Quicklinks
Counselor PK-7
briggs

Mary Ann Briggs
Counselor for PK-7th Grade

Middle School office:
409-787-3371 ext. 2424

Elementary School office:
409-787-3371 ext. 2487
mary.briggs@hemphillisd.net

Graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Academic Studies and an Elementary Teaching Certificate 1996 and with a Masters of Education in School Counseling 2003.

My experience in education includes 5 years as a first, second, and third grade teacher and 22 years as a school counselor.  I have worked at every grade level as a school counselor, PK-12th grade.  Each grade level presents unique experiences and challenges but I have enjoyed and learned from every one of them!

I have been married for 39 years and have two beautiful daughters and an outstanding son-in-law.

Counseling

posterAll students have access to the counselor.  Students, teachers, staff, and parents may refer individual students to the counselor.  In addition, I visit or conference with teachers and parents regarding concerns for students.  Typical topics of discussion include but are not limited to making good choices, behavior, feelings, academic challenges and programs, personal goals, individual needs, and community resources available.  Please understand parents are not typically called after visiting with students unless the counselor or student feels the issue is such that parents need to be notified.

Your child must know and trust that what is shared with me will stay with me with the following exceptions:   (1) your child gives me permission to share information in his/her best interest; (2) if child abuse is suspected; (3) if he/she is in danger of hurting himself/herself; (4) if he/she poses a danger to others.  I may speak with the classroom teacher or other staff members about how we can help your child in the classroom and at school; however, specific information will not be shared unless you and/or your child approves.

Counseling is a relationship built on confidentiality and trust:  student trust, parent trust, and teacher trust.  It is important in the student-counselor relationship to maintain confidentiality to the extent the law allows and to recognize the rights of the parents/guardians.  As in the student-counselor relationship, the parent-counselor relationship is also based on confidentiality and information will not be shared unless the parent/guardian agrees or if any of the exceptions listed above exist.  As a parent/guardian, please trust that your child’s best interest is our priority.

Useful Links
Resources

Burke Center                                                               
1-866-242-4556                                                
1-800-392-8343                                                
Jasper office:  409/384-6864

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas-Lufkin
1-800-445-8562
1-936-634-5753

Reporting Child Abuse
Hotline:  800-252-5400
Within 48 Hours of an outcry

Rainbow Room Open Tues and Thurs, 10am-2pm located to the left of Lane's Grocery and Washateria.  573/795-0357 or 936/201-7180

Salvation Army 409/787-3425 located at 541 Starr St, Hemphill; 409/787-3425; Open Mon and Wed, 8am-11am

Report an Incident of Bullying
Click the icon below to report an incident of bullying at school. Trustworthy adults on campus will investigate all submissions. 

Also, please feel free to contact the counselor or the principal for immediate assistance.

bullying

Mental Health Resources

Suicide and Crisis Hotline Call or Text 988; 24/7 access

Love is Respect (Teen Dating Violence Hotline)                            Call 1-866-331-9474; Text LOVEIS to 22522

Crisis Text Line: Text 741741

National Mental Health Hotline: 866-903-3787

The Trevor Project - Crisis and suicide hotline for LGBTQ+ youth Call 1-866-488-7386; Text 678-678; all day, any day

Texas Youth Helpline:  Call or text 1-800-989-6884

National Sexual Assault Hotline:  Call 800-656-4673 (HOPE)

National Eating Disorders Helpline:  Call or text 800-931-2237