Friday Message
February 3, 2023 Issue 12 Vol. 3
Education Matters
With National School Counseling Week coming up next week (February 6 – 10) this seemed the ideal time to share the role and impact of our school/guidance counselors at TCSC.
We are fortunate to have five school/guidance counselors, one guidance support staff, and one school psychologist serving TCSC. Rachele Carter (TES), Cliff Hackman (TMS), Carrie Capshaw, Telisha Glassburn (THS), Christine Nichols, and support staff, Adele Wright (THS). Kathy Roberts is the school psychologist who supports all schools on our campus.
Our counselors serve the entire student population, providing a broad range of age-appropriate services and support in the areas of academic achievement, career development, and social/emotional needs. They connect and communicate with those in the student’s circle, including teachers, parents, administrators and, at times, outside support services.
In addition, they help reduce obstacles preventing students from reaching their potential. They help arm students with the skills, strategies, and support they need to build the foundation for a successful and productive life throughout their primary and secondary journey here and beyond. They listen. They teach. They advocate. They care. They are a trusted resource. They support students holistically in ways that no one else can and do more for students and their families than most people realize. Their positive impact can be lifesaving, life-sustaining, and life-changing.
Our school/guidance counselors also work with our teachers, administrators, and parents to help students improve their classroom performance by helping to foster foundational skills, build healthy habits, address classroom-related problems, academic placement, achievement and/or scheduling. Our counselors are also trained to support students who are struggling with personal issues, such as peer pressure, self-esteem, stress and anxiety, relationships, loss, and separation and/or transitions to the next grade level.
Our school psychologist serves students who have specific social-emotional-behavioral needs and/or medical diagnoses that hold them back from learning. The psychologist can administer psychological testing, develop individualized education plans (IEPs), help with learning strategies, consult, and collaborate with parents and school staff for the best pathway to achievement and success.
Our district plays a critical role in ensuring our student’s academic, social, emotional, and mental health needs are met. For students to be successful in school and beyond, they need to know how to care for their overall wellbeing, and we are committed to educating and supporting students in this area.
Our counselors are available and accessible in each school building for students and their families to connect. Any student or family member who needs support for themselves or someone else should reach out first to the student’s designated school counselor. Contact information is located on the district website at www.tcsc.k12.in.us.
