Counseling Department
Counselors: Dr. Robinson; Ms. Shanks; Mr. Willis
The mission of the DCSD Guidance, Counseling, and Mentoring department is to support the development of student competencies in the academic, personal/social, and career domains (learning to learn, learning to live, learning to work) ensuring that students achieve success and are prepared to be productive members of society. Upon entering middle school, students begin a major transition from the elementary environment to the middle school. From the changing of classes, increase in homework, extracurricular activities, and the physical changes of adolescence and puberty, students must learn to navigate the middle school environment. School counselors work collaboratively with parents, teachers, and students to address adjustment concerns, peer relations, and academic advisement to help prepare students for high school.
Alongside academic guidance, these two professionals engage students in mediation, conflict resolution, goal setting, and informal mentoring. The counseling center is open daily and is assisted by one administrative assistant who is responsible for intake and withdrawals, scheduling parent conferences, vetting telephone inquiries. Collaboration takes place between the counselors, the school social worker, the registrar, and the instructional assistant principal.
Counseling Office: 678 874 5126