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Guidance

The Guidance Department is a safe, confidential place for students to receive many kinds of support services.   Counselors help students develop interpersonal skills and assist when there are friendship issues, help select appropriate coursework and offer guidance for future education plans, may serve as liaisons between home and the classroom, and coordinate many school recognition and character education programs.

Mrs. Turnipseed

Counselor Request Form
 

Selena Turnipseed is the counselor for the entire 6th grade and 7th grade students whose last names begin with A-L.

She is the school contact for Red Ribbon Week activities and the 7th grade Duke TIP Program. 

Mrs. Turnipseed joined the faculty of Woodruff Middle School in 1999.  Prior to moving to the Upstate, Mrs. Turnipseed lived in Columbia and worked as a school counselor in Newberry County at Boundary Street Elementary School and Mid-Carolina Middle School. She earned both her B.A. in English (1994) and her Masters in Counselor Education (1996) from the University of South Carolina.   Originally from Spartanburg, SC, she is a 1990 graduate of Spartanburg High School. She currently lives in Woodruff with her husband David and two daughters, Sydney and Laney.  Mrs. Turnipseed enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and baking, watching sports, and reading non-fiction.

“I have always enjoyed working with children, especially those in middle school. So many of our students need extra encouragement, not discouragement in their lives.”

Mrs. Rider

Counselor Request Form


Jessica Rider is the counselor for the entire 8th grade and 7th grade students whose last names begin with M-Z. 

 

She is the Special Education Liaison and contact person for Scholars Academy and Sketches applications.

Mrs. Rider is new to the Woodruff Middle School faculty and to the district this school year: 2020-2021.  Prior to moving to the upstate, Mrs. Rider lived in Spain and in Trinidad, WI with her parents who are missionaries.  In college, she earned a B.S. in Psychology from USC and then a master’s degree in both Christian Education from Erskine in 2000 and School Counseling from Gardner-Webb University in 2020.  Mrs. Rider currently lives in Spartanburg with her husband, Chris, and their three children, Jonathan, Nicholas, and Laurie Grace.  Running, singing, and helping others are three of Mrs. Rider’s passions.

“I am excited to be a part of WMS and Spartanburg school district 4!  I want to help my students realize their potential and see what incredible people they can become with hard work and dedication.”


For Parents

How Can the Guidance Department  Help?

Local and State Resources for Parents

A Parent's Guide to Facebook

Counseling Resources for Parents

Helping Agencies and Resources of Spartanburg County

Resources for Tutoring and Academic Assistance

A Parent’s Quick Resource Guide to Teen Issues

PSAT Information

Career Development

SCOIS

Know it All (Career Aisle)

Exploring Careers

S.C. Regional Education Center

 
Facilitator:

Duane Thompson