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
Students, if you haven't already, please complete the 8th grade student survey for DHMS Counseling Department. This is an 8th grade student survey only. https://forms.gle/2RNKHrov1BwVjs4X9
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The 8th grade moving on ceremony will be on Wednesday, May 22. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. with ceremony starting promptly at 10am in the gymnasium. Parents have the option of taking their child home with them after the ceremony is over.
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.
Looking Ahead
May 1-8th Grade Activity Week- Field Day
May 2-8th Grade Activity Week- Starts & Strikes
May 2-DHMS Narrative Night 6:00pm-7:30pm
May 3-8th Grade Breakfast
May 3-DHMS Staff vs Students Basketball Game
May 3-IB Learner of the month Celebration
May 4-8th Grade Activity Week- Dance 6pm-9pm
May 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 6-DHMS Music On the Lawn- 6pm
May 7-11-8th Grade- Washington DC Trip
May 9-6B Biz Town Field Trip
May 13-15-Georgia Milestones Retest
May 16-STEAM Night 5:30pm-8:30pm
May 20-6th Grade Field Day
May 20-7th & 8th Grade Finals
May 21-7th Grade Field Day
May 21-6th & 8th Grade Finals
May 22-Final Exams
May 22-8th Grade moving On Ceremony/ Last Day of School
May 31-Final Report Cards- Semester 2