Counseling Services
School Counseling at Midtown
The main aspects of our school counseling program include: individual student planning/counseling, group counseling, classroom guidance, parent consultations and teacher consultations. We will be visiting classrooms to conduct classroom guidance on a variety of topics from stress management to graduation requirements. Parents, please encourage your student to see us about individual and group counseling opportunities. Also, please feel free to contact us with any questions and/or concerns regarding your student's success at Midtown High School.
Important - Update Your Contact Info with the Counselors
School Counseling Mission Statement
Guidance and counseling are vital and integral components of the educational program of Midtown High School that support the personal, social, and educational career development of all students. The guidance and counseling department believes that it is the function of our school to provide our students with opportunities and challenges that allow them to function effectively in a changing society. Therefore, we have designed a curriculum consistent with the needs of all students regardless of their academic ability, ethnic background, and socio-economic status or future goals. The program will assist students in making and implementing informed educational and occupational choices. The guidance and counseling program will develop students’ competencies in self-knowledge, educational and occupational exploration, and career planning.
More on Midtown High School Counseling
High school is the final transition into adulthood and the world of work as students begin separating from parents and exploring and defining their independence. Students are deciding who they are, what they do well, and what they will do when they graduate. During these adolescent years, students are evaluating their strengths, skills and abilities. The biggest influence is their peer group. They are searching for a place to belong and rely on peer acceptance and feedback. They face increased pressures regarding risk behaviors while exploring the boundaries of more acceptable behavior and mature, meaningful relationships. They need guidance in making concrete and compounded decisions. They must deal with academic pressures as they face high-stakes testing, the challenges of college admissions, the scholarship and financial aid application process, and entrance into a competitive job market.
Meeting the Challenge
Secondary school counselors are professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. Secondary school counselors do not work in isolation; rather they are integral to the total educational program.
Secondary School Counselors Implement the Counseling Program by Providing:
Classroom Guidance
- Academic skills support
- Organizational, study and test-taking skills
- Post-secondary planning and application process
- Career planning
- Education in understanding self and others
- Coping strategies
- Peer relationships and effective social skills
- Communication, problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution and study skills
- Substance abuse education
- Multicultural/diversity awareness
Individual Student Planning
- Goal setting, academic, & career plans
- Problem solving
- Education in understanding of self, including strengths and weaknesses
- Post-Secondary transition plans
- Educational counseling
- College advising/ Senior conference
- Testing, which may include interest inventories and personality tests
- Career counseling, which may include career information and job information
- Coordinate parent, teacher conferences & student-teacher conferences
- Student recommendations
- Work permits
- New student enrollment
Responsive Services
- Individual and small-group counseling
- Individual/family/school crisis intervention
- Peer facilitation
- Consultation/collaboration
- Counseling referrals
- Mediation
System Support
- Professional development
- Consultation, collaboration and teaming
- Program management and operation
ALL 9th Graders
Tina Pellechia tblevins2@atlanta.k12.ga.us
10th - 12th Graders Last Names A - E
Katrina Rucker katrina.rucker@atlanta.k12.ga.us
10th - 12th Graders Last Names F - K
Christina Brantley christina.brantley@atlanta.k12.ga.us
10th - 12th Graders Last Names L - R
Amari BenLevi amari.benlevi@atlanta.k12.ga.us
10th - 12th Graders Last Names S - Z
Chelsea Falcone chelsea.falcone@atlanta.k12.ga.us
Remembering Mr. Lamar Young
A TRUE Midtown legend. Mr. Young was passionate, caring, and most of all, committed to the success of Midtown's students. He knew the importance of connecting with students and their families. He always went above and beyond for the students he served, overindulging them with snacks, and never saying no. His dynamic and charismatic spirit will live on at Midtown!
Forever Young
Secondary School Counselors Collaborate with:
Parents
- Academic planning/support
- Post-secondary planning
- Scholarship/financial search process
- School-to-parent communications
- School-to-work transition programs
- One-on-one parent conferencing
- Referral process
Students
- Academic support services
- Program planning
- Peer education program
- Peer mediation program
- Crisis management
- Transition programs
Teachers
- Providing recommendations and assisting students with the post-secondary application process
- Classroom guidance lessons on post-secondary planning, study skills, career development, etc.
- School-to-work transition programs
- Academic support, learning style assessment and education to help students succeed academically
- Classroom speakers
Administrators
- Academic support interventions
- Behavioral management plans
- School-wide needs assessments
- Data sharing
- Student assistance team development
Community
- Job shadowing, worked-based learning, part-time jobs, etc.
- Crisis interventions
- Referrals
- Career education
Why High School Counselors?
High school years are full of growth, promise, excitement, frustration, disappointment and hope. It is the time when students begin to discover what the future holds for them. Secondary school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic achievement. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set appropriate career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.
Need an Appointment?
Students who want to meet with their counselor should schedule an appointment in the School Counseling Office. Students are required to have a pass from their teacher to meet with their counselor during class time. Parents who would like to schedule an appointment with the counselors should call or e-mail the counselor assigned to serve their child.