A HELPING HAND
November 13, 2019
BY ARLENA HOCH & CAYLA REEVES
For all students, STUDENT SERVICES provides resources for those who need them. Everyone passes this part of the building every day, with many stopping for a moment to talk to them in the hall, yet there are many who don't fully understand how much they can help.
Some are nervous to reach out to Student Services because they don't know what to expect. Our counselors think that students just don't know enough about Student Services to feel comfortable to talk to them, and when it comes to the stress of teenage life, that can be a major problem.
As the 8th grade counselor, Luke Green said, "There's a lot more going on in today's society than it was ten or even fifteen years ago."
Student Services is made up of two counselors, one for each grade and a social worker. Originally, they were known just as "The Counselors," but this year have changed their name to include the social worker, Nicole Nelson who has been a part of this school for several years. Together, they work to make this school a more positive, fun, and relaxing place.
Seventh grade counselor, Christine Oliver explained, "We are here to support kids in any way we can that's not in a direct classroom."
In the past, the counselors were only contacted through email or writing one’s name on a whiteboard next to their door. However, with the thought that that many students may hold back from contacting them, worried about their own privacy, their new approach has been working well.
Now, students can simply fill out a Google form in the Knight Time Google classroom at any time of the day. This not only makes them easy to access, but it also allows the staff who work there to spend more time with students.
"We're trying to free up our time so that the kids that need face-to-face interaction [now] have time for that," stated Oliver.
Student Services are available to help with almost anything. They commonly work with problems related to friendship, bullying, academic struggles and emotional conflicts.
"[We] want to help kids find the places that are giving them difficulty, whether its school, home, work, friends or anything, and help them through it," Oliver stated.
Student Services is here for you no matter what. It doesn’t matter what it is. The three of them can help directly or find the sources needed to help students.
As Greene said, “It’s okay to ask for help.”
The counseling process is basic for Student Services. You come in and they simply ask the student what is wrong. They provide all the time a person needs to talk or silently relax.
Student Services won't call for a student up directly, to make it easier on those needing their help. When one of the Student Services staff members are ready to meet with a student that students is called to the office and redirected to them.
No one knows that a student is with one of them, so people’s privacy is protected even more.
"You can come to us, and it will be a low-pressure situation," explained Ms. Oliver.
Student Services does its best to contribute to their school. For example, Greene started the iconic Fist Bump Friday, encouraging student-staff interaction.
Lunch groups are held for students struggling with socializing, and they are almost always present and ready for questions in the hallway. Occasionally, they will even come in to assist with classes, such as when Oliver came into one of the 7th grade Algebra classes to calm students down before their big test.
As Green said, "We're here to give support."
Student Services is here to be a resource for help. The staff wants students to know that going to them is not something to fear and is as easy as filling out their online form or emailing them. They are here to talk, no matter the topic.
No matter what, Student Services will support you.
The most important thing Student Services want you to know is that it is okay to ask for help.
As Oliver added, “We don’t do trouble down here. You're never in trouble in the counselor’s office.”
For all students, STUDENT SERVICES provides resources for those who need them. Everyone passes this part of the building every day, with many stopping for a moment to talk to them in the hall, yet there are many who don't fully understand how much they can help.
Some are nervous to reach out to Student Services because they don't know what to expect. Our counselors think that students just don't know enough about Student Services to feel comfortable to talk to them, and when it comes to the stress of teenage life, that can be a major problem.
As the 8th grade counselor, Luke Green said, "There's a lot more going on in today's society than it was ten or even fifteen years ago."
Student Services is made up of two counselors, one for each grade and a social worker. Originally, they were known just as "The Counselors," but this year have changed their name to include the social worker, Nicole Nelson who has been a part of this school for several years. Together, they work to make this school a more positive, fun, and relaxing place.
Seventh grade counselor, Christine Oliver explained, "We are here to support kids in any way we can that's not in a direct classroom."
In the past, the counselors were only contacted through email or writing one’s name on a whiteboard next to their door. However, with the thought that that many students may hold back from contacting them, worried about their own privacy, their new approach has been working well.
Now, students can simply fill out a Google form in the Knight Time Google classroom at any time of the day. This not only makes them easy to access, but it also allows the staff who work there to spend more time with students.
"We're trying to free up our time so that the kids that need face-to-face interaction [now] have time for that," stated Oliver.
Student Services are available to help with almost anything. They commonly work with problems related to friendship, bullying, academic struggles and emotional conflicts.
"[We] want to help kids find the places that are giving them difficulty, whether its school, home, work, friends or anything, and help them through it," Oliver stated.
Student Services is here for you no matter what. It doesn’t matter what it is. The three of them can help directly or find the sources needed to help students.
As Greene said, “It’s okay to ask for help.”
The counseling process is basic for Student Services. You come in and they simply ask the student what is wrong. They provide all the time a person needs to talk or silently relax.
Student Services won't call for a student up directly, to make it easier on those needing their help. When one of the Student Services staff members are ready to meet with a student that students is called to the office and redirected to them.
No one knows that a student is with one of them, so people’s privacy is protected even more.
"You can come to us, and it will be a low-pressure situation," explained Ms. Oliver.
Student Services does its best to contribute to their school. For example, Greene started the iconic Fist Bump Friday, encouraging student-staff interaction.
Lunch groups are held for students struggling with socializing, and they are almost always present and ready for questions in the hallway. Occasionally, they will even come in to assist with classes, such as when Oliver came into one of the 7th grade Algebra classes to calm students down before their big test.
As Green said, "We're here to give support."
Student Services is here to be a resource for help. The staff wants students to know that going to them is not something to fear and is as easy as filling out their online form or emailing them. They are here to talk, no matter the topic.
No matter what, Student Services will support you.
The most important thing Student Services want you to know is that it is okay to ask for help.
As Oliver added, “We don’t do trouble down here. You're never in trouble in the counselor’s office.”
Even if a student wants to share their successes or they are struggling with how to talk about a friendship conflict, Green wants students to know, "We're going to work with you, not at you." PHOTO BY Arlena Hoch