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Counselor's Corner

Cedar Hill Secondary Counselor

My name is Dr. Tracie Y. Spears, and I am excited to begin another amazing school year at Trinity Leadership as your School Counselor!

This year brings an exciting change to my role—I will now serve as the School Counselor for students in grades 6–12. As I enter my 23rd year in education and 20th year as a School Counselor, I am excited to build meaningful relationships with our junior high and high school scholars while providing the support they need to succeed academically, socially, emotionally, and personally.

I am proud to be Texas State Certified in English Language Arts and Reading, Special Education, School Counseling, and Educational Administration/Principalship. My experience allows me to support students in recognizing their strengths, overcoming challenges, setting goals, and preparing for their futures.

Throughout the year, I will visit classrooms to provide guidance lessons on topics such as bullying prevention, decision-making, conflict resolution, goal setting, relationships, and personal development. These lessons will help scholars build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed to navigate school and life successfully.

I look forward to partnering with our students, families, teachers, and staff to ensure every scholar feels supported, valued, and empowered to succeed. I will also share a School Counseling Newsletter every six weeks with important updates, upcoming events, resources, and helpful reminders.

Please know that my door is always open. If you have questions, concerns, or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out. It is an honor to serve the Trinity Leadership community, and I look forward to an amazing 2026–2027 school year!

Wishing our Trinity Leadership scholars, families, faculty, and staff a wonderful and successful school year!

 

tracie.spears@trinityleadership.net

(972) 291-2505 Ext. 6803

Graduation Requirements – Texas Distinguished Level of Achievement

Students at Trinity Leadership must meet the graduation requirements established by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the requirements of the district. Students should work closely with the School Counselor to monitor credits and ensure they remain on track for graduation.

The Distinguished Level of Achievement (DLA) is the highest level of Texas high school graduation plan. To earn the Distinguished Level of Achievement, students must successfully complete:

26 credits

  • 4 credits of English Language Arts

  • 4 credits of Mathematics, including Algebra II

  • 4 credits of Science

  • 4 credits of Social Studies

  • 2 credits of the same language in Languages Other Than English

  • 1 credit of Physical Education

  • 1 credit of Fine Arts

  • 5.5 credits of Electives

  • .5 Speech

Students must also meet applicable STAAR/EOC assessment requirements.

 

STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) Requirements

In Texas, high school students must meet both course/credit requirements and state assessment requirements to earn a high school diploma. Under the current requirements, students generally must achieve Approaches Grade Level or higher on each of the five required STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) assessments.

The five required STAAR EOC assessments are:

  • Algebra I

  • English I

  • English II

  • Biology

  • U.S. History

Students take the corresponding EOC assessment as they complete the course, regardless of their grade level.

 

What Happens If a Student Does Not Pass an EOC?

Students who do not meet the required performance standard on an EOC have additional opportunities to retest. The five required EOCs are offered during fall, spring, and summer testing opportunities. Students may continue testing in subsequent administrations if they have not yet met the graduation assessment requirement.

Students and families should understand that passing the course does not automatically mean the student has met the EOC graduation requirement. Both the course credit and applicable assessment requirements must be addressed.

 

Transcripts

Official transcripts are important documents that provide a student's academic history, including courses completed, grades earned, credits, GPA, and other academic information.

Current students who need a transcript should request one through Dr. Spears via email.

Students should provide adequate time for transcript requests to be processed, especially when transcripts are needed for college applications, scholarships, employment, athletics, or other deadlines.

Transcript Requests:
Please contact Dr. Tracie Y. Spears, School Counselor for assistance.

tracie.spears@trinityleadership.net

Academic Planning

Academic planning helps students create a clear pathway toward graduation, college, career, and life after high school. Students should review their academic progress regularly to make sure they are earning the credits required for graduation and taking courses that support their future goals.

Academic planning includes:

  • Reviewing graduation requirements

  • Monitoring earned and needed credits

  • Selecting appropriate courses each year

  • Planning for advanced and college-level coursework

  • Exploring Dual Credit opportunities

  • Identifying courses aligned with career interests

  • Monitoring GPA and academic progress

  • Planning for college and career readiness

  • Identifying opportunities for academic support or credit recovery

  • Preparing for postsecondary education, workforce, or military opportunities

Students are encouraged to begin planning early—not just during their senior year. The courses students choose in junior high and high school can have a significant impact on their future opportunities.

 

FAFSA Night at Trinity Leadership

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important step for students planning to attend college, career school, or other eligible postsecondary programs. Completing the FAFSA allows students and families to determine eligibility for federal financial aid and may also be required for certain state and institutional aid opportunities.

FAFSA Night

Date: October 6, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:00 PM
Location: Trinity Leadership Cafeteria

Representatives from UNT Dallas will be on-site to assist students and parents with the FAFSA process and answer questions about financial aid and completing the application.

Computers will be available on-site for parents and students who would like to begin the FAFSA application during the event.

What to Bring

Parents and students are encouraged to bring the information needed to create their FAFSA accounts and begin the application process.

FAFSA & TASFA

  • FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

  • TASFA: Texas Application for State Financial Aid

The appropriate application depends on a student's eligibility and circumstances. Students and families are encouraged to complete the appropriate application as early as possible and pay close attention to financial aid deadlines.

Have questions about FAFSA, TASFA, or financial aid?
Join us for FAFSA Night on October 6 and receive assistance from college financial aid representatives.

 

Counseling Newsletter

The Trinity Leadership School Counseling Newsletter will be shared with students and families through Blackboard at the beginning of each six-week grading period.

The newsletter is designed to keep our Trinity Leadership community informed about important information, upcoming opportunities, and resources that support student success.

Each newsletter may include:

  • Important dates and upcoming events

  • Important deadlines and reminders

  • Graduation requirements and senior information

  • Scholarships, FAFSA/TASFA, and financial aid information

  • Testing dates and assessment reminders

  • Dual Credit and postsecondary opportunities

  • Student opportunities, programs, and celebrations

The goal of the Counseling Newsletter is to ensure that students, parents, and families have timely information they need to make informed decisions and take advantage of opportunities throughout the school year.

Families are encouraged to check Blackboard at the beginning of each six-week period so they do not miss important announcements, deadlines, events, or opportunities.

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay prepared!

 

1st Six Weeks Newsletter

 

Cedar Hill Elementary Counselor

 

Jheri Thornton
Elementary K-5 Counselor

t: 972.291.2505 X6863
e: jheri.thornton@trinityleadership.net

1231 E. Pleasant Run Rd.
Cedar Hill, Texas 75104