Guidance & Counseling

School Counseling Websites

Counseling Staff

Elementary Schools

Melodie Diessner, Counselor
Harry McKillop Elementary/Melissa Ridge Education Center
Email melodiediessner@melissaisd.org
Phone 972-837-2632

Tammy Brand, Counselor
North Creek Elementary/Melissa Ridge Education Center
Email tbrand@melissaisd.org
Phone 972-837-4530

Melissa Middle School

Heidi Thompson, Counselor, A-K
Email hthompson@melissaisd.org
Phone 972-837-4355

Tia Curry, Counselor, L-Z
Email teniaCurry@melissaisd.org
Phone 972-837-4355

Melissa High School

Christina Cooper, Counselor, A-K
Email christinacooper@melissaisd.org
Phone 972-837-4216

Karen Gracy, Counselor, L-Z
Email kgracy@melissaisd.org
Phone 972-837-4216

Christina Stover, Special Programs Coordinator
Email cstover@melissaisd.org
Phone 972-837-4216

House Bill 5 Curriculum/Graduation Information

House Bill 5 passed by the 83rd Texas Legislature and signed by the governor, provides a new set of graduation plans for Texas students entering 9th grade in the 2014-2015 school year. These graduation plans consist of a foundation plan for every student and 5 endorsements from which students may choose, depending on their interests. It also requires that students pass 5 State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) end-of-course exams in the following areas: Algebra I, Biology, English I and II, and US History. Additional criteria also requires students to demonstrate proficiency in a number of communication areas.

Child Abuse & Neglect

What must I do if I suspect abuse or neglect of a child?

• Every adult in the State of Texas is mandated by law to report suspected child abuse.
• If you believe the child is in immediate danger, please call local law enforcement or dial 911. Next, call the Texas Abuse Hotline to make a report.
• If the child is not in immediate danger, contact the Texas Abuse Hotline by phone or online.
• The Texas Abuse Hotline is open 24/7/365 at 1-800-252-5400. (Report via the online reporting system for non-urgent situations only. A non-urgent situation means that intervention is not needed within 24 hours.)

Mental Health Resources

Other Resources

Texas Graduation Requirements & Texas Education Legislation Information:

• State Graduation Requirements – Also links back to HB5 information.
• Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) – Gives overview of HB5/new education legislation to include overviews and advantages of the new graduation plans/endorsements.

Homeless Assistance:

For further assistance, please contact Christina Stover, Homeless Liaison, at cstover@melissaisd.org.

• The Samaritan Inn
• Texas Homeless Education Office

Additional Guidance & Counseling Links:

• StopBullying.gov
• National Bullying Prevention Center
• National Bullying Prevention Center/Teens Against Bullying
• Texas School Safety Center
• Net Smartz/National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
• National Crime Prevention Council
• Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas
• Teen Suicide Prevention

Child Safety Symposium

Prevention, Awareness, Education

The child safety symposium was part of an ongoing series of events in Melissa ISD designed to promote community awareness and education around the topics of suicide prevention and support, prescription and illicit drug abuse, and internet safety. Presentations were held at the Melissa High School cafetorium. Guest speakers included Charlie Whitaker, from the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas; Joel Dunn, from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency; and Chris Meehan, from the Collin County Sheriff Department of Internet Crimes Against Children. For additional questions about this event, please contact Christina Stover, MISD Special Programs Director, at 972-837-2411 or cstover@melissaisd.org.

• US Drug Enforcement Administration
• US Department of Justice, Office of Diversion Control
• Good Medicine, Bad Behavior: Drug Diversion in America
• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, NetSmartz Workshop
• Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas
• Teen Suicide Prevention
• American Association of Suicidology