Counseling at Turner High School

Counselors

Counselor - Anthony Black (A-Co)

Lead Counselor - Daisy-Marie Higueros (CR-GR)

Daisy-Marie Higueros

My name is Daisy-Marie Higueros and I am privileged to be serving as the counselor for students with the last names starting with Cr-Gr. I grew up in Miami, FL and have lived in Carrollton, TX since 2017. I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at American Military University and received my master’s degree in school counseling from Dallas Baptist University. I have previously worked with middle school students and have been able to bring those skills and experiences to the high school level. I absolutely love my job and am so proud to be a Lion!

My husband, a Turner graduate, and I have four kids! In my spare time I like to go to the gym, serve at church, spend time with family and cheer on my Dallas Cowboys! I am looking forward to serving our students and help guide them through their high school career. Please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can assist you with, or just to say hi!

Counselor for students whose last names start with Cr-Gr.

Counselor - Marisol Nichols (Gu-Ma)

Marisol Nichols

Hello! My name is Marisol Nichols, and I am proud to serve as counselor for students whose last names start with Gu-Ma. I am originally from Guadalajara, Jalisco, MX, but grew up in Farmers Branch. I am also a Turner graduate, excited to serve a community near and dear to my heart! I completed my bachelor’s degree in bilingual education from the University of North Texas and my master’s degree in school counseling from Angelo State University. I have been privileged to work in CFB schools throughout my educational career at both elementary and middle school levels and now at my alma mater, RLT!

I live in Farmers Branch with my husband, three children, and sweet dog, Clydesito. In my spare time, I enjoy listening to music, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with my family. I look forward to working closely with our students in encouraging them, guiding them, and helping them reach their post-secondary goals. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need assistance. Go lions!

Counselor for students whose last names start with Gu-Ma.

Counselor - Suzanne Serris (MC-RI)

Suzanne Serris

Hello Lion Country!

My name is Suzanne Serris, and I have the pleasure of serving students whose last names begin with Mc-Ri. I am from the Dallas area and am a proud graduate of the University of North Texas. Go Mean Green!! As well as being a certified school counselor, I also have my administrative certification. I enjoy traveling, sailing, spending quality time with family and friends, and I am an advocate of life-long learning.

I am passionate about helping our students realize their potential, experience success, and achieve their goals. I am committed to providing the support necessary to ensure that all of our students graduate and are prepared for the next step in their journey. I look forward to working with the wonderful Turner community this year. Go Lions!!

Counselor for students whose last names start with Mc-Ri.

Counselor – Veronica Garcia (RO-Z)

Veronica Garcia

Hello!

My name is Veronica Garcia and I am the school counselor for students with the last name beginning with Ro-Z. I grew up in Dallas, Tx and attended college at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Tx where I received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I received my graduate degree in counseling and development from TWU in Denton, Tx. I have worked at the elementary, middle and now high school level counseling.

My husband and I have three children together that take up a lot of our time! We enjoy movie nights, being outside, and spending time with family. I am so excited to be at R.L. Turner High School and to work with the students, staff, and community that make up a wonderful high school experience for our lions! Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you during your time at Turner.

Counselor for students whose last names start with Ro-Z.

Crisis Counselor – Kim Rangel

Kim Rangel

Hi,

I am Kim Rangel and I am honored to serve as the support and crisis counselor for RLT this year! I grew up here in Famers Branch and love serving my community. High school can be an exciting time in a students life, but there are times it can also be overwhelming. Please know I am here to support you in your journey as a lion.

Crisis counselor for all students.

Counseling Secretary - Jessica Flores

Counseling Links:

Connect With Us:

Twitter:
Instagram:@rlturnercounselors
Facebook:

counseling newsletters

Request a Counselor Visit:

Visitation form

Meeting the Counselor
School Counselor Role

Meeting the Counselor

Meeting the Counselor:
Students are welcome to either email their school counselor to schedule an appointment or they can go to the Counseling Office, preferably before school, after school, or during lunch. Our goal is for students to get to their classes in a timely manner.

If the student’s school counselor is available, they will see them at that time. If they cannot see them at that moment, they will send a pass for the student to be seen. If it is an emergency situation, the student will be seen immediately.

It is imperative to recognize that your high school years are an important transition from youth to adulthood. It is a time to explore student’s interests while preparing for challenges of post-secondary education, vocational opportunities, and all the other complex responsibilities of the adult world.

The goal of the school counselor is to assist students in gaining self-understanding as a basis for setting constructive life goals which are consistent with one’s abilities, interests, and aptitudes. By stretching your limits now, more opportunities will await you in the future.

School Counselor Role

The Role of the School Counselor

School counselors are actively committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development.
School counselors help parents focus on ways to further the education, personal and social growth of students.
School counselors work with teachers and other educators to help students explore their potential and set realistic goals for themselves.
School counselors seek to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance and compliment comprehensive school counseling programs and help students become productive members of society.
Comprehensive school counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school.

Incoming Freshman

Freshman

Sophomores

Juniors

AVID
College Board – 10^th grade College and career Planning checklist
College Visits
Dallas County Promise
Dual Credit
EOC Resources
Gifted and Talented Information
High School Planning Guide
National Merit, Hispanic and Achievement Scholars
Quest Bridge
Scholarship Information
Summer before senior year: Important Considerations
- Tests ACT (Prep | Scores)
- PSAT (Prep)
- SAT (Scores)
- TSIA (Scores)
Tutoring
Verification of Enrollment (VOE)
Waivers (ACT, SAT, College Application fees)

Seniors

Apply Texas – see below for content
ASVAB – see below for content
AVID
College Applications – see below for content
College Board – 12^th grade College and career Planning checklist
College Visits
College Applications
Course Credits: Alternate ways to earn credits
- AVANT
- Correspondence Courses
- Credit by Exam (CBE)
Dallas County Promise
Dual Credit
EOC Resources
FAFSA
Gifted and Talented Information
GPA and Ranking
High School Planning Guide
National Merit, Hispanic and Achievement Scholars
NCAA Information
Quest Bridge
Scholarship Information
Senior Handbook/Guidebook
Senior Profile
Tests and Scores:
- Tests ACT (Prep | Scores)
- PSAT (Prep)
- SAT (Scores)
- TSIA (Scores)
Tutoring
Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT)
Texas College Bridge (TCB)
Transcript Request Information
Verification of Enrollment (VOE)
Waivers (ACT, SAT, College Application fees)

Transition to High School Vocabulary

Vocabulary for High School Planning

PGP - Personal Graduation Plan or PGP is a 4-year plan of high school courses that meets graduation requirements and personal goals, is approved by parents and reviewed every year in high school.

Credit - Earned when the student passes a course with a grade of 70 or higher.

1 semester = 0.5 credits

2 semesters = 1 credit

Cohort - The year a student is expected to graduate from high school, according to the date they enter 9th grade.

Grade level - Is determined by the number of credits earned.

9th grade: 0-5.5 credits

10th grade: 6-11.5 credits

11th grade: 12-18.5 credits

12th grade: 19+ credits

Endorsement - Sequence of courses that allow students to develop expertise in an area. Each 8th grade student will select one:

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Business and Industry
Public Service
Arts and Humanities
Multidisciplinary Studies

End of Course Exam (EOC) - STAAR test required by the state for graduation: Algebra1, Biology, English 1, English 2, and US History.

ECHS - Early College High School or ECHS, affords students the opportunity to earn an associate degree free of charge by the time they graduate with a high school diploma. Located at Dallas College. Students need to apply.

CCMR indicators - College, Career and Military Readiness, or CCMR indicators include achievements such as benchmark scores on tests like the SAT, college courses taken in high school and industry certifications and licenses. They show colleges and employers that students show readiness for the next step after graduation.

UT OnRamps - Dual enrollment program facilitated by a high school teacher certified by OnRamps, as well as a university professor. Students can receive a high school and university credit for the course. They have the option to reject the university credit.

Dual Credit - Courses in which students receive both high school and college credit. Students must follow college guidelines for course completion, grading and course drop rates.

Advanced Placement (AP) - Allows student to take rigorous college level courses while still in high school from a high school teacher. Students can participate in the AP exam and colleges have criteria for AP exam scores that can count towards course credit.

Career and Technical Education (CTE)

Career Cluster - Career and Technical Education or CTE, Career Clusters, is a group of programs that share commonalities such as similar skills or knowledge.

Program of Study - A Career Cluster can be divided into Programs of Study. A sequence of classes that are tailored to develop expertise in a career area, with opportunities for internships.

Academy - Highly specialized and rigorous programs that require a higher level of commitment and require students to apply.

Printable High School Planning vocabulary

Personal Graduation Plan Timeline

PGP = Personal Graduation Plan (High School Planning)
2025-26 Dates for 8^th grade students

High school Planning webinar for parents
Oct 8, 2024 from 6-6:30pm

Webinar about the PGP process and timeline for 8^th grade parents

Field Trips to visit High Schools during the school day by 8^th grade students

Nov 10 to 14, 2025 - 8^th grade student Field Trip to all 5 CFB high schools during the school day

High School Preview Nights from 5:30-7pm

Newman Smith High School: Wed Nov 19 – 2335 N. Josey Ln. Carrollton
Ranchview High School: Thu Nov 20 – 8401 Valley ranch Pkwy E., Irving
R.L. Turner High School: Mon Dec 1 - 1600 S.Josey Ln. Carrollton
Creekview High School: Wed Dec 3 – 3201 Old Denton Rd, Carrollton

ECHS Preview Saturdays from 9-11am
Early College High School: Sat Nov 8 or Sat Dec 6 (choose one) – 3939 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch
Parents are encouraged to attend any showcase night or Saturday at any high school that offers programs of interest to their student.

High School Pre-Planning Survey

Nov 14 to 21, 2025 - 8th grade students select their top high school program.

Career and Technical education or CTE Webinar for Parents

Dec 2 – 6-6:30pm – Virtual presentation in English and Spanish for 8^th grade parents about CTE options in CFBISD.

Personal Graduation Plan or PGP completion and 9^th grade course selection for 8^th grade students

Starts Dec 8 and closes Feb 20, 2026. Each 8^th grade student will meet with a counselor to create their 4-year high school plan.

Printable PGP Timeline (English & Spanish)

Personal Graduation Plan (PGP)

The goal is to graduate all students College, Career, or Military Ready.

8th Grade is where it all begins

What:

The Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) is a customized, collaborative document that outlines the necessary steps for a student to fulfill high school graduation requirements and effectively prepare for their goals after graduation. This plan begins with an initial draft in 8th grade, where the student, parent, and school staff work together to select the appropriate courses and program of study for the student's high school career.

Why:

This is a state requirement introduced in the 8th grade. The PGP is designed to be a living document that is annually reviewed and updated. It facilitates clear communication among families, students, and staff regarding specific graduation requirements and encourages students to proactively develop and refine their educational and post-secondary goals.

Some of the activities that require planning and a special sequence of courses are:

●  Earning college credits while in high school, which is much cheaper than paying college tuition
●  Earning real workforce licenses and certifications
●  Getting a job or internship where students are mentored by professionals, and
●  Taking advanced level academic courses that better prepare students for academic scholarship opportunities and entrance to competitive universities

How:

8th grade students have the opportunity to visit all of the high schools and learn about the programs available on each campus. The program of study your student selects will determine the high school they will attend. Once a program is chosen, the counselor will meet individually with each student to complete their Personal Graduation Plan (PGP) by selecting courses the student is interested in taking throughout high school. Please keep in mind that students’ interests often change, and the PGP can be updated each year during the course selection process.

● You can find the CFBISD Programs of Choice by visiting the CFB website. Scroll down and click on the High School button then click CTE.
● Our comprehensive high schools Creekview, Newman Smith, Ranchview and R L Turner all have a variety of CTE Programs of Study.

How to know if your student is College, Career or Military Ready by Graduation:

Texas CCMR Indicators

The state evaluates the effectiveness of high school programming in school districts with the college, career, or military readiness indicator because it shows readiness for the world after high school. There is no notation on the transcript, however, other than those that are already performance acknowledgements. Below are the Texas CCMR Indicators:

●  Meet SAT/ACT/ TSIA benchmark in both ELA/ Reading and Math
●  Dual credit (3 hours Math or English, of 9 hours and subject)
●  AP score 3+ or IB score 4+
●  Meet criteria to earn OnRamps credit
●  Earn an Industry Based Certification (on TEA’s list) and complete an aligned CTE program of study
●  Enlist in armed forces (Army, Navy, Airforce, Coast Guard, Marines or the Texas National Guard
●  Graduate under an Advanced Diploma Plan and be identified as a current special education student

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24 hours a day/7 days a week)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (24 hours a day/7 days a week)

English: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Spanish: 1-888-628-9454
Deaf/HoH: Dial 711, then 1-880-273-8255

Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline (24 hours/7 days a week)

English/Spanish: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Deaf/HoH: 1-800-487-4889

Crisis Text Line (24 hours a day/7 days a week)

Text HOME to 741741

District Scholarship

MORE STUDENT INFORMATION & RESOURCES