Back-to-School

Introduce Families to the Counseling Office Before the School Year Begins

Dr. Kara Stern
2 min read
Meet the Couselors newsletter template.

As the new school year approaches, it’s essential to introduce families to your school’s counseling staff. One effective way to do this is by sending a Meet the Counselors newsletter before the first day of school. Establishing early connections helps families understand the support available for their children, making it easier for them to access resources when needed.

Why Send a Counseling Office Introduction?

Not all parents are familiar with the services your school offers, and many may not know how to reach out for support. A Meet the Counselors newsletter provides a welcoming introduction to your team and ensures families feel comfortable seeking help. Here’s how to create an informative and engaging newsletter:

1. Introductions

Start by introducing each member of your counseling team. Include:

For millennial and Gen Z parents, a visual reference and the option to contact counselors via email or text are particularly helpful. This establishes trust and encourages open communication.

A photo of each counselor, their contact information, and a brief description of the services they provide.

2. Logistics

Clearly outline the logistics of accessing the counseling office, including:

  • Drop-in hours and how to schedule an appointment.
  • Make it simple for parents to guide their children to the guidance office by including links, screenshots, or visual aids showing where and how to make appointments.

3. Add Resources

Your counseling office likely offers multiple services—from academic and college counseling to mental health and learning support. Create a section for each service, and provide additional resources, such as:

  • Mental health guides
  • College preparation materials
  • Learning support tips

These resources help families better understand the variety of services available and encourage them to seek out support when needed.

Get Started Now

Sending out this information before school starts helps families feel comfortable and confident in accessing the support their children may need. You can get started with a customizable template to introduce your counseling team in just a few clicks!

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Dr. Kara Stern

Dr. Kara Stern began her career as an ELA teacher, then shifted into administration as a middle school principal. Dr. Stern is a fervent advocate for equitable communication and family engagement. She spent five years as Executive Director at Math for America, where she designed the professional learning community that exists to this day. An unexpected move to Tel Aviv launched her into the world of EdTech where she became the Director of Education Content for Smore and then the Head of Education Solutions at SchoolStatus. Outside of work, she indulges her love for reading, devouring two novels weekly, with a particular fondness for heists and spy stories.

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