Counseling
Topics covered by our counselor
Each year, the counselor visits classrooms to deliver lessons to the students. These lessons include bullying, anti-victimization, drug and alcohol awareness, and cyber safety. Mrs. Castro also teaches lessons over the six pillars of character - trustworthiness, respect, caring, citizenship, friendliness, and responsibility.
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.
Get ready for COLLEGE!
College in elementary schools? Of course! Your child's education starts here, why not seek all opportunities to prepare them?
In GISD, we strive to create a culture where all students are College and Career Ready. We want every child to be prepared, regardless of their path. Read all about College and Career Readiness in our newsletter. English/Spanish
Responsive Services
Student Services Specialists, also known as Responsive Services counselors, work with students, parents, and staff at all GISD schools. Responsive Services overall goal is to strengthen the educational process of students who are experiencing the effects of substance abuse, crisis, or exhibiting behaviors of concern.
This is accomplished through the development of a healthy school environment for students by providing counseling, support groups, presentations, prevention activities, classroom guidance, and crisis intervention.
For more information, please visit the Responsive Services webpage. Responsive Services counselors also have a monthly newsletter full of helpful suggestions for parents.
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.