Harlingen High South

• Lead Counselor
• Dropout Prevention Specialist
• Email Matthew Nelson

• Counselor Seniors: A - L
• Email Joel Santa Maria

• Counselor Seniors: M - Z
• Email Andria Acuna

• Counselor Juniors: A - L
• Email Julia Wise   

• Counselor Juniors: M - Z
• Email Tiffany Capistran

• Counselor Sophomores: A - Ma
• Email Monica Villanueva

• Gracie Garza
• Email Gracie Garza

Hawk Counselors are here to assist via our  Hawk Counselors' HelpDesk!

Please note: The deadline to request a schedule change is no later than on Wednesday, September 2nd. 

In order to process schedule change requests in a timely manner we recommend all requests are placed on one request and submitted only once. In fairness to all students, 2nd schedule change requests made will be processed after all 1st student requests have been processed.

• Student Schedule Template Fillable

College Start Options

College Start provides students at HCISD a great opportunity to begin earning college credits and the ability to test and prove their college readiness while still enrolled in high school. Students and parents should discuss the College Start options with their high school counselor.

Dual Enrollment (DE) Program - The Dual Enrollment (DE) Program at the Harlingen CISD allows students to earn college credit while at the same time fulfilling high school academic or elective credits.
Qualifications:  To be considered for admission into the DE program, students must demonstrate college readiness by achieving the minimum passing standards of the Texas Success Initiative (TSI). Student must meet criteria from one of the tests listed below:

• TSI– Math 350 , Reading 351 , Writing 4 and 340 or <=340, 5 and ABE 4
• TSI A
• TSIA Math (CRC 950 – 990) or (CRC 910 -949 & NRS 6)
• TSI-A ELA (CRC 945-990 & Essay 5-8) or (CRC 910-944 & NRS 5-6 & Essay 5-8)
• SAT– Evidence Based Reading and Writing 480, Math 530 
• ACT– English 19 , Math 19 , Composite 23

Grades and Deadlines:

• Once enrolled in a DE class, a permanent college transcript is created.
• Students must maintain good grades and should try to make no less than a B in the DE
• Students must always be aware of withdrawal deadlines each semester.
• Failure to meet these deadlines could result in an unsatisfactory grade on the college.

Cost:

• Dual Enrollment classes taken at HCISD schools are free.
• Tuition, fees, and books are all paid by the district.

PAP/AP Program - The Pre-AP program prepares students for the challenges offered by the AP Program.  This program is a concentrated effort to fulfill the College Board’s mission to champion education excellence for all students.  It provides a curriculum that includes a wider range and greater depth of subject matter than that of regular courses.  Advanced Placement courses prepare students for college level work and AP examinations.  Students who participate in the program can expect to spend more time studying and preparing for classes.

Dual Enrollment Campus Contact - Please contact Mrs. Nora Atkinson or Mrs. Tracy Ocanas-Dual Enrollment Counselors for more information.  

Need Help? Know Someone Who Does?

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.  Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.   If you, or someone you care about, are feeling overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression, or anxiety, or feel like you want to harm yourself or others call:

• 911
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746. (TTY 1-800-846-8517)
• American School Counselor Association Resources for COVID-19

Call your healthcare provider if stress gets in the way of your daily activities for several days in a row.

For Parents: Children and teens react, in part, on what they see from the adults around them. When parents and caregivers deal with the COVID-19 calmly and confidently, they can provide the best support for their children. Parents can be more reassuring to others around them, especially children, if they are better prepared.  Not all children and teens respond to stress in the same way. Some common changes to watch for include:

• Excessive crying or irritation in younger children
• Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting)
• Excessive worry or sadness
• Unhealthy eating or sleeping habits
• Irritability and “acting out” behaviors in teens
• Poor school performance or avoiding school
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past
• Unexplained headaches or body pain

There are many things you can do to support your child:

• Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
• Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
• Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
• Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
• Be a role model.  Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.

Learn more about helping children cope.

Resources:

For Everyone: Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event

For Families and Children: Coping After a Disaster– An activity book for children age 3-10

Source: CDC

House Bill 5 Overview
While HB5 will impact a number of areas in the Texas Education Code, the new law will significantly change the requirements for high school graduation, graduation planning and state testing requirements at all levels. HB5 is designed to instill more flexibility in public education by enabling students to either pursue a traditional path into colleges and universities or move directly into the workforce to help fill what business leaders say is a critical skills shortage.

How does HB5 impact testing and STAAR?

The governor signed HB5 on June 10, which means Texas students now need to pass five end-of-course exams instead of 15 to meet state graduation requirements. English I, English II, Algebra I, U.S. history and biology EOCs are required, while the state will no longer require students to pass STAAR chemistry, physics, geometry, world history, world geography, Algebra II and English II EOC tests to graduate. HB5 also eliminated the requirement that districts include the EOC results as 15 percent of course grades.

HOW DOES HB5 IMPACT GRADUATION PLANNING?

Click here for information on the new graduation plan.  This plan replaces the state's 4x4 graduation plan with a 22-credit foundation plan that allows students to receive endorsements in specific areas.

WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

School principals, counselors and teachers are receiving information and trainings to actively support students and ensure their success as we adjust to these changes. As more information is available we will share it with our students, parents and educators. Bookmark this page. During the coming days and weeks we'll be posting more details and resources here.

• TEA Graduation Toolkit