When Kasey Wierzbicki was in high school, school counselors predominantly focused on ensuring students had enough class credits for graduation and submitted college applications.
Now, the role of school counselors has shifted to focus on the needs of the whole child. Our district focuses on supporting students' social-emotional growth as well as career and academic planning.
The week of Feb. 7-11, 2022, is known as National School Counseling Week, a time for counselors to advocate for their profession and help people understand how vital they are to our school system. It's also a time to thank them for their selfless service to our staff, students, and families.
Wierzbicki has been the Middle School Counselor at Kromrey for almost two years. She says students at the middle school level are going through many changes, and families can always reach out to them if they need additional support.
"We're a one-stop-shop for both parents and students," said Wierzbicki. "Parents can always reach out if they need help brainstorming on ways we can help support their children."
Our counselors also think outside the box and add additional resources as needed.
"Something new for us this year is that we have a mental health provider, that's a therapist here at school that is dedicated to helping about 15 students that she sees weekly," she said.
Wierzbicki feels proud to work for such a supportive school district that embraces her ideas and values diversity.