It is quite impressive to imagine all of the individuals who support the academic development of our students. Center our counselors in this discussion as well! They support our Section 504 Plans, Circles of Support process where we work to learn more about how a student accesses school and support through interventions to allow students to reach their promise. Our counselors also support the academic self-concept and growth mindset of our students. Here are a couple of thoughts from our team:

• We help students reach their potential, even when they cannot see it themselves

• We support students to realize the role of positive self-talk

• We really listen and help students be seen and heard

In creating the most thoughtful people for the world, our team supports our students in building career development skills. Our counselors meet with individual students, groups and classes to learn, explore and set goals for the future. Whether using Naviance, supporting the development of school skills, our team holds the student’s connection and experience at the forefront. Last year Michael Garcia secured a virtual interview with a science engineer to share with our students at Boones Ferry, building this idea of exploration, potential and self-concept from a young age. At middle school and high school our students have gone on visits or benefited from guest speakers. This work helps students create a self-concept of themselves with potential, capacity and options.

This team exemplifies this last area of development in so many capacities. To become the greatest people and most thoughtful thinkers for the world, our team provides resources, connects students with additional supports, collaborates with families, teachers and the community, provides individual, small group and whole class instruction. Carmen Ryan, School Counselor at Lowrie, meets with families, including sharing and lifting the work at PTA sessions!

Our counselors use data from Panorama with school outcome data to drive supports and interventions. They attend to a student’s sense of belonging and take action. This team implements Second Steps, participates on Flight Team responses, supports Sources of Strength, and daily engages in meaningful restorative conversations.

Our team describes some of this work:

• We hold each child to their highest potential with hope and love

• We support teachers to utilize concepts of trauma informed care while supporting students with challenging behaviors

• We take the thoughtful time to focus on care, connection and community. When student's (and teachers) feel safe, loved, and cared for they are able to bring their best selves with them to school.

Throughout this week, join me in celebrating the integral role that our school counselors provide to support our students reach their potential through academic, career and social emotional development. Thank you for supporting this team and lifting their work for students and our community.

Thank you to those that have already expressed interest in supporting this great work for students!

We are planning for Recovery Services and we want to recruit you! We are recruiting paraedcuators for after school opportunities 1-2 times per week during the school year AND we are recruiting - Paraedcuators, learning specialists, Motor Team, SLPs, ICs - for a robust summer program. If you are potentially interested in supporting the summer program, let us know and we will keep you in the loop. Indicating yes is not a commitment, but a potential interest! Click on this link or the form below to express interest!