Practical Suggestions for a Successful Start

Welcome to the start of another school year! As school counselors, we and all educators have faced unprecedented challenges these past few years. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have changed the landscape in which all of us have approached our school counseling programs, and that is hard work. As I think about the beginning of our fourth school year amid this pandemic, I want to go back to basics. Here are a few tips for having a practical yet meaningful approach to your school counseling program.

1. Connections
We became school counselors because in some way, we want to make positive connections with students. Our students are at the core of our mission and vision so start the year with making connections with all (or as many as possible). This can be done with something as simple as introducing yourself to classrooms, completely a classroom lesson on “Getting to Know Your School Counselor,” and being present in the halls as students arrive in the morning and leave at the end of the day. Other ideas – that may take a little more planning time but can have lasting positive impact – are holding minute meetings with all students (also a great way to collect data for groups!), writing welcome notes to students who are new to your district, and making connections with students who were chronically absent the year before.

As you begin to know students, continue with this idea of connection and build that with families as well. We work together as a team and having those positive connections at home will really highlight how much you support your students when they can see you working collaboratively with their whole team. Connection goes beyond just you connecting with your students; it is also important to connect with other school counseling professionals. MESCA is here for you and it is our goal to support and advocate for school counselors across Maine just as much as for the students of Maine. Follow us on social media, check in to our website for upcoming events or email any one of our enthusiastic Board members with questions anytime.
 
2. “Don’t re-invent the wheel”
I had to put that in quotes because I always remember my college professor sharing this advice with me, and yep, he was right! “Don’t reinvent the wheel” is a reminder that whether you are a veteran school counselor, first-year school counselor or somewhere in between, you do not need to come up with the fanciest bulletin board, classroom lesson or new teambuilding game all on your own. Use what has worked in the past, and if you feel that it’s getting outdated and needs a refresh, add a new book to a classroom lesson or new craft to an activity that will deliver the same learning target. If this is your first year, the ASCA National Model is your guide! This is also where I remind you that connection is important. Stay connected with other school counselors in your district and within the MESCA organization to give you inspiration and to share ideas. We are all in this together and we all have strengths and wonderful ideas to share.

3. Goal Setting
Looking at the scope of an entire school year, school counselors put in a lot of work and connect with so many students. Set goals for your program and use data to show how your skills are supporting your students and the culture of your school community. As we transition into another school year, please keep these tips in mind. If all three are too much . . . that’s OK! I would recommend staying focused on #1: Connections, and everything else will fall into place. Connect with your students and connect with other school counselors. The MESCA Board is looking forward to connecting with and supporting you this year!

Contact Jess Weatherbee, MESCA Board of Directors assistant chair, at jweatherbee@grsu14.org.