"We are no longer 'guidance counselors' only focused on graduation and course selection for students.  We are Professional School Counselors who focus on the academic, personal/social AND career development of ALL students" - Mindy Willard, ASCA 2013 School Counselor of the Year

Diane Ashley
At Risk counselor
Gadsden City Alternative School
Gadsden City School System

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Making A Positive Impact...
Counseling at GCAS is vital to student progress. Students who have been placed in this setting have displayed behaviors which are inappropriate for the school environment. Without counseling and guidance measures there is a great chance that students will continue to display these behaviors. Dr. Smoots, Dianne Ashley and Patrice Maxwell have been instrumental in developing a counseling program to meet the needs of our students. GCAS collaborates with the following agencies to provide group counseling:
                                                                                                                            Mental Health Association
                                                                                                                            Quality of Life
                                                                                                                            Career exploration/Mentoring Program

While assigned to either ISS or Alternative School Placement, students will be introduced to skills and techniques to
improve their social, emotional and developmental needs. Speakers from various agencies present  on a weekly or bi-weekly basis on the following areas:
                                     anger management 
                                     conflict resolution
                                     depression 
                                     peer pressure
                                     bullying 
                                     self esteem
                                     Diversity & Respect 

Individual counseling is also available through the school's at-risk counselor, Mrs. Dianne Ashley.

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Parent and Student Corner -helpful links and resources for you and your child.
Suicide Prevention                                     Suicide Prevention Lifeline 
Cyberbullying                                              Stop Bullying
                            Depression                                                Teen Depression: A Guide for Parents

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