Counseling Support Services

•  Counseling and Guidance -- Comprehensive, developmentally appropriate counseling programs are implemented on each campus.  GPISD counselors serve over 26,500 students and their families.  Professional School Counselors fill a unique role in the school setting; they are fully certified educators who are also trained to address the whole child and have expertise in the areas of social, emotional or mental health issues.  School counselors provide a critical role in the education and well-being of students.

• Suicide Awareness and Assessment -- GPISD counselors and other health professionals are provided staff development annually in suicide awareness and intervention.  Campus counselors train all staff in suicide awareness and the need to report.  Counselors are educated in suicide evaluation and determine severity of a suicidal outcry.  They offer on-going support to students who have considered or attempted suicide.  Parents and campus staff may contact counselors to assist with students who are dealing with this issue.  Further support is available through the office of the Director of Counseling.

• Student Success Team (SST) -- Counselors, teachers, administrators and other school personnel work together with parents to consider the needs of individual students who struggle with academic or behavior challenges.  The goal of the SST is to remove barriers to learning by addressing academic, social and emotional needs.  The campus counselor is the first point of contact for SST; the Director of Counseling trains SST personnel and supports efforts on campuses.

• Section 504 -- The Director of Counseling is the District 504 Coordinator.  When parents or a staff member suspects a disability is interfering with a student's success, evaluation for 504 may be considered.  Consideration for 504 students should be directly addressed on the campus through administrators.  Support is offered for campuses through the office of Counseling Services.

• Crisis Management -- Counselors are always prepared to assist in the case of a crisis.  Teams of counselors are assigned as the need dictates.  The Director of Counseling supervises this endeavor, bringing in other resources as needed.

• Elementary DAEP Counseling Services and Early Childhood Behavior Intervention -- In GPISD the special needs of young students who are struggling with crisis are addressed by these unique programs.  The DAEP Therapist and the Early Childhood Behavior Interventionist are supported by the Director of Counseling and housed at the Elementary Disciplinary Alternative Placement Center.  Principals may contact Education Support for assistance.

• Handprints on Hearts Mentoring Program -- Campus counselors implement the GPISD Handprints on Hearts Mentoring Program.  GPISD staff volunteer to serve as mentors; community volunteers are also recruited for this role.  Counselors assign students to these adults who positively impact not only the academic achievement of students, but also their lifelong goals and well-being.

• Counseling Internship/Practicum Approval and Supervision -- Eligible university students may contact the Director of Counseling Services to request an internship/practicum opportunity with GPISD.