Emergency Help:

PWCS cares deeply about students' emotional well-being during their time away from school. If a student is in need of emotional support during this time, please feel free to send an email to [email protected]. A school mental health or health professional will answer and offer virtual support to students to the best of their ability. This email is not to be used for emergency situations as it will not be monitored 24 hours a day.

If a student is ever in an emergency situation he/she is encouraged to call 911 or utilize one of the resources listed below:

Emergency Resources:

ACTS Helpline 703-368-4141

1-800-SUICIDE (24-hour hotline) 1-800-784-2433

Crisis Text Hotline (24-hour hotline) 741741

PWC Child Protective Services Hotline 703-792-4200

PWC Community Services Board 703-792-7800

Counseling Department and Student Services Staff:

Counseling Director:  Ms. Michelle Wiredu @ Email Ms. Wiredu

6th Grade School Counselor ~  last names A-P : Mrs. Thembi Rudisel @ Email Mrs. Rudisel 

7th Grade School Counselor ~  last names A-P : Mrs. Mary Garecht  @  Email Mrs. Garecht 

8th Grade School Counselor ~  last names A-P : Ms. Erin Henry @  Email Ms. Henry

 All Grades Counselor last names Q-Z : Mrs. Rachael Bentley-Goode @ Email Ms. Bentley-Goode

School Social Worker: Mrs. Mary Ellen Smith @ Email Mrs. Smith 

School Psychologist: Mrs. Bethany Stanton @ Email Ms. Stanton

 School Registrar: Mrs. Patricia Jimenez @ Email Ms. Jimenez

Mission & Vision Statements

Vision :  The Potomac Shores Counseling Department is dedicated to empowering choice in learning through transformative relationships and building capacity in self-regulation and wellness skills. Our students possess the ability to develop social-emotional, academic, and career readiness skills to become productive, healthy, contributing members of society.

Mission Statement:  The mission of the Potomac Shores Counseling Department is to work collaboratively to meet students where they are by providing a welcoming, resourceful, positive environment, focused on maintaining transparent, flexible, and kind relationships. We will provide students with equitable access and the opportunity to explore all CTE, and Fine Arts pathways.

2026-2027 Upcoming Events:

The Counseling Department is dedicated to supporting students' academic, social-emotional, and career success. Throughout the year, we host a variety of events that engage families, celebrate student achievement, and help students prepare for future opportunities. Check out our upcoming events and join us as we support every student's journey. More information and tentative dates will be shared soon.

Counseling Department Tentative Schedule for 2026-2027 School Year  

• Counselor’s Minute Meetings 
• 6th Grade Lesson on Middle School Success- September 14th and 15th through Social Studies 
• Wellness Room Visits through Advisory
• SOS Schedule through PE - Parents will receive a letter and Opt-Out form
• Support at: Soar to the Shores and Open House

• Signs of Suicide Lessons- will be done through 7th Grade Health Classes- (October 5-9)  
• Bully Prevention Month - lunch activities TBD
• Red Ribbon Week- Last week of October  
• 6th Grade Technology Choices and Consequences Lesson- October 20th and 21st through Social Studies in auditorium 
• 8th Grade Strength Explorer Lesson- October 13th through October 15th in Social Studies classroom 
• 7th Grade Bullying Lesson- TBD 
• 7th Grade What’s your Game Plan Lesson through Career Classes 

• 8th Grade Specialty Program Lesson- November 5th or November 6th through P.E. in auditorium 
• 7th Grade Flirting or Hurting- November 4th, 5th, and 6th through Social Studies classes 
• Small Group: for each grade level will start in November and end by January 2027 (Monday and Tuesdays will be group days) 
• Celebrations: 
  • Honor Roll Celebration- Quarter 1 Tuesday, November 17th
  • World Kindness Day- November 13, 2026 
  • National School Psychologist Week- 2nd Week in November  

• 7th Grade- Pause Before You Post- December 7 through December 9.   
• 8th Grade Parent Night for Specialty Program (December 10) 
• Counseling Fall Advisory Council- TBD on Date 

• 6th Grade- Introduction through Naviance through Social Studies classes- January 19th and 20th 
• 8th Grade- Healthy Relationships Lesson in auditorium through P.E.- January 13th 
• Career Day- January 22, 2027.  Snow Date- February 12, 2027 
• 7th Grade- Second Quarter What’s Your Game Plan Lessons through Career course

• 8th Grade ACP Vision Lesson for Naviance- February 9-11 through Social Studies 
• George Mason University Field Trip- February 23rd 
• Elementary School Visits- Starting February 25th to March 3rd 
• *Rising 9th Grade Academic Advising Starts (Avoid Music dates of February 23rd) 
• Celebrations: 
  • National School Counseling Week- February 1st- 5th 
  • Honor Roll Celebration- 2nd Quarter (February 18th) 
  • National Kindness Week- February 14-20 

• 6th Grade ACP Lesson for Naviance- March 3rd and 4th 
• 7th Grade- Student Vision Lesson 
• Rising 9th Grade Academic Advising 
• Academic Advising for rising 7th and 8th graders will be March 8th-19th through Social Studies 
• Rising 6th Grade Parent Night- April 7th. 
• Celebrations: 
  • National School Social Worker Week- March 7-13 

• *Start Spring Small Groups 
• 7th Grade- 3rd Quarter What’s Your Game Plan Survey through Career classes 
• Celebrations: 
  • Month of the Military Child
  • Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month- April 14th  
  • College Decision Day- Friday, April 30th 
  • National Administrative Professional Day - April 21st 

• 7th Grade- 4th Quarter What’s Your Game Plan Survey through Career classes- 1st week of May 
• Rising 6th Grade Tours- May 10th, 11th, and 13th (dates may change based off SOL Schedule) 
• Counseling Spring Advisory Council- TBD on Date 
• Celebrations: 
  • Honor Roll Celebration- Quarter 3: May 4th or 6th  
  • National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day & Mental Health Awareness Month- May 14th