Featured pictures

Contact Information

Heather Heigl, 678-765-5123

Ginna Smith, 678-765-5124

Fax 678-765-5240

Important News and Upcoming Events

First day of school: Monday, August 10

Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Heigl will move up with their students!

Mrs. Smith will be the counselor for grades K, 2, and 4.

Mrs. Heigl will be the counselor for grades 1, 3, and 5.

Character Counts!

Kids are Great!

Cooperation.jpg
Cooperation.jpg 2008-10-09

Honesty.jpg
Honesty.jpg 2008-10-09

Personal Best.jpg
Personal Best.jpg 2008-10-09

Respect.jpg
Respect.jpg 2008-10-09

Responsibility.jpg
Responsibility.jpg 2008-10-09

Have a Wonderful Summer!

Mission and Philosophy Statements

The mission of Puckett's Mill Elementary School's Counseling Department is to provide a comprehensive guidance program that will assist all students in acquiring the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to become effective students, responsible citizens, productive workers, and lifelong learners.

Our program is an essential and integral part of the overall education process.  Our counseling program is a comprehensive and developmental proram that incorporates the domains of academic, career, and personal/social.  Our counseling program will identify student needs; and the needs will be addressed and measured through student achievement of the competencies of our school counseling program.

Counseling Services

What does a school counselor do?

• A school counselor consults, coordinates, and counsels.
• A counselor teaches classroom guidance lessons that cover the Gwinnet County Elementary Guidance and Counseling Competencies for each grade level.  Lessons focus on topics such as study skills, listening and following directions, respecting oneself and others, bullying, following rules, expressing feelings appropriately, exploring possible career opportunities, personal safety, and working cooperatively.
• A counselor works individually with students on an as-needed basis.  Students can be referred to a counselor by a teacher, parent, or the student himself.
• A counselor works with small groups of students on a variety of topics.  Groups may include: family changes, grief and loss, social skills, self esteem, friendship, test-taking skills.
• A counselor works with parents to help them better understand their child's growth and development.

When should you call a counselor?

• When your child is having difficulty learning.
• When family changes interfere with academic progress.
• When your child needs extra help adjusting to school.
• When you want to arrange a meeting with several teachers or both a teacher and a counselor.
• When you need help interpreting test and school records and tracking school progress.
• When you want to discover available community resources and agencies for your child or your family.

What Parents Can Do to Help Children Cope with Feelings

• Talk with your child, providing simple, accurate information to questions.
• Talk with your child about his/her feelings.
• Listen to what your child says and how your child says it.  Is there fear, anxiety, insecurity? Your repeating the child's words may be very helpful, such as, "you are afraid that..." or "you wonder if someone else will die." This helps both you and the child clarify feelings.
• Reassure your child, "We are together. We care about you. We will take care of you."
• You may need to repeat information and reassurances many times. Do not stop responding just because you told the child once.
• Hold the child. Provide comfort. Touching is important for children during this period.
• Spend extra time putting your child to bed. Talk and offer assurance. Leave a night light on if necessary.
• Observe your child at play. Listen to what is said and how the child plays. Frequently children express feelings of fear or anger while playing with dolls, trucks, or friends.
• Provide play experiences to relieve tension. Work with playdough, paint, play in water, etc. If children show the need to hit or kick, give them something safe such as a pillow, ball, or balloon.
• If you need help for your child, contact your school counselor.

Puckett's Mill Counselors

Heather Heigl

Grades 1, 3, 5

I have been a school counselor for nine years and am very excited to be a part of the brand new Puckett's Mill Elementary.  I received both my BA and my Master of Science in Counselor Education from Canisius College, Buffalo, NY.  I grew up in the WNY area and return often to visit with family and friends.

Prior to PMES, I was at Ivy Creek Elementary for three years, with Orange Co Public Schools for 3 years (Orlando, FL), and Charlotte-Mecklenberg Schools for 3 years (Charlotte, NC).  I am pleased to now be working for Gwinnett County Public Schools, a world-class school system. 

I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters.  My daughter Melanie will start Kindergarten at Puckett's Mill in August, and Chelsea turned one in September.  We like to travel, go shopping, and play together.

Ginna Smith

Grades K, 2, 4

For Students

Kids Against Bullying coloring book

Safety Tips for Kids from the FBI

Click on "Field Trip" to learn about ways to keep yourself safe.

Internet Safety Tips for Kids

Learn important ways to keep yourself safe on the computer.

McGruff the Crime Dog

Learn about safety tips from McGruff.

Learn about Careers!

Lots of information about all kinds of jobs.

Career Exploration Guide

Websites, Activities, and Coloring Books

For Parents

Care Team