PDS Counseling Newsletter

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We’re excited to kick off the 2025–2026 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 South 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! I love to serve each and every one of my students, but I’m a passionate advocate for multilingual learners and immigrant students!

Besides that, 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 28 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 first year at Paul Duke STEM. This also marks my first year living in the state of Georgia. 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 join 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 25 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 6th year at Paul Duke STEM HS. I have been a counselor for 16 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! 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!

We have a new website with helpful information about our department and request counseling appointments, find relevant information for each grade level, college and career and dual enrollment!

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

We all share a common goal of creating a safe learning environment where suicide is prevented. Related to that goal, House Bill 198 requires that each school system adopt a policy that addresses student suicide prevention. Gwinnett County Public Schools uses Lifelines Prevention, an evidence-based curriculum, to educate students in grades 7 and 9 on the facts about suicide and students’ role in suicide prevention. The program curriculum is taught to all 9th graders during FLEX blocks on Friday, August 15, 2025. The program curriculum was submitted and reviewed by the Community Health Education Advisory Committee. The purpose of the Lifelines Prevention program is to provide accurate and relevant information about youth suicide, learn how to respond to suicidal friends, and where to go for help.

If you prefer that your child not participate in the Lifelines Prevention lesson on Friday, August 15, 2025, please write and sign a note (email is fine) indicating your preferences and send it to your child’s school counselor. Unless written documentation is received, your child will have the opportunity to participate in the lessons. As always, our counselors are available to discuss any concerns you might have.

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.

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.

A unique educational experience for outstanding 11th and 12th graders interested in pursuing careers in public service.

Application Dates: August 11 – September 30

Recognizes and honors some of our nation's most distinguished graduating 12th graders.

Application Dates: September 1 – November 1

We’re excited to invite middle and high school students to apply for the 2025-26 Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. This is a valuable opportunity for students to share their voices, provide feedback, and engage directly with district leadership.

Deadline: August 26

Identifies and honors Georgia 12th graders who have achieved excellence in school and community life.

Application Dates: January 1 – March 1

The Georgia Scholar Program Brochure will be available in late Fall.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving 12th graders with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation's top four-year colleges and universities.

• You’re not alone. High school can be stressful. Academics, friendships, or life outside of school, we all need support sometimes.

• Come talk to us. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or just need to talk, your counselor is here for you.

• Need help now? If you’re in a mental health crisis or feel unsafe, come to the Counseling Office immediately. No appointment needed.

• Take care of yourself. Small things like sleep, movement, screen time breaks, and talking to someone you trust really do help.

• It’s okay to ask for help. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as keeping up with schoolwork. There’s strength in speaking up.

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.