School Counseling Office

Ms. Tracey Williams - 6^th Grade

Mr. Ulysses Johnson, Professional School Counselor - 7^th Grade

Ms. Devonne Johnson, Professional School Counselor - 8^th Grade

Dr. William Young, School Psychologist 

 Ms. Marie Newman, School Counseling Office Secretary

The Gwynn Park Middle Professional School Counseling Team is here to work with students and help them with any problems. Students may make an appointment by leaving their name with the Ms Marie Newman, School Counseling Office Secretary, before school, during lunch, or at the discretion of the classroom teachers. The Counselor will then contact them as soon as possible. Discussions with the Counselor are confidential, unless the discussion reveals that the student is a danger to him/herself or others. 

Counselors will help students develop good study habits, improve grades, get along with others and cope with personal worries. Information about high school opportunities and career options is available in the School Counseling Office. In preparation for post-secondary education and career decisions, students are encouraged to take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test) in October please contact your child's counselor for more information.

Please, notify the School Counseling Office and Main Office if there is a change of address.

WHEN SHOULD I CONTACT A SCHOOL COUNSELOR?

PERSONAL/SOCIAL

• When a student indicates that they are worried about being bullied
• When a student verbalizes they are depressed or show signs of it
• When a student has experienced thoughts about suicide and/or hurting others
• When a student is dealing with a lot of internal family problems (situations like divorce, separations, and death)
• When a student appears to be dealing with identity issues
• When a student demonstrates being stressed and anxious frequently
• When a student is involved with drugs and alcohol
• When a student is talking about dropping out of school
• When a student has intense fears of violence and terrorism
• When a student is unsure about dealing with transition beyond high school
• When a student expresses low self esteem
• When a student experiencing a change in academic performance
• When a student has difficulty with a relationship with students, adults and persons of authority

ACADEMICS

• When a student is not performing on grade level
• When a student is having difficulty with a particular academic domain
• When a student appears to be having severe learning problems
• When a student is acting out inappropriately
• When a student has a high number of absenteeism from class
• When a student appears unable to stay on task
• When a student does not complete assignments

 PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents may call to request a conference with their child’s teachers and/or school counselor.  Conference days are on Mondays and Wednesdays during the teacher planning periods.  An occasional Friday may also be available for conference dates.  The sixth grade academic team meets with parents during the hours of 8:00 am—9:00 am.  The Seventh Grade academic teams meet with parents during the hours of  9:00 am—10:00 am or 10:15 am  to 11:15 am depending on the teacher.  The eighth grade academic teams meet with parents during the hours of  9:00 am and 10:00 am or 1:15 pm—2:15 pm depending on the teacher.  The Creative Arts team (physical education, art, foreign language, health, computer lab, health, band, orchestra, and chorus) meet from 12:00—1:00  pm.  However, if you need to also see your child’s academic teachers, you will be scheduled during the grade level conference times above.  The creative arts teachers (provided coverage is available) may attend the conference as well.  If coverage is not available for the creative arts teacher, the teacher will provide a written report of your child’ progress in lieu of attending.  You may also request that your child and/or your child’s counselor be present as well. To schedule a conference with your child’s teachers or counselor, please call the School Counseling Office at 301-372-0126.