Counseling Connection

Ramiro Perez, 8th Grade Lead Counselor

ramiro.perez@austinisd.org

My name is Ramiro Perez and this is my 4th year as a Counselor at Paredes Middle School. I received my Bachelor of Science in Biology and Master in Science in Counseling from Texas A&M- Corpus Christi. I worked previously in Corpus Christi as a high school special education teacher and counselor in the middle and high school. I have been a counselor for 15 years of my career in education.

I believe that all students should have access to educational opportunities. Personally, I believe that each student should be supported individually to help them reach their potential. I value supporting students with school guidance as it assists students during their middle school years.

I enjoy exercising, music, bicycling, and spending time with my family. I am looking forward to having a great year.

Angela Gomez-Pena, 7th Grade Counselor

angela.gomez-pena@austinisd.org

My name is Angela Gomez-Pena. I have worked as an elementary school counselor for the past 18 years. Five of those years were here in Austin ISD. I have also worked as a school counselor in the San Antonio area.

The activities I enjoy most include visiting family and friends, taking my kids to different outings like parks, movies, reading together, playing board games, and hanging out with our 2 dogs.

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from St. Mary’s University. I also earned my Master’s Degree from Texas A&M University in Kingsville.

I truly care about helping students the best way I can. I hope to assist students through academic, social, and emotional challenges they may face in middle school. My hope is to be able to provide some possible strategies and resource information based on the need of individual students. I hope to contribute in helping students to reach their potential for their future success and possibilities.

I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Paredes family and I look forward to a great year.

Belinda Garces, 6th Grade Counselor

belinda.garces@austinisd.org

My name is Belinda Garces, this is my 4th year as a Counselor at Paredes Middle School. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech Communications, Alternative Teaching Certification in Education and Masters in Education for Guidance and Counseling at The University of Texas Pan American. I previously worked at McAllen and Sharyland school districts, both located in South Texas as a high school Speech and AVID Teacher. This is my 12th year in secondary education.

I believe in a student centered and solution focused approach to counseling. I am inspired daily by my students. I strive to help each individual student achieve their academic and personal goals. I offer support and a safe place for students to become the best they can be.

I have lived and worked in the Paredes Middle School community for the past 4 years. I enjoy gardening, crafting, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

I’m looking forward to another great year at Paredes Middle School!

As school counselors, we do our best to help students in a variety of ways. This includes emotional support/guidance, class schedules, attending and planning different meetings, a variety of assessments, and any other way there is a need.

The most important part of being a counselor is making sure we do our best to communicate with students and guide them to make the best choices for success. We care about every student and want to make sure we do our best to support and help students academically, emotionally, socially, or any other way that we can.

Please know we want to be there for all students whether it is through virtual learning or when the time comes for us to return to campus.

Questions? Contact one of the Paredes School Counselors.

Ramiro Perez (8th Grade)-- ramiro.perez@austinisd.org

Angela Gomez - Pena (7th Grade) - angela.gomez-pena@austinisd.org

Belinda Garces (6th Grade) - belinda.garces@austinisd.org

CHOICE SHEET TIME IS HERE!!!

Can you believe that we are already prepping for next year's adventures?

The school counselors visited with your classes virtually on Monday March 1st and Tuesday March 2nd during your Social Studies Classes to discuss preparing for next year class selections. It looks like some students may have missed out on this presentation. Sorry we missed you.

We would like to give you another opportunity to join us for other virtual presentations the Counselors will be conducting this Friday, March 5th and Monday, March 8th during Asynchronous time in your Science classes. You may show up on either day. Please make sure to join us during that time so we can provide you with information to complete the Choice Sheets for next school year. We are needing all students who missed completing the choice sheets to submit these choice sheets as soon as possible.

The link information is below.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you.

6th Grade PDF Choice Sheet

7th Grade PDF Choice Sheet

8th Grade PDF Choice Sheet

Austin ISD Physical Forms (7th grade and above / required for Athletics Classes)

6th Grade Course Descriptions

7th Grade Course Descriptions

8th Grade Course Descriptions

The Akins High School Counselors will be meeting with 8th graders on Monday March 22nd and March 23rd to discuss high school course selections. The counselors will be meeting with students during one of their class periods.

Below is a video about some things to think about as you get ready to move to High School. We are so excited for the future class of 2025!!!

This video shows how a baby squirrel is dealing with a difficult task, but with help and support, he was able to reach his goal. This is an example of how we hope you are able to ask for help and support from your teachers and counselors in both middle and high school. Please reach out for assistance when you need it.

City of Austin Resources

Vida Clinic Care Team call/ llamada 512-518-2209 / Vida Clinic

Central Texas Food Bank

AISD Meals

Boys and Girls Club On the Go