Counseling
Get to know your counselor
Your counselor is someone who you will want to get to know because they can assist you as you progress through middle school. Make an appointment to see your counselor.
| Division | Counselor | Phone 972 | Ext. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8th |
Karen Jimenez |
926-2640 | 50420 |
| 7th | Tomi Garrison | 926-2640 |
50417 |
| 6th |
Courtney Hawkins |
926-2640 | 50424 |
What can my counselor do for me?
Your counselor is more than schedule changes! Being "healthy" also refers to your mental health and well being. Often times, if you are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, talking to your counselor is a great place to start.
Counselors will help you by:
- reviewing your choice of subjects each spring during registration from 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 student services specialist called a LIGHT counselor. Campus LIGHT 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 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.
Sam Houston Guidance and Counseling Department Mission
Our mission in the Sam Houston Middle School Counseling department is to provide services that will support and improve the personal growth and education of our students. School counselors are professional school promoters who provide encouragement to increase student capability and academic success. School counselors believe that students at Sam Houston will be prepared with the knowledge and skills for college and career readiness for real-world endeavors with school and community collaboration.