Counseling: Classical Center at Brandenburg Middle School

Brandenburg Counselor's Corner

Speak to a Counselor

Use this button to request to see your counselor. They will respond to your school email account, so make sure you are checking it regularly. The more detailed the message you leave, the quicker they can assist you.

Vision statement

The Brandenburg Middle School Counseling Department envisions every student achieving academic success and personal growth so they can thrive as a productive member of society.

Mission statement

Through collaboration with students, families, and staff, the counseling program equips every student with the skills and support needed to navigate challenges, build positive relationships and achieve their personal and academic goals.

Get to know your counselor

The Brandenburg Counseling Department is comprised of 3 full-time counselors. Each student is assigned a counselor based on grade level. This is someone you will want to get to know because they will help you throughout middle school.

6th Grade Counselor: Suzanne Battles

7th Grade Counselor: Essence Jones

8th Grade Counselor: Marisa Bravo

Middle school guidance counselors serve as essential advocates and support systems for students navigating the challenges of adolescence. They create a positive school climate while helping every student thrive through:

Classroom Lessons: Teaching skills like goal-setting, decision-making, and career exploration to prepare students for their futures
Crisis Intervention: Offering one-on-one or small group support when students face obstacles that threaten their well-being or academic progress
Academic and Personal Coaching: Partnering with students to create personalized plans for achieving their educational and life goals
Community Collaboration: Serving as a bridge between students, families, educators, and community resources to ensure comprehensive support

SEL Strategies

Choice of Subject

Individual counseling

Counselors meet with students in a one-on-one capacity when the student or an adult requests a meeting. These meetings are confidential (unless safety is a concern) and are to discuss issues such as academics, problem solving, goal setting, personal problems affecting school and other issues that may be impacting learning. Counseling sessions are generally brief but a counselor may make a referral to on-going counseling if necessary.

Group counseling

Tips for a successful school year

As a parent, you know your child best. However, the school counselor can help you better understand your child as a student. Here are a few tips to aide in helping your child meet success:

Check your child’s Canvas page- review the calendar on a daily basis to monitor that assignments are being completed and submitted
Access Skyward on a regular basis – this allows you to monitor your child’s grades
Create a tutorial schedule for your child

What should you do if your child is not achieving to their ability level?

Talk to your child - find out what they are struggling with and what steps they have taken to get help
Talk with the teacher – find out if your child is struggling with tests, quizzes, homework, and/ or behavior
Talk with the counselor about other available interventions (weekly progress reports, school tutoring, private tutoring, shadowing, counseling, etc.)

Request accommodations for testing

Bullying

No student should be subjected to bullying or harassment that interferes with their ability to learn or their safety.

Visit the Bullying Prevention and Investigation page on the district website for more information and resources.

Anonymous Alerts®

You can use the Anonymous Alerts® webform or mobile app to quickly, easily and anonymously report bullying, cyberbullying and other sensitive topics to school officials.

Anonymous Alerts® is monitored by GISD Security 24-hours daily and should only be used for serious and urgent matters. In the event of an emergency or life-threatening event, always call 911.

Submit an Anonymous Alert ®

Download the app

To place a report from a mobile device, first download the free Anonymous Alerts® app from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Then open the app and enter activation code garlandisd.

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