Druid Hills Middle School Counseling Department
The Druid Hills Middle School (DHMS) Counseling Department is a place for all students…not just those who are experiencing problems. We are here to support students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. We encourage students to stop by and talk to us! Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 – 4:00. If we are unavailable, please submit a counselor request form and we will meet with you. We strive to provide the support and assistance that will allow our students to achieve at the highest level possible. We look forward to working with you all! DHMS counselors serve our students, parents, and teachers. Each counselor works with a specific grade level, affording the opportunity to meet and get to know all students.
Naviance
Naviance helps students uncover their strengths and unique skills so they can develop confidence and see their potential. They connect the dots between their interests, college, and career choices and stay motivated to choose their best-fit postsecondary path. Naviance student makes it easy for students to answer questions such as:
- “Who am I?"
- "What do I want to be?"
- "How will I get there?"
- "How will I succeed?"
Naviance Student is a mobile responsive site, for both students and parents that uses intuitive tools that personalize and simplify the college and career planning process. Naviance career assessment presentations occur throughout the year. Contact your grade level counselor for more information about Naviance, and to obtain parent account information.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!!!
Parents, did you know that missing 10% of school days (just two days each month) can put students at risk of academic failure? This year, in an effort to improve overall school attendance, we are offering a reward of "Dragon Time" to students who attend regularly. Any student with one or fewer absences during a nine-week grading period will be rewarded with free time on the field with music and snacks.
We know students will have doctor's appointments, religious holidays, and possible illnesses that could exclude them from the reward during the different grading periods - this is why we start over every nine weeks. This gives your students four times during the year to find success.
IF your child must be absent, please send a note of explanation to Ms. Renee Smith at renee_r_smith@dekalbschoolsga.org
Excused absences consist of illness, religious holidays, or death in the immediate family.
8th Grade Updates -Students
Spring Conversations with the Counselor will occur on Thursday, March 28th from 9:30-10am via Microsoft Teams. All three counselors will answer questions and discuss transitions for the next grade level. The link will be sent via email.
- Druid Hills HS tours will occur on the following days:
- Tuesday 4/9/24 (Team A)
- Wednesday 4/10/24 (Team B)
- Thursday 4/11/24 (Team C)
- 8th grade activity payment forms were sent home in January. Payments are only accepted on Fridays 3/1, 3/15, 3/22, and 3/29. Please see attached flyer for more information.
Confidentiality Guidelines
Student confidentiality is important to us! In our counseling office, what is said here stays here… with the following exceptions, as required by law and/or ethical standards:
- Harm to self or others
- Abuse or neglect
- Court or other legal proceedings
If there is ever a need to reveal information, we will work with students and/or parents to handle the situation in a way that respects the feelings and needs of the student and family.
