National School Counseling Week features mentors, guides for students

These Madison City Schools students probably are thinking, “We think our counselors are super.” (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – National School Counseling Week on Feb. 3-7 draws attention to people who guide students to better possibilities.

The American School Counselor Association sponsors the observance “to highlight tremendous impact counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career,” Mill Creek Elementary School counselor Cindy Davis said.

For counseling week, Davis will use the theme “I’m so lucky to be your school counselor.”

Patti Bill transitioned from fifth-grade teacher to counselor at Horizon Elementary School “to help students be their best person, not only in academics but in social and emotional development as well. Unfortunately, many times we focus on negative aspects of a student’s life, but that’s overshadowed when we brighten the outlook for any child.”

For 10 years, Patty Piro taught science at Bob Jones High School. “I wanted to add another career option to my resume. The best part of my degree program at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh was the 900-hour internship in community, addiction and personal counseling,” Piro said.

Becky Thompson at Rainbow Elementary School said counselors improve school life as the students’ advocate. Counselors “look out for the child’s best interest, not only in academics but being well-rounded individuals.”

A counselor doesn’t administer punishment, Bill said. “Students feel a sense of safety with me (for) guidance with a problem or just a listening ear. I’m a ‘toolbox’ for many of life’s situations and try daily to give students what they need to be a well-balanced person.”

“Smiles, hugs and greetings are often the best measure” of success, Bill said.

“Some students return to share their experiences, but most move on. We don’t know much about their lives. (Counselors) may never really know what impact we have in their lives,” Piro said.

Other Madison counselors are Stephanie Allen, West Madison; Johnny Fowler, Pam Hendrix and Sheila Roberts, Bob Jones; Joy Barnes, Madison; Cindy Perry, Columbia; Heather Porter, Roslyn Smith, George Cruz and Lana Meskunas, James Clemens; Karen Clayton, Liberty; Kellen Conaway, Heritage; and Kelle Moody, Discovery.