DeISD Celebrates NSCW Week 2021

DeSoto ISD Celebrates National School Counseling Week
Posted on 02/04/2021
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The DeSoto Independent School District celebrates the daily contributions of its counselors during National School Counseling Week 2021. This week of national recognition highlights the unique contributions of school counselors to student growth within U.S. school systems.


DeSoto ISD Director of SEL and Guidance, Kareeme Hawkins is proud of the counselors' continued commitment to serve our staff and students amid this challenging year.


“Our team needed to be creative to maintain connection and touchpoints with students. Like classroom educators, we also had to transition from in-person lessons and create virtual sessions to meet the current need. Additionally, we are offering more innovative support to our staff and have increased our social-emotional learning support for all stakeholders,” said Hawkins. “I am very appreciative of their flexibility and resilience.”


Counselors wear many hats and are actively engaged in helping students examine their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents. They also focus on positive ways to enhance students’ academic, post-secondary, mental health, and social/emotional development.


DeSoto High School Freshman Counselor Shan Robinson explained her commitment to the students she serves. 


“My life’s purpose is to advocate for children. As a school counselor, I understand that a scholar’s social, emotional, and academic achievement is paramount. It is my responsibility to provide these assurances and ensure that the focus is on the student.”


In addition to serving students, counselors partner with parents as they encounter the challenges of raising and educating their children in today’s society.


Counselors contribute to the overall success of the campus community by helping students realize their potential and set healthy, realistic, and optimistic aspirations for themselves.


Interim Student Support Services Executive Director Bridget Nevels spoke to the essential work and value of school counselors. 


"Counselors are essential to the district because they work with all students to remove barriers to learning by addressing students' academic concerns, post-secondary options, and social/emotional skills. School counseling programs help to increase student achievement and provide a myriad of high-need resources and expertise. 


As part of its celebration for National School Counseling Week, the team highlighted its five specific service areas of focus via social media: all students, professional development, community collaboration, equitable & inclusive schools, and self-care. 


“We want to be intentional about meeting expectations in all components, and these five main areas of focus help to align our team, resources, and services which serve our students and staff better," said Hawkins.


To ensure that our school community is aware of the plethora of services available through the DeSoto ISD SEL and Guidance department shared their primary 12 roles and responsibilities. 


DeSoto ISD will also recognize the counselors at the next meeting of the DeSoto ISD school board.



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