President's Letter: On the Journey Together

Welcome to the Kansas School Counselor Association (KSCA) family! My name is Chelcie Heitman and I’m proud to serve as your 2024–2025 KSCA president. Whether you're a new member or a returning friend, we are thrilled to have you join us on this journey of advocating for the vital role of school counselors and nurturing meaningful connections across our state.
 

Our Goals: Advocacy and Connection

At KSCA, we are driven by two primary goals: advocating for the crucial role of school counselors and fostering connections that empower student success. Each of you plays a vital part in achieving these goals through your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the students of Kansas.
 

Advocacy: Amplifying Your Voice

As school counselors, you are advocates for students' academic achievement, social/emotional well-being and future success. Together, we amplify our collective voice to advocate for policies and resources that support comprehensive school counseling programs. Through advocacy, we ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive.
 

Collaboration: Building Stronger Connections

Building connections is at the heart of what we do. Whether it's networking with fellow counselors, forging partnerships with educators, collaborating with parents or engaging with community stakeholders, these relationships are the cornerstone of effective school counseling. Through KSCA, we create a supportive network that fosters student growth and achievement.
 

Upcoming Opportunities

1. Annual KSCA Conference: Save the date! Our annual KSCA Conference will be held at Fort Hays State University on May 27, 2025.
2. KSCA Member Grade Level Meetups: Stay tuned for grade-level-specific networking events designed to connect you with fellow counselors, share best practices and build a supportive community of professionals dedicated to student success.
3. Advocacy: We'll provide updates on legislative developments and opportunities for you to get involved in advocating for the role of a school counselor. Plan to attend School Mental Health Advocacy Day in late January/February. More information will be provided as we get closer to the event.  

Get Involved

Your involvement is key to the success of our association. Whether you join a committee, attend events or contribute your ideas, your participation strengthens our collective efforts to advocate for students and promote professional excellence in school counseling. Want to get involved? Contact Melanie Scott at melanie@kansasschoolcounselor.org.
 

Stay Connected

Connect with us on social media:

• Facebook: Kansas School Counselor Association
• X/Twitter: @KSCA_tweets

Visit our website for resources and updates, and engage with fellow members. Together, we can continue to advocate, connect and inspire excellence in school counseling across Kansas.
 
Thank you for your dedication to the students of Kansas. Your passion and commitment are what make KSCA a vibrant and supportive community. We look forward to embarking on this journey with you and we wish you a wonderful school year!

Contact Chelcie Heitman, school counselor St. Mary’s Jr. Sr. High School and Kansas School Counselor Association president, at chelcie@kansasschoolcounselor.org.