Rev Up for the New School Year
By Lyndsey Brown, Ph.D., LPC | September 2024
School counselors play a crucial role in setting the tone for a successful and productive school year. A fresh start brings new opportunities to make a positive impact on students' lives and your school community.
Lyndsey Brown, Ph.D., LPC, is an assistant clinical professor and School Counseling Program chair at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. Contact her at lyndsey.brown@wichita.edu.
Connections and Culture First
Building a strong sense of community sets the foundation for every program and intervention we implement throughout the year. This approach ensures that everyone feels valued and supported, creating a positive and inclusive environment conducive to learning and growth.- Greet New Staff and Families
You are often the first point of contact for incoming families. It's essential that this initial interaction be welcoming and informative. Mailing new students a welcome postcard that introduces yourself, includes a photo and provides your contact information is a great way to make them feel at home. Similarly, welcoming new staff members sets a positive tone for the year. Make it a priority to stop by new teachers' classrooms to introduce yourself and learn about them. This personal touch can significantly impact their integration into the school community. - Minute Meetings
Intentional time spent with each student is crucial. Minute meetings are an effective way to quickly connect with students, gather foundational knowledge about them and identify those who may need additional support. These meetings can be conducted like dental or vision screenings, with each student coming out of the classroom one at a time to chat. Asking 3–5 targeted questions, such as "Who is an adult in school you feel connected to?" or "What is something you look forward to at school?" can provide valuable insights and help establish a rapport. - Face Time
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to connect with both students and staff is through visibility. Be present in the hallways to welcome kids in the morning, greet them during passing periods and make early visits to classrooms to introduce yourself. This consistent presence helps build familiarity and trust, reinforcing your role as a supportive and approachable figure within the school community.
Create a Data-Informed Roadmap
Analyzing data from the previous year identifies areas needing targeted support and intervention. This data-informed approach ensures counseling efforts are strategic and responsive to the specific needs of the student population. By examining chronic absence reports, office referrals, counseling office visits and academic achievement, we can pinpoint gaps and opportunities for preventative measures.- Previous Year Data and Needs Assessment
Reviewing data from previous years clarifies trends and areas requiring attention. Conducting a needs assessment early in the school year further refines our understanding of current student needs. Using these insights, we can create program goals that are both intentional and impactful. - Annual Calendar and Administrative Conference
Developing an annual calendar that highlights important dates and timelines keeps our goals and initiatives on track throughout the year. Completing an annual administrative conference with your building administrator is also vital for aligning your goals and strategies. This alignment ensures that everyone is working toward the same objectives, fostering a cohesive and unified approach to supporting our students.
Put Proactive Procedures in Place
Implementing systemic and proactive procedures is crucial to the school counseling program. This includes establishing regular communication channels with teachers and administrators, integrating evidence-based practices into the school's broader framework, and embedding these procedures into your program’s culture.- Digital Counseling Department and Accessing the School Counselor
A robust digital counseling resource center with video tutorials, infographics and other resources for frequently asked questions gives parents and students streamlined access to the information they need. We must also ensure that students, staff and families know how to access the school counselor. Clear communication about availability and access points helps make the counselor's role more visible and accessible to the whole school community. - Classroom Lesson Schedule and Sharing Role with Staff
Scheduling classroom lessons with teachers early allows you to add them to your annual calendar and account for school holidays and professional development days in the district calendar. At the beginning of the year, request time during a professional development session to explain your role as a school counselor, your menu of services and procedures for student referrals, group counseling and other essential functions. This transparency helps staff understand how to utilize your services effectively. - Data Tracking Procedures
To maintain a data-informed approach, set clear procedures. Determine how you will collect data, what specific data points you will track and how you will use this information to advocate for student needs. Easy-to-follow procedures for data collection ensure that important information does not fall by the wayside and that you can consistently monitor and respond to trends and issues.
Make Self-Care a Routine
By embedding self-care into our daily habits, we ensure that we are better equipped to support our students and staff effectively.- Set and Maintain Balance
To maintain a healthy work-life balance, take time for a mindful minute to transition to and from work, allowing yourself to decompress and reset. Acknowledging what is within your control helps manage stress and prevents burnout. Remember to set boundaries that allow you to enjoy personal time. - Fill Your Tank
Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, such as sending positive emails, attending school events and finding moments of gratitude in your work. These actions not only lift your spirits but also reinforce the positive impact you have on your school community. Maintaining a support system at work, including mentors and colleagues who offer honest feedback and validation, is essential for your well-being. - Schedule Self-Care
Incorporate self-care activities into your calendar, giving yourself something to look forward to. Whether it's a favorite hobby, a planned outing or simply time to relax, having these moments scheduled ensures you make self-care a priority.
Lyndsey Brown, Ph.D., LPC, is an assistant clinical professor and School Counseling Program chair at Wichita State University in Wichita, Kansas. Contact her at lyndsey.brown@wichita.edu.