What services does the school counselor provide?
School counselors help with academic planning, personal and social development, career exploration, and short-term mental health support. They also assist with college and scholarship applications, navigating the graduation process, and other student concerns.
How can I schedule an appointment with my child’s counselor?
You can contact your student's counselor by phone or email to set up an appointment. Students may use their counselor's appointments request form located on our homepage.
How can I support my child in academic planning?
Counselors can provide guidance on course selection, credit requirements for graduation, and post-secondary plans. Parents should regularly and proactively check in with their child and communicate with their teachers if they have questions about their child’s academic progress.
How can I ensure that my child is enrolled in the right classes?
Counselors ensure that students are enrolled in the necessary classes to stay on track for graduation. If your child wants to take specific electives, these should be selected during the designated elective selection window. Please note that course changes can only be made during the Add/Drop period. All schedule changes are handled by the Curriculum Office (pdscurriculum@gcpsk12.org), not by counselors. Be sure to stay informed by checking emails from the school regarding important dates and deadlines.
What is the process for a 504 Plan or IEP?
Counselors can help guide you through the process of setting up a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which includes accommodations to support your child’s learning needs.
504 Coordinator: Ashley Getz (ashley.getz@gcpsk12.org)
Special Education Department Chair: Tiffany Houston (tiffany.houston@gcpsk12.org) & Serena Martinez-Odeh (serena.odeh@gcpsk12.org)
What should I do if my child is struggling with mental health?
Counselors are available to support students who may be experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues in school. Parents can also reach out to the counselor for recommendations on resources or interventions. School Counselors are not trained in clinical mental health interventions and can only offer short-term counseling.
How do I know if my child needs counseling?
Signs that your child may benefit from counseling include drastic changes in behavior, difficulty with grades or schoolwork, social withdrawal, or emotional distress. It’s important to talk to your child and the counselor if you're concerned.
How can I help my child choose the right college?
Encourage your child to explore colleges based on factors such as academic programs, campus culture, location, and financial aid offerings. Your child’s counselor can help provide resources for researching and visiting colleges.
When should my child start thinking about college?
It’s a good idea to begin discussing college during the 9th or 10th grade to help your child explore interests, courses, and extracurriculars. By junior year, they should be more focused on researching schools and preparing for standardized tests.
How can I help my child with the college application process?
Your child’s counselor can provide guidance on applications, personal statements, recommendation letters, and deadlines. Parents can support by staying organized and helping with deadlines but should let their child take ownership of the process.
What financial aid options are available for college?
Financial aid options include federal aid (like FAFSA), scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. HOPE and the Zell Miller Scholarship are also available for students' attending college in Georgia. Ms. Patel can provide guidance on how to apply for financial aid and suggest scholarship opportunities.
What is the difference between the SAT and ACT, and which should my child take?
The SAT and ACT are both standardized tests used for college admissions. More information on these tests can be found here: ACT vs. SAT: How to Decide Which Test to Take
Where can my child find volunteer opportunities for service hours?
Volunteer Gwinnett is a great resource for that.
What are the benefits of dual enrollment or advanced placement (AP) classes?
Dual enrollment allows students to take college-level courses while still in high school, earning both high school and college credit. AP courses can help students demonstrate academic rigor on their transcripts and may also offer college credit if they pass the AP exam.
How can I meet with my counselor?
You can request an appointment by using your counselor's appointments request form, or by emailing your them.
What should I do if I’m struggling with a class?
If you're struggling in a class, reach out to your teacher for support and attend their Flex Block for extra help. If you're having trouble communicating with your teacher, your counselor is here to assist you with that.
How do I get into advanced classes or honors courses?
Your counselor can help you understand the prerequisites and qualifications needed for advanced classes. Grades and recommendations from teachers are often part of the process.
How do I plan for college?
Counselors assist with college exploration, applications, and financial aid, including helping you understand the SAT/ACT process, application deadlines, and scholarship opportunities. Please see Ms. Patel's College and Career Center website for more information.
What should I do if I’m dealing with stress or personal issues?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or dealing with personal challenges, it’s important to talk to your counselor or a trusted adult. They can offer support, resources, and coping strategies.
How can I get involved in extracurricular activities?
Please see our school's website for a full list of clubs and extracurricular activities.
How do I stay on track for graduation?
Make sure you always put best effort into your classes, turn assignments in on time so you can get timely feedback from your teachers, and attend their Flex Blocks to get extra help. Counselors track your credits and help you plan your high school years to ensure you meet all graduation requirements. If you’re off track, they’ll help you find ways to catch up.
How do I decide which college to apply to?
Start early by researching schools that offer programs that align with your interests and goals. Be proactive in exploring campus cultures, financial aid options, and application deadlines. Your counselor can guide you, but it’s important to take the lead in narrowing down your choices.
What’s the difference between the SAT and ACT, and which one should I take?
Both the SAT and ACT are important for college admissions, and choosing the right one can impact your results. Take the initiative to learn about both tests early on and talk to your counselor about which one may suit your strengths. Responsible planning means you can register and prepare on time.
What’s the process for applying to college?
The application process can seem overwhelming, but being organized and proactive will help you manage deadlines and requirements. Start by researching colleges and understanding what each application requires. Your counselor will help, but it’s up to you to ensure all components are submitted on time.
When should I start preparing for college admissions tests?
The earlier you start preparing for the SAT or ACT, the better. Proactively schedule test prep sessions and practice exams well before your junior year. This will give you plenty of time to improve your scores and avoid last-minute stress.
How do I apply for financial aid?
Financial aid is an important part of the college application process, and it’s your responsibility to stay on top of deadlines. Start by completing the FAFSA early, and be proactive in seeking out scholarships. Your counselor can guide you, but taking ownership of this process will help you secure the best possible financial aid package.
What are career pathways, and how can I explore them?
Explore different careers by researching fields that interest you. Look for internships, job shadowing, or volunteer opportunities that align with your career interests. Counselors complete a college and career lesson with all students every year on SchoolLinks (formerly Naviance). This is a great tool to help you get started.
How can I stand out in my college applications?
To stand out, maintain strong grades, take rigorous classes, getting involved in extracurricular activities, and taking leadership roles. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—seek them out, and be responsible about balancing your time and commitments.
Where can I find volunteer opportunities for service hours?
Volunteer Gwinnett is a great resource for that.