Counseling
O'Banion Counselor's Corner
Vision Statement
The O'Banion Middle School Counseling Department envisions every Bison being empowered to learn, lead, and grow with confidence, resilience, and integrity while preparing for success in high school, college, careers, and life.
Mission Statement
The O'Banion Middle School Counseling Department provides a comprehensive school counseling program that empowers every Bison to achieve academic success, strengthen social-emotional well-being, and prepare for college, careers, and life.
O’Banion Middle School Counselors are assigned students based on their last names. Please see information below:
O'Banion Middle School Counselor Page
Cara Craggett
ccraggett@garlandisd.net
Last Names: A-Go
Nicole Fox
nfox@garlandisd.net
Last Names: Gr-Pat
Shaneia Smith
sssmith@garlandisd.net
Last Names: Paw-Z
The O'Banion Middle School Counseling Department is committed to supporting every Bison through the challenges of adolescence. We empower students to succeed academically, grow socially and emotionally, and strive for excellence every day.
Built Different. Built Bison.
Guidance Lessons: Classroom lessons that help students build social-emotional skills and support student success.
Crisis Prevention: Support and intervention to help students manage difficult situations, emotions, and behaviors while promoting safety, coping skills, and emotional well-being.
Academic and Goal Setting: Support with academic success, organization, course planning, study skills, and setting realistic goals for middle school and beyond.
Community Collaboration: Connecting students and families with helpful school and community resources.
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.
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.