Counselor News
Counselor Monthly Newsletters
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Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search
The Duke TIP program offers 7th grade students with qualifying scores an opportunity to take the SAT or ACT test. Registration, payment, and transportation to and/or from the test is handled by families. Students qualifying for the test will receive a letter from Gorzycki the week of October 7. There is a Duke TIP parent informational meeting on Monday, October 21 from 6-7:00 pm. Information will be presented by Tracy Guidary, Southwest Regional Manager for Duke TIP (Texas office) in the GMS school cafeteria.
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Foreign Language with Dyslexia
Many kids with dyslexia find it difficult to learn a foreign language. Most school districts don’t offer foreign language instruction tailored for kids with dyslexia. There are strategies parents can try to help kids learn another language.
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Student Record Request
If you are in need of records such as report cards or STAAR result, please email emily.heckroth@austinisd.org with your specific request. These requests will be fulfilled within 48 hours of receiving the request. If student is applying to a private school, please submit the form from the school and we will send the records directly to the school requesting them.
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Suicide Prevention Hotline
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Dear Austin ISD families -
Schools have an important role in preventing youth suicide, and being aware of potential risk factors is vital. We would like to ask you to partner with AISD to help students in need. You can make a world of difference by following these three simple steps:
Know the warning signs of suicidal ideation:
• Talking or joking about suicide.
• Seeking out weapons, pills or other ways to die.
• Making statements about feeling hopeless, helpless or worthless.
• Writing social media posts about death, dying or suicide.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Saying goodbye to friends and family as if for good.
• Changes in behavior can also be a warning sign:
o Changes in school attendance or grades.
o Changes in eating and sleeping habits.
o Increased use of alcohol and/or drugs.
o Change in friendships, or withdrawing from friends and social activities.
o Mood swings or personality changes.
o Loss of interest in activities.
o Bullying (both the victim of bullying and the bully are at risk.)
Talk to your children:
• Let your children know you care.
• Do not be afraid to ask your children if they have or are thinking about suicide.
Seek help:
• If it is an emergency, call 911.
• Contact your child’s pediatrician or doctor.
• Contact a local mental health provider—Integral Care at 512-472-HELP (4357), the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text “HELLO” to 741741.
• Notify your child’s campus administrator and counselor.
Attached (Mental Health Resources) you will find information on resources available for anyone struggling with mental health issues, including help for anyone who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s school counselor for help.
We care deeply about the well-being of all our students and we know that you care about the well-being of your child. By working together, we can make a difference for all students at AISD. Thank for your support.
Sincerely,
AISD Counseling Office
AISD Counseling Office