On 12/09/08 the counseling department took 11 Seniors to the UCR Palm Desert campus for a workshop on a new local scholarship program.  This program is targeting local college-going students.  In addition to the student workshop, the Pathways to Success Scholarship was officially launched. 

On 12/11/08 Academic Awards Night was hosted by the DMHS Counseling Department.  We recognized 133 students who obtained a total G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher in at least three “A-G” university approved courses during the 2007-2008 school year.  Qualified students received a certificate and an academic letter or medal.  Congratulations to the students who earned this honor.

12/16/08 Beatrice Salcido from SBB College gave a presentation to our students at our DREAM Center.  Miss Salcido covered some of the services that SBB offers such as career counseling, admissions assistance, and financial aid.  She emphasized to our students that in today’s competitive job market it is important to have specialized training which will give our students the extra edge.

12/18/08 A Senior Assembly emphasizing the FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid was given by the counselors.  Students received handouts that included a list of documents needed to fill out the FAFSA along with a Student Handbook called Fund Your Future.  Students saw a 15 minute video:  A guide to filling out the FAFSA which was followed by counselor presentations and questions and answers time. 

1/7/09-1/9/09 All Seniors were given the opportunity to apply for the FAFSA Online in the Computer Lab.  We had a great number of students start their FAFSA Applications!! 

1/13/09 Counselors hosted the Parent FAFSA Night to help parents understand the Financial Aid Process.  Gloria Hernandez, a Financial Aid Specialist, from College of the Desert presented to our parents and students.  About 75 parents and students attended this evening workshop, and had many of their questions and concerns addressed.

1/14/09 ASVAB Interpretation was given to over 226 Juniors!  Students got their ASVAB scores back and filled out an Interest Inventory to further assist them in career planning.

2/5/09 Pathways 2 Success Presentation

2/6/09 UTI Fieldtrip:  This is our 3rd year visiting UTI and the 36 students who attended were very impressed by the facility.  We've already had 5 students complete their training and are now working in the automobile industry.  Thank you UTI for giving our students the opportunity to visit your campus and for all of your services!  Special Shout Out to Andy Radler our representative from UTI! 

2/9/09 Darius Riggins from CSUSB did a Follow-UP presentation for 52 of our students who were accepted to CSUSB.  Our students who are planning to attend a university have many concerns and worries which Mr. Riggins was able to address.

2/10/09 COSMOS  is a four-week residential program for talented and motivated students completing grades eight through twelve. Students work side-by-side with outstanding university researchers and faculty exploring advanced topics that extend beyond the typical high school curriculum. COSMOS courses are hands-on and lab intensive emphasizing current research underway at the University of California.  Melina Duarte, COSMOS Representative, gave a presentation to 35 of our students who are possible candidates for this wonderful program.


2/18/09-2/20/09 The PSAT Interpretation was offered to all the students who took the PSAT this school year!


2/23/09-2/27/09 FAFSA TIME CRUNCH!!!  Counselors made sure to be available at least 1 period per day during this week in the computer lab to ensure that students filled out their FAFSAs.  We were also available during lunch time to help students make corrections to the FAFSA or to submit it.