School Counseling
Welcome to the GSMST Counseling Department!
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Amy Burke (9th grade; 10th grade last names A-K) |
Meg Scheid (10th grade last names L-Z; 11th grade; 12th grade) |
Also in our office: Mary Jane Dascall, Counseling Clerk
We are so fortunate to work with GSMST students!
Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Scheid are responsible for guidance and counseling for issues ranging from academic concerns to personal/social concerns. We are here to help each student become successful in their high school career. Mrs. Burke is our head counselor and works with all 9th grade students, as well as 10th grade students whose last names begin with A-K. Mrs. Scheid is our College Placement Specialist and works with 10th grade students whose last names begin with L-Z, as well as all 11th and 12th grade students. Mrs. Dascall is our counseling clerk and is available to help with needs such as: scheduling appointments, transcript requests, work permits, community service logs, SAT/ACT waivers, and Parent Portal information.
Procedures for Appointments
Students can come into the counseling office to set up an appointment with their counselor. Students are generally not released during class time to make appointments. A counselor is available before and after school if students need specific information.
Emergencies are handled on an immediate need basis.
The Counseling office is available for appointments with parents from 7:30AM - 3:30PM. Please call 678-518-6692 to make an appointment with a counselor. You are also free to email us:
Counselors are available for:
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Assistance with career decisions, post-secondary options and the college application process.
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Meetings with concerned parents. Parents should contact the Counseling Office to request an appointment with the appropriate counselor.
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Counseling with students about personal concerns and problems, such as personal/family relationships, academic or motivation problems, student-teacher and peer relationships, school adjustment, etc.
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Crisis Intervention and referrals. Some areas of crisis intervention for which identification of need and referral are appropriate include threatened suicide, pregnancy, abuse, and extreme emotional or behavioral problems. School counselors do not engage in private therapy. Parents may wish to consult their child’s medical doctor and insurance carrier for appropriate procedures if a private therapist is being considered. The responsibility of private therapist and related fees lies with the parent.
Outside Counseling Agencies: A list of agencies can be provided as a service. It is the responsibility of the parents or student to pay the fees for these services. GSMST does not endorse any agency or individual. Parents or students should talk with their insurance carriers and medical offices for referrals and benefits.
Anonymous Concern Form for Students
You are always free to talk to the counselors if you are concerned about a friend. However, please feel free to use this form if you are uncomfortable speaking with a counselor. You may drop it off in the box in the reception area of the Counseling Office.
Summer School Information
If your student has failed any courses at GSMST this year, it is likely they will need to make them up in summer school. Below, you will find a chart outlining how specific 9th and 10th grade courses can be made up through summer school or at GSMST. Because our curriculum differs somewhat from the other high schools, there are some specific requirements that you will want to take note of. Please look it over and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Options for making up failed courses
To sign up or to learn more about face-to-face or online summer courses, please visit the following link:
Read the information carefully to decide what the best option for your student will be. Students can take up to 1.0 credits (two semester courses) in summer school. We encourage you to register as soon as possible, as these courses can fill up.
Please speak with your student's counselor if you have any questions.
News You Can Use!
Recommendations
Often, students need recommendations for participation in summer programs, leadership opportunities or community service/volunteer efforts. Please use the form below if you would like to request a counselor recommendation from Mrs. Burke or Mrs. Scheid. This will ensure that they have all the necessary information when completing a recommendation. Many teachers also require that students use this form when requesting a teacher recommendation.
Recommendation request form.pdf
Community Service Logs
GSMST students can use the log below to document their community service hours. GCPS students who perform 200 hours of community service throughout their high school careers are eligible for a Community Service Seal on their diplomas. Turn completed logs in to the counseling office.
Community Service Log
College Credit Now (Dual Enrollment and MOWR) Information
If you missed the College Credit Now information session, please see the power point presentation below. Contact your counselor for more information on dual enrollment opportunities at GSMST.
College Credit Now Presentation