AHS/DNG Counselor's Corner

September is here, and our Bearcats are settling into the rhythm of the new school year! As routines become more familiar and the excitement of the first few weeks settles in, this is a great time to pause, check in, and make sure your student feels connected and supported.

This month, we’re placing a special focus on belonging, connection, and student well-being. During Start with Hello Week, September 14–18, we’ll encourage students to reach out, include others, and help create a school community where everyone feels seen and welcomed. We’ll also share the Suicide Awareness Guidance on September 14, providing opportunities for students to learn about mental health, recognize when someone may need support, and know where to turn for help. Parents had the opportunity to opt their student out of Counseling Related Services- including Guidance lessons- during registration. Those students will not view the Suicide Awareness video lesson.

We also invite parents and guardians to join us for Coffee with the Counselors on September 17. It’s a great opportunity to connect with our counseling team, learn more about how we support students, and ask questions about the many resources available to your Bearcat throughout the school year.

As always, we encourage families to keep the conversation going at home. Ask your student how they’re doing—not just academically, but socially and emotionally, too. Remind them that asking for help is a strength, and that they have adults at school who are ready to listen and support them.

Please take a moment to review the important September dates and information in this newsletter. We’re grateful to partner with you as we work together to make this a successful and meaningful year for every Bearcat!

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!

Tricia Hackfeld, Counselor Grade 9 and Intervention thackfeld@aledoisd.org

Lindsay Fuller, Lead Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names A-B lfuller@aledoisd.org

Maggie Alexander, Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names C-G malexander@aledoisd.org

Beth Sweeney, Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names H-Ma esweeney@aledoisd.org

Annie Walker, Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names Mc-R awalker@aledoisd.org

Melanie Prince, Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names S-Z mprince@aledoisd.org

The Counseling Department is excited to offer small group support sessions hosted by our intervention counselor throughout the school year! These groups are designed to provide a safe, encouraging space to help students navigate common social and academic challenges. Participation is strictly voluntary, and completing the form below does not commit your child to a group. We simply want to gather your valuable input to see which topics matter most to your family so we can tailor our offerings to best support our students' needs.

https://forms.gle/xgehsN4CnUiMT4HV8

Each September, Aledo High School participates in Start With Hello Week, a week-long initiative focused on reducing social isolation, encouraging inclusion, and creating a welcoming school culture for every student and staff member.

Throughout the week, the AHS Counseling Department will host interactive activities during lunch designed to help students step outside their comfort zones, meet someone new, build connections, and spread kindness across campus.

We have created an Amazon Wish List with items that will help us make these activities fun, engaging, and meaningful for our students. If you would like to support Start With Hello Week, we would be incredibly grateful for a donation of any size.

Every item donated helps us create opportunities for students to connect and reminds them that they belong. Thank you for partnering with the AHS Counseling Department to help make our campus a more welcoming and connected place for everyone!

Aledo High School parents—we’d love for you to join us for our first Coffee with the Counselors of the school year!

📅 Thursday, September 17
⏰ 10:00–11:00 AM
📍 Daniel 9th Grade Campus Library

This month’s topic is Executive Functioning Support for Students, presented by Melissa Jones and her team from Guiding Arrows.

We’ll explore practical strategies to help students with organization, planning, prioritizing, focus, and other skills that support success in high school.

☕ Come enjoy some coffee, connect with our counseling team, and leave with tools you can use to support your Bearcat at home!

Open to ALL parents of Aledo High School students. We hope to see you there! 🐾

Taking a college-level course while you're still in high school is a great opportunity! If you have a 504 Plan, IEP/FIE, or other disability-related accommodations, there is an important step you need to take if you wish to receive accommodations.

Your high school accommodations do not automatically transfer to your college courses. You must request accommodations directly through the college or program offering your course.

📚 Weatherford College Dual Credit

If you are taking a Weatherford College Dual Credit course and need accommodations, you must apply for accommodations through Weatherford College's Office of Disabilities and Accommodations.

What do I need to do?

1. Complete the Weatherford College accommodation forms.

Weatherford College has specific forms for Dual Credit students, including:

• Application for Services

• Reasonable Accommodation Request Form

2. Provide documentation of your accommodations.

Students should submit their current FIE and/or 504 accommodations, including the disability for which accommodations are being provided.

3. Submit your paperwork to Weatherford College.

You can email your completed paperwork and documentation to:

📧 accommodations@wc.edu

Weatherford College will review the information and determine the appropriate accommodations for your college course(s). Approved accommodations will be shared with the student and the appropriate school personnel/instructors. (Weatherford College)

📌 Important!

Weatherford College accommodations must be renewed each semester. Once you are enrolled in your courses, you will need to complete the Reasonable Accommodation Request Form for that semester. (Weatherford College)

Weatherford College Disability Services

📞 817-598-6308 or 817-598-8923
📧 accommodations@wc.edu

📍 Student Services Building, First Floor
225 College Park Drive
Weatherford, TX 76086

Weatherford College Disabilities & Accommodations

🎓 McMurry University Dual Credit

If you are taking a McMurry University course and need accommodations, you must contact McMurry's Student Accessibility Services to set up your college accommodation plan.

📞 Student Accessibility Services: 325-793-4880

Be sure to contact them as early as possible. Your high school 504 accommodations do not automatically become your college accommodations.

🧑‍💻 UT OnRamps

If you are taking a UT OnRamps course and need college-level accommodations, you must request them directly through the OnRamps Student Portal.

You can submit your request:

• During registration, or

• By clicking the "Additional Information" button on the Current Enrollments page in the OnRamps Student Portal.

Remember: Your high school 504 accommodations do not automatically transfer to the UT course. You must complete the OnRamps accommodation request process.

💡 Student Tip

Don't wait until you have a test or assignment coming up! Start the accommodation process as soon as possible. College disability services offices need time to review your documentation and put your accommodations in place.

Your high school counselor or 504 coordinator can help you gather the documentation you need, but the student is responsible for requesting accommodations through the college or program.

The Bound for Success program is a partnership between UTA and Aledo ISD where a dedicated College and Career coach works on our campus 2 days per week. When here, they will be working with students on college applications, financial aid, and so much more. While they do work for UTA, they can partner with you to help you with any college or technical school application to ensure you have the support you need. These partners have a wealth of knowledge in post-secondary planning and will work with our Counseling Team to bring another layer of service and support for our AHS students!

Students can request to see them by scanning the BFS QR code on their door outside of the Library!

Parents and students may send the reps an email or schedule a virtual meeting here: https://appt.link/kattya-cepedas-meetings-m6kqjxvh

kattya.cepeda@uta.edu or mariska.debruijn@uta.edu

Kattya and Mariska are back this year and ready to assist you in the AHS Go Center! Kattya will be here on Thursdays and Mariska will be here on Mondays in Room 1118!

Every first Wednesday of the month is College & Career Readiness Day!
Students and staff are invited to wear shirts representing their favorite college, career, or military path.
Let’s celebrate goals, inspire dreams, and build a future-ready culture—together!
#AlllInAledo #GrowingGreatness

Let’s start each week with positivity and purpose!

Every Monday, we’re setting the tone for the week ahead with Mindset Monday—a chance to focus on positive thinking, goal setting, and showing up with the right attitude.

🙌 What to Do:
Wear a T-shirt with a positive message—something uplifting, encouraging, or inspiring. Whether it’s about kindness, hard work, growth mindset, or mental wellness, your shirt can help someone start their week off right.

💡 Why It Matters:
A positive mindset sets you up for success—in school, in sports, in relationships, and in life. Mondays are the perfect time to reset, refocus, and choose positivity.

👕 Need Ideas?
Look for shirts that say things like:

• “Be the reason someone smiles today”
  
  

• “Progress, not perfection”
  
  

• “Your mindset determines your success”
  
  

• “Kindness is cool”
  
  

• “You’ve got this”
  
  

Let’s build a school culture where encouragement is the norm and positive vibes are everywhere.
We can’t wait to see your shirts and your Monday mindset!

#MindsetMonday #AllInAledo #GrowingGreatness

The Class of 2027 is officially in the home stretch of their high school career! Whether plans include a four-year university, community college, trade school, the military, or entering the workforce, now is the time to begin taking action toward next steps.

Our counseling team is here to help you navigate the process—from applications and essays to transcripts, financial aid, and everything in between.

College Applications

If you are planning to attend college, now is a great time to:

• Check application deadlines and admission requirements
• Begin or continue your college applications
• Work on college essays and personal statements
• Request letters of recommendation, if needed
• Review scholarship opportunities
• Make sure you are checking your email regularly for communication from colleges
• 
  

For Texas public colleges and universities, you may use ApplyTexas.

For many private colleges and universities, you may use the Common Application.

If your college uses a different application platform, visit the school's admissions website for application instructions.

FAFSA Opens in October

Financial aid season is coming!

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is expected to open in October for the 2027–2028 academic year.

If you plan to attend college or another eligible post-secondary program, completing the FAFSA is an important step in determining your eligibility for federal financial aid and may also be required for certain state or institutional aid. FAFSA is also a State of Texas Graduation Requirement!

More information about FAFSA, including important deadlines and instructions, will be included in our October newsletter.

In the meantime, families can begin preparing by making sure they have the information and documents they will need to complete the FAFSA.

Transcript Reminders

Your high school transcript is an important part of the college application process. Students should review their transcript mailed home in June and make sure they are on track to meet graduation requirements.

Remember, Aledo ISD only reports class rank for students in the top 10% of the graduating class.

Major Clarity is the platform we use for post-secondary planning.

To request a transcript via Major Clarity, 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, then click "Send Request"

Click here for a tutorial video for further assistance.

College & Career Resources

Our Aledo High School College & Career Readiness site and AHS Counseling website are great places to start as you explore your options and prepare for life after high school.

We will continue sharing important deadlines, resources, scholarship information, and financial-aid updates throughout the year.

Seniors, this is your year! Don't put off the steps that can make your transition after graduation easier. Start early, stay organized, meet your deadlines, and reach out to your counselor when you need help.

We are excited to walk alongside the Class of 2027 as you take these next steps!

Free College App week is coming! Created by Senate Bill 2231 during the 89th Texas Legislative Session, all public colleges and universities in Texas are required to waive admission application fees for Texas residents who apply through ApplyTexas to undergraduate programs.

What can your student do to prepare?

• Research careers and programs through the Career Quizzes and Career Explorer search tool
• Evaluate postsecondary options through the Program Explorer, to build their college list, focusing on academic, financial, and social fit
• Calculate the costs of different schools by using the Compare College Costs search tool

Early preparation can help reduce stress and allow students to focus on completing applications during Free College Application Week events.

Before the week begins, students should know how to use ApplyTexas efficiently. Encourage them to do the following ahead of time:

• Create and verify their ApplyTexas account, or sync their ApplyTexas account with their existing My Texas Future account
• Add all their schools from their finalized college list
• Gather materials such as resumes, essays, transcripts, and application information
• Review application requirements and deadlines
• Identify colleges participating in Free College Application Week
• Practice navigating the application platform before the submission week

5 Tips for Starting Your College Application

Why Colleges are Ending Test-Optional Policies

Your Guide to Navigating College Fairs

Junior Year Is Underway! 🧡🐾

Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year, Class of 2028! Junior year is an important year, but you don't have to have your entire future figured out yet. September is a great time to focus on building strong habits, staying on track, and beginning to think about what comes next.

Whether you're considering college, career, the military, technical training, or entering the workforce, your choices and experiences this year can help open doors for your future.

September Reminders

• Check your grades regularly. Junior year courses can be challenging, so don't wait until the end of the grading period to ask for help.
• Stay on top of attendance. Consistent attendance matters for academic success and keeping up with coursework.
• Review your graduation plan. Make sure you know what requirements you still need to complete.
• Get involved. Clubs, organizations, athletics, service, leadership, and other activities can help you explore your interests and develop skills.
• Explore your options. Pay attention to opportunities for dual credit, career experiences, certifications, and other programs available at AHS.
• Start exploring your future. You don't need to choose a career today, but this is a great time to start asking questions about what interests you and what pathways might be a good fit.
• Build relationships with your teachers and counselor. The people who know you well can be valuable resources as you make decisions about your future.

A Little Advice for Juniors

Don't let the pressure of “figuring out your future” keep you from focusing on what you can do today.

Show up. Do your best work. Ask for help. Try something new. Get involved. Pay attention to what you enjoy—and what you don't.

Your future doesn't have to be perfectly planned. You just need to keep moving forward.

We're here to help you do exactly that!

Sophomore Year Is Here! 🧡🐾

Welcome back, Class of 2029! You made it through your first year of high school, and now it's time to build on that foundation.

Sophomore year is a great time to strengthen your academic habits, get involved, discover your interests, and begin exploring what you might want to do after high school. You don't need to have your future figured out yet—but the choices you make now can help you discover what you're good at and what you enjoy.

September Reminders

• Check your grades and stay organized. Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and upcoming assessments.
• Ask for help early. If a class is becoming difficult, talk with your teacher or counselor before you fall behind.
• Get involved. Try a club, activity, sport, organization, or service opportunity that interests you.
• Explore your interests. Pay attention to the subjects, activities, and experiences that get you excited.
• Learn about your options. Explore dual credit, Career & Technical Education (CTE), certifications, and other opportunities available at AHS.
• Stay on track for graduation. Know what courses and credits you need and ask questions if you're unsure about your plan.
• Take care of yourself. High school is about more than grades. Make time for friendships, activities, rest, and the things that help you feel your best.

Remember...

You don't have to know exactly what you want to do after high school.

Sophomore year is a time to explore—not decide everything.

Try new things. Challenge yourself. Learn from your mistakes. Discover what you're good at. And remember that your AHS counselors are here whenever you need help along the way.

You've got two years of high school behind you and two more to go. Make this one count!

You've Made It—Now Let's Get Settled! 🧡🐾

Welcome to your first year at Aledo High School, Class of 2030! The first few weeks of high school can feel like a lot—new routines, new teachers, new expectations, and a much bigger campus. If you're still figuring things out, that's completely normal!

September is a great time to move past the first-day excitement and start building the habits that will help you have a successful freshman year.

September Reminders

• Learn your routine. Know your schedule, classrooms, bell times, lunch procedures, and how to get where you need to go.
• Stay organized. Keep track of assignments, tests, projects, and deadlines.
• Check your grades regularly. Don't wait until a progress report to find out you're struggling.
• Ask for help! Your teachers, counselor, administrators, and other trusted adults are here to support you.
• Get involved. Try a club, sport, organization, or activity that interests you. Finding your people can make a big school feel smaller.
• Take care of your attendance. Being present and engaged is one of the most important things you can do for yourself.
• Make good choices. High school comes with more independence and responsibility. Your decisions matter.
• Give yourself time to adjust. You don't have to have everything figured out in September.

One Important Reminder

Your counselor is your counselor for a reason! If you're struggling academically, socially, emotionally, or simply don't know where to go for help, come see us.

You don't have to wait until something becomes a big problem.

Ask questions. Speak up. Get connected.

You are officially a Bearcat, and we are so glad you're here. We can't wait to see all that the Class of 2030 accomplishes!

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)

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!

This is now a graduation requirement for the State of Texas!

Beginning with the Class of 2027, Texas law requires graduating seniors to make an election regarding participation in the My Texas Future Direct Admissions program.

My Texas Future is an online platform developed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) that helps students explore colleges, careers, programs, financial aid, and college application opportunities. The Direct Admissions program can also allow participating Texas colleges and universities to identify students who may be eligible for admission based on their academic information.

Every senior must complete ONE of the following before graduation:

OPTION 1 – Participate in My Texas Future:
Create or update your My Texas Future account and complete the required election to participate in the Direct Admissions program.

OR

OPTION 2 – Opt Out:
Submit the required, signed My Texas Future/Direct Admissions opt-out form.

Information is distributed to Seniors during fall of their Senior year on how to complete and verify this requirement.

https://www.mytexasfuture.org/

🎓 What Is CCMR?

CCMR stands for College, Career, and Military Readiness. It is a Texas accountability measure that focuses on helping students graduate prepared for their next step—whether that means attending college, entering the workforce, pursuing a career certification, or serving in the military.

At Aledo High School, we work with students throughout high school to help them explore their interests, identify their goals, and build a plan for life after graduation. CCMR opportunities may include college credit, industry-based certifications, career and technical education (CTE), internships, work-based learning, military pathways, and college/career assessments.

CCMR is not just something seniors need to think about! Every year of high school is an opportunity to build skills, explore options, and take steps toward a successful future. Talk with your student’s counselor to learn more about opportunities available at AHS.

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.

Tricia Hackfeld, Counselor Grade 9 and Intervention thackfeld@aledoisd.org

Lindsay Fuller, Lead Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names A-B lfuller@aledoisd.org

Maggie Alexander, Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names C-G malexander@aledoisd.org

Beth Sweeney, Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names H-Ma esweeney@aledoisd.org

Annie Walker, Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names Mc-R awalker@aledoisd.org

Melanie Prince, Counselor Grades 10-12 Last Names S-Z mprince@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