This is National School Counseling Week, designated to honor school counselors who contribute greatly to help students as they meet the challenges of the 21st Century. In acknowledging their importance, District 55 Superintendent, Dr. Stephen Peters, said “School counselors help steer students as they examine their abilities, strengths, and talents. School counselors serve in partnership with parents as they encounter various situations associated with raising children in today’s world.” Peters added, “School counselors work with teachers and other educators to provide an educational program where students can realize their potential and set healthy, realistic, and optimistic aspirations.” Dr. Peters said that school counselors are an integral part of the total education system in District 55.
The sixteen school counselors on staff across District 55 schools include Sarah Wicker at Ford Elementary School, Karen Abell of E.B. Morse Elementary School, Terri Ivie for Waterloo Elementary School and Mandy Tumblin in Laurens Elementary School. Angie Bigham and Chris Hughes work with students of Gray Court-Owings School, while Andrea Parsons and Cindy Godwin serve the elementary & middle school students in Hickory Tavern School. Melissa McDowell is counselor for Sanders Middle School and Lisa Laird serves Laurens Middle School. Laurens District 55 High School student counselors are Yoneko Allen, Shayla Broadnax, Chrys Hill, Josh Dawkins, and Regina Childers. Working with students at Laurens Preparatory Academy is Shana Dendy.
The American School Counselor Association designated National School Counseling Week for 2018 as February 5th thru 9th.
