Counseling
Welcome to an amazing new school year! I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Dana McEvoy and I am the counselor at Northlake Elementary. I am so happy to be here and part of such a wonderful school and community!
This is my 28th year in education working as both a teacher (Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten) and an elementary counselor. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Early Childhood from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I went on to earn my Master of Science degree in Counseling from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
As a school counselor, my primary responsibility is to promote the academic, personal, and social/emotional development of all students. During the school year I will meet with students individually and in small groups as needed. I will also conduct classroom guidance lessons focusing on Social and Emotional Learning, the Six Pillars of Character and other topics. I look forward to meeting, collaborating and offering support to the students, staff, families and community to meet the needs of all Northlake Eagles.
I have been married to my incredible husband, Michael McEvoy, for 15 years and have two magnificent daughters, Lily who is 14 years old and Daphne, who is 11 years old. I love and cherish spending time with family and friends outside of school.
I can be reached by email at dmcevoy@garlandisd.net or phone at 972-494-8359.
I’m very excited to be here and I look forward to getting to know you and your child.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Northlake Elementary School Counseling Program is to provide a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program to address students’ academic, social/emotional and career needs. Through partnerships with parents/guardians, staff and community members we strive to produce lifelong learners, responsible citizens, and successful adults in a diverse and constantly changing environment.
Vision Statement
The Northlake Elementary School Counseling Program will empower all students to reach their potential through a comprehensive counseling program that focuses on academic, social/emotional and career goals. The school counseling program will promote an environment that encourages personal growth, responsibility, and academic excellence. I believe that every student can succeed through the collaborative efforts of home, school, and community.
Northlake Counseling & Guidance Program
There are five main themes that form the Northlake Counseling & Guidance Program:
- Teaching students to take responsibility for their actions.
- Helping students become self-reliant on meeting their own social, emotional and psychological needs.
- The concept of mutual respect - that is respect for self, others and property.
- Training basic life management skills - communication, decision making, problem solving and conflict management.
- The fundamental belief that students who feel good about themselves and have positive relationships with others, achieve more, are happier and more successful.
A comprehensive, developmental guidance and counseling program assists students in acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for healthy and successful development. Our counseling program recognizes that parents, school personnel and the community each have an important role. As partners, each has valuable resources to contribute in helping our students with their academic, career, social and emotional development.
What can my counselor do for me?
Counselors will help you by:
- reviewing your choice of subject during the registration period (February - April)
- 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 elementary school has a guidance counselor to help ensure that adequate support for helping students to succeed and meet their goals is available.
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.