PDS Counseling Newsletter

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We’re excited to kick off the 2026–2027 school year with you! Each month, this newsletter will share key updates, important dates, and helpful resources from the Counseling Office to support students and families throughout the year.

I was born in Ecuador and moved to Miami, Florida in 5th grade. I graduated with a B.A. in International Relations from Florida International University in Miami ('11). After completing a year-long internship at a human rights organization in Nuremberg, Germany, I moved to Amsterdam to pursue my Master's in Political Science at the University of Amsterdam ('13). My dream was to work as a Foreign Service Officer for the Department of State, but life had other plans!

In 2014, I moved to Atlanta and began working as a 7th grade Social Studies teacher in Sandy Springs, where I discovered my passion for public education. I took a 6-year hiatus to start a family and raise my two kids. In 2023, I graduated from New York University with a Master's degree in Bilingual School Counseling, and I’m now dedicated to serving the wonderful students at Paul Duke. I love being a school counselor, and to serve each and every one of my students.

On my spare time, I love to read, go on walks, spend time with my family, travel and go to concerts :)

Contact Information: sofia.cevallos@gcpsk12.org / (470) 323-3617

Hey, my name is Tony Rhone. I graduated from UGA in 2017 with my Bachelor's in Psychology. I then went to Mercer for my Master's in Public Health and School Counseling. I recently completed my Specialist Degree at Valdosta State. My interests include anime, video games, and hanging out with my friends. I look forward to the opportunity to support students here at Paul Duke Stem!

Contact Information: tony.rhone@gcpsk12.org / (470) 323-3618

My name is Donyale Turner. I have been in education for 29 years. I am originally from Los Angeles, California. I moved to Atlanta in 1993 when I started my Master's program at Mercer University. I started my career as a teacher for three years, then became a school counselor.

My husband and I have two kids and enjoy visiting them often. When I'm not visiting, I spend my time playing tennis, pickleball, jogging, and reading. Basically, I love to laugh and have a good time.

Contact information: donyale.turner@gcpsk12.org / (470) 323- 3652

Hi there! My name is Justin Francisco, and I am honored to begin my second year at Paul Duke STEM. I am originally from West Palm Beach, a city located in South Florida.

I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida (Go Knights, Charge On!), followed by both a Master’s and Specialist degree in School Counseling from the University of Florida.

Outside of my professional role, I enjoy staying active by going to the gym and playing volleyball or pickleball. I also spend time playing video games and watching anime. I am truly excited to be a part of the Paul Duke STEM community and am committed to supporting and empowering all students throughout the school year.

Leslie Patel has been a School Counselor for over 26 years. She began her career in Charleston, South Carolina and joined Gwinnett County in 2009.

Leslie earned her degrees from the University of South Carolina and The Citadel. She and her husband live in Atlanta, and in their spare time enjoying riding bikes on the Atlanta beltline and watching SEC football - Go Gamecocks!

Contact information: leslie.patel@gcpsk12.org / (470) 323-3608

My name is Ashley Morris and this is my 7th year at Paul Duke STEM HS. I have been a counselor for 17 years and was a Spanish teacher for 5 years as well. I grew up in Orlando, Florida and love Disney World and the being near the water. My husband and I just had our 20th wedding anniversary and we have 2 kids. I love traveling, reading, dancing, water skiing and having fun with our family and friends.

As the "Special Projects" counselor I do a wide variety of things here at Paul Duke. One of the big things that I do is plan and lead many of the classroom lessons that we present to all PDS students. I also meet with students in small groups covering a variety of topics which change yearly based on what our students request from me. Finally, I give lots of love to our struggling freshman by meeting with them and connecting them to student mentors/tutors on Fridays.

Contact Information: ashley.morris@gcpsk12.org / (470) 323-3607

Devin Jones began his career in Special Education (Clayton County, 2009) serving students with severe emotional, behavior and academic challenges within a psychoeducational setting. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he is a graduate of Clayton County Public Schools and has a M.A. in School Counseling from Clark Atlanta University and a B.S. in Psychology from Kennesaw State University where he also was a highly decorated member of the track and field team.

Mr. Jones is joining us from Shiloh HS where he served as an HS Counselor (ASCA nationally recognized), Head Track Coach (2014, 2019, 2023 State Champions, 2x GCPS COY, 2x ATC COY, 2023 Most Positive Coach) & national testing coordinator since 2012. With a background and passion in education, youth development, sports and mental health, Jones brings a unique perspective and passion for the support and empowerment of others.

Contact Information: devin.jones@gcpsk12.org / (470) 323-3615

🟦 9th Grade – Start Strong

• Welcome to high school! This is your chance to build habits that set you up for success.

• Stay organized, check the Google Classroom daily, and ask for help early if you’re struggling.

• Get involved! Clubs, sports, and volunteering help you meet new people and explore interests.

• Your grades this year do matter. Every class counts toward graduation and your GPA.

🟨 10th Grade – Build Your Foundation

• Use this year to improve your transcript and find your academic rhythm.

• Think about your future: What classes or careers interest you? Your counselor can help you explore!

• PSAT is coming up on October 21st! Don’t stress, but take it seriously. It helps you prep for the SAT.

• Keep track of your credits and graduation requirements. You're already halfway through high school!

🟩 11th Grade – Plan & Prepare

• This is a big year for college and career planning. Your grades really count now.

• Start preparing for the SAT/ACT. Ask your counselor if you qualify for a fee waiver.

• Update your resume: community service, leadership roles, extracurriculars. Colleges care about it all.

• Dual Enrollment? AP? Now’s the time to challenge yourself with rigor if you haven’t yet.

• Don’t wait until senior year to start thinking about life after high school.

🟥 12th Grade – Finish Strong

• You’re almost there! Make sure you’re on track to graduate. If you have questions, ask your counselor.

• Stay on top of college applications, recommendation letters, and deadlines.

• FAFSA opens October 1st! Be ready!

• If you’re not planning to attend college, we can help with job training, military options, or apprenticeships.

• Don’t give in to senioritis just yet! Your final transcript still matters.

The Counseling Office operates by appointment only.

Students can request an appointment with their counselor by clicking here or by scanning the QR code posted in the Counseling Office. After submitting a request, students will receive a pass when their counselor is available to meet. In some cases, if the question can be more easily addressed by email, the counselor may respond that way instead.

If a student is experiencing a mental health emergency, they should come directly to the Counseling Office, no appointment needed.

Parents and guardians may request an appointment by phone or email. We're happy to assist you in scheduling a time to meet with us!

Are you passionate about supporting student success and well-being? We invite you to become a member of our School Counseling Advisory Council! This is a unique opportunity for parents to collaborate with counselors, educators, and community members to help shape the future of our school counseling program.

By joining, you’ll:

• Share your insights and ideas to improve student support services
• Stay informed about counseling initiatives and resources
• Help create a more inclusive, responsive, and effective school environment

Whether you have a few hours or just a few ideas, your involvement makes a difference. Let’s work together to empower every student to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.

When: Wednesday, August 20

Who: All grade levels

What: Purdue University (top majors - Mechanical and Aerospace engineering, Computer Science, and Aviation)

When: Tuesday, August 25; Wednesday, August 26

Who: 12th grade students in Gov/Econ

What: Counselors share the application for graduation, financial aid, and college and career opportunities.

When: Friday, August 28, Block 3, LH 100

Who: 12th grade students

What: Ms. Patel will assist students with their Common App and/or their SchooLinks account

Use the form below to refer yourself or someone you know to CARE team. A counselor will get in touch with you! 😊

CARE Team is always accepting donations of items in our wishlist! Your generosity is appreciated.

Sofia Cevallos - 9th and 10th grade, Last Names A-K (sofia.cevallos@gcpsk12.org)

Tony Rhone - 9th and 10th grade, Last Names L-Z (tony.rhone@gcpsk12.org)

Donyale Turner - 11th and 12th grade, Last Names A-K (donyale.turner@gcpsk12.org)

Justin Francisco- 11th and 12th grade, Last Names L-Z (justin.francisco@gcpsk12.org)

Leslie Patel - College & Career Counselor (leslie.patel@gcpsk12.org)

Ashley Morris - Special Projects (ashley.morris@gcpsk12.org)

Devin Jones - Administrator (devin.jones@gcpsk12.org)

The College and Career Center is here to help Paul Duke STEM High School students plan for their future after graduation. We are here to help students reach their goals, develop a plan to achieve them, and provide them with the most up-to-date information that ensures each student is successful with their post-secondary options. This includes four-year college, community college, military enlistment, employment, and/or vocational training.

• You don’t have to carry it all: High school can bring a lot of pressure—academically, socially, and personally. Remember that you don't have to navigate it alone.

• We’re here to listen: Whether you need to vent, problem-solve, or just take a breather, your school counselor is in your corner.

• Protect your energy: Small daily habits make a big difference. Prioritize solid sleep, take breaks from screens, and connect with people who ground you.

• Self-care includes speaking up: Your peace of mind matters far more than perfection. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

This section of the newsletter will always be here for your reference! If you have any questions about high school graduation requirements, please feel free to reach out to us.