Counseling Office

GWMS Counselors

Sara Dowell
Houses 6-1, 7-1, 8-1
sdowell@dbqschools.org
563-552-4806

Danielle Daughetee
Houses 6-2, 7-2, 8-2
ddaughetee@dbqschools.org
563-552-4808

School counselors have an important and unique position in the school. We work hard to provide services to students, collaborate with parents/guardians and school staff and promote involvement and connection to the community. Counselors see students throughout the year by offering core guidance curriculum in the classroom. This curriculum consists of structured lessons designed to help students achieve the desired competencies and to provide all students with the knowledge and skills appropriate for their developmental level. At George Washington Middle School we work hard to make sure students feel safe and welcome!

What do GWMS School Counselors do?

Washington counselors assist all students in transitioning from 5th to 6th grade, and provide individual student scheduling and 4-year planning for the 8th grade students as they get ready for high school. A large part of our time is also spent engaging in responsive services consisting of prevention and/or intervention activities to meet students’ immediate and future needs. Certain events and conditions in students’ lives frequently require individual or group counseling. We see individual students based on self, teacher (or other educator) or parent referrals.

We regularly engage in consultation with parents, teachers or other educators as student needs arise. Additionally, we refer students and their families to other school supports or community resources and provide opportunities for peer helping. Counselors at Washington engage students in advocating for themselves, their peers, and their school through groups such as Green Dot and Student Ambassadors. Washington Counselors have an open door policy- we are available when students need us and welcome collaboration with parents!

What is Comprehensive School Counseling?

The Dubuque Community School District Comprehensive School Counseling Program is an integral part of the primary educational mission of the district.  This program supports, facilitates, and encourages classroom instruction and student achievement. Our school counseling program is proactive and preventative in its focus.  It assists students in acquiring and using life-long learning skills. More specifically, our school counseling program employs strategies to enhance academic, encourage self-awareness, foster interpersonal communication skills, provide career awareness, develop employment readiness, and impact life skills for all students.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Dubuque Community School District is to support and develop the potential of all students by helping them develop personal, social, academic and career skills for the 21 st century.

National Standards

The Dubuque Community School District’s Comprehensive School Counseling Program is based on the National Standards for School Counseling Programs and the Iowa Comprehensive School Counseling Model which integrates the following domains:

ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

CAREER DEVELOPMENT

PERSONAL/SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT