Counseling

Meet the Counselor

Ivy McGraw

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hi Davis Dragons!
I’m Ivy McGraw, your School Counselor, and I’m thrilled to support you and your students this year.
I believe every child is capable of pursuing the education and career path they are passionate about — and it’s my joy to help guide them along the way.
A snapshot of my journey:
📚 Grew up attending public school in Edmond, Oklahoma.
🎓 Earned my Bachelor’s degree in Human Relations with a minor in Architecture from the University of Oklahoma.
⛺ Moved to Texas 8 years ago to work for a fun camp ministry called Pine Cove.
🍎 Became a certified Texas educator and began teaching 7th grade math at Bussey Middle School in Garland ISD.
🎓 Started graduate school for School Counseling while continuing to teach.

🏫 In 2022, became an instructional coach for GISD middle school math teachers, primarily supporting Sam Houston Middle School.

✏️ Last year, entered the world of Elementary School as an instructional coach while completing my counseling internship.
🎓 Earned my Master’s degree in School Counseling from Amberton University.
📜 Certified in 4–8 Core Subjects, ESL Supplemental, and School Counseling K–12.
💛 And now… I’m honored to serve as your school counselor at Davis Elementary!  

 

Counseling Mission 

We are committed to building skills and growing leaders here at Davis.
The counseling mission aligns with our Davis Elementary Campus Mission Statement:

"Davis Elementary will provide a safe and engaging environment to build strong foundations in order to create independent, lifelong learners supported by home and community."

Through classroom lessons, small groups, and individual support, the counseling program helps students develop:

📚 Academic Skills – Organization, goal setting, study strategies.

🏫 Social Skills – Friendship, teamwork, conflict resolution.

🤝 Emotional Skills – Self-confidence, resilience, coping strategies.

 

How Students See the Counselor 

Students can:

  • Ask their teacher for a pass to visit.
  • Be referred by a teacher or parent
  • Be recommended for small group counseling

Parents can:

School Programs 

Our counseling program supports students through engaging, structured activities that help them grow academically, socially, and emotionally.

📅 Monthly Guidance Lessons

Each month, I lead lessons in every classroom focused on the following topics:

  • Orientation to Counseling & Minute Meetings with each student
  • Suicide Prevention
  • College/Career/Military Readiness
  • Bullying Prevention
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Drug Awareness
  • Study Skills & Goal Setting

🤝 Needs-Based Small Groups - Friendship skills, coping with change or grief, building self-confidence

🏅 National Elementary Honor Society (NEHS) - For 4th and 5th graders demonstrating excellence in scholarship, responsibility, service, and leadership

Parent Resources 

I partner with parents to help every child succeed. Here are some ways you can support:

  • Building positive behavior at home.
  • Encouraging healthy study and homework habits.
  • Managing screen time and early bedtime routines.
  • Preparing to be on time to school. Rushing in the mornings will cause anxiety for both parents and students.
  • Navigating big emotions by addressing them in a calm, patient manner.
  • Connecting to community resources.

Helpful Links:

Contact Me 

📧  Email: emcgraw@garlandisd.net
📞 Phone: (972) 494-8205 ext. 42640
📍 Office Hours: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday - Friday 

(if I am not in office when you call, please request a call back via message or email)

💬 I’m here to partner with you so every Davis Dragon can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally!

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.