Meet Ms. Newell

Hello, Mooneyham Fam!

My name is LaTesha Newell, and I am truly honored and excited to serve as the School Counselor at Mooneyham Elementary! I am looking forward to an amazing school year filled with opportunities to connect, grow, and support our students, families, and school community.

This year marks my 11th year in education. I have spent 7 years as a school counselor and 4 years as a special education teacher in Georgia and Frisco ISD. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Jackson State University and my Master’s degree in School Counseling from Liberty University. I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology at Liberty University.

Outside of school, I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, visiting art galleries and museums, spending time with family and friends, painting, writing poetry, and working out. I believe that continuing to learn, explore, and grow helps me better connect with and serve others.

I am passionate about creating a school environment where every student feels loved, safe, respected, valued, and heard. Throughout the school year, I will provide classroom guidance lessons, facilitate small-group counseling, and work individually with students and families to help foster academic, social-emotional, and personal success.

As your school counselor, it is my commitment to ensure that every student feels connected, supported, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to get to know and serve the students and families of Mooneyham Elementary, and I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our school community.

If you ever have a question, concern, or simply need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I am always happy to connect!

Here’s to a wonderful year together! 💙

-Ms. Newell

newelllat@friscoisd.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When should I contact the counselor?

Parents are encouraged to contact the counselor for items listed below*:

There is a significant decrease in a child's grades or lack of motivation for school
I have questions about kindergarten acceleration or exam for acceleration
My child is struggling with a recent death or changes in the family
My family is in need of basic needs (food, clothes, shelter, school supplies)
My child has expressed the desire to harm themself or someone else
My child has questions or concerns about middle school, high school, or college
My child has experienced a trauma
My child is new to Mooneyham

*This is not a complete list, and parents can contact the school counselor at anytime during the year.

2. What does the counselor teach my child during guidance?

The counselor meets monthly with each class for a guidance lesson. The topics are designed to teach students developmental, transferable skills related to education, social emotional, career, and personal. These guidance lessons include, but are not limited to:

Effective Communication Skills
Motivation and Self Awareness
Character Traits
College, Career, Trade, and Military Readiness
Relationships and Personal Boundaries
Forms of Bullying
Responsible Technology Usage
Middle School Registration and Course Selection
Appreciation of All Cultures and Respecting Differences

3. How do I schedule a meeting with the counselor?

Call the Mooneyham Office for an appointment at 469-633-3650
Email Ms. Newell at newelllat@friscoisd.org
Complete this Google Form

4. Is there anything that the school counselor doesn't do?

Yes, according to the Texas Model for School Counselors, there are non-counselor duties that are inappropriate for the school counselor which include:

Assigning any disciplinary actions or consequences
Teaching classes when the teacher is absent
Providing therapy or long term counseling
Testing students on cognitive or achievement test

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