Happy Week Friends! This week brings the first day of school in my building, and there is still a lot of finishing touches to do! This will be my seventh year as a school counselor, and for the first time in a long time, I feel like I finally have a grasp on things. I cherish this feeling because I know it is rare, and this school year will most likely bring something that causes me to grow even more as a professional. Whatever you are feeling right now as your school year begins, I hope you are embracing it!! As a school counselor, you may feel conflicted about what your role is during the back-to-school night. Don't worry; it is completely ok to feel that way! It is up to you to make a name for your program, and here are some ways you can do that. The beginning of the year is the best time to start these activities, but it will be imperative to maintain these throughout the year. Here are some ways I have advocated for my school counseling program in my building: 1. Create a school counseling program brochure. Having a tangible brochure you can hand to people or place in the main school office is always a great way to get your name out there. Plus, if anyone every questions exactly what you do, you can always pull it out and it provides a perfect summary of what your program. Need some ideas?? You can create a brochure using almost any Microsoft Word or Publisher template. I created my revamped brochure with Canva.com. 2. Create a presence at school events. The only way that people will know who you are is by being PRESENT. I know we all have busy lives, but it is so important to be apart of your building community. Make sure to attend family nights, sporting events, school board meetings, etc. The more you attend, the more people know you are invested in the school and the students. 3. Introduce yourself to parents AND teachers. It is nice to be present, but you must also go TALK to people. This was the hardest hurdle for me; I am an introvert by nature and I always overthink social situations. I would love nothing more than to just be a wallflower! But when you work in a school, that cannot always be possible. When talking to parents, find students you have seen do something great recently, and then go tell the parents! It is a great start into a conversation, and you will be making a positive parent contact at the same time! At the beginning of the year, make sure you go introduce yourself to ALL new teachers. Even if you work in a small building, it is important that you introduce yourself and make sure you come off as an approachable person. If teachers do not feel comfortable coming to talk to you, they will be less apt to tell you about students who may be struggling throughout the school year. Being a school counselor is about building positive relationships with everyone, not just students and parents. 4. Create a website parents can access. This will be a new endeavor for me this year; but I am excited to try! I have loved my journey with this blog; I highly suggest everyone giving it a try. But this blog isn't necessarily for my parents. I will be attempting something will Google sites, and I cannot wait to let you know how it goes! 5. Send out monthly newsletters. Newsletters are essential to keeping your presence known throughout the school year. Even if people do not read the bulk of it; it is free marketing for your program! I always try to put a theme with my newsletters. Try and find a topic you know parents will find interesting and write a short blurb about it. I don't reinvent the wheel; I find an article online (make sure you cite your source!) and highlight the best points. Want some examples of newsletters?? Check out my blog post from this last spring that also highlights the importance of Positive Parent Contacts. I wish all of you the best start to your school year! I hope you know that you make a difference in your students' lives!!
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