Counselor Chat

Circle of Control- Stress Management

In this counselor lesson, students will learn the difference between what they can and cannot control in the world around them and how it affects their stress levels. They will also be able to list some coping skills they can do to ease their stress and manage their emotions.

Healthy Friendships

Relationship care is an essential part of all of our daily lives. RISD values the importance of healthy relationships and the positive outcomes it produces for all. In this counselor lesson, students will learn what it means to have positive and supportive relationships with other students.

Younger students will learn about the qualities of a good friend, the communication skills they need when making new friends, and who to ask for help when they are having difficulties with friends.

Older students will discuss the qualities of healthy and unhealthy friendships. They will also learn some ways to solve problems with their friends and when they need to ask for help from a trusted adult.

Too Good for Drugs (TG4D) Mendez Foundation

Fourth-sixth graders use the TG4D Curriculum. Students have workbooks purchased by the district. The lessons in this program are differentiated and developmentally appropriate for each grade level. They introduce and review a series of skills to prepare kids to make healthy choices and resist unhealthy behaviors in life.

4th Grade Lessons:

Setting Reachable Goals
Making Responsible Decisions
Identifying and Managing Emotions
Effective Communication
Bonding and Relationships
Managing Peer Pressure
Effects of Alcohol Use
Effects of Nicotine Use
Understanding the Safe Use of Prescription & OTC Medicine
Making Healthy Choices and Course Review

5th Grade Lessons:

Setting Reachable Goals
Making Responsible Decisions
Identifying and Managing Emotions
Effective Communication
Bonding and Relationships
Managing Peer Pressure
Effects of Alcohol Use
Effects of Nicotine Use
Effects of Marijuana Use
Course Review

6th Grade Lessons:

Setting Reachable Goals
Making Responsible Decisions
Identifying and Managing Emotions
Effective Communication
Bonding and Relationships
Effects of Alcohol Use
Effects of Nicotine Use
Effects of THC and Marijuana Use
Safe Use of Prescription and OTC Medicines
Course Review

Important Dates

December 1, 2023: Junior High Magnet Application Due
January 16-18, 2024: WEST ONLY- Interview for Theatre and Visual Arts Applications. Students will work with Mrs. Locke-Lewis to create their visual arts portfolio.
January 31, 2024: Junior High Magnet Acceptance Notifications Emailed
Late January/Early February 2024: 6th Grade Parent Information Meeting. Jr high counselors cover details on course selection and registration.
February/March 2024: 6th Graders Complete Course Cards
March 2024: All returning RISD students must complete online enrollment
August 2024: Junior High Orientation and Schedule Pickup
August 2024: UIL Physical Exams. All students who wish to participate in athletics must complete a physical and submit it to their jr high at the start of the 24-25 school year.

All the Things: Jr High 23-24 Edition

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Ms. Camacho

K, 2, 4, 6

I was born and raised in Garland, TX, where I attended Richardson Adventist School (now NDAA), Apollo Junior High, and graduated from Berkner High School. I attended Richland College and transferred to the University of Texas at Dallas, where I received my bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I received my master’s degree in School Counseling from Lamar University.

This will be my fifteenth year at MST, and I have been truly blessed to call MST my home away from home for all these wonderful years. I taught third grade for three years, fourth grade ELAR for six years, and I am starting my sixth year as the school counselor.

I thoroughly enjoy traveling and experiencing different cultures any chance I get. I also enjoy taking my dog, Frida, on long walks, reading, going to concerts, and anything that involves spending time with family and friends. I am from a close-knit family of six and the oldest of four.

I look forward to getting to know you and your family this school year. I know this year will be amazing because MST is the place to be!

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Ms. Gillette

1, 3, 5

This year is my third year as a counselor (first year as an MST counselor) and tenth year in education. I've worked in North Carolina and I am excited to put my full effort into serving the wonderful students at MST! I received my undergraduate degree in education and exceptional needs from Indiana Wesleyan University and my graduate degree in school counseling from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

I was born in Toldeo, Ohio and loved the different seasons. My parents still live there and I moved to Texas to be closer to my sister and my niece! My brother lives in Philedalphia, Pennsylvania. Luckily, technology helps us all stay connected.

I enjoy traveling and being outdoors. My family and I enjoy visiting National Parks. This summer I cheered on the US Women's National Soccer Team and this fall I will be rooting for my Ohio State Buckeyes!

I am looking forward to this school year where we are all committed to growing into the best versions of ourselves!

Tanya Camacho: 469-593-7311, tanya.camacho@risd.org

Amelia Gillette: 469-593-7360, amelia.gillette@risd.org

The School Counseling Program at MST Consists of:

A school counseling curriculum delivered to all students through classroom instruction. Unit/lessons: Anti-harassment (bullying & cyber-bullying), internet safety, growth mindset, personal safety, conflict resolution, coping skills, goal setting, cultural competence, worry/stress management, teamwork/cooperation, drug prevention, 6th grade transition lessons, and additional lessons based on outcomes of campus needs assessment.
Responsive services related to academic success, suicide ideation, self-injury, abuse and neglect, severe worry/stress, attendance and behavior issues, study skills, and intervention/crisis counseling related to a traumatic event. Responsive services are short-term counseling interventions implemented through individual counseling, small group counseling, crisis intervention, consultation, and referral.
Through individual planning, students will set personalized educational and social goals. Students will make plans for achieving goals in light of their particular strengths and challenge areas; we will assess their progress toward their goals and make decisions that reflect their plans.
The support system services that assist students indirectly include consultation with teachers, participation in the campus-based school improvement plans and goals, and providing student advocacy/input to policymakers and instructional/curriculum planners.

Statement of Confidentiality

Much of our work with students is confidential, which means we respect your child’s right to privacy. To respect the rights and relationships of students, information shared with us will remain confidential unless:

1) A student shares a plan to harm him or herself or someone else

2) There is suspicion a student may be a victim of abuse or neglect

In these situations, we are required by law to report this information to parents and/or appropriate authorities. Our primary ethical obligation for confidentiality is to the students, but parents/guardians have legal and inherent rights to be the guiding voice in their child's life.

we may share information with teachers/staff on a need-to-know basis with student or parent permission.

MST Magnet School Counseling Mission Statement

In partnership with faculty, staff, families, and the community, the MST Magnet School Counselors advocate for the safety and success of all students by providing a comprehensive school counseling program that meets the range of students' academic, career, and social emotional needs and promotes their equitable access to rigorous education.

MST Magnet School Counseling Vision Statement

Students will develop life-long leadership skills that empower them to see opportunities for continuous self-growth, strive beyond their fullest potential, and contribute positively as productive members of the 21st century.

Section 504 regulations require periodic re-evaluations of a student's Section 504 Plan (34 CFR 104.35(d)). The re-evaluation schedule for Richardson ISD is listed below:

Pre-Kindergarten --> Reevaluation Meeting

Kindergarten --> Reevaluation Meeting

1st Grade --> Monitor Year

2nd Grade --> Monitor Year

3rd Grade --> Reevaluation Meeting

4th Grade --> Monitor Year

5th Grade --> Reevaluation Meeting

6th Grade --> Monitor Year

7th Grade --> Reevaluation Meeting

8th Grade --> Monitor Year

9th Grade --> Reevaluation Meeting

10th Grade --> Monitor Year

11th Grade --> Reevaluation Meeting

12th Grade --> Monitor Year

During a monitor year, campus staff will monitor academic performance, attendance, discipline records, state and curriculum-based assessments, and accommodation plan implementation. Within the monitor year, if the need arises to conduct a re-evaluation meeting, the student's counselor will contact parents and schedule a Section 504 Meeting.

Learn More About Section 504