School Counselor
Donette Griffith, School Counselor

Please email me at donette_griffith@ecboe.org or call at 256-546-7409 with questions or concerns. I look forward to serving you.

Alabama School Counselor Association School Counseling Program of Distinction Award

Highland Elementary School's counseling program was chosen by the Alabama School Counselor Association as a 2023 School Counseling Program of Distinction Award. We are very proud of Mrs. Griffith and her dedication to providing our students with the social and emotional skills needed for success in life.

award
Highland Elementary School Counseling Program Beliefs
  • Every student can learn, and every student can succeed.
  • Every student should have access to and opportunity for a high-quality education
  • Every student should have access to a school counseling program.
  • Effect school counseling is a collaborative process, involving school counselors, students, and families, teachers, administrators, other staff, and education stakeholders.
  • The school counseling program promotes and enhances student academic, career, and social/emotional outcomes.
  • All students are treated with respect no matter their race, ethnicity, culture, gender, religion, etc.
  • Every student has worth and dignity.  The school counselor advocates for all students because they all matter. 
Our Counseling Curriculum

Our Comprehensive Counseling Curriculum is entitled: P.A.T.H. (Prevention & Awareness for Total Health). These lessons address a variety of mental health and public health concerns including the topics of abuse, bullying, substance use, and suicide in grade level specific curriculum. 

Our small group classes:
  • Extended Family for Kids (EFK) is a 9-week program for students who have or had a loved one incarcerated.  
  • Shepherd’s Cove Grief Group meets monthly with students who have lost a loved one.
  • Relational Aggression Group helps students recognize any aspects of their own behavior that could be considered relational aggression.  It teaches students to recognize relational aggression in others and develop the skills to do something to deflect or prevent the behaviors. 
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number - 988
  • If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
United Way HELP line for your family

DIAL 2-1-1

or

1-888-421-1266

Peer Helpers

Our Peer Helpers program is designed on the school-based mental health model. The program works not only through a group of students but also through all educators to build a positive school climate and culture. We know that our students’ safety and mental health have a direct impact on their development and success.