Fourth Edition 2014-2015
From the Guidance Department
This issue of “College Connection” provides information on many important items:
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College representative visits at Churchill
Off-campus college information meetings/events
Opportunities at Churchill related to career and/or college preparation
College and career related test information
Scholarship information
Application deadlines
Please read the “College Connection” on the Churchill website (www.neisd.net/churchill) . This monthly publication is for
your use now and for future reference. Other sources of important information include the school’s announcements. Feel free
to stop by meet and visit with your counselor:
Need help with college applications, financial aid, or anything else related to college and career
preparation? Visit the Go Center where you will encounter:
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Ms. Natasha Sankovich works for the San Antonio Education Partnership. She is available on
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 8:30-4:00 to help with admissions applications scholarships, financial aid,
and more. Parents may make appointments with her by calling 210-356-0051
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Ms. Goforth, counseling clerk, processes transcript requests and submissions, as well as
scholarship applications requiring transcript copies. Also, Ms. Goforth distributes some
scholarship application information.
The GO CENTER is a college/career help center (located in the Counseling Office) that is equipped with computers for
student and parent use for the purpose of printing material from various colleges, and information regarding careers,
scholarship information, calendars, checklist for each grade level for college preparation, and much more.
Throughout the school year, numerous informational sessions are held that may include: college representative visits, financial
aid workshops, and weekly sessions with representatives from the San Antonio Education Partnership.
Seniors: Texas state law requires you to have the meningitis
immunization prior to enrollment if you are attending any TX college
next fall! Don’t delay in getting this done, the earlier the better!
2 different college fair opportunities are coming up!!!
Make plans to attend one of the following;
April 8, 2015 – Trinity University TACAC College Night – 6:00-8:00 pm in
Laurie Auditorium
April 14, 2015 – Winston Churchill College Night 6:00 - 8:00 pm; in the
Cafeteria and 8000 bldg
Here are some great questions you may want to ask the college reps!!
College reps, as well as college students, admissions counselors, and faculty, genuinely enjoy talking to
high school students. They like to share their ideas about their college, and they all appreciate students
who have thought about the college and want to know more than is in the course catalog, in the viewbook,
or on the Web site. They like thoughtful questions, and their answers can help you make a good college
match. Ask questions of interest to you in the following categories:
Students
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How would you characterize the majority of students?
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From what economic background are the majority of students?
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Are there clubs, activities, or housing that are minority related?
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What do students like most about the college? Like least?
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Has the student government made any real contribution to the school? How do you get into
student government?
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What political, social, or academic issues concerned students last year? How did the
administration react? What was the resolution?
Social life and campus activities
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What do students do for fun?
What is the role of fraternities and sororities on campus? If I didn’t want to join, could I have a
satisfactory social life?
What are the dominant social groups on campus? Do the groups get along with one another? Have
there been any problems?
What role do team sports play in the social life of the college? What happens on football or
basketball weekends? If I didn’t want to join in, would I find kindred spirits?
Is there a good balance of academics, social life, and extracurricular activities?
What were the social or cultural highlights last year?
What is the role of the campus newspaper?
Is there an alcohol problem and, if so, how is the college handling it? What is the incidence of
binge drinking? Do students feel safe on campus?
Campus facilities
Housing and dining
— Is there something I should know about housing that would help me in my choice?
— What are the types of food plans? All you can eat? Vegetarian? Kosh
Activity centers and athletic and recreational facilities
— What kinds of facilities does the student center have? Is it a magnet for student activities? Are there other
hangouts?
— Do you think the college pays attention to its appearance?
— How would you rate the fitness center?
Health, career counseling, special student services, and security
— Is there a doctor, nurse, psychologist, or career counselor on campus? What is the waiting period for
appointments?
— Is the office for special services adequate to the demand?
— How good is the security on campus?
Library
— What have been students’ experiences with the library? Have there been complaints?
— Is the library well equipped with computers and copy machines?
The community off campus
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What is there to do in town? How would I get there?
Academics and faculty
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What is distinctive about education here? What is the educational philosophy of the college? Has
it changed much in recent years?
Is the honor code working? How widespread is cheating?
What is the most popular major on campus? Why?
Do you think that students are generally enthusiastic about their classes? Do people talk about
their courses outside of class?
How would you characterize the academic pressure and workload?
Are there research possibilities with the faculty? In what areas?
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the advising system?
What is the quality of student and faculty relationships? Is the faculty interested in and accessible
to students after class? Do faculty members participate in student activities?
Are curriculum changes in the works? How will that affect my college years?
Are any departments being cut back or discontinued? If so, why?
Are any new programs scheduled for the next four years?
Make the most of your visit with the college rep!!
Priority application Deadline to apply for the following is March 1, 2015:
University of Texas – El Paso
University of Texas – Permian Basin
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Priority application Deadline to apply for the following is March 15, 2015:
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University of Houston – Victoria
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University of Texas – Tyler
Priority application Deadline to apply for the following is April 1, 2015:
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Angelo State University
Meeting the deadline is essential, and application items MUST arrive in their Admissions Office by the due
date!!!
Application items include:
Official transcript
SAT/ACT scores (sent from CollegeBoard or ACT)
Letters of recommendation (for some universities/programs)
Online application (Applytexas.org)
Essay (included in online application)
Resume (for some universities)
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Application items submitted electronically must be submitted before midnight (central time).
Items submitted in paper format must be in an admissions office/center or in the hands of an admissions representative
on the deadline date.
Applicants should fill out an application early. Once a student creates an account on ApplyTexas, the application
can be saved and edited at any time. We recommend that the application be submitted first, followed by the other
required documents.
Applicants should be thorough and paint a complete picture of their high school academics and activities.
Remember to make complete copies of all application materials for your records prior to submitting the application.
Some colleges and universities also have STRICT DEADLINES. Explore the website of your college of interest
for deadlines or visit the GO CENTER for assistance. Stay ORGANIZED.
CAMPUS/DISTRICT EVENTS:
March 4, 2015 – UT Austin in the cafeteria from 11:30 – 1pm
March 6, 2015 – Abilene Christian University in the Counseling office at 8am!
March 23, 2015 – Texas A&M Corp of Cadets in the cafeteria from 11:30 – 1pm
March 30, 2015 – Texas A&M in the cafeteria from 11:30 – 1pm
April 8, 2015 – Trinity University TACAC College Night – 6:00-8:00 pm in Laurie Auditorium
April 14, 2015 – Winston Churchill College Night 6:00 - 8:00 pm; in the Cafeteria and 8000 bldg.
April 30, 2015– NEISD Career Night from 6:00-8:00 PM at Blossom Athletic Center
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Off–Campus Opportunities:
UIW – Feb. 22-23 Cardinal Overnighter, Feb. 25, HEB School of Business Graduate Info Night, Feb.
26, Affording UIW, March 3, Health Professions Info Session, March 18- Affording UIW, March 22,
Cardinal Preview Day, March 29-30 Cardinal Overnighter, April 11, One Stop Shop-Sr. application and
Next Step Day, April 23, affording UIW, May 16, Junior Campus visit Day; May 20, Affording UIW.
To RSVP for an event visit www.uiw.edu/admisevents
Explore UT Bus Registration Begins – go to https://exploreut.utexas.edu/node/add/bus-coordinator for
bus registration. Event is on Saturday March 7, 2015. See full schedule of activities at
https://exploreut.utexas.edu/schedule-of-activiites
Be a Longhorn campus visits – Register at: http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/meetus/visit/freshmen
UTSA Road Runner campus visits – Register at:
www.utsa.edu/welcomecenter/WCOT/Tours/Individualtours.aspx or call (210) 458-5145
Bobcat Days at Texas State University – Register at: www.admissions.txstate.edu/visit/bobcatdays/bcdsign-up.html or contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions (512/245-2364) or the Visitors
Center (512/245-8871)
Café College Workshops - San Antonio Education Partnership College Access and Success Advisors provide
assistance with the following key services: College Admission Assistance, Financial Aid Guidance, Career
Exploration, College Applications, Advising, SAT & ACT Preparation;
Visit: http://www.cafecollege.org/events-registration
Spring Sea Aggie Preview – Friday, February 20, 2015. Go to www.tamug.edu to schedule your visit to
Texas A&M Univ. at Galveston!!
Covenant College Campus Preview Weekend - March 26-38, 2015 Register online at www.covenant.edu/cpw
Cost is $40 per student
Bard College at Simon’s Rock – opportunity for early college immediately after 10th or 11th grade. It may be
an ideal match for “I am more curious” or “I am bored with my high school classes” or “I wish I could take
college classes now and go full time.” Visit www.simon-rock.edu/fall_tour for more information.
Hamilton College – our rep is Laura Lee Smith, llsmith@hamilton.edu. They host 9 Hamilton Saturdays in the
fall. Check www.hamilton.edu/FallSaturdays for details.
Summer Programs:
CPS Energy: Student Assistance for Education (SAFE) Scholarship and mentoring Program
at CPS Energy. The purpose is to promote higher education for professional careers in
public utilities by offering scholarships, summer employment, personal development
activities and career and academic mentoring. Visit www.CPSEnergy.com keyword SAFE for
applications and details. Deadline is March 17, 2015!
UTSA 2015 College of Architecture, Construction and Planning Summer Career Academy in Architecture and
Interior Design - Admission is first come-first serve. Contact Prof. Stephen Temple 210-458-3023 or
Stephen.temple@utsa.edu Application deadline is April 1, 2015 Total cost is $650 includes $50
nonrefundable reg. fee. Dates are June 8-19th,2015.
Norwich University Future Leader Camp – www.bit.ly/FL2015 or 802-485-2531 for more information. They
offer adventure training, survival training, team challenges and leadership instruction.
University of Alabama Early College – for highly motivated sophomore, junior and senior students who are
prepared for the rigor of college study and demonstrate maturity for a vibrant summer college experience.
Must have 3.0 or higher GPA since ninth grade, passed the prerequisite Gateway class. Apply at
http://uaearlycollege.ua.edu Call 877-823-8759 and speak with a rep. Summer I term May 25-June25.
Summer II Term June 30 – July 31.
Northwestern University – 5 week summer programs in film or theatre. Visit www.nhsi.northwester.edu/nhsi
for more information and application. Financial aid available.
Oxbridge Summer Programs – for grades 10-12, 3 different programs, look at www.oxbridgeprograms.com
for details on each.
Tufts Summer Study – for complete course listing visit www.go.tufts.edu/summer courses range from
exploring a possible major, preparing for college admission and earn college credit. There are 5 pre-college
programs as well. Dates are June 30- August 7, 2015. Financial assistance available for students with need.
Hillsdale College Study Abroad and domestic study programs – for rising juniors, seniors and graduates.
Travels take to England, France and Italy. Visit www.hillsdale.edu/admissions or 517-607-2325.
Otis College of Art and Design – summer of Art – 4 week college prep program. July 6 th – 31st, 2015. Ages 1518. Scholarships are available. Visit www.otis.edu/soa for details and application.
Northfield Mount Hermon – College Prep program June 27-Aug.1, 2015 for student entering grades 10-12.
Visit website for more info, application material and financial aid forms. www.nmhschool.org/summer
Barnard Summer in New York City – www.barnard.edu/summer for 10th and 11th grade girls, liberal arts
options, leadership and gender studies, dance, STEM, scholarships available.
University of Southern California – an offering of balanced academic and college life thru a 4 or 2 week
courses in a variety of subjects. Visit www.summer.us.edu for more information and instructions on how to
apply.
Abilene Christian University – Summer Honor Academy for High School Students – June 21-26, apply by Feb.
1 and receive $50 off the application fee. Go to www.acu.edu/academics/honor/honors-academy.html for
registration and more information.
Subiendo – Intensive 5 day leadership academy created at UT Austin to prepare the next generation of
leaders to address critical issues facing Texas. June 14 – 18, 2015. On – campus dorm experience, mentorship
with college leaders during and after academy Current 11 th should apply. Applications are evaluated on
academic achievement, community involvement and leadership, essay questions and a teacher
recommendation. Free for students. Apply online http://mymccombs.force.com/subiendo_register
Washington University in St. Louis – summer scholars program – enroll in 2 undergraduate courses while living
on campus. Earn college credit and get an early taste of college life. www.summerexperiences.wustl.edu
UT Austin Pre-college Summer Program – for grades 9-12, June 28 – July 17, 2015. Discover career interests
prepare for college be inspired. Register at www.summerdiscovery.com/u-texas-austin Financial Aid
application must by submitted my March 16, 2015. These are available in the WC counseling office.
University of Notre Dame – Summer Scholars- applications due Jan.30, 2015 – a 2 week program for rising
juniors and seniors. Leadership Seminar – applications due Jan.23, 2015 – 10 day all expenses paid program
for advanced students who wish to hone critical thinking and expressive skill- for rising seniors only. Study
Abroad: Rome- applications due Jan.16, 2015 –This 12 day program will immerse student in the history and
culture of the Eternal city for rising seniors only. ALL APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE AT
www.precollege.nd.edu
Rochester Institute of Technology – Explore Your Future – 6 day program for rising juniors and seniors learn
about their career options after high school Session 1: July 11-16, 2015. Session 2: July 18-23, 2015. For
specific application requirements or to apply online, visit www.rit.edu/NTID/EYF
Duke University – for current 10th and 11th graders Summer College; Summer Academy for students in 9th12th grade. Competitive application opens up December 2, 2014. Email summercollege@duke.edu or
summeracademy@duke.edu with any questions. http://summersession.duke.edu/high-school-students
Yale Young Global Scholars Program - Intensive academic summer experience for outstanding high school
student leaders. June 23-July 6 = Politics, law and economics. July 9-22 = International affairs and security.
July 25-aug 7 = Science, policy and innovation. Open to current 10 th and 11th grade students. Visit
www.globalscholars.yale.edu or more information. Applications due February 26, 2015. Need-based financial
aid is available.
Pre College Programs
Carnegie Mellon June 27 – August 8, 2015 Advanced Placement/Early Admission Fine
Arts: Architecture / Art & Design / Drama / Music / National High School Game Academy
www.admission.enrollment.cmu.edu/pages/pre-college
Smith College Precollege Summer Programs – for academically talented girls who will
enter grades 9, 10, 11 and 12 in fall 2015. Selective admissions process, based on a
student’s academic performance, written essay and a teacher recommendation. Students
must have a strong record of academic achievement, a high level of motivation and a
willingness to explore. 5 different options available. Applications online at
www.smith.edu/summer
George Washington University Pre-college Program – in Washington D.C. – College
Intensive program for rising juniors and seniors, offering college credit, a 6-week, a 3week and 6-week online session are options. Various majors offered. Summer immersion –
is a full-day non-credit program for rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. 2 week
programs. For application and details visit www.precollege.gwu.edu (Early application is
strongly encouraged)
Opportunities for Honors/Awards
Wendy’s High School Heisman Award Program is a self-nominated recognition program for students who have demonstrated
leadership and community service during their high school years. Visit www.wendysheisman.com for info and application.
Tom Benson Chevrolet Scholar Athlete – ask your teacher, coach, counselor or administrator to nominate you if you are: a
senior, involved in varsity athletics, have an excellent academic record and are involved in extracurricular activities and active
in your community
Financial Aid Session!
Event Details
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When: Tuesday, Feb. 24th
Where: WC room 8141
Cost: FREE!
Who: Seniors and their parents/guardians,
o Bring income information, W-2’s, and we will help you complete the FAFSA or get
your questions answered!
Please sign up to receive “remind” messages:
Seniors:
Enter #: 210-348-3806
Text message: @mrsdimal
Underclassman:
Enter #: 210-348-3806
Text message: @jdimaline
CODE Battle March 28- 29th – presented by codeup.
Form a team and deply your arsenal of programming
knowledge for a chance to win $5,000 in cash prizes!
Teams 1-4 Coders// High , college and open divisions.
Register your team at www.CodeBattle.com
Juniors: We encourage you to register for one of these tests coming up!!!
2014-2015 SAT Test Dates
www.collegeboard.com
2014-2015
Test Dates
Test
Registration Deadline
(postmark/submit by)
Late Fee applies
until (postmark/submit by):
May 2, 2015
June 6, 2015
SAT & Subject Tests
SAT & Subject Tests
April 6, 2015
May 8, 2015
April 17, 2015
May 22, 2015
2014-2015 ACT DATES
www.act.org
Test Date
Registration Deadline
(Late Fee Required)
02/07/2015
01/09/2015
01/10/2015-01/16/2015
04/18/2015
03/13/2015
03/14/2015-03/27/2015
06/13/2015
05/08/2015
05/09/2015-05/22/2015
Texas Success Initiative (TSI) - Placement test required by Texas law to assess entering undergraduate students’
academic skill levels in math, reading, and writing and to determine students’ readiness to enroll in college-level
coursework; visit: www.thecb.state.tx.us/DE/TSI (See item #1 TSI Statute and THECB Rules Applying to Testing and
Developmental Education for information; click on TSI/Exemptions as you may be eligible); consult with your college of
choice for registration and information.
Important Things to Remember All Year
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Authorization for Release of Student Records must be turned in and kept on file with Ms. Goforth in the in order for
transcripts to be mailed or released to colleges, scholarship entities, military recruiters, and others.
All official transcripts must be mailed directly by the Churchill Counseling Office to the indicated destination. No
one may hand-carry an official transcript. Make sure to allow at least 5 working days for processing.
Senior Information Forms are available in the Counseling Office. This form serves as the key (next to your resume) to
help counselors and teachers become acquainted with you, especially for scholarship consideration.
Athletes must file NCAA forms online at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Register to take the SAT and/or ACT
Senior males must register with Selective Service within 30 days of their eighteenth birthday. Students may register
online at www.sss.gov or at the local post office.
Remember to turn in all college admission or scholarship applications at least one week before the deadline in order to
facilitate processing and mailing.
Please adhere to the Counseling Office deadlines on all scholarship applications to ensure timely processing.
Military Dependents:
Students who are military dependents are eligible for free test prep software provided by NFL football players. Also check for
Financial Aid Details. For more information, visit www.militarychild.org.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Complete application to determine eligibility for financial aid which
includes grants, work-study, scholarships, and student loans. Apply online at www.fafsa.edu.gov ; application available Jan. 1,
2015
Important Local Contacts
Café College is located at 131 El Paso Street, San Antonio, Texas 78204. Visit online @ www.cafecollege.org or (210) 2299900
Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation Student Aid Center - (210) 525-8494 - 1250 N.E. Loop 410, # 810
Texas A&M Prospective Student Center - (210) 212-7016 - 40 N.E. Loop 410
Texas Tech University Remigio Del Río González 10000 Research Blvd, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78759
806.834.3484 remigio.rio@ttu.edu
University of Texas at Austin Prospective Student Center - 210-804-BEVO (2386)- 4040 Broadway, Suite 310
San Antonio, Texas 78209 Open weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m
IMPORTANT WC DATES AND INFORMATION: for Seniors
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April 8 – Summa Reception 7pm WC Auditorium
May 4th – May 15th AP TEST – see counselor website for details!
May 13 – Senior Awards Ceremony 7pm BAC
June 3 – Senior breakfast and slide show 9am auditorium
June 4 – Cap and gown delivery MPC
June 10th 9am-11am Graduation rehearsal Freeman Coliseum
Wednesday, June 10- 2015 Winston Churchill Graduation Commencement Freeman
Coliseum 7pm.
Other Information
For graduating high school seniors wanting early admission to Medical School, TAMU has the Partnership for Primary Care
Program. This is an early admissions program that guarantees a space in our College of Medicine. Students will find
information at this web address:
http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/com-ppc.html
The A&M Undergraduate Universities have the JAMP program and students wishing for early acceptance to Medical School
can find information by clicking the following:
http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/jamp.html
For the Baylor College of Dentistry early admission opportunities, you can check here for information:
http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/cod.html
For an early admissions opportunity at the Rangel College of Pharmacy, you can check here for information:
http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/cop-eao.html
To find information on all the Texas A&M Universities, you may go here and click on each schools website:
http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/colleges-and-universities/index.html
For more information on the graduate school of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, you may click on the following:
http://www.tamhsc.edu/
Other information useful to parents, students, and teachers. This information can be found at the following:
http://cbhec.tamhsc.edu/hcp/early-admissions/index.html
Helpful Websites
www.SchoolSoup.com - college search and scholarships
www.fastweb.com - scholarships
www.collegefortexans.com -college preparation, career planning
www.MeritAid.com - scholarships
www.tamu.edu - Texas A&M admissions, financial aid information
http://bealonghorn.utexas.edu/freshmen - University of Texas information for prospective students
https://web1.ncaa.org/eligibilitycenter/common - senior athletes planning to participate in college sports
http://www.collegeconfidential.com - chat live with reps from colleges about campuses, majors, financial aid, etc.
www.collegeweeklive.com – world’s largest college fair online
www.findtuition.com – provides free college, scholarship, and career resources to help with college planning
www.everychanceeverytexan.org/about/scholars/- Compendium of Texas Colleges and Financial Aid Calendar.
Study Abroad websites:
Ambassador Scholarships
www.rotary.org
SIT Study Abroad
www.sit.edu
Rhodes Scholarships
www.rhodesscholar.org
Institute of International Education
www.iie.org
General Scholarship Websites
Scholarships award money on the basis of merit, skill or a unique characteristic for postsecondary education. Scholarship monies do not have to be paid back.
The College and University websites are excellent sources for finding general and specific
scholarships. Other helpful websites are:
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www.fastweb.com
www.scholarships.com
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www.collegeboard.com
www.costep.com
www.salliemae.com
www.collegefortexans.com
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www.nelnet.com
Search www.google.com topics such as scholarships, Texas scholarships, Coca Cola
scholarships, Target scholarship, Ronald McDonald scholarships, etc.
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At www.alamo.edu, click on “Financial Aid” then click on “Scholarships,” “Scholarship
forms,” to download the “Alamo Colleges Scholarship Application” and the Scholarship
Listing.”
Remember you do not need an appointment to see your counselor before school, during lunch or after school.
Marianne Rodriguez
A-Ci
mrodri102@neisd.net
Eloise Bunger
Cl – Gl
e-bunge@neisd.net
Seth Sampson
Go – Lat
ssamps@neisd.net
Felipe Cardenas
Lav – Ov
fcarde@neisd.net
Rose Garcia
Ol-Pul
rgarci3@neisd.net
Cynthia Patterson Lopez
Pur- Sol
cpatte2@neisd.net
Jeannie Dimaline
Som – Z
jdimal@neisd.net
Beth Fox
STAN
efox@neisd.net