AHS/DNG Counselor's Corner
April 2026
April is here, and with it comes a busy and exciting season at Aledo High School! As we move into the final stretch of the school year, we want to keep you informed and prepared for several important dates and opportunities ahead.
Please note that students will have holidays on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6. We also want to remind you of our upcoming Child Abuse Prevention Guidance lesson scheduled for April 13. This lesson is opt-in, and parents selected participation during registration. If you would like to review or change your selection, you may do so in Parent Portal before 4:00 PM on April 3.
We are also looking forward to hosting Coffee with the Counselors on April 16, where we will focus on post-secondary planning for all students. We are excited to partner with representatives from UTA to provide valuable information and answer questions as families plan for life after high school.
In addition, we have several important events and opportunities on the horizon, including Local Scholarship Day on May 1, Grandparents Lunch with Seniors on May 15, and our College Application Camp taking place this summer. Be sure to review the information below for details on how your student can take advantage of these opportunities.
Thank you for your continued partnership as we support our students through a strong finish to the school year!
Important Dates
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 Review
Students are now able to log into Ascender Student Portal to verify their course selections for the 2026-27 school year.
An email was sent on March 24 from AHS Counselors with instructions on how to verify courses, and a Google form will be used for students to sign off that they have viewed them.
If a change needs to be made, students are allowed 1 change (not including off periods once a student becomes CCMR met) and a Google form will be used to request a change as well.
More than 1 change will not be honored. Changes must be requested via the Google form to be considered.
Coffee with the Counselors April 16!
When: April 16 @ 10:00 AM
Where: DNG Library
Mindset Monday Reminder
🎉 Mindset Monday at Aledo High School 🎉
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.
đź’ˇ 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.
đź‘• 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
Counseling Support Plan- Mrs. Alexander welcomes new baby!
We want to share an update regarding our counseling office. Ms. Alexander will be out on maternity leave for the remainder of the school year.
During her absence, our counseling team will continue to fully support all students. Ms. Fuller will serve as the primary point of contact for students in Ms. Alexander’s alpha (C-G). Ms. Walker and Ms. Hackfeld will also be assisting to ensure all student needs are met in a timely manner.
If your student would typically reach out to Ms. Alexander, please contact Ms. Fuller, and she will make sure you are connected with the needed resources.
We are committed to providing consistent support and look forward to partnering with you throughout the remainder of the year. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Strictly For Seniors
April is a pivotal time for seniors as graduation quickly approaches and post-secondary plans become final. By now, many students have received acceptance decisions and financial aid offers, making it essential to carefully compare options and make informed commitments. Be mindful of decision deadlines, housing applications, and any next steps required to secure your spot.
Seniors should continue checking email and college portals regularly, completing required paperwork, and staying in communication with admissions and financial aid offices. This is also an important time to finalize scholarship applications and review award offers.
For students entering the workforce or military, be sure to confirm all enlistment requirements, job placements, or training schedules. Staying organized and following through on these final steps will help ensure a smooth transition after graduation.
The countdown to graduation is on—stay focused, stay organized, and finish strong, Bearcats!
🎓 FAFSA Deadline Approaching!
As you know, we must have record of each Senior's FAFSA completion or Opt-Out form, which is a State of Texas Graduation Requirement. This is a 2-step process!
Seniors will not be able to purchase Prom tickets or walk the stage at graduation without completing this State of Texas requirement. Prom tickets go on sale April 3.
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, you must have either the FAFSA confirmation or opt-out form on file with Aledo High School. 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.
This is a 2-step process for you!
1. Complete the FAFSA (or opt-out form)
2. Upload it to the AHS Completion Link
We don’t have access to each student’s individual FAFSA account, so you have to upload your completion status (email or screenshot) or opt-out form to the link below.
👉 Class of 2026 FAFSA Completion
Save the Dates!
May 1- Local Scholarship and Bearcat Hall of Fame presentation day!
May 15- Grandparents Lunch!
Just for Juniors
April is an important time for juniors as they begin turning their focus toward senior year and life after high school. As the school year winds down, the steps students take now will help set the tone for a smooth and successful transition into their final year at AHS.
Thank you to the families who joined us for our recent junior parent meeting. If you were unable to attend—or would like to revisit the information—we encourage you to review the shared resources and materials, which include important timelines for senior year, college applications, financial aid, and testing. These resources are a great starting point as you begin planning for what comes next.
Juniors should continue researching postsecondary options, planning campus visits, and preparing for upcoming testing opportunities such as the SAT or ACT. It is also important to be intentional about senior course selections and stay engaged in current coursework, as final grades will play a key role in college applications.
Looking ahead, we are excited to offer our College Application Camp this summer, designed to help students get a head start on applications, essays, and the overall college planning process. More information is included below, and we strongly encourage juniors to take advantage of this opportunity.
Click on the graphic below to register your Junior!
Families can support their students by continuing conversations about goals, reviewing timelines, and encouraging steady progress. The work done this spring will help juniors step confidently into senior year and beyond.
Sophomore Scoop
April is a key time for sophomores to stay focused and maintain strong momentum as we move into the final stretch of the school year. With course selection behind them, students should now concentrate on finishing the semester strong and preparing for the increased expectations that come with junior year.
The work students do now matters. Spring grades will impact GPA, class rank, and future opportunities, so consistent attendance, strong study habits, and seeking support when needed are essential. This is also a great time for sophomores to begin thinking more intentionally about their interests and future plans—whether that includes college, career pathways, or other postsecondary options.
As testing season approaches, students should take advantage of opportunities to build familiarity and confidence with assessments they will encounter in the future, such as the SAT or ACT.
Families can support their students by encouraging accountability, reinforcing the importance of finishing strong, and having ongoing conversations about goals and interests. The habits and effort developed now will set students up for success as they take on the challenges of junior year.
Freshman Focus
April is a great time for freshmen to reflect on how much they’ve grown during their first year of high school. What once felt new is now more familiar, and students are building confidence as they navigate academics, activities, and responsibilities at AHS.
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, it is important for freshmen to stay focused and consistent. The habits they continue to build—attending class regularly, completing assignments on time, preparing for assessments, and communicating with teachers—are the foundation for long-term success. Every grade earned this semester contributes to their GPA and sets the stage for future opportunities.
This is also a good time for students to begin thinking ahead to sophomore year by reflecting on their strengths, areas for growth, and involvement opportunities on campus.
Families can support their students by encouraging organization, accountability, and balance during this busy time of year. With a strong finish this spring, freshmen will be well prepared to step confidently into their sophomore year.
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
