Counselor Corner
Back to School Edition August 2023
Words from your GMS Counseling Team
Welcome back! We are your GMS Counseling Team. We are so happy to begin the 2023-2024 school year with you. We look forward to meeting your children and building relationships with them. This month's newsletter shares information about who we are and how we can help students and families.
School Counselor's help meet the needs of students and families in the following ways:
- 504 Coordinators
- Course planning and request submissions
- Schedule changes (when appropriate)
- Short-term counseling for students
- Facilitate long-term care
- Provide social and emotional support for students
- Collaborate with families/teachers/administrators for student success
- Advocates for student needs
Beth Stevenson, School Counselor
Students whose last names begin with A-K will see Ms. Stevenson. Her email is stevensonb@gcschools.net
Angela Collins, School Counselor
Students whose last names begin with L-Z will see Ms. Collins. Her email is collinsa3@gcschools.net
Kaitlynn Duncan
GMS has a contract with Frontier Health which has allowed GMS to have a School Based Mental Health Therapist on campus five days a week. Our school-based therapist has a regular caseload that they see while at GMS but is also available for one-time or ongoing student support. Her email is kbduncan@frontierhealth.org
Danielle Stephens
The GMS Counseling Office Administrative Assistant completes the following student/family related tasks:
- Student PowerSchool account maintenance (phone number changes, pick-up lists changes, etc.)
- PowerSchool Parent Portal assistance
- Records requests and enrollment
- Directing student walk-ins and calls to the Counseling Office
The Importance of Good Sleep
- Getting enough sleep strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of infection and illness.
- Good quality sleep helps children retain information, concentration and mood.
- Try turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bedtime to help your student fall asleep more easily.
Attendance Matters
Attendance is important because it helps students to:
- Learn what they need to succeed academically and socially.
- Avoid falling behind in their education and development.
- Improve their health, employment, and income outcomes in the future
Tips for Easing Middle School Anxiety
- Establish a routine. Children of all ages respond well to established routines.
- Communicate. Communication is key when helping children with stress and anxiety.
- Work together with the school. Your child's teachers and counselor should be the first line of defense when it comes to battling stress and anxiety.