Student Services

Why do we have school counselors?

The middle school years can be an exciting time of self-discovery for adolescents.   It’s challenging, too, as kids live in a world of computers, easily available drugs and alcohol, pressures from friends and family, mixed messages about sexuality, and media influences.  Students sometimes need extra help getting through these difficult times.  School counselors help students by addressing their social, educational, and vocational needs.  We work with parents, administration, teachers, and community members to help students get the most out of their time at school.

What do school counselors do?

• Individual counseling
• Group counseling
• Consultation with parents and teachers
• Help students with their schedules
• Teach classes and do activities on social, academic, and career success
• Help with the transition to 6th grade, and to High School
• Provide referrals
• Help students problem solve when they are having trouble in class
• Organize campaigns to address problems that affect the whole school

How do I contact the school counselor?

• Write your name on the counselor’s  list outside  his/her office, or leave a note in the envelope
• Students can tell teachers they would like to speak to the counselor
• Parents and others can call to make an appointment.  Leave a message, and the counselor will get back to you.
• Students, parents, and others can send an email.

Contact information:

Angie Dowdy  8^th grade
488.5709
adowdy@psdschools.org

Joy Wintersteen   8^th grade
488.5801
jwinters@psdschools.org

Tom Hicks   7^th grade
488.5710
thicks@psdschools.org

Jose Sandoval    6^th grade
488.5748jsandova@psdschools.org

Ideas? Comments?  We’d love to hear from you!