Counseling
Get to know your counselor
Counselor Mission Statement:
I will nurture and empower a safe place for students to struggle and improve in providing a proactive, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate program that addresses student academic, career, and personal /social development.
Counselor Visions Statement:
All students will reach their academic and behavioral best utilizing daily mindful techniques that foster positivity and success.
Hello Shugart Sheriffs! My name is Bethany Godinez, and I am your School Counselor! I have been at Shugart Elementary since 2008, and consider this community my extended family. I have witnessed many students come and go through Shugart, and it has been a privilege to watch them grow and prosper into their higher educational endeavors.
I have my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a specialization in Reading. My graduate degree is in School Counseling.
I am here to support our students, community, and staff at Shugart Elementary. Please let me know if there is any way that I may assist your child’s education.
What the counselor does for students
Counselors will help you with the following:
- 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.
Social and emotional help
Each week, our counselor provides grade level lessons that address mental health, kindness and mindfulness. Additionally, she organizes events related to Red Ribbon Week, the canned food drive, and Christmas donations. She has live office hours from 11:00 to 11:30 and 2:00 to 2:30 each day.
Our counselor also helps students and parents obtain information from digital resources. Check Common Sense Media for information about digital citizenship and staying safe online, and utilize Love and Logic for parenting information.
Bullying resources
Bullying occurs every day, everywhere. Click for information on how to recognize and address bullying and to access bullying resources.
Visit the district website for more information about the GISD Guidance & Counseling programs.
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually.
Counselor and college readiness
In order to support our students, the counselor offers an open and comfortable environment. Also, to highlight the importance of college readiness, she stays busy making sure our students are always thinking about this subject. She goes into classes to provide students with lessons about college and career interests. She makes sure there are visual representations about college throughout our school. Also, she highlights GISD events such as Career Day and College Expo.
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.