Counseling

The High School Counselor supports students’ academic progress, social-emotional well-being, and college and career readiness. This role helps students navigate course planning, graduation requirements, postsecondary options, and personal development while collaborating with staff, families, and community resources to help students succeed.

	Contact the Counseling Office:
	605-923-0041
Kaylin Smith, Registrar/ Administrative Assistant Email	Last Names: A - L Rani Mitchell, School Counselor Email	Last Names: M - Z Sherri Horan, School Counselor Email

DUAL ENROLLMENT

Summer 2026 Dual Enrollment open March 2026

Fall 2026 Dual Enrollment open April 2026

Our Dakota Dreams ~ High School Dual Enrollment Information

Dual Enrollment Course Offerings

SDBOR HSDE Student Application Video Instructions

SDBOR HSDE Parent Application Video Instructions

Public University HSDE Application

SDBOR Summer/Fall Application Code: dualcredit2026

Technical College HSDE Application and Approval Form

Fall 2025 Events

August 20, 2025 - First day of school

August 27, 2025 - Last day to drop/change classes

September 17, 2025 - Senior Meeting in the Cafeteria

September 25, 2025 WDTC Representative at DHS

October 1, 2025 - Free College Application window opens

October 8, 2025 - FAFSA Information night at 6:00 PM in the Library

October 15, 2025 - ASVAB (RESCHEDULED DUE TO GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN)

October 22, 2025 - Post High Planning at the Monument - sign up in the Counseling Office

October 23, 2025 BHSU Tour - sign up in the Counseling Office

October 28, 2025 - College Application Day at DHS

October 31, 2025 - SDSU Student Tour

November 1, 2025 - USD Student Tour and attend USD Football game vs. UND (Native American Heritage Day)

November 1, 2025 - Dual Enrollment Window Opens

November 5, 2025 - DSU Representative at DHS at 8:30 AM

RESCHEDULED TO 11/20/25 November 18, 2025 - PreACT at DHS - sign up in the Counseling Office - fee $19.50

November 19, 2025 - SDSU Representative at DHS from 10:48 AM to 12:19 PM

November 30, 2025 - Free College Application window closes

December 19, 2025 - End of First Semester

Spring 2026 Events

January 7, 2026 - First Day of 2nd Semester

January 7, 2026 - Schedule Changes Window Opens

January 13, 2026 - Schedule Change Window CLOSES @ 3:30 PM

January 13, 2026 - Last day to drop a class without receiving a Drop/Fail

January 27, 2026 - preACT Review 10:00 AM in the Theater

January 29, 2026 - 8th Grade Elective Fair

February 5, 2026 - 8th Grade Course Selection Information, registration window opens

February 12, 2026 - 8th Grade Course Registration for 9th Grade, window closes February 15th

February 17,2026 - 9th Grade Course Selection Information, registration window opens

February 19, 2026 - 9th Grade Course Selection for 10th Grade, window closes February 22nd

February 23, 2026 - 10th Grade Course Selection Information, registration window opens

February 24, 2026 - Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop 6th period in the Library

February 26, 2026 - 10th Grade Course Selection for 11th Grade, window closes March 1st

February 27, 2026 - WDTC Presentation for Juniors

March 2, 2026 - 11th Grade Course Selection Information, registration window opens

March 5, 2026 - 11th Grade Course Selection for 12th Grade, registration window closes March 8th

March 25, 2026 - ACT Junior Testing

April 17, 2026 - WDTC Tour - sign up in the Counseling Office

April 23, 2026 - RC Fire Dept presenting to students 15 years or older who are interested in the explorer program. Sign up in the Counseling Office.

April 24, 2026 - Dental Hygiene/Assistant Activity presenting at Douglas @ 9:00 AM sign up in Counseling Office

May 7, 2026 - WDT Computer Dept. 4 break out sessions for Computer Science Careers @ DHS Library. Sign up in the Counseling Office

May 17, 2026 - Graduation

May 21, 2026 - Last day of School

Class of 26 and 27 Google Classroom

National ACT Information

2025–2026 ACT Test Dates and Registrations

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How to Register for the ACT

You can register online for the ACT, a process which takes about 40 minutes. First, find a test date that works for you, and make sure that you register early, before the deadline. To do so, you'll need the following:

Computer with internet access
ACT student web account
Your high school course details
Recent photo of yourself that meets the ACT guidelines
Credit card or other form of payment to pay the registration fee unless you qualify for a fee waiver

The ACT can be taken with or without the writing and science sections. To determine if you need either, find out if the colleges you're applying to require them. When you register, you can opt into ACT’s Educational Opportunity Service, which will connect you with financial institutions and colleges based on your interests and future plans.

Be sure to print out your ticket to the test center after you register, as you'll need it to take the ACT.

Federal Student Aid FAFSA

Scholarship Information

SDMyLife

SDMyLife is an online program assisting students with navigating the career development process. To find a good match, students take interest and ability assessments. They can explore by career cluster, keyword, or school subject. Students can also research postsecondary education and training options, build a portfolio, study with Method Test Prep, and find out about scholarships opportunities.

Clever Login

or

SDMyLife Login

Username: your k12 email

Password: your k12 email password

Understanding Suicide & Warning Signs

Ask the Question

Understanding Suicide & Warning Signs

Avera encourages the public to speak up and get help if they see the signs that someone might attempt suicide. Warning signs for suicide include but aren’t limited to:

Expressions of hopelessness or feeling trapped
Comments about feeling empty or having no reason to live
Increase in drug and alcohol use
Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
Going through a current crisis or significant life change, such as legal issues or financial problems

How to Ask the Question

If someone you know is showing warning signs of suicide, you may feel at a loss for words. Approaching the person you’re concerned about can be difficult and should be handled sensitively. Be courageous, break the silence and ask the question. Use these tips to ask about suicidal thoughts carefully.

Learn More Here

Prevent Suicide in Children and Teens

Being a teenager is hard. Things like rejection, failure, breakups, trouble at school, family fights or a mental health condition can impact teens. So it’s important to spend time with your teen and ask them if they are struggling with intrusive suicidal thoughts.

Learn More Here

The American Teen Mental Health Crisis

The reason why teens are suffering with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions is complicated. But what is certain, is it will take the community coming together to help teens through these challenges.

Suicide Hotline

1-800-784-2433

National Suicide Text Line
TEXT “CONNECT” to 741741

National Suicide Prevention
Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK

Local Help & Resources