- Tarrant City Schools
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Counseling and Student Resources
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower students today to be learners tomorrow. Personal/social, academic and career development needs are addressed through the delivery of guidance and counseling activities. Collaborative efforts are made between the home, school and community to help students identify and achieve their college and career goals.
Resources and Programs
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Peer Helpers
Tarrant City Schools proudly utilizes the Peer Helper program, a multi-tiered support system designed to foster a positive and supportive school environment. Peer Helpers offers comprehensive, school-wide prevention and positive development curricula tailored to individual grade levels from K-12. The program also includes a peer-to-peer support system, engaging both elementary and secondary students in meaningful, supportive interactions.
Additionally, the Peer Helper program provides two essential support components: a digital resource hub that contains all necessary materials for prevention and support while also offering real-time data collection for analysis and program customization, and a dedicated support coach who collaborates with program coordinators to develop and implement personalized school plans. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive the resources and support they need to thrive.
For more information, visit Peer Helpers.
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Rhithm
Rhithm is a digital tool that allows students to complete daily check-ins, where they reflect on how they’re feeling using emojis and written explanations. Based on their responses, Rhithm suggests brief activities designed to build essential life and coping skills. Teachers receive reports generated from student responses, giving them valuable insights to better address and support student needs.
For more information, visit Rhithm.
Counseling Resources for Parents and Students
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Bullying
For more information, please visit the Bullying Prevention page.
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Character Education
Tarrant City Schools is committed to fostering the development of positive character traits in every student. We believe that character education plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded, responsible, and empathetic individuals who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities. By emphasizing traits such as respect, responsibility, integrity, and perseverance, we help students build a strong moral foundation that benefits their personal and academic growth.
Character education equips students with the social and emotional skills they need to navigate challenges, make ethical decisions, and build positive relationships. It also promotes a supportive and inclusive school environment, where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. At Tarrant City Schools, we work collaboratively with families and community partners to reinforce these values, ensuring that our students are equipped to succeed both in and out of the classroom.
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Disaster Distress Helpline
Call 1-800-985-5990 or text "TalkWithUs" to 66746.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is a national, 24/7 service offering crisis counseling to those affected by disasters. This toll-free, confidential, and multilingual resource is available to anyone experiencing psychological distress due to natural or human-caused disasters, mass violence incidents, or other tragic events impacting communities across the United States.
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Section 504 Information
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ensures that individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination. To be eligible for protection under Section 504, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that significantly limits one or more major life activities.
The primary goals of Section 504 are to (1) prevent discrimination based on disability in any program or activity provided by school districts or other organizations receiving federal financial support, and (2) ensure that students eligible under Section 504 have equal access to educational programs and activities comparable to those of their nondisabled peers. Unlike the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 does not restrict eligibility to specific categories of disabilities and does not require categorical labels. Instead, a student qualifies under Section 504 if they (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, (2) have a history of such an impairment, or (3) are perceived as having such an impairment.
Anyone who reasonably suspects a student may have a physical or mental impairment can make a referral for evaluation. If you believe your child may qualify for support under Section 504, please reach out to your student’s school counselor to initiate the referral process.
To qualify under Section 504, the student must have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as the examples listed below:
- Learning
- Walking
- Seeing
- Hearing
- Speaking
- Breathing
- Working
- Caring for one's self
- Performing manual tasks
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Suicide Awareness and Prevention
For immediate support, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Help is available 24/7 for anyone in need.
Common warning signs that someone may be considering suicide include:
- Noticeable mood changes
- Giving away cherished belongings
- Taking steps to settle final affairs
- Withdrawing from friends or activities
- Alterations in physical appearance
- Previous suicide attempts
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
- Engaging in risky or reckless behaviors
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or fear of being a burden
- Making direct or indirect suicide threats, such as “I want to die” or “I’m going to kill myself”
- Any other significant changes in behavior or demeanor
Planning for Your Future
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ACT/SAT
PLEASE see your school counselor. You may be eligible for fee waivers to help pay for ACT, SAT, NCAA and college application fees.
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Career Information
It’s never too early to start exploring your future career! Whether you dream of becoming an engineer, a firefighter, or an English teacher, there’s a path for everyone. We encourage you to consider the activities you enjoy and the passions you have. Use the links below to help guide you as you discover and explore different possibilities for your future.
Main Contacts
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Cathy Brown
Tarrant Board of Education
Counseling Team
Hayle Mitchell
Tarrant Elementary Counselor
mitchell.hayle@tarrant.k12.al.us
Yalanda Lawson
Tarrant Intermediate Counselor
lawson.yalanda@tarrant.k12.al.us
Miranda Little
Tarrant High Counselor 7th - 9th grade
little.miranda@tarrant.k12.al.us
Lisa Rowley
Tarrant High Counselor 10th - 12th grade
Student Resources Team
Ev Gunn
Tarrant City Schools Mental Health Coordinator
Wanda Borders
Social Worker - Tarrant High
borders.wanda@tarrant.k12.al.us
Tora Crenshaw
Job Coach - Tarrant High
crenshaw.tora@tarrant.k12.al.us
Emma Reliford
Career Coach - Tarrant High