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College Driven GEAR UP

Monthly Community Newsletter - November 2025

College DrivenGEAR UPMonthly Community Newsletter - November 2025
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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.

Career Exploration Fair Career Exploration Fair

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College Driven GEAR UP, in partnership with Junior Achievement, invites

students to take part in an exciting Career Exploration Fair designed to

help them discover new career pathways, connect with local

professionals, and gain real-world insight into a variety of industries.


Date: November 12

Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm


Google Classroom Sign-Up

9th: vzbek4r

10th: ufvvjwi


*Unexcused absences for CDGU Scholars during this time will be taken care of*

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GEAR UP, impulsado por la universidad, en asociación con Junior Achievement, invita

a los estudiantes a participar en una emocionante Feria de exploración profesional

diseñada para ayudarlos a descubrir nuevos caminos profesionales, conectarse con

profesionales locales y obtener información real sobre una variedad de industrias.


Fecha: 12 de noviembre

Hora: 13:00 - 14:30


Inscripción a Google Classroom

9th: vzbek4r

10th: ufvvjwi


*Se atenderán las ausencias injustificadas de los estudiantes de CDGU durante este periodo*

UTA College Tour (8th Grade Edition) UTA College Tour (8th Grade Edition)

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Calling all Class of 2030 8th Graders


Tuesday, November 18th


The following must be completed for participation:

  • Register via SchooLinks
  • Complete All SchooLinks Assignments
  • Passing All Classes
  • No Discipline/Behavior Concerns
  • Receive Final Administrator Approval


There are only a limited amount of seats available


Don't Miss Out!!!

**Deadline to Sign-Up is Thursday, November 6th**

Houston College Tours Houston College Tours

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Is your DHS Scholar interested in Texas Southern University and/or The University of Houston?


Wednesday, November 19th


The following must be completed for participation:

  • Complete Google Classroom Interest Form
  • 80 or Higher on the College Tour Assignment
  • Passing All Classes
  • No Attendance & Discipline Concerns
  • Taken TSIA Writing/ELAR and or Math


Only 100 spots are available for this unique opportunity to visit two of Houston's premiere higher education institutions.

TSIA Testing TSIA Testing

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College Driven GEAR UP in partnership with The Collegeboard is offering free TSIA 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.


Fall 2025 Dates:

October 31, 2025

December 18, 2025


Spring 2026 Dates:

February 20, 2026

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***


Click here to Register

Family Engagement Workshop: November 13 Dollars & Decisions Family Engagement Workshop: November 13 Dollars & Decisions

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Calling All DHS Families


Join us for an engaging and empowering Dollars & Decisions Workshop designed to help your Scholar take control of their financial future.


📅 Date: Thursday, November 13th

🕒 Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

📍 Location: Lancaster High School Cafeteria

200 E. Wintergreen Rd

Lancaster, TX 75134


Workshop Highlights:

Budgeting and Money Management

FAFSA/TASFA

Scholarship Searches

Financial Goal Setting


Who Should Attend:

Students, young adults, families, and anyone ready to build stronger financial habits.


Why Attend?

Gain practical tools and knowledge to make confident money decisions — no prior experience needed!


Click here to Register

Parent Workshop Series (Spring 2026) Parent Workshop Series (Spring 2026)

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8th - 10th Grade Scholarship Lists 8th - 10th Grade Scholarship Lists

Middle School Scholarships
Freshman Scholarships
Sophomore Scholarships

Raise.Me Scholarship Opportunities Raise.Me Scholarship Opportunities

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Scholarships Made Simple

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How it works

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5 Easy Steps to Sign up

What is Raise.Me

DHS Scholars can earn micro-scholarships as early as 9th grade and discover their path to the best college for them.


How Raise.Me Works

Whether you are a high school student looking to attend a 4-year college or a community college student, looking to transfer to a 4-year, college just got a lot more achievable.


Earn Scholarships for Your Achievements

For each achievement, our DHS Scholars will earn a micro-scholarships from colleges they're following, the sum of which you'll be awarded when they attend that college.


*Click here for more information*

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

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Congressman Marc Veasey's Job Fair Congressman Marc Veasey's Job Fair

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All Employers will be Actively Hiring


Date: November 21st

Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Dallas College (Mountain View Campus)

4849 W. Illinois Ave

Dallas, TX 75211


*Free and open to the public*

**Click here or the flyer to learn more information**

Community Service Opportunity Community Service Opportunity

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Calling all Teens!


The DeSoto Public Library has partnered with the Dallas Museum of Art to bring recurring art classes for teens teens.


Target Audience: Teens Ages 13-18

Event Dates: Every Tuesday in November

Event Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm


For more information contact Marq Runnels at 972.230.9663.


*Click here or the flyer for more information*

2025-2026 ACT Test Dates (English) 2025-2026 ACT Test Dates (English)

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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*

2025-2026 SAT Test Dates 2025-2026 SAT Test Dates

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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:


Fair Day: Monday, October 13, 2025

Fall Break: October 14–17, 2025

Thanksgiving Break: November 24–28, 2025

Winter Break: December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026

MLK Day: January 19, 2026

President's Day: February 16, 2026

Spring Break: March 16–20, 2026

Good Friday: April 3, 2026

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

2025-26 DHS Counseling Department 2025-26 DHS Counseling Department

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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College Driven GEAR UP Social Media College Driven GEAR UP Social Media

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