https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5 In honor of national school counseling week, we are showcasing extraordinary school counselors across the state. Click each location icon to read about those being celebrated! Disclaimer: Please note that the padlet platform does not meet Virginia Department of Education's (VDOE) requirements for accessibility. School personnel are reminded to verify that any resource shared here is in compliance with their local policy prior to implementation. en-us 2022-02-03 20:57:49 UTC 2025-11-17 19:20:22 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f590.png sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028387849 Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Rostan have worked diligently to develop videos, lessons and classroom activities on the five core social emotional learning competencies for all students at Appomattox Primary School.  These counselors have identified an SEL trait to be highlighted each month and coordinated their videos, lessons and classroom activities to reinforce that trait.  
Additionally, these counselors have provided support, information and resources to staff who are struggling.  To help build staff morale and let teachers and staff know they are appreciated, Mrs. Allen and Mrs. Rostan have created and stocked a "sunshine cart" made up of items such as sodas, flavored waters, donuts, chips, candy etc. to spread some "sunshine" throughout the school.  They walk the hallways with their cart to distribute these treats and provide smiles and words of encouragement to the teachers and staff.]]> 2022-02-03 20:59:53 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028387849 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028389029 Mrs. Rostan and Mrs. Richardson have dedicated themselves to supporting the social and emotional growth and academic growth of all of the students at AES by creating lessons that are aligned with the SEL five core social and emotional learning competencies.  Mrs. Rostan and Mrs. Richardson have identified a trait that is featured each month and they have devised a variety of lessons and activities for the classroom that support that trait.  In addition to individual counseling,  Mrs. Rostan and Mrs. Richardson have developed several student support groups based on the needs of the students at the elementary school.
Teachers at AES are encouraged to reach out to the counseling department to refer a student to a group or to discuss the need for an additional group.  
These counselors have provided resources, information and support to staff who may be struggling.  Mrs. Rostan and Mrs. Richardson have worked to uplift teachers by creating a Sunshine Cart.  The cart is filled with treats, snacks and drinks and is a way to provide encouragement and bring a little extra joy to the teachers.  Mrs. Rostan and Mrs. Richardson are making a difference in the lives of the students and staff at AES. ]]> 2022-02-03 21:00:53 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028389029 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028389403 In the midst of a lot of stress and anxiety, so many of our students are accessing counseling services.  To meet this need Hanover High School has invested in a calming room, a wellness pod (Hawk's Nest) and have a certified therapy dog on site, Riley Kensington!  With a recent student death, it was a true comfort and support to students to have all of these resources available to them. ]]> 2022-02-03 21:01:14 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028389403 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028390090 Mrs. Harris demonstrates excellence as an elementary school counselor. She is committed to delivering comprehensive school counseling services that empower students at Bellevue Elementary. Mrs. Harris works hard to advocate for her students, promote equity, and provide access to mental health resources. She also creates meaningful relationships with students, family members, and community members. Mrs. Harris is an experienced, compassionate, and dedicated school leader. ]]> 2022-02-03 21:01:45 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028390090 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028391344 Clif puts students first at all times in his decision-making.  Additionally, Clif prides himself on building relationships with all students, families, and community members in the Campbell Court Elementary School zone. Additionally, Clif is a member of the SEL Taskforce (a group of various individuals from around the division working on best-practices related to strategic implementation of SEL strategies in the division).  ]]> 2022-02-03 21:02:49 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028391344 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028392231 Brie Griffin, Ricky Coston, Dylan Barton are collectively known as BRD, this group of counselors have such a positive impact on our littlest (students) and biggest (staff) Manassas Park Cougars! BRD continues to keep our SEL district focus alive in our elementary classrooms by spreading the importance of SEL to our staff as well as modeling emotional wellness in ourselves. As part of the SEL and counseling team, they are leaders in bringing resources to the table and ideas on how to engage staff. Most importantly, however, is the work and advocacy they do daily for the students and families of Manassas Park. The individual connections and relationships they make with students is truly the best I have seen! The BRD unit is a Difference Maker!]]> 2022-02-03 21:03:36 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028392231 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028392721 Mrs. Clements has put the social emotional needs of students, families, and staff at the forefront this year, doing everything to create a "village". She makes herself visible each morning to all parents in students in the drop off lines at school so that she can monitor the emotions of students before they enter the building, providing a complement to EVERY single student as the enter the building so that their days will start off positively. The has collaborated with the school social worker to create a number of small groups to help students overcome obstacles. She does morning check ins with select students to complete an Emotions check-in and share 2 examples of how they can have an awesome day. Each classroom guidance lesson includes a social emotional tool. For the parents, Mrs. Clements began the "We Are The Village Initiative" that allows parents to come together to identify how she can best support the parents as they support their child's success. She also began an initiative with a business partner, the local McDonald's, to have Family/McTeacher Nights, where the McDonald's opens their doors to the parents and students of her school, provide activities for them to do together, and allows the school faculty and staff to serve the families. She also began family outdoor movie nights. Mrs. Clements has also created a Parent Social Media Site that provides tips that cover SEL competencies. Every morning, Mrs. Clements leads every student with the school cheer to promote and apply positive self talk. Everything that Mrs. Clements is doing for her building, students and staff is what creates the successful and positive school climate of her "village" and helps lessen student and parent anxiety about school and the pandemic and promotes skills that will undoubtedly contribute to successful learning outcomes as well as student SEL outcomes. ]]> 2022-02-03 21:03:59 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028392721 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028393112 During the start of the pandemic, Kelly Morgan took it upon herself to contact local grocery stores and start a mini-food bank out of her garage. She delivered food and donations to families that had fallen on hard times due to the pandemic. Kelly is a superb school counselor. She comes in early and stays late just about everyday to ensure that her students have what they need in and outside of the classroom. She doesn't do it for acknowledgement or praise, she simply does it because it needs to be done. This year Kelly helped organize the 3rd Annual Oscar Smith High School Tiger Trot 5K, which raises money for families in need at the school. Kelly Morgan has a heart of pure gold and Oscar Smith High School is very lucky to have her.]]> 2022-02-03 21:04:21 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028393112 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028393673 Robin Schenck is a true difference maker in Prince William County Schools. She is a leader among her elementary school counselor colleagues, serving as a regional cohort leader, a mentor, and a critical incident team lead. Robin recently presented to new school counseling professionals on techniques and resources to engage students in counseling classroom instruction. Robin's greatest strength is her creativity; she thinks outside the box to deliver counseling services in ways that support the whole school community. Robin continues to blend educational standards from different disciplines in her sponsorship of student leadership organizations. Under her leadership, the student council studies and incorporates kindness, mindfulness, diversity, college/career readiness, civics, science (environmental studies), and more. Robin Schenck makes a difference in the lives of her students, staff, counseling colleagues, and beyond. We are so lucky to have her in Prince William County Schools!]]> 2022-02-03 21:04:51 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028393673 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028394864 Ms. Wiredu is a strong supportive school counselor. She is always at the ready when supporting her team, and those new counselors in the district needing guidance. Within her department she creates a culture of care, and safety. Her students flock to her, and view her as someone they can trust and count on. She is also a champion at leading work with our school counseling mentor group for 2nd and 3rd year counselors. She works hard to ensure their needs are met, and that they are receiving ample resources. ]]> 2022-02-03 21:05:49 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028394864 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028395523 Mrs. Hull uses her knowledge of students’ unique backgrounds, experiences, and abilities to advocate on their behalf and guide impactful direct and indirect service delivery. She engages students in solution-focused counseling sessions that allow students to process academic and emotional ideas, while supporting the educational environment. She utilizes reality therapy techniques, along with strong empathy and listening skills, to help students problem-solve difficult and, oftentimes, anxiety-provoking situations. Mrs. Hull can effectively navigate difficult topics in order to best support students.]]> 2022-02-03 21:06:19 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028395523 sarah_bazemore1 https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028396278 Mrs. Tarri Jones has been a School Counselor for many years, but is in her first year as a high School Counselor this year. Mrs. Jones is such a blessing through the social and emotional support that she offers both students and staff at Heritage High School. Tarri Jones wasted no time putting her school counseling skills into action following the critical incident that took place at Heritage at the beginning of the school year. Tarri Jones worked hand-in-hand with the Student Support Specialist in her building to promote help-seeking among the school community and provide a platform for students to gather, to give, and receive support as they managed and expressed the tough feelings surrounding the critical incident that occurred. Mrs. Jones' work, along with the Student Support Specialist, provides a safe and nurturing environment where students can heal through dialogue, journaling, painting, and other activities. Mrs. Jones' collaborative counseling work promotes connectedness, support, and confidence in school as a safe place. Mrs. Jones teamed up with the NNPS Youth Development Department to make sure that it's not just souls that are fed--students also receive a tasty meal during the group meetings. Tarri Jones also seeks out other opportunities to serve the Heritage community, even volunteering to assist at student sporting events. Newport News Public Schools is so fortunate to have Mrs. Jones, a School Counselor who is devoted to building connections with students and the community. ]]> 2022-02-03 21:06:56 UTC https://padlet.com/sarah_bazemore1/SCHigh5/wish/2028396278