Special Week Honors School Counselors

Feb. 6, 2012 ~ Sunnyside Elementary School has a special connection to National School Counseling Week, Feb. 6-10. School counselor, Marvalee Collins, is president of the Kansas School Counselor Association.

School counselors, depending on the grade levels they assist, may be a student's confidant, tackle social issues such as bullying, or help a student plan his or her academic schedule based on career interests.

"Elementary school counselors truly provide a solid foundation for students through the services and resources of the school counseling program," Collins said.

The elementary school counselors' web page on this site provides parents with an overview of a counselor's qualifications and the varied counseling curriculum.

School counselors help students with personal and social, academic, and career development. This includes:

• Friendship and bully prevention,
• Goal-setting and decision-making activities,
• Career exploration and awareness,
• Problem solving and conflict resolution,
• Organizational and test-taking skills,
• Crisis intervention and many other topics.

Angie Salava, lead counselor at Olathe Northwest High School, said her colleagues also provide counseling for post-secondary planning. This may include providing college and scholarship assistance, helping with students' schedules, educating students on post-secondary opportunities, and referring students and families to community resources.

"School counselors at all levels provide a comprehensive counseling curriculum in classroom, group and individual settings," she said. "We also consult with teachers, parents and community members to help develop successful students who are prepared for their future."

"School counselors work with students in developing character skills that help them achieve success in school and life," Collins said. "The character education emphasis also contributes to a positive, safe learning environment for all."

	Sunnyside Elementary School counselor, Marvalee Collins, talks with students about bullying and asks for their input on the discussion.
	Sunnyside students study the three R’s of bullying: recognizing the signs, refusing to take part in bullying, and reporting bullying incidents. Photos by Marlene Colgan
	Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclamation announcing that Feb. 6-10 is National School Counseling Week. Sunnyside counselor Marvalee Collins and four students witnessed the signing of the proclamation. Submitted photo