From the Chair: Making Magic at School
By Lisa Kilcourse | September 2024
Back-to-school season can bring many mixed feelings; school counselors experience emotions similar to those of our students and their families. The beauty of this profession is we get a fresh start in August/September. Not many employees in other lines of work can say the same. We can go into the new year with both joy and anxiety, but find ways to work through it.
Personally, I have always enjoyed the magic of Disney (here I am at the Dolphin hotel last April). Then, while working in an elementary school, I was reminded of how much I refer to it. Not just “Think happy thoughts!” (Peter Pan) but to connect with others and make school be a place of fun, inclusion and connection. This is important not just for our students, but also for our colleagues. It can be tough to ensure that “in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun” (Mary Poppins) but we can do our best, collaborate with colleagues, ask for help and check in on each other. There are many other ways to connect with others, not just from your school, but you can join your state association. In Connecticut, you can join CSCA or renew your membership. If you are already a member, check out your state association’s events – view CSCA’s events here. You can also follow our social media: Instagram and Facebook.
Connection is key, but so is being aware of ourselves. As educators, we work through our own feelings while helping our students work through theirs. Leaning in, and on, others can help us not only “just fly, soar” (Dumbo). When we work on ourselves we are able to help others. We also help others find their own strengths, knowing that “sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface" (Moana). This is what also makes our job unique. We can have a powerful impact on so many lives.
In the grand scheme of life, our students are only with us for a short period of time. We have the choice to make it a welcoming environment where they will find joy and connection walking away with “today’s special moments [being] tomorrow’s memories” (The Return of Jafar). It would be a great success if a student looks back and finds joy in their school year experience. We can’t do it all, but when in doubt “Hakuna Matata” (Lion King).
Have a magical year!
Lisa Kilcourse is an elementary school counselor in Newtown, Conn., and the chair of the Connecticut School Counselor Association board. Contact her at cscachairman@gmail.com.
Personally, I have always enjoyed the magic of Disney (here I am at the Dolphin hotel last April). Then, while working in an elementary school, I was reminded of how much I refer to it. Not just “Think happy thoughts!” (Peter Pan) but to connect with others and make school be a place of fun, inclusion and connection. This is important not just for our students, but also for our colleagues. It can be tough to ensure that “in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun” (Mary Poppins) but we can do our best, collaborate with colleagues, ask for help and check in on each other. There are many other ways to connect with others, not just from your school, but you can join your state association. In Connecticut, you can join CSCA or renew your membership. If you are already a member, check out your state association’s events – view CSCA’s events here. You can also follow our social media: Instagram and Facebook.Connection is key, but so is being aware of ourselves. As educators, we work through our own feelings while helping our students work through theirs. Leaning in, and on, others can help us not only “just fly, soar” (Dumbo). When we work on ourselves we are able to help others. We also help others find their own strengths, knowing that “sometimes our strengths lie beneath the surface" (Moana). This is what also makes our job unique. We can have a powerful impact on so many lives.
In the grand scheme of life, our students are only with us for a short period of time. We have the choice to make it a welcoming environment where they will find joy and connection walking away with “today’s special moments [being] tomorrow’s memories” (The Return of Jafar). It would be a great success if a student looks back and finds joy in their school year experience. We can’t do it all, but when in doubt “Hakuna Matata” (Lion King).
Have a magical year!
Lisa Kilcourse is an elementary school counselor in Newtown, Conn., and the chair of the Connecticut School Counselor Association board. Contact her at cscachairman@gmail.com.