School Counseling
Our mission as school counselors is to support students in reaching their academic, career, and social-emotional goals. We strive to create a safe, supportive environment where all students can thrive. This is achieved through collaboration with parents, staff, and community partners to promote student success and well-being.
Meet the Counselors
6th Grade School Counselor
Mr. Damion Strong
Mr. Strong was raised in Lakeland, Florida. His educational pursuit led him to Tallahassee, Florida where he attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, FAMU and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education degree in Counseling. He has been a Counselor for 16 years and enjoys motivating and influencing students to believe in themselves, seek greatness and to always remember, “failure is NOT an option”.
Email Mr. Strong
7th Grade School Counselor
Mrs. Claudia Black
Mrs. Black is originally from Colombia and now calls Florida home. She received her Master of Guidance and Counseling from Nova University.
She enjoys working with students to help them transition into a new country, new culture, new language, and new school environment. At the same time, she works on their personal and social skills, home and life situations, and to help them become successful and productive students. Mrs. Black has two adult children and lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband and dog Ollie.
Email Mrs. Black
8th Grade School Counselor
Ms. Emily McCord
Ms. McCord is originally from Texas, but has called Palm Beach County home since the 4th grade. She brings a strong educational background to her new role as School Counselor, having taught Gifted World History, Civics, and U.S. History for six years, as well as AICE International History for two years. With a deep passion for education and student development, she is excited to support students academically, socially, and emotionally while fostering a welcoming, inclusive environment and advocating for equitable access to opportunities. In addition to her work in the classroom, Ms. McCord has coached middle school volleyball for the past eight years and served as an assistant JV volleyball coach at the high school level for one year. Outside of school, Ms. McCord is a proud mom to a fun-loving toddler boy and of two loving Rottweilers, Gemma and Rip. She is thrilled to work with 8th graders and their families as they prepare for the transition to high school!
Email Ms. McCord
ESOL School Counselor
Ms. Gelsie Francisco
I'm excited to get to know all of you and to guide you through your middle school journey. Some of you might remember me from last year when I was the ESOL coordinator. This year marks my 22nd year in Florida. I spent 10 years teaching 7th-grade language arts reading, followed by 9 years teaching International Baccalaureate English at the high school level. Now, I'm starting a new chapter as an ESOL School Counselor. I earned my Education degree and teaching certification in Cuba, where I was born and raised, and I'm completing my School Counseling degree at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). My education and experience have shaped me into the teacher and school counselor I am today. I look forward to sharing my knowledge—and maybe some stories—with you, and I hope you'll share with me too. Though we all come from different backgrounds, we're in this together, and we'll face this new year together.
Email Ms. Francisco
ESOL School Counselor
Ms. Erika Rivera-Valentin
She is very excited to get to know her students and, most importantly, guide them through their middle school journey. Some students might recognize her from their elementary school years. This year marks her 13th year in Florida, after spending 12 years as an elementary school teacher. Now, she is embarking on a new adventure as an ESOL counselor. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, she earned her degree in elementary education and teacher certification there. Currently, she is pursuing a school counseling degree from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Her education and years of experience have shaped her into the teacher and counselor she is today.
She looks forward to sharing her knowledge and working closely with students to help them transition into a new country, culture, language, and school environment. While doing so, she also aims to support their personal and social development, addressing home life situations and guiding them toward becoming successful, productive students. Even though each person has different backgrounds and experiences, they are all in this together, and she believes they will navigate the new year as a team.
Email Ms. Rivera Valentín
Parent Teacher Conferences (PTCs)
PTCs may be requested by parent(s)/guardian(s) teachers and administrators. A Parent Teacher Conference may be requested through the grade level school counselor. PTCs will be scheduled from 8:45-9:15 a.m. Monday-Friday.
School Counseling Services
We offer support for students by:
- Assisting in their educational, career, personal, and social development
- Helping to resolve problems which interfere with learning
- Facilitating educational and career planning
- Increasing knowledge of self and others
- Supporting with specific needs
- Providing crisis intervention and prevention
We offer support for parents/families by:
- Facilitating a home/school partnership in fostering school success.
- Providing support for parents regarding their child’s educational development.
- Sharing information with parents to help clarify and/or solve student and/or school-related problems.
- Protecting the privacy of information shared by parents and students.
- Assisting parents in refining parenting skills.
- Coordinating and referring to school/community services regarding specific needs of students.
Schedule Changes
Can I change my schedule?
Schedule changes must be approved by Administration