National School Counseling Week 2022, “School Counseling: Better Together,” sponsored by the American School Counselor Association (ASCA), will be celebrated from Feb. 7–11, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems and how students are different as a result of what school counselors do. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career.
In Great Bend Public Schools, the continuum of support begins in the elementary setting with a Student and Family Advocate at each building and continues at the middle school and high school with School Counselors. As a student moves through their educational career, these professionals are present to support students’ social/emotional and academic needs.
“They are champions, advocates, and trusted advisors in our buildings,” said John Popp, assistant superintendent for USD 428. “They work in partnership with parents and also serve as a community connector for mental health services, medical services, and basic needs like food, shelter, and transportation.”
Popp explained that each day presents new challenges and new opportunities for these professionals as they focus on positive ways to engage with students. A closer look at each building and the various programs and supports provided illustrates the ability of each school counselor or student and family advocate to adapt and respond to the changing needs of their students.
“School counselors work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students’ academic concerns, postsecondary options and social/emotional skills,” said Jill Cook, ASCA executive director. “School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a much-needed resource for students, parents, teachers and administrators. School counselors are integral to student success.”
As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, USD 428 encourages the community to reach out and offer encouraging words to the counselors who serve Great Bend’s students.
Parents or community members with specific questions can contact individual school buildings or the District Education Center. General information can also be found at GreatBendSchools.net.
USD 428 School Counselors:
• Kathy Davis, Great Bend High School
• Kayla Meadows, Great Bend High School
• Rachel Thexton, Great Bend High School
• Sheryl Neeland, Great Bend Middle School
• Brian Williams, Great Bend Middle School
USD 428 Student and Family Advocates:
• Kelly McClure, Eisenhower Elementary
• Krystal Woodral, Jefferson Elementary
• Kylee Graves, Lincoln Elementary
• Alan Blessing, Park Elementary
• Michelle Daniel, Riley Elementary
About the American School Counselor Association
The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) promotes student success by expanding the image and influence of school counseling through leadership, advocacy, collaboration and systemic change. ASCA helps school counselors guide their students toward academic achievement, career planning and social/emotional development to help today’s students become tomorrow’s productive, contributing members of society. Founded in 1952, ASCA has a network of 50 state and territory associations and a membership of approximately 42,000 school counseling professionals. For additional information on the American School Counselor Association, visit www.schoolcounselor.org.
