Sussman Counselors

Counseling News & Annoucements

State Testing & Avid Info Session | April 18

State Testing & Avid Info Session | April 18

Join us at Sussman Middle School April 18th, 5:30-6:30 pm Preparing for State Testing &AVID Information Session Parents should attend this session to: Receive information for State Testing regarding: The testing calendar Technology concerns Tips for success Learn...

Overview

Sussman Counselors

Middle school students are characterized by rapid physical growth, curiosity about their world and an emerging self-identity. Middle school counselors enhance the learning process and promote academic, career and social/emotional development. School counseling programs are essential for students to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and realize full academic potential to become productive, contributing members of the world community.

Role of a School Counselor

School Counselors help students in the areas of academic achievement, career development, and social/emotional development. We work directly with students, communicate with parents, and collaborate with teachers and administrators to help support student growth.

Common topics that are addressed with students:

  • Goal setting
  • Personal organization
  • Peer conflict resolution
  • Reducing anxiety
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Self-esteem
  • Moving/transition
  • Dealing with divorce
  • Stress management
  • Depression/sadness

This site was developed by Sussman School Counselors for students and families. This is not intended to replace any professional help.

If you are going through a crisis such as a medical or mental health emergency please call 9-1-1 for support. 

Español

Este sitio fue desarrollado por los Consejeros Escolares de Sussman para estudiantes y familias.

Esto no pretende reemplazar ninguna ayuda profesional. Si está atravesando una crisis, como una emergencia médica o de salud mental, llame al 9-1-1 para obtener ayuda.

Descargo de responsabilidad: Los siguientes enlaces son puramente para fines educativos y no pretenden ser intervenciones psicológicas ni un sustituto del tratamiento psicológico. Si necesita ayuda psicológica, debe consultar a un profesional de salud mental con licencia.

Confidentiality Statement

As School Counselors, we maintain strict confidentiality in all of our interactions.  All meetings held in person, online or over the phone with the school counselor will remain confidential unless the student gives permission to share information with related parties. However, circumstances do arise where we must disclose information to appropriate professionals. Reasons for breaking confidentiality include, but are not limited to: a student is in danger of harming themselves, another individual, or if a student is in danger of being harmed by others.

Your Counselors

Jim Gillespie

Jim Gillespie

jgillespie@dusd.net

This is his 29th year at Sussman/South Middle School. Before becoming a counselor, he was an English teacher. Jim attended Downey Elementary, East Middle School (Doty), and Downey High.

Last Names: A – GOM

Debra Camacho

Debra Camacho

dcamacho@dusd.net

Her 15th year at Sussman Middle School. She completed her undergraduate work at Cal State Fullerton and received her Masters Degree from Chapman University.

Last Names: GON – PEM

Claudia Garcia

Claudia Garcia

cramirezgarcia@dusd.net

Warren High School graduate. She completed her B.A. in Liberal Studies and M.S. in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne.

Last Names: PEN – Z

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