School Counseling Program

Welcome to the PJHS Counseling Department

My name is Kelly Gates and I am honored to be your child’s Counselor at Priceville Junior High School. I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I have six years of experience in child welfare and forensic interviewing and two years of experience in Community Mental Health Counseling. This is my 16th year at PJHS. I am married to my college sweetheart and fortunate to have two terrific sons, Drew, who recently graduated from Auburn University, and Aiden, who is a senior at PHS. I have grown to love this community and the people who make it such an enjoyable place to live. I have a passion for working with children and helping them achieve academic success. I will assist your child on an individual basis as personal, social, emotional and academic issues arise. I am responsible for conducting large group school counseling sessions focusing on various topics such as decision-making, coping skills, goals, careers, social skills, bullying/kindness, and building a positive character.

As a Junior High School Counselor, I work closely with students, teaching staff, parents/guardians, and specialists. If a need arises, I can make referrals to outside agencies to assist our students. I am responsible for the registration, scheduling and withdrawal of students, along with their cumulative folders and confidential records. I am also the building test coordinator for standardized testing that includes the administration of the ACCESS for ELs, and ACAP practice (fall) and summative test (end of year). I am also on several teams and committees within the school (504 coordinator, PST member, Ambassador/Peer Helper Sponsor).    

I conduct an introductory lesson at the beginning of the year with each student in a classroom setting. During this lesson I explain the Counseling program, introduce myself and allow students time to ask questions. I utilize the P.A.T.H. (Prevention and Awareness for Total Health) lessons provided to us by Thriveway, to cover the Counseling standards in the social, career, personal and academic domains.  

As a School Counselor, I perform the following to promote positive development in academic, career, and personal/social domains:

• Individual counseling (temporary, as-needed basis)
• Small group counseling (grief groups, various support needs)
• Classroom group counseling lessons (i.e. Large group counseling)
• Attend and participate in academic intervention meetings
• Organize and administer standardized state testing
• Observe students in various school environments
• Consult and collaborate with parents, teachers, administrators &students
• Respond to school crises or emergency situations
• Provide information and resources to parents on a variety of issues

I am available most days if you or they need to talk with me. I do attend several professional development meetings and Central Office trainings throughout the year, so I am not always on campus. I maintain an open-door policy and welcome parents, students and community members to contact me anytime they have a question or concern. I am most easily accessed via email- ktgates@morgank12.org or phone. Please feel free to contact me or just come by and say hello! I look forward to getting to know you and your child this year. Go Bulldogs!!! 

Sincerely,

Kelly Gates

PJHS Counselor