DSISD Counseling

In this edition, you can find:

• Graduation requirement information
• Upcoming academic events for all grades
• Important events for seniors (including Financial Aid Support)
• Scholarship information for all grades
• Social/Emotional support resources
• Additional school events!

Students at DSISD must complete required coursework, fulfill competency demonstrations, complete their ICAP, and meet with Early College requirements in order to graduate. More information on each category is below and can be found in the student support portal!

Wednesday 10/12, 8am-Various Times

Students in 9th-11th grade will take the PSAT this day and will be dismissed from school at the end of their assessment. There will be no classes this day.

Click here to access practice assessments.

Questions? Email Kristin_Landes@dpsk12.net or Julia_Finlayson@dpsk12.net

Wednesday 10/12 and Thursday 10/13, Assigned Times

Students are working with their mentors to choose their assigned time slot and create a presentation for parents/guardians about their learning this year. This is a required event for all students.

Questions? Reach out to your student's mentor

Wednesday 10/26, 8am-1pm

Many 11th and 12th grade DSISD students choose to take classes at the Community College of Denver Campus. Our CCD advisor, Amy, will be here to help students register for spring classes.

If your student is interested in participating, there will be an informational meeting for students during Mentoring on Thursday 10/20. If you would like to schedule an individual meeting with Julia Finlayson, counselor, about off-site opportunities, please use this link.

Friday 11/11, 8-10:20am

There are 3 sections on the Next Generation Accuplacer test at DSISD: Writing, Quantitative Reasoning, and Algebraic Functions. The Accuplacer is a computer-based assessment and is untimed. Students can take short breaks as needed during the testing window. Calculators are only allowed on certain questions, and one will pop up on the screen when it can be used. Students can use the Accuplacer to meet the HS Graduation Requirement of Competency or to place in college-level courses.

Any student that has passed all three sections will have a study hall block to work on projects and/or assignments for class.

Click here to access practice assessments.

Questions? Email Julia_Finlayson@dpsk12.net

Monday 10/10, 10:40-11:25am

Counselors will meet with seniors to discuss are college application reminders, upcoming events, financial aid, and tracking app submissions on Maia Learning.

Wednesday 10/12 and Thursday 10/13, 4-7pm

Before/After your student led conference, drop in to the Student Hub for support. Counselors will be available from 4-7pm both evenings to help with the application and answer questions about financial aid.

The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Families that qualify can receive up to $6,895 per school year. DSISD encourages all students to complete the application, even if you do not think you will qualify for aid, because it can open opportunities for grants and scholarships.

* If you are unable to apply for FAFSA, we can also support you in completing the CAFSA (intended for undocumented students).

Please bring with you:

• A computer/chromebook
• Student and Parent/Guardian Social Security Numbers (if applicable, if the parent does not have a SSN, the student can still complete the FAFSA)
• 2021 Taxes for parents/guardians and student
• W-2s for students and parents/guardians (if applicable)
• Birthdates for student and parents/guardians
• Month and Year that parents were married or divorced (if applicable)

What is the FAFSA?

How to Create an FSA ID

What to Bring to a FAFSA/CAFSA Workshop

*This drop in support is geared towards seniors and their caregivers.

Wednesday 10/12, 8-11:25am

Seniors will have the opportunity to work on college and scholarship apps, FAFSA, and resumes with counselors and teachers. This is a great opportunity for students to work on their plans for after graduation.

*This is a required event for seniors who have a blue day schedule. There will be no regular classes this day, as 9th-11th grade students will be taking the PSAT.

Tuesday 10/18, Wednesday 10/19, Thursday 10/20

All applications to Colorado colleges can be submitted for FREE on 10/18-10/20. This is a great time to submit applications that you have already prepared!

Counselors will be available in the Engineering Room on Tuesday and Wednesday for drop in support during Block 2, Enrichments, and Lunch. Waiver codes to submit the free apps will be available there as well!

Thursday 11/3, 10:40-11:25am

Balfour will be presenting to students about class rings and other graduation accessories information. Info packets will be sent home with ordering instructions.

Cap/gown sizes will be collected this day as well!

Friday 10/14: No School

Monday 10/17: No School for Students

Tuesday 10/18: Q2 Enrichments Begin

Thursday 10/27: Fall Harvest Fest (4:00-8:00pm)

Thurs/Fri 11/17-18: Fall Intensives

11/19-27: Fall Break

Email: julia_finlayson@dpsk12.net
Website: https://dsisd.dpsk12.org/
Phone: 720-424-2000