Counseling
Contact you counselor
Middle school can challenging for both students and parents. The middle school years are filled with developmental milestones and academic expectations that can feel overwhelming. We want you to know that your counselor is here to help you navigate the next three years. We are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand middle school students.
Get to know your counselors
Your counselor is someone who you will want to get to know because he/she can assist you as you progress through middle school. Make an appointment to see your counselor.
Demetria Howard - 6th grade counselor
Meet Ms. Howard!
Ms. Howard, while new to Garland ISD, possesses extensive experience in the field of education. She brings over 20 years of service from Fort Bend ISD in Houston, Texas, prior to her tenure at Garland ISD. Ms. Howard holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Lamar University, a Master of Arts from Texas Southern University, and a Master of Education from Houston Baptist University.
Her professional background encompasses roles as a 7th-grade English teacher, middle school counselor, and high school counselor, and she has now returned to serve as a middle school counselor. Ms. Howard's diverse experience equips her with a profound understanding of the unique needs of students, and she is deeply committed to fostering strong, meaningful relationships with each student.
In addition to her counseling responsibilities, Ms. Howard enjoys a variety of personal pursuits including shopping, traveling, reading, and actively participating in her esteemed Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is genuinely enthusiastic about collaborating with our Owlets and their families to enhance their educational experience.
Email Demetria Howard
Phone: (972) 494-8391 ext. 50218
Fidel Lozano - 7th grade counselor
Meet Mr. Lozano!
I am thrilled to be one of your school counselors this year. My goal is to give my best effort to meet your social, emotional, and academic needs.
A bit about me: I earned my bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 2005 and a master's degree in School Counseling from Amberton University in 2020. Currently, I’m pursuing additional training in the Angelo State University bridge program to become a Licensed Professional Counselor, with plans to graduate in the summer of 2025.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out—I'm here to help in any way I can. I am wishing you all the best!
Email Fidel Lozano
Phone: (972) 494-8391 ext. 50207
Donna Fischer - 8th grade counselor
Meet Mrs. Fischer!
Mrs. Fischer is proud to have grown up in Garland, where she graduated from Garland High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from The University of Texas at Austin and her Master’s in School Counseling from Texas A&M-Commerce.
With 31 years of experience in education and 23 years as a school counselor, Mrs. Fischer brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. She has been happily married for 31 years, is a proud mom of two children, and adores her five grandchildren.
Outside of work, Mrs. Fischer enjoys decorating, shopping, and spending quality time with her family. She is thrilled to be part of Bussey Nation and looks forward to supporting our students and families!
Email Donna Fischer
Phone: (972) 494-8391 ext. 50206
Mission statement
The counseling department at Bussey Middle School is dedicated to preparing students for college readiness and overall success by providing access and equity to all. We will collaborate with teachers, parents, students, and stakeholders to ensure that every students is given opportunities to reach their full academic potential in the present and future, while also addressing their social and individual needs with the upmost support and care.
Vision statement
Students will have the academic and social training to succeed in college, career, military, and life.
What can my counselor do for me?
Counselors will help you by:
- reviewing your choice of subjects each spring during registration (February - April)
- helping solve academic scheduling problems
- providing study skills and academic information
- providing career and college information
- helping in teacher/student relationships
- helping cope with family issues
- listening to concerns about friends, etc.
- giving you information about life and decision-making skills
- referring you to people or places outside of school for help if necessary
- being your advocate – counselors are here for you!
Counselors for each campus are certified by the state of Texas in School Counseling, have a Master’s Degree, and previous teaching experience. Each middle school has two guidance counselors to help ensure that adequate support for helping students to succeed and meet their goals is available.
In addition, each middle school campus has a Responsive Service counselor. Campus Responsive Service counselors have had additional training in specialty areas to help students maintain and choose a healthy lifestyle. They provide counseling, support groups, presentations, prevention activities, classroom guidance, and crisis intervention for students.
Visit the district website for more information about the GISD Guidance & Counseling and Responsive Service programs.
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.
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.
Request accommodations for testing
Students with documented disabilities have the opportunity to request assistance for their tests in the form of an accommodation.
See the PSAT and SAT page on the district website for more information.