Middle School Counselors work with students in various areas: individual counseling, small group, and classroom guidance. We provide academic support by attending parent conferences and student support meetings. As counselors we are available to assist our families with providing information on community services.

Counselors work with teachers, administrators, parents and students to encourage academic success and personal development. MS Counselors focus on three areas:

• Supporting each student’s academic achievement
• Promoting personal, educational, and career growth through personal prevention and intervention activities
• Helping students explore education and career choices

The BCMS counseling department is committed to addressing the needs of our students as effectively as possible by providing the necessary services. Our program is focused on assisting students and parents to navigate through middle school. As a department we care about our students and their futures. We provide students with an environment in which they are celebrated, respected, and supported, thereby, enabling them to reach their full educational and social potential.

Contact Us:

We have an open door policy. Please feel free to drop by!

The Counseling Department is open during regular school hours M-F 8:15-4:15

brandee_appling@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

rebecca_lisska@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

felecia_sheard@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

Middle school is an exciting place and a great opportunity to meet new people! It gives students opportunities to explore who they are, develop new skills and interests, and think about their goals for the future. Middle school students have more choices and decisions to make. They are faced with more responsibility and expectations. Here are a few tips to help with the middle school transition:

• Get Organized
  • Use your agenda
  • Use folders and notebooks for each subject
  • Keep your locker and back pack cleaned out
  • Use different color folders for each class
    
    
• Do your homework
  In middle school teachers expect more of you. You will have more homework. Schedule your time wisely. Allot a certain amount of time each day for homework and study. Don’t wait until an assignment is due, start early. Keep track of your homework assignments in your agenda.
   
• Talk to your teachers
  Ask questions. If you do not understand your assignment or the material, just ask! The teachers are there to help you.
   
• Get Good Grades
  If you start to fall behind, catch up. Turn in your homework and class work on time and participate in class.
   
• Talk to your parents; let them know what is going on.

• Find an adult you trust to talk to when you have problems.

• Choose your friends wisely.

• Be prepared for class - bring paper, pencil, book, and homework

• Find a phone buddy in each class in case you are absent or need to ask a question about an assignment.

• Come to school on time and ready to learn!