Counseling
A Vital Part of the Student Achievement Team
The mission of GCPS school counselors is to assist in removing barriers to students' academic achievements and to promote a safe and secure environment by providing developmentally appropriate counseling services based on best practices.
Overview of the DMS Guidance & Counseling Program
Duluth Middle School counselors provide guidance through individual counseling/planning, small group counseling, large and small group guidance, classroom guidance, and parent and teacher consultation. Additionally, the counselors coordinate school-wide programs designed to enhance student success and encourage family involvement in the learning process.
When Should I Contact a Counselor?
- When your student is having difficulty achieving academically.
- When family changes interfere with academic progress.
- When you want to become more involved in your student's educational and career choices.
- When you need help to interpret tests and school records and track school progress.
- When you want to discover available community resources and agencies for your student or your family.
Tips for Students
Middle school is a special place that gives students new opportunities and more independence. Students feel excited, sad and nervous. Classes are different, rules are new, schedules are busier, and students have their own lockers. Here are some tips for success in middle school.
- Getting organized is an important key to success.
- Use agenda books to write down assignments each day. Keep your locker and back pack cleaned out.
- Schedule time for homework, break big projects into small steps, and prepare the night before.
- Talk to your teachers. Ask questions if you are unsure of your assignment, if you do not understand something, or if you need help.
- Turn your homework in on time and always do your best work.
- Get involved in extra-curricular activities. Find things that you enjoy like sports, clubs, and community activities. It's a great way to meet to new people and to have fun.
- Get plenty of rest at night and eat a good breakfast to stay healthy.
- Communicate with your parent or guardian regularly about what is going on with you at school.
- Choose your friends wisely and always surround yourself with positive people.
- Be sure that you are here each and every day. If you are not here, you can't learn.
Who Do I Contact?
Nicole Colbert
6th grade counselor
770-232-3300
Email Nicole.Colbert@gcpsk12.org
Angela Jenkins
7th grade counselor
770-232-3316
Email Angela.Jenkins@gcpsk12.org
Loran Wharton
8th grade counselor
770-232-3309
Email Loran.Wharton@gcpsk12.org
Helpful Websites:
Counseling Resources
Please contact your insurance provider FIRST to determine where they have authorized access for mental health services. Please confirm, either while making an appointment or prior to going to an appointment, if your insurance provider is accepted. In addition, your insurance provider may have referrals to specific therapists who specialize in children and adolescent issues.
- Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)
- Lakeview Behavioral Health
- Laurelwood Hospital
- Peachford Hospital
- Ridgeview Institute
- Riverwoods Hospital
- Summit Ridge Hospital
- View Point Health Crisis Stabilization Unit
- Catholic Charities Counseling Offices/Atlanta*
- CETPA, Inc.*
- Families First*
- ViewPoint Health
Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL)
Lakeview Behavioral Health
Laurelwood Hospital
Peachford Hospital
Ridgeview Institute
Riverwoods Hospital
Summit Ridge Hospital
View Point Health Crisis Stabilization Unit
Catholic Charities Counseling Offices/Atlanta*
CETPA, Inc.*
Families First*
ViewPoint Health
*SPANISH SPOKEN
GCPS does not endorse or recommend any of the above agencies, as this list is for informational use only. Any fees incurred are the responsibility of the parent and/or student. This is not a complete list of resources for counselors or counseling assistance in Gwinnett or the Metro Atlanta Area. Please check with your insurance provider for referrals as well as with other sources of information for additional resources.