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From the Counseling Office: The Mindful Maverick: Volume 2

Posted Date: 10/27/25 (2:37 PM)
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Text graphic: 'From the Counseling Office: The Mindful Maverick, Volume 2'.
A banner reads 'WELCOME Mavericks' in teal and gold colors.

Welcome

Welcome to The Mindful Maverick counselor newsletter! This newsletter is designed to keep students, parents, and staff informed about key academic deadlines, college and career opportunities, mental health resources, and upcoming events. Through this newsletter, we hope to keep everyone connected and engaged throughout the school year.
The Maverick Counseling Team is displayed with headshots and names.

THE PARENT CONNECTION

We’re excited to announce an upcoming Virtual Parent Presentation focused on two critical topics impacting our students today: Social Media Safety and Mental Health Awareness. This presentation is presented by Crimestoppers and is designed to give parents practical tools, expert advice, and helpful resources, all accessible online at your convenience.
Colorful signs with social media terms like 'Share' and 'Like' are displayed.

Social Media Safety

Learn how to help your child navigate digital spaces responsibly.
An illustration shows a brain filled with flowers, with a hand adding more.

Mental Health Awareness

Discover ways to support emotional well-being at home and school.

Presentation Details

📌 Who: All parents and guardians of middle, intermediate, and high school parents

📌 When: November 19th: English speaking presentation at 10:00am; Spanish speaking version at 1:00pm.

📌 Format: VIRTUAL- A teams link will be shared via flyer when we send out through Parent Square and the school website at the beginning of November.  
A purple circle with the words 'Where & When?' in white.

COUNSELOR CONNECTION

How can we help?

Your counselors are here to support you academically, socially, and emotionally throughout your high school journey. Whether you need help with class schedules, managing stress, planning for life after graduation, or just someone to talk to, we’re here to listen and guide you. Our goal is to help you succeed and feel confident every step of the way. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!
A heart-shaped word cloud features words related to counseling, such as 'personal,' 'academic,' and 'social'.
Text on a textured background reads: 'You can't always control what happens, but you can control how you respond.'

MINDFUL MAVERICKS

🎀 Red Ribbon Week is Here! 🎀

Join us as we celebrate Red Ribbon Week, a national campaign promoting drug-free lifestyles and healthy choices. Throughout the week, students will participate in themed dress-up days, activities, and important conversations about making positive decisions. Let’s show our school spirit and commitment to staying drug-free!
Red Ribbon Week poster with daily themes and images for October 27-31.
 

🛑 Vaping Prevention: What Parents Need to Know 🛑

Protecting Our Teens Starts at Home
Vaping has become a serious concern among youth, with many products containing nicotine—a highly addictive substance that can harm brain development and lead to long-term health issues. As a parent, you have the power to help prevent vaping by staying informed and involved.

Here’s how you can help:
  • Talk Early & Often: Start open conversations about vaping and its risks. Keep the dialogue honest and judgment-free.
  • Educate Yourself & Your Child: Learn about the harmful effects of e-cigarettes and share this knowledge with your teen.
  • Set Clear Expectations: Establish rules and consequences around vaping. Be consistent and supportive.
  • Model Healthy Choices: Your behavior matters. Show your child what healthy living looks like.
  • Stay Alert: Know the signs of vaping and stay engaged with your child’s social environment.
More parent tips and resources can be found at:
Image with a 'No Vaping' sign and a vape pen, with text about Texas House Bill 114.
Image with text in Spanish about vaping, featuring a 'no vaping' symbol and a vape device.

EARLY COLLEGE

A Note from Mrs. Milam:

The early college program is challenging, and it is NORMAL for kids to struggle from time to time. But we believe the rewards are worth the effort. Every student can be successful with the proper tools. We consider you our partners and want to give you some tools to help your scholar be successful in the program. Check out the links below for tutorial times for all students as well as some quick tips for ways you can help your student be successful.
Early College High School logo featuring a horse and graduation cap.
A chalkboard illustration with the word 'TUTORING' surrounded by business and education-related doodles.

Early College Tutorial Schedules



Tips to Help your Early College Scholar

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What's Your Story?

What story does your transcript tell about you? It is never too early to begin writing or rewriting the story of your high school experience. Watch the video below to learn more about why your transcript matters.

MAVERICK U "College and Career"

🎓 Attention Seniors: Your University Packet Is Here!🎓


The 2025–2026 University Packet is your ultimate guide to navigating the college application and enrollment process. Whether you're planning to attend a university, community college, or pursue a scholarship or military pathway, this packet is essential to your success.

Inside, you'll find:

  • ✅ Step-by-step instructions for applying to colleges and financial aid (FAFSA/TASFA)
  • 📝 Essay writing tips and prompts for ApplyTexas and Common App
  • 📅 Admission deadlines and automatic acceptance criteria for Texas universities
  • 💻 How to set up your university portal and track your application status
  • 💉 Meningitis vaccination requirements and submission instructions
  • 📄 Transcript request procedures and final transcript reminders
  • 🎯 College readiness testing info (SAT, ACT, TSIA, Texas College Bridge)
  • 💰 Scholarship and fee waiver request forms
  • 🏈 NCAA/NAIA application and transcript steps for student-athletes
This packet is more than just paperwork—it's your roadmap to graduation and beyond. Every senior should review it carefully, complete the necessary steps, and stay on top of deadlines. Don't wait—start now and stay ahead!

Click the button below to access the digital version of the packet now!
 
➡️University Packet Link ⬅️
 
Informational graphic about financial aid for college, including requirements for Texas students.
Informational graphic about financial aid, including FAFSA and TASFA applications.
Informational graphic about the FAFSA application process, with lists of required documents.
Informational graphic about the TASFA application, including required documents.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Student Spotlight featuring Adam Mata, holding a ribbon at a swimming pool.
Adam Mata is a junior here at Pasadena Memorial. Adam not only maintains academic excellence but he excels in extracurricular activities on campus and in our community. Adam has been an active member of PMHS swim team and was featured as Athlete of the Week. He is also heavily involved in our FFA program, and Mrs. Rankin, his teacher states, “Adam has knocked it out of the park with FFA this year. He made the auction with his boot rack Agriculture Mechanics project and also won Grand Champion rabbits!” Adam has volunteered for the Pasadena Rodeo for the past 3 years and is looking to volunteer for the City of Pasadena. Adam hopes to pursue a career in Mechanical Engineering or become a Veterinarian. We are very proud of Adam and look forward to seeing the great things he accomplishes.  
A swimmer performs the freestyle stroke in a pool.
A family poses with rabbits and awards at the Pasadena Livestock Show & Rodeo.

DATES TO REMEMBER

📢📢Attention Sophomores📢📢



Course registration for your junior year will take place in November. Now is a great time to start thinking about your academic goals and talking with your teachers about which classes might be the best fit for you next year. More information to come in homeroom!
A clipboard with the word 'REGISTER' and checkmarks, next to a pencil.
 
An icon shows a checklist and pencil, with the text 'CREDIT BY EXAM'.

Foreign Language Credit By Exam


Students interested in earning credit through examination, for Spanish or Vietnamese, can now register in Skyward through October 24. The Credit by Exam will be administered on November 6 and 7, so be sure to sign up before the deadline if you’re planning to test. This is a great opportunity to advance your academic progress!
  • October 21-23, Freshman Course Registration through World Geography
  • 2nd six-week report card will be posted on November 6th in Family Skyward
  • November 3rd- Student Holiday
  • Thanksgiving Break Nov. 24-28th
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LINKS AND RESOURCES

Community resources flyer with information on assistance programs and domestic violence awareness.
As we wrap up this edition of The Mindful Maverick Newsletter, the Counseling Team wants you to know how excited we are to support you and your student throughout the year. We’re committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and encouraging environment where every Maverick can thrive.
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