Counselors' Newsletter
McCarroll Middle School - February 2025
February Calendar
February 3rd & 4th: Counselors visit 8th grade Science classes to start 4 year plans
February 10th - 13th: Random Acts of Kindness Week
February 10th & 11th: DHS Counselors will come to 8th grade Science classes to finish 4 year plans
February 13th: 4th Six Weeks Reward Party
February 15th: National School Resource Officer Day (we will celebrate on 2/13)
February 19th: Counselors will visit 7th grade Science classes to discuss course requests/schedules for 25-26 school year
February 20th & 21st: Counselors will visit 6th grade classes to discuss course requests/schedules for 25-26 school year
February 24th - March 3rd: Counselors will visit Elementary campuses (5th grade classes) to discuss course requests/schedules for 25-26 school year.
February 24th - 28th: Black History Month Trivia!
Students of the Month - February
6th grade February Student of the Month: JJ Ramirez
JJ was nominated by one of his teachers who had some great things to say about him! "JJ is an amazing student. He is smart, works hard, and is friendly to all. JJ has a good attitude and always puts his best foot forward. I've also witnessed JJ helping those around him to ensure they feel included and welcome. Yesterday in class, he was helping a member of his team, who was out sick, get caught up with their project. I feel JJ is a remarkable young man and a superior reflection of MMS.
Thank you, JJ for making McCarroll better through your hard work and kindness! Congratulations!
7th grade February Student of the Month: Reagan Donaldson
Reagan was nominated by one of her teachers who shared, "This student consistently displays a positive attitude in class, helping to create a supportive and motivating environment for others." Reagan, thank you for displaying such wonderful characteristics! We are so grateful for your impact at McCarroll! Congratulations😀
8th grade February Student of the Month: Caiden Sisk
Caiden is a fairly new student at McCarroll and came in and made quite the impression on his teachers. He has been nominated by several staff members who shared, "Caiden... has come in and really stood out. He is quiet and unassuming; however, his writing is absolutely beyond his years. He is intelligent and diligent in his work. He is also very kind to others." and "Caiden... has done an amazing job with his transition to a new school. He is a very hard-working and polite young man. It is a joy to have him in class." Congratulations, Caiden! We are so happy to have you here with us at MMS!
Staff Members of the Month - February
Congratulations to our February Staff Members of the Month, Alea Pena and Angelica Benites!
We just HAD to pick two staff members this month because they are both so deserving.
Ms. Pena was nominated by a coworker who shared, "She has been highly adaptable in her time at MMS. She has taught 8th grade, 7th grade writing, year book, and now, dyslexia. She is always up for a challenge and excels in those challenges. She is humble, kind, collaborative, and super smart! She deserves all the accolades!" We could not agree more. Ms. Pena is a true gem and we are so very thankful that she is at McCarroll! Congratulations, Ms. Pena! 💙
Mrs. Benites was nominated by a fellow staff member. They said they nominated Ms. Benites because, "Angelica has entered into her role with a smile. She has started taking on a new role and adjusting to it. Not only doing her duties as a Principal Secretary, but she is still working in the front office and training a new staff member as she continues to learn her new role." We are so fortunate to have Angelica on our campus and we are TRULY appreciative of all that she does! Way to go, Angelica!! 👏👏👏
We will honor Black History Month by having some trivia questions randomly announced during the week of February 24th - 28th! The winning classes will get prizes!
*This event is presented by A Centro Cultural de las Bellas Artes and is not a DISD sponsored event.
*This is sponsored by the Decatur Public Library and is not a DISD sponsored event.
Healthy Coping Strategies
Words are so powerful! The words we tell ourselves are crucial in helping us to navigate life and face and overcome any challenges that may come our way. Check out this presentation on Positive Affirmations. We challenge you to come up with some positive affirmations for yourself and practice using them daily!
Food Pantries and Information
Please see the list below for SOME of the local food pantries available:
- Rock House Ministries (located across from Decatur United Methodist Church sanctuary- Pantry open every Wednesday 4:00 - 6:00 pm
- Decatur Cares- First Saturday of each month; located at Decatur United Methodist Church 8:00 - 9:00 am
- W.A.R.M. (Wise Area Relief Mission) located at 300 N Trinity, Decatur, TX 76234; Families can shop every 30 days, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 - 2:00 and Wed 12:00 - 6:00. *You will need a current piece of mail with your name and physical address on it. Go to www.warmtxorg for more information
Nominations for March Staff Member of the Month
If you would like to nominate a McCarroll Middle School staff member for February's Staff Member of the Month, please complete the following form by February 28th.
. Thank you for taking the time to recognize our teachers and staff members!
Interested in Making a difference? Mentors are always needed!
Do you love working with kids? Are you looking for a way to make a positive difference? Look no further than right here at McCarroll Middle School! If you are interested in being a mentor to a student, please scan the QR code or fill out the form below.
Counselors' Contact Information
Jennifer Chaney
Last Names: A - L
940-393-7333
Ashley Young
Last Names: M - Z
940-393-7332