AHS/DNG Counselor's Corner

October is here, and the school year is in full swing at Aledo High School! With fall break on the horizon, it’s a wonderful time for students to pause, recharge, and return ready to finish the semester strong. Our counseling team continues supporting students through classroom guidance, individual meetings, and campus-wide activities that build community and connection.

This month, we’ll highlight Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide campaign promoting drug and alcohol awareness. During Advisory, students will participate in our annual guidance lesson focused on making healthy choices and understanding the impact of substance use. Parents are always welcome to preview guidance topics on our counseling website.

We encourage families to use Red Ribbon Week as a chance to spark meaningful conversations at home. Here’s a helpful article with practical tips for connecting with your teen about drugs and alcohol:
👉 8 Tips for Talking (and Listening) to Your Teens About Drugs and Alcohol – MedlinePlus Magazine

While our AHS College Fair might be over, we have reps on campus all throughout the year during lunches at AHS. Here's a great article on helping your student make the most of the face-to-face time they get with our reps!

As always, we’re here to partner with you in supporting every Bearcat. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if we can help your student in any way.

—Your AHS Counseling Team 🧡🐾

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!

Monday: Rhyme without Reason Example: Preacher and Teacher

Tuesday: Drug Free is No Mystery Wear detective outfits. magnifying glasses etc.

Wednesday: Find Your Missing Piece – Career/College Day Dress for your future career or college to show you’re finding your place in the bigger picture.

Thursday: “Puzzled since the good old days and still drug-free.” Old-fashioned clothes, suspenders, glasses, curlers, and shawls

💡 Thinking about your future after high school?
The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is a great tool to help you explore your strengths, interests, and career pathways—whether you’re considering college, career, or the military.

📅 Juniors and seniors can sign up now using the link/QR code on the graphic to reserve your spot!

Space is limited, so don’t wait!

Students must be logged into their AISD account to sign up- parents don't have access to the form.

Need help with college or post-secondary planning? The Bound for Success (Go Center) program is now up and running at Aledo High School!

This program is a partnership between UTA and Aledo ISD, bringing a dedicated College and Career Coach to our campus 1–2 days each week. While on campus, the coach will work directly with students on college applications, financial aid, scholarships, technical school options, and more.

Although employed by UTA, the Go Center Coach can assist with any college or technical school application to ensure every student has the support they need. They bring a wealth of knowledge about post-secondary planning and will collaborate closely with our Counseling Team to provide an extra layer of guidance and support for all Bearcats.

We’re excited to offer this resource and encourage students to take advantage of it!

Join us for our next Coffee with the Counselors on Wednesday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m. in the DNG Library. This month, we’ll be discussing Texas High School Endorsements and Resume Skills with a special guest speaker! Parents are encouraged to attend, enjoy some coffee, and learn helpful information to support your student’s success.

If you missed the September meeting, you can check out the recording here!

Your senior is in full swing of their final year at Aledo High School! October is a critical month for making progress on postsecondary plans, from college applications to testing and financial aid. Staying organized now helps reduce stress later in the year.

📌 How Parents Can Support in October

• College applications: Encourage your student to submit applications early—remember our motto: “Apply before pie!” Many college deadlines are in the fall, so submitting sooner gives them the best chance for scholarships and preferred programs.

• SAT/ACT testing: Seniors who need to take or retake the SAT or ACT should review upcoming test dates and register if needed. This is the last chance to strengthen scores before college admissions decisions.

• FAFSA & financial aid: The FAFSA opened on October 1. Your student will need to create an FSA ID using a personal email account at home, and parents will need their own FSA ID as well. Completing the FAFSA early ensures access to maximum financial aid opportunities. Click here for AHS FAFSA information. UTA will soon provide a video guide on how to complete the FAFSA step by step.

• UTA Go Center support: Students can meet with UTA Go Center mentors for guidance on applications, scholarships, and career planning. Encourage your senior to schedule a session if they haven’t already.

• Stay on track academically: Continue to monitor grades, attendance, and coursework to ensure graduation requirements are met and transcripts are accurate for college submissions.

Your AHS counseling team is here to guide both you and your student through this busy and exciting month. Please reach out with any questions about college applications, testing, financial aid, or planning for life after high school.

If you missed Senior Summit, you can find the presentation here.

FAFSA will be open no later than December 1! Remember, seniors must complete their FAFSA or opt-out form in order to get Prom and/or Graduation tickets!

Counselors will start meeting with Seniors who need extra help on their college applications.

Current Seniors will use Major Clarity to request transcripts to be sent to colleges. 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.

Getting Great Letters of Recommendation

5 Skills Teens Need for College, Career and Beyond

Do College Admissions Check for AI on Applications?

Understanding Financial Aid for College: A Guide

Why You Should Fill Out The FAFSA Even If You Don’t Think You’ll Receive Aid

Your student is well into the rhythm of junior year, and October is a key month for planning ahead. Between the PSAT, fall activities, and the start of second-quarter coursework, this is a great time to stay on top of important milestones.

📌 How Parents Can Support in October

• PSAT (for those registered): If your student signed up, encourage them to do their best—the PSAT provides valuable practice and may open scholarship opportunities.

• Review grades at the quarter mark: The first grading period gives a strong snapshot of how the year is going. Celebrate progress and make a plan for any needed improvements.

• Explore career and college options: Use info your student received at the AHS college fair, info sessions, or virtual tours as a way to spark conversations about future goals.

• Balance academics and involvement: Encourage your student to manage their time well between schoolwork, extracurriculars, and personal commitments.

Your AHS counseling team is here to support you and your student every step of the way. Please reach out with any questions about academics, testing, or postsecondary planning.

5 Skills Teens Need for College, Career and Beyond

Now that your student is fully settled into sophomore year, October is a great time to build on the routines they’ve started and keep momentum going. With the first grading period wrapping up, this month offers a natural checkpoint to celebrate successes and identify areas for improvement.

📌 How Parents Can Support in October

• PSAT on October 21st: All 10th graders will take the PSAT this month. Encourage your student to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and do their best on this important practice test.

• Review first-quarter grades together: Talk through what’s going well and where support may be needed. Encourage your student to connect with teachers early if challenges come up.

• Encourage involvement: Fall is a busy season for clubs, sports, and fine arts—remind your student that steady participation helps them build skills, friendships, and confidence.

• Discuss time management: Help your student balance schoolwork, activities, and downtime to avoid stress later in the year.

• Spark conversations about the future: Explore career interests, college options, or technical pathways in a casual way—planting seeds now makes later planning smoother.

Your AHS counseling team is here to partner with you and your student throughout the year. Please reach out with any questions about involvement, academics, or planning for the future—we are here to help.

How Early Should You Start Thinking About College

How to Prepare for College Admissions at Any Grade Level

By October, your student is settling more comfortably into life at Aledo High School—learning new routines, connecting with teachers, and discovering what it means to be a Bearcat. This month is a great time to reinforce healthy habits and stay on track academically and socially.

📌 How Parents Can Support in October

• PSAT 8/9 on October 2: All 9th graders will take the PSAT 8/9 this month. Encourage your student to get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and approach the test with their best effort. This assessment provides valuable feedback to help guide future academic planning.

• Check in on routines: Ensure your student continues consistent sleep, organization, and study habits. These early patterns set a strong foundation for success.

• Promote involvement: Encourage participation in clubs, sports, or other campus activities. Staying connected helps your student feel engaged and supported.

• Encourage self-advocacy: Remind your student that it’s okay to ask teachers or counselors for help—they’re building independence and problem-solving skills.

• Monitor academic progress: A quick weekly check of grades in Canvas or Skyward can catch small issues before they grow.

Your AHS counseling team is here to partner with you as your student navigates their first year of high school. Please reach out anytime—we’re excited to support your family through this important transition.

How Early Should You Start Thinking About College

How to Prepare for College Admissions at Any Grade Level

The AHS College and Career Readiness website is a great resource for students and families who are taking the steps for 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)

Want to visit a college, but can’t make it in person? Check out these virtual tour options!

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!

https://www.mytexasfuture.org/

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 lfuller@aledoisd.org

Maggie Alexander, Counselor Grades 9-12 Last Names C-G malexander@aledoisd.org

Mandy Fernihough, Counselor Grades 9-12 Last Names H-Ma mfernihough@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

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