Counseling
Counselors
Marcus Gaines - Students with last names A - M
Nicole Jones - Students with last names N. Gonz - Pal
Lavashia Graham - Students with last names Pan - Z
Get to know your counselor
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.
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.
For 8th grade students only
Naviance is a comprehensive college and career readiness solution for middle and high school students connecting academic achievement to postâsecondary goals.
Helpful information on bullying
Bullying happens everyday across America. Please click the following link for helpful information on bullying.
Bullying and Violence Prevention Websites
Are you an Owlet with character?
"Treating others with respect"
At Bussey Middle School, we are striving to ensure that as students leave our campus and enter the next phase of their life, they will have become a person of strong character as well as achieving academic success. Each month we will focus on a character trait to help build “Owlets with Character.”
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.