
February 2026
February has arrived, and with it comes both important updates and a moment to celebrate! Due to the recent icy weather, our individual course selection meetings with students were delayed, and we appreciate your flexibility as we adjusted timelines to ensure every student has the support they need. Updated course selection information is shared below for your reference.
This month also includes National School Counseling Week (February 2–6), a time when we proudly celebrate the work of school counselors and, most importantly, the incredible students and families we are honored to serve. We truly love working with our Bearcats and partnering with families to support academic planning, postsecondary readiness, and student well-being.
As students and families begin thinking ahead to spring and summer planning, we want to share a helpful piece on using the summer months to set yourself apart—whether through exploration, work, learning, or meaningful experiences that reflect your interests and growth. Check out the article below for ideas on how students can make the most of the upcoming summer and get a head start on planning for their future.
Article: https://bierercollegeconsulting.com/summer-is-the-best-time-for-a-student-to-set-themselves-apart/
Bearcat Briefs
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!
2026-27 Course Selection UPDATES!
Due to the recent AISD closures, we have revised the 2026–2027 course selection plan and timeline. These updates ensure that all students have the opportunity to meet with their counselor, have sufficient time to view the course selection video with their RLA teacher, and discuss course options with their families. Please see the updated timeline as well as previously shared resources below.
Academic Planning Guide – A Critical Resource
We strongly encourage students and families to review the AISD Academic Planning Guide as part of the course selection process. The Academic Planning Guide provides a comprehensive list of all available courses, including course descriptions, prerequisites, graduation requirements, and important academic information. Using this guide together allows families to make informed decisions and ensures students understand how course choices connect to future academic and postsecondary goals.
Students will view the 26-27 course selection video during the school day in their RLA classes (dates below). They will receive their official course selection sheet at this time.
- January 19–23: Current 9th graders
- February 2-6: Current 11th graders
- February 9-12: Current 10th graders
Individual Course Selection Meetings
Counselors will meet individually with students during their RLA classes to review course selections, graduation requirements, and future plans. Students need to bring their course selection sheet to this meeting with a parent signature.
- February 3-6: Current 9th graders
- February 9-12: Current 11th graders
- February 17-20: Current 10th graders
How Families Can Support
- Review the Academic Planning Guide with your student prior to their individual course selection meeting.
- Discuss interests, strengths, and postsecondary goals together.
- Attend the Info Expo and ask questions.
- Encourage students to take ownership of their course selections, as these decisions impact scheduling, graduation progress, and future opportunities.
Grad My Way is an exciting opportunity for students to choose flexible learning options in 11th and 12th grade. You can check out more information about Grad My Way on the AISD GMW website!
More information can be found on the Course Selection Website as well!
Fall Semester Transcripts/GPA Release
Fall semester transcripts and updated GPAs for students in grades 10–12 will be mailed home once semester grades are officially posted and GPA calculations have been verified. Families can expect these to be sent during the first week of February. We appreciate your patience as we take the necessary time to ensure all academic records are accurate.
Ninth-grade students will receive their first high school transcript and GPA in June at the conclusion of their freshman year.
Seniors who need fall semester transcripts sent to colleges may submit a request through MajorClarity; transcripts will be sent in February once all GPAs have been finalized.
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.
- Go to the Launch Pad and then click on your "Major Clarity" Application
- Click on "Application Center" located on the left bar under your Profile Name
- Scroll down to "Transcript Request", then click on the "Request Transcript"
- 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.
Healthy Relationships Guidance Lesson
On February 9, students will participate in the Healthy Relationships guidance lesson during Advisory. This is a State of Texas required lesson. Parents are required to opt-IN if they want their student to participate. The opt-in process was completed during registration. The list of students able to participate was pulled on February 2 at noon as shared in our previous newsletter.
You can preview the video lesson here: Healthy Relationships
AHS Counseling department earns State Recognition
The TSCA CREST Award (Counselors Reinforcing Excellence for Students in Texas) is presented by the Texas Counseling Association to recognize outstanding school counseling programs across the state. The award is based on five key categories, including foundational components, program implementation, and the four service delivery components, and reflects a commitment to continuous improvement and excellence. Only 300 campuses statewide earned this distinction out of more than 9,000 total campuses, making this recognition especially meaningful.
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.
Coffee with the Counselors- Date Change
Our next Coffee with the Counselors event (March 5) has been cancelled. We will meet again in April!
Strictly For Seniors
Seniors: Looking Ahead & Finishing Strong
February marks a turning point for seniors as postsecondary plans begin to take shape and important decisions move from “someday” to soon. Whether students are weighing college options, applying for scholarships, preparing for the workforce, or pursuing military pathways, this month is about staying engaged, meeting deadlines, and making informed choices for what comes next.
Students should continue monitoring college portals and email for updates, scholarship opportunities, and next steps. Families can support seniors by talking through plans, encouraging follow-through, and helping students balance responsibilities as graduation approaches. This final semester moves quickly, and consistent communication and organization will help seniors stay on track and confident as they transition to life after AHS.
🎓 FAFSA Deadline Approaching!
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!
Articles of Interest
Just for Juniors
February is an important momentum-building month for juniors as planning for life after high school becomes more intentional. This is the time for students to reflect on interests, explore postsecondary options, and begin shaping a senior-year plan that supports their goals—whether that includes college, career training, military service, or certification pathways.
Save the Date: March 30, 2026
Just for Juniors: Postsecondary Planning Presentation
AHS Auditorium | 5:30 PM
This evening session will walk families through next steps, timelines, and tools juniors can use as they prepare for senior year and beyond.
Juniors should continue exploring options, reviewing testing opportunities this spring, and thinking ahead to senior-year coursework. Families can support this process by having ongoing conversations about goals, encouraging exploration experiences, and helping students plan for upcoming testing and deadlines. The work done now sets the foundation for a strong and confident senior year.
Boys/Girls State
American Legion Boys and Girls State is among the most respected and selective educational programs of government instruction for high school students. It is a program where each student becomes a part of the operation of their local, county, and state government. The FW American Legion pays for a two junior boys to attend Texas Boys State in Austin, TX and the Aledo Education Foundation pays for two junior girls to go to Bluebonnet Girls State in Seguin, TX. Aledo High School student applications are available online and in the DNG counseling office and below. Applications are due back to the counseling office by February 13th. Once participants have been chosen, you will be notified by the counseling department of the next steps.
Texas Boys State- AHS Application HERE
June 7th-June 11th in Austin, TX at The University of Texas at Austin
Bluebonnet Girls State- AHS Application HERE
June 14th-20th in Seguin, TX at Texas Lutheran University
Sophomore Scoop
Sophomores: Laying the Groundwork
February is a great checkpoint for sophomores to take stock of their progress and start thinking more intentionally about what comes next. This year is about strengthening academic habits, building confidence, and beginning to connect interests to future possibilities.
As the semester continues, students should stay focused on their coursework, as grades earned now play an important role in GPA and future options. Junior-year course planning will begin later this spring, making this a good time for students to reflect on what they enjoy, where they feel challenged, and what courses may support their long-term goals.
Families can support sophomores by encouraging strong study habits, consistent attendance, and open conversations about interests and goals. These steady efforts help students build momentum and prepare for the increased rigor of junior year.
Articles of Interest
Freshman Focus
Freshmen: Finding Their Footing
February is a great time for freshmen to reflect on how far they’ve come and continue building confidence as high school students. The second semester often brings increased independence, higher expectations, and opportunities for students to take greater ownership of their learning.
Freshmen should remain focused on developing strong academic habits, as the work they do this year sets the foundation for future success in high school. Staying organized, managing time well, and asking for help when needed are key skills students are continuing to build. Families can support this growth by maintaining consistent routines, checking in about progress, and encouraging problem-solving and self-advocacy. With steady effort, freshmen can finish the year feeling confident and prepared for what’s ahead.
Articles of Interest
College & Career Planning
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)
Transcript Requests
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.
- Go to the Launch Pad and then click on your "Major Clarity" Application
- Click on "Application Center" located on the left bar under your Profile Name
- Scroll down to "Transcript Request", then click on the "Request Transcript"
- 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.
Virtual Tours
https://www.thecollegetour.com/tour-colleges/
https://www.princetonreview.com/college-advice/virtual-tours
My Texas Future
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!
AISD Wellness and Support
Let's Connect!
Connect with your AHS/DNG Counseling team!
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