April isn't just about spring showers—it also brings a downpour of tests! With state exams, AP tests, and final assessments on the horizon, it’s important to be prepared both academically and mentally. In this month’s newsletter, we’ll share essential testing tips to help you stay focused, manage your time effectively, and perform at your best. Plus, we’ll dive into ways to take care of your mental health during this high-stress season—because success isn’t just about studying hard, but also about staying balanced. Let’s tackle this testing season together! 🌸📚

With testing season in full swing, it’s easy to let stress take over. But don’t let catastrophic thinking—assuming the worst possible outcome and believing you’re doomed to fail - dampen your confidence. This type of thinking can lower your performance and make studying feel pointless. Here’s how to recognize and stop this harmful mindset before it floods your success.

Storm Warning: What is Catastrophic Thinking?

Catastrophic thinking happens when you assume one setback will lead to total disaster. Thoughts like “If I fail this test, my entire future is ruined” or “I’ll never understand this, so I might as well give up” create unnecessary panic.

The Downpour Effect: How It Impacts Your Performance

When you let catastrophic thoughts take over, you:
☔ Feel overwhelmed and anxious, making it harder to focus
☔ Lose motivation, leading to procrastination or avoidance
☔ Struggle with problem-solving because stress clouds your thinking

Clearing the Clouds: How to Stop Catastrophic Thinking

🌤 Challenge Your Thoughts – Ask yourself, “Is this really true?” and “What’s the most realistic outcome?”
🌤 Focus on Solutions – Instead of fixating on failure, take action: study, ask for help, and make a plan.
🌤 Use Positive Self-Talk – Swap negative thoughts for confidence boosters like, “I’ve prepared, and I’ll do my best.”
🌤 Take Mindful Breaks – Step away for a moment, breathe, and refocus to keep stress from taking over.

Don’t let negative thinking cloud your success! Stay positive, stay prepared, and remember—this is just one storm in the season of learning. You’ve got this! 🌈✨

As you approach your exams, it’s also important to remember that exams are just one part of your journey—not the whole story. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on doing your best. Perfectionism can lead to unnecessary stress, while a growth mindset helps you learn and improve.

Here are a few tips to stay balanced during test season:
- Prepare, but don’t overwork – Set study goals, take breaks, and get enough rest.
- Practice self-care – Sleep, exercise, and healthy snacks keep your brain sharp.
- Breathe and stay positive – A tough question doesn’t define your abilities. Take a deep breath and move forward.

Remember, your worth isn’t measured by a test score. Give it your best effort, and that’s enough!

Feeling stressed about tests? Take on this 5-Day Mindfulness Challenge to stay grounded, focused, and confident!

🧘 Day 1: 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding – Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste. This helps calm your nerves before studying or testing.

🌿 Day 2: Deep Breathing Breaks – Set a timer to take a one-minute deep breathing break every hour while studying. Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, and exhale for 4.

📖 Day 3: Positive Affirmations – Write down three affirmations to boost confidence, like "I am prepared," "I can handle challenges," and "My best effort is enough." Repeat them before a test!

💤 Day 4: Sleep Reset – Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep to keep your brain sharp. Avoid screens 30 minutes before bed for better rest.

📝 Day 5: Let It Go Journal – Write down your biggest test worries, then fold the paper and set it aside. This helps release stress so you can focus on what you can control.

April 1-4

• Last CBE Registration Window (see counselors for more info)

April 2

• Carter Blood Care

April 3

• Dallas College Takeover

April 7-11

• Assistant Principal Appreciation Week

April 8

• English I EOC

April 9

• English II EOC
• Dallas College Reg-Ready Event

April 10

• English I/II EOC Make-up
• UTA Parent Meeting, 5:30-8:00 pm (Dubiski Cafeteria)
• 25-26 Course Request Pick-up Day 1 (Atrium)

April 10-17

• Last opportunity to change your course selections for the 25-26 school year

April 11

• English I/II EOC Make-up
• 25-26 Course Request Pick-up Day 2 (Atrium)

April 12

• DCHS Car Show

April 14

• TSIA Bootcamp (Lec Hall; Sem A)

April 15

• Biology EOC

April 16

April 17

• Biology/US History EOC Make-up
• Culinary Arts Banquet, 6:00-8:00 pm (The Summit: 2975 Esplanade Dr.)

April 19

• Class of 2025 Prom, 6:00-10:00 pm (Texas Discovery Gardens: 3601 MLK Blvd, Dallas)

April 21-25

• School Professionals Appreciation Week (Bus Drivers, Admn. Assistants, etc.)

April 21

• TSIA Bootcamp (Lec Hall/Sem A)

April 23

• Algebra I EOC

April 24

• Algebra I EOC Make-up

April 25

• Algebra I EOC Make-up
• UTA Reg-Ready Event
• Texas College Bridge Completion Deadline (Ind. Study Course)

April 28 (Thru May 2)

• Final Senior Name Check

April 29

• Class of 2025 Top 10 Breakfast, 9:00-10:00 am (Lecture Hall)

Counselors have finished reviewing Q3 grades, with an intense focus on seniors and credit recovery students. Starting April 1st, we will begin meeting with students who encountered challenges in one or more courses during this grading period or are still working in credit recovery.

Following these discussions, notification letters will be sent to parents regarding possible failure of a course, failure to graduate, and/or attendance issues. Kindly keep an eye out for these important documents. As always, please make sure you are monitoring your student’s progress by checking Skyward frequently.

For info about credit recovery options at Dubiski, please click here.

Attention 9-11 grade students! Course Request Verifications are happening April 10 & 11 in the atrium. English teachers will escort students to pick up their course requests, so be sure to review them carefully!

What You Need to Do:

✅ Verify your courses – Make sure they match what you originally selected.
✅ Check for 8 full courses – Ensure your schedule is complete.
✅ Avoid duplicate courses – You shouldn’t have selected a class you’ve already earned credit for.

If your course request verification is incorrect, incomplete, or you just want to make adjustments, you must complete the attached Course Request Change Form.

🗓 Change Request Window: April 10 – April 17 at 4:15 PM
⏳ This is the FINAL opportunity to adjust your 2025-2026 schedule of courses!

Feel free to click here to view the available course options 📋.

Don’t miss this chance to make sure your schedule is set for success! 🚀

The State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End-of Course (STAAR EOC) assessments will be administered beginning in April. Students take STAAR EOC assessments as they are completing the corresponding courses since these assessments are required for high school graduation. Students who have previously taken an EOC and been unsuccessful will also retest on the specified date(s). The following list includes the subjects and dates of testing.

• Avoid scheduling appointments on test days, as we do not know how long testing will take.
• Students should arrive at school well rested and on time. They should also eat a healthy breakfast at home or at school.
• Students MUST bring their fully-charged school-issued iPad for testing. Personal devices are not allowed for STAAR testing.
• There will be a modified lunch schedule on each test day.
• There will be no check-outs for students testing. Test rooms are extremely controlled environments that can not be disturbed.
• Students will not be allowed to access cell phones, smart watches, or any other type of electronic devices during testing (doing so is a violation of GPISD's Cell Phone and Electronic Device Policy).

AP Exams Are Coming! 📚✏️

AP Exam season is almost here! From May 5th to May 16th, students will have the opportunity to showcase their hard work and earn college credit. Be sure to check your exam schedule, get plenty of rest, and review your study materials.

💡 Tips for Success:
✅ Know Your Exam Date & Time – Double-check the schedule so you're prepared.
✅ Get a Good Night’s Sleep – Rested brains perform better!
✅ Review Smart, Not Hard – Focus on key concepts and practice questions.
✅ Pack Your Essentials – Bring pencils, erasers, a calculator (if needed), and your school ID.

Stay confident, stay prepared, and give it your best shot! You’ve got this! 💪🎯

Students interested in taking dual credit courses for the 2025-2026 school year or who may need to pass the TSIA2 exam as part of CCMR graduation requirements, have an additional opportunity to test before the end of the school year. The next TSIA2 exam administrations will take place in person at DCHS on Thursday, May 1st & Friday, May 2nd. (Additional TSIA2 test dates for 2025 will be during the summer and will be announced at a later time).

Students who would like to take the TSIA2 on one of the above dates must complete the following requirements by April 28, 2025 at 4:15 pm:

*Click this link to view step-by step requirements

If you have any issues or need assistance, be sure to contact Dr. Nelson-Moy, DCHS Campus Testing Coordinator(D402) immediately.

Get involved, stay connected, and help make a positive impact on our school community by joining the PTA! Your membership supports programs and initiatives that benefit students, teachers, and families. Whether you want to volunteer or simply show your support, becoming a PTA member makes a big difference.

Joining is quick and easy — visit joinpta.org to sign up today! Let’s work together to create an even better school experience for everyone.

I. Volunteer at Grand Prairie United Charities (1417 Densman St. Grand Prairie, TX 75051)

• Open availability
• Contact us online or at 972-262-2014

II. Volunteer at Dickinson Elementary Spring Carnival

• The date of the carnival is April 4, 2025.
• They have time slots available for games/booths and face painting. If you are interested in doing face painting, you will need to bring your own supplies and you can bring a donation jar and keep all donations for you or for a club!

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E45ADA929A3FF2-55100138-annual

III. Earn Volunteer Hours as a TurnUp Intern!

Looking for a meaningful way to earn volunteer hours? TurnUp, a non-profit organization dedicated to making our nation more just, fair, and equitable, is offering internship opportunities for students like you! As a TurnUp Intern, you’ll engage in youth activism and civic engagement, working to strengthen our democracy while gaining valuable experience.

📄 See the flyer to learn more and apply for this incredible opportunity to make a difference!

Are you looking to stay organized with your community service hours? Use our Community Service Log to easily track and document all your volunteer activities! Keeping an accurate record of your hours is important for scholarship applications, college admissions, and service awards.

Download and start using the Community Service Log today to make sure you’re ready to showcase your dedication and impact. 🌟

#CommunityService #StayOrganized #VolunteerImpact

• New Rule for ALL GPISD Schools beginning 25-26 school year:

• Students must meet college readiness standard by assessment in both Math and ELA to qualify for late arrival, early release, or office aide.

• College Readiness Assessments include the SAT, ACT, or TSIA2.

• You CAN mix-and-match amongst tests (i.e. have a qualifying ELA score on the SAT and a qualifying Math score on the ACT).

• Click the graphic to the right, to learn about college readiness score requirements and ways you can prepare for college readiness assessments.

***Use the form below to upload your documentation for a Free Period.

Hey Seniors! 🎓 Did you know that completing CPR instruction is a graduation requirement in Texas? Don’t let this important step stand in the way of earning your diploma! Follow the steps below to complete this requirement:

✅ Watch the CPR Instruction Video [click hereLinks to an external site.]
📝 Submit Your Documentation [HereLinks to an external site.]

Everyone must document that they have met this requirement—even if you have already completed CPR training or earned a CPR certification elsewhere. If you've already had the training, you only need to fill out the spreadsheet to indicate that you’ve met the requirement.

Upon completion of these steps, your transcript will be updated to indicate you have successfully met the CPR requirement needed for graduation. Please note: this training only serves to expose students to CPR. You will not be certified in CPR.

This quick and essential training could help you save a life one day—plus, it’s required to walk the stage! Don’t wait—get it done today! Deadline - May 1st.

I. 2025 The American Dream Scholarship (For Immigrants or Children of Immigrants):

https://immigrantjourney.org/scholarships/

Deadline: May 15th

II. James W. Tyra Memorial Scholarship

More information can be obtained here.

Deadline: April 30th

III. Dr. Pepper Museum Free Enterprise Institute (FEI) Scholarship

https://drpeppermuseum.com/fei-scholarship/

Deadline: April 18, 2025

IV. Masonic Children & Family Services of Texas Senior Scholarship

https://masonichometx.org/children-family-services/college-scholarships/

Deadline: May 31st

V. Juneteenth Ft. Worth Committee's Scholarships:

1. 2025 Unity Unlimited Scholarship.

• https://unityunlimited.org/scholarships-2/
• Deadline: May 16, 2025

2. Erma Hadley Scholarship

• https://unityunlimited.org/scholarships-2/
• Deadline: October 17, 2025

3. Your Voice Unleashed Scholarship Application

• https://juneteenthstrong.com/yvu/
• Deadline: June 15, 2025

VI. Dr. David Daniels Scholarship

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaH4q2L3iU2k8MIohsHmNsjdRBarLFU1LaZ6NrPxcCzWbmZw/viewform

Deadline: April 11 by 11:59 pm

2990 South Highway 161

Grand Praire, Tx, 75052

https://www.gpisd.org/Domain/11979

Vision

The Vision of John A. Dubiski Career High School Counseling Department is to GUIDE students to their highest potential by CREATING self-disciplined, motivated and responsible learners who will be our FUTURE LEADERS that will respond to worldly issues and advocate for equity for humankind. The comprehensive school counseling program will focus on academic, career and social-emotional needs to support students’ college, career and military readiness.

Mission

The mission of the John A. Dubiski High School Counseling Services program, in partnership with other educators, parents/guardians and community stakeholders is to provide a comprehensive, developmental counseling program that PROVIDES EQUITY AND ACCESS FOR ALL STUDENTS that addresses academic, social-emotional, and career development. The program ensures all students are self-directed, life-long learners who are college, career and military future-ready.