Last week, during National School Counseling Week, we sat down with the counselors across our campuses to get some insight into how they amplify student success here at West Orange-Cove CISD. They work every day to ensure students have the resources they need to succeed. They are a compassionate ally, helping students overcome the academic and emotional challenges they face both in and out of the classroom.
A Head Start at NELC
At North Early Learning Center, we talked with Julie Allensworth, M. Ed., the Mental Health/Disabilities Manager/Counselor (better known as Mrs. Julie to most), and Leslie Valentine, M. Ed. LPC, the Mental Health Consultant at NELC, about what they do to amplify the success of students.
“We invest in the parents. That’s something we do very well. We try to tackle the issues here at school, but also incorporate the parents when it comes to doing a treatment plan,” Valentine said. Mrs. Julie continued, “We work with the kids and the teachers to get these social and emotional skills and carry them over into kindergarten. That helps with their success.”
Awareness and early intervention can get students started on the right track, which will serve them as they grow into adolescence and beyond. “I like to think we’re planting seeds in them early to build their confidence. Their self-assurance that they’re good people, good humans. They can do good things. They’re smart and are able to do whatever they set their mind to,” Valentine said.
And it all starts with ensuring students have the proper resources, like adequate nutrition and rest, as a baseline for their educational journey. “We make sure that children are getting their basic needs met, going back to the families and making sure that they have all the stuff they need to kind of set that foundation for success,” Mrs. Julie added.
A Continuing Education at the E
The focus on students was echoed by Darcus Cook, M. Ed., the 3rd-5th grade counselor at West Orange-Stark Elementary. “No matter what I have going on, the students come first. I could be doing paperwork, it doesn’t matter; if a student comes to my office, I stop what I’m doing and tend to them.”
“They know that they can always come talk to me about anything. Whenever they come to my office, they’re not in trouble; they’re here to talk. Tell me what’s going on. Tell me about their feelings.”
Dr. Crystal Tucker, the K-2nd grade counselor, agrees. “Whatever I’m doing is not more important than the teacher or the student. And they know that.” She listed several attributes she considers key to her role: “I amplify student success by being present, by being transparent, and by being vulnerable and compassionate to the needs of both our students and our staff.”
She sees school counseling as part of students' social and emotional education, something they take from school and carry with them for life. “I’m a firm believer that what you put in is what you get out. So what you pour into a kid is what you want to see and cultivate later on down the line. I’m grateful for that.”
Growing Up at WOSMS
Iberia Smith, M. Ed., the school counselor at West Orange-Stark Middle School, helps students as they make yet another transition in their academic career. “They come to us as children and then morph into teenagers. It’s [a school counselor’s] job to help them grow and mature into young adults.”
Whether they need a friendly ear or a push of motivation, she’s there to help. “If they feel like they’re not being challenged, I am encouraging and very patient with them as far as helping them to gain the elements they need for success.”
She notes that a student's emotional well-being has a big impact on their academic work.
“It’s important to let the student come up with what their feelings are, instead of assuming that they should feel a certain way […] It’s very interesting, and I love it. I enjoy it. I have patience with the kids, and that’s one thing that’s very important to have.”
Eyes on the Future at WOSHS
At West Orange-Stark High School, the aim shifts to preparing students for what comes after they graduate. Janee Alcodray, MS Ed., and Erin Tarver, M. Ed., LPCA, the counselors at WOSHS, have a clear passion for their students' success.
“We try to tie their career goals into what we offer here on campus. And in their senior year, getting them into college or connected with industrial partners, community partners, or whatever they plan to do after high school,” noted Alcodray. “We match them with the best fit to make sure they’re successful once they walk across that stage,” added Tarver.
They’re in the midst of scholarship season, helping students to best realize the opportunities available to them. “We also scheduled college visits so they can see if it’s somewhere they can see themselves or not see themselves- to find a good fit for them in the future.“
They see their impact in several ways, from both current and former students.
“Whenever they get their acceptance letters from colleges, they come to us, and they’re super excited! They’re like, ‘Look! I got into this school and that school,’ and it’s really fun to see their excitement.” Tarver said. “I get out my pom-poms. I do a little cheer for them. I make it a big deal!” added Alcodray.
Tarver concludes, “I think the most rewarding thing is after they come back to the homecoming game, or we go on a college visit and see them on campus. Really seeing them step into whatever their goal was. They’ll say, ‘I’m at such-and-such college, and it’s nothing like high school, but I’m having so much fun.’ And you know that’s very rewarding, that the hard work we’re doing daily is paying off in the long run.”
We are thankful to all of our school counselors for their tireless dedication to the students and staff of WOCCISD. They are an invaluable resource for the district that massively amplifies the success of all of our Mustangs.