According to ASCA, the rapid spread of COVID-19 has forced districts to review and in some cases implement emergency shutdown plans. Plans should outline comprehensive school counseling services that will be provided and address equity and access issues such as ensuring students have access to computers and internet.

To provide continuous service and support for families during this extended school closure, Garland ISD counselors will continue to facilitate a multi-tiered counseling approach through the utilization of technology.

In alignment with the American School Counseling Association (ASCA), the Guidance & Counseling Department is offering virtual counseling services to GISD students and families. To provide continuous service and support for families during this extended school closure, we solicited volunteers to assemble a Virtual School Counseling team comprised of over 80 campus school counselors and district Responsive Service counselors. This team will be the primary contact in addressing GISD student and family counseling needs.