Rockwood Celebrates National School Counseling Week, Feb. 3-7
The week of Feb. 3-7, 2025, is National School Counseling Week, an opportunity to celebrate the unique contribution of professional school counselors within U.S. school systems.
In the Rockwood School District, our more than 60 school counselors utilize a comprehensive developmental approach to address the academic, personal/interpersonal, career exploration and post-secondary planning of every Rockwood student, from kindergarten through graduation.
This week, we recognize our school counselors, who play a vital part of the educational process for all students as they meet the challenges of the 21st century. The theme of this year's School Counseling Week is Helping Students Thrive.
“I deeply appreciate our school counselors for their dedication as advocates, collaborators and leaders committed to removing barriers to learning," said Matt Berry, Rockwood coordinator of K-12 school counseling. "During National School Counseling Week, I want to express my gratitude to each of them for their invaluable role in helping our students thrive."
Hear from three Rockwood school counselors on how they ensure students at their school are successful.
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Morgen Evola
School: Eureka Elementary
Number of Years in Rockwood: 3 (all as a counselor at Eureka Elementary)
How do you ensure the students at your school thrive?
"At Eureka Elementary, I am lucky to work with the very best teachers, administration and staff, who all work incredibly hard to provide love, support and an education to our students.
"Between their help and the help of our parents and community members, it makes my job fun and much easier to ensure ALL students at Eureka Elementary thrive. Whether I am in the classroom teaching lessons, leading a small group or working with students one on one, I do my best to teach every student coping skills, empathy and how to honor both their own dignity as well as the dignity of others.
"I believe that elementary school is the foundation for our student's success, and providing them with the tools they need to be a great learner and a great friend are important skills they will carry through their school career and beyond."
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Josh Van Essen
School: Crestview Middle
Number of Years in Rockwood: 2 (all as a counselor at Crestview)
How do you ensure the students at your school thrive?
"At Crestview, we cultivate safe spaces and build the strong relationships students need to develop emotional regulation throughout the school day.
"While this foundation is crucial, it's just one facet of our comprehensive approach to student success. We meticulously track academic progress, advocate for individual student needs, and facilitate evidence-based small groups focusing on essential skills like effective study habits, navigating diverse social contexts and self-empowerment. Recognizing the importance of wraparound support, we've established many connections with counselors, tutors and medical professionals within the community. We guide students as they map out their academic journey, not only for the current year but also as they begin planning their high school coursework.
"Furthermore, we expose students to a wide range of career opportunities, helping them explore potential paths and understand the steps needed to achieve their goals. Whether celebrating triumphs or navigating challenges, we stand alongside our students, providing consistent support and encouragement every step of the way."
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Heather Chamberlain
School: Lafayette High
Number of Years in Rockwood: 16 (eight as a middle/high school counselor)
How do you ensure the students at your school thrive?
"At one point when I was a teacher at Crestview Middle, we were asked to post a quote outside our classroom that meant something to us as teachers, and the one I posted is still relevant to my position now as a school counselor: 'My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.'
"Maya Angelou’s quote about living life with purpose and positivity is something all counselors at Lafayette are constantly encouraging and reminding our students. Find your purpose. Set goals and boundaries. Reach out for support and ask for help. Our role is to advocate for students’ social, emotional and academic success and to make sure they know they aren’t in it alone.
"At Lafayette, we work with the whole student to make sure they thrive, and that’s what I love about working at LHS!"
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