Celebrating National School Counselor Week
In honor of National School Counselor Week this week, Feb. 2-6, Springfield Public Schools shines a light on the incredible work being done by counselors at all levels of public education.
SPS counselors prepare students for their future by engaging in social-emotional learning to equip students to face life’s challenges. Whether a student arrives at school prepared to take on the day or in tears because life is not going the way they hoped, the school counselor is there to advocate for all students and equip them with the skills they need to reach their highest potential.
“I love that as a school counselor I get to support students in their academic journey by helping them set goals for the future, develop life skills and support students as they problem solve,” said Hollie Sykes, school counselor at McGregor Elementary School. “School counselors are important because we help students feel seen, loved and accepted. We help students navigate life’s challenges and help make a positive impact in the lives of students and families.”
From the very start of their school experience, SPS counselors are supporting, aiding and amplifying students’ success. In early childhood centers, students are just beginning to learn what it means to be in a school building. Counselors are an integral part of guiding them through this new stage of life.
“I chose to become an early childhood school counselor because I believe early experiences matter,” said Katie McCormick, school counselor at Fulbright Early Childhood Center. “Supporting students and families early — especially with big feelings, friendships and school routines — can shape a child’s entire school experience in a positive way.”
As students learn and grow, the school counselor is still there to help them discover who they are and what they love. When students arrive in middle school, the counselor is there to help them pick new classes and explore new subjects as they take a more active role in directing their education. Then when it’s time to think about life outside of SPS, high school counselors are there to guide them through their post-secondary school options and provide relevant academic planning to empower students to achieve life-long personal and career goals.
“We strive for students to leave high school not just with a plan, but with the belief that they can handle anything that comes next,” said Rebekah Bartels, school counselor at Central High School.
The below photos show the counseling team at Central helping students with schedules, Pipkin Middle School Counselor Ashley Hawkins talking with a class about scheduling, Sykes helping an overwhelmed student and assisting with a class's treasure hunt around the school and McCormick welcoming students on a Monday morning with her Conscious Discipline apron that shows students options for what kind of greeting they would like.
