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School counselors make a difference

School counselors make a difference

School counselors have a tremendous impact in helping students achieve school success, plan for a career, and so much more. This week is National School Counseling Week, and we want to celebrate the work they do to know, value and support every child.

At Maple Lawn Elementary, Counselor Aubrie Merritt meets every week with the Restorative Practices Leadership Team, a group of 5th graders who support younger students with leadership skills and community building.

"Being a school counselor is a dream come true because I get to help the most amazing group of 5th graders be even more amazing leaders than they already are,” Aubrie said. "The 5th grade students who participate in Restorative Practices are learning how to hone their communication skills, solve problems effectively, and build and restore relationships across our school. I'm encouraged and hopeful for this generation of youth because I see so much empathy, determination, dedication, and pride in what they do. They truly make being a school counselor a dream!"

Today at Donald Eismann Elementary, Counselor Dani Steele taught a lesson on Kelso’s Choices, a conflict-management curriculum for elementary students that is based on the premise that every child is capable of becoming a peacemaker. It is designed around Kelso the Frog, who offers nine options students can choose from to resolve minor conflicts or small problems on their own.

“It’s about truly teaching the kids the skills to solve their own problems as well as giving them another trusted adult to look up to when they get to school,” Dani said. 

We also have teams of counselors supporting our students at middle and high schools. Students recognized their counselors with notes of encouragement and thanks this week.

In addition, our high school counselors shared how they help their students dream big: 

"I help my students dream big by ... helping students navigate any challenges they may face,” wrote Bonney Lake High School Counselor Kelly Speir. 

"My students help me dream big by ... dreaming big themselves!" wrote Sumner High School counselor Alec Simmons. 

Thank you to all our school counselors for their work!