Counselors' Corner

Cynthia Barajas - Counselor

Cynthia Barajas

Counselor - Alpha Group A-L

cbarajas@alvinisd.net

Hello students and parents, I am one of the school counselors at Iowa Colony Junior High. This will be my 23rd year in education! Before becoming a school counselor, I taught PK, and 1st -5th grades as  a bilingual and dual language teacher. I have been married for 24 years, and have 3 boys! I graduated from the University of  Houston with a B.A. in Spanish, received an M.S. in Multicultural Education from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and became a certified school counselor in 2015.

My goal as a school counselor is to help students grow academically, socially, and personally through careful collaboration with teachers, administrators, and parents. As a parent, I understand that you may have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time. I look forward to an exciting and successful year, as I strive to make a difference one child at a time.

Kimberley Washington

Counselor - Alpha Group M-Z

kwashington3@alvinisd.net

Welcome to ICJH Trailblazers. 

I am one of the school counselors here at ICJH and am extremely excited to be serving students alpha letters M-Z.

My journey in education began 24 years ago as a fourth grade teacher in Dallas, TX. I received my bachelor's degree from Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX.  I previously taught fourth grade students for 14 years in Dallas ISD and Alief ISD.  I transitioned to school counseling after receiving my master's degree from Prairie View A&M University.  I worked as a school counselor for 10 years in Houston ISD and KIPP Public Schools before joining ICJH.

I am passionate about helping students be their best selves academically, socially and emotionally, and to also help them explore post-high school career plans.  I am here to offer support to all students in need and collaborate with parents and teachers to provide a positive academic experience.  

Please feel free to contact me by email or see me in the Counselor suite at ICJH.

Looking forward to a Trailblazing Year!

Melissa Maxey

Counselor Clerk

mxmaxey@alvinisd.net

Resources

Course Selection Guide
AISD Schedule Change Policy
AISD Guidance and Counseling
Credit By Exam (CBE)
JB Hensler College and Career Academy
TSI Test Information
With Kids In Mind
Section 504 Information
Section 504 Parent Handbook

HOTLINES

24-Hour Crisis Response Hotline – Gulf Coast Center- Galveston/Brazoria Co.
1-866-729-3848

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255) 

24/7 Crisis TEXT line
Text “HELLO” to 741741 

Services to At-Risk Youth (STAR) Crisis Hotline
1-877-949-3140

For Students

Students see the counselor for small group and individual counseling to assist with a variety of concerns and problems including:

  • Friendship

  • Problem solving

  • Academic improvement

  • Divorce

  • Grief and loss

  • Crisis intervention

Students can see the counselor by self referral, parent referral, referral by friends, request of the counselor, administrative referral, teacher or staff referral.

Parents are free to call the Guidance Office at any time for a meeting if you have academic, social, or personal concerns about your child. 

Counselor’s Role

My role as the school counselor is to foster development in academic, career, and personal/social domains, as well as facilitate the achievement of every student including:

  • Individual/small group counseling

  • Whole group character education

  • Supporting students with special needs

  • Coordinating gifted program opportunities

  • Integrating programs for at risk students

  • Guiding the RtI & PST process

  • Managing 504 plans for students and their families

  • Crisis Intervention

  • Collaborating with educators, parents, and community members on behalf of our students and families

  • Referrals to local community services

  • Maintaining confidentiality according to standards set by the American School Counselor Association.