Hello students and families! Welcome to Counselors Corner. Below, you will find information about the our Comprehensive School Counseling Program.

Who Are Your Counselors?

What is a School Counselor?

A school counselor is a professional who supports students' academic, emotional, social, and career development. They work in schools to help students navigate challenges, set goals, and make decisions that will help them succeed both in school and in life.

Some key roles of a school counselor include:

Academic Support:

• Helping students with academic planning, such as course selection, study skills, and time management.

• Providing guidance on strategies to improve grades and overcome learning challenges.

Emotional and Social Support:

• Assisting students with personal or emotional issues, such as anxiety, stress, bullying, or family problems.

• Offering counseling and coping strategies for managing emotions and improving social interactions.

Career Guidance:

• Helping students explore career interests, strengths, and post-high school plans (college, trade school, or workforce).

• Providing resources for internships, job shadowing, and applications for higher education.

Crisis Intervention:

• Offering support in times of crisis, such as dealing with grief, trauma, or other significant life events.

Advocacy:

• Serving as an advocate for students, helping to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

• Working with teachers, parents, and administrators to address students' academic and personal needs.

Scheduling Appointments

For students meeting with Ms. Lewis-Thomas:

Click here to schedule an appointment using your PGCPS email address. 

Students must show appointment email to Guidance Secretaries before entering her office.

For families meeting with Ms. Lewis-Thomas:

Email Ms. Lewis-Thomas directly to arrange a time at garrette.lewisthomas@pgcps.org for virtual meetings, phone calls, or in-person appointments, depending on your preference. Please include the reason for our meeting or the topic you'd like to discuss.

If any multilingual families require an interpreter, please let Ms. Lewis-Thomas know so the necessary arrangements are made to ensure all concerns or questions are addressed.

Meeting with Ms. Williams:

Students: Please complete this Counselor Appointment Request form to schedule an appointment with me.

Families: Email Ms. Williams directly to arrange a time at lakeya.williams@pgcps.org for virtual meetings, phone calls, or in-person appointments, depending on your preference. 

If any multilingual families require an interpreter, please inform Ms. Williams so that the necessary arrangements can be made to ensure all concerns and questions are properly addressed.

 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES:

If you need to speak or meet with one or two teachers, please contact the teacher directly at 301- 918-8600 or by email.  Teacher emails can be found on the main DuVal Website. 

If you need to speak with three or more teachers, please email your student's school counselor to schedule a meeting. Each school counselor keeps their own calendar and schedule for conferences.  All conferences are scheduled in the afternoon at 3:10pm - 3:45pm. If you would like the Parent Teacher Conference to be in-person, please let the school counselor know.  

Mental Health Resources

Students mental well-being is just as important as their physical health. Please review the resources below for mental health support.

Hazel Health

Hazel Health has partnered with Prince George's County Public Schools to provide access to quality healthcare services for all students, at no cost to families, this school year. A school health representative can initiate a video visit with a Hazel health care provider while your child is at school to provide either physical or mental health services. Therapy sessions with Hazel Health are a safe space and are private and confidential. For more information, visit: https://my.hazel.co/pgcps/info.

Hazel Health offers virtual care to our students in school and at home. Hazel Health mental health clinicians can help students address topics such as academic stress, depression, anxiety, major changes, concentration, motivation, family issues, relationships, and more. Families can choose short-term or long-term care. Please click here for more information.

Grief Counseling:

• Robertas House (family grief support center): https://robertashouse.org/prince-george's-county-office/

• Dougy Center: https://www.dougy.org/resources?how=&who=&type=tipSheets&audience=

• MD Dept of Health Grief Resources: https://health.maryland.gov/bha/Pages/Grief-and-Loss-Resources.aspx

• Capital Caring Health: https://www.capitalcaring.org/get-help/our-services/grief-support/

• Psychology Today: http://psychologytoday.com/us (website that you can filter what your needs are, including insurance, age, location, and symptoms)

Need to Schedule a Peer Mediation?

Click here to access the Google Form to request a mediation. Be honest and thorough in your answers. For any questions or concerns, contact Ms. James at a.jamesgarner@pgcps.org for more information!

For Working Students

Work Permit

If you require a work permit, please click here to access the relevant website. Please note that DuVal High School does not retain the form; it is available through the official Maryland state website.

Tips for High School Students Seeking a Job

Understand Your Priorities

Before applying for a job, it’s important to recognize that balancing work with your other responsibilities is key. As a student, your education is your primary focus, and you'll need to ensure you can manage your schoolwork, extracurricular activities, family obligations, and your job. Carefully consider your schedule and make sure you can dedicate enough time to all of these areas.

Time Management is Crucial

Managing time effectively is one of the most valuable skills you can develop while working in high school. Plan your week in advance, setting aside time for homework, family, extracurriculars, and work. Don’t forget to include breaks and personal time to avoid burnout.

Know Your Work Permit Requirements

If a work permit is required for your job, make sure to obtain one before starting. You can access the necessary form through the official Maryland state website. Be sure to submit the application in advance to avoid any delays.

Start with Part-Time Jobs or Flexible Positions

Look for jobs that offer flexible hours, such as retail, food service, or tutoring. These types of positions often have evening or weekend shifts, which can be easier to balance with your school schedule. Be realistic about the number of hours you can work each week to ensure you don’t become overwhelmed.

Be Prepared to Juggle Multiple Commitments

Keep in mind that a job may require you to adjust your schedule around school events, family duties, or extracurricular activities. As you search for work, make sure you’re realistic about how much time you can commit, and discuss availability with potential employers up front.

Stay Organized

Keep track of all deadlines and responsibilities, including school assignments, family commitments, and work shifts. Using a planner or digital calendar can help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t miss important tasks or appointments.

Communicate with Your Employer

Be honest with your employer about your schedule and responsibilities as a student. If you're having trouble managing your workload, don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments. Employers often appreciate when employees are proactive and communicate openly.

Make Sure to Take Care of Yourself

Remember, your health and well-being are essential. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, and make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. A balanced lifestyle will allow you to succeed both in school and in your job.

By taking these tips into consideration, you can find a job that fits well with your life as a student and help you build valuable skills for the future.

Additional Resources

FindHelp.Org

Please use findhelp.org to find free or reduced-cost resources for every type of need; including food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and so much more based on your zip code.

Job Opportunities

Websites like Indeed, Snagajob, and LinkedIn often list job openings, but don’t forget to also check local businesses in your area. Many small businesses post job openings on their doors or windows or may be hiring without advertising online. Take a walk around your neighborhood or visit nearby shopping centers to see if employers are hiring.

If the company you would like to apply to has a website, please look a hiring tab (usually located at the bottom of the web page). 

Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation Form

The Bullying, Harassment, or Intimidation Reporting Form should be used to report alleged incidents of bullying, harassment, or intimidation that occurred between students during the current school year on school property, at a school-sponsored activity on or off school property, on a school bus, or through electronic communication on or off school property.

Please click here to complete the form.

Classroom Lessons

Google Forms

2024-2025 Spring Needs Assessment

Students can earn 2 Service Learning Hours if they complete survey by Friday, February 7.