Mission Statement:  We will choose to do the right thing!

Mary Jo Cummings, Counselor

I am very excited to work with the parents, faculty, staff, and students at DMS!

  I look forward to meeting you and working with you!

Please feel free to call or stop by my office anytime. You can reach me during school hours at

205-342-2830 or email me at mcummings@tcss.net.

What is a school counselor?

A school counselor is a liaison between students, parents, teachers and administrators.  The primary objective is to help all students learn basic life skills and help them have a successful school year. 

Some of the things a middle school counselor addresses with students, parents, faculty, and staff are:

 respect, responsibility, resourcefulness, self-esteem, behavior, death/loss, career awareness, time management, organizational skills, study skills, test taking skills, bullying, listening and following directions, transitions, making good choices, setting goals, getting along with others, separation/divorce, and much more!

The counselor will follow the Alabama State Course of Study for middle school guidance programs.

How does a student meet with a school counselor?

• Parents/Guardians may request their child see the counselor

(call me, email me or send a note to school with your child)

• A faculty or staff member may refer a student to the counselor

• The counselor may invite your child to talk

• Your child may request to talk with the counselor

     What types of services are provided?

Individual Counseling, Classroom Guidance, Small Group Counseling, Consultation, Coordination,

School Crisis Intervention, and Referrals

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If a student meets with the school counselor, it does not mean that the student is in trouble!