Sponsored by the American School Counselor Association, National School Counseling Week, (NSCW)Â highlights the tremendous impact that school counselors have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. It is always celebrated during the first full week in February.
HCPS takes this week to honor, celebrate, and thank the 35 school counselors within our District who play pivotal and skilled roles in supporting students from kindergarten through high school.
Each day we are featuring one of our school counselors as they share a few timely and relevant topics: mental health, student attendance, crisis, and this year’s NSCW theme, “School Counselors: Helping Students Dream Big.”
Mental Health with Rachel Malmgren, a school counselor at Glenn C. Marlow Elementary:
How do school counselors help students manage their mental health? What are the signs that an elementary age student is well?
“One of the most important things a school counselor does for their students’ mental health is to provide consistent, positive connection and radical hope for their success. When my students feel seen, heard, believed and cared for at school, they are more mentally and emotionally available to learn all of the great things they learn in school every day! School counselors also are crucial partners with our mental health agencies across the county. We know when to make a mental health referral for ongoing therapy or crisis support, and work hard to connect families to the resources they need. Sometimes it can be hard for caregivers to know when their child needs extra mental health support. If their child is sleeping well at night, has at least one positive connection with a peer or adult in their life, is eating well, and is able to share their feelings with safe and trusted loved ones these are all signs that the child is healthy, happy, and secure.”
How have you seen perceptions about School Counseling evolve in recent years?
“Now more than ever, school counselors play such an important role in supporting a safe and positive school culture for all students. Since I have been working as a school counselor, I have seen students and staff embrace my role with curiosity and gratitude. Our students are having more conversations about emotional well being, finding hope through tough experiences, and feel comfortable advocating for their needs. School counselors have such a comprehensive role in a school, and my hope is that our students and staff feel safe reaching out for support when they need it.”
How do counselors work with school staff and teachers in developing key skills or signs to be aware of in identifying a student who may need help and support?
“As a school counselor, I am in constant conversation with our school staff and teachers on how to support the well-being of our students. Teachers and staff are so in-tune with our students and their needs, and are often the first people to hear and respond to student concerns. Our teachers know how to recognize those small changes in student habits or behavior that signal that something may not be right, and through student support meetings we will collaborate on ways to connect students to the support they need. I work closely with teachers to support them through those moments, from providing a listening ear on the tough days to collaborating on creative interventions to increase student success. Although we may not always be able to solve every problem, our students know we are a team, and that above all else, we will work together endlessly to support them!”
