Academic Planning Resources for Parents & Guardians

This week, school counselors are visiting English classes to support students as they complete course requests for the upcoming school year.

As part of this process, we want to ensure that parents and guardians are aware of several important academic planning resources that can help you better understand graduation requirements and begin conversations with your student about postsecondary plans.

Please take a few minutes to review the three attached resources:

• DCPS Postsecondary Readiness Milestones
  Grade-level checklists that outline key academic and postsecondary planning steps throughout high school.

• Postsecondary Planning Guide
  Reflection questions and planning tools to help students explore college, career, and future pathway options.

• Graduation Requirements & Diploma Designations Guide
  An overview of Florida graduation requirements and the diploma designations available to students.

These resources are intended to support thoughtful planning now and as your student progresses through high school. If questions arise after reviewing the materials, students are welcome to speak with a school counselor during Lunch and Learn in the Foundations Room (inside the cafeteria).

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student’s academic planning.

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FSCJ will be hosting a Financial Aid Information Session on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM. This virtual session will take place on Microsoft Teams and is open to all DA students in grades 9–12 and their families.

The presentation will cover grants, scholarships, loans, work-study, and important steps for funding future education.

Below are the registration and meeting links for easy access: 

• Event Registration: https://visit.fscj.edu/event/1260266
• Teams Meeting: https://bit.ly/DAFinancialAidNight 

Students are encouraged to register using their personal email and join the session through their DCPS Teams account for the best experience. However, they (students and families) can also join directly using the meeting link.

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Juniors - College Essay Workshop – Sign Up Now! ✍️

Sign up now to attend our College Essay Workshop on Thursday, May 29 in Room 26 (upstairs above the main office)! Space is limited, so don’t wait to register.

🗓️ Workshop Times:

• Period B7: 8:25 – 10:05
• Period B8: 10:10 – 12:25 (includes a working lunch)

https://forms.office.com/r/FsUm8NQj2u (Students must sign in to thier oneview account to access the form)

🍕 Snacks and water will be provided for all participants. Students in the second session will also enjoy pizza during the working lunch.

✏️ What to Bring:
Paper and a writing utensil. You’re welcome to bring your personal laptop if you prefer to type—a laptop cart will also be available. The workshop includes time to write, so come prepared to work on your essay!

📧 Confirmation Email:
You’ll receive an email on Wednesday with instructions on which period to report to Room 25. Be sure to check your DCPS email.

💡 Can’t attend?
Don’t worry — we’ll offer another essay workshop in early fall of senior year.

📂 Essay Planning Resources:
Check out the Junior Bootcamp channel in School Counseling Teams for additional planning tools and tips!

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Seniors and families!
Join us for our Virtual Spring Senior Night on Wednesday, 4/16 at 5:30 PM!
We’ll cover everything you need to know about graduation, cap and gown pickup, and senior updates.
The meeting link will be available on the DA main page.
See you there!

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Brian Schultz STEM Career Student Scholarship

FASFEPA is honored to be able to offer the Brian Schultz STEM Career Student Scholarship to graduating high school seniors planning to further their education in Technology or STEM based careers in trade/ technical education. Funding for this scholarship is made possible through the dedication of the FASFEPA members through their membership fees and from their commitment to quality education and building a brighter future for our educational system and youth.

Website link:  https://www.fasfepa.net/brian-schultz-scholarship.html

Targeted Audience:  Graduating high school seniors planning to further their education in Technology or STEM based careers in trade/ technical education

Amount:  $2500

Awarding Organization:  FASFEPA – Florida Association of Federal Education Program Administrators

Criteria:

• Be a senior who is on track to graduate in May/June of 2025 and planning to pursue a career in the area of technology/technical education;
• Be eligible under current USDA guidelines as free or reduced-priced meals or Approved CEP Direct   Certification for free or reduced lunch; and
• Provide a picture with the application to be used in an announcement and on the FASFEPA webpage. (.jpg or .png format).

Application Process: 

• Application Packet
• Completed Application - https://www.fasfepa.net/uploads/2/2/1/6/22162720/brian_schultz_student_scholarship_packet.pdf
• Scholarship Routing Form
• One-page typed narrative (300 words max) explaining why the student is applying for the scholarship, including all interests, leadership, and service activities within the community, and future goals
• Official copy of the high school transcript
• Three letters of recommendation
• One from principal or administrative designee at the school on school letterhead
• One from a faculty member
• One from a non-family member
• List of student organizations and activities (academic, civic, fine arts, athletic)
• Head shot in .jpg or .png format
• Return the completed scholarship packet no later than Friday, January 24, 2025, to Dr. Micheau, 1701 Prudential Drive, Federal Programs Office, 4th Floor, room 406.

Selection, Award and Notification Process:

• After the packet is returned, a district review committee will review and score the submitted packets.
• One packet will be submitted to the FASFEPA organization on behalf of Duval County.
• One scholarship will be awarded and announced by March 25, 2025.
• Winners will be posted to the FASFEPA website

 

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Opportunities posted on our School Counseling Teams page

Don’t forget! We regularly post scholarship opportunities and summer pre-college programs on the School Counseling Teams page for students. These are updated weekly, so please remind your student to check the page for new opportunities to help them prepare for their future.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to the school counseling office. Thank you for staying involved and supporting your student’s success!

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 🌿 Attention Seniors! 🌿

Are you passionate about the environment, plants, or making a green impact on the world? 🌎 The Late Bloomers Garden Club Scholarship is here for you! 🌸

📚 Scholarship Details:

• 🏆 Award Amount: $1,500 to $2,500 (up to 3 recipients!)
• 📖 Eligibility:
  ✔️ GPA of 3.0 or higher
  ✔️ Commitment to pursuing a degree in environmental science, horticulture, botany, forestry, agriculture, landscape architecture, or related fields 🌱
  ✔️ Community Service involvement
  ✔️ Financial need
  ✔️ Three references (one from a science teacher)

🗓️ Interviews: February
🎉 Winners Announced: End of February

📩 Interested? Email Mrs. Anderson ASAP to get started!

This is your chance to grow your future 🌟 and make a positive impact on the environment. Don’t miss out! 🌳 #ScholarshipOpportunity #EnvironmentalScience #Horticulture #ScholarshipsForStudents #GreenFuture

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A very wise senior once said:

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Spectrum Love Voulunteer Events

We are excited to announce our first few volunteer opportunities for 2025. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer. Spread the word to anyone you know that might be interested in community services hours. https://forms.gle/y6WKUxdvJnQ5T3P46 -- Thank you, Katheryn Hartigan President/Founder of Spectrum Love Inc. 904-451-8221 Spectrum Love Inc. website Spectrum Love Inc. Facebook page

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Pratt Summer Programs

 Scholarship applications close on February 1, 2025

Students should submit their application by 11:59PM ET to be considered for a partial or full ride scholarship for the 2025 Summer PreCollege Program.

"Pratt PreCollege helped me gauge both the level and amount of work I would have to produce in college. It gave me good insight into the college environment as well as experience with critique and grading." 

- Elli P., Summer 2024 Student, Animation + Foundation.

What do applicants need to apply? 

• $65 Application Fee*
• Personal Statement [2,500 characters or less] answering one of the following questions:
• What do you hope to achieve by participating in Pratt’s Summer Immersion Program, and how do you envision it impacting your future educational, artistic, and career goals?
• Discuss a challenge you faced. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn about yourself in the process?
• What do you believe are the most important qualities for an artist or designer to possess, and how do you embody these qualities?
• Recommendation [email address needed at time of application]
• 2 samples of work
• Letter of hardship (required for Needs Based Scholarships)
• Household financial information [optional]

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive a waiver code to share with your students. 
Questions? Email us at precollege@pratt.edu or schedule a 15-minute meeting with our team. 
Can’t wait until Summer? See what’s coming up this Spring
Winter Workshops - January 18, 2025($170 - $200)
Online Classes - Saturdays, January 25 - March 29, 2025 ($635.00 - $1,153.00)

Sincerely,
Von Hemert
hhemert@pratt.edu
Associate Director of PreCollege and Youth Programs

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