Counseling

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Our counselors

Apryl Harris  - works with 8th grade students and all students who participate in the AVID program. She is the Lead Counselor.

Tammy Wheeler -  works with 7th grade students.

Madisha Mark - works with 6th grade students.

 

Counseling Mission Statement:  The mission of the O’Banion Middle School counseling program is to provide a proactive, comprehensive and developmentally appropriate program to ensure every scholar is college, career and military ready while supporting their personal and social emotional needs.

Counseling Vision Statement:  The vision of O’Banion’s school counseling department is to promote an environment that encourages personal inquiry and growth, social responsibility and academic excellence for all scholars in the 21st century.

Looking for help?

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. The list below highlights some of the ways our counselors help our students.

  • reviewing choice of subjects each spring during registration
  • providing study skills and academic information
  • helping solve academic scheduling problems
  • providing high school, college and career information
  • helping in teacher/student relationships
  • helping students cope with family issues
  • listening to concerns about friends and offering suggestions
  • giving you information about life and decision-making skills
  • referring you to people or places outside of school for help
  • being your advocate – counselors are here for you

You can e-mail or call any of the counselors if your student is in need of their services. Also, students can fill out a Counselor Referral Form, located outside of the counselors’ offices, and place it in the referral box.

Zero tolerance bullying policy

At O'Banion, we have zero tolerance for bullying. The district website has very valuable information in regards to what the warning signs are, the HERO program and what you can do if you feel that your child is being bullied. Our counselors have the training necessary to effectively counsel children who are the victims of bullying. Additionally, they are able to offer counseling to the bullies. IF you feel that your child is being bullied or is a bully, please do not hesitate to reach out to our counselors.

Pause before you post!

The use of social media is so prevalent with today's students. Many students are more focused in the moment than the bigger picture when it comes to social media. It is very important that parents remind their children that the internet can have many consequences, some that we might not even think of.
Here's a short video put together by our counselors that stresses the importance of thinking about the repercussions of posting hurtful messages.

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.

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.